New Book Releases and Updates

Good Morning,


I just wanted to send everyone updates about my new releases. Just released in September was Book 4 of The Crypto-Capers Series: The Chest of Mystery. This is the long awaited other half to Book 3 The Legend of the Golden Monkey. The summary of the book is below. Also released this year was my new lower elementary series. It is about animal detectives. The reader will be learning about animals and animal tracks. My website is full of great information. More is going to be added. Books are available through Barnes and Nobles, Amazon .com, my website of course, and other bookstores. Thank you and hope everyone is doing well.

Book 4: The Crypto-Capers in The Chest of Mystery
 
Summary:


THE ASSIGNMENT:

In the conclusion of the search for the Golden Monkey, the Crypto-Capers, Granny, Max, Mia and Morris, find more than what they bargained for. From the very beginning, their resolve will be tested. Having found two of the pieces to open the treasure room in book 3, they soon come to realize they only have half of the puzzle solved. Their search for the other two pieces, will become more exigent. The Panther is hot on their trail, sabotaging them at every turn, like they had done to him in Chichen Itza. Feeling like he is close to finding the Golden Monkey, the Panther sends every accomplice he knows to thwart the detective team from finding the pieces, while at the same time, using their talents and knowledge for his own gain.

In The Chest of Mystery the team will travel across the globe to Pisa, Italy where they will have to fight for their freedom, or be captured by the enemy. They must be one step ahead, but can it be done when the man who holds all the answers disappears without a trace? The Crypto-Capers list of friends begins to dwindle until they realize the answers are right in front of them, all they have to do is look, and believe. Their fate drops in the hands of one boy, Emmanuel Watson, whose history is tied to the chest, but can he find the strength to do what he must, especially when the world is against him? When so close to accomplishing their goal, obstacles arise, and the scent of betrayal is in the air. Come join the Crypto-Capers in the closure of the Golden Monkey. Good luck!

 

The Adventures of Joe-Joe Nut and Biscuit Bill in Case#1 The Great Pie Catastrophe 
 
Down in Acorn Valley just before the 42nd annual Pie Festival could begin, a crime was committed. Someone stole Miss Cluck’s blueberry pie that she was going to enter into the pie contest. Who did she call to come toher aid? She called the best detectives in the valley of course—Joe-Joe Nut and Biscuit Bill animal detectives. As they discover clues and gather facts, the hunt begins and Joe-Joe and Biscuit follow animal tracks that lead them to four different suspects. Bears, ducks, frogs, raccoons…oh my! But who committed the crime? Use your deduction and reasoning skills to solve the case along with Joe-Joe and Biscuit. Learn about animaltracks and some of the animals who make them. Can the case be solved before the judging of the pies? Come find out in Book #1: The Great Pie Catastrophe.

Book Signing Event for the Holidays

I am going to be at Chesaning Middle School for their 26th annual Chesaning Music Boosters Christmas Art and Crafts Show, which is going to be held on November 27th and 28th. The show will be in two areas, Chesaning Middle School at 431 N. 4th street and the High School 850N. 4th street. The show times are Friday 10-5pm and Saturday 10-4pm. I look forward to seeing you there for great holiday shopping. I will be signing my children's mystery series, which makes great gifts for the holidays.

New Book Reviews for Books That Will Touch Your Heart!

If you are looking for books that touch the heart in various ways, then these books are it. Each of them are unique in nature, for their topics cover everything from child and/ or animal adoption, to being special, to God and the world around us. The proceeds from some of these books also go to worth while charities that help people and/or animals. I hope you enjoy these stories as much as I have. Each story helps bring understanding and clarity to important topics and helps fill people with a passion to help others. All books are available through Amazon.com For more information about the publisher or the types of books they publish, check them out at www.tribute-books.com

Reviews:
Red in the Flower Bed by Andrea Napa, is a charming children’s tale about interracial adoption. With the beginning of a Poppy flower who drops one of its seeds, and mourns it’s lose, lets it go with the hope of the seed finding a better life elsewhere. The seed makes a journey through the world finally ending up in the place it is supposed to be, in a flower garden of various color and beauty. The garden readily accepts the seed where it grows with confidence and strength into a lovely red Poppy. Children will be able to identify with the Poppy seed in making the conclusion that where they are, in the home of their adopted mother and father, where their love grows strong and sure, is the place where they were meant to be. ISBN-13: 978-0981461991 Price: $11.65

