INTERNATIONAL GIVEAWAY (3 Signed Copies) Connected: Discovering Your Inner Guides {Seema Desai}

INTERNATIONAL GIVEAWAY (3 Signed Copies) Connected: Discovering Your Inner Guides {Seema Desai}

Goodreads Synopsis of Connected: Discovering Your Inner Guides {Seema Desai}:

What if you could…

make life easier and more fun?
create choices for yourself, even when it feels like there aren’t any?
discover something so powerful about yourself that it changes your life?
show up with more kindness, patience, and understanding, and inspire others to do the same?
make this world a better place?

It all starts with going on a journey inside yourself, to an entire world you didn’t know existed. It is about building a connection between your inner and outer worlds, so that you can do all of these things, and so much more.

Are you ready to be CONNECTED?

“Connected” is all about teaching kids and their families how to navigate their emotions. It is a practical guide to understanding powerful concepts that alleviate the stress and challenge in tough situations. The book also includes tools and tips to help children become advocates for their mental and emotional well-being in productive ways, as well as thought-provoking questions to encourage young readers to think about how these tools would be uniquely relatable to them. Written to inspire children to become empathetic leaders and creative solution-seekers, “Connected” is a book that helps them not only understand themselves better, but also those around them.

My Thoughts on Connected: Discovering Your Inner Guides {Seema Desai}:

I absolutely love this book.

Is it written for children? Yes. Do I think that an adult would gain just as much out of these beautiful lessons as a child would? Absolutely yes. I speak from personal experience!

This book really breaks down all of the different types of emotions, WHY you feel these emotions, how you can CONNECT to those emotions, and how you can then take those emotions and use them to empower your feelings. It discusses “guides” and how these “guides” can help you to solve a problem by working independently or with other “guides” (a few examples of “guides” include: curiosity, balance, empathy, and strength). By staying connected to these inner guides, you will be able to problem solve and therefore work through whatever emotion you are feeling. Brilliant.

The beautiful handwritten inscription written inside of my copy!

This book teaches that every emotion is justified, every emotion is valid, and every emotion is important. Such important (and beautiful) lessons.

Perhaps my favorite section of this book is the section that gives (and explains) HOW to stay connected with your inner guides. Keeping a gratitude journal, putting things into perspective, and mentally replaying situations are just a few examples given (and thoroughly explained) on how to do this. I love that big concepts are taught in such a simplistic and child friendly way. EVERY child (and every adult!) would definitely benefit from the lessons taught in this book. What a wonderful world it would be if everyone was able to follow the lessons taught in this book!

The book itself is quite short and can easily be read in 1 sitting. Perfect for children, perfect for adults!

***Pro Tip***

Have a highlighter handy while reading. I highlighted SO MUCH of the information in this book to refer back to. Such beautiful and helpful tips! Who couldn’t use information like this??

A Conversation With Seema Desai, in Her Own Words:

What inspired you to write Connected: Discovering Your Inner Guides?

 Several years ago, I found myself in quite a surprising tough spot. I felt stuck, unfulfilled, and really unhappy–despite looking like I had it all from the outside. I was not leading the life I knew I was capable of living, and importantly, I wasn’t the parent I knew I could be. I often felt angry, succumbing to punishments and time-outs in order to “gain control” of my son. I was completely disconnected from life, living in a fog of guilt, exhaustion, and depression. Desperate for help and unsure where to go or what to do, I found yoga and decided to give it a try.

I often say yoga saved my life, but what really helped my break through to my deepest joys and successes was coaching. I found coaching about three years ago, and once I began to learn incredibly powerful concepts and experience Self Actualization (all the concepts of yoga applied into real, modern life outside of the poses), I started to let go of some of the anger and guilt that had been weighing me down for so long. I couldn’t help but imbibe these concepts and infuse them into my every thought and action, and pretty soon, I was teaching my two young children about the Guides and the Guards and how they can help us or hold us back. The results were so dramatic, that I thought, “Why aren’t we teaching ALL kids these concepts?” We started to communicate with a lot more empathy, and my kids were kinder to each other and themselves when they faced challenges. Importantly, they felt empowered to hold each family member accountable in a loving way, so that we wound up connecting on a level far beyond what I ever dreamed was possible. My marriage improved, as did my relationships with people outside of my family.

