Today, I have a fantasy romance novel in our Teaser Tuesday book spotlight! Learn about Taken by the Huldra by Megan Slayer! 

Paranormal Romance, Capture Fantasy

Date Published: July 4, 2025

Hunter came to Eerie to give up on his life. Nothing’s gone right and he’s ready to quit. Then he sees the most beautiful woman in the world, but she wants him dead. Talk about bad luck. Until he meets Annika, a Huldra -- a Norse protector – and the woman he can’t seem to forget. 

Unlike her twin sister Runa, who wants only to destroy, Annika is a nurturing spirit. The moment she sees Hunter she has to save him from her homicidal sister. He’s too pretty to kill, but he’s got a secret. He’s not solely human, although he doesn’t know what paranormal blood runs through his veins. 

If he can survive Runa’s wrath, the scars of his past, and allow himself to have a future with Annika, he might find the best things in life aren’t exactly what they seem -- they’re better.

Megan Slayer, aka Wendi Zwaduk, is a multi-published, award-winning author of more than one-hundred short stories and novels. She’s been writing since 2008 and published since 2009. Her stories range from the contemporary and paranormal to LGBTQ and white hot themes. No matter what the length, her works are always hot, but with a lot of heart. She enjoys giving her characters a second chance at love, no matter what the form. She’s been nominated at the LRC for Best Author, Best Contemporary, Best Ménage, Best BDSM and Best Anthology. Her books have made it to the bestseller lists on various e-tailer sites. 

When she’s not writing, Megan spends time with her husband and son as well as three dogs and three cats. She enjoys art, music and racing, but football is her sport of choice. She’s an active member of the Friends of the Keystone-LaGrange Public library.

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A trip to the farmer's market with a child is a feast for the senses. Their eyes go wide at the piles of bright red strawberries, their noses twitch at the earthy smell of potatoes, and their curiosity runs wild. It’s the perfect place for little hands to point and little voices to ask the big question: "But where does it all really come from?"

As book lovers, we know the best way to answer a big question is with a great story. Pairing a weekend market trip with a cozy story time can transform a simple shopping errand into a profound learning experience. These picture books are wonderful tools for connecting the dots between the seeds in the ground, the food on the table, and the community that makes it all happen.

Here are a few of our favorite picture books that teach kids where food comes from, perfect for reading before or after your next market adventure.

For the Market Explorer:

We're Going to the Farmers' Market by Stefan Page

What better way to prepare for your trip than with a book that takes you there first? This story follows a family through the market as they explore the stalls in alphabetical order, from "Artichokes" to "Zucchini." The rhyming text and charming illustrations introduce children to a wide variety of produce and market goods, making it the perfect primer to build excitement and familiarity before you go.

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For the Little Gardener:  

Growing Vegetable Soup by Lois Ehlert

This vibrant, classic picture book is the perfect introduction to the magic of gardening. With bold, collage-style illustrations and simple, direct text, Ehlert takes children through the entire process: planting the seeds, watering the sprouts, watching them grow, and finally, harvesting them to make a delicious soup. It’s a foundational seed-to-table story that beautifully illustrates the care and patience necessary for growing our food.

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For the Clever Farmer: 

Tops & Bottoms by Janet Stevens

Based on a European folktale, this Caldecott Honor book is a brilliantly funny story about a lazy Bear who gets tricked into a farming partnership with a clever Hare. The story wonderfully illustrates that different vegetables grow in different ways—some we eat the "tops" (like broccoli) and some we eat the "bottoms" (like carrots). It’s a hilarious and memorable way to learn about harvesting and is one of the best books for kids about farms.

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For the Nature Lover:

The Bee Book by Charlotte Milner

Many fruits and vegetables at the market wouldn't exist without help from our buzzing friends! This wonderfully illustrated book explains the essential role bees play in pollination. It’s packed with fascinating facts about how bees live, work, and help our food grow. It’s a wonderful way to introduce the science of our ecosystem and foster an appreciation for the tiny creatures who do such important work.

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For the Inquisitive Mind:  

How Did That Get in My Lunchbox? by Chris Butterworth

For the child who wants the straight facts, this book is a must-read. With engaging illustrations and lift-the-flap features, it traces common lunchbox items—from bread and cheese to carrots and apple juice—all the way back to their sources. It clearly explains the journey from the farm to the store, answering the "how" and "why" with fascinating detail that will satisfy even the most curious little foodie.

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For the Community Builder:  

Thank You, Omu! by Oge Mora

This heartwarming Caldecott Honor book is a beautiful celebration of how food brings people together. Omu (the Igbo word for "queen," used for "grandmother") makes a delicious stew whose scent travels through the neighborhood, attracting a diverse cast of community members. She shares her meal with everyone until the pot is empty, but her neighbors return to share their own food with her. It’s a powerful story about generosity, community, and the joy of sharing a meal.

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For the Cultural Connection:

Fry Bread: A Native American Family Story by Kevin Noble Maillard

Food is so much more than just fuel; it’s history, family, and identity. This award-winning book celebrates the role of fry bread in Native American culture. The lyrical text and warm illustrations show how a single food can represent a shape, sound, and flavor, but also a shared history and resilience. It’s a powerful reminder that every dish has a story and connects us to our community and our past.

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By sharing these stories, you give your child a new lens through which to see the world—and their food.

What are your go-to picture books about food or gardening? Share your family's favorites in the comments below

I love memoirs! Check out Love You Madly, Holly Woodlawn by Jeff Copeland in this book tour spotlight! Be sure to enter for a chance to win a prize in the book tour giveaway at the end of this post! 

