Book Spotlight and Review: Mr. Virile and the Girl Next Door by Gwen Hayes

Title: Mr. Virile and the Girl Next Door
Genre: Romance
Author: Gwen Hayes
Publisher: Entangled Indulgence
Pages: 67
Language: English
Format: Ebook

Online virile.com dating columnist Dane Martin has no plans to give up his reign as bachelor extraordinaire. He has a reputation to uphold, especially with the upcoming release of his book Coming on Strong.

Holly Winters, everyone’s favorite girl next door, thanks to her blog of the same name, gives advice, but she doesn’t always take it. When she meets Dane Martin, every fiber of her being warns her to turn tail and run. Instead, she risks her future as an authority on relationships, jeopardizing her upcoming self-help book for women struggling to find commitment among the Virile sycophants.

Has the Girl Next Door tamed the most Virile man alive, or is she just another notch on the bedpost?

PURCHASE AT AMAZON

About Gwen Hayes

Gwen Hayes lives in the Pacific Northwest with her real life hero, their children, and the pets that own them. She writes stories for teen and adult readers about love, angst, and saving the world.

Gwen’s first novel, Falling Under, was released in March of 2011 by NAL/Penguin and followed up by the sequel, Dreaming Awake, in January of 2012.

In addition to writing, Gwen is a freelance editor at www.fresheyescritique.com and is Editorial Director of Scandalous Books, an imprint of Entangled Publishingwww.entangledpublishing.com.

She is represented by Jessica Sinsheimer of the Sarah Jane Freymann Literary Agency.

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Excerpt One

“I’m not going to sleep with you, you know.”
“I can be very persuasive, Holly.” He pressed a hand into her lower back firmly so that she felt, in detail, the state of his arousal.
He was thick and impossibly hard. That she caused his reaction was flattering and empowering, until she remembered that he was supposedly the most virile man in the city. This was what he did; he seduced women, making them feel good about themselves and weakening their defenses for self-preservation. Impressing them with his penis.
She shook her head. “I like sex too much to waste it on a throwaway night with you, Mr. Virile. Sorry.”
A momentary flash of confusion troubled his brow. He was not used to a challenge, it would seem, and probably most especially one about his sex appeal. “I guarantee you won’t feel like you wasted a night with me.”
“Oh, but I would. You see, sex with a stranger is mediocre, at best.”
“You obviously haven’t had great sex,” he countered.
She felt just sassy enough to press her breasts harder into his granite torso. “No, Mr. Martin, I’m afraid it’s you who hasn’t had great sex. You’re missing out on the next level. When you actually know and care about your partner, it’s…exquisite.”
Good God, there was a smoldering fire banked in those eyes of his. The promise of heat. Sex with him would be amazing, she was sure he was right about that. But neither was she wrong. When there was real intimacy, not just body parts and pheromones, sex was even better. She’d have to remind herself of that later when she was alone lamenting the lost chance she had at getting naked with a veritable sex god.
Holly broke the eye contact first, probably a sign of weakness, but it was getting too intense. This wasn’t just about her and her hormones. She had her readership to think about. Women who depended on her advice. If she couldn’t lead by example, she had no business leading at all.
“This has been entertaining, but I think it’s time for me to go.”
His hand pressed possessively into the small of her back. “This isn’t over, Ms. Winters. I intend to collect on my spoils of the hunt someday soon.”
“Oh, Mr. Martin, I promise you’ll find bigger, better game and forget all about me.”
But would she be able to forget about him?

Excerpt Two

Something hit his chest from the inside. Something warm and explosive and undeniable. Dane had found plenty of women attractive in this lifetime, but he’d never found one so adorable that it made him shake. The moment slowed time down as if they were in their own world. Raindrops collected prettily on her cheeks and eyelashes.
He wasn’t thinking with his dick, and he wasn’t thinking with his brain, either, when he cupped her slight jaw in his hands and leaned towards her, desperate for a taste of this woman. Because he needed to know the flavor of her kiss.
He stopped a scant inch from her lips and looked into her eyes, searching for a red light or hopefully a green one. She didn’t pull back but she also didn’t give him the encouragement he was used to. He wasn’t sure what to do, and that thrilled him unexpectedly, too. He’d been getting what he wanted for too long, it seemed. She was going to make him work for it and everything in him knew she’d be worth the challenge.

