Anne of the Island ~ ~ Audio Book Blog Tour, Audio Clip, & Giveaway!

Author: L.M. Montgomery

Narrator: Colleen Winton

Length: 8 hours 20 minutes

Publisher: Post Hypnotic Press

Series: Anne of Green Gables, Book Three

Genre: Classics

Anne of the Island was published in 1915, seven years after the best-selling Anne of Green Gables, partly because of the continuing clamor for more Anne from her fans - a fan base that continues to grow today!

In this continuation of the story of Anne Shirley, Anne leaves Green Gables and her work as a teacher in Avonlea to pursue her original dream (which she gave up in Anne of Green Gables) of taking further education at Redmond College in Nova Scotia. Gilbert Blythe and Charlie Sloane enroll as well, as does Anne's friend from Queen's Academy, Priscilla Grant. During her first week of school, Anne befriends Philippa Gordon, a beautiful girl whose frivolous ways charm her. Philippa (Phil for short) also happens to be from Anne's birthplace of Bolingbroke, Nova Scotia. Anne, always the good scholar, studies hard, but she also has many life lessons. This book sees Anne leave behind girlhood to blossom into a mature young woman.

Audible ● Post Hypnotic Press

➜Use the code Anne_VT17 to get 

35% off downloads and CDs from Post Hypnotic Press.

Lucy Maud Montgomery OBE (November 30, 1874 – April 24, 1942) was a Canadian author best known Anne of Green Gables and the series of novels that book begins. The "Anne" of the books is Anne Shirley, an orphaned girl who comes to live with Matthew and Marilla Cuthbert on their farm, Green Gables. Published in 1908, the book was an immediate success in Canada, the United States and beyond. It has been adapted multiple times to screen, stage, radio, and TV.

Anne Shirley made Montgomery famous in her lifetime and gave her an international following. Anne of Green Gables was ranked number 41 in "The Big Read," a survey of the British public by BBC to determine the "nation's best-loved novel" (not children's novel!). And a survey conducted by School Library Journal (USA) in 2012 ranked Anne of Green Gables number nine among all-time children's novels.

Anne of Green Gables was followed by a series of sequels with Anne as the central character. Montgomery published 20 novels as well as 530 short stories, 500 poems, and 30 essays in her lifetime. Her work, diaries and letters have been read and studied by scholars and readers worldwide. Mostly set in Prince Edward Island and locations within Canada's smallest province, the books made PEI a literary landmark and popular tourist site. Montgomery was made an officer of the Order of the British Empire in 1935.

Website⎮Facebook⎮Twitter⎮Pinterest

Colleen is a Vancouver actor, singer, dancer, director and choreographer...and now a narrator. Her career has taken her all over the country and includes the Stratford, Shaw and Charlottetown Festivals, the original Canadian companies of CATS and Show Boat, extensive film/TV credits, and numerous directing/choreographing credits. Her stage work has been honoured with numerous nominations and a Jessie and Ovation award and she received a cultural award given by her local Chamber of Commerce. She was especially pleased to have recorded the works of L.M. Montgomery for Post Hypnotic Press just before she embarked on a production of the musical Anne of Green Gables at Theatre Calgary in which she plays Marilla Cuthbert.

3 WINNERS WIN A POSTHYPNOTIC PRESS STORE CREDIT!

$120 (Grand Prize), $90 (Runner-up) & $60 (2nd Runner-up)

Open Internationally through August 20, 2017

Anne of Green Gables Giveaway: Three Winners

Aug. 13th:
History From A Woman's Perspective
Spunky 'N Sassy


Aug. 14th:
A Lovelorn Virgo
2 Girls and A Book
Tara's Book Addiction

Aug. 15th:
Dab of Darkness
Joy of Bookworms
Canadian Book Addict

Aug. 16th:
CGB Blog Tours
A Book and A Latte
Macarons and Paperbacks
Lilly's Book World


Aug. 17th:
To Read Or Not To Read
Jorie Loves A Story
Reading for the Stars and Moon
Notes From 'Round the Bend
Haddie's Haven

Aug. 18th:
The Maiden's Court
The Book Slayer
Jorie Loves A Story
Hall Ways


Aug. 19th:
Christian Chick's Thoughts
Lomeraniel
Life As Freya
Bound 4 Escape
WTF Are You Reading?

