Cannon & Durnam Textile Legacy - Books 1& 2 Now Available!

Now Available - The Virtuous Husband, Book One in The Cannon & Durnam Textile Legacy romance series!

The series begins with the letter which Elizabeth Durnam had been dreading to receive for the past three years. Now it has finally turned up on her doorstep, and her fear becomes a reality. The choice is hers, choose to live life on her own terms or carry out her father's dying wish and marry the rogue Rhys Cannon, to secure the future of her family's company!

The request is a hard one to fulfill. It goes against every grain in her body to wed the egoist Rhys Cannon. However, to complete the merger of Durnam Fabrics and Cannon Textiles, Elizabeth and Rhys must put their differences aside. But not before Elizabeth gives Rhys a lesson in virtue! 

On their wedding day, it’s no deal until Rhys signs The Virtuous Husband Clause, and may God help them to learn to love each other for better or for worse.

The saga continues!
Now Available - The Love Inheritance, Book Two in The Cannon & Durnam Textile Legacy romance series!

Going along with a coup d’état to conquer armed with the love of 1 Corinthians 13 seems to be the only way textile heir Hunter Cannon of Cannon & Durnam Enterprise can get his hands on his inheritance. The Love Inheritance, that is. But is Hunter a match against Myra Durnam, dubbed The Ice Princess, whose defensive wall against love appears to be an impenetrable fortress?

Suddenly Myra’s world is turned upside down when she contemplates entering into a love contract that is attached to the acquisition of a small knit company. The Ice Princess is caught in the rogue’s lair and resisting The Love Inheritance seems futile.

They say love never fails, but can love really conquer all?

Book Review | Megan's Troublesome Pronouns by Dr. Julia E. Antoine

Once again, Dr. Julia E. Antoine creates a story that resonates with readers. In her tenth book Megan’s Troublesome Pronouns, in the Too Clever series, Dr. Antoine uses a very interesting mechanism to help her eleven year old character, Megan Moffat, deal with the loss of her father – association. Association causes triggers to be ignited in our brain, thereby affecting our responses or answers to certain events, incidents, or questions. Megan Moffat uses association, a trick she learned from her father, not only to help her with those troublesome pronouns but also to keep the memory of her father alive.

Appropriately titled, Megan’s Troublesome Pronouns gives the reader a detailed analytical view of Megan coping with the loss of her father through mastering her understanding of pronouns. It may seem unrelated and one may wonder what does understanding pronouns have to do with coping with loss? Writing and reading were the common thread that connected Megan and her father. In developing her writing skills and mastering the English language, Megan felt she was forever linked with her father and that she was making him proud.  Also, in choosing the topic “Coping with Change” for her writing project, Megan is able to use the method that allows her to express her feelings freely. Here she chronicles the memory of a father who had impacted her life greatly.

 

Megan’s Troublesome Pronouns educates readers on the healthy ways of coping with the loss of a loved one, and this is especially seen in Megan’s connection with others around her. Megan was able to see that her actions also affected those around her; that while she grieved, others like her mother and brother Dilan, and her best friend Hailie were grieving too, each in their own way.  Antoine shows that coping mechanisms vary and children should be encouraged to embrace what works for them, as long as the coping mechanism is not a destructive one. The book deals with death, a delicate subject matter, in a very age appropriate way. By highlighting Megan’s struggles and emotions, a touching realistic story emerges, and Antoine once again captures the hearts of her readers. 

Megan’s Troublesome Pronouns is available, along with other books in the series, on the author’s website, http://www.too-clever.com .

Book Review: Can I Always Come Back Home by Christine Cruz

What child doesn’t wonder if he/she can always return home? Christine Cruz’ illustrated children’s book Can I Always Come Back Home? relieves such fears and ease the worrying minds of young readers.  

As far as a child’s imagination soars in conjuring up all the places he can possibly go and wonder if he can ever return home, Cruz has creatively tapped into that sphere setting a loving tone to her book which parents will appreciate.

Appropriately written for preschoolers to first grade, Can I Always Come Back Home? not only makes for great bedtime reading, but it helps parents reaffirm security and stability in their young child’s mind. This book is great for preschoolers especially those entering daycare for the first time and experiencing anxiety issues. Having such assurance makes the transition from home to daycare a bit easier. 

The book is interactive too! During readings, parents can supplement or encourage their children to stretch their imaginations to the places they may go. This kind of interactive reading encourages bonding. 

The plot and language are simple, appealing to kids because the story is child-like, familiar, and an easy read. Amidst soaring imaginations, there is no shortage of artistic appeal thanks to the illustrator's (Daniela Frongia) vibrant, bold, colorful illustrations, which are definitely part of the appeal and charm.  A wonderful addition to your summer reading collection!

Check out the author’s website for more about her upcoming books.

Happy Reading!

The new Hardy Boys Clue Books release, plus a kids’ mystery clue book sale!