Excerpt Three

“Congratulations. What’s your book about?” she asked.
Dane tipped his glass and watched the amber liquid move with the motion. He was proud of his website and even prouder of his book, but suddenly it seemed…shallow. His life’s work and he was ashamed to admit it to this woman. “Dating advice for men.”
Holly sputtered, and her pink drink sprinkled the table. She quickly mopped up the mess with the cocktail napkin in one hand while covering her cough with the other.
“Uh…” he eloquently expressed. Idiot.
“I’m so sorry. And embarrassed. And wanting to die,” she said. “It’s just that…oh my God.” She shook her head.
It occurred to him that he liked the fact that she seemed so human. It seemed like all the women he spent time with were practiced, maybe even a little plastic if he thought about it too hard. This girl with a husky laugh and genuine imperfections like smile lines and freckles felt like a new frontier of some kind. Why did women try so hard to cover them up?
“You’re going to have to fill me in here, Holly. What has you so flustered?”
Smoothing the bodice of her dress, Holly tried very hard to repaint some poise over her composure. “I just realized who you must be.”
Dane felt his eyebrows reaching for his hairline. “And who might that be, exactly?”
She downed the rest of the Cosmo in one gulp. “You, sir, are the antithesis of everything I hold dear.

 My Thoughts:

This was a pretty quick read and it was kind of fun, for what it was, but there was nothing about it that set it above the rest. The characters were good, the storyline okay, but it was just a way to pass the day. Sure I finished it, but I didn't get that tingle I get from books I get so wrapped up in, I have to know NOW what happens with it, and it probably won't be one of those ones that I have to tell everyone I know to read. However, it had some fun moments, some serious moments, some hot scenes between the characters and a satisfying ending. So it was good, just not great.

Review: Losing Hope by Colleen Hoover

Sometimes in life, in order to move forward you must face the past…

#1 New York Times bestselling author Colleen Hoover held readers spellbound with her novelHopeless, the story of what happened when a troubled girl named Sky encountered a long-lost childhood friend, Dean Holder. With Holder’s help, Sky uncovered shocking family secrets and came to terms with memories and emotions that had left deep scars.

Hopeless was Sky’s story. Now, in Losing Hope, we finally learn the truth about Dean Holder.

Haunted by the little girl he couldn’t save from imminent danger, Holder’s life has been overshadowed by feelings of guilt and remorse. He has never stopped searching for her, believing that finding her would bring him the peace he needs to move on. However, Holder could not have anticipated that he would be faced with even greater pain the moment they reconnect.

In Losing Hope, Holder reveals the way in which the events of Sky’s youth affected him and his family, leading him to seek his own redemption in the act of saving her. But it is only in loving Sky that he can finally begin to heal himself.

(From Edelweiss)

My Thoughts:

After reading and really enjoying the first book in this series, Hopeless, I knew I had to read this one. After all, it's from Holder's point of view and who doesn't want to get into the mind of a hot guy and see what he's thinking?

I was a little worried with the way it started out, however, and I really feared that I wasn't going to be able to get into it because it took awhile to get going. But I'm glad I stuck it out because once Sky came into the picture, it really took off and I finished it in one day. The beginning was tough because Holder was dealing with the aftermath of his sister's suicide and it was just heartbreaking how he blamed himself for it - as were the letters that he wrote to her as a coping mechanism.

The true brilliance of this book was seeing his relationship with Sky unfold from his point of view. All those times in Hopeless when I was thinking What's gotten into him? or What is he thinking? were all answered in this story. And I'm happy to say, it was in a satisfying manner. This was just a satisfying book all around and fans of the author will really delight in it. If you haven't read anything by Ms. Hoover, do yourself a favor and pick up one of her books. She is a true talent.

Review: No Good Duke Goes Unpunished: The Third Rule of Scoundrels (Rules of Scoundrels)

A rogue ruined . . .

He is the Killer Duke, accused of murdering Mara Lowe on the eve of her wedding. With no memory of that fateful night, Temple has reigned over the darkest of London’s corners for twelve years, wealthy and powerful, but beyond redemption. Until one night, Mara resurfaces, offering the one thing he’s dreamed of . . . absolution.

A lady returned . . .

Mara planned never to return to the world from which she’d run, but when her brother falls deep into debt at Temple’s exclusive casino, she has no choice but to offer Temple a trade that ends in her returning to society and proving to the world what only she knows...that he is no killer.

A scandal revealed . . .