When the pandemic hit, I took it as an opportunity to really drive home the concepts of the Guides and Guards, and when The Jai Jais asked me to write a book they could publish, I knew exactly what I wanted to write about.

It is my sincere hope that “Connected: Discovering Your Inner Guides” helps children and their families the way it has helped mine, so that we can raise a generation of empathetic adults who lead with kindness, peace, and compassion.

What would you say would be the biggest benefit for anyone (children or adults) looking to connect with their inner guides?

The biggest benefit for the reader, regardless of age, is a greater understanding of the Self and the world around them. This understanding leads to leveling up to sustainable, lasting connections with others, and a deep sense of inner peace, purpose, and joy.

As a parent, we all want meaningful relationships with our kids–relationships filled with trust and understanding. “Connected” gives kids and their caretakers a common language by which to communicate, as well as thought-provoking questions designed to facilitate conversation and fuel connection.

Where can your book be purchased?

Amazon and Barnes and Noble, as well as Foyles and Waterstone (if you’re based in the UK).

***GIVEAWAY DETAILS***

Would you like to win a signed copy of Connected: Discovering Your Inner Guides? I have 3 signed copies to give away!  If you are a US resident, your signed book will be mailed directly to you. If you are an international follower, an ebook will be emailed to you.

To be entered, just leave a comment below (on this blog post)!  Your comment can be about anything!

**You must comment below to be eligible for the giveaway and you must comment here on this blog post (not on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram)**

Giveaway will close tomorrow (9/22) at 6:00 pm CDT and the 3 winners will be randomly chosen and announced here on my blog on Friday (9/23).

I will post a video here on Friday of me choosing the winners!

Good luck!  Can’t wait to read your comments!

Xo,

Jenny

This blog is my favorite hobby and I would so love your support!  Here are ways you can help my blog to GROW:

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The 13 best books I read in 2021 can be found HERE

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My 2nd Audiobook…Which Book Did I Select?

My 2nd Audiobook…Which Book Did I Select?

FAVORITE SEASON! FAVORITE WEATHER!
Snow Happy ❄️

I have been on the library waitlist for this one for WEEKS and my name doesn’t appear to be moving up anytime soon. My new hobby is proving yet again that audiobooks can be SO much easier to get a hold of (although you really aren’t holding anything? I digress.). As soon as I finished listening to my last audiobook, I immediately started the search for my next audiobook. I typed in the title of this one and…IT. WAS. THERE. Just waiting for me to download. It took 5 seconds. Audible FOR THE WIN.

My 2nd Audiobook:

Picture Credit: Goodreads

Goodreads Synopsis of Reminders of Him {Colleen Hoover}:

After serving five years in prison for a tragic mistake, Kenna Rowan returns to the town where it all went wrong, hoping to reunite with her four-year-old daughter. But the bridges Kenna burned are proving impossible to rebuild. Everyone in her daughter’s life is determined to shut Kenna out, no matter how hard she works to prove herself.

The only person who hasn’t closed the door on her completely is Ledger Ward, a local bar owner and one of the few remaining links to Kenna’s daughter. But if anyone were to discover how Ledger is slowly becoming an important part of Kenna’s life, both would risk losing the trust of everyone important to them.

The two form a connection despite the pressure surrounding them, but as their romance grows, so does the risk. Kenna must find a way to absolve the mistakes of her past in order to build a future out of hope and healing.

I will post my thoughts as soon as I finish listening! Have you read this one? I’d love to hear your thoughts but ABSOLUTELY NO SPOILERS PLEASE!

Mia and Nattie: One Great Team Giveaway Winners Video:

Thank you so much to everyone who entered! I hope you are having a wonderful day and are reading (or listening) to a wonderful book!

Xo,

Jenny


This blog is my favorite hobby and I would so love your support!  Here are ways you can help my blog to GROW:

*Please share this page with your book and blog loving friends!*

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The 13 best books I read in 2021 can be found HERE

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**INTERNATIONAL CHILDREN’S BOOK GIVEAWAY (5 copies)** Mia and Nattie: One Great Team {Marlene M. Bell}

*INTERNATIONAL CHILDREN’S BOOK GIVEAWAY (5 copies)* Mia and Nattie: One Great Team {Marlene M. Bell}

Oh I’m SO excited about today’s giveaway! This gorgeous book is so, so special and I have 5 signed copies (and each book will come with a character plushie) to give away!

