Book Corner News & Reviews: Giveaways

Showing posts with label Giveaways. Show all posts

Thursday, April 23, 2026

Romance Spotlight: Home is Where our Story Begins by Dr. Omomaro Okekaro, PhD

This morning, we are joining the book tour to share romance novel Home is Where Our Story Begins! Check out the novel, learn about author Dr. Omomaro Okekaro, PhD, and be sure to enter for a chance to win a prize in tbhe book tour giveaway at the end of this post.

Book Title:  HOME IS WHERE OUR STORY BEGINS by Dr. Omomaro Okekaro, PhD
Category: Adult Fiction (18+), 436 pages
Genre:  Romance Fiction
Publisher:  WILLIAMS AND KING PUBLISHERS
Release date:   Nov 2025
Tour dates: Apr 20 to May 8, 2026
Content Rating:  PG + M. NO LANGUAGE, NO SEX SCENES. BUT THEME IS MATURE INVOLVING SECRET FAMILY AND ROMANTIC AFFAIR

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about the book

When Eliza Thornton returns to the quiet English countryside after her mother’s death, she finds the Old Manor—her childhood home—standing as both a relic of her past and a mirror to her own fractured heart. What begins as a simple visit to settle her mother’s affairs turns into a haunting journey of rediscovery, as buried letters and unspoken truths draw her into the labyrinth of her family’s untold story.

Through the voices of memory and regret, Home Is Where Our Story Begins explores the delicate threads that bind mothers and daughters, love and loss, silence and forgiveness.
As Eliza unravels the secrets her mother kept, she comes face-to-face with the echoes of generations—each one yearning to be understood, to be seen, to be free.

In the end, the Old Manor becomes more than a house; it becomes a place of reckoning, healing, and rebirth—a reminder that home isn’t just where we come from, but where we finally make peace with who we are.

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Amazon
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meet the author

Omomaro Okekaro, PhD, is a distinguished writer, scholar, and storyteller exploring the depths of human nature, justice, and hidden truths. With a background in mental health counseling and spirituality, he crafts narratives that blend mystery, suspense, and introspection, offering readers a profound journey through the human experience.

Born in Igbuku, Midwestern Nigeria, Dr. Okekaro’s love for literature began early, nurtured by a family that valued education. Beyond writing, he is a mental health therapist and spiritual counselor dedicated to faith, resilience, and self-discovery themes.

His works include A Spirituality of Awareness, Lord, I Am in Trouble, The Last Journey, The Shadows in My Rain, Monroe’s Dark Business, The Story of Me, Home Is Where Our Story Begins, and several unpublished manuscripts. When not writing, he enjoys family time and online Scrabble.

connect with the author: website ~ instagram ~ facebook ~ goodvreads

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Monday, April 20, 2026

Angela Thompson 6:47 AM 0

Children's Book Spotlight: Chicken Fun! by Mary Jo Huff

This morning, I have a children's book to share in our book spotlight! Check out Chicken Fun! Take a few minutes to learn about author Mary Jo Huff and enter the book tour giveaway at the end of this post!

Children's Picture Book

Date Published: 06-01-2023

Publisher: Storytellin' Time Press

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about the book

This fun-filled rhyming picture book for very young learners will provide an introduction to numbers and counting while children are having a good time. There are ten chickens as they play in their backyard, getting up to a variety of shenanigans such as running from bees, playing baseball, dancing and even going on a date.

buy the book

https://mybook.to/ChickenFun
Amazon

Bookshop

about the author

Mary Jo Huff is a passionate storyteller, award-winning author, songwriter, and Early Childhood Educator who believes in the magic of words, rhythm, and imagination. Her creations have earned top national honors, including the NAPPA Gold, iParenting, Parents’ Choice, Dove, Teacher’s Choice, Kids’ First, and Mom’s Choice awards.

Children giggle and grow with her stories — from the mischievous adventures of No, No, Ebenezer, a spirited dachshund with a big heart, to the playful journeys in Chicken Fun, Going on a Gator Hunt, and The Predictable Persimmon.

As a seasoned educator and master storyteller, Mary Jo has inspired audiences in 47 states and three countries, sharing her love of language through staff development sessions, author visits, and children’s programs that burst with laughter, learning, and joy.