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Anne of Avonlea Audio Book Tour ~ ~ Audio Clip & Giveaway!

Anne of Avonlea

Series: Anne of Green Gables, Book Two

Author: L.M. Montgomery

Narrator: Colleen Winton

Length: 9 hours 5 minutes

Publisher: Post Hypnotic Press

Genre: Classics

Following Anne of Green Gables (1908), this book covers the second chapter in the life of Anne Shirley. We learn of Anne's doings from the age of 16 to 18, during the two years that she teaches at Avonlea school. It includes many of the characters from Anne of Green Gables, as well as new ones: Mr. Harrison and his foul-mouthed parrot, Miss Lavendar Lewis, Paul Irving, and the twins Dora (sweet and well behaved) and Davy (mischievious and in constant trouble). Anne matures, slightly, but she gets into a number of her familiar pickles, as only Anne can: She accidentally sells her neighbor's cow (having mistaken it for her own), gets stuck in a broken duck house roof while peeping into a pantry window, and more.

Audible ● Post Hypnotic Press

➜Use the code Anne_VT17 to get 35% off downloads and CDs from Post Hypnotic Press.

Lucy Maud Montgomery OBE (November 30, 1874 – April 24, 1942) was a Canadian author best known Anne of Green Gables and the series of novels that book begins. The "Anne" of the books is Anne Shirley, an orphaned girl who comes to live with Matthew and Marilla Cuthbert on their farm, Green Gables. Published in 1908, the book was an immediate success in Canada, the United States and beyond. It has been adapted multiple times to screen, stage, radio, and TV.

Anne Shirley made Montgomery famous in her lifetime and gave her an international following. Anne of Green Gables was ranked number 41 in "The Big Read," a survey of the British public by BBC to determine the "nation's best-loved novel" (not children's novel!). And a survey conducted by School Library Journal (USA) in 2012 ranked Anne of Green Gables number nine among all-time children's novels.

Anne of Green Gables was followed by a series of sequels with Anne as the central character. Montgomery published 20 novels as well as 530 short stories, 500 poems, and 30 essays in her lifetime. Her work, diaries and letters have been read and studied by scholars and readers worldwide. Mostly set in Prince Edward Island and locations within Canada's smallest province, the books made PEI a literary landmark and popular tourist site. Montgomery was made an officer of the Order of the British Empire in 1935.

Website⎮Facebook⎮Twitter⎮Pinterest

Colleen is a Vancouver actor, singer, dancer, director and choreographer...and now a narrator. Her career has taken her all over the country and includes the Stratford, Shaw and Charlottetown Festivals, the original Canadian companies of CATS and Show Boat, extensive film/TV credits, and numerous directing/choreographing credits. Her stage work has been honoured with numerous nominations and a Jessie and Ovation award and she received a cultural award given by her local Chamber of Commerce. She was especially pleased to have recorded the works of L.M. Montgomery for Post Hypnotic Press just before she embarked on a production of the musical Anne of Green Gables at Theatre Calgary in which she plays Marilla Cuthbert.

CLICK TO LISTEN!

3 WINNERS WIN A POSTHYPNOTIC PRESS STORE CREDIT!

$120 (Grand Prize), $90 (Runner-up) & $60 (2nd Runner-up)

Open Internationally through August 20, 2017

Anne of Green Gables Giveaway: Three Winners

Aug. 6th:
History From A Woman's Perspective
Spunky 'N Sassy


Aug. 7th:
The Book Slayer
A Book and A Latte
Tara's Book Addiction


Aug. 8th:
CGB Blog Tours
2 Girls and A Book
Lilly's Book World


Aug. 9th:
The Maiden's Court
Macarons and Paperbacks
Canadian Book Addict


Aug. 10th:
Jorie Loves A Story
Notes From 'Round the Bend
Dab of Darkness
Haddie's Haven


Aug. 11th:
To Read Or Not To Read
Joy of Bookworms
Hall Ways
Bound 4 Escape


Aug. 12th:
Lomeraniel
Forever Literary
Life As Freya
WTF Are You Reading?

➜Sign up as a host here

Anne of Green Gables Audio Book Tour ~ ~ Audio Clip, Review, & Giveaway!

Author: L.M. Montgomery

Narrator: Colleen Winton

Length: 10 hours 7 minutes

Publisher: Post Hypnotic Press

Series: Anne of Green Gables, Book One

Genre: Classics

Scroll down for an audio sample & giveaway!