Goodreads Synopsis of Mia and Nattie: One Great Team {Marlene M. Bell}:

Nattie’s mouth was a little crooked. Her legs were a bit shorter than usual, and one horn was too straight, like a unicorn’s horn. But Mia thought Nattie was perfect.

In a read-aloud picture book for children who love animals, award-winning writer and sheep breeder Marlene M. Bell presents Nattie the lamb’s true story. MIA AND NATTIE is a heartwarming book that teaches readers about problem-solving, teamwork, and love.

On a visit to her grandma’s farm, eight-year-old Mia discovers a newborn, orphaned lamb outside in the cold and takes her to the laundry room, naming her Nattie. As she tries to nurse the lamb back to health, Mia discovers that Nattie is different from the other lambs and struggles to fit in with them like Mia does with other kids her age.

When her grandmother says she will sell Nattie to a neighbor, Mia must come up with a plan to keep her friend around—one that will show the family just how special Nattie truly is. 

My Thoughts on Mia and Nattie: One Great Team {Marlene M. Bell}:

When my husband walked into our kitchen and handed me the package that had come in the mail that day, I eagerly ripped it open and pulled out this beautiful book! BOTH of my kids immediately grabbed it from my hands and asked me to read it with them. I think this book might hold the record for length of time it took me from receiving it to reading it…I legitimately started reading this book within 10 seconds of me opening it’s package 🙂

With each turn of the page, my kids and I fell more and more in love with this beautiful story.

This is a story of friendship, inclusivity, and confidence. This is a story of not giving up on friends, and believing in the power of helpfulness. This is a BEAUTIFUL story. I had tears in my eyes as I was reading this aloud to my kids and it led to a really powerful discussion once we had turned the last page.

Although Nattie wasn’t perfect, she was an important member of this farm with an important job. Mia was able to see right through her flaws and found her the most perfect job of all. Just as Nattie didn’t seem to fit in with the other sheep on the farm, Mia didn’t seem to fit in with the other children of her age. Together they were able to find a way of fitting in and realizing the importance each had and the gifts each possessed. What a powerful life lesson. I truly love this book so much 🙂

The pictures in this book are STUNNING. Look at how adorable and colorful these pictures are! As we were reading, both of my children commented on how cute the pictures were. Here are a few of our favorites:

Here is a trailer of the book straight from the author’s website:

So beautiful, right???

I have corresponded with MANY authors over the years and I must say that Marlene M. Bell is LOVELY. She’s so kind and so generous. I adore her book and knowing what a wonderful person the author is makes me adore her beautiful book even more 🙂 I’m so happy to be able to share this wonderful book with you today.

Each book that I’m giving away today will be signed by Marlene Bell 🙂

A Conversation with Marlene M. Bell, in her own words:

What ages would be the ideal readers for your book?

That will depend upon if the youngster is reading the book alone, or if someone is reading to them out loud. Ages 4 to 8 is the most Ideal for reading Mia and Nattie without an adult to answer questions.

How did you create the idea for your book?

The idea for the picture book came naturally because Natalie used to be our nanny and babysit the bottle lambs we had each lambing season. She fell into the job by accident. Natalie was alone because she was too small to run with the other sheep. Because lambs like to pal around with others, I didn’t worry about the bottle lambs who had lost their mothers being alone outdoors when I couldn’t be there. Natalie (Nattie in the book,) was alone too, so she also liked to stay close to the baby lambs. She acted like their mom when I wasn’t around. It was a good arrangement for everyone!

What life lessons do you hope children (and adults!) will take away from Mia and Nattie?

No matter how small or different we are from each other, we all have our own special gifts and belong together. Love without limits and receive love in return.

Where can your book be purchased?