A dynamic keynote speaker, Mary Jo has graced Early Childhood conferences nationwide, leading hundreds of high-energy workshops and professional development events. With a heart for nurturing both children and teachers, she draws on 38 years as a center director — where she guided a team and cared for 115 bright, curious young minds every day.

Through every story, song, and puppet, Mary Jo invites children and educators alike to discover the wonder of storytelling and the power it must connect hearts, spark creativity, and make learning unforgettable.

connect with the author

Website

Facebook

Twitter: Mary Jo Huff

Goodreads

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Thursday, April 2, 2026

Angela Thompson 10:08 AM 1

Action Adventure Spotlight: The Liar's Treasure by Connie Mann

This morning, I have an action adventure novel to share in our book spotlight! Take a moment to learn about The Liar's Treasure and author Connie Mann! Be sure to enter for a chance to win a prize in the book tour giveaway at the end of this post!

Book Title:  THE LIAR'S TREASURE (A Speranza Team Novel) by Connie Mann
Category: Adult Fiction (18+), 360 pages
Genre:  Action-Adventure
Publisher:  Tyndale House Publishers
Release date:   March 10, 2026
Content Rating: G/PG

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about the book

Camille Abernathy ignored rumors of The Liar’s Treasure and her family’s connection to it . . . until someone put a target on her daughter’s back. Growing up in New Orleans, such tall tales were as common as beignets and gumbo. But when Camille’s teenage daughter, Cass, posts pictures of a centuries-old diary her uncle gave her, she unwittingly attracts dozens of treasure hunting fanatics who are convinced Cass and the diary can lead them to a valuable cache.

To keep her daughter safe, Camille enlists the help of Speranza, a secret society always ready to help women in need. Together, they set out on a globe-trotting journey to find The Liar’s Treasure while also investigating a suspicious death related to Camille’s childhood friend. The deeper they dig, the more they suspect it’s all connected.

Chasing clues from New Orleans to Italy to the Bahamas, Camille and her friends receive unexpected assistance—and unwanted competition—from a handsome treasure hunter from Camille’s past. Then Cass is kidnapped, and finding the treasure truly becomes a matter of life and death.
Camille Abernathy ignored rumors of The Liar’s Treasure and her family’s connection to it . . . until someone put a target on her daughter’s back. Growing up in New Orleans, such tall tales were as common as beignets and gumbo. But when Camille’s teenage daughter, Cass, posts pictures of a centuries-old diary her uncle gave her, she unwittingly attracts dozens of treasure hunting fanatics who are convinced Cass and the diary can lead them to a valuable cache.

To keep her daughter safe, Camille enlists the help of Speranza, a secret society always ready to help women in need. Together, they set out on a globe-trotting journey to find The Liar’s Treasure while also investigating a suspicious death related to Camille’s childhood friend. The deeper they dig, the more they suspect it’s all connected.

Chasing clues from New Orleans to Italy to the Bahamas, Camille and her friends receive unexpected assistance—and unwanted competition—from a handsome treasure hunter from Camille’s past. Then Cass is kidnapped, and finding the treasure truly becomes a matter of life and deathCamille Abernathy ignored rumors of The Liar’s Treasure and her family’s connection to it . . . until someone put a target on her daughter’s back. Growing up in New Orleans, such tall tales were as common as beignets and gumbo. But when Camille’s teenage daughter, Cass, posts pictures of a centuries-old diary her uncle gave her, she unwittingly attracts dozens of treasure hunting fanatics who are convinced Cass and the diary can lead them to a valuable cache.

To keep her daughter safe, Camille enlists the help of Speranza, a secret society always ready to help women in need. Together, they set out on a globe-trotting journey to find The Liar’s Treasure while also investigating a suspicious death related to Camille’s childhood friend. The deeper they dig, the more they suspect it’s all connected.

