Writing is a Blessing

Book Giveaway: Tempest by Julie Cross

2012-01-26T18:53:00.004-05:00

Book One

I was tickled pink when the publicist, Tara, contacted me to offer one of the readers of this blog a chance to win a copy of Tempest, the first book of a series.

Time travel is the theme. Nineteen-year-old Jackson has to jump back in time to save his girlfriend, Holly, who was shot and killed. He's gone back in time before and it was all in fun, but it's different this time. He was always able to return, but this time he's stuck. He can't get back to the present. He has to figure out some way to save Holly--and himself! The killers go back in time looking for him. He has a choice: be recruited or die. Jackson has to figure out his abilities, why the murderers want him and how it all factors into a decision that could possibly save the entire world.

Well, this book opens up a lot of questions and I want answers! If it intrigues you as well, just leave a comment telling me if you've read any other book that involves time travel. If you haven't, that's fine, just say so. Don't forget your email address so you may be contacted if you're the winner. That is all. The book will come directly from the publisher.

The giveaway is open to residents of the US and Canada only at publicist's request. It ends Thursday, February 2, 2012

My thanks to Tara and St. Martins Griffin for making this giveaway possible.

Tempest was released by St. Martins Griffin Press on January 17, 2012.

Toodles!

Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close...some thoughts...

2012-01-22T19:57:00.001-05:00

As soon as I saw the preview trailer in the theater for this movie, I wanted to see it when it came out. I began to read reviews in the paper to see what people thought of it and was surprised to see really snarky comments. There were things like it's trying so hard to be an Oscar contender, it's overly sentimental, etc. Sometimes I am influenced by reviews, but I saw coming attractions again and really wanted to check it out, so I did. Here's a description from Warner Bros about what the film is about...

Oskar (Thomas Horn) is convinced that his father (Tom Hanks), who died in the 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Center, has left a final message for him hidden somewhere in the city. Feeling disconnected from his grieving mother (Sandra Bullock) and driven by a relentlessly active mind that refuses to believe in things that can't be observed, Oskar begins searching New York City for the lock that fits a mysterious key he found in his father's closet. His journey through the five boroughs takes him beyond his own loss to a greater understanding of the observable world around him.

The film focuses on Oskar as he struggles to process his father's death. Oskar tries to hold on to his father as long as possible by pursuing a journey to discover the lock that fits his father's key. It looks at 9/11 through the eyes of a child that is intimately affected by it. I had no idea the film was based on a novel of the same name by Jonathan Safran Foer.

I thoroughly enjoyed the film. Yes, I understand some of the criticisms about it, but I think people tend to over think things. True they didn't show a lot of the father (Hanks) or the mother (Bullock), but the story was really about the kid and how he dealt with his loss. There were scenes of the child going about his day the morning of the event. It made me think so much of my own experience. I was in NY that day in a school and I remember exactly what room I was in and how I was facing the window when a teacher's assistant received a call from her daughter telling her what was going on. My first thought was: A plane hit the World Trade Center? How could the pilot not see that big building? Then the assistant screamed that another plane hit the second building. I just wasn't processing this. I thought: Didn't that idiot see a plane hit the first building?! After a few seconds, I realized something was very wrong. Watching this film brought me back to that day.

I loved the quirky twists and turns of the film. It's a little lesson in the geography and culture of New York City and the characters that populate the town. Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close isn't a perfect film or radically profound, but it is a nice story of a little boy's loss; it makes one think about what it takes to overcome such loss. It will lead you to examine your own and the mortality of others.

What legacy do you want to leave?

Tempest by Julie Cross. Is time travel the next theme in YA?

2012-01-15T00:05:00.001-05:00

Book One

Tempest, the debut novel of Julie Cross has been getting some buzz. It's the first book in a trilogy and it plays with time--literally--as the teen main character is a time traveler of sorts. This isn't a common theme in YA...check out the description.

The year is 2009. Nineteen-year-old Jackson Meyer is a normal guy… he’s in college, has a girlfriend… and he can travel back through time. But it’s not like the movies – nothing changes in the present after his jumps, there’s no space-time continuum issues or broken flux capacitors – it’s just harmless fun.That is… until the day strangers burst in on Jackson and his girlfriend, Holly, and during a struggle with Jackson, Holly is fatally shot. In his panic, Jackson jumps back two years to 2007, but this is not like his previous time jumps. Now he’s stuck in 2007 and can’t get back to the future.

Desperate to somehow return to 2009 to save Holly but unable to return to his rightful year, Jackson settles into 2007 and learns what he can about his abilities.But it’s not long before the people who shot Holly in 2009 come looking for Jackson in the past, and these “Enemies of Time” will stop at nothing to recruit this powerful young time-traveler. Recruit… or kill him.Piecing together the clues about his father, the Enemies of Time, and himself, Jackson must decide how far he’s willing to go to save Holly… and possibly the entire world.

THE TEMPEST SERIES FACEBOOK FAN PAGE:

Read the first 4 chapters of TEMPEST by Julie Cross now at http://on.fb.me/AoQyaQ

We won't have to wait long for the release. Tempest comes out Tuesday, January 17, 2012 by St. Martins Press.

Toodles!

And the Winner of The Night Swimmer is...

2012-01-13T18:38:00.000-05:00

The Winner of The Night Swimmer is Jean Vogle! Please email me with your information so that I can pass it on to the publisher.

Toodles!

Happy Release Day and Book Giveaway: The Night Swimmer by Matt Bondurant

2012-01-10T04:31:00.002-05:00

As soon as I saw the cover of this book, it intrigued me. It's lush, mysterious and haunting. I had to know what it was about. Here it is...

The Night Swimmer, Matt Bondurant’s third book, is a utterly riveting modern gothic novel of marriage and belonging, confirming his gift for storytelling that transports and enthralls.

It's a modern gothic tale of a young American couple who win a pub on the southernmost tip of Ireland. While Fred dives into the life of a pub-owner, Elly finds the perfect place to pursue her passion, long-distance open water swimming. She begins taking the ferry out to the island of Cape Clear, a desolate spot eight miles out in the Atlantic known for its roiling seas, rocky coasts, and an ancient clan descended from the Irish saints who have ruled the island for centuries. Fred and Elly become more and more deeply embroiled in the island’s troubles—the mysterious tragedy that shrouds its inhabitants and a dangerous feud between an enigmatic farmer and a powerful family who has no use for outsiders.

A film based on the author's prior book, The Wettest County in the World, directed by John Hillcoat (The Road) and starring Shia Labeouf, Tom Hardy, Jessica Chastain, Mia Wasikowska, Gary Oldman, and Guy Pearce, will be released on April 20, 2012 by The Weinstein Company.

The publicist is offering a lucky reader the chance to fall into the mystical world of this book. If you're interested in becoming that reader, just leave a comment about your impression of the story as it's described. That is all. Don't forget to leave your email so you may be contacted if you're the winner.

The giveaway is open to residents of the US only at publicist's request. It ends Friday, January 13, 2012.

The Night Swimmer released January 10, 2012 by Scribner.

Toodles!

Cinderella as a teenage cyborg? Check out Cinder by Marissa Meyer

2012-01-07T15:02:00.000-05:00

Book One

I received this ARC and I can't wait to dig into it. A lot of classic fairy tales are being re-envisioned and written with a modern twist. Cinder, book one of The Lunar Chronicles is a new spin on the old classic Cinderella. Check it out...

Humans and androids crowd the raucous streets of New Beijing. A deadly plague ravages the population. From space, a ruthless lunar people watch, waiting to make their move. No one knows that Earth's fate hinges on one girl. . . .

Cinder, a gifted mechanic, is a cyborg. She's a second-class citizen with a mysterious past, reviled by her stepmother and blamed for her stepsister's illness. But when her life becomes intertwined with the handsome Prince Kai's, she suddenly finds herself at the center of an intergalactic struggle, and a forbidden attraction. Caught between duty and freedom, loyalty and betrayal, she must uncover secrets about her past in order to protect her world's future.

There will be an author event on January 9th as a Facebook/ Twitter party at 7:00 EST.

https://www.facebook.com/MarissaMeyerAuthor

Vistit Marissa Meyer on her blog and learn where she'll be doing book signings:

http://marissameyer.livejournal.com/

Follow her on Twitter: https://twitter.com/marissa_meyer

Cinder released January 3, 2012 by Feiwel and Friends (Macmillan)

Toodles!

And the Winner of Switched by Amanda Hocking is...

2012-01-07T02:08:00.000-05:00

Thanks for dropping in girls. I won't keep you waiting. The winner of Switched, the first book in the Trylle series is...

Sierra Cullen!!!

Congratulations, Sierra. Please email me your address so it may be passed on to the publisher. If the winner doesn't respond in 24 hours, another will be chosen in her place.

Toodles!

Happy Release Day and Book Giveaway: Switched, a Trylle novel by publishing sensation, Amanda Hocking

2012-01-03T18:52:00.005-05:00

Book One

Giveaway has ended as of 1/6/12

Hi guys! I'm happy to offer you a chance to get Switched, the first book in the Trylle series by Amanda Hocking. She's the twenty-something year old, self-published writer, that was so successful, a major publisher, St Martin's Griffin decided she was worth taking on! Now her books are getting a make-over and big push. Check out the books description...

When Wendy Everly was six years old, her mother was convinced she was a monster and tried to kill her. Eleven years later, Wendy discovers her mother might have been right. She’s not the person she’s always believed herself to be, and her whole life begins to unravel—all because of Finn Holmes.

Finn is a mysterious guy who always seems to be watching her. Every encounter leaves her deeply shaken…though it has more to do with her fierce attraction to him than she’d ever admit. But it isn’t long before he reveals the truth: Wendy is a changeling who was switched at birth—and he’s come to take her home.

Now Wendy’s about to journey to a magical world she never knew existed, one that’s both beautiful and frightening. And where she must leave her old life behind to discover who she’s meant to become…

As a special gift to readers, this book contains a new, never-before-published bonus story, “The Vittra Attacks,” set in the magical world of the Trylle.

The publisher wants you to learn what make her stories so compelling. They're making a copy of her book available for one lucky winner, right here at Writing is A Blessing. If you'd like the chance to recieve it, just leave a comment telling me if you've ever heard of Hocking before or read any of her books. Thats all. Please don't forget to leave your email, so you can be contacted if you're the winner.

