Holly's Wishes by Karen Pokras

Holly's Wishes by Karen Pokras
Published: July 1, 2014
by Grand Daisy Press

Holly Haines first met Ben Oakes when she was just sixteen years old. For Holly, it was love at first kiss—at least in her sixteen year old mind. Sadly though, Ben didn’t seem quite as interested. When a chance meeting reunites them ten years later, Holly discovers he had feelings for her all along. But not everything is as simple as it seems when she realizes they can’t be together. Was fate playing a cruel joke on them, or will Holly find a way to make all her wishes come true?

Goodreads * Amazon

My review:

Holly thinks her life is going along fine. Sure, her long time live-in boyfriend still hasn't proposed to her, but she is positive it is just a matter of time until he does. After her first love reappears, Holly begins to question her relationship with Jared and wonders if he is ever going to grow up and become more responsible. But Ben is unavailable anyway, so she thinks she has to settle for being friends and considering what could have been.

Holly's Wishes is an excellent example of a good series book. The focus is on Holly's story and the main story line is wrapped up nicely in the end; however, we still see details of both Ava and Tess sprinkled throughout which ties all the books together nicely in the Whispered Wishes series. Ms. Pokras showed with this book as well as Ava's Wishes that she is a natural at writing this genre. Her characters are well-developed and the plot lines are engaging.

If you like sweet romantic chick-lit/women's fiction, you will enjoy Holly's Wishes and the Whispered Wishes series.

Copy was provided by the author, but I was not required to write a review.

About the author:

Karen Pokras writes adult contemporary and middle grade fiction under the names Karen Pokras and Karen Pokras Toz. Her books have won several awards including two Readers’ Favorite Book Awards, the Grand Prize in the Purple Dragonfly Book Awards, as well as placing first for two Global E-Book Awards for Pre-Teen Literature. Karen is a member of the Society of the Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI). For children, her books include the Nate Rocks series, Millicent Marie is Not My Name, and Pie and Other Brilliant Ideas. For adult readers, Karen’s books include Chasing Invisible, and her soon to be released, Whispered Wishes series. A native of Connecticut, Karen now lives outside of Philadelphia with her family.  

Find out more at KarenPokras.com.

      

Ava's Wishes by Karen Pokras

Ava's Wishes by Karen Pokras
Published May 26, 2014
by Grand Daisy Press

Ava Haines had big plans for her life. Her short-term goals included passing Statistics (on the third try), graduating college on time, and securing a job in the art gallery on Main Street. Her long-term goal was to one day own an art gallery of her very own. Oh sure, she would some day like to fall in love and get married, but all of that was secondary to making sure her other goals were in line. Fellow student Max Wallis and esteemed photographer Thomas Malloy were just minor distractions she was more than capable of handling. She was entitled to a little fun once in a while, right? However, as reality takes a tumble, Ava begins to wonder if she really can manage it all. Will all her wishes come true?

Goodreads * Amazon

My Review:

All Ava was worried about was passing her statistics class so that she could graduate and get a job. She wasn't looking for a relationship. But life had other plans for Ava because suddenly there are two men in her life. While I had a feeling early on that something was just not quite right with one of them, I was completely shocked at the plot twist. Sometimes things are not what they appear to be.   

Ava's Wishes is an excellent first book in a new series, Whispered Wishes. Karen Pokras, who has also published middle-grade books as Karen Pokras Toz, seems to be a natural at chick-lit. I was very impressed with how Ms. Pokras provided enough of a glimpse at Ava's two sisters to make readers already interested in reading their stories while still keeping the focus of this book on Ava. 

If you enjoy sweet chick-lit stories with clean romance then this book is a good choice, and I would definitely recommend it.

Copy was provided for review.

About the author:

Karen Pokras writes adult contemporary and middle grade fiction under the names Karen Pokras and Karen Pokras Toz. Her books have won several awards including two Readers’ Favorite Book Awards, the Grand Prize in the Purple Dragonfly Book Awards, as well as placing first for two Global E-Book Awards for Pre-Teen Literature. Karen is a member of the Society of the Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI). For children, her books include the Nate Rocks series, Millicent Marie is Not My Name, and Pie and Other Brilliant Ideas. For adult readers, Karen’s books include Chasing Invisible, and her soon to be released, Whispered Wishes series. A native of Connecticut, Karen now lives outside of Philadelphia with her family.  

Find out more at KarenPokras.com.  