It’s a fine trade, until Temple realizes that the lady—and her past—are more than they seem. It will take every bit of his strength to resist the pull of this mysterious, maddening woman who seems willing to risk everything for honor . . . and to keep from putting himself on the line for love.

(From Amazon.com)

Buy Link: http://www.amazon.com/Good-Duke-Goes-Unpunished-Scoundrels/dp/0062068547


My Thoughts:

Sarah MacLean has done it again! I absolutely adored this book. I love, love, love Temple - I always have, in all the other books - and I was very eager to read his story. I was not disappointed. It was an amazing journey for an equally amazing man. The things he dealt with - and how he did it - often made me feel as if I wanted to cry. But in the end, I was cheering for Temple and his happily ever after. He certainly deserved it.

Angel Eyes by Shannon Dittemore: A Review

About the book:

Once you've seen, you can't unsee. Everything changes when you've looked at the world through . . .Angel Eyes

Brielle went to the city to chase her dreams and found tragedy instead. She's come home to shabby little Stratus, Oregon, to live with her grief and her guilt . . . and the incredible, numbing cold she can't seem to shake.

Jake's the new guy at school. The boy next door with burning hands and an unbelievable gift that targets him for corruption.

Something more than fate has brought them together. An evil bigger than both of them lurks in the shadows nearby, hiding in plain sight. Two angels stand guard, unsure what's going to happen. And a beauty brighter than Jake or Brielle has ever seen is calling them to join the battle in a realm where all human choices start.

A realm that only angels and demons-and Brielle-can perceive.




(Litfuse)




My Review:


First, I have to say that I have mixed feelings about this book. On the one hand, I love stories about angels and so this book fulfilled that need nicely. On the other hand, I don't like the whole apocalyptic, end-of-the-world genre and this book kind of had that feel to it. There is a sense of darkness and despair throughout this book, but very little hope. That darkness makes this story very atmospheric, but sometimes it can be unrelenting. I wonder if this was the author's intent. If so, it was beyond effective, but for me, it was just too overwhelming after awhile. It got to the point where I kept wishing for the end of the book, and not necessarily for good reasons.


My misgivings aside, I did enjoy some aspects of the book. It was well written and descriptive, but in a way that drew the reader along into the story and just immersed them in the world of the characters. Speaking of the characters, I just adored Jake and Canaan. All I can say about them is - wow! Wish I had guardians like that. They are both simply amazing characters, extremely well drawn and so noble. I truly enjoyed reading every scene they were in and struggled right along with them. And Brielle is also a well-developed character that you can easily identify with, hope for and worry about. The struggles she endures will have you wondering how she keeps her sanity, even as she discovers some inner power she didn't know herself capable of. The way she grows in this power and just in maturity is handled in a normal, believable manner. Then there's Helene, who is just amazing in her righteousness and beauty of spirit - love her! Of course, every good hero needs a bad nemesis and Damien provides it with a relish unseen since the heyday of Hannibal Lector. This character really gave me the creeps and every time he was on the scene, I cringed for what was about to happen. Bravo, Miss Dittemore, you have created a villain worthy of the worst of the worst in literate and cinematic history.


All in all,this was a satisfying read and I will be curious to see what happens to these characters in the future. Okay, I have to admit I want to read more about one of my favorite characters - Canaan. Please, please, give me more Canaan, I would happily read a book just about him (hint, hint). But I really would like to know what happens with Jake and Brielle, too.


Final verdict: Angel Eyes is kind of like The Hunger Games for the angel set - at least that's the way I see it. Do yourself a favor, read it and make your own conclusion.

Twilight Thursday

Guest Post, Giveaway

and Review of The Vampire Shrink

Please help me welcome special guest Lynda Hilburn to the Moonlight today! She's here to talk about a very popular figure in the paranormal genre - vampires - and how they influenced her book, The Vampire Shrink. And, oh, yes, she WILL be giving away a copy to one lucky person today! So read on to find out how to snag your copy.

Give Me That Old Time Vampirism

Lynda Hilburn

Readers often ask me why my main vampire character, Devereux, has such old-fashioned speech patterns? Why his language is so formal? Why he doesn’t use contractions or modern slang?

Well, besides the fact that he’s 800+ years old, and he spent most of those years in Europe speaking several other languages, he’s very stubborn. He only arrived in the USA thirty years ago, and he sees no reason to change his ways. Prior to the events of The Vampire Shrink, he mostly ignored contemporary culture. Sounding like someone out of a gothic horror or romance novel allows him to march to his own drummer – to keep an aloof distance from the norm.

