Review – My First Travel Book by Anna Othitis

#Travel&Learn with Author Anna Othitis

 

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The Series
travel, learn, anna, othitis, books, kids, Books On FireAre you ready to take to the skies? Welcome Aboard Children! Come join the adventures of Captain Frankie and his flying angel as they travel across the world to some of the most popular, entertaining, and educational places in the world. Captain Frankie is waiting for you to book your ticket, safely stow your bags, and open your eyes to the beautiful places created for all of us to visit in My First
Travel Book series.
The Cookbook:

travel, learn, anna, othitis, books, kids, Books On FireHave Fun and Enjoy These Greek Recipes “LET’S GET GREEK COOKING NOW”

Natural Traditional Healthy Cooking with flavors from natural herbs.
Nutritional home cooked Greek food has been proved by researchers to lessen health problems. The answer is to cook and eat a wide variety of minimal processed foods to cover all the nutritional bases.
The beauty of genuine Greek cooking and eating is using a good amount of extra virgin olive oil rich in oleic acid. Legumes are rich in vitamins, vegetables high in vitamins and fibres, the probiotics in yogurt, cheeses, antioxidants in red wine, whole wheat breads, cold-pressed vegetable oils along with good exercise such as walking all increase “good” cholesterol and a healthy heart.
Eat moderate portions and now and again spoil yourself with a Greek desert, baked with nuts and semolina.

As served aboard “Angelic Airlines”




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BFF K & Coop’s Review of My First Travel Book

This is so different from my usual reviews! But, here’s the reason. We’re planning a trip in my family. My BFF since the 3rd grade is living in Europe with her family for a year. And, we’re going to visit. I’ve been looking for travel books for my 8-year-old son, Cooper. So, when this dropped into my lap, I jumped on the chance to read it.

Coop and I sat down last night and read through this short story. I would say it’s perfect for an 8-10 year-old, or perhaps younger if they’re an excellent reader. It was a quick read and covered six famous places in the world to visit. Cooper was particularly excited about Big Ben and the Eiffel Tower as we hope to visit those locations on our trip. When we finished the book (in about 15 minutes) I asked him a few questions.

BFF K: What did you like about the book?

Coop: All the different places to visit.

BFF K: What was your favorite place?

Coop: Big Ben

BFF K: Who do you think would like this book?

Coop: Kids, like 8,9,10 year-old kids would like it.

BFF K: What do you think now that you have read the book?

Coop: It makes me want to go visit those places.

And there’s what you want from a good book, something learned and a sense of adventure instilled!

We highly recommend My First Travel Book!

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An advance copy of this book was received from the publisher. Receipt of this copy did not impact the independence or content of this review.

 

An Author Interview

Why did you decide to write a book? (Why do you write?)

I decided to write because I love teaching young children and giving them my knowledge. Children have to be taught to read from a young age and they love books, they have curious little minds.
How long have you been writing? (Did you write at school? Did you start recently?
I started writing at a young age, but I only published a few years ago when I came to the USA children were curious and had questions of the world beyond them, they did not realise and know that there was a world bigger than theirs.
How do you think you’ve evolved as a writer since you’ve started? (what have you learnt?)

I have learnt to be patient when it comes to selling and learnt that a lot of tweeting and push is needed to get my work and books known. We did not have this technology in Africa, so this was all new to me. Self publishing is also something I learnt to do.
Do you do a lot of research when writing a book? (if so, explain how or what you did)

Yes I do as I like and have to get my facts right as I am writing for children that are absorbing interesting information in my books.
Where do you draw your inspiration from? (what drives you creatively)

I draw my inspiration from our son Captain Frankie who is the main character in our children’s travel books and from my family in general as well as my autistic student children that I love to teach and read to.
Anna, Books, On, Fire, Tours, kids, books, pilot, tavel
The Real Captain Frankie!
Can you relate to any of your own stories? (Give a personal explanation if you can!)

