I’m delighted to have Toni Pike with us today. You’ll find out more about my talented author friend from Australia and get a peek into her latest children’s book. Check out this awesome teaser—Brody Cody’s second book is sure to be pleaser…
“Brody Cody loves his new stepmother but is surprised to hear that she is expecting a baby. To celebrate, his parents take Brody and his friends away for a week to a very spooky house in the Blue Mountains, owned by the elderly and even spookier Mr Sludge.” ~ Amazon blurb
Welcome back, Toni. ~Bette A. Stevens, Maine author
Meet Toni Pike
Thank you so much, Bette, for inviting me to your wonderful blog to talk about my new release, the second book in the Brody Cody Series. It’s called BRODY CODY AND THE HAUNTED VACATION HOUSE, another funny adventure for children aged 6-9. I had so much fun writing the first book that I couldn’t wait to send Brody off on another escapade.
It’s a chapter book for children to read by themselves – or for reading aloud. In this second adventure, Brody is dismayed to learn that he’s going to have a little brother or sister. When his parents take his friends with them on a trip to the Blue Mountains, it turns out to be much less relaxing than they expected. When spooky things start to happen, the children suspect that their vacation house is haunted. The Blue Mountains, by the way, is a beautiful area of stunning scenery very close to Sydney, and it’s a wonderful place to visit.
I’m a multi-genre author with several fast-moving thrillers: DESOLATION BLUFF, DEAD DRY HEART and The Jotham Fletcher Mystery Thriller Series. I’ve also written two non-fiction books: THE ONE WAY DIET, a guide to losing weight, and HAPPY TRAVELS 101, a short book of travel tips.
I live in Canberra, the capital of Australia. With very tight border controls and restricted travel since the start of the pandemic, we’ve fared quite well here. Travelling is one of my main passions, but at the moment only limited travel within Australia is allowed. My main focus has been writing, and spending as much time as possible with family and friends.
About BRODY CODY AND THE HAUNTED VACATION HOUSE – Book 2 in The Brody Cody Series.
Brody Cody loves his new stepmother but is surprised to hear that she is expecting a baby. To celebrate, his parents take Brody and his friends away for a week to a very spooky house in the Blue Mountains, owned by the elderly and even spookier Mr Sludge.
Very strange things start to happen, and the friends soon become convinced that the house is haunted. They love scary stories and know all about ghosts, but will they be able to solve the mystery?
A hilarious adventure for children aged 6-9.
It would be best to read the series in order. In the first book, Brody’s life take a surprising turn when his father gets married.
About BRODY CODY AND THE STEPMOTHER FROM OUTER SPACE – Book 1 in The Brody Cody Series.
Brody Cody is almost eight years old and definitely, absolutely, positively does NOT want a mother. His mother died when he was a baby but life with his dad is just perfect.
Brody is horrified when his father goes away to a publishing conference and returns with a wife, Pandora Smith, who is a children’s author. His life spirals out of control as he is forced to eat healthy food, do his homework and help with some chores.
Even worse, he and his friends suspect that his new stepmother might be an alien from outer space.
Find out more about Toni Pike and her books
- Website: tonipike.com
- Amazon author page: Toni Pike
- Instagram: @authorlovestravel – Sharing my travel photos from around the world
- Facebook: Toni Pike – Author
- Goodreads
- Twitter: @piketoni1
- Linkedin Toni Pike – Linkedin
- Email: authortoni.pike@gmail.com
Thanks so much for stopping by to meet Toni Pike and learn more about her books. Toni and I would love to hear from you (comments below). Happy Reading! ~Bette A. Stevens
Comments on: "New Release from Toni Pike – BRODY CODY AND THE HAUNTED VACATION HOUSE – Book 2 in the Brody Cody Series for children aged 6-9" (97)
Great to hear more about Toni’s new book, and about Brody. I read a great review on Patricia Tilton’s blog as well. Sounds like a delightful series, Toni. Congrats!
