NERD BLAST: Speak No Evil by Liana Gardner

We are kicking off a 5-day Nerd Blast celebrating the release of Speak No Evil by Liana Gardner! We celebrate this new release with a cool giveaway! So... Check it out now and grab your copy now!!!

Genre:

Young Adult

Contemporary/Realistic Fiction

Publish Date:

October 1, 2019

Publisher:

Vesuvian Media Group

Synopsis:

TRUTH IS THE HARBINGER OF HELL

What if every time you told the truth, evil followed?

My name is Melody Fisher. My daddy was a snake handler in Appalachia until Mama died. Though years have passed, I can still hear the rattle before the strike that took her from me.

And it’s all my fault.

Since then, I’ve been passed around from foster home to foster home. I didn’t think anything could be as bad as losing Mama.

I was wrong.

But I will not speak of things people have done to me. Every time I do, worse evil follows. Now, the only thing I trust is what saved me years ago. Back when I would sing the snakes calm ...

      

  

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Praise for SPEAK NO EVIL
Recommended for the INDIE NEXT LIST

"... suspense and intrigue ... Melody's story is grim, but hope is weaved in throughout ... highly emotional." ―School Library Journal

"Gardner tackles difficult topics, including bullying and abuse of all types, in a way that is both artistic, respectful ... [and] masterfully written." ―BookTrib

"... a touching tribute to the power of love, faith and steadfast, patient kindness to heal the damage done by human cruelty and thoughtlessness." ―IndieReader Approved

"... a very powerful novel that depicts the cruelty and injustice of the world while also highlighting the ever-present beauty that few see when struggling with dark issues. The book displays the power that love and music have even in the darkest of times. Gardner does an excellent job of portraying a teenage worldview while focusing on adult concepts." ―US Review of Books

"There are too many Melody Fisher's in our homes and schools who lock themselves away in a world where they are both desperate to be heard and afraid to speak up ... Speak No Evil is their story. A brilliant and novel approach to addressing important social issues." ―Viga Boland, Author of No Tears for my Father

"WOW! Just WOW! Gardner is a great author telling a story of death, sorrow, and so much more. You will fall in love with Melody ... You will feel her sorrow ... You will feel her shame ... you will feel everything with this character. A MUST read that will make you sit and think well after you turned the last page." ―Bookworm Tri-Cities, Bookstore

"... alternately beautiful and troubling--and a totally compelling read ... Gardner's characters are finely drawn and credible, and her plot is so relevant considering the thousands of children lost in the foster care system and at the mercy of those charged to care for them." ―Jack Magnus, Readers' Favorite

"... Melody's silence signifies the way some women feel about sharing their stories with other people, and how difficult it is to overcome the desire to retreat. I urge others to read it; the story of Melody and her bravery will speak to you and stay with you for quite some time." ―Tracy Young, Bulgarian Review

"Any victim of abuse, or those who blame themselves for events out of their control, needs to read this novel ... This book should be in every school library and youth centre. I cannot recommend it highly enough." ~Lesley Jones, UK authorbly with Noah’s grief, and readers will appreciate his return to the field.” ―Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books 

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**About the Author**

Photo Content from Liana Gardner

Liana Gardner is the award-winning author of 7th Grade Revolution and the Misfit McCabeseries. Daughter of a rocket scientist and an artist, Liana combines the traits of both into a quirky yet pragmatic writer and in everything sees the story lurking beneath the surface. Engaged in a battle against leukemia and lymphoma, Liana spends much of her time at home, but allows her imagination to take her wherever she wants to go.

She fostered her love of writing after reading Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women and discovering she had a great deal in common with the character Jo. The making up of stories, dramatic feelings, and a quick temper were enough for her to know she and Jo would have been kindred spirits.

Liana volunteers with high school students through the International Trade Education Programs (ITEP). ITEP unites business people and educators to prepare students for a meaningful place in the world of tomorrow. Working in partnership with industry and educators, ITEP helps young people “think globally and earn locally.”