Mia and Nattie is available in hardbound book as well as eBook on Amazon    https://www.amazon.com/Mia-Nattie-One-Great-Team-ebook/dp/B08KPL6JKB

Signed copies of the hardbound book are also available on the author’s sheep gifts website at: https://www.texassheep.com/index.php/gift-shop/product/mia-and-nattie-one-great-team

A Nattie Character Plushie is also available on the author website page direct:  https://www.marlenembell.com/books/title/mia-and-nattie-one-great-team

Any additional information that you would like to provide about you or your book:

In 2022, I’ll be working on the sequel to Mia and Nattie: One Great Team. Nattie will help her Texas friend, Zane the nine-banded armadillo find something he’s lost.

***GIVEAWAY DETAILS***

Would you like to win a signed copy of Mia and Nattie: One Great Team? I have 5 signed copies (AND each book will come with a character plushie) OR electronic copies to give away (your choice)!  This giveaway is open to US as well as international readers 🙂

To be entered, just leave a comment below (on this blog post)!  Your comment can be about anything!

**You must comment below to be eligible for the giveaway and you must comment here on this blog post (not on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram)**

Giveaway will close tomorrow (2/8/22) at 6:00 pm CDT and the 5 winners will be randomly chosen and announced here on my blog on Wednesday (2/9/22).

I will post a video here on Wednesday of me choosing the winners!

Good luck!  Can’t wait to read your comments!

Xo,

Jenny

This blog is my favorite hobby and I would so love your support!  Here are ways you can help my blog to GROW:

*Please share this page with your book and blog loving friends!*

*Please share this page with your book and blog loving friends!*

*Subscribe with your email address to my blog (scroll all the way to the bottom of this page on mobile devices OR check the top right of this screen to enter your email address)*

*If you already have a blog, please “follow” mine*

*”Like” my Facebook page (and please comment on, “like”, and share my posts)*

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*Clicking and buying products through my Amazon Affiliate links.  The cost to you is exactly the same and I receive a tiny commission off of your purchases.*

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The 13 best books I read in 2021 can be found HERE

Book Coffee Happy’s 12 most viewed posts of 2021 can be found HERE

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**Childrens Book Giveaway** The Gift of Time {Kendra Esbrook}

I am BEYOND excited to review and host a giveaway for this beautiful book today! Everything about Kendra Esbrook’s The Gift of Time speaks directly to my heart. For years my husband and I have been asking our family members and friends to give our kids “experiences” for birthdays and holidays, even providing them with a list of ideas! As every parent knows, toys get played with for about 5 minutes and then quickly get forgotten but spending time with those you love….those memories last forever.

Synopsis of The Gift of Time {Kendra Esbrook}:

My Review of The Gift of Time {Kendra Esbrook}:

There aren’t enough words for me to use to describe how much I absolutely adore this book.

The perfect rhyming, the adorable pictures, the BEAUTIFUL message…all of it combines to create an absolutely wonderful children’s book that would be a perfect addition to any child’s library or classroom.

Spending quality time together is always number 1 in our house. My husband and I work so hard to create special memories for our kids. Sometimes they are elaborate….family vacations, etc. Sometimes they are simple…picnic lunches on our trampoline, etc. You don’t need to spend a lot of money to create beautiful and meaningful memories! Last week I let my daughter do my makeup and her and I literally laughed together the entire time. Let’s just say that the end result was that my face did NOT look perfect but the memory of those giggles from both of us and the quality time we spent together…PERFECT 🙂

Some of my absolute favorite memories of spending time with my children include baking together, playing in the snow together, cuddling on our couch while watching tv, and taking walks together around our neighborhood. Sometimes even the simplest of activities can turn into the most special memories 🙂

Teaching our kids that spending time together should always the most important thing has been something that my husband and I have felt strongly about since day 1. The Gift of Time exemplifies this in the very best of ways. Such a beautiful book with such a beautiful message! Children should understand from the youngest of ages that spending time with those they love is the greatest gift of all. A book such as The Gift of Time is such a perfect way to lead into a discussion about this with a child.

This book would make the perfect gift for any child in your life! Your own child, grandchild, niece, nephew, friend…any special child in your life would absolutely love the gift of this book and the opportunity to spend quality time with you.

And a bonus of gifting your time to a child? Not only do THEY receive those special memories of spending time together…but YOU also receive those special memories as well 🙂

Today is my son’s 5th birthday and this book is one of his gifts! Something tells me that it will be his favorite one 🙂 I love that this book has a page for you to write your gift. Such a special keepsake!