A Walk On The Wild Side With Andy Warhol's Most Fabulous Superstar

Memoir / Biography

Date Published: 02-11-2025

Publisher: Feral House

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A young, aspiring writer desperate for a break…and the legendary Andy Warhol superstar who gave him the story of a lifetime.

“Jeff's affection for Holly, even as she drunkenly claims, ‘You ruined my life!’ makes this romp worth the journey.” —Michael Musto

By the mid-1980s, Holly Woodlawn, once lauded by George Cukor for her performance in the 1970 Warhol production and Paul Morrissey directed Trash, was washed up. Over. Kaput. She was living in a squalid Hollywood apartment with her dog and bottles of Chardonnay. A chance meeting with starry-eyed corn-fed Missouri-born Jeff Copeland, who moved to Hollywood with dreams of ‘making it’ as a television writer, changed the course of BOTH of their lives forever.

Love You Madly, Holly Woodlawn is a story of how an unlikely friendship with a young gay writer and an, ahem, mature trans actress and performer created the bestselling autobiography of 1991, A Low Life in High Heels. This book about writing a book is a celebration of chutzpa and love as Holly, the embodiment of Auntie Mame, introduces Jeff to the glamorous (and sometimes larcenous) world of a Warhol Superstar. In turn, Jeff uses his writing (and typing) talent to give Holly the second chance at fame she craved.

In turns hilarious and heartwarming, Love You Madly, Holly Woodlawn is a portrait of the real Holly who loved deeply, laughed loudly, and left mayhem in her wake.

About the Author

For nearly 30 years, Jeff Copeland worked as a show biz hobo, hopping from one gravy train to the next. He was nominated for an Emmy (yay!) and lost (boo!), and has enjoyed working on fun, interesting, and exciting content for a variety of TV networks and film studios, including ABC, FOX, and HGTV.

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This morning, we have a spiritual fantasy adventure in our book spotlight! Learn about The War in Heaven by author Mano Sotelo! 

Fantasy / Adventure / Religious & Spirituality

Moving beyond that, The War in Heaven is an epic allegorical myth that explores humanity’s endless struggle with a multitude of psychological, ideological, and emotional conflicts. It ultimately presents a transformative journey of two brothers that discover peace in the face of addiction, diversions, anger, fear, and desire. 

As mentioned, The War in Heaven is an allegory. It’s a story of one’s relationship with reality. It’s an invitation to look at our identities, our relationship with ourselves, other human beings, and the world around us. It’s about facing internal and external conflicts and ultimately obtaining peace.

Mano has always been interested in belief and value systems (i.e., philosophy, psychology, religion, and mythology), and the study of inherited truths. Specifically, how we create our realities every day through the adoption of prescribed precepts and largely unquestioned thoughts. Mano is an award winning visual artist that has over 23 years of higher education teaching experience. His work has been highlighted in national and international competitions and has been exhibited in art museums and galleries across the United States. Mano’s formal education includes a BFA, MFA and MBA degree.

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Today, I have a paranormal horror novel to share in our book blitz spotlight! Learn about Grave Wind from the Haunting Dahlia series by author Janice Tremayne! 

Date Published: June 30, 2025

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In Solitary Island, Australia. A malevolent shapeshifter haunts a storm-battered lighthouse. When Dahlia confronts an ancient secret, she must make a life-or-death sacrifice to save herself and Paranormal Jack from a terrifying entity trapped between worlds. 

Caught in a twisted game, Dahlia is forced to make an impossible choice—one of them must die for the other to survive. 

As Paranormal Jack fights to escape the lighthouse's sinister grip, he must explore the human fear of death and what lies beyond to uncover the horrifying truth. Betwixt has been claiming the souls of those who enter the lighthouse for centuries, and its curse runs deep. 

As fate hangs in the balance, Dahlia must uncover the dark history of the Island and make a desperate bid before the evil grave wind takes hold. 

Grave Wind is the first book in the Haunting Dahlia series. This riveting tale, packed with unforgettable characters, heart-pounding paranormal investigations, and shocking twists, will leave readers spellbound. If you were hooked by the eerie tension of Dean Koontz's Phantoms, this electrifying story is must-read.

Residing in Melbourne with her family, Janice intricately weaves cultural superstitions into her narratives, drawing from her upbringing where such beliefs were deeply embedded in daily life and customs. Her bestselling series, "Haunting Clarisse," has consistently soared to the top of Amazon Kindle rankings, captivating readers with its blend of occult supernatural, ghosts, haunted houses, and British horror. 

Janice's journey as an author began with a simple cup of coffee, sparking the inspiration to translate her fascination with cultural superstitions into gripping tales of horror. Her books are renowned for delivering heart-thumping, bone-chilling, and thought-provoking paranormal experiences, each narrative offering a fresh twist that keeps readers enthralled worldwide. 

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Today, I have a memoir in our book blitz spotlight! Learn about Ayahuasca Is and author Eleonora Duvivier! 

Date Published: April 10, 2025

"I haven't read anyone that has integrated so much introspection and philosophy into a memoir-type book. The world before the word really shines in that for me. I especially enjoyed her talking about the part when her mother goes swimming in the ocean and she and her brother are sitting on the beach. Also, how she goes on a little later and talks about the relationship between an individual and one's attempts to get to authentic objectivity by shattering our locked sense of subjectivity through ayahuasca. Very cool. I read Being and Time by Martin Heidegger and there are a lot of passages about authenticity and individualistic subjectivity. Her writing reminded me a lot of those passages. Authenticity is a big area of interest to me in the world of existential thought." - Alexandra Furtado

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