Pie and Other Brilliant Ideas by Karen Pokras Toz - Win Swag Pack & Amazon Gift Card

The story will grab you from page one, and keep you mesmerized until the last page. ~ Kristy James

My nine year old daughter and I enjoyed it very much. ~ Gman Writes

From the Award Winning Author of Millicent Marie is Not My Name

Ballet and baking pies – these are two of twelve year old Georgie Harris’ favorite things. When her parents decide to move closer to her grandmother’s nursing home, Georgie quickly learns the bad news: dance lessons are too expensive in this new town. 

Georgie spends most of her time baking pies to bring to her grandmother at the Willow Lakes Nursing Home. There she meets Eve, who inspires Georgie with stories of having danced with a world famous Russian ballerina many years ago.

As Georgie and Eve’s friendship evolves, their tales intertwine in this feel good story showing dreams really can come true.

Buy at Amazon and B&N

Giveaway

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A GWR Publicity promotional event paid for by the author. Giveaway is sponsored by the author who is responsible for the delivery of prize. Krazy Book Lady received no compensation for this post. 

Nate Rocks the Boat by Karen Pokras Toz - Character Guest Post & Kindle Fire Giveaway

Nate Rocks the Boat
by Karen Pokras Toz
Grand Daisy Press
April 20, 2012

The Adventure Continues...With fourth grade finally winding down, 10-year-old Nathan Rockledge is looking forward to a fun and relaxing summer at home with his friends. That is, until his mom decides he has to go to overnight camp with his annoying older sister. When his best friend, Tommy, decides to tag along, Nathan thinks maybe his summer won’t actually be so bad. After all, he does get to be away from his mom's awful cooking for an entire six weeks. Amongst Color War competitions, a flaky counselor, and a bully named "No-Neck,” Nathan turns to his trusty sketchpad, transforming himself into Nate Rocks: 10-year-old extraordinaire. His speedboat ready for action, Nate saves the day time and again from the perils of floods, snakes, ghosts, and even the most wanted criminals. Join Nathan, Tommy, Abby, and a whole new cast of characters as Nate Rocks once again proves nothing can hold him back.

See my review of Nate Rocks the Boat. 

Add on Goodreads, and buy on Smashwords or Amazon.

What Would I Change About My Story
Character Guest Post from Nate
by Karen Pokras Toz

My author, Karen Pokras Toz, has asked me to pick one thing to change about my story, Nate Rocks the Boat. But honestly, there are just too many things to pick from.  It’s not that I don’t like my story – I do. It’s just that, there are some things in there that I could definitely do without – let’s go down the list: 

1.     Lisa Crane. Was it really necessary to bring my Mom’s best friend’s annoying daughter into the story again? Wasn’t it bad enough that she was in the first book, Nate Rocks the World? Not only that, but you had her come to my going away party where she causes me both physical harm and emotional distress. Yeah – not happy about that one. At least you didn’t have her tag along with me to summer camp, but as long as we’re on the topic ... 

2.     Abby. Yup – you know what I’m talking about. You made my know-it-all whiny older sister go to the same overnight summer camp as me. Talk about mean! Why couldn’t she have just stayed home with Lisa Crane? Ever since the horseshoe incident at my party, they’ve practically been best friends. They would have had a great summer together. Instead, I got stuck with Abby. Thanks. 

3.     Camp.  Now overall, I have to admit I had a great summer. But there were a few things I could have done without – kickball games, color war, and no-neck to name a few.

But just so you don’t think I’m a totally ungrateful ten-year-old, I do want to thank you for sending Tommy along with me – plus the food was really good. Oh and can we talk about Bobino for a minute? He totally rocks! Confused? Well get yourself a copy of Nate Rocks the Boat and see for yourself! 

About the author:

Karen Pokras Toz is a writer, wife, and mom. Karen grew up in the small town of Orange, Connecticut and graduated from Ithaca College with a degree in Finance. She also attended the University of Richmond, where she studied law and business, receiving both a JD and an MBA. Karen is a member of The Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators. Karen lives in Montgomery County, PA with her husband and three children.   

You can find out more about Karen Pokras Toz and how to connect with her on her website. 

  Click here to find out more about the giveaway and the sponsors.

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Nate Rocks the Boat by Karen Pokras Toz - Review

Nate Rocks the Boat 

by Karen Pokras Toz

Published April 2012 by Grand Daisy Press

The Adventure Continues...
With fourth grade finally winding down, 10-year-old Nathan Rockledge is looking forward to a fun and relaxing summer at home with his friends. That is, until his mom decides he has to go to overnight camp with his annoying older sister. When his best friend, Tommy, decides to tag along, Nathan thinks maybe his summer won’t actually be so bad. After all, he does get to be away from his mom's awful cooking for an entire six weeks. Amongst Color War competitions, a flaky counselor, and a bully named "No-Neck,” Nathan turns to his trusty sketchpad, transforming himself into Nate Rocks: 10-year-old extraordinaire. His speedboat ready for action, Nate saves the day time and again from the perils of floods, snakes, ghosts, and even the most wanted criminals. Join Nathan, Tommy, Abby, and a whole new cast of characters as Nate Rocks once again proves nothing can hold him back.