Second Chance by Sandra Gerencher is a wonderful and heartwarming story of Ryan, a boy with autism, and his new pet Chance, a Rottweiler German Shepherd mix. With both of them being adopted, they can relate to each other in so many ways, but the most important thing that each one understands is that being adopted means stability and a family, security and acceptance. Being with people who will love you no matter what and hold you in their hearts forever as if you were their own. The tale gives more of a thorough understanding of what going through an adoption is like through the eyes of Ryan and Chance. Each sharing their own experiences. Ryan teaches a lesson that speaks to Chance, explaining to him that no matter how hard the journey was that brought them to their new mother; it was worth it to be loved unconditionally, to be accepted into a home where past does not matter, only the future. ISBN-13: 978-0981461922 Price: $11.65

A Different Kind of Hero by Leah Beth Evans, is a story about believing in yourself and having the confidence and courage to do what is right. The colorful illustrations brings to life the adventure of Tomagochi. He is a monkey who lives in a rainforest and feels that he is not very special compared to his brightly colored friends. But they assure him that it doesn't matter what you look like on the outside, it is what is inside that counts. Being special is not because of your appearance, it is what you do. Tomagochi is given a chance to prove himself when bulldozers and workers come in to their rainforest and try to destroy it. He immediately tries to stop them and succeeds. He proves to one and all that when believing in yourself, you can accomplish any goal.
Available in Kindle Price: $4.95

Nine Things Nathan Noticed at Night by Christy Baldwin, is an enchanting children's story which touches on the nocturnal sights and sounds in life and explains about them in more detail, incorporating verses from the bible. The stars, the weather, the insects, seasons and various other topics. The illustrations are simple and delightful, giving a child the feeling that they are experiencing the same thing as Nathan. When each child goes to bed at night they can feel reassured that they are loved and protected. The amazing sounds of nature lulling them to sleep and filling their hearts with calm.
ISBN-13: 978-0976507215 Price: $13.00

I hope everyone enjoys the reviews. Thank you to all who took the time to glance through my article. It is greatly appreciated. More reviews coming soon.
Renee Hand
www.reneeahand.com
http://thecryptocapersseries.blogpot.com

Upcoming Book Signing Event and Youth Writers Contest

I am going to be at Barnes and Nobles in Ann Arbor Michigan on Saturday August 22nd at 2:00pm to discuss and sign my children's series, The Crypto-Capers Series. Book 1: The Case of the Missing Sock and Book 2: The Case of Red Rock Canyon. I am also going to be doing some fun things for this event. Below is the information.

If you had your choice, would you prefer an antique sock that purportedly belonged to Elvis Presley’s grandmother or a pair of diamond-studded, gold and onyx designer sunglasses? Maxwell Sherlock Holmes, age fourteen, and his sister Mia, age twelve, live in London, England. Their mother and father are ace detectives with Scotland Yard, and the brother and sister seem to have inherited their parents' abilities to solve crimes. Therefore, with their Granny, Nellie Holmes, and Max's fourteen-year-old friend Morris Weedlesom, a computer whiz, they have formed the Crypto-Capers and unravel mysteries by traveling all around the world solving cryptograms that criminals leave behind.
What you have is the makings of a new children’s series known as The Crypto-Capers Series written by award winning author Renee Hand. This new series has captured children’s attention from all over the world. An instant classic, the author weaves an interactive tale that the reader participates in, in order to solve the case. Book one of the series The Case of the Missing Sock is based in Florida and sets the stage for what must be done in the series, laying out specific details for easy understanding. Throughout the series, the reader will need to solve cryptograms and puzzles, as well as to participate in various activities along with the detectives. Each book in the series becomes harder and more challenging for the reader, making the series more interesting. Book two of the series The Case of Red Rock Canyon leads the team to Las Vegas, Nevada, where they are thrown into the dramatic world of theater to solve their next mystery. This series will not only grab the attention of the advanced reader, but of the reluctant reader as well because the reader is participating into the story instead of just reading it.
Author Renee Hand will be at Barnes and Nobles in Ann Arbor at 2:00pm on Saturday August 22nd to discuss and sign her new series as well as to sponsor a mystery hunt in the store where participants can win prizes. Author is also hosting a Young Authors Writing contest where writers will have a chance to win various prizes as well as receive various opportunities for their efforts. Stories can be turned in to the author at the book signing. Information about the writing contest is below.