But why did I write him that way?

My love of vampires is all about the old, European guys. Of course, I adore all vampires, but my obsession began with the scary, non-American versions.

Bram Stoker’s Dracula was the first book I became enthralled by (pun intended) as a kid (much to my mother’s dismay!). The dark tale of the terrifying-yet-compelling bloodsucker altered my view of what could be possible. That book really changed everything for me, both as a weird kid and as a writer.

Later, Anne Rice’s dangerous vampires, with their old-world roots, added to my addiction.

The 1980 movie Dracula, starring Frank Langella as the arrogant Count, combined horror with overt sexuality in a way I’d never seen before. I’m embarrassed to say how many times I’ve watched that DVD over the years!

So, as much as I enjoy immortals who are Elvis look-alikes with southern accents, mono-syllabic warriors, or thoroughly American charmers, there’s just something about the frightening, elegant ancients that puts them into a class of their own.

And besides, Devereux simply refused to join the 21st century, so it was either write him as he wanted to be or find another undead lust object for my psychologist heroine. LOL.

The USA version of The Vampire Shrink released April 3, 2012. Here’s a blurb:

A sizzlingly sexy urban fantasy sure to feed the hunger of ravenous, vampire-loving fans.

Kismet Knight, a brainy Denver-based psychologist with a stalled career and a nonexistent love life, is about to have her world rocked. Not only does her newest patient, Midnight, long to become a vampire, but the teenager insists that a coven of the undead hangs out at a local goth club. The always-rational Kismet dismisses Midnight's claims as the delusions of an attention-starved girl--until bodies start turning up drained of blood and the hottest self-proclaimed vampire ever to walk the face of the earth enters her office.

What's real? What's not? As inexplicable events and romantic opportunities pile up, along with the corpses, Kismet finds herself in a whirlwind of passion, mystery, and danger. But this tough and funny heroine--who doesn't do damsel in distress--is about to turn the vampire-meets-girl convention on its head.

Lynda’s contact information:

Website: http://www.lyndahilburnauthor.com
Blog: http://paranormalityuniverse.blogspot.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/lyndahilburnauthor
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/lyndahilburn
Book Trailer: http://bit.ly/vtGfi7


My Review:

I'm not what you would call a true vampire fan in that I don't have to watch every movie/show or read every book dedicated to the genre to get my fill. I'm rather choosy when it comes to the subject. So, in order for something dealing with vampires to catch my attention, it has to be something different. Something special.

I am happy to say that The Vampire Shrink fits both criteria. First, the title. How intriguing is that? How can you not be drawn into a book with a title like that and the premise to boot? Take a look:

Denver Psychologist Kismet Knight, Ph.D., doesn’t believe in the paranormal. She especially doesn’t believe in vampires. So what happens when she finds herself neck-deep in the vampire underworld?

Kismet is smart, witty and attractive. She’s respected in her field, successful and prosperous. She’s followed all the rules – done everything right. So, what’s the problem? Her life is empty. There’s no passion. No vitality. No excitement.

That is, until a new client introduces Kismet to the vampire underworld, and a drop-dead gorgeous, 800-year-old vampire named Devereux. Kismet isn’t buying the vampire story, but can’t explain why she has such odd reactions and feelings whenever Devereux is near. Kismet is soon forced to open her mind to other possibilities when she is visited in her office by two angry bloodsuckers, who would like nothing better than to challenge Devereux by hurting Kismet.

As Kismet gets pulled deeper and deeper into the vampire subculture, she struggles to hold onto her professional ideas about what is and isn’t “real.” The more she finds herself attracted to the charismatic, handsome Devereux, the more out of control her life becomes.

When one of her clients shows up in her office almost completely drained of blood, Kismet finds herself immersed in an ongoing murder investigation. Kismet is questioned by irreverent, handsome FBI profiler Alan Stevens, who warns her that vampires are very real. And one is a murderer. A murder who is after her.

In the midst of all this, Kismet realizes she has feelings for both the vampire and the profiler, but even though she cares for each of the men, facing the reality that vampires exist – along with all the other supernatural insanity she discovers – is enough of a challenge. For now.