My Review:

Nate Rocks is back and at it again. This time he is at summer camp, and he is experiencing a lot of new, real-life adventures along with his imaginary adventures.

It is rare to find a book directed toward middle grade boys, and Karen Pokras Toz has done an excellent job bringing Nate to life once again. The trials and triumphs of summer camp are described perfectly and with a lot of humor. Kids will easily lose themselves in this book and feel like they are right there at camp with Nate. Along with all of the imagination and adventures, Karen also portrays a beautiful message of friendship. I would definitely recommend this book and this series, and I am looking forward to Nate's next adventure.

A copy was provided by the author for review.

About the author:

Karen Pokras Toz is a writer, wife, and mom. Karen grew up in the small town of Orange, Connecticut and graduated from Ithaca College with a degree in Finance. She also attended the University of Richmond, where she studied law and business, receiving both a JD and an MBA. Karen is a member of The Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators. Karen lives in Montgomery County, PA with her husband and three children.   

You can find out more about Karen Pokras Toz and how to connect with her on her website.  

Check out my review of the first NATE ROCKS book, Nate Rocks the World. 

Giveaway: Nate Rocks by Karen Pokras Toz

This giveaway is part of the Children's Book Week Giveaway Hop hosted by I Am A Reader, Not A Writer, KidLitFrenzy, Classic Children's Books, and Mymcbooks. There are a lot of great blogs participating in this hop. After you enter here, hop over and enter their giveaways too.

While you are here, please check out my other giveaways. They can be located in the right sidebar.

My Giveaway:
One winner will receive both books in the NATE ROCKS series by Karen Pokras Toz!

Nate Rocks the World
Book #1 

Ten-year-old Nathan Rockledge cannot catch a break. After all, life as a fourth-grader can be hazardous - what with science projects to deal with and recess football games to avoid. Everyone, including his best friend Tommy, seems to have bad luck when hanging around Nathan. Throw in an older sister who is a royal pain, a dad who is stuck in the past, and a mom who keeps trying to poison him with her awful cooking, and poor Nathan's life as a fourth-grader appears to be completely doomed. Armed only with his sketchpad, his imagination, and his wits, Nathan Rockledge navigates the perils of the fourth grade in style, to emerge heroic, as Nate Rocks, proving that even a ten-year-old can accomplish great things. 

Please see my review of Nate Rocks the World.

Nate Rocks the Boat

Book #2 

The Adventure Continues...With fourth grade finally winding down, 10-year-old Nathan Rockledge is looking forward to a fun and relaxing summer at home with his friends. That is, until his mom decides he has to go to overnight camp with his annoying older sister. When his best friend, Tommy, decides to tag along, Nathan thinks maybe his summer won’t actually be so bad. After all, he does get to be away from his mom's awful cooking for an entire six weeks. Amongst Color War competitions, a flaky counselor, and a bully named "No-Neck,” Nathan turns to his trusty sketchpad, transforming himself into Nate Rocks: 10-year-old extraordinaire. His speedboat ready for action, Nate saves the day time and again from the perils of floods, snakes, ghosts, and even the most wanted criminals. Join Nathan, Tommy, Abby, and a whole new cast of characters as Nate Rocks once again proves nothing can hold him back.

Please see my review of Nate Rocks the Boat.

How to enter: 

Just be a follower of Krazy Book Lady in whatever way you choose. Then fill out the form below.

Additional optional entries (for a total of 6 entries):

+1 Follow Karen Pokras Toz on Twitter.

+1 Like Karen Pokras Toz on Facebook.

+1 "Fan" Karen Pokras Toz on Goodreads.

+1 Add Nate Rocks the World and Nate Rocks the Boat to your shelf on Goodreads.

+1 Leave a comment on any blog post. ("Thanks for the giveaway" type comments will not count as an entry.) 

Giveaway details:

Giveaway is open internationally. Winner will receive print books if in the US or Canada or will receive e-copies if international. This giveaway will run until midnight EST on May 13th. Must be 13 or older to enter. Winner will be chosen using Random.org. Winner will be emailed, and this blog post will be updated to include the name of the winner. Winner has 3 days to contact me or a new winner will be selected. 

Sorry! This giveaway is now over.

Winner: Melissa C.