Yes when I travelled to Greece at a young age I was curious and fascinated that one could see other parts of the world and fly in the sky with an aeroplane. I loved discovering and being adventurous, curious about other cultures around the world.
What draws you to this genre? (why do you prefer to write the stories you do?)

I love to teach the children of the world and especially the unfortunate children of Africa who are unable to travel to the rest of the world due to poverty. They love to learn and hear about the world and beyond them. They love to watch aeroplanes flying above and wonder where they fly to and their purpose of being in the deep blue skies.
How many books have you written?

I have written 4 children’s books and two Greek recipe books.
What is your favourite quote from a book?
Watch with glittering eyes the whole world around you, because the greatest secrets are always hidden in the most unlikely places. Those who don’t who don’t believe in magic will never find it. – The Minpins by Roald Dahl”
Any tips for aspiring authors?

Be proud of your work and never let anyone bring you down you have a unique talent and work on it. “Be bold and be Brave” my favourite quote in life.

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Author's Top 10 Places To Travel To
Zimbabwe
Greece
Montreal
Toronto
Paris
New York
South Africa
England
Mexico
Mauritius



Giveaway

 

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The two (2) people with the most tweets will be chosen as the winners!
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About the Author

Anna Othitis lived and was raised in the beautiful land and country of Zimbabwe, Africa (home will always be home. She left all of her life long memories, endless charity work and good people behind vowing that she will continue supporting the needy children in her land Zimbabwe, Africa and beyond.

Her husband George, sons Johnny, Elia and Frankie encouraged her to write her first children’s book titled “My First Travel Book”, inspired by Frankie (Captain Frankie), who is graduating from his Masters degree in Aeronautical Science and beginning his career as a professional pilot. Anna’s favourite saying is “Be Bold Be Brave”.
She was inspired to write her children’s books with a vision to link up the children of the world with magical flights to so many beautiful places of interest and popularity on our wonderful planet Earth with all its beautiful some natural and some man made creations and resources. One of the beautiful natural wonders featured in her books is in her birth land of Zimbabwe “The Mighty Victoria Falls” All of her books educate our children and widen their scope of interest in the amazing surroundings, creations and nature to appreciate and look after our environment for many generations still to come.
So come along and fly these magical flights with Captain Frankie and Anna!



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REVIEW – As Long As You Love Me by Ann Aguirre

As Long As You Love Me

Amazon | B&N iTunes

 

AS LONG AS YOU LOVE ME Synopsis:

Most people dream about getting out of Sharon, Nebraska, but after three years away, Lauren Barrett is coming home. There are the justifications she gives to everyone else—missing her family, losing her college scholarship. And then there’s the reason Lauren can’t admit to anyone: Rob Conrad, her best friend’s older brother.

Football prowess and jaw-dropping good looks made Rob a star in high school. Out in the real world, his job and his relationships are going nowhere. He can’t pinpoint exactly what’s missing until Lauren comes back to town, bringing old feelings and new dreams with her. But he’s the guy that women love and leave—not the one who makes them think of forever.

Though she’s terrified of opening up, Lauren’s ready to take that chance. Because the only thing more important than figuring out where you truly belong is finding the person you were meant to be with.

BFF K’s Review

rating_4_80I’ll be honest…..I asked to be a part of this blog tour because the heroine in this book is from Nebraska. NEBRASKA! I’m a Nebraska-Girl and I could NOT pass up the chance to read a book that is set in our state. BONUS: the series is fun, sweet and a delight to read!

Lauren and Rob have a charming story with some unexpected twists and turns. Both Rob and Lauren are flawed, but their flaws are much more vivid internally than externally. Their relationship allows both of them grow and mature into better versions of themselves. I really liked that the relationship was equal, built on shared history and seemed really healthy for both of them.