The giveaway is open to residents of the US and Canada only at publishers request. It ends Friday, January 6, 2012.

Toodles!

Happy Release Day! A Review of A Walk Across the Sun by Corban Addison

2012-01-03T01:20:00.008-05:00

A Walk Across the Sun is the debut novel of Corban Addison. When I first learned of this book, the topic caught my attention as I've seen a number of documentaries on the the issue of human trafficking. I also recently read about this topic in the Fall edition of Columbia Magazine published by Columbia University. Check out the books description...

Corban Addison leads readers on a chilling, eye-opening journey into Mumbai's seedy underworld--and the nightmare of two orphaned girls swept into the international sex trade.

When a tsunami rages through their coastal town in India, 17-year-old Ahalya Ghai and her 15-year-old sister Sita are left orphaned and homeless. With almost everyone they know suddenly erased from the face of the earth, the girls set out for the convent where they attend school. They are abducted almost immediately and sold to a Mumbai brothel owner, beginning a hellish descent into the bowels of the sex trade.

Halfway across the world, Washington, D.C., attorney Thomas Clarke faces his own personal and professional crisis-and makes the fateful decision to pursue a pro bono sabbatical working in India for an NGO that prosecutes the subcontinent's human traffickers. There, his conscience awakens as he sees firsthand the horrors of the trade in human flesh, and the corrupt judicial system that fosters it. Learning of the fate of Ahalya and Sita, Clarke makes it his personal mission to rescue them, setting the stage for a riveting showdown with an international network of ruthless criminals.

Once I started reading this book, I couldn't put it down. And when I had to put it down, I couldn't wait to get back to it! The reader is sucked right into the incredibly sad misfortune of these two sisters. It's an adult book, but many parts read as YA because alternating chapters are written from the perspective of the sisters. The story progresses back and forth between the sisters, Ahalya, Sita and the lawyer, Thomas Clark.

The author, Corban Addison has amazing writing skills. It's hard to believe this is his first book! He actually is an attorney and has an interest in human rights issues. His expertise and passion certainly come across in the story. He expertly weaves the plight of the two sisters with the personal and marital crisis of Clark, the attorney, so not only are you on the edge of your seat as you flip through the pages to learn the fate of the girls, you also wonder what will become of Clark, professionally as well as in his marriage. This story will open your eyes to how prevalent the international sex trade is. It's often going on right in front of your eyes and you don't have a clue.

A Walk Across the Sun is an amazing story filled with intrigue, tragedy, action and joy. You'll be thinking about it long after the last page is turned. It releases today, 12/3/12 by Silver Oak/ Sterling Publishing.

Toodles!

Have You Noticed What's Going on In Europe Lately? Maybe it's Time You Did.

2011-12-28T21:27:00.000-05:00

When I started my blog in the latter part of 2009, my purpose was a comprehensive one. I planned to cover the world of books, writing and life issues. As the title indicates, my purpose in writing this blog was and is to be a blessing to others. Eventually, the blog evolved into a book and review blog more than anything else and that's cool, but I'm taking note of some world developments that I want to pass on to the followers of this blog and to those casual passers-by.
Every so often, as I feel the need, I'm going to post on thought-provoking issues that are occurring overseas. I think I'm going to call it The European Update. My goal is to prick your conciousness and give you food for thought, give you something to contemplate. Make of these posts what you will. Your thoughts and beliefs are entirely your own. My mission is simply to state the facts. How you interpret them will be up to you. So, let us begin, shall we...

There's a crisis occurring in Europe that is impacting the countries that make up the European Union. The European Union consists of 27 countries. Of these 27 countries, 17 make up a monetary union called the Eurozone. These Eurozone countries use a single currency: the euro.

A number of the countries have spent more money than they bring in and are in tremendous debt. We're going to focus on Greece. The leaders of the Eurozone created a bailout package that Greece was expected to accept. If you were following the news developments, you saw that the Prime Minister of Greece, George Papandreou infuriated the eurozone leaders by his decision to put the bailout package before the people of Greece for a vote. He quickly reneged and resigned his position as Prime Minister two days later. Note this. All this drama because he had the "gall" to want the people to vote to accept or reject an economic package that was going to have a severe impact on their future.

I don't want to get too technical, but suffice it to say, ultimately, the people didn't vote and a new leader was installed as Prime Minister. The people didn't vote for a new leader, one was installed in the position. Think about that. That's not the democratic way. What do you think that is? Think about it. And start paying attention to what's going on in Europe.

Toodles!

My Selection for Waiting on Wednesday: On a Dark Wing by Jordan Dane.

2011-12-28T00:49:00.000-05:00

Waiting on Wednesday is a great way to learn about new books coming out. It was started by Jill over at Breaking the Spine. This week I'm looking forward to reading On a Dark Wing by Jordan Dane. Check out what it's about...

The choices I had made led to the moment when fate took over.
I would learn a lesson I wasn't prepared for.
And Death would be my willing teacher.

Five years ago Abbey Chandler cheated Death. She survived a horrific car accident, but her lucky break came at the expense of her mother's life and changed everything. After she crossed paths with Death--by taking the hand of an ethereal boy made of clouds and sky--she would never be normal again.

Now she's the target of Death's Ravens and an innocent boy's life is on the line. When Nate Holden--Abbey's secret crush--starts to climb Alaska's Denali, the Angel of Death is with him because of her.

Abbey finds out the hard way that Death never forgets.

The cover of this book caught my attention right away. It has a stark, Gothic quality. "A boy made of clouds and sky"...I love the use of language...The tale has an odd, other worldly sensibility to it. At least I don't have to wait. It's out now!

On a Dark Wing released December 20, 2011 by Harlequin Teen.

Toodles!

Switched: A Trylle novel by Amanda Hocking: A Success Story.

2011-12-25T14:48:00.001-05:00

Book One

Amanda Hocking is a self-published success story. So much so, that a major publisher, St. Martin's Press took notice and decided to offer her a deal. Nothing beats a proven success. Check out the new version of her trilogy, the Trylle series. The first book, Switched will be published 1/3/12! As a gift to readers, the book includes a never-before-published bonus story. This is what the book is about...

SWITCHED… at birth:

When Wendy Everly was six years old, her mother was convinced she was a monster and tried to kill her. Eleven years later, Wendy discovers her mother might have been right. She’s not the person she’s always believed herself to be, and her whole life begins to unravel—all because of Finn Holmes.

Finn is a mysterious guy who always seems to be watching her. Every encounter leaves her deeply shaken…though it has more to do with her fierce attraction to him than she’d ever admit. But it isn’t long before he reveals the truth: Wendy is a changeling who was switched at birth—and he’s come to take her home.

Now Wendy’s about to journey to a magical world she never knew existed, one that’s both beautiful and frightening. And where she must leave her old life behind to discover who she’s meant to become...

I absolutely love the house in the book trailer below--LOVE IT, I tell you! Lol...

And the Winner of Daughter of Smoke and Bone is...

2011-12-25T12:34:00.000-05:00

My goodness. I have never taken so long to select a winner for one of my giveaways. This was madness. Life has a way of interfering with the best laid plans...Well, someone will get this great book as a Christmas present! I did give a copy to a friend who's a voracious reader and I know she and my winner today will enjoy it. So, without further ado, the winner of the awesome Daughter of Smoke and Bone is...

Chey!!!

Congrats! Please email me with your address, so I may get your unexpected Christmas present to you!

Happy holidays, everyone!

Toodles...

Somebody Killed My Baby!!!

2011-12-11T19:24:00.000-05:00

I can't believe I have to write this, but I do. Some murderous, psycho, idiot, killed my beautiful Sweetie. My husband found her lying on the ground outside the back door yesterday morning. She usually sits atop the stair railing, meowing loudly when she wants to come in. I wasn't home and when my husband got up at about 6 AM, he looked out the back window as usual to look for her, but didn't see her in her usual spot. When he opened the door to call for her, there she was, lying on the ground. He called me and told me she had a heart attack. He figured it must have happened while she was on the railing and she collapsed.

Sweetie being beautiful

That didn't sound right because we had just had the greatest time with her the night before, laughing, playing and feeding her her favorite meal of fresh crab legs...those crab legs would make Sweetie talk! *sigh*...My cat was not sick! I just posted shots of her on this blog a few weeks ago at her annual vet visit! I told him to examine her more closely. Sure enough, he called me back and told me she had been shot. He found a bullet wound in her back and it went out through her leg. We assume she went out the gate, came into the path of some demon who shot her and she managed to make her way home before dying.

My husband made a casket for her and made a little cushion out of some of his shirts. He went into my drawer and placed a pair of my socks on her feet. I'm crying so hard now I can barely see, but I'm pressing on...He wanted a little piece of us to go with her. He buried her in the front of the yard where she waited for him everyday to come in from work. My husband cried so hard. He kept saying over and over how she slept on his chest from the time she was a baby. We had her from the time she was born. She would have been 13 years old in April. I always suspected her mothers unexpected death a little over a year and a half ago very suspicious too, but we didn't find any conclusive evidence.

This is so hard for me. Honestly, I thought I was going to go a little crazy. I really loved that cat. She was my baby, I'm telling you. She was such a gentle, timid cat to have died so violently...So, now once again, I have to say good-bye to another one of the sweetest girls, ever, my beautiful Sweetie. We love you so much, my girl and just like your mother, you'll never be forgotten and will remain forever in our hearts...

I'm going to end with the words of God which is the only thing helping me keep it together right now...

And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away--Revelation 21:4


Sweetie's last photo with her mom, Boozie 2 weeks before Boozie's death, 4/21/10

Amen.

Breaking Dawn: The Twilight Saga. Just a few words...

2011-12-04T21:53:00.001-05:00

Of course I had to go see Breaking Dawn. I've only read the first Twilight book. I think I read half of New Moon, but I'm not sure. I saw the movie and keep getting what I saw on film and the book mixed up! I'll probably have to start the book again.

I went to Barnes and Noble to get the movie edition of Breaking Dawn. I like that the movie-connected versions of the books are smaller and take up less space. I enjoyed the movie, but did find it a bit depressing and somber. Considering the subject matter, that makes sense. Still, it's one of the better movies in the series. I like that they emphasized the couples sexuality and didn't hold back on it. I didn't read the book yet, so I don't how that plays out there, but I think the movie was a realistic depiction and tastefully done.