(Blurb from the author's website)

With a build up like that, I was immediately intrigued. I had to read this story and see now the premise played out. Could the book possibly live up to it? In a word: yes. It was a fascinating take on the vampire genre and it kept me intrigued to the end. And in a world inundated with books about vampires and vampire lore, that's a hard thing to do. With many of the others, I couldn't help feeling I'd read that already, but The Vampire Shrink put a twist on the genre that made it fresh and interesting. Paranormal creatures (or do thy just think they're paranormal creatures?) that need to talk about their problems with a psychiatrist? How...normal. That in itself helps you connect to these characters because they feel a little like you.

But of course, it's not all about paranormals in need of therapy. There are fantastic characters - Kismet is a no nonsense heroine who doesn't believe in vampires until she meets one, and Devereux is, in a word,  delicious - an intriguing paranormal world, a love story, and oh, yes, plenty of danger to go around as the vampire world undergoes a power struggle. Love, danger, vampires, and a showdown. What more could you want in a paranormal book?

So if you like the genre, love vampires, or just want to read a good story, The Vampire Shrink might just be what the doctor ordered (sorry for the pun).


CONTEST TIME!

For a chance to win your own copy of The Vampire Shrink and read it for yourself, please leave a comment on this post and an email address so we can contact you if you win. Good luck!

A Moonlighters Review of According to Jane by Marilyn Brant

When I first read the premise of According to Jane, I thought, Well, this could be interesting. A young girl inspired by the voice of Jane Austen, whose ghost has taken up residence in her head? Well, that was different. But I like Jane Austen and I've read and enjoyed several books inspired by her, so when I was given the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book, I took it. And I am so happy that I did. According to Jane is everything you could wish for in a book. It's funny, it's witty, even poignant at times, and it's one of those books that grabs you from the beginning and won't let go until you're finished. It's a book that you think about in the down time between readings and stays with you after you finish it. an absolute dream of a book.

According to Jane tells the story of Ellie Barnett: Just your average high school kid until the day that Jane Austen comes to visit her mind - and stays there. the dialogue between them is sharp, witty, sometimes cutting, but always insightful. You see, for some reason, Jane has become Ellie's champion and has taken it upon herself to guide Ellie through the treacherous grounds of high school into adulthood. And Ellie, after a time, even learns to welcome it - for the most part. There are times when she decides to tune out Jane completely and she suffers the consequences for doing so. Especially when it comes to Sam Blaine, whom Jane describes as Ellie's own Willoughby. Sam is the ideal crush material - until he opens his mouth and some unflattering things come out. Sam is always giving Ellie a hard time, which sometimes leads them into trouble, both at school and beyond, when they are both adults. But he isn't just a pretty face. He can be kind and caring and even chooses to go into a noble profession. Sam is more than just a Willoughby; he is far more complicated and multi-layered than the original Willoughby. But of course Ellie doesn't realize this in the beginning. This is one of the lessons that she has to learn on her journey with Jane.

If I had to complain about one thing in this book, it's that there wasn't enough Sam! As I read it, I found myself breathlessly awaiting the time when he would reappear in Ellie's life and they would realize they were meant to be with each other. Then he would appear and I would think, Yes! only to have them part ways again, which left me unfulfilled. And whenever Ellie was with someone else, I secretly thought, No, she should be with Sam, or I like Sam better than this guy. But I suppose that this is a great testament to the storytelling; I became invested in Ellie's life and, much like Jane, I wanted her to make the right decisions. I found myself echoing Jane's sentiments and silently imploring Ellie to listen to Jane, take her advice. This, to me, is the mark of a good writer. Ellie's story became my story and I didn't want it to end, but when it did, I was satisfied with the way it turned out and already thinking of when I would read it again.

So does Ellie take Jane's advice? Does she end up with Sam - or someone else? And does she ever discover why Jane Austen's ghost took up residence in her mind? If you want to find out the answer to these questions, do yourself a favor and get a copy of According to Jane. You will be glad that you did.

Marilyn’s website: http://www.marilynbrant.com/

Marilyn’s blog: http://marilynbrant.blogspot.com/

Where to buy: http://www.amazon.com/According-Jane-Marilyn-Brant/dp/0758234619/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1238387155&sr=1-1

The White Queen - Margay's Review

Let me just start off by saying that I don't think I can give an appropriate review because I couldn't even make it through the book. I am disappointed, for myself, because I had never read a Philippa Gregory book before and I was excited to get the chance to do so. But it was kind of like reading a history book that was written in first person. Now I don't have anything against details and descriptions, but sometimes, the story is weighed down by them and never really gets started. For me, that is what happened with this book. It was so rich in detail, I felt that I was living this woman's life right along with her. Unfortunately, I never got beyond the first few chapters, so I never reached the point where the story actually began.