There were some very sweet, semi-steamy scenes that seemed perfect for the story. I even liked the peripheral stories about Lauren’s friends and family. This is a GREAT read and I can’t wait until the next book in the series!

 

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Grab the whole series today!

2B Trilogy

I WANT IT THAT WAY

AS LONG AS YOU LOVE ME

THE SHAPE OF MY HEART

 

 

Author PhotoAbout Ann Aguirre:

Ann Aguirre is a New York Times & USA Today bestselling author and RITA winner with a degree in English Literature; before she began writing full time, she was a clown, a clerk, a voice actress, and a savior of stray kittens, not necessarily in that order. She grew up in a yellow house across from a cornfield, but now she lives in sunny Mexico with her husband, children, and various pets. Ann likes books, emo music, action movies, and she writes all kinds of genre fiction for adults and teens, published with Harlequin, Macmillan, and Penguin, among others.

 

 

 

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New Release – As Long As You Love Me by Ann Aguirre

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We are absolutely ecstatic to bring you the Release Day Launch for Ann Aguirre’s AS LONG AS YOU LOVE ME! AS LONG AS YOU LOVE ME is the second novel in Ann’s New Adult Contemporary Romance 2B Trilogy Series, published by Harlequin HQN! If you haven’t already read I WANT IT THAT WAY buy it NOW.

We can’t wait for you all to read it so you can dish with us about it! BFF K’s Review Coming on October 5!

As Long As You Love Me

Amazon | B&N iTunes

 

AS LONG AS YOU LOVE ME Synopsis:

Most people dream about getting out of Sharon, Nebraska, but after three years away, Lauren Barrett is coming home. There are the justifications she gives to everyone else—missing her family, losing her college scholarship. And then there’s the reason Lauren can’t admit to anyone: Rob Conrad, her best friend’s older brother.

Football prowess and jaw-dropping good looks made Rob a star in high school. Out in the real world, his job and his relationships are going nowhere. He can’t pinpoint exactly what’s missing until Lauren comes back to town, bringing old feelings and new dreams with her. But he’s the guy that women love and leave—not the one who makes them think of forever.

Though she’s terrified of opening up, Lauren’s ready to take that chance. Because the only thing more important than figuring out where you truly belong is finding the person you were meant to be with.

ALAYLM Teaser 2

AS LONG AS YOU LOVE ME on Goodreads

 

EXCERPT:

Mom was asleep, so I checked my email. I had the usual spam, plus notes from all my former roomies, which made me happy. I missed all of them, even Max, though things were unspeakably awkward between us at the end. I opened Nadia’s first:

LB! You know I miss you like crazy, right? Courtney’s in your bed right now, and she has completely alphabetized my books. I’m pretty sure there will be a lending library program implemented the next time I get home from work. So how’s Nebraska? Did you find a job yet? Have you started applying to any schools? I have like ten more questions but you’ll get grumpy if I dump them on you all at once. Hug and kiss my family for me, okay? Write back soon or I’m sending my brother to track you down.

She didn’t mention the hot single dad she’d broken up with right before I left. Mr. Hot Ginger had dumped Nadia for her own good, which would drive her quietly crazy. I’d felt horrible about the timing, but there was little I could do about it. I hadn’t gotten to know him well before I left, but Ty seemed like a good guy. He was only a few years older than us, but already had a four-year-old. That was the crux of the conflict.

Writing back, I didn’t quite nail the tone, talking about Rob too much and inventing interesting anecdotes because there was so little going on. I could’ve mentioned Krista, but Nadia had never been as close to her, and there was some tension by the time she moved. Mostly I didn’t want Nadia to worry; things would be fine once I got a job and had less time to fret about whether I’d made the right decision.