Stay connected with Liana Gardner

     

~~~~~

***The Giveaway***

Giveaway Open Internationally | Must be 13+ to Enter
Note: Not Responsible for Lost & Damaged Prizes in Your Mail Box
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TRAILER BLAST: 7th Grade Revolution by Liana Gardner

Today, we are kicking off this 5-day Trailer Blast for Liana Gardner's 7th Grade Revolution! We are thrilled to reveal the book trailer! Plus, we have an exclusive excerpt to share too! So... Check it out and grab your copy now!!!

Genre:

Children/Middle Grade

Fiction

Publish Date:

October 24, 2017

Publisher:

Vesuvian Books

Synopsis:

WHEN UNEARTHING A NATIONAL TREASURE BECOMES A NATIONAL INCIDENT

Inspired by True Events

Dennis Alexander: Washington Academy Middle School promises to be another in the long line of boring schools he has been expelled from.

Rhonda Snodgrass: Although trained from childhood in survival tactics, she tries to stay off the radar of the “cool” kids who think she’s weird. 

7th grade turns out to be anything but normal when teachers announce the students’ bloodless revolution succeeded and they are now in charge. After conducting a secret-ballot vote on policy, the 7th graders emerge to find the school evacuated and the FBI lurking outside with the task of unearthing a treasure of national importance. 

The students’ mission is clear—discover the treasure before the FBI locks down the building. Dennis and Rhonda lead the revolt and must work together to follow century-old clues left by a crazy Revolutionary War buff. 

To stay one step ahead of the FBI, they must delve into history and amass an arsenal to defend their school … because this is WAR

      

*Excerpt*

A ghostly moaning carried to them across the water, along with clanking chains.

Selena smacked Spencer’s shoulder. “Knock it off. This isn’t time for any of your stupid pranks.”

Spencer shook his head. “It’s not me. I swear.”

Dennis believed him because he wouldn’t have had time to set up something so elaborate and he’d lost his cocky attitude.

Selena raised her finger and stuck it in Spencer’s face, but before she had a chance to say a word, more chains rattled followed by even louder moans.

Brooke squealed and scuttled backward until she hit the wall surrounding the grotto, hard. Stones cascaded down as the wall behind her crumbled from the impact. She held her head where she’d banged it.

Brooke sagged against the wall causing it to disintegrate a bit more. A bony hand flopped out onto her shoulder. She screamed.

“Get it off me. Get it off.” She bounced on the balls of her feet.

Spencer ran to Brooke and lifted the skeleton hand, but it was caught in Brooke’s hair. “Stand still for a minute so I can get it untangled.”

Dennis joined Spencer and helped pull the strands of hair from the joints. Behind Brooke’s head, a skull was partially visible. How long had the poor guy been walled up in the cavern lake? Well, he didn’t know guy or girl, but one thing was sure—this wasn’t some prank.

Copyright © 2018 by Liana Gardner

AWARDS

2018 American Fiction Awards Winner for Pre-Teen Fiction (Ages 10-12)

2018 Killer Nashville Silver Falchion Finalist for Best Juvenile Fiction

2018 International Book Awards Finalist for Children's Fiction

2018 Hollywood Book Festival Honorable Mention for Children's Fiction

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Praise for 7th GRADE REVOLUTION

"7th Grade Revolution is a thrilling and engrossing ride through past and present based on real events in North Carolina. Though technically a middle grade book, I feel readers of all ages will enjoy this novel. Trust me, you won't want to put it down." ―Tracy Riva, Midwest Book Review

"... a stunning new Middle Grade novel that is part historical fiction, part action adventure mystery, and all around fun. Featuring a cast of wacky, interesting kids I was hooked on page one and enjoyed every twist and turn of the creative plot. Gardner is a writer to watch." ―Dan Elish, Award-Winning Author of BORN TOO SHORT: The Confessions of an Eighth-Grade Basket Case

"... an exciting, smartly written book filled with adventure, intrigue, and history in a modern school setting. Luke Spooner's accompanying art is simply spot on. I can't wait for my daughter to read this, and there's no higher compliment than that." ―Mercedes M. Yardley, Bram Stoker Award-Winning Author of Little Dead Red

So, I arrived home earlier today to find your book on my front porch and I have just come up for air, realizing that I haven't even eaten since I picked it up. (It's 11:00) I don't even know where to begin. Should I start with the dedication that brought me to tears? The first time I saw my name as the teacher and I gasped? (I really had forgotten that you had said you would use my name!) The fact that the beginning of the book is so very reminiscent of the real thing? The illustration toward the end when I saw myself? All of those things were beyond my expectations, but what I really want to say is that the book held me captive from beginning to end. You captured the middle school mind perfectly, showing their insecurities as well as the amazing strength that is just below the surface. Bravo! It is a wonderful book and I can see it being used during a study of government as a class read. The illustrator is also superb. I could go on and on. (I also am really amazed at how you captured me as a teacher ... how did you do that?) So thank you, thank you, thank you! I loved every part of this book and I am so very proud, as I said earlier, to have had any part in it. ―Karen Rectanus, Exploris Middle School  

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**About the Author**

Photo Content from Liana Gardner

Liana Gardner is the award-winning author of 7th Grade Revolution and the Misfit McCabe series. Daughter of a rocket scientist and an artist, Liana combines the traits of both into a quirky yet pragmatic writer and in everything sees the story lurking beneath the surface. Engaged in a battle against leukemia and lymphoma, Liana spends much of her time at home, but allows her imagination to take her wherever she wants to go. She fostered her love of writing after reading Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women and discovering she had a great deal in common with the character Jo. The making up of stories, dramatic feelings, and a quick temper were enough for her to know she and Jo would have been kindred spirits. Liana volunteers with high school students through the International Trade Education Programs (ITEP). ITEP unites business people and educators to prepare students for a meaningful place in the world of tomorrow. Working in partnership with industry and educators, ITEP helps young people “think globally and earn locally.” 

Stay connected with Liana Gardner

    