Chasing clues from New Orleans to Italy to the Bahamas, Camille and her friends receive unexpected assistance—and unwanted competition—from a handsome treasure hunter from Camille’s past. Then Cass is kidnapped, and finding the treasure truly becomes a matter of life and death.

buy the book
Tyndale
Amazon ~ B&N ~ BAM
Bookshop ~ IndieBound
add to Goodreads

meet the author

Connie Mann loves taking readers on heart-pounding, suspense-filled adventures featuring strong, determined women who fight for what they believe—and for those they love. When those stories take place in exciting locales and include a tempting hero, so much the better. Her Speranza Team novels center around a modern-day secret society of resourceful, talented women who travel the globe helping other women, especially those trying to make the world a better place. Connie is also the author of the Florida Wildlife Warriors series, the Safe Harbor series, Angel Falls, and Trapped. She has won several writing awards, and Amazon declared Beyond Risk an Editors' Pick. Through mentoring and teaching writing workshops, Connie is delighted to encourage other writers on their journey.

Connie has been a USCG-licensed boat captain for almost twenty years, and when she's not writing, "Captain Connie" gets to introduce Florida visitors to dolphins, manatees, and other coastal creatures, which is as much fun as it sounds. She is also passionate about helping women and children in developing countries break the poverty cycle through education and entrepreneurship so they can build a better future for themselves and their families.

She and her husband love spending time with family and friends and heading off to explore new places, especially if they involve water and boats. Visit Connie online at conniemann.com and sign up for her newsletter for all the latest news.

connect with the author: website ~ facebook ~ instagram ~ goodreads

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Wednesday, April 1, 2026

Angela Thompson 7:14 AM 0

Historical Fiction Book Blitz: Boy Altared by J.S. Pavoggi

A moment of trust can shift into something far more complicated—and far more lasting—than anyone expects. Boy Altared leans into that tension, tracing a coming-of-age journey shaped by authority, belief, and the quiet unraveling of innocence. Set against the backdrop of a turbulent era, it blends personal struggle with the larger cultural shifts of the time.

Learn about Boy Altared and author J.S. Pavoggi--and be sure to enter for a chance to win a prize in the book tour giveaway at the end of this post.

Historical Fiction

Date Published: April 1, 2026

Publisher: Acorn Publishing

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about the book

Amid the vibrant landscape of San Francisco in the late 1960s, eleven-year-old Jamie steps into the confines of a dark confessional booth. With promises of confidentiality, Father Nelson uncovers a chilling secret buried deep within the young boy’s subconscious.

Intrigued by his grave past, Father Nelson brings him into the church as an altar boy under the mentorship of Harry, an older acolyte. The priest quickly gains control over Jamie, using the boy’s complicated history and his own undisputed authority to initiate a dark turn in their relationship. Jamie falls deeper into the world of religion, and his blooming friendship with Harry becomes a needed distraction from the somber realities of the church.

Shaped by major cultural events, from the Manson murders to the moon landing, to Woodstock and the Civil Rights Movement, Jamie’s life unfolds as he navigates religion, power, and loss of innocence. A haunting coming of age story, Boy Altared explores a seismic shift into adulthood during one of the most turbulent decades in history.

about the author

J.S. Pavoggi was born in 1957 and raised in Phoenix, Arizona, the sixth of eight children in a devout Catholic family. He attended parochial school, served as an altar boy, and came of age during the turbulence of the Vietnam War era and the cultural upheaval that followed.

After a 40-year career in public service with the United States Postal Service—where he also served as a union representative—Pavoggi experienced a life-altering heart procedure that changed the way he saw the world. What began as an impulse to write a better streaming series evolved into a powerful, fictionalized account of survival and healing.

His debut novel, Boy Altared, is a deeply personal work of historical fiction rooted in memory, silence, and resilience. Pavoggi lives in Arizona with his wife of 38 years. They have three children and four grandchildren.

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Tuesday, March 31, 2026

Angela Thompson 10:11 AM 3

Science Fiction Review: Native Species - A Tale of Two Civilizations in 1928 Los Angeles by Michael Albergo

This morning, I have a science fiction novel to share in our book review spotlight! Learn about Native Species - A Tale of Two Civilizations in 1928 Los Angeles by Michael Albergo, read my thoughts on the book & enter the book tour giveaway at the end of this post!