Aladdin Publishers is getting ready to release the new Hardy Boys clue book series, authored by Franklin W. Dixon and illustrated by Matt Dixon! The first two, The Video Game Bandit and The Missing Playbook will be released on April 19, 2016, and two more are scheduled to be released later within the year.

For those of us who grew up on The Hardy Boys mystery series, we are happy to see a new look introduced to appeal to the younger generation. This new series is more interactive – space is included in each installment for “readers to jot down their own ideas and solutions to the case!” The books are for age range 6 to 9 years – grades 1 to 4.

Everyone loves a good mystery, even kids, and that’s why we are throwing in a third mystery book – The Secrets of Aunt Norah’s House by Dawnette Blackwood-Rhoomes; all three for a low price of $19.99! See our offer at this link – Kids’ Mystery Clue Book Sale!

Book Descriptions:

The Video Game Bandit (Hardy Boys Clue Book) - Book 1

“Frank and Joe are on a mission to track down a thief in the first book in an all-new, interactive Hardy Boys chapter book mystery series.

Bayport Elementary is throwing a fundraiser so they can go on an end-of-the-year trip. Ellie Freeman’s parents have volunteered their house for the event, and neighbors have donated all sorts of prizes to be raffled off including movie tickets and gift certificates to Fun World. But the best prize of all is a brand-new ZCross50000, a video game system that every kid has been drooling over.

But sometime during the event, the ZCross goes missing. Can Frank and Jo figure out who took the prize before it’s too late to save the big school trip?”

Softcover, 96 pages.

The Missing Playbook (Hardy Boys Clue Book) – Book 2

“Frank and Joe try to hit a home run by figuring out what happened to the Bayport Bandits’ playbook before the first big baseball game in the second book in an all-new, interactive Hardy Boys chapter book mystery series. Includes space for readers to jot down their own ideas and solutions to the case!

Frank and Joe and the rest of their Bayport Bandits teammates can’t wait for Little League to start! Everyone is celebrating the beginning of the season at Speedy Zermino’s house. While they’re all together, Coach Quinn shows off the Bandit’s new playbook that contains all of the new strategies and plays that will help them to a winning season.

The next day at practice, Coach Quinn realizes the all-important playbook has gone missing! With their teammates counting on them to get the book back, Frank and Joe must take a swing at cracking this case…or their season will be over before it even begins.”

Softcover, 96 pages

The Secrets of Aunt Norah’s House

“An almost 200 year house plus a book of clues equals mystery! What would you do if someone left you a book of clues, an old house with its secrets, and a letter which leads to a treasure hunt? Go sleuthing of course!

With seven bedrooms, a den, a dark spooky basement, and a creaky old attic to look for a treasure, who knows what secrets this old house has tucked away in its many hiding places! Ten year old Ossie and eight year old Cody are in for an adventure! Their mystery begins with a mischievous cat covered in flour and ends with the treasure of a lifetime!”

Softcover, 88 pages

It’s a Giveaway!

Not just one, but two!

DBR Books is hosting two Giveaways on Goodreads and you’re invited to join in the fun. You never know, you might just win a book or two!
(1)   Giveaway for The Virtuous Husband. It is scheduled to open for entries at midnight on Wednesday, April 13 and end at midnight on Saturday, April 30. 1 copy to give away to Goodreads members in United States and Canada.
Book Description:

The Virtuous Husband (Book 1 in the Cannon & Durnam Textile Legacy series by Dawnette Blackwood-Rhoomes

“The letter which Elizabeth Durnam had been dreading for the past three years, has finally turned up on her doorstep, and now her fear is her reality. Elizabeth dedicates her time to working on her designs in the family textile mill, Durnam Fabrics. However, one thing weighs heavily on Elizabeth’s heart. To complete her father’s dream and textile legacy, she must first comply with his one request.

The request is a hard one to fulfill. It goes against every grain in her body to wed the egoist Rhys Cannon. However, to complete the merger of Durnam Fabrics and Cannon Textiles, Elizabeth and Rhys must put their differences aside. But not before Elizabeth gives Rhys a lesson in virtue!

On their wedding day, it’s no deal until Rhys signs The Virtuous Husband Clause, and may God help them to learn to love each other for better or for worse.”

Softcover, 258 pages.

(2)   Giveaway for Why Should I Believe You?. It is scheduled to open for entries at midnight on Thursday, April 14 and end at midnight on Saturday, April 30. 1 copy to give away to Goodreads members in United States, Canada, United Kingdom, and Australia.
Book Description:
Why Should I Believe You? by Dawnette Blackwood-Rhoomes

“Do you believe anything the Bible says?
Have you ever been angry with God?
How did you cope with it?
Read the story of a child's disappointment in God's broken promise; and a woman's face to face encounter with the real truth about God, His love, and His promises.”

Inspirational reading; finding peace amidst anger and disappointment.

Softcover, 66 pages.

Book Review | Too-Clever IX: Darell and Bobo by Julia E. Antoine

Darell and Bobo is the 9th installation of the Too-Clever series, which is written by Dr. Julia E. Antione. The series is a winner in The Mom Choice Awards.