What happened to Edward's hair?!...lol..I miss that thick mop he used to have. You can definitely see everyone is getting older. Robert Pattinson remarked in an interview a couple of years ago that they better hurry up and shoot these films because he wouldn't remain looking like 17 for too long. I chuckled looking at the film because a couple of cast members have put on a few pounds. Carlisle, papa Cullen isn't looking as lean and predatory as he did in 2008 and brother Emmett is looking a bit stockier...lol..Even my husband remarked on Bella, asking me how old she was. She has matured, most definitely. He noted how Twilight really put Kristin Stewart on the map--and this is from a man who gets all his updates about pop culture from me! He could care less, otherwise. I make it my business to ensure he stays in the Twilight loop! Lol...

The first Twilight will always be my favorite, though. Even though the make-up was pretty bad, the magic of that first introduction is hard to beat :-)

Toodles!

My Selection for Waiting on Wednesday: Surrender by Lee Nichols

2011-11-30T00:59:00.000-05:00

It's been a while since I participated in WoW. Life gets in the way...lol...But I'm back! At least this week...hee hee hee. Waiting on Wednesday was started by Jill at Breaking the Spine. I've learned about so many books, this way. This week, I'm looking forward to finishing the last book of a series I've been reading. Surrender is the last book of a YA paranormal trilogy. Read the final description...

After a devastating battle at headquarters in New York, the ghostkeeping world is in shambles. When Emma and Bennett return home, they are determined to defeat the wraithmaster, Neos, forever. But it's not going to be easy. Bennett's parents kick him out when they realize he is still using drugs to enhance his powers. Emma is convinced her aunt has come back from the dead to warn her of a new threat. And worst of all, Neos is using wraiths to possess the students at Thatcher Academy. If the ghosts manage to take over the entire school, even Emma won't be strong enough to stop them. But if either she or Bennett sacrifice his or her powers, they might be able to save the ghostkeeping world once and for all-and break the "ghostkeepers lose their powers when they fall in love" curse. The question is: who will be the one to surrender all power?

Fast-paced and romantic, this conclusion to the Haunting Emma trilogy will thrill readers as it brings the ghostly mystery to a close.

The romantic element was weaker in the second book. If you visit here with any regularity, you know I am all about the romance. I'm hoping it comes back in a big way in this final book in the series. We'll see...

Anyone else reading this series?

Surrender: A Haunting Emma Novel releases December 6, 2011 by Bloomsbury.

Toodles!

Book One

Book Two

Book Review: The Demon Lover (Fairwick Chronicles #1) by Juliet Dark aka Carol Goodman

2011-11-25T15:30:00.002-05:00

The Demon Lover is different than what I usually read. There was something about the cover that fascinated me, totally pulled me in. I had to read it. It looked Gothic and mysterious. Here's an excerpt and description...

I gasped . . . or tried to. My mouth opened, but I couldn't draw breath. . . . His lips, pearly wet, parted and he blew into my mouth. My lungs expanded beneath his weight. When I exhaled he sucked in my breath and his weight turned from cold marble into warm living flesh.

Since accepting a teaching position at remote Fairwick College in upstate New York, Callie McFay has experienced the same disturbingly erotic dream every night: A mist enters her bedroom, then takes the shape of a virile, seductive stranger who proceeds to ravish her in the most toe-curling, wholly satisfying ways possible. Perhaps these dreams are the result of writing her bestselling book, The Sex Lives of Demon Lovers. After all, Callie's lifelong passion is the intersection of lurid fairy tales and Gothic literature - which is why she finds herself at Fairwick's renowned folklore department, living in a once-stately Victorian house that, at first sight, seemed to call her name.

But Callie soon realizes that her dreams are alarmingly real. She has a demon lover - an incubus - and he will seduce her, pleasure her, and eventually suck the very life from her. Then Callie makes another startling discovery: He's not the only mythical creature in Fairwick. As the tenured witches of the college and the resident fairies in the surrounding woods prepare to cast out the incubus, Callie must accomplish something infinitely more difficult - banishing this demon lover from her heart.

Now, while there are erotic elements, they're sparse and tastefully done. The language is rather poetic and literary in it's sensibility. I thoroughly enjoyed this story. It really takes the reader to another place, another world. The author excels at world building. The reader is encompassed in this magical, mysterious and sometimes, scary place. The demon lover/incubus was scary, sexy, pitiful, sad...all the above. There were a number of supernatural creatures embedded in the story. I don't want to reveal any spoilers, but I'm looking forward to the sequel to find out what happens to this rather creepy, but spicy love affair. I don't think the demon lover is going to go away without a fight. There's a character I suspect is going to give him competition, but I may be wrong. I can't wait to find out!

The Demon Lover releases December 27, 2012 by Ballentine Books

Toodles!

In My Mailbox...

2011-11-20T00:06:00.001-05:00

Original Cover

New Cover

I had some interesting finds in my mailbox this week. I requested an ARC of Wolfsbane, the second book in the Nightshade trilogy. It released in August and I never received it. Imagine my surprise when I found it in my mailbox this week! I'm especially happy because the publisher sent the one with the original cover. I am quite fond of the original covers of this series. It's been changed, now and I just don't find the new covers as intriguing. The story is awesome and I can't wait to read book two!

I was also surprised to get Hunted, the new book by Cheryl Rainsfield. I interviewed her last year (see 3/31/10 post) when her contemporary YA, SCARS released. It's inspired by her own struggles with sexual abuse and became an award-winning novel. I can't wait to see how she's going to handle the paranormal in this one!

Carry the One is getting some interesting buzz. A young girl is killed and it affects the lives of a number of people for years to come.

And finally, I received my own copies of The Woman in Black and The Killer of Little Shepherds. I just concluded my biggest giveaway this past week and had 10 winners, for these two books. The Woman in Black will be a movie starring Daniel Radcliffe. It releases February 2012 and I'm telling you, it looks seriously scary! Again, I thank Random House for their generosity.

That's it for me. What good books did you get or read this past week?

Happy Release Day! Review of Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi.

2011-11-15T23:09:00.000-05:00

Shatter Me is Tahereh Mafi’s debut novel, the first book in a dystopian trilogy. While a crumbling world factors into the story in a big way, Shatter Me builds on that premise with paranormal elements. It is just such an addition—the combination of those elements—that adds depth and dimension to the story.

Shatter Me is the tale of 17-year-old Juliette. She’s been locked away in a prison of sorts, separated from society, shunned by family—she’s never had any friends—and all because she killed someone by accident. She was just trying to be helpful, but to do that she had to touch someone—and her touch is deadly. When you’ve been locked away in solitary confinement for months, not speaking a word, it’s a shock to get company, especially when it’s a stunning boy—but this boy, Adam, has secrets of his own.

Juliette finds herself an object of desire. It becomes a battle of wits between Adam, her savior, and Warner, her jailor. And they’re not the only ones that want Juliette. The Reestablishment, the new society, wants her as a weapon, as does the opposition. Juliette has been an outcast all her life. Life is about to change in ways she could never have imagined.

This novel sucks you in right away. It doesn’t waste a moment giving you dry backstory, but takes you right to the start of the action: Juliette locked away. The scenario begs for an explanation, but you don’t get that right away and that’s okay because the journey to find that answer is filled with such intricate worldbuilding, the reader remains fully engaged.

The device used to convey Juliette’s inner thoughts is unusual. It consists of strikeouts of the words. This was initially annoying and can pull the reader out of the story, but over time one gets used to it. It becomes a convenient way to grasp the true nature of her feelings and show the volatility of the same.

The author has a fresh grasp of language that was evidenced through her original turns of phrase. It is a pleasure to reread and ruminate over them.

Shatter Me is intriguing. Imbued with mystery, romance, high-stakes action, and paranormal adventure, Shatter Me captures the reader from page one. The conclusion was particularly well done, setting the stage for the next installment in this compelling trilogy.

Toodles!

Hey Young Adult writers! There's a new option to get your stories in the hands of readers. Learn about Tribute Books!

2011-11-14T08:11:00.001-05:00

Nicole Langan

I'm happy to host Nicole Langan. She's the head honcho of Tribute Books, an independent publisher. They're on the look out for YA writers and the stories they have to tell. Check out the interview below and learn if this is an option for you.

1.) Tell us about Tribute Books. How long has it been around and what role did you play?

Tribute Books began in 2004 and we've published over 30 titles since that time. Some of our books have gone on to win awards such as the Christian Small Publisher Book of the Year and the Mom's Choice Award while others were endorsed by PBS and The Thoreau Society. We've covered a wide range of genres from children's picture books to history to sports under both traditional and subsidy contracts. In 2012, Tribute Books will transition into a royalty-paying ebook publisher of young adult titles.

Personally, I've spent roughly the last 12 years in the publishing world. I have a B.A. summa cum laude in English and Communications. From 1999-2004, I went from being an intern to an editorial assistant to an associate editor of a regional magazine. In 2004, I started Tribute Books. Since then, I've worked with dozens of authors, illustrators, photographers and editors in publishing our titles.

2) Why should an author choose Tribute Books rather than another independent publisher?

We're an author's support system. We're here every step of the way. An author is not in it alone. We are constantly promoting our titles on a daily basis, even those published years ago. Our efforts continue long after a book is initially released. Plus we employ the full power of our experience, our credentials, our social media platform, etc. on an author's behalf. An author becomes a part of our team and we offer one-on-one support throughout the entire process.

3) How much editing does Tribute Books do on the books it acquires?

In my experience, the authors who tend to be the most resistant to working with a publisher are the first timers - those that have never been published before. I've come across unpublished writers who refuse to consent to changing their manuscript in any way, shape or form. It's refreshing to come across those who are open minded and willing to see their work from different points of view in order to make it the best it can be.

At this point in the game, we are only accepting manuscripts from previously published authors who know the ins and outs of the book business. Any seasoned author is familiar with the editing process. We're not out to fundamentally change anyone's work, but it has to be of the quality level to hold its own against competing books in the marketplace. My hope is that the manuscripts we receive for consideration will be so well-written, very little will have to be changed in terms of editing. We're looking to put out the best quality product that we can, and we're looking to work with authors who feel the same way and are more than willing to collaborate instead of dictate.

4) You plan to focus on YA books now. Why? Will these be only in e-book form?