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Thank you so much, Pam – how lovely of you. I’m so thrilled to have released Book 2. Toni x
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Thanks so much for stopping by to support Toni and her new book, Pam.
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wonderful — great book cover too!
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Thank you so much, I’m so glad you like the cover. Toni x
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I’m with you, da-Al! ❤ Thanks so much for stopping by to support Toni and her new book.
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Mmm, Bette, I just left a comment here and it seemed to have disappeared….. maybe spam got it?
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Thanks for the heads-up, Jina! 🙂
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Both books sound delightful, Bette.
On an -almost- unrelated topic, I wonder if Tony writes other genres under another name? I’m being told not to publish different genres under the same name.
And, this might make me sound like an idiot who skipped geography classes (I only fell asleep) but I’ve always thought Sydney was the capital of Australia. In fact, the first time I heard about Canberra was last year in one of Keri Arthur’s books. Imagine my surprise now after reading this post when I asked Mr. Google and realized Sydney had never been the capital?
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Thank you so much, Jina and so nice to meet you. I’ve always decided to keep the same name. And I love your comments about Sydney – I think a lot of people don’t know about Canberra. It is a planned city founded and built as the national capital, and the population is about 426,000.
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Hi! When I googled Canberra, I actually asked- when did Canberra become the capital … sure that this was a recent event haha. I feel a little stupid, but when I asked around, everyone I knows said Sydney too. I’m going to blame our education system.
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Hi Jina, It’s great that you looked it up. I think a lot of people overseas don’t know about it. Toni x
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Hi, Jina. Toni is a multi-genre author and writes under only Toni Pike. Here’s a link to her website https://tonipike.com/where-to-find-my-books/ I’m sure she would be delighted to give her take on the subject. I also write different genres, all using one author name. It just makes sense to me. Thanks for supporting Toni and her new children’s book series. ❤ Haave a great week!
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A terrific spotlight on Toni Pike and her books. I’ll be looking into them for my grandchildren. Sharing… : )
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How lovely of you, Cathleen – I do hope you and your granchildren enjoy them. Have a wonderful weekend. Toni x
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Thanks so much, Cathleen! Happy reading with your grands… My grands are grown, but how delightful it is to share with the great-grands these days. We Facetime and Video chat to read together and talk about books I send them.
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I love this series! Brody Cody is a great character, One the kids will identify with.
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Thanks so much for stopping by to support Toni and her awesome children’s books, Darlene! ❤ Your Amanda travel adventure books are ones that young readers are sure to enjoy!
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Thank you so much, Darlene, for all your wonderful support for Brody Cody – that means a lot to me from such a wonderful children’s author as yourself. I agree with Bette – Amanda is an amazing series.
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Thank you for sharing and no doubt the books will be an absolute joy to read (there are many who claim I am in my second childhood)… 🙂
Bette and Toni, all the best in your adventures and until we meet again..
May flowers always line your path
and sunshine light your way,
May songbirds serenade your
every step along the way,
May a rainbow run beside you
in a sky that’s always blue,
And may happiness fill your heart
each day your whole life through.
May the sun shine all day long
Everything go right, nothing go wrong
May those you love bring love back to you
And may all the wishes you wish come true
(Irish Saying)
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Thank you so much for your lovely poem and wishes. I hope you’re keeping warm in that cold weather. Toni x
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Thanks so much for your lovely note and support for Toni, Larry! 🙂 I’m one of those kids too… Blessings and love, my friend.
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Thank you again, Bette, for this wonderful opportunity and your fabulous support. I’m so enjoying meeting all you delightful followers. Toni x
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This age group likes scary stuff, but in a benign way as the cute cover suggests. Toni, I admire you for continuing the series and enjoy the rhyme in the name. Apparently, you like to play with words as I do.
Bette, thanks so much for supporting authors as you faithfully do! 🙂
Will share this on Twitter.