I opened Angus’s email next:

Hey, you. Got your check. It appears not to be rubber, but I said you didn’t have to pay me back. I hate you for leaving. Come back right now. I’ll wait. This is me, waiting. It’s been at least five minutes. You’re shattering my faith in humanity, Lauren. Take responsibility for it! Not sure what you’ve heard from Nadia, but she’s such a hot mess. I can’t believe you abandoned us. All the light has left my life. All of it! Okay, enough drama. I’m working on getting over Josh. Classes suck but I will survive. (You’re singing it now, aren’t you?)

“Damn you, Angus Starr. You know me too well.” I got up on my bed with a hairbrush and sang two verses before reading on.

In all seriousness, there is a Lauren-sized hole in my life. Please don’t lose touch. Write soon. Love and hugs, Angus.

It was simpler writing back to Angus; our friendship was sweet and uncomplicated. Briefly I considered deleting Max’s email without opening it, but that seemed like an asshole move. In the end, I read it, two lines only:

I’m sorry about everything. Take care of yourself.

 

Grab the whole series today!

2B Trilogy

I WANT IT THAT WAY

AS LONG AS YOU LOVE ME

THE SHAPE OF MY HEART

 

 

Author PhotoAbout Ann Aguirre:

Ann Aguirre is a New York Times & USA Today bestselling author and RITA winner with a degree in English Literature; before she began writing full time, she was a clown, a clerk, a voice actress, and a savior of stray kittens, not necessarily in that order. She grew up in a yellow house across from a cornfield, but now she lives in sunny Mexico with her husband, children, and various pets. Ann likes books, emo music, action movies, and she writes all kinds of genre fiction for adults and teens, published with Harlequin, Macmillan, and Penguin, among others.

 

 

 

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REVIEW – I Want It That Way by Ann Aguirre

Nadia Conrad has big dreams, and she’s determined to make them come true. But between maintaining her college scholarship and working at the local day care to support herself, dating’s the last thing on her mind. Then she moves into a new apartment and meets the taciturn yet irresistible guy in 1B….

Daniel Tyler has grown up too fast. Becoming a single dad at twenty turned his life upside down—and brought him heartache he can’t risk again. Now, as he raises his four-year-old son while balancing a full-time construction management job and night classes, the last thing he wants is noisy students living in the apartment upstairs. But one night, Nadia’s and Ty’s paths cross, and soon they can’t stay away from each other.

The timing is all wrong—but love happens when it happens. And you can’t know what you truly need until you stand to lose it.

BFF K’s Review

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Ahhhh, Nadia and Ty! What a wonderful little love story! Nadia is a hard-working, nose to the grindstone, college student. She’s the star of the family and feels the pressure of performing up to everyone’s expectations. She moves into a new apartment and is drawn to the handsome guy in the downstairs apartment. (Warning, this book may or may not have you googling “Hot Ginger Men”… Just saying!)

The way that Nadia and Ty meet and get to know one another is very sweet and you’ll enjoy reading about their burgeoning friendship. Nadia soon finds herself in the middle of Ty’s life no matter how hard he tries to keep her on the edges. There is some angst over this issue, but it resolves into a touching and wonderful Happily Ever After! And, perhaps it’s just the mom-side of me, but there’s something about a hot guy caring for his adorable son; it’s one of those things that practically makes the ovaries explode!

You’ll also appreciate the way that Aguirre sets up the characters for the next books in the series!

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Link to Purchase: Amazon

 

Grab the whole series today!

2B Trilogy

I WANT IT THAT WAY

AS LONG AS YOU LOVE ME

THE SHAPE OF MY HEART

 

 

Author PhotoAbout Ann Aguirre:

Ann Aguirre is a New York Times & USA Today bestselling author and RITA winner with a degree in English Literature; before she began writing full time, she was a clown, a clerk, a voice actress, and a savior of stray kittens, not necessarily in that order. She grew up in a yellow house across from a cornfield, but now she lives in sunny Mexico with her husband, children, and various pets. Ann likes books, emo music, action movies, and she writes all kinds of genre fiction for adults and teens, published with Harlequin, Macmillan, and Penguin, among others.

 

 

 

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