Our main reason is the explosion in popularity of e-readers such as the Kindle, Nook and iPad. Over the course of 2011, we've watched our ebook sales outpace our print sales by 2 to 1. The under $5 price point of most of our titles and the ease of purchase and delivery are surely contributing factors.

On a business level, the young adult genre sells especially if it is well written and has a paranormal romance theme. On a marketing level, the devotion of the young adult fan base is unparalleled. On a personal level, I thoroughly enjoy a good young adult novel and review many on my blog at http://tributebooksreviews.blogspot.com.

In terms of formats, we're looking at .epub, .mobi, .pdf and .doc. The ebooks will be available through Kindle, Nook, iPad, Smashwords and as PDF downloads through Tribute-Books.com. They will retail between $2.99 and $4.95.

Manuscripts that have already been professionally edited will receive greater consideration. Our preference is to work with previously published authors who know the ins and outs of book promotion. An established social media platform is a must, and we will not consider writers who do not have a well-followed blog, Facebook page or Twitter account.

Our preference is for damn good writing, the particular topic is secondary in importance. However, books written with a series in mind or those that delve into the paranormal will have a slight edge.

Interested authors can submit their manuscripts via email to info@tribute-books.com. There will be no charge for the authors we select to work with, and they will receive 50% of the net profits of their ebook sales in quarterly royalty payments. We're looking for Microsoft Word documents with a maximum of 350 pages of text with no photos, charts, illustrations, graphs, etc.
The complete list of guidelines can be found at: http://www.tribute-books.com/publish.html

5) You want authors that are media savvy. How much and what kind of promotion will Tribute books provide to their authors?

I am a big believer in the power of social media. I even conduct monthly blog tours for outside publishers and authors in order to help them increase the online presence of a book. Book bloggers are a powerful force in the book industry. With more and more book stores closing and book review columns being cut from major newspapers, readers are depending on bloggers to help them find the books they want to read. They are turning to the internet as a reference point to fill this information gap.

In my opinion, social networking is the bread and butter of any author's promotional efforts. Without it, it's like trying to paddle upstream without a canoe. Readers want to connect with the person who wrote the book. They crave interaction with an author. Nothing beats getting a writer to comment on a blogger's book review post or getting a personalized thank you tweet from your favorite author. The days of authors being isolated from their fans is over. They're now able to build an online following and receive instant feedback for their work. They have the opportunity to take part in creating their own literary community.

We try to keep an active online presence with our web site (http://www.tribute-books.com/), Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/pages/Archbald-PA/Tribute-Books/171628704176), Twitter (http://www.twitter.com/TributeBooks) and blog (http://tributebooks.blogspot.com/). We'd love to have anyone who loves young adult literature to join us for the ride.

Thanks for dropping by, Nicole and filling writers in on one more option to get their stories published.

Toodles!

And the Ten Winners of The Woman in Black and The Killer of Little Shepherds are...

2011-11-12T22:01:00.000-05:00

Thanks so much guys for entering and giving me the names of some interesting books to check out. A special thanks to those who became followers of my little piece of the blogosphere! You've put me over the 1000 mark and I'm planning a special giveaway to celebrate! I won't make you wait a moment longer to learn who won what book. The winners are...

The Woman in Black:

1)The Brunette Librarian!!
2) Danah!!
3) Sheila!!
4) SiNn!!
5)AshleyS!!

The Killer of Little Shepherds:

1) Jessie!!
2) Inga!!
3) Liz@Fictional Candy!!
4) Krysykat!!
5) Sandra Stiles!!

Please email me with your address ladies, so I may pass it on to the publisher. If I don't hear from you in 72 hours, I'll select someone else in your place.

Toodles!

Welcome to the Book Giveaway Hop. Ten Winners for this one!

2011-11-08T00:55:00.018-05:00

GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED AS OF 11/12/11

Hi guys. Welcome to my version of the Giveaway Hop hosted by I'm Am A Reader, Not A Writer and Tristi Pinkston. This is a great opportunity for ten winners to win one of two books I'm offering. They're a little different and I think make for very interesting reading.

I went to the movies a couple of weeks ago and saw the preview for a movie that will be coming out in the new year called, The Woman in Black. I was surprised to see it starred Harry Potter--I mean--Daniel Radcliffe!...lol...Let me tell you, it looked seriously spooky and creepy--very dark and ominous--which means I can't wait to see it! Imagine my surprise when shortly after, the publisher, Random House offered me the chance to get this book into the hands of five lucky readers. Of course I had to say, yes. Read what it's about for yourself:

The classic ghost story by Susan Hill: a chilling tale about a menacing spectre haunting a small English town. Arthur Kipps is an up-and-coming London solicitor who is sent to Crythin Gifford—a faraway town in the windswept salt marshes beyond Nine Lives Causeway—to attend the funeral and settle the affairs of a client, Mrs. Alice Drablow of Eel Marsh House. Mrs. Drablow’s house stands at the end of the causeway, wreathed in fog and mystery, but Kipps is unaware of the tragic secrets that lie hidden behind its sheltered windows. The routine business trip he anticipated quickly takes a horrifying turn when he finds himself haunted by a series of mysterious sounds and images—a rocking chair in a deserted nursery, the eerie sound of a pony and trap, a child’s scream in the fog, and, most terrifying of all, a ghostly woman dressed all in black. Psychologically terrifying and deliciously eerie, THE WOMAN IN BLACK is a remarkable thriller of the first rate.

They also offered another unique book. It's called The Killer of Little Shepherds. The folks will get this one, too. We're all familiar with the CSI shows, the role DNA plays in solving crimes and all forms of forensic science. The Killer of Little Shepherds details how a true crime story laid the foundation for development of forensics and criminal investigation. Check out the description...

Winner of the Golden Dagger Award

A fascinating true crime story that details the rise of modern forensics and the development of modern criminal investigation.

At the end of the nineteenth century, serial murderer Joseph Vacher terrorized the French countryside, eluding authorities for years, and murdering twice as many victims as Jack The Ripper. Here, Douglas Starr revisits Vacher's infamous crime wave, interweaving the story of the two men who eventually stopped him—prosecutor Emile Fourquet and Dr. Alexandre Lacassagne, the era's most renowned criminologist. In dramatic detail, Starr shows how Lacassagne and his colleagues were developing forensic science as we know it. Building to a gripping courtroom denouement, The Killer of Little Shepherds is a riveting contribution to the history of criminal justice.

Be aware, I can't guarantee who will win which one of the books. You have to be willing to take either one. The selection will be totally random. If you want the chance to win, tell me the name of a ghost story you've read and/or a crime story you've read. If you haven't read either type of story, that's fine, but you must say so. That is all! Don't forget to leave your email so you can be contacted if you're one of the winners. The books will be coming directly from the publisher, so I have no control over when they arrive.

The giveaway is open to residents of the US only, at publisher's request. You'll find links to other blogs participating in the giveaway hop, below.
Good luck, ya'll!

Toodles!

And the Winner of Destined is....

2011-11-03T05:17:00.002-04:00

Thanks for dropping in, girls. The winner of Destined-The House of Night series is...

Kimyunalesca!!

Please email me with your address, so I may pass it on to the publisher. If I don't hear from the winner in 24 hours, another will be chosen in her place. Winner was chosen randomly using Random.org

Toodles!

My Selection for Waiting on Wednesday: The Whole Story of Half a Girl by Veera Hiranandani

2011-11-02T00:59:00.000-04:00

Waiting on Wednesday is back! It's the weekly opportunity to learn about another new, pending book. It was started by the fabulous Jill over at Breaking the Spine. I seem to be on a trend. This week, I'm going contemporary YA and selecting another story with a biracial girl at the center of the story. Here's the description...

After her father loses his job, Sonia Nadhamuni, half Indian and half Jewish American, finds herself yanked out of private school and thrown into the unfamiliar world of public education. For the first time, Sonia's mixed heritage makes her classmates ask questions—questions Sonia doesn't always know how to answer—as she navigates between a group of popular girls who want her to try out for the cheerleading squad and other students who aren't part of the "in" crowd.

At the same time that Sonia is trying to make new friends, she's dealing with what it means to have an out-of-work parent—it's hard for her family to adjust to their changed circumstances. And then, one day, Sonia's father goes missing. Now Sonia wonders if she ever really knew him. As she begins to look for answers, she must decide what really matters and who her true friends are—and whether her two halves, no matter how different, can make her a whole.

This has a fresh perspective and I'm looking forward to learning how the protagonist tackles these issues. Anyone think they'll be joining me?

The Whole Story of Half a Girl releases January 10, 2012 by Delacorte Books for Young Readers.

Toodles!

Book Giveaway: Destined (House of Night) by P.C. and Kristin Cast.

2011-10-30T10:44:00.002-04:00

Hey guys, the publisher is giving away a copy of Destined, the ninth book in the House of Night series by P.C. and Kristin Cast.

Check out the description:

In Destined, the forces of Light and Dark collide as their epic struggle focuses on Tulsa's House of Night. Zoey is home where she belongs, safe with her Guardian Warrior, Stark, by her side - and preparing to face off against Neferet. Kalona has released his hold on Rephaim, and, through Nyx's gift of a human form, he and Stevie Rae are finally able to be together - if Rephaim can truly walk the path of the Goddess and stay free of his father's shadow.

But is Zoey really safe? Does she truly know those who are closest to her? And will love win when it is tested by the very soul of Darkness? Find out what's destined in the next thrilling chapter of the House of Night series.

If you're interested in being the winner, just leave a comment and let me know if you've read any books by this mother-daughter team of authors and what you like about their stories. I've never read them, so I'm really interested. If you haven't read any, like me, just say so. Don't forget to include your email so you can be contacted if you're the winner.

Giveaway is open to residents of the US and Canada only at publisher's request. It ends Wednesday, November 2, 2011.

Toodles!

A Waiting on Wednesday Double Header!

2011-10-26T00:10:00.000-04:00

Waiting on Wednesday is the fantastic meme started by Jill at Breaking the Spine. It's a great way to learn about new books coming out and what people are anxious to read. For the first time, I'm posting about two books. The first, The Pledge by Kimberly Derling is a dystopian-fantasy that I'm not waiting on, but YOU should be. It's absolutely awesome. Honestly. When I read the announcement about this book in Publisher's Weekly, back in February, it didn't particularly intrigue me. Boy did I underestimate it. This story captured my imagination from the first page. It's so well written. Derling can really write! I haven't read her first series, The Body Finder, but it's on my shelf and The Pledge has made me excited to get time to dig into it. Let's look at the description of The Pledge...