Book Title: NATIVE SPECIES - A Tale of Two Civilizations in 1928 Los Angeles by Michael Albergo
Category: Adult Fiction (18 +), 240 pages
Genre: Fantasy
Publisher: Electric Torch
Release date: March 2026
Content Rating: PG -13: Some F-words, religious profanities, crude terms; one very tame non-explicit sex scene

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about the book

It is 1928, and the future is unwritten.

When widowed Professor Horace Jennings reluctantly volunteers to search for a missing student, he trades Rhode Island for the West Coast. This isn’t Providence; this is Los Angeles. And as his hired detective warns him, bootleggers, museum thieves, and crooked cops are no company for a sherry-sipping professor and his precocious protégé, Helen Parker.

But the truly dangerous characters aren’t criminals.

In fact, they aren’t even human.

Shila Ghiss, a scientist from a subterranean race, desires only to experience daylight. One day, she gets her chance—if she is willing to help reclaim the surface from humanity. She’ll need to become human, to learn about powerplants, facial expressions, and hair care. She’ll need to do something awful. But her mentor and his followers are planning to do something far worse—something apocalyptic.

To save both species, she’ll have to work closely with these bizarre, unpredictable humans and become both traitor and savior. She’ll have to decide who she is, and which native species will write the future.

my review

Native Species: A Tale of Two Civilizations in 1928 Los Angeles is fast paced and easy to read. It took a little while for me to settle into the various perspectives and angles of the story--and I will admit I wasn't sure that the author could successfully pull off such a contrast between civilizations. That worry was short lived, through as the story grew. This novel moves quickly without ever feeling overwhelming, and I liked how it balances action with very thoughtful worldbuilding. The mix of historical elements and science fiction works well, especially because the sci-fi never feels too complicated or hard to follow. Everything stays grounded enough to feel believable, which made it easy to stay connected to the story. The setting is also well done—it feels clear the author put care into making it immersive.

Expect characters to love (and hate). The characters were another strong point for me. I cringed through pages with Sesh and the King. Shila was definitely my favorite—she felt real (and ironically quite human) and added a lot of emotional depth to the story. The rest of the cast also fits well together, each playing a meaningful role without making things feel crowded. I also appreciated how the romance was handled. I don’t always love romance in science fiction, but here it felt natural and didn’t take away from the main storyline.

Would I recommend Native Species by Michael Albergo? Overall, I’d recommend this book. Native Species is an entertaining, interesting, fast-paced read that blends genres and offers a strong sense of place. I did feel like the story's ending was a bit rushed and could have been a little more developed, but it didn’t take away from my overall enjoyment. It’s a solid historical, science fiction read that I think a lot of people will enjoy.

buy the book

Amazon ~ B&N
add to goodreads

meet the author

A professional engineer and graduate of MIT (engineering and humanities), Michael Albergo writes character-driven speculative fiction rooted in real-life early 20th century locales, people, and events. He teaches at New York University and is an avid player of board games and role-playing games. Native Species is his first novel.

connect with the author: website ~ goodreads

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Thursday, March 26, 2026

Angela Thompson 10:18 AM 0

Bookstagram Review: The Regression Strain by Kevin Hwang

Today, we are joining the Bookstagram tour for medical thriller The Regression Strain by Kevin Hwang! Check out this thriller, learn about the author & be sure to enter for a chance to win a prize in the book tour giveaway at the end of this post too!

Book Title:  THE REGRESSION STRAIN (A THRILLER) by Kevin Hwang
Category:  Adult Fiction (18+), 344 pages
Genre: Medical Thriller
Publisher: Normal Range Press
Release date:  May 2025
Content Rating: PG-13 + M because of s-words, f-words, suicide, violence, and references to sexual abuse (but not dramatized on the page)

"With tight pacing, visceral horror, and sharp psychological insight, The Regression Strain explores what happens when science, instinct, and morality collide..." — K.C. Finn, Readers' Favorite

Awards
First Place, 2025 Independent Author Network (IAN) Book of the Year Award, Thriller category
Gold Medal, 2025 Readers' Favorite, General Thriller category
Medical Thriller of the Year, 2025 Best Thrillers Book Awards

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about the book

Nobody’s safe when the inner beast awakens...