I am not going to rate this book or give an opinion one way or the other because, since I couldn't finish it, I don't believe that I am in a position to do so. Instead, I would rather leave that to Miss Gregory's fans and followers who can better sum up this book than I ever could. For me, I will wait for the movie version to come out.

For more information on Miss Gregory and her books, please check out this link:

http://www.philippagregory.com/

Frankie the Walk 'N' Roll Dog

My Review

Told from the point of view of Frankie, a spunky Dachsund with a big heart, Frankie, the Walk 'n' Roll Dog is an uplifting story of a brave little pooch facing adversities we humans can easily identify with: disabilities. Frankie is an active and playful dog until an accident takes away her ability to walk. Her back legs paralyzed, she must undergo surgery and physical therapy. Still, she cannot use her back legs, so her owners discover a new way for her to get around - a cart! They have one specially designed for Frankie and soon, she finds herself actively pursuing her life as she did before the accident.

When I first became aware of this book, I was interested in it because I am raising a daughter with disabilities and though hers are more of an emotional and behavioral nature, they still present many challenges when dealing with every day issues - such as the perception of others regarding her problems. Frankie eloquently addressed these issues in her story, making me forget, for a moment, that I was reading about a dog and not another girl. I think this story will have that affect on everyone who reads it, including children with disabilities. This story shows that, despite our differences, despite our issues or disabilities, we still have a lot to contribute to society and our lives and experiences could make a difference to others. I would recommend this book to people of all ages. It serves as a good reminder that we are only limited by our own ideas of what we can and cannot do. This book is a treasure.

In Frankie's Own Words:



Thank you for reading about Barbara Techel and Frankie the Walk 'n Roll Dog. To learn more, and to order a copy of this multi-award winning picture book, please visit http://www.joyfulpaws.com/ Other Sites to Check Out: Barbara's Blog: http://joyfulpaws.typepad.com/ Frankie's Blog: http://frankiethewalknrolldog.blogspot.com/ To See the Tour Schedule: http://virtualblogtour.blogspot.com/2009/05/frankie-walk-n-roll-dog-virtual-book.html There will be a SPECIAL OFFER FOR VISITORS TO THE VIRTUAL BLOG TOUR. Each guest who comments on a post in Barbara and Frankie's tour will be entered in a drawing for some fun, unique gifts that will especially appeal to Frankie fans and other dog lovers. We will give away several items from Frankie's store -- http://www.cafepress.com/Joyfulpaws. These include two Frankie t-shirts and two Frankie tote bags.
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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION THAT YOU MAY USE:

About Barbara Techel

Barbara is a writer and animal lover. Her column, "For the Love of Animals" has appeared in the Depot Dispatch. Frankie the Walk 'n Roll dog, her first children's book, was awarded the 2008 National Best Book Award (children’s picture book soft cover) by USA Book News, the Merial Human-Animal Bond Award by Dog Writer’s Association of America, and the Editor’s Choice Award by Allbooks Review. It was also a finalist in the 2008 Indie Excellence Awards. Frankie herself was inducted into the 2009 Wisconsin Pet Hall of Fame.

About Frankie the Walk 'n Roll Dog

Frankie is a dachshund, and this story is told from her point of view. She survives the normal challenges of puppyhood, including a struggle with house training, after Barbara and John adopt her. After a spinal injury, her human family nurtures her through a long period of rehabilitation and buys her a custom-fitted wheelchair. It takes a while to adapt to her new wheels, but soon she is joyfully rolling and playing.

Barbara wrote this book to offer hope and inspiration to people who face challenges. A lifelong animal lover, she realized Frankie's paralysis was an opportunity to spread a positive message.

Thank you, Barbara and Frankie, for sharing your story with us. You are truly an inspiration. ~ Margay

The Moonlight Shines on Julianne Moore, actress and author

I am so honored to be a part of this tour. Julianne Moore is one of our finest talents of our time and a personal favorite of mine, so please forgive my while I gush. I have long admired Ms. Moore for her versatile acting skills and for her humanitarian work, so this is a thrill for me. If you missed the first part of her tour, please go to my other blog at http://margayleahjustice.com/?p=263 and watch the videos where Julianne talks about what it's like to be a redhead with freckles, about the name Freckleface Strawberry, and how she balances career with family.