In the violent country of Ludania, the language you speak determines what class you are, and there are harsh punishments if you forget your place—looking a member of a higher class in the eye can result in immediate execution. Seventeen-year-old Charlaina (Charlie for short) can understand all languages, a dangerous ability she’s been hiding her whole life. Her only place of release is the drug-filled underground club scene, where people go to shake off the oppressive rules of the world they live in. There, she meets a beautiful and mysterious boy who speaks a language she’s never heard, and her secret is almost exposed. Through a series of violent upheavals, it becomes clear that Charlie herself is the key to forcing out the oppressive power structure of her kingdom.

The Pledge is a series not to be missed. It's that good. And now, on to the second selection...

UK cover. Book Two

The second book that I am waiting for is Until I Die by Amy Plum. It's the second book in the Die for Me trilogy. Remember that one? The one with Vincent, the revenant (or handsome zombiesque fellow) and Kate his love interest, the American girl living in Paris? Check out the Die for Me description to refresh your memory...

Book One

In the City of Lights, two star-crossed lovers battle a fate that is destined to tear them apart again and again for eternity.
When Kate Mercier's parents die in a tragic car accident, she leaves her life--and memories--behind to live with her grandparents in Paris. For Kate, the only way to survive her pain is escaping into the world of books and Parisian art. Until she meets Vincent.

Mysterious, charming, and devastatingly handsome, Vincent threatens to melt the ice around Kate's guarded heart with just his smile. As she begins to fall in love with Vincent, Kate discovers that he's a revenant--an undead being whose fate forces him to sacrifice himself over and over again to save the lives of others. Vincent and those like him are bound in a centuries-old war against a group of evil revenants who exist only to murder and betray. Kate soon realizes that if she follows her heart, she may never be safe again.

The whole revenant mythology is pretty original and I can't wait to see how the story continues. Isn't the cover gorgeous? I'm totally taken with the colors. This is the UK version. We're still waiting to see what the US is going to come up with.

The Pledge releases November 15, 2011by Simon and Schuster

Until I Die releases May 8, 2012 by HarperCollins

Toodles, ya'll!

In MY Mailbox...

2011-10-23T00:21:00.001-04:00

In MY Mailbox was started by Kriti over at The Story Siren. I was happy to receive some books that I was given and that I bought this week. I contacted the publisher Little Brown to inquire about receiving the awesome debut, Daughter of Smoke and Bone. They were gracious enough to send me a copy. They were kind enough to send me a couple more books this week, hardcover copies of Bunheads by Sophie Flack and How to Save a Life by Sara Zarr. Bunheads is Flack's first novel. She was a professional ballet dancer for a company in NY, so she's writing the story from an experts opinion. I can't wait to dig into it. I'm a huge fan of Sara Zarr. I mean, seriously. I just collect her books, even if I don't have time to read them right away. I put them on the shelf and know that I will get to them. They're like fine wine. Never trendy, just excellent true-to-life stories.

I received an ARC of Everneath by Brodi Ashton. I love these kind of dark, edgy stories. This is also the author's first book. In addition to these freebies, I spent some money and purchased Kate Morton's Distant Hours. I already had her book, The Forgotten Garden. I haven't read either of these yet, but I'm totally captivated by the covers! I've leafed through them and the descriptions of the stories and the writing is so lush and atmospheric. She's written a third book and I plan to get that one too. The Morton books are also like vintage wine that sits patiently, waiting for you to partake of their loveliness...
Until the next time...

Toodles!

My Selection for Waiting on Wednesday: If I Tell by Janet Gurtler

2011-10-19T00:59:00.000-04:00

Waiting on Wednesday is a great show of blogger community. The concept was created by Jill at Breaking the Spine and it's where we take the opportunity to talk about what books we're anticipating reading and looking forward to. This week, I'm back in the contemporary YA camp. Check out the description of If I Tell...

Jasmine Evans knows one thing for sure... people make mistakes. After all, she is one. Jaz is the result of a one night stand between a black football player and a blonde princess. Having a young mother who didn't raise her, a father who wants nothing to do with her and living in a small-minded town where she's never fit in hasn't been easy. But she's been surviving. Until she sees her mom's new boyfriend making out with her own best friend. When do you forgive people for being human or give up on them forever?

Well! This sounds complex. I love a story that has a menagerie of nooks and crannies filled with intrigue and complexity of emotions. Thank goodness I don't have to truly wait for it. It came out the first of this month. I love the cover. The color scheme, which happens to be aqua and green, is one of my favorites. The cover model is a good choice too. The girl actually looks biracial, though there's no absolutes in this area. I know some people that you would never know had parents of two different races. It's genetic Russian roulette! Lol....

If I Tell released October 1, 2011 by Sourcebooks Fire.

Sweetie goes to the doctor....

2011-10-16T09:23:00.000-04:00

My cat, Sweetie is the original scardy cat. I mean, they must have known she was coming and coined the word in her honor. When she was born, she was the most timid of the litter. When her brother and sister would play and pounce on each other, Sweetie wanted nothing to do with it. No rough and tumble life for her! When the other kittens started to eat solid food and came running when they saw me approach, not Sweetie! She hung back and had to be coaxed to eat. The others would scramble to get down if you picked them up, but Sweetie would just lie there, quietly. She's eleven years old now and still timid. If we have guests over, Sweetie won't even come in the house. She has to be carried in to make sure she eats! She is a sweet girl and hence, her name.

These pics are from her latest visit to the vet. She was so frightened, she literally trembled during the whole exam. Poor baby. We love her so much...


Who's that?!?

Oh God. How long is this gonna take?

That's it. You can do it.


No. I don't want to.

Can we go home now?

Toodles!

And the Three Winners of Dracula in Love are...

2011-10-12T22:16:00.000-04:00

Thanks for dropping in, girls. I wish there were enough books for everyone, but at least three of you will get it. Let's get right to it. The winners are...

Bookworm Nattie!!
Kathy Ann Coleman!!!
Nikki!!!

Please contact me and give me your mailing information so it can be passed on to the publisher. If the winners don't respond in 72 hours, others will be chosen in their place.

Toodles!

Book Giveaway and Author Interview: Dracula in Love by Karen Essex. Three Winners for This One!

2011-10-07T19:34:00.006-04:00

GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED AS OF 10/12/11

Dracula in Love was published in hardcover, last summer. In honor of the new paperback edition, the author, Karen Essex, in conjunction with her publisher, are offering three winners a chance to read it. I read it last year and it's a really original take on the story. It's told from the viewpoint of Dracula's love interest, Mina Harker. Check out the blurb...

London, 1890. Mina Murray Harker, the rosy-cheeked, quintessentially pure Victorian heroine, becomes Count Dracula’s object of desire. To preserve her chastity, five male “defenders” rush in to rescue her from the vampire’s evil clutches. This is the story we have been told. But now, from Mina’s own pen, we discover a tale more sensual, more devious, and more enthralling than the Victorians could have ever imagined. From the shadowy banks of the river Thames to the wild and windswept Yorkshire coast, Mina vividly recounts the intimate details of what really transpired between her and the Count—the joys and terrors of a passionate affair, as well as her rebellion against her own frightening preternatural powers.

You can put the title in the search engine on this blog and learn more from the review I posted last September.

If you're interested becoming one of the three winners, please leave a comment that tells me your favorite vampire book. Don't forget to include your email address. That is all. The giveaway ends Wednesday, October 12, 2011. Open to residents of the US and Canada, only.

I've included an interesting author-to-author interview between Dracula in Love author, Karen Essex and Julianna Baggott. Enjoy!

Toodles!

Novelist Julianna Baggott, author of The Provence Cure for the Broken-Hearted under the name Bridget Asher, chats with Karen Essex about obsession, criticism, vampires, and Dracula in Love.

JB: Current obsessions -- literary or otherwise?

KE: London! I moved here temporarily to research Dracula in Love because I wanted to breathe in the atmosphere of late Victorian England, which is very much alive in this city, and I never left! After so many years of living in Los Angeles, which represents everything new, I am having a great awakening living at the intersection of history, of which London has an immense amount, and the very multi-cultural, vital present. I am having the time of my life simply immersing myself in London's many aspects and hope to write about my personal experience here too.

JB: I despise the pervasive myth of inspiration – the idea that an entire book can exist simply because of an accumulation of inspired ideas – but I don’t deny that inspiration exists. There are things that have no other explanation. Was there a singular moment of inspiration for this book?

KE: I'd read Bram Stoker's Dracula when I was fifteen years old, and even at that time, I was sure that the character Mina Harker was dissatisfied with her role as the passive, cooperative Victorian virgin. Then, several decades later, strangely—inexplicably—I was sitting at my computer one night staring into space and the thought popped into my brain: What if I retell the original Dracula myth from Mina Harker's perspective? The idea just descended on me.

Now that said, I had my "vampire epiphany" long ago. I used to race home from grade school on my bike to catch "Dark Shadows" on TV. I grew up in a family of spooky women in New Orleans, which is a haunted city. I adored Anne Rice's books, and then later, as a screenwriter, adapted Rice's The Mummy or Ramses the Damned for James Cameron and 20th Century Fox (sadly, the film remains unmade!). So while the idea seemingly just "occurred" to me, I have loved vampire lore for a very long time, and moreover, my novels retell the stories of women in history in an empowering way. So empowering the vampire's "victim" was a natural for me.

JB: Criticism. It’s part of the territory. How do you handle it? Is this the way you’ve always handled it?

KE: This will sound childish and hubristic but when I read a horrible review, I always picture the person who wrote it as morbidly obese and sexually frustrated. I also tell myself that this poor creature, who is generally lambasting me on some point on which they are entirely wrong, usually an historical detail, is not smart enough to understand the complexity of my book or its higher themes! The truth is—and every writer no matter how successful will attest to this—criticism always hurts. It's important to revel in the good comments and minimize thinking on the bad. This actually does not get easier as time goes on, but it is necessary to develop thick skin in order to remain in any sector of the public eye. Now that anyone with access to a computer has a portal for their opinions, we are inundated with criticism. If it doesn’t kill us, it WILL make us stronger.