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Thank you very much, Marian, for your support and sharing – I’m so glad you like the series. I admit, it’s scary but definitely not too scary and also a lot of fun. Toni x
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Thanks so much for your visit, lovely comments and share, Marian! 🙂
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Bette, it’s lovely to learn about Toni’s latest book here! Brody and his friends sound like they are in for some spooky fun … an engaging book cover and blurb – I want to know more! 😀😀
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Great, Annika! 🙂 So glad you stopped by for a visit. xo
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Thank you so much, Annika – I had so much fun writing it, I’m delighted that you like it. Toni x
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I love scary books, so I’m sure this would have been a favourite for me as a child. It’s a great idea to send the protagonist, his friends and family away for a break right now, as I think most of us are quite tired of staying at home. And the topic of having a new sibling is always an important one in a child’s life. Congratulations and I wish you plenty of success.
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With you all the way… ❤ So glad you stopped by for a visit! xo
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So lovely to see you here, Olga. I agree, it’s always important when a child has a new sibling, and none of us have had enough breaks over the last year. have a lovely weekend. Toni x
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The book sounds darling. So many young siblings worry about a new baby. The cover is delightful, too. Nice to see Toni’s latest book here.
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Hi, Jacqui! ❤ Thanks for stopping by to support Toni and her new children's book! xo
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Thanks, Jacqui, for your comments – I’m really delighted that you like it, and it’s lovely to see you here. Toni x
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I know this age group loves haunted houses or somewhat scary but not really scary books. This sounds like an interesting book, Toni. Congratulations on book 2 of this series. Thank you for hosting, Bette!
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Thanks Miriam – I’m so excited to have Book 2 published, and it’s lovely to see you here. I know I used to love the occasional spooky story at that age. Toni x
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My daughter read all the Goosebump books and she wanted me to read that as her bedtime story. There was another series when she went to fourth grade. Your book is good the right age group, Toni.
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How gorgeous, Miriam. Those Goosebumps books were enormously popular – a stand full of them in every store. Thank you so much for your lovely support – I’m so glad you think children will like it. Toni x
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Yes, Toni. Children can’t get enough of these books.
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My pleasure, Miriam. 🙂 Thanks for stopping by for a visit! xo
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You’re welcome, Bette. I hope you’re well with the cold and snow. 🙂
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Thank you for this lovely review, on a book for sure with a great impact on children. They will solve the mystery, and having fun for the possibility getting some great distraction! Michael
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Thank you, Michael. I certainly hope it keeps them entertained. Have a lovely week. Toni x
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I am sure they will be surprised and best entertained. I am myself very often are back to reading books for children, to get the feeling for the English language back. 😉 Enjoy your week as well, Toni! Please stay save! Michael
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How lovely, but I agree – it’s fun to read children’s back and a great way to learn a language. Toni x
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Oh, for the love of children’s books! ❤ Thanks so much for stopping by to join the conversation, Michael!
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Reblogged this on Toni Pike and commented:
I’m delighted to be Bette A. Stevens’ guest, talking about my new children’s book.
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Hugs! ❤ xx
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Just in time for Dr. Seuss Day and Read Across America. Got to get the little ones loving books and this sounds like a very fun read for the little ones.
Have a fabulous day, Bette. Big hug. ♥
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How sweet, Sandee – so nice to meet you here. I had so much fun writing it, and I agree with you. There’s nothing more important than teaching children to love books. Toni x
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You’re so right on, Sandee! ❤ Dr. Seuss taught us, and still teaches us, so well! Reading with children rocks…it's a win-win for the world! Thanks so much for stopping by to support Toni and her awesome new book and series for young readers. Have a wonderful week!
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Big cheers to Toni! Thanks for sharing the exciting news, Bette, as always. xo
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Thanks so much, Natalie – I do feel very excited and it’s so lovely to see you here. Toni x
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Thanks, Natalie! ❤ It's wonderful be able to celebrate with Toni and Brody Cody again!