Award-winning author, Renee Hand , will be sponsoring a Youth Writers Contest. This is a chance for writers of various ages to really show their creativity and writing abilities to the world. Being a great writer is to be able to adapt to any situation. Each contestant must write two stories. The first story will be writer’s choice. It can be any topic and setting of writer’s choosing. The second story will be an assigned topic of author’s choice. For a list of topics contestants must look at author’s website at www.reneeahand.com and click on Youth Writers Contest. The winner will be chosen based off of the ability to create two wonderful and imaginative stories.
Rules and Requirements:
Writing cannot consist of extreme violence or anything vulgar or will be immediately disqualified. There will be two age groups: 8-12 and 13-18. The word length for the 8-12 age groups will be between 500-1,000 words. For the 13-18 age groups word length will be between 1,000-1,500 words. Story must be double spaced and typed. Writers name should not be anywhere on the entry. Cover page should have title on it only. Next page should begin story. A separate page should consist of writer’s name, age, e-mail, phone number, address and word count. Contest will start on August 1st and end on August 31st. A panel of writing and reading professionals will pick winning entries. Entries must be sent through the mail and sent to:
Youth Writer’s Contest
P.O. Box 144
Byron, MI 48418

Prizes:
There will be first place winners and honorable mentions. Winners and honorable mentions will receive various prizes and opportunities from the sponsor and co-sponsors. Thank you to everyone for participating and good luck!

Come and join the Crypto-Capers on their adventure of self discovery and courage. Help them by solving the cryptograms and participating in the various activities. They are not for the faint of heart, but for the bravest and most confident of souls. Can you do it? The Crypto-Capers are counting on you. Good luck!

New Product Review

My children and I love to play games. Card games and board games, especially educational learning games, we love them all. The game I am reviewing is a card game. What is so great about this game, is that children of all ages can play it. My youngest is 4 and he has fun coming up with great ideas on how to tell the story. Granted, his version is not exactly the same as everyone else's, but I think it is part of the fun, at least he tries to follow along.

The Storybook Game™

The Storybook Game™ is a never-ending story told differently every time. Children create a unique story, one card at a time, memorizing the cards as they are played. Lunch box tin contains 54 illustrated cards and instructions. The game is by Fundex Games and is for children the ages of 4 and up. It is also for 2 or more players. The cost of it is around $6.95, depending on where you go. The game can be found in Target as well as in various other places, including educational stores.

This game travels easily. We take it with us in the car when we go on vacation.We have also taken it with us into resteraunts to entertain everyone as we were waiting for our meal. The cards are contained in a cute little tin which can be reused. Because I love to write, this game is great in trying to come up with a storyline quickly using pictures of things that we might not ordinarily use. For example, how would you write a story concerning a cat, a comb and a piano? My point exactly, and yet in a pinch a story is created that makes everyone laugh and shake their heads. The games last around 10-15 minutes.

I have used this game in many ways to challenge my children's thinking. I have let them choose several cards from the deck to write about, coming up with various storylines and scenarios. Their imaginations are just amazing and this game is a great way to kick start creativity.

GAME GIVEAWAY!!!

If anyone wants to participate in the giveaway to receive this game, you will need to join my blog and when ready, send your child's story to me at thecryptocapersseries@gmail.com.

Below are 9 cards of random pictures from the game. You must create a story from those pictures. The best one will be posted here on my blog and at several different locations, giving the writer tons of exposure for their creativity. Participants must be children, no adults please. The giveaway will last until August 1st. Then a winner will be chosen and posted. If anyone has any other games that they would like to share, please do! I am always looking for new games to enjoy.

June 26th Book Tour Stop

Hello! Today is the last day of my book tour. It has definetly been an interesting tour. I hope everyone has been able to stop and say hello or has learned more about the series. I am going to be on two sites today. The first is http://myheartbelongs2books.blogspot.com/ They will be reviewing Book 1-The Case of the Missing Sock. The other stop today http://www.thewriterslife.blogspot.com/ should be an interview about me and my book. Feel free to stop by and check them out. Thank you to all who have stopped by and posted comments or who have just taken the time to look at the sites and my books. It is greatly appreciated. Coming up next week to my blog will be interviews of children's books as well as learning games. Please check it out and comment. If anyone has a children's book and wishes for me to review it, please email me at thecryptocapersseries@gmail.com or if you happen to have a learning game that has helped your child grasp a concept, let me know and I will review it and check it out. Thanks!