We can’t wait for him to open it so we can to read it to him!

I am a HUGE fan of Kendra Esbrook. I reviewed her first book A Bag for Santa on my blog 2 years ago and I LOVED that book and it’s beautiful message. You can read my post all about A Bag for Santa HERE. I’m already excited about book #3!!!

A Conversation with Kendra Esbrook About Her Newest Book, The Gift of Time:

What ages would be the ideal readers for your book?

2-10 but even adults can appreciate the lesson

How did you create the idea for your book?

We are strong believers in experiences over things, I wanted kids to appreciate how special time together can be. I also made sure to have ideas in the book that didn’t cost any money so readers would be inspired by free time together.

What are some examples of “gifts of time” that parents could provide for their children?

Movie night at home with popcorn

A trip to a favorite place or new place

Ice cream date 

Family bike ride

Picnic

Tea party

A trip to a new or favorite location 

Set up a tent in the living room and have a sleepover 

Baking together 

Making a fairy garden together 

Park hopping 

Create a treasure map and follow to a prize

Write and illustrate a book together 

Where can your book be purchased?
https://kendraesbrook.bigcartel.com
And digital copy on amazon 
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08KZJZ4N9/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_7N4NWVEH8VFY5VK3YB3B

Any additional information that you would like to provide about you or your book:

This is my second book, check out A Bag For Santa. And be on the lookout for a 3rd book coming 2022!

***GIVEAWAY DETAILS***

Would you like to win a copy of The Gift of Time? I have 1 signed copy to give away (open to US only for this giveaway)!  

To be entered, just leave a comment below (on this blog post)!  Your comment can be about anything!

**You must comment below to be eligible for the giveaway and you must comment here on this blog post (not on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram)**

Giveaway will close tomorrow (2/25/20) at 6:00 pm CDT and the winner will be randomly chosen and announced here on my blog on Friday (2/26/20).

Make sure you check the blog on Friday to see if you’ve won (you will have 48 hours from the time I post the winner to email me the mailing address where you would like your book sent.  If I don’t hear from you within 48 hours, I will pick a new winner).

Good luck!  Can’t wait to read your comments!

Xo,

Jenny

This blog is my favorite hobby and I would so love your support!  Here are ways you can help my blog to GROW:

*Please share this page with your book and blog loving friends!*

*Please share this page with your book and blog loving friends!*

*Subscribe with your email address to my blog (scroll all the way to the bottom of this page on mobile devices OR check the top right of this screen to enter your email address)*

*If you already have a blog, please “follow” mine*

*”Like” my Facebook page (and please comment on, “like”, and share my posts)*

*Follow me on Instagram*

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*Clicking and buying products through my Amazon Affiliate links.  The cost to you is exactly the same and I receive a tiny commission off of your purchases.*

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The 12 best books that I read in 2020 can be found HERE

The ultimate list of my top book suggestions can be found HERE

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Random Book Blogger Thoughts

I have so many random thoughts to share with you today that I decided to dedicate an entire post to them, lol. I actually think I will do this as a regular series on Book Coffee Happy 🙂 Welcome to the the first installment of Random Book Blogger Thoughts!

Thank You

Thank you so much for all of your kind comments on my LAST POST. To be completely transparent, I was nervous to write that post and after I finally did write it…I almost deleted it before posting. I was very worried that I was going to come across as insincere and that was absolutely NOT my intention! I was so pleasantly surprised to see that I am not the only one who feels the way that I do. Book related discussions are so amazing and some of the comments on that post brought up such excellent points! I would still love to hear from the other side but I completely respect why you might not want to comment on this topic.

Book I Recently Read

I finished reading Kelly Yang’s Parachutes yesterday. I’ll post my review here next week…stay tuned!

A Book Poll

Thank you to everyone who has answered my poll on Instagram! SO many of you did and I appreciate the advice! I have these 2 books both currently checked out of the library and I truly couldn’t decide which to read next…I’ve heard great things about both! Here are the final results! Excited to start reading Invisible Girl tonight 🙂

My Daughter’s Homework

My daughter’s 3rd grade teacher has assigned each student to read for 20 minutes each day and it has quickly turned into one of my favorite times of the entire day! She grabs a book, I grab a book, my son grabs a book, and the 3 of us cuddle up and silently read for 20 minutes. I light a candle and have a mug of steaming coffee. HEAVEN. I promised her that whenever she needs to read for homework, I will ALWAYS join her! I love, love, love this time in the day. NOTE: The second that 20 minute timer goes off, my children literally RUN out of the room…but you KNOW Mama stays and finishes whatever chapter she’s in the middle of, lol.