As far as criticism from the people who support me, such as my agent and my editor, I put my faith in these folks, and I try very hard to listen carefully to their comments. I don't blindly take every suggestion, but I do put my ego aside and try to objectively consider and address everything they bring up. Writers are buried so deeply in the minutia of our stories that we often cannot see the big picture.

JB: What kind of child were you, inside of what kind of childhood, and how did it shape you as a writer?

KE: Like almost every writer throughout history, I was a child who loved to read. My parents used to call me for dinner 100 times before I actually heard their voices because I was so engrossed in a book. "She's come back from the planet Venus," they'd say when I finally showed up at the table. Also, my early years were spent in my grandmother's kitchen, where she, her sister, and their mother, my amazing great-grandmother, told stories all day long while they cooked for the family and for the men who worked in my grandfather's barbershop. They did not censor for the ears of a child, so it was a very rich experience, and I believe, the reason I am a writer today.

The Dracula in Love video tells the whole story of how my childhood influenced my tastes and the writing of the novel, so please take a look!

JB: Research. We all have to do it. Sometimes it’s delicious, sometimes brutal. Tell us a tale from the research trenches.

KE: I love research almost as much as I love writing, which is a good thing because research and historical fiction are symbiotic. The most harrowing research I have done was in the archives of Victorian mental hospitals, reading the accounts of the really bizarre treatments given to women in the early days of psychiatry to help "settle them down." A good chunk of Bram Stoker's Dracula takes place in an insane asylum. I wanted to use the same setting in my novel but portray the asylum as it actually was at the time—full of women incarcerated for having what we today would consider normal sexual activity. My conceit for Dracula in Love was that women in the 1890s had a lot more to fear from their own culture than from vampires! I am told that the scariest parts of the book take place in the asylum scenes, which were recreated from painstaking research. People always say to me, "You must have made that stuff up!" But no, everything that happened in those scenes is based on reality. Research will always demonstrate that truth is greater than fiction.

JB: What other jobs have you had -- other than writing or teaching writing? Did one of these help shape you as a writer?

KE: My first career was as a film executive in Hollywood. I am ever grateful that I worked in a real business, albeit a creative one, before I quit and dedicated myself entirely to writing. I write literary novels and have never written anything "for the money," but from day one, I approached writing with an eye to publishing and to earning my income through the endeavor. Publishing is a business and many writers fail to understand that, which is why many writers fail to publish, or fail to maintain a career as a writer once they are published. I took my "career" as a writer as seriously as I took my career as an executive, which meant learning the mechanics of the industry along with learning the mechanics of the craft. I knew that I had to invest in my writing on every level, including the financial. I made great financial sacrifices for my writing but I considered it an investment in my future, or my "business." Anyone who thinks that publishing is not a business, or that good writers do not think of it that way, is very naive.

To learn more about Julianna: http://juliannabaggott.com/books.htm

And the Winner of The Crown on Your Head by Nancy Tillman is....

2011-10-06T17:18:00.001-04:00

This is the sweetest book. The winner of said book is...

LuAnn!!!

I hope your grandson enjoys it. Please send me your mailing info so I can pass it on to the publisher. If I don't hear from the winner in 24 hours, another will be selected in her place. The winner was chosen randomly, using Random.org

Toodles!

My Selection for Waiting on Wednesday: Living Violet--The Cambion Chronicles by Jaime Reed.

2011-10-05T07:42:00.000-04:00

Book One

Waiting on Wednesday is an awesome opportunity to learn about new books coming out and what folks are salivating to read. It was started by Jill at Breaking the Spine. I've ping-ponged back in the paranormal camp this week. Check out Living Violet: the first book in the Cambion Chronicles series by Jaime Reed...

He's persuasive, charming, and way too mysterious. And for Samara Marshall, her co-worker is everything she wants most--and everything she most fears. . .

Samara Marshall is determined to make the summer before her senior year the best ever. Her plan: enjoy downtime with friends and work to save up cash for her dream car. Summer romance is not on her to-do list, but uncovering the truth about her flirtatious co-worker, Caleb Baker, is. From the peculiar glow to his eyes to the unfortunate events that befall the girls who pine after him, Samara is the only one to sense danger behind his smile.

But Caleb's secrets are drawing Samara into a world where the laws of attraction are a means of survival. And as a sinister power closes in on those she loves, Samara must take a risk that will change her life forever. . .or consume it.

The girl is biracial and we don't see much of that in YA. I remember when this author's agent announced her book deal. This is her debut novel and I love the premise of the story. I'm looking forward to learning how she pulls it off. Anyone gonna join me for the ride?

Living Violet--The Cambion Chronicles releases December 27, 2011.

Toodles!

Expecting a baby? Have a young child or younger brother or sister? Grandchild? If you said "yes", this book giveaway is for you!

2011-09-30T19:41:00.002-04:00

Macmillan Children's Publishing is having a lovely promotion of a beautiful new children's book by Nancy Tillman, 'The Crown on Your Head'. The words are sparse and heartfelt, exemplifying the love that one has for a young child. It's a perfect gift for a new mother or a mother that's been in the role for a while. It rekindles that loving feeling of why you gave birth to that bundle of joy after too many sleepless nights and diaper changes...lol...Even if you're not a mom, if you have a young child in your home or you want to read to your little brother or sister, or grandchild, it's a very special book. Get it and keep it for your future child someday.

...Bestselling author and artist Nancy Tillman has found another beautiful way to celebrate the embraces of our dear ones, and to reassure us, no matter how old or how young, that we are loved."

Learn more about the author here:

Website:

http://nancytillmancorner.com

The publisher is giving away a copy. If you'd like a chance to receive it, just leave a comment telling me who you plan to read the book to. That is all. Don't forget your email.

The giveaway is open to residents of the US and Canada only. It ends Wednesday October 5, 2011.

The Crown on Your Head by Nancy Tillman released September 13, 2011 by Macmillan.

Toodles!

My Selection for Waiting on Wednesday: How to Save a Life by Sara Zarr

2011-09-28T00:59:00.000-04:00

Waiting on Wednesday is the weekly post that let's everyone know what are the highly anticipated books. It was started by that brilliant girl, Jill over at Breaking the Spine. I'm letting go of the supernatural this week. I'm casting the paranormal aside and getting real--realistic. I'm going for contemporary YA! It's the latest book of one of my favorite real-life authors: Sara Zarr. Check out the blurb from How to Save a Life...

Jill MacSweeny just wishes everything could go back to normal. But ever since her dad died, she's been isolating herself from her boyfriend, her best friends--everyone who wants to support her. And when her mom decides to adopt a baby, it feels like she's somehow trying to replace a lost family member with a new one.

Mandy Kalinowski understands what it's like to grow up unwanted--to be raised by a mother who never intended to have a child. So when Mandy becomes pregnant, one thing she's sure of is that she wants a better life for her baby. It's harder to be sure of herself. Will she ever find someone to care for her, too?

As their worlds change around them, Jill and Mandy must learn to both let go and hold on, and that nothing is as easy--or as difficult--as it seems.
Critically acclaimed author and National Book Award finalist Sara Zarr delivers a heart-wrenching story, told from dual perspectives, about the many roads that can lead us home.

I met Sara at a writer's conference last year. She was the keynote speaker. She's a truly talented writer and so down to Earth. Love, love, love her stuff. If you haven't read her books, what in world are you waiting for?! Get to it...lol...!

How to Save a Life releases October 18, 2011.

Toodles!

Happy Release Day! Book Review and Giveaway: Daughter of Smoke & Bone by Laini Taylor.

2011-09-27T00:03:00.001-04:00

Daughter of Smoke & Bone is the latest novel of National Book Award finalist Laini Taylor. It’s a young adult book. It’s a magical and intriguing fantasy. It’s a love story.

Around the world, black handprints are appearing on doorways, scorched there by winged strangers who have crept through a slit in the sky.

In a dark and dusty shop, a devil’s supply of human teeth grows dangerously low.

And in the tangled lanes of Prague, a young art student is about to be caught up in a brutal otherwordly war.

The jacket copy is intriguing and it could be just another paranormal story, but Laini Taylor exemplifies why she is a National Book Award finalist. She takes us into the world of Karou, the seventeen-year-old art student with the ultramarine colored hair—yes. It grows out of her head that color—and her most unusual family. They’re monsters, their anatomy consisting of a patchwork of varying creatures. Karou lives the life of an average student—when she’s not running errands for Brimstone—the closest thing Karou has for a father. Human arms and torso, a ram’s head and claws for hands—that’s what Brimstone consists of. He sends Karou on missions to collect the teeth that he needs. She slips in and out of doors that lead to all parts of the world and all these doors lead back to her family—back to Elsewhere—that is nowhere and everywhere. Karou has tried to make sense of these creatures that have loved and cared for her as long as she could remember. And there lies the problem. Karou knows there are missing components of her life. It’s like waking from a dream and parts fade away like mist, into the ether of the atmosphere, leaving a lingering flavor of a greater substance that is now obscured.

Taylor writes with a lush use of words. They’re lyrical and sweeping. The characterizations are layered and full-bodied. She’s created a fanciful, but intense mythology. Karou shows us what she’s made of right from the start. She deals with an ex-boyfriend in ways that will make you laugh and clearly shows the depth and determination of her character. You know this is a girl that’s not going to give up and the reader is fully engrossed in her journey and her world and what a picturesque and rich world it is. The author has traveled to lush and exotic locales. She has a colorful, quirky spirit and shocking pink hair of her own! Her luxuriant descriptions and original turns of phrase are clear evidence of her creative sensibility.

This is a tale of star-crossed lovers. Karou’s connection to Akiva, the beautiful warrior is a mystery. The truth is shocking. The conclusion of this tale will leave you with a gaping mouth. It must be continued. And will be in the sequel!

The publisher sent me the Arc and the hardcover. I'm undecided as to which one I'm giving away. I'll figure it out by the time the giveaway ends. If you're open to receiving either one and you'd like to enter the giveaway, leave a comment that answers this question: Do you believe supernatural creatures exist? Why or why not? Don't forget to include your email. That is all.

The giveaway is open to residents of the US only this time. If I do decide on the hardcover, that book weighs a ton and I need to watch the postage, folks. I haven't even decided when the giveaway ends. I guess it'll end when I say it does...lol...we'll see. You can enter until I'm ready to pick a winner. I'm telling you. You're going to love this book. It's awesome.