Dr. Peter Palma joins the medical team of the Paradise to treat passengers for minor ailments as the cruise ship sails across the Atlantic. But he soon discovers that something foul is festering under the veneer of leisure. Deep in the bowels of the ship, a vile affliction pits loved ones against each other and shatters the bonds of civil society. The brig fills with felons, the morgue with bodies, and the vacation becomes a nightmare.

One by one, the chaos claims Peter's allies. His mentor spirals into madness and the security chief fights a losing battle against anarchy. No help comes from the captain, who has an ego bigger than the ocean.

With the ship racing toward an unprepared New York, the fate of humanity hinges on Peter's deteriorating judgment. But he's hallucinating and delirious...and sometimes primal urges are impossible to resist.

The Regression Strain is a fast-paced medical thriller laced with psychological suspense, perfect for fans of Michael Crichton and Blake Crouch.

my review

The Regression Strain pulls readers into a very plausible setting and scenario. Medical thrills and psychological drama takes center stage in Regression Strain. Regression Strain pulls you into a story that feels just believable enough to make you pause and think. The science is there, but it never feels overwhelming, and the pacing keeps things moving. You might have to roll with a few moments, but overall it’s an easy, immersive read with a cool, slightly eerie edge.

Expect a relatable main character. The characters are engaging--and easy enough to identify with. Especially the main character, who feels real in how he reacts to the growing situation under pressure. Character decisions and struggles keep the story grounded, even when things get intense. The side characters add some different perspectives, though a few could’ve been explored a bit more. Still, the character dynamics definitely help keep you invested as the story progresses.

Would I Recommend The Regression Strain? Overall, I’d recommend this to fans of fast-paced medical thrillers with a bit of a “what if?” twist. If you like books that mix science, suspense, and just enough depth to make you think—but still keep you turning pages—this one’s worth checking out.

buy the book

Amazon ~ B&N ~ B ookshop.org
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meet the author

Kevin Hwang, MD, is an internal medicine physician and professor at McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston, where he sees patients, teaches residents, and leads research and quality improvement projects. Nothing excites him more than chicken enchiladas, index cards, and appropriately sized packaging.

Connect with the Author: website ~ instagram ~ X ~ substack ~ goodreads

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Tuesday, January 27, 2026

Angela Thompson 4:23 PM 0

Historical Suspense Spotlight: Killer Friends by Chris Karlsen

Today, I am joining the book tour for Killer Friends by Chris Karlsen! Check out this historical suspense novel, learn about the author & enter for a chance to win a prize in the book tour giveaway at the end of this post.

Bloodstone Series #4

Historical Suspense

Date Published: 11-10-2025

Publisher: Books to Go Now

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about the book

Henrietta Newell stormed into the detective bureau. She claimed her adult son was missing and feared for his safety. The detectives attempted to reassure her that the absence of a bachelor in his thirties, in a city like London, wasn’t extraordinary. Despite their efforts, she insisted an investigation be conducted, reminding them of her political connections.

Detective Rudyard Bloodstone and his partner were told to look into the matter. Their investigation reveals evidence of suspicious and unusual activity but no clues regarding the man’s disappearance. The few leads they develop take them from the world of wealthy families and into the secret society of sexual peculiarities.

The detectives discover the victim didn’t simply disappear. He was murdered. They have the evidence except for one problem, they’re missing is the victim’s body.

about the author

I was born and raised in Chicago. My father was a history professor and my mother was, and is, a voracious reader. I grew up with a love of history and books.

My parents also love traveling, a passion they passed onto me. I wanted to see the places I read about, see the land and monuments from the time periods that fascinated me. I’ve had the good fortune to travel extensively throughout Europe, the Near East, and North Africa.

I am a retired police detective. I spent twenty-five years in law enforcement with two different agencies. My desire to write came in my early teens. After I retired, I decided to pursue that dream.

I’m currently working on the Bloodstone Series, which is historical suspense stories set in Victorian London. I’ve also written two World War 2 romances: The Ack Ack Girl and Moonlight Serenade.

My past series include my historical/time travel romance series is called, Knights in Time. My romantic thriller series is Dangerous Waters.

Each series has a different setting and some cross time periods, which I find fun to write.

I currently live in the Pacific Northwest with my husband and three wild and crazy rescue dogs.

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