This Book Blogger’s Biggest Fan

Nobody on Earth has a more wonderful father than I. He reads every single post I write and always has such wonderful and supportive things to say. I LOVE YOU, DAD!

Children’s Book Giveaway

I have an AWESOME giveaway coming up on Wednesday for a BEAUTIFUL children’s book! This book truly speaks directly to my heart and I’m so excited to share it with you! Be sure to check back here on Wednesday for your chance to win.

Your turn…tell me something random in the comments below!

Xo,

Jenny

This blog is my favorite hobby and I would so love your support!  Here are ways you can help my blog to GROW:

*Please share this page with your book and blog loving friends!*

*Please share this page with your book and blog loving friends!*

*Subscribe with your email address to my blog (scroll all the way to the bottom of this page on mobile devices OR check the top right of this screen to enter your email address)*

*If you already have a blog, please “follow” mine*

*”Like” my Facebook page (and please comment on, “like”, and share my posts)*

*Follow me on Instagram*

*Follow me on Twitter*

*Subscribe to my YouTube channel*

*Clicking and buying products through my Amazon Affiliate links.  The cost to you is exactly the same and I receive a tiny commission off of your purchases.*

*Leaving a positive review on my Facebook page*

The ultimate list of my top book suggestions can be found HERE

The 12 best books I read in 2020 can be found HERE

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GIVEAWAY (12 WINNERS)! Zin Mignon and the Secret of the Pickled Pigs’ Feet {Michael Daswick}

When Michael Daswick reached out to tell me about his Zin Mignon book series, I knew this was a book series that my entire family would love! When book #1, Zin Mignon and the Secret of The Pickled Pigs’ Feet, arrived in my mailbox…I couldn’t wait to “dig in”! I’m so excited to host this amazing giveaway today where there will be 12 WINNERS!

Photo credit: Michael Daswick

Our family LOVES watching cooking competitions, especially when they involve children chefs. Food Network’s Kids Baking Championship is our absolute favorite and we have faithfully watched every single season. Over the summer, my daughter had a chance to attend a virtual cooking lesson from Valerie Bertinelli (the host of Kids Baking Championship) and it was so cool! Total once in a lifetime opportunity for her and she loved every single second. If you haven’t watched Kids Baking Championship, it’s such a wonderful show. Our other favorite is Be Our Chef on Disney Plus. Children chefs are amazing!

Best day. Valerie taught my daughter how to make an asparagus frittata!

Synopsis from Goodreads of Zin Mignon and the Secret of The Pickled Pigs’ Feet (Michael Daswick}:

11 year old genius Chef Zin Mignon is in a horrific pickle. He’s been kidnapped from Le Cordon Bleu cooking school in Paris by the mysterious Mustard Monks and spirited away to their ultra-remote mountaintop abbey. In time, he’ll be able to take their daunting Test. If he passes, he may join their secret Order and achieve the culinary success he’s always dreamed of. If he fails….

The tale of Zin Mignon begins at the bottom of a jar of pickled pigs’ feet in his father’s pathetic Brooklyn deli. A secret note sets him on a world-spinning adventure that takes him through the alleys of the homeless to the tables of billionaires, to discover who he really is and the greatness for which he is destined. As he sets the culinary world on fire, a mix of treacherous rivals feasts on the chance to make his dreams go up in smoke.

In the wildly appetizing first book of the Zin Mignon series, with the help of his family and friends, Zin is off to honor the solemn promise he made to his dad and to learn the incredible secret of his family legacy. With humor, amazing exploits and heartfelt compassion, Zin uses food and his kitchen to build a recipe that will lead him to his true identity. Can he cut the mustard, or is it all just pie in the sky?

My Thoughts on Zin Mignon and the Secret of the Pickled Pigs’ Feet {Michael Daswick}:

I absolutely loved this book and read it over the course of just a few days. I was completely engrossed in this story and in these characters.