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Looks a fun book, congratulations to Toni. Such a cute cover. Nice blog talk release Bette. 🙂
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Hi Marje, I feel so blessed to be here with Bette and her lovely friends. Thank you so much – and I also want to wish you great success with Lockdown Innit, it sounds fantastic. Toni x
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Aww lovely, thank you Toni. Lots of creativity at the moment. Awesome. to see 🙂
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Thanks so much for stopping by to support Toni and help us celebrate her new book! ❤ xo
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My pleasure Bette. ❤ x
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Thank you for sharing, Bette. Congrats on the new release, Toni! I love the cover! ❤️
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Thanks so much, Eugenia – so nice to meet you here. I’m delighted that you like the cover. Toni x
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My pleasure, Toni!
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Hi, Eugenia! 🙂 Thanks so much for stopping by to help Toni celebrate the release of her awesome new children’s book! ❤ xo
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My pleasure, Bette, and I hope all is well with you!❤️
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A lovely post, Bette and Toni. I started this book last night and should finish today. So much fun. Tornado Boy enjoyed the first book and I’ll be sharing this one with him as soon as Grammy is done with it. Congrats to Toni on the new release. 🙂
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You’re amazing, Diana – it’s so fantastic to have it reviewed by you and your gorgeous grandson. Thank you so much. Toni x
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I just finished the book and will get my review done lickety-split! Fun and perfectly spooky.
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Thank you so much, Diana – I’m so delighted that you liked it. Toni x
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Dear Diana, you are amazing! Your support and talents are treasures to us all (from kids to kids at heart)–we love you and Tornado Boy too! Thanks! ❤
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LOL. I’m a kid at heart for sure. Thanks for the lovely comment, Bette. ❤ ❤
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Thank you so much for this wonderful review, Bette. Loved reading your post.
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I’m so glad you enjoyed it. Toni x
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You are welcome Toni.
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Thanks, Kamal! ❤ Appreciate your awesome support! xo
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Always welcome dear Bette. Stay safe and take care 💓💓💓💓
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Thanks for introducing me to Toni, a fellow Australian. These Brody Cody books sound fun.
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Hello Norah, It’s lovely to meet another Aussie – just like my young hero, Brody Cody. Thanks for your lovely comments. Toni x
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So glad you stopped by to meet Toni and Brody today, Norah! ❤ xo
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My pleasure, Bette.
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Thanks for hosting Toni, Bette. Her new release sounds wonderful. Such a sweet cover too!
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Thank you, Jill – I’m so pleased to be here and really delighted that you like the cover. Have a great day. Toni x
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I’m with you all the way, Jill! ❤ So glad you stopped by. xo
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I spend my last several years of teaching in third grade. This sounds like it would be right up their alley. Congratulations to Toni for continuing her series.
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Thanks so much, Pete – that means a lot coming from an expert like you. Toni
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So glad you stopped by to support Toni and her new series, Pete! 🙂 Thanks.
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Wonderful to see Toni here with this book which I will be reading soon, Bette. Sharing.
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Thank you, Robbie – so fabulous to see you here. It’s wonderful to have such supportive friends. Toni x
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Thanks for your visit and awesome support, Robbie! ❤ xo
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It’s nice to see Toni here with her new release, it sounds an interesting book. Wishing her all the best. Thank you for sharing Bette.
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Thank you so much, Balroop – lovely to see you here. Toni x
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Thanks so much for stopping by to support Toni, Balroop! ❤ xo
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Thank you so much, Bette, for this lovely post and for having me and Brody as your guest. You are awesome. Toni x
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Always a delight to have you, Toni! We’re all loving Brody Cody! ❤ xo
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Both books sound ADORABLE. I even like saying Brody’s name. Brody Cody Brody Cody.:-) Congratulations to Ms. Pike on this new release!
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Thanks so much for the smiles… I’m with you all the way! Have a lovely week and Happy Writing & Reading. 🙂 xo
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Thank you very much, Priscilla – I’m so glad you like Brody’s name. Toni x
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