~~~~~

***The Giveaway***

Giveaway Is Open Internationally

Note: Not Responsible for Lost & Damaged Prizes in Your Mail Box

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Trailer Blast Organized by

TRAILER BLAST: The Journal of Angela Ashby by Liana Gardner

We have a 5-day Trailer Blast + Giveaway for Liana Gardner's The Journal of Angela Ashby! Today, on the last day of this Trailer Blast, like what the header states, we have a book trailer to reveal! Not only that... We have an exclusive excerpt to share, too! So... Check it out and grab your copy now!!!

Genre:

Middle Grade

Paranormal/Fantasy

Publish Date:

September 25, 2018

Publisher:

Vesuvian Books

Synopsis:

A Middle Grade Death Note

“With great power comes great responsibility.” ~Voltaire

I have great power.

That’s what she told me. The old fortune-teller at the school carnival.

I thought I was doing the right thing … with the magic journal she gave me. But nothing could prepare me for what happened next.

Or, for what I unleashed.

At a school carnival, a mysterious fortune-teller gives twelve-year-old Angela Ashby a journal and warns her to use it wisely. Nothing prepares Angela for the journal’s power—when she pours her heart onto its pages her desires come true.

She tests the journal by conjuring a gnome, a unicorn, and a farting fairy and then uses it to stop the school bullies in their tracks. But the unintended consequences alienate her best friend and puts her favorite teacher in danger of losing her job.

After she shares her deepest desire of all—that her parents get back together—her adversary steals the journal, and Angela fears she will use it to bring mayhem to the entire school if she doesn’t get it back.

       

 

*Excerpt*

At the end of school, Mallory and I went back to the athletic field. Tatiana flitted around the bushes like a hummingbird. We stopped and watched her. Amazing. Seeing a fairy zipping around school made my brain feel like it had skipped a gear. I couldn’t believe she was still here.

Why hadn’t she disappeared? Did it mean fairies really exist?

When she spied us, she zoomed straight to Mallory.

“You came back.” She sighed. “I’m so happy.”

Mallory blushed. “I told you I’d be back.”

“I thought you lied so you could ditch me.” She shook her finger in Mallory’s face. “I expected to have to hunt you down.”

Mallory held her hand out, palm up, for Tatiana to land on. “I keep my promises.”

“You should have been here earlier, Mallory. A frog pilgrimage passed by.”

Mallory shot me a frown, her eyes glaring at me over the top of her specs. What did she expect me to do? She knew I couldn’t reverse what had been written in the journal because Tatiana was still here.

Tatiana sank to a sitting position. “I tried to find out where they were headed, but they wouldn’t stop. Poor things looked dry, so I gave them a little rain cloud for their travels.”

What a weird and eerie sight it must have been—a trail of previously dead frogs hopping along with a low-flying cloud raining on them. It’s a good thing no one had wandered out on the athletic field during class.

“Then a black cat jumped out of the bushes and tried to pounce on the frogs, but I turned the rain cloud into a thunder cloud and shot lightning at it.” Tatiana’s squeaky voice sounded indignant. “The cat dove back into the bushes after it hissed at me.”