Anne, a young orphan from the fictional community of Bolingbroke, Nova Scotia (based upon the real community of New London), is sent to Prince Edward Island after a childhood spent in strangers' homes and orphanages. Marilla and Matthew Cuthbert, siblings in their 50s and 60s, had decided to adopt a boy from the orphanage to help Matthew run their farm. They live at Green Gables, their Avonlea farmhouse on Prince Edward Island. Through a misunderstanding, the orphanage sends Anne Shirley. Anne is described as bright and quick, eager to please, talkative, and extremely imaginative. She has a pale face with freckles and usually braids her red hair. When asked her name, Anne tells Marilla to call her Cordelia, which Marilla refuses; Anne then insists that if she is to be called Anne, it must be spelled with an e, as that spelling is "so much more distinguished". Marilla at first says the girl must return to the orphanage, but after a few days she decides to let her stay. Marilla feels that she could be a good influence on the girl and had also overheard that another disagreeable woman in town might take Anne in instead.

Audible ● Post Hypnotic Press

➜Use the code Anne_VT17 to get 35% off downloads and CDs from Post Hypnotic Press.

HALL WAYS REVIEW: Due to technical difficulties, the review is delayed but coming soon!

Scroll down for an audio sample & giveaway!

Lucy Maud Montgomery OBE (November 30, 1874 – April 24, 1942) was a Canadian author best known Anne of Green Gables and the series of novels that book begins. The "Anne" of the books is Anne Shirley, an orphaned girl who comes to live with Matthew and Marilla Cuthbert on their farm, Green Gables. Published in 1908, the book was an immediate success in Canada, the United States and beyond. It has been adapted multiple times to screen, stage, radio, and TV.

Anne Shirley made Montgomery famous in her lifetime and gave her an international following. Anne of Green Gables was ranked number 41 in "The Big Read," a survey of the British public by BBC to determine the "nation's best-loved novel" (not children's novel!). And a survey conducted by School Library Journal (USA) in 2012 ranked Anne of Green Gables number nine among all-time children's novels.

Anne of Green Gables was followed by a series of sequels with Anne as the central character. Montgomery published 20 novels as well as 530 short stories, 500 poems, and 30 essays in her lifetime. Her work, diaries and letters have been read and studied by scholars and readers worldwide. Mostly set in Prince Edward Island and locations within Canada's smallest province, the books made PEI a literary landmark and popular tourist site. Montgomery was made an officer of the Order of the British Empire in 1935.

Website⎮Facebook⎮Twitter⎮Pinterest

Colleen is a Vancouver actor, singer, dancer, director and choreographer...and now a narrator. Her career has taken her all over the country and includes the Stratford, Shaw and Charlottetown Festivals, the original Canadian companies of CATS and Show Boat, extensive film/TV credits, and numerous directing/choreographing credits. Her stage work has been honoured with numerous nominations and a Jessie and Ovation award and she received a cultural award given by her local Chamber of Commerce. She was especially pleased to have recorded the works of L.M. Montgomery for Post Hypnotic Press just before she embarked on a production of the musical Anne of Green Gables at Theatre Calgary in which she plays Marilla Cuthbert.

CLICK TO LISTEN!

3 WINNERS WIN A POSTHYPNOTIC PRESS STORE CREDIT!

$120 (Grand Prize), $90 (Runner-up) & $60 (2nd Runner-up)

Open Internationally through August 20, 2017

Anne of Green Gables Giveaway: Three Winners




Jul. 30th:
History From A Woman's Perspective
The Book Slayer
Spunky 'N Sassy

Jul. 31st:
CGB Blog Tours
A Book and A Latte
Canadian Book Addict
Tara's Book Addiction

Aug. 1st:
The Maiden's Court
Book Reviews By Jasmine
Lilly's Book World

Aug. 2nd:
2 Girls and A Book
Macarons and Paperbacks
Bound 4 Escape
WTF Are You Reading?

Aug. 3rd:
To Read Or Not To Read
Jorie Loves A Story
Notes From 'Round the Bend
Haddie's Haven
Hall Ways

Aug. 4th:
Lomeraniel
Joy of Bookworms
SMADA's Book Smack
Warriors For Joy

Aug. 5th:
Buried Under Books
Life As Freya

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The Call of the Wild Werewolf

London, J. and Waters, C. (2015). The Call of the Wild Werewolf. Atlanta: Bright Sons Media.