Toodles!

Book Review: A Beautiful Dark by Jocelyn Davies

2011-09-25T21:30:00.001-04:00

A Beautiful Dark is the debut novel of Jocelyn Davies. She’s an editor of young adult fiction and decided to take the plunge into the genre herself. We all know the old saying: don’t judge a book by its cover, but the cover of this novel is truly eye-catching. It’s an enigma. Who is this girl? The background is dark and stormy; the title is evocative of an intriguing mystery. It begs for one to crack the spine and explore.

Skye, the protagonist, age seventeen is living a normal life—sort of. She’s the unrequited crush of a young man that works at the coffee shack, she’s trying to negotiate school and friends and come to terms with the loss of her parents, killed in an accident. Having Mom’s best friend as her guardian is great, but it can’t remove the pain that is always brewing beneath the surface.

Missing parents are a common device in YA fiction to allow for situations that would be a lot more difficult if not impossible if adults were present—at least if you want a credible story or the writer is utilizing irresponsible parents as a plot device. That’s not the case here. The missing parents are an integral part of the mystery. They’re part of a delicious little twist that is essentially only hinted at. I’m hoping to see it explored more thoroughly as the story continues in the next installment.

Jocelyn Davies does a nice job of worldbuilding. It was easy to fall into that world and visualize that cold, ski-town in Colorado, the crunchy ice and the hot, steaming coffee that await the teens who meet up at the intimate shack. When two hot boys who are diametrically opposed to each other, appear in Skye’s life, things begin heat up—and it has nothing to do with that coffee!

Skye finds herself jockeying between these two strange boys. Who are they and what do they want? They’re on a mission. Each is familiar with the other and it is clear they despise each other. Skye struggles to understand how she factors into their apparent feud. The author is to be commended for giving Devin and Asher very unique and distinctive personalities. They both had their strengths and flaws and it isn’t clear who the bad guy is or who to root for. Their emotions had depth. The attraction and repulsion they had in their connection to Skye was nicely nuanced.

The ending is a total shock and a huge cliffhanger. This is no stand-alone novel. One must read the next book in the series to get to the bottom of things and I look forward to digging in and finding out!

A Beautiful Dark releases September 27, 2011 by Harper Teen

And the Winner of Dreamland is....

2011-09-22T05:45:00.000-04:00

Thanks for dropping in guys and checking out the giveaway. I won't delay the announcement. The winner of Dreamland is...

Bookish in a Box!!

Please email me with your address so it can be passed on to the publisher. If the winner doesn't respond in 48 hours, another will be chosen in her place.

Toodles!

My Selection for Waiting on Wednesday: INSURGENT by Veronica Roth

2011-09-21T01:03:00.001-04:00

Book Two

Book One

Waiting on Wednesday is the meme started by Jill over at Breaking the Spine. It lets everyone know what are the hotly anticipated books. This week I'm looking at the next book in a trilogy: Insurgent, the second book in the Divergent series. There's no blurb available yet, but according to the author, Insurgent will pick up where the first book leaves off. The factions that were not featured in Divergent will have a more prominent role. I guess that would be Candor (the honest), Erudite (the intelligent) and Amity (the peaceful). Insurgent will also go into Tobias’ history more. Remember him--Beatrice's love interest, the boy who trained her? I tell you. It's a good thing they're not taking too long to publish the next book because I had to look at the first one to remember how it ended! Roth said the second book is about consequences for the most part. The repercussions of what Tris did, and what Jeanine did at the end of the first book, in particular. Can you remember what Jeanine did? I can't!

We've got a bit of a wait. It doesn't release until the Spring, but I have a feeling that will be here before we know it. So, tell me. Who's in?!

INSURGENT releases May, 2012.

Toodles!

Book Giveaway: Dreamland by Alyson Noel

2011-09-18T20:12:00.000-04:00

Hey, guys. The publisher is offering one winner the chance to get the third book in the Riley Bloom series: Dreamland by Alyson Noel. Check out the blurb...

"Riley's finding that the afterlife can be a lonely place when all you do is focus on work. So she goes to the place where dreams happen, hoping to find a way to contact her sister, Ever. She meets the director, who tells her about the two ways to send dreams. As a Dream Jumper, a person can jump into a dreamer's dream, share a message, and participate. As a Dreamweaver, an entire dream can be created in a studio and sent to the dreamer. But Dreamweaving was outlawed decades ago, and the studio was boarded up. Thinking it's her only way to reach out to her sister, Riley goes in search of the old studio. There she finds a ghost boy, who's been creating and sending nightmares to people for years. In order to stop him and reach out to Ever, Riley is going to have to confront and overcome her own fears."

Alyson Noël continues the bestselling story of Riley Bloom as she learns how dreams are made and tries to make contact with her sister, Ever.

If you're interested in trying to be the lucky winner, just leave a comment that tells me what other Alyson Noel book you've read and why you like it. If you haven't read any of her books, that's okay. Just say so. Don't forget your email!

The giveaway is open to residents of the US and Canada only at publisher's request. It ends, Thursday, 9/29/11.

Learn more about the author here:

Macmillan page for Alyson Noël:

http://us.macmillan.com/author/alysonnoel

Become a Facebook fan: http://www.facebook.com/OfficialAlysonNoel

Website: http://www.alysonnoel.com/

Dreamland released 9/13/11.

Toodles!

In MY Mailbox...Publishers have been good to me. I thank them.

2011-09-18T00:02:00.003-04:00

It's been a while since I've participated in an IMM meme. I've received some books that I wanted to read so badly, I had to acknowledge them. What surprised me is that some publishers sent me ARCs of the books, then followed up with the hardcover edition. That was very kind and generous of them. I'm certainly going to share the blessing and have a giveaway of either the ARC or hardcover edition of each of these books.

Arcs & Hardcovers

Dystopian Novels

I loved Daughter of Smoke & Bone so much, I had to buy the author's other books! I'm waiting for one more to arrive.

My friend, Jeff published his debut YA novel!

I left this ARC behind in another state by mistake, but it was sent to me! It was just as beautiful in person. A book can be "in person", right...lol...

Toodles!

And the Winner of All These Things I've Done by Gabrielle Zevin is....

2011-09-15T18:06:00.000-04:00

Thanks so much for the great answers you gave in response to the question: what do you love so much it should be declared illegal. It was fun to read your responses. I wish there were more books available so you could all get one. Unfortunately, the publisher is only providing one *sigh*. So, that one winner is...

Kimyunalesca!!!

Congrats. Please email me with your address so I can pass it on to the publisher. If the winner doesn't respond in 48 hours, another one will be selected in her place. The winner was chosen randomly using Random.org.

Toodles!

My Selection for Waiting on Wednesday: Bunheads by Sophie Flack

2011-09-14T00:35:00.000-04:00

Waiting on Wednesday has come around again. It's a great way to learn about new books coming out and what folks are eagerly anticipating. It was started by the marvelous Jill over at Breaking the Spine. This week, I'm leaving the supernatural behind and going for a contemporary YA. It's called Bunheads. That's a heck of a name, isn't it?...lol...The publisher put me on to it and I'm intrigued by it. Check out the blurb...

On-stage beauty. Backstage drama.
As a dancer with the ultra-prestigious Manhattan Ballet Company, nineteen-year-old Hannah Ward juggles intense rehearsals, dazzling performances and complicated backstage relationships. Up until now, Hannah has happily devoted her entire life to ballet.

But when she meets a handsome musician named Jacob, Hannah's universe begins to change, and she must decide if she wants to compete against the other "bunheads" in the company for a star soloist spot or strike out on her own in the real world. Does she dare give up the gilded confines of the ballet for the freedoms of everyday life?

The author danced with the New York City Ballet from 2000 until 2009. I did some ballet myself as a kid though nothing as professional as the New York City Ballet. My group did perform at Lincoln Center in New York as well as Carnegie Hall, though! Those are awesome memories.

I love the rather abstract design of the cover. It makes me think of some kind of esoteric garden of some sort or lillypads--cool. For years, I wore my hair like that. It drove my friends crazy. People would beg me to take it out so they could see how long my hair was. I always promised to do it, but never did. It's all about the mystery, ya know? Ha ha ha...So, what do you think? Are there any bunheads in your future?

BUNHEADS releases October 10, 2011 by Poppy (Little, Brown)

Toodles!

A New Dystopian Novel for Your Pleasure: All These Things I've Done by Gabrielle Zavin: A Book Giveaway

2011-09-09T17:54:00.001-04:00

All These Things I've Done is an interesting mix of dystopian and romance set in the future that was just released. Check out the finer details as to what it's about...

In 2083, chocolate and coffee are illegal, paper is hard to find, water is carefully rationed, and New York City is rife with crime and poverty. And yet, for Anya Balanchine, the sixteen-year-old daughter of the city's most notorious (and dead) crime boss, life is fairly routine. It consists of going to school, taking care of her siblings and her dying grandmother, trying to avoid falling in love with the new assistant D.A.'s son, and avoiding her loser ex-boyfriend. That is until her ex is accidently poisoned by the chocolate her family manufactures and the police think she's to blame. Suddenly, Anya finds herself thrust unwillingly into the spotlight--at school, in the news, and most importantly, within her mafia family.

The publisher is giving away a copy to one lucky winner. To have a chance to receive it, answer this: name something you love so much, it should be declared illegal. Don't forget to include your email. That is all.

Learn more about the author at these locations:

Macmillan page for the book & author:

http://us.macmillan.com/allthesethingsivedone

Become a fan and see Gabrielle on tour this Fall: http://www.facebook.com/gabriellezevinfanpage

Website:

http://www.memoirsofa.com/

All These Things I've Done released 9/06/11 by Farrar Straus and Giroux

Giveaway is open to residents of the US and Canada only at publisher's request. It ends Wednesday, September 14.

Toodles!

And the Winner of HADES is....

2011-09-08T21:42:00.001-04:00

Thanks for dropping in guys and a special thanks to those who answered the question as instructed. The winner of HADES by Alexandra Adornetto is...

Sean Anand!!

Congrats Sean. Please email me with your address so it can be passed on to the publisher. If you don't respond in 48 hrs, another will be selected in your place.

Toodles!