Do you remember when you were twelve going on thirteen; how excited you were that you'd embark on the momentous journey of adolescence? It seemed as if twelve was the magic number when everything suddenly shifted into perspective: attitudes change, responsibilities taken more seriously, hormones rage, and the list goes on. Well, we all awoke soon enough to realize that things did change, but for the most part life suddenly got more complicated.

Eleven year old Darell Ruben is looking forward to turning twelve, and like boys his age, he is excited to finally leave childhood behind and walk the plank of 'teenagedom'. Life is about to get a little more interesting and adventurous, or so he's told by the adults around him; but for Darell he is more intrigued to see if the story about body hairs and raging hormones is true!

Darell and Bobo's author Julia E. Antoine, cleverly addresses issues of emotional and biological change in boys as they approach adolescence. Although the story is centered on what will happen once Darell turns twelve, it also pinpoints sensitive subject matters such as the importance of parents talking with their kids about the kind of changes to expect. The book also addresses some emotional setbacks boys can face when a responsible father figure is not in the home, as in the case of Darell's friend Jonas. In covering these issues, Antoine's storyline developed around the key character's problem while weaving in a clever sub-plot and secondary character.

When Darell finally turns twelve, he suddenly learns that there are some decisions he will have to make on his own; like choosing between friendships and relationships. Antoine's insightful inclusion of a girl between friends shows also that pre-adolescent change is not only biological and emotional, but that it also affects social dynamics. A sudden interest in the opposite sex may have taken Darell by surprise, but Antoine shows the reader that this too is a normal part of the 'big' change.

Too-Clever IX: Darell and Bobo by Dr. Julia E. Antoine is an insightful read, dotted with instances of humor despite the sensitive issues addressed in the book. On his twelfth birthday, did Darell finally get the body hairs he was long awaiting? We won't tell; you'll have to read the book to find out! 

Author Update

New Book Release: The Virtuous Husband (The Cannon & Durnam Textile Legacy) Book One
Book Description: The letter which Elizabeth Durnam had been dreading for the past three years, has finally turned up on her doorstep, and now her fear is her reality. After her father passed away, Elizabeth dedicates her time to working on her designs in the family textile mill, Durnam Fabrics. However, one thing weighs heavily on Elizabeths heart. To complete her fathers dream and textile legacy, she must first comply with his one request.  

The request is a hard one to fulfill. It goes against every grain in her body to wed the egoist Rhys Cannon. However, to complete the merger of Durnam Fabrics and Cannon Textiles, Elizabeth and Rhys must put their differences aside. But not before Elizabeth gives Rhys a lesson in virtue!

On their wedding day, it's no deal until Rhys signs The Virtuous Husband Clause, and may God help them to learn to love each other for better or for worse.

Buy The Virtuous Husband now available in print and ebook on Amazon!


Excerpts from Interview with Dawnette Blackwood-Rhoomes on Smashwords:
1. How do you discover the ebooks you read?
Someone may send it to me, or I like to read the reviews. Sometimes the reviews are not so good, then I'm motivated to read the book for myself to see what everyone is complaining about!

When did you first start writing and how is it going for you?
I began writing at a young age and I published my first book, The Women of Jesus, in 2005. To date I have five (5) published books. In addition, I have four books forthcoming. I am currently working on a trilogy, The Cannon-Durnam Legacy.

My two latest books, Writing for Love (2014, all formats) and Love Unhinged (2013, e-book) are about love. Writing for Love is my first full length romance novel. Two stories parallel each other, but the main character Willow chooses the outcome for both, with the circumstances of one transcending into the other!  

Love Unhinged is a collection of short romantic stories. The theme 'love' is the common thread that runs in each story. The stories reveal that the outcome can be vastly different! When love goes awry, it causes many devastating effects. In most cases the emotion can be more accurately described as infatuation.

2. What's the story behind your latest book?
The idea of the Cannon Durnam Textile Legacy Trilogy was first thought of while I wrote the book Writing for Love. As I interweave scenes of Esther weaving a tapestry for the King, I realized how much I enjoy writing about textile designing and so the idea for a textile legacy series was born.

Drawing on my professional training in textile design, I embark on incorporating my designs on the cover of each book in the trilogy. These designs are printed on scarves and sold with their corresponding books. Each book will feature some aspects of textile designing, that is surface design, knitting, and paper floral design. Some people ask why textile design, my response to that is: "I wanted to write about something I know and love. For years I've kept my two loves separate [writing and textile design], and now this gives me a chance to merge them together!"

The books in the series are: The Virtuous Husband (Book 1); The Love Inheritance (Book 2); The Hopeful Promise (Book 3)

See the entire Interview on Smashwords.

Christmas Sale on Writing for Love
Give as a gift!  For a limited time only  December 19, 2015 to December 26, 2015, Amazon Kindle price drop promotion on Writing for Love which is available in both print and e-book formats.

Get your Kindle copy of Writing for Love for only $1.99. Limited time offer!

Happy Reading and Happy Holidays!