Young Adult / Fantasy Mash-up / Re-imagined Classic

I gave this book 4 out of 5 stars

CLICK HERE FOR A FREE E-COPY 
(LIMITED TIME OFFER)

Author's Blurb:

Deciding to leave his easy life in Santa Clara Valley, Buck Miller, the son of a wealthy judge and raisin farmer, pursues gold riches in the Klondike. Before he reaches his destination, Buck is kidnapped by vampires, turned into a werewolf, and forced to work as the vampire's sled dog. Now, in an unfamiliar place and in an unfamiliar body, Buck must learn to survive more than just the brutal weather. With attacks from vicious animals and abuse from his masters, will Buck be able to regain his humanity or will he spend the rest of his days living as a wolf?

Think of this book like the meme that's going around that says "type the last thing you did and then add 'because I'm Batman' behind it."  It's Jack London's complete text of The Call of the Wild, but it's been appended. Very little of London's writing has been changed, but author Carl Waters has added enough that a paranormal spin has been placed on the story -- and it works.  

For those who are unfamiliar with the original story, The Call of the Wild, you will be impressed by Jack London's sophisticated writing and the depth of the storytelling.  Author Waters fairly seamlessly adds in his own wording and makes minor tweaks so that the story fits the new paranormal circumstances.  The opening of the story is the only place Wild and Wild Werewolf are significantly different, but it was necessary to establish that the main character in Wild Werewolf starts out as a man (not a dog) and is transformed into a werewolf.  The writing changes flow smoothly with London's, and readers will find it very interesting as they watch Buck's "retrogression" from a civilized gentleman into a beast living in a kill or be killed life. 

I found this a SUPER creative re-imagination of the original story that answers a lot of "what if" questions: What if Buck wasn't a husky but a werewolf? What if John Thornton was Joan Thornton? What if the Frenchmen were actually vampires? These were great twists, with my favorite being what ultimately triggered Buck's transformation from wolf to wolfman, paving the way for him to become the legendary Ghost Wolf (not Ghost Dog, as in the original).

The only place I found the story lacking was in Buck's lack of homesickness for the life and the people left behind. It was initially explained away by a "fog" in his memory, but then later Buck remembers specifics from his life as a man, and he doesn't even have a pang of regret or longing. This didn't ring true to me, though I know Buck in London's version felt very little homesickness.

I recommend this book to young adults and older and to both people who have read and not read The Call of the Wild. It's just a fun mash-up and as long as readers understand that Waters isn't ripping-off Jack London's material (that's why he has London's name in the credits), it's a great tangent story.  Be warned, the fights between the animals are pretty graphic, and the brutality of man against beast are not lightly glossed over. It's a brutal world in the original, and it's a brutal world in the mash-up.

Thank you to the author for providing me an eBook in exchange for my honest review -- the only kind I give.

LEARN MORE ABOUT 
AUTHOR CARL WATERS
Amazon Author Page
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Manga Classics: The Scarlet Letter

Hawthorne, N. and King, S. (2015). Manga Classics: The Scarlet Letter. Richmond Hill, Ontario, Canada: Udon Entertainment.

YA Literature / Classic / Manga

I gave this book 5 out of 5 stars

"Was it simply that her scarlet letter sat bold upon her breast, while the sins of others were hidden in their own hearts?"

This illustrated retelling of The Scarlet Letter was very well done and will be appealing to reluctant readers and others who want to know the story without reading the novel. I can see it actually encouraging someone to read the original after finishing this manga version.  

The story is framed nicely with the addition of the 19th century discovery of the 17th century parchments which tell Hester Prynne's story.  SunNeko Lee's drawings are rich in expression and imagery -- like overlaying pages with what look like shards of glass when Hester is remembering her past -- and the drawings flow very naturally even for someone with little to no experience reading manga. It was greatly appreciated that a short, easy to follow manga tutorial was placed at the start of the book.

There were a couple of typos and minor edits needed, which I am assuming will be corrected in the final version, but overall, this was a fantastic alternative to the original novel, which stays true to Nathaniel Hawthorne's messages on hypocrisy, sin, guilt, and judgment.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me an eBook proof copy of this book in exchange for my honest review -- the only kind I give.