Blog Tour, Review, and Giveaway: TaleSpins by Michael Mullin

Tour Schedule

General Analysis

Book Title: TaleSpins (TaleSpins #1-3)

Author: Michael Mullin

Publish Date:  February 2, 2013

Genre:  Fairy Tales, Fantasy

Plot:  This includes three short retellings of popular fairy tales.  These include retellings of Snow White (in the perspective of the "8th dwarf"), the "Frog Prince" and the "giant, thief, and beanstalk" story.

Why I Read this Book: I received a free copy of this book as part of a blog tour hosted by "I Am A Reader Not a Writer" for my honest review.  I have received no compensation for my review.

In Depth Analysis

These stories were unique and interesting retellings.  I wish that there were not inappropriate references (drugs and sexual references), but the stories were worth the read. The characters were surprisingly detailed for such short stories.  The retellings had a good mix of the classic stories that are told to children and original content.  The last story was definitely the best!

Final Statements

Recommended Reading Age:  Although these are marketed to young adult, I recommend them to an adult audience for the few inappropriate references.

Overall Rating:  4/5

Check out the links below to purchase this book.  Also check out the praise for the book and the giveaways below.

Amazon * Barnes & Noble

Praise for Tale Spins

Not usually enamoured of either re-tellings or poetry I was totally taken aback by just how much I relished this trilogy of alternative fairytales and re-tellings aimed at the Young Adult market. ~Tracy (Goodreads)

TaleSpins was like walking into a vintage store and finding a true treasure. This book takes the fairytales we all grew up on and gives them an interesting and modernized version that I enjoyed. ~Rose (Goodreads)



Author Michael Mullin

Michael Mullin is a native New Englander living in Pasadena. He is the author of TaleSpins, a trilogy of alternative fairy tales and retellings for YA readers. TaleSpins stories (in the 1-book collection) are "8: The Previously Untold Story of the Previously Unknown 8th Dwarf"; "The Plight and Plot of Princess Penny"; and "Jack'd". Michael is also the co-author of the successful "Larry Gets Lost" children's book series. His screenplay "Zooing Time" was recognized by the WGA's Written By magazine. Before all this writing, he taught preschool and college, two positions he found disconcertingly similar.
Website * Facebook * Twitter


Tour Giveaways

Giveaway #1 - Open to US only

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Giveaway #2

$25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash

Ends 1/21/14

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Release Day Review of Sinners' Garden by William Sirls

General Analysis

Book Title: Sinners' Garden

Author: William Sirls

Publish Date: December 17, 2013

Genre:  Christian Fiction

Find It Here: Amazon (Affiliate Link)

Plot (from Goodreads):  In a small town where hope and tragedy intermingle, things—and people—are not always what they seem.

Andy Kemp has suffered most of his life from both physical and emotional scars, and he believes that the scars on his face are proof that God doesn’t love him. Andy has grown into a withdrawn teenager, keeping to himself, until his uncle, ex-con Gerald Ripley, shows up and wants to be a mentor to Andy. Rip has turned his life around and wants to do everything he can to help mend Andy’s pain and the rift in his relationship with his sister.

Meanwhile, police officer Heather Gerisch responds to a late-night breaking and entering episode in one of the poorest homes in town. The masked man makes the sign of the cross, escapes, and Heather soon realizes that he has left $5,000 in gift cards to a local grocery store. As the bizarre break-ins continue and Heather pursues the elusive “Summer Santa,” Andy begins to hear strange and beautiful music, and Rip is convinced that he is hearing the voice of God.

As the lives and stories of the townspeople of Benning Township intertwine, extraordinary circumstances emerge and long-kept secrets are revealed.

Why I Read this Book: I was given a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review as part of the Street Team for the book.  I received no compensation for this review.

In Depth Analysis

Have you ever read a book so fast because you wanted to find out what happens in the end? I felt like that when reading The Sinners' Garden . This book is so action packed that I could not put it down. The great plot was not the only amazing part of this book though; the lessons that I learned about God while reading this book are enough to fill another book of my own. I learned more about God's love and that He loves us no matter what our faults are (or what we believe our faults are). God chooses those that are broken as leaders. Moses had a speech impediment, but God chose him to be a great leader. David was an adulterer, but He was also a Man after God's heart. God loves all people and everyone has a special role as part of the Body of Christ. I also learned about how important forgiveness is and how it can change the lives of you and the people around you. It is one of the hardest things to do, but it is also one of the most important things to do in strengthening your relationship with others and your relationship with God. I was also reminded that God is everywhere and a miracle does not have to occur to be able to speak to God. All we have to do is speak and then listen for His response (and sometimes this includes having a little bit, or a lot, of patience).

Not only are the innumerable lessons that can be learned from this book amazing, but the story alone was fantastic.  As the book progresses, the reader begins to learn more and more about the characters and begins to love them.  The mystery of the "Summer Santa" keeps the story suspenseful.  This story follows the lives of so many characters and usually stories that do this end up being confusing and hard to follow, but this book did not disappoint.  I am so glad that I was able to get an unedited ARC of this book and I cannot wait to get my hands on the final, edited version of the book and fall in love with the characters all over again.

Final Statements

Recommended Reading Age:  16+ as there are many topics that may be difficult to understand by a younger audience

Overall Rating:  5/5