June 25th Book Tour Stop

Today I will be making a stop at two places. The first will be at http://booktoursandmore.blogspot.com/ at this stop I talk about Virtual Book Tour Promotions and how wonderful of a job they did. If anyone has the money to do it and wants to get more exposure for themselves and their books, then try this. I highly reccomend it. The other stop today is http://thefriendlybooknook.com/ I believe they will be reviewing my book 1-The Case of the Missing Sock. Hope everyone stops by and says hello. Thanks!

June 24th Book Tour Stop

Hello everyone! Today I am going to be visiting two blog stops for my virtual book tour. The first is the following blog.
http://martasmeanderings.blogspot.com/2009/06/review-of-crypto-capers-in-case-of.html
Marta has reviewed The Case of the Missing sock-Book 1 and The Case of Red Rock Canyon-book 2. What a great review! Please check them out and leave a comment. I have also left more cryptograms for those of you who are keeping track.

Next stop is at the following blog http://www.sheistoofondofbooks.com/2009/06/23/book-review-the-crypto-capers-the-case-of-the-missing-sock-by-renee-hand-middle-reader/comment-page-1/#comment-16791
Dawn has also reviewed my blog. She also gave the book a great review. Check it out and say hello! I hope you are enjoying my book tour.

June 22nd blog book tour stop

Hello everyone
Today I am going to be stopping at the following blog: http://www.thebookconnectionccm.blogspot.com/ I will be talking about book 1 of my new children's detective series, The Crypto-Capers in the Case of the Missing Sock. This is a great interview because I talk of why I wrote the series. I hope everyone will enjoy! Remember to check out my website for all of the things I will be doing. http://www.reneeahand.com/

June 19th Book Tour & Updates

Hello Everyone,
For today on my virtual book tour, I am being interviewed by the following blog: http://www.savvyverseandwit.com/
Please check it out. I will be talking to everybody about my writing process. Feel free to comment or to ask me questions. I am more than happy to reply to them. After my book tour I will be putting interviews up of children's books so if anyone is an author of a children's book and would like me to review their book. Please contact me at thecryptocapersseries@gmail.com I post the interview on several sites, including all of mine. I am also going to be reviewing products for homeschool parents/teachers. If anyone homeschools their children and is looking for new products that might help them or if you have a product that you feel really helped make a difference in your child's education, let me know and I will post it on my website or put an article up.

Cryptograms for yesterday were posted. If you didn't get them, at the end of next week I will post all of them for everyone, don't worry. Everyone will have a chance at earning a free book or poster, by posting comments at my tour stops or solving the cryptograms.

June 18th Book Tour Stop

The Crypto-Capers Series book tour will be stopping at two places today. The first stop will be at blogcritics. They did a great interview on me and my books.
http://blogcritics.org/books/article/interview-with-renee-hand-author-of/

The second stop will be at pop syndicate. They also have a very nice interview about me and my books. http://www.popsyndicate.com/books This one should be up soon!

Please check them out and comment. If you have any questions at all let me know. I look forward to hearing from you.
Cryptograms are posted on each site. If they do not show then I will post them here.
Thanks!

June 15th post for today's book tour stop

Hello everyone! Today I am going to be visiting the following blog for my book tour for the crypto-capers series. Book 1 in The Case of the Missing Sock. The American Chronicle has done an interview on me and my books. It is a great article and I am really excited about it. Hopefully you will enjoy it too. Remember to post your comments. You may not be able to there, because of that you can post them here on my blog. Here is the cryptogram for the day.

http://www.americanchronicle.com/articles/view/104784

SK BKGKC FBTKCHZWBT W ZXUBA HM SKOO, WBT EWQK UZ MFC MSB, WH SXKB SK XWGK TUHJMGKCKT UZ DMW MFCHKOGKH.