On Writing: Why Kids are the Best Inspiration - Guest Post by Karen Pokras Toz, Author of Nate Rocks

On Writing: Why Kids are the Best Inspiration

Guest Post by Karen Pokras Toz, author of Nate Rocks the World and Nate Rocks the Boat

I love hearing about where authors get their inspirations for their work. Often it’s something they’ve heard on the news or something that is happening with a friend or at work. One thing that most authors agree on: inspiration is all around us.

For me, inspiration comes mostly from my children. I tell people all the time that Nate Rocks is basically my three kids all rolled into one. But where do I come up with the ideas for the actual stories?

If you have read my blog, or know me personally, you know I spend the first few weeks of June packing and labeling in preparation to send my two oldest children to overnight camp for a month. I think we are going on our fifth summer of this routine - honestly, I’ve lost count, but let’s just say I’ve labeled a lot of underwear over the past few years!!

When it came time to start thinking about the second Nate Rocks book, I had to make a decision - did I want to keep going with 4th grade theme or did I want to try something different? I was in the process of the above-mentioned folding and labeling when I thought: Nate should go to camp too!

I began the process of remembering all of the stories I had heard over the years, as well as my own experiences at camp (although, mine were limited to day camp, not overnight camp.) Before I knew it, I had a book full of fun camp adventures – staring Nate Rocks, of course! Thanks kids for all the great stories – keep them coming!

About the author:

Karen Pokras Toz is a writer, wife, and mom. Karen grew up in the small town of Orange, Connecticut and graduated from Ithaca College with a degree in Finance. She also attended the University of Richmond, where she studied law and business, receiving both a JD and an MBA. Karen is a member of The Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators. Karen lives in Montgomery County, PA with her husband and three children.

You can find out more about Karen Pokras Toz and how to connect with her on her website.

Please see my reviews of Nate Rocks the World and Nate Rocks the Boat.

You can also check out Karen's previous guest post.

Guest Post by Karen Pokras Toz, author of Nate Rocks the World

Karen Pokras Toz, author of Nate Rocks the World, has been so kind as to provide us with a guest post about a day in the life of an author.

The smell of hot coffee wafts through my bedroom. I slowly open my eyes to see him standing next to the bed – tray in hand.

“I had cook prepare some crepes and coffee for you this morning,” he says lovingly – his blue eyes fixated on my every move. “I know you have a busy day today, so I also
scheduled a massage for you just after you get back from your lunch meeting at the Four Seasons.”

What? Your day doesn’t go like this? Oh wait – mine doesn’t either!

My mornings usually involve child and pet wrangling. I used to try to get up an hour before everyone else to get some writing in, but now that my youngest is in Kindergarten, I’ve been able to move my writing schedule to later in the day.

8:30 am is my magic number. That’s when the youngest of my three children get on the bus. It is then that I pour myself my second or third cup of coffee and sit down in front of my laptop – ready to temporarily hang up the mom hat and work as a publisher, author, and marketer. I hadn’t intended to be all three. I really only
intended to be an author, but somewhere along the way, I decided the other two were necessary, like it or not.

And so, for the next seven hours or so – I spend my time answering emails, tweeting, catching up on blog work, tweaking my website, making new contacts, advertising my book, taking care of the business end, and oh yeah – writing. There are days when I just have to stop everything else and remind myself that first and foremost – I need to write. After all, writing is what got me here in the first place.

When I first realized I would have seven hours to myself every day, I thought: Wow! I am going to get so much done! I’ll write books, I’ll get caught up on laundry, I’ll make fancy dinners every night – it’ll be great! The truth is (much to the dismay of my family) very little of that gets done. In the three months since I started my new schedule, I’ve woefully neglected the laundry and served my family the same old standby meals they’ve been eating for years.

Somehow – this little writing thing, turned out to be a lot of work - - - and I love every minute of it! So while there are no expensive lunches or spa appointments in my daily life, I wouldn’t trade what I do for anything. Dream big and rock on!

About the author:
Karen Pokras Toz is a writer, wife, and mom. Karen grew up in the small town of Orange, Connecticut and graduated from Ithaca College with a degree in Finance. She also attended the University of Richmond, where she studied law and business, receiving both a JD and an MBA. Karen has spent the last several years working as a tax accountant, writing in numbers. She recently discovered a passion for writing with words. Karen enjoys gardening, cooking, and spending time with her husband and three children.

You can connect with Karen on her website, Twitter and Facebook.

Please see my review of Nate Rocks the World.