“Um, sorry we missed it.” Mallory crossed her legs and sank to the ground in a fluid motion, causing Tatiana’s wings to flutter. “I’ve been reading about malachite and its properties. It’s very interesting.”

When had she had time since this morning to do more reading about her crystal?

She rolled her eyes. “Don’t look at me like that … I looked it up when we were in the library after you set the frogs free.”

I sank down next to her. Typical. Mallory couldn’t stand not to know something. So when the rest of us were pretending to read about frogs, she looked up crystals instead.

“You let the frogs go, Angela? You’re the best.” Tatiana practically swooned.

Mallory sighed. “Anyway, malachite has been used for thousands of years for healing, protection, drawing out negative emotions, and clarifying intention.” She ticked the uses off on her fingers. “I’m sure that’s why Madame Vadoma gave it to me.”

“What’s why?” I didn’t see how that explained anything.

“She gave you the journal for a reason. I’m not sure what that is yet, but she must have known you’d need some help, especially with intention.”

Copyright © 2018 by Liana Gardner

Praise for THE JOURNAL OF ANGELA ASHBY

"Gardner has created a likable character in Angela, who faces off with the class bully in defense of herself and her best friend. Alternately full of sass and seriousness, Angela quickly learns that writing in her new journal may lead to some unintended consequences, some hilarious and some grave. An enjoyable tween romp about the familiar world of bullies mixed with a bit of magic, this one would be great for a class read or group discussion." ―Seattle Book Review

"The Journal of Angela Ashby is a middle grade fiction by Liana Gardner and is perfectly written for the target audience. A combination of magic, childhood troubles, social messages, and the need to think before acting is prevalent, and a lesson well ingrained into the pages, There is some good tension building, injections of humour, and character development. Angela and Mallory make a great team, perfectly complementing each other in the way close friends do. This is certainly a book I will read with my son when he is older, as I think it instills some important lessons and values,much like the old 80's and 90's cartoons used to do. While the book itself has a clear beginning and end, there are hints that a sequel may follow, and it's certainly something I would consider picking up. If you're looking for a story of friendship, childhood problems, and a healthy sprinkling of magic in everyday life, then look no further." ―K.J. Simmill, Award-Winning British Author

"The Journal of Angela Ashby by Liana Gardner is a charming story of action and consequence. Gardner presents her characters and their problems with an equal touch of magic and reality. This allows the message of the tale to come through while entertaining instead of preaching. Gardner does a great job of taking what could be a clichéd story and putting a few twists in it to keep it fresh and humorous." ―Kris Moger, Readers' Favorite

"The Journal of Angela Ashby is an engaging and fun coming-of-age story about a twelve-year-old girl who is suddenly the possessor of great power. I loved following as Angela began to appreciate her journal's powers and realized the importance of carefully considering everything she wished for.Throughout the story, Gardner addresses the issue of bullies and bullying, which is something all kids and most adults have to deal with at some point, and she shows how Angela learns to differentiate between solving the problem and descending into bullying behavior herself.Gardner also admirably addresses the stress and confusion felt by kids and tweens when their mom and dad get divorced. The Journal of Angela Ashby is a marvelous fantasy that brings up real-life issues without lowering the magic and fun potential for a moment, and Sam Shearon's illustrations really make it all come alive most brilliantly." ―Jack Magnus, Author

~~~~~

**About the Author**

Photo Content from Liana Gardner

Liana Gardner is the award-winning author of 7th Grade Revolution and the Misfit McCabeseries. Daughter of a rocket scientist and an artist, Liana combines the traits of both into a quirky yet pragmatic writer and in everything sees the story lurking beneath the surface. Engaged in a battle against leukemia and lymphoma, Liana spends much of her time at home, but allows her imagination to take her wherever she wants to go. She fostered her love of writing after reading Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women and discovering she had a great deal in common with the character Jo. The making up of stories, dramatic feelings, and a quick temper were enough for her to know she and Jo would have been kindred spirits. Liana volunteers with high school students through the International Trade Education Programs (ITEP). ITEP unites business people and educators to prepare students for a meaningful place in the world of tomorrow. Working in partnership with industry and educators, ITEP helps young people “think globally and earn locally.” 

Stay connected with Liana Gardner

    

~~~~~

***The Giveaway***

Giveaway is Open Internationally | Must be 13+ to Enter

Note: Not Responsible for Lost & Damaged Prizes in Your Mail Box

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Trailer Blast Organized by