Freckleface Strawberry and the Dogeball Bully

A Review

Best known for her roles in many block buster movies, such as The Hours and Forgotten, Julianne Moore is fast proving herself to be a multi-talented woman. I have long admired her for her acting abilities, for her humanitarian works, but now I have a new reason to admire her. For her writing. With a sweet sensitivity and imagination, she writes about a subject that everyone, despite their age, can relate to: The school bully. Everyone knows him, the boy who likes to terrorize those he perceives as weaker than himself. On the dodgeball court, he is king. What can be more frightening than a bully armed with a ball?

As a girl, I was not the athletic type (I blame all the years of dancing - I was an artist, not an athlete), so I dreaded going to gym class. More than anything else, I dreaded dodgeball. I knew, without a doubt, that if there was a ball thrown in that gym, it didn’t matter where I stood - it would find me. Add to that my own personal bully and school was not a pleasant experience for me. So it was that even I, as an adult, was able to connect with the character of Freckleface Strawberry. In just a few short words, I was transported back to my old gym and the fears of dodgeball and bullies. I only wish that I had come up with as creative a way to handle my fear as Freckleface Strawberry did. This is a wonderful book. If you have young children or grandchildren, do them - and yourselves - a favor and read this book to me. Hopefully, it will inspire them to face what life throws at them with the same courage as one spunky little redhead.

Here’s Julianne speaking about Being a Writer:

On Reading:



And on Writing Children's Books:




For more great videos, including interviews on Ellen and The View, you can go here.

Freckleface Strawberry and the Dodgeball Bully by Julianne Moore

Now Available on Amazon.com - To Order Your Copy Today - http://www.amazon.com/Freckleface-Strawberry-Dodgeball-Bully-Story/dp/1599903164
For complete tour information and the complete schedule, visit her tour home page at: http://virtualblogtour.blogspot.com/2009/04/freckleface-strawberry-by-julianne.html

THE FOUR-TIME ACADEMY AWARD NOMINEE AND HER SPUNKY, PICTURE BOOK STAR DODGE A BULLY
Acclaimed actress, and now beloved picture book author JULIANNE MOORE and bestselling illustrator LeUyen Pham join talents again for FRECKLEFACE STRAWBERRY AND THE DODGEBALL BULLY. This time, their perky, loveable seven-year-old encounters a bully on the playground—Windy Pants Patrick—during a game of dodgeball. As the brute prepares to hurl his might at Freckleface and her friends, she must figure out how to summon the courage to stand up to him. Ms. Moore tackles this all-to- prevalent problem with both humor and grace.

It is Ms. Moore’s infusion of hilarity and heart that has won her praise from booksellers, educators, reviewers—and most importantly young readers!—for her debut picture book Freckleface Strawberry, a charming tale inspired by a childhood experience.
Nicknamed Freckleface Strawberry when she a young girl, Ms. Moore disliked the title as much as she disliked her red hair and freckles. “As a child, my hatred of my freckles was only matched by my love of reading,” said the author, who eventually grew to tolerate her red hair and freckles and find amusement in telling her own kids about her childhood nickname. Dodgeball isn’t based on personal experience, but creating a feisty character who makes the best of a bad situation—and does so with style and wit—is essential to Ms. Moore.

JULIANNE MOORE is U. S. Ambassador for Save the Children working with children and families in rural areas, focusing on literacy and early childhood education. She successfully launched the Save the Children Valentine program in 2008 whereby children’s book illustrators donated art work for cards, with the proceeds benefiting poverty in the United States. She is also a member of Reach Out and Read, a children’s literacy organization dedicated to educating parents on the importance of reading to their children, as well as an acclaimed actress who has appeared in such movies as The Hours, Far from Heaven, The End of the Affair, and Boogie Nights. Ms Moore was born in Fayetteville, North Carolina, and earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in acting from Boston University’s School of the Performing Arts. She now lives with her husband and children in New York City.

Thank you so much for joining Julianne and I today to celebrate the launch of this wonderful book, and to Nikiki Leigh of Promo 101 Virtual Blog Tours for giving me the honor of taking part in this tour. I am deeply honored. ~ Margay Leah Justice