This book has a bit of everything. A story of hard work, dedication, compassion, and patience? Check. A bit of mystery? Check. Most of all, this book has such beautiful themes… the importance of family, acceptance, having big dreams, and of always treating others with kindness and respect.

Warning #1: This book will make you HUNGRY. The food that Zin creates are nothing short of spectacular, and his ability to create these magnificant dishes from whatever ingredients he has available to him at the time is truly fantastic.

Warning #2: No matter how good of a cook you think you are, you will absolutely 100 percent doubt yourself when you witness the skills of this child chef. Seriously.

Zin Mignon is the type of book series that you can feel good about your child reading. I can’t wait for my daughter to read this! She is going to love the story, the characters, the food, and as a fun bonus she is going to love the celebrity names mentioned throughout! If I were still an elementary school teacher, I would so love to read this book to my class.

Thank you, Michael Daswick, for sharing Zin with me. I can’t wait to read book #2! I’ve got it sitting here on my desk and it looks wonderful 🙂

A Conversation with Michael Daswick, in His Own Words:

What ages would be the ideal readers for your book?

Zin has a wide crossover audience. The ZIN Series goes against publishing norms in that it’s not directed at a certain age group as much as it’s aimed at any reader who loves food and cooking, humor and mystery. Zin has readers who are eight years old, as well as many moms, dads and grammas who cook with their kids, or want to pass along the joys of food to their families. We have teachers reading these books to their third grade classroom. The books are crammed with pop culture, little jokes and references that only adults will ‘get’; but there’s also plot and many areas that junior readers will love. There’s something for everyone.

How did you create the idea for your book?

Many people know this story. Our daughter Sidney has special needs and uses a wheelchair. Over the years, she loved watching Emeril, Giada, and all the Food Network shows. That love for food led her to our own kitchen where she loves ‘helping’ me cook, directing traffic and making suggestions on her communication device. I’ve written stuff my entire life and one night we were all watching Food Network with Sid when it hit me: With all this interest in Food on TV, Cooking Channel, MasterChef, Chef’s Table and all that, how come there’s never been fictional Series about a 13 year genius chef? The food phenomenon is so big, how come it hasn’t spread to fiction? Well, now it has.

What audience would be most interested in your book?

Food fans, kids who cook, parents and grandparents who cook (or want to cook) with their kids. Readers who watch cooking on TV. ALSO, the books are just solid humor-filled mysteries as well. Anyone who wants a good, well-written story.

Where can your book be purchased?

Amazon, Apple, Barnes n Noble, Scrib’d, Kobo, and others. All the platforms. 

Use 3 adjectives to describe your book:

Original; Funny; Loaded with Humanity. Unexpected. 

Any additional information that you would like to provide about you or your book:


While people might think a ‘food-centric’ topic is light-hearted, these are sophisticated, detailed, very well written novels with great characters who inspire and bring out the best in each other. Family is crucial throughout ZIN. I won both of Columbia’s prestigious literary awards and take the writing business very seriously. 

***GIVEAWAY DETAILS***

Would you like to win a copy of the first book in the series? I have 12 copies (yes 12!) of Zin Mignon and the Secret of the Pickled Pigs’ Feet to give away!!!

There are 2 different ways to enter this giveaway:

  • If you would like to enter to win an ebook: Click HERE and enter your email address. EVERYONE who does this will automatically receive the first 3 chapters for FREE. From those who enter, 10 of you will randomly be chosen to receive the complete ebook sent straight to your inbox! **This option is open to US as well as international readers**
  • If you would like to enter to receive a hard copy: Leave a comment below (about anything)! I will randomly choose 2 people who will receive a signed hard copy. You must comment below to be eligible for the giveaway and you must comment here on this blog post (not on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram). **This option is open to US readers only**

Both giveaway options will close tomorrow (10/20/20) at 6:00 pm CDT and all winners will be randomly chosen and announced here on my blog on Wednesday (10/21/20).

Make sure you check the blog on Wednesday to see if you’ve won (you will have 48 hours from the time I post the winners to email me your mailing address if you are receiving a hard copy.  If I don’t hear from you within 48 hours, I will pick a new winner).

Good luck!

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The ultimate list of my top book suggestions can be found HERE

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