Giveaway Hop - Nate Rocks the World & The Doll Violinist

This giveaway is part of the Book Lover's Holiday Giveaway Hop hosted by I Am A Reader, Not a Writer and Kid Lit Frenzy. There are many great blogs participating in this hop. After you enter here, you can hop over to some of the other blogs listed below and enter their giveaways too.


There are 2 giveaways as part of this hop. There will be 2 winners. In honor of this hop being co-hosted by Kid Lit Frenzy, we have two great children's books for you. And in the spirit of the holiday, one of them is a Christmas book.

Giveaway # 1:
1 winner will receive a SIGNED copy of Nate Rocks the World. 
This part of the giveaway is only open to residents of the U.S. and Canada. 

Nate Rocks the World by Karen Pokras Toz
Ten-year-old Nathan Rockledge cannot catch a break. After all, life as a fourth-grader can be hazardous what with science projects to deal with and recess football games to avoid. Everyone, including his best friend Tommy, seems to have bad luck when hanging around Nathan. Throw in an older sister who is a royal pain, a dad who is stuck in the past, and a mom who keeps trying to poison him with her awful cooking, and poor Nathan’s life as a fourth grader appears to be completely doomed. Armed only with his sketchpad, his imagination, and his wits, Nathan Rockledge navigates the perils of the fourth grade in style, to emerge heroic, as Nate Rocks, proving that even a ten-year-old can accomplish great things. Follow the quirky and imaginative adventures of ten-year-old Nathan Rockledge as his cartoons come to life. Recommended for ages 7 - 12.

Please see my review of Nate Rocks the World.

Giveaway # 2:
This part of the giveaway is open internationally.  1 winner will receive a PDF of this book sent by the author.

The Doll Violinist by Mayra Calvani
Five days before Christmas, Emma is captivated by a doll in a shop window. Each day, she sneaks out of the orphanage to check if itís been sold, but the shopkeeper, Madame Dubois, sends her away. Will the magic of Christmas bring Emma, Madame Dubois, and the doll violinist together? Suggested ages for readers: 4-8

Please see my review of The Doll Violinist.


How to enter:
Follow Krazy Book Lady with GFC or Twitter or like on Facebook. Then fill out the form below.

Additional optional entries: (for 4 total entries)
+1 Follow Karen Pokras Toz on Twitter or like her page on Facebook.
+1 Follow Mayra Calvani on Twitter or like her page on Facebook.
+1 Leave a blog post comment.

Giveaway will close at midnight on December 6. Winners will be selected using Random.org. Winners will be notified by email and announced on the blog, Twitter, and Facebook. Winners will have 3 days to contact me, or a new winner will be selected.

Thank you for entering and good luck!

Sorry! This giveaway is now closed!

Winners:
Signed copy of Nate Rocks the World: Darian Wilk
The Doll Violinist: Vicki

Review: Nate Rocks the World by Karen Pokras Toz

Nate Rocks the World by Karen Pokras Toz
Published: 2011
Published by: Grand Daisy Press

Ten-year-old Nathan Rockledge cannot catch a break. After all, life as a fourth-grader can be hazardous what with science projects to deal with and recess football games to avoid. Everyone, including his best friend Tommy, seems to have bad luck when hanging around Nathan. Throw in an older sister who is a royal pain, a dad who is stuck in the past, and a mom who keeps trying to poison him with her awful cooking, and poor Nathan’s life as a fourth grader appears to be completely doomed. Armed only with his sketchpad, his imagination, and his wits, Nathan Rockledge navigates the perils of the fourth grade in style, to emerge heroic, as Nate Rocks, proving that even a ten-year-old can accomplish great things. Follow the quirky and imaginative adventures of ten-year-old Nathan Rockledge as his cartoons come to life.

My thoughts:
Poor Nathan. He has a big sister who is a pain and a mom who cannot cook or sew but still insists on making his lunches and his Halloween costumes. He also has to put up with a science project partner who tells her mom everything, who then in turn tells his mom. Is it any wonder he likes to lose himself in his imagination and his sketching? Unfortunately for Nate, he doesn't always get good ideas when his cartoons come to life.

I found Nate Rocks the World to be cute and funny. It reminded me of Diary of a Wimpy Kid, but without the illustrations. There is a surprise ending that I did not see coming. This book is geared for approximately ages 7 to 12. In some places, it may be just a little too detailed for the attention spans of the younger ones, and they may lose interest. However, overall, this is a great book to read with the kids in the younger range and for the older kids who enjoy chapter books. It would be very easy for kids this age to relate to Nate. Especially if they also have big imaginations. Wait, what kid doesn't?

You can connect with Karen on her website, Twitter and Facebook. 

A copy of this book was provided by the author.