Santa's Dog by JoAnn Sky, Illustrated by Ed Koehler

(c) Dogs and Books, JoAnn Sky, Ed Koehler

Santa's Dog is a rhyming holiday story for children. The story begins with showing all the different dogs Santa has. But, Lance is Santa's favorite dog.

One year, Lance travels with Santa to deliver presents during Christmas one year and accidentally is left behind! What is a dog to do? Without a way back to Santa, Lance is sent to a shelter to be adopted. He is soon adopted by a family whose father is in the military and is on active duty. While the family is sad without their dad, they show love and kindness to Lance and is loved in return. But, by next Christmas, will Lance stay or go back by Santa? Lance may just be the best gift Santa could provide!

Santa's Dog is a short story that will warm your heart and children will love. It may be a bit long for children younger than 4, who may not want to sit all the way through, but it has colorful and cute drawings that will be sure to entertain children of all ages. The story itself advocates for the adoption of pets, and a portion of each purchase will support animal rescue causes. This is the first in a series of "Santa Dog" book, so be sure to check it out when it is published this upcoming July!

In case you are wondering if there is a real Santa's Dog, be sure to check out Ms. Sky's website below for a real life story!

(c) JoAnn Sky

About the author, JoAnn Sky (visit the Dogs and Books website here):

JoAnn Sky is an award-winning author and two-time Golden Heart® finalist who writes children’s stories as well as young adult and adult contemporary romance. She’s combined her love of books and dogs and her respect for the military in SANTA’S DOG. She hopes you enjoy reading it as much as she has enjoyed creating it. Originally from the Midwest, JoAnn currently lives in northern Nevada with her family and three crazy rescue dogs. You can visit her young adult and contemporary romance novel site at: www.joannsky.com.

(c) Ed Koehler

About the Illustrator, Ed Koehler (visit his website here):
Ed Koehler is an illustrator specializing in fun, lively art for children's books and other products. His work has been published around the world and has received numerous awards. He is a member of the Society of Children's Book Writers & Illustrators and the St. Louis Artists Guild.

The Dark Calling (Arcana Chronicles Book #5) by Kresley Cole

The Arcana Chronicles is about a Louisiana girl named Evie who finds out she has the power to control plants. The end of the world occurs, but the end is only the beginning of a deadly game in which she will have to go against others with powers like her, all with titles and powers to match those on tarot cards. But, Evie doesn't want to be part of the game or understand why everyone hates her, especially Death, who she cannot seem to keep away from.

The Dark Calling is book five of The Arcana Chronicles, the latest installation that fans have been waiting on the edge of their seats for. In an effort to not ruin the story for others, this latest installment takes place after the last cliffhanger ending, with Jack possibly alive (!), Evie pregnant, Death still master of his castle, Lark and Finn finding time for romance, and Paul possibly a traitor (?!). A quick series of events occur at the beginning of the story, leading to Evie to find her way to fix things and deal with the fact that she is soon to become a mother. The story was fast-paced and well written. I ended up devouring the book it within a day.

The first book of The Arcana Chronicles, Poison Princess, is slated to become a TV show, which means there is a lot of action, romance, and drama that is sure to keep you at the edge of your seat. The author, Ms. Kresley Cole, had been in an accident, resulting in four broken bones in her leg. She had to undergo hours of surgery and months of recovery time. I am super happy she is doing better and that she is back to writing with a vengeance! I cannot wait until the next book, in which we will see if the characters find some sort of happy end to the game. Hail Tar Ro!

You can find out more about The Arcana Chronicles (and see the wicked awesome trailer for the second book, Endless Knight) here, and for Ms. Cole's other books, please visit her website here.