New Tour Spot

Hello Everyone
Today I am going to be visiting on my tour: http://abookbloggersdiary.blogspot.com/2009/06/author-guest-post-renee-hand.html?showComment=1244719459451#c6148469435709902350
This blog gives everyone a good summary about what my Crypto-Capers Series is about and what I had in mind for it. I will also be visiting this site as well: http://scribevibe.blogspot.com/
This site has a great interview with very good questions about me and my writing and some of the challenges I have faced and so on. Please check them out. I posted cryptograms on both sites and I look forward to reading everyone's responses and comments. If you have any questions at all let me know.
Thanks!

Next Tour Stop

Hello Everyone,
Today I am going to be at the followng blogspot.
http://valleygirlmusings.blogspot.com/2009/06/real-hollywood-trivia-interview-with_10.html
This is a really neat blog because I get asked questions about my characters and about some fun trivia questions. Check it out and comment. Yesterday for some reason my blogs did not post so I am going to put the other cryptograms I have put out on this blog. I don't want anyone to miss one. Here you go and thanks for checking out my Crypto-Capers Series Tour. I am having a great time and I hope that you are too.

5)
HNRGUGDMJ UX BFG FBCK GEJ HNJRGJXG FA SUNGDJX, QDG GEJ ZRNJBG FA RCC FGEJNX.

6)
DNHSJRZ ISJFWV RQ GJUL HWHJF RNQVL KNQ HSL VCJSJRYHGGZ TLHT.

7)
NMJL GAE NTL XNHLGJ DGXX ZA.

8)
EVZ GEV GEZ GEXH E GMTIEXH, YOI VLVH YOI E ULLD QMDD FLVIMVOH MV MI.

9)
OWS YCMOCRATCMWCRA FQGFSQOZ GK BUR CM OG MSUQJW KGQ URY OG KGXXGN UKOSQ OQTOW.

New Tour Stop for June 3rd

Today I am going to be visiting http://donna-mcdine.blogspot.com/
The interview talks about book 1 of my series, The Crypto-Capers in the Case of the Missing Sock. Hope everyone enjoys it. The interview was fun to do and I hope it is insightful. If anyone has any questions about writing please let me know. I look forward to hearing from you. Cryptogram 4 is on Donna's comment page.

New review and new tour stop

My stop today will be at the following link. The Book Rack wrote a review about book 1 and book 2 of my series. I am so excited about it. Please check it out. Cryptogram 3 was left at this site if you are keeping track. Thanks!

June 2: http://thebookrack.wordpress.com/2009/06/01/the-crypto-capers-in-the-case-of-the-missing-sock/#comment-212

New Review

Please check out my new review from Lady D Book Reviews on http://ladyd-books.blogspot.com/2009/05/review-of-crypto-capers-book-1-and-2-by.html
I am really excited about it. Also, I left cryptogram 1 in her comments so check it out if you are tracking the cryptograms I am sending out to get a free book at the end of my tour. Cryptogram 2 will be left at my interview today. Remember that you will have to solve them! Fun! Fun! For a free poster and to earn a free book remember that you have to leave comments at each stop. Thanks!

lady d reviews, lady d blogspot, cryptograms,

The Crypto-Capers Series

Welcome to my new book blog. I am an author of romance novels and a new children's series.

The Crypto-Capers Series is designed to involve the reader into the story. The reader must help the detectives solve the case by solving various puzzles and cryptograms. Book one gives the reader a basic understanding of how to solve the puzzles and cryptograms. Once you know how, you will be well on your way. Clues will be given to the reader, but with each case less clues are given to make it more challenging, and more interesting. Which means that you will have to use your noodle, and pay very close attention to what is going on in the story.
So come and join the Crypto-Capers on their first official case. The Crypto-Capers in: The Case of the Missing Sock.

The Team:
In this story siblings Max and Mia Holmes, along with their good friend Morris, and their flamboyant Granny Holmes, are known asThe Crypto-Capers. They are a group of detectives who unravel crimes by solving cryptograms that criminals leave behind. Mia is an expert puzzle solver. Max is great at deduction and reasoning. Morris is a computer genius, while Granny...well Granny is the muscle of the group. Don't let her size or age fool you....she is quite handy.

The Stolen Items: An antique sock and Prada sunglasses.

The Assignment:
The Case of The Missing Sock leads the Crypto-Capers to Florida where they are hired by a man named Mr. Delacomb. The mystery leads the team to different locations. Clues flourish throughout the mystery. Suspects by the handful seem to be popping up at every turn, but who commited the crime? Help the detectives solve the case by solving the cryptograms and puzzles. Good Luck!

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