My Selection for Waiting on Wednesday: After Obsession by Carrie Jones & Steven E. Wedel

2011-09-07T01:02:00.000-04:00

Waiting on Wednesday posts weekly and let's everyone know what are the hotly anticipated reads. It was started by Jill at Breaking the Spine. This week I'm interested in After Obsession. Let's see what's being said about it...

Aimee and Alan have secrets. Both teens have unusual pasts, and abilities they prefer to keep hidden. But when they meet each other for the first time, in a cold Maine town, they can't stop their secrets from spilling out. Strange things have been happening lately, and they both feel strongly that something, or someone, is haunting them. They're wrong. Despite their unusual history and powers, it's neither Aimee nor Alan who is truly haunted. It's Alan's cousin Courtney who, in a desperate plea to find her missing father, has invited a demon into her life - and into her body. Only together can Aimee and Alan exorcise the ghost. And they have to move quickly, before it devours not just Courtney, but everything around her...

Filled with heart-pounding romance, paranormal activity, and rich teen characters to love - and introducing an exciting new YA voice in Steven Wedel - this novel is exactly what Carrie Jones fans have been waiting for. Meet your next obsession.

I wonder if this is written in alternating point of view. Did Carrie Jones write the part of Aimee and debut author, Steven Wedel write the guy, Alan's part?

Hey, guys. Did you notice something in the description? Courtney has invited a demon into her life. Then it says they have to exorcise the ghost! Is a demon and a ghost one and the same? Are the two words synonyms for the same creature? Are you willing to accept this? Or not?! What do you think?

After Obsession releases September 13, 2011 by Bloomsbury USA Childrens

Book Giveaway: HADES by Alexandra Adornetto

2011-09-01T21:42:00.002-04:00

Book Two

GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED AS OF 9/8/11

HADES is the second book in the HALO trilogy by teen author, Alexandra Adornetto. She's from Australia, but attending college now, down south, in the US. I met her last year at a book signing and had the pleasure of interviewing her (put her name/book in the search section to the right to check that out). I love this series and can't wait to sink my teeth into the second book. Let's get a sense of what HADES is about...

Book One

Heaven Help Her.

Bethany Church is an angel sent to Earth to keep dark forces at bay. Falling in love was never part of her mission, but the bond between Beth and her mortal boyfriend, Xavier Woods, is undeniably strong. But even Xavier’s love, and the care of her archangel siblings, Gabriel and Ivy, can’t keep Beth from being tricked into a motorcycle ride that ends up in Hell. There, the demon Jake Thorn bargains for Beth’s release back to Earth. But what he asks of her will destroy her, and quite possibly, her loved ones, as well.

The story that Alexandra Adornetto built in her New York Times-bestselling debut, Halo, comes alive in action-packed and unexpected ways, as angels battle demons, and the power of love is put to the test.

The publisher is graciously offering the opportunity for one winner to receive a copy of HADES. If you're interested in being that winner, just leave a comment that answers these questions: can you name any other books you've read with demons as a main focus? How about angels? Of course if you haven't read any, that's okay, just say so. Don't forget to leave your email address. That is all.

The giveaway is open to residents of the US and Canada only at publisher's request. Giveaway ends Thursday, September 8, 2011.

HADES released 8/30/11 by Feiwel and Friends (Macmillian)

Learn more about the author here:

See Alexandra Adornetto on tour this Fall: http://www.facebook.com/penfataletour

Facebook Fan Page: https://www.facebook.com/AlexandraAdornetto

Macmillan page for the book & author: http://us.macmillan.com/hades

Toodles!

Release Day! Book Review: THE ELEVENTH PLAGUE by Jeff Hirsch

2011-09-01T04:09:00.000-04:00

The Eleventh Plague by Jeff Hirsch

Publisher: Scholastic Press

Pages: 304

ISBN-10: 0545290147

ISBN-13: 978-0545290142

Genre: young adult

Subgenre: dystopian

Release date: 09/01/11

The Eleventh Plague is the debut novel of Jeff Hirsh. It’s a dystopian story that follows the saga of fifteen-year-old Stephen Quinn. He’s growing up in a new America—what the country has become after a devastating war with China. A virulent stain of the flu—the eleventh plague, wipes out two thirds of the country. Now, the survivors have to forge a new path and make their way in the new world, a world that can be desolate, cold and brutal. Stephen, his father and grandfather scrap by as salvagers, but when the grandfather dies, Stephen’s dad decides to free himself from granddad’s iron-clad influence. It’s a risk he’s willing to take and the consequences change his life and Stephens’s beyond anything they could have imagined.

We’ve all heard the old cliché “don’t judge a book by its cover”, but the cover of The Eleventh Plague immediately captures one’s attention. It’s atmospheric and connotes a world gone wrong, bad. It begs to be opened and the contents within, explored. In the opening pages, the writing is stark and direct, sparse. There is a blunt sensibility to the characters that made me question if they were likable. Would these be characters one could relate to? The answer is a resounding yes.

The author draws one in to take the journey along side Stephen. You are there sharing the emptiness, fear, dread, surprise, the new discoveries and yes, the hope. It is a fact that many boys are reluctant readers. The Eleventh Plague may be one of the answers to that problem. It’s a young adult novel, but it also has a middle grade sensibility that is sure to captivate younger readers as well.

This is a stand-alone novel, but the premise and ending certainly leave room for a continuation if the author wished to pursue it. His next work—whatever that may be—is eagerly awaited.

Toodles!

My Selection for Waiting on Wednesday: Overbite by Meg Cabot

2011-08-31T00:52:00.000-04:00

Book Two

This day came around so fast, I almost missed it again! Waiting on Wednesday is the great meme started by that clever girl, Jill over at Breaking the Spine. I even saw an author mention this meme in the monthly addition of The Society of Children Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI)! We're a part of something great, ya'll...lol...This week I'm going for a sequel. It's the second book in the Insatiable series by Meg Cabot. Insatiable was the first Cabot book I ever read and I thought it was a YA book, but it was an adult story. Loved it. Cabot poked fun at Twilight, the whole vampire trend, all while writing her own delicious story and putting her spin on the paranormal. She's not letting Meyers or any of the other new kids on the block get the better of her! She's determined to stay relevant and keep up! Let's see how the story continues...

Book One

Meena Harper has a special gift, but it's only now that anyone's ever appreciated it. The Palatine Guard - a powerful secret demon-hunting unit of the Vatican - has hired her to work at their new branch in Lower Manhattan. With Meena's ability to predict how everyone she meets will die, the Palatine finally has a chance against the undead.

Sure, her ex-boyfriend was Lucien Antonescu, son of Dracula, the prince of darkness. But that was before he (and their relationship) went up in flames. Now Meena's sworn off vampires for good . . . at least until she can prove her theory that just because they've lost their souls doesn't mean demons have lost the ability to love.

Meena knows convincing her co-workers - including her partner, Uber-demon-hunter Alaric Wulf - that vampires can be redeemed won't be easy . . . especially when a deadly new threat seems to be endangering not just lives of the Palatine, but Meena's friends and family as well.

But Meena isn't the Palatine's only hope. Father Henrique - aka Padre Caliente - New York City's youngest, most charming priest, has also been assigned to the case.
So why doesn't Meena - or Alaric - trust him?

As she begins unraveling the truth, Meena finds her loyalties tested, her true feelings laid bare . . . and temptations she never even imagined existed impossible to resist.
This time, Meena may finally have bitten off more than she can chew.

I'm a little late with this one as it came out last month, but I'm looking forward to sinking my teeth into it. Has anyone else read it or the first book in the series?

Overbite released July 5, 2011 by William Murrow.

Toodles!

Who is Jeff Hirsch? The author, Suzanne Collins recommends so highly? An author interview.

2011-08-29T14:12:00.002-04:00

Two things drew me to The Eleventh Plague, the debut novel of Jeff Hirsch. One: the atmospheric cover. I was completely taken with it. I had to learn about the world it conveyed. Two: Suzanne Collin's endorsement. I'm sure she gets asked to blurb novels ad nauseum. I've never seen her endorse a novel--until now. Of course if you guys know of another, let me know! Anyway, I'm sure she wouldn't waste her influence on something she though was ho-hum, so I definitely wanted to read what she describes as "An excellent, taut debut novel." I did and I'll post that review on Thursday, the day of the novel's release.

I also wanted to know who's the guy behind this book. Who was able to score such a coup and capture Collin's enthusiasm? That's the motive behind this interview. I contacted Jeff Hirsch, author of The Eleventh Plague to find out.

1) You went to school in California. Are you a native New Yorker or a West coast transplant?

Native east coaster but not native New Yorker. I grew up in Richmond, VA. I moved to NY after college (in a failed bid to become the next Marlon Brando) then drove across country to San Diego for grad school. I made my second cross country road trip (this time awkwardly piloting a 17 ft rental truck) when my wife was transferred to NY. We've been here about 6 years now.

2) You have an MFA in Dramatic Writing. What did you major in as an undergraduate? Is writing as a profession something you always knew you wanted to do? If not, when and how did you reach this epiphany?

I always wrote but for a long time I thought it was just something I did for me while I pursued being an actor. That's what my undergrad was in. I distinctly remember one night in NY. I had just gotten home from a long and tiring 9 hours at my day job. It was freezing cold and pouring rain and there was an audition I was supposed to be at in an hour. I knew there was absolutely no way I was going back out there. That's when I realized that someone who was passionate about acting, who really loved it, wouldn't let a little fatigue and bad weather keep them from it. I asked myself what I did love that much and that's when I switched to writing.

3) Are you writing full time or do you have a day job? If you have a day job, what is it?

Nope, not a full time writer yet. (One day. Fingers crossed!) I work at a small non-profit where I help organize a yearly conference and a festival and do a little writing for them as well.

4) Why have you chosen to write YA? Do you have any plans to write for adults in the future?

No plans to write for adults, but never say never I guess. Why YA? I think there's something about the essential struggles of being a teen, figuring out who you are, dealing with constant change, that still resonate with me. YA is so much about first experiences and how we're transformed by them. There's an intrinsic drama to that that I think is great fun to write about.

5) Tell us about your journey to acquiring a literary agent.

It was just a straight query situation actually. I sent out to Sara and a few others. Shortly after I did I got the runner-up slot in an SCBWI unpublished novel contest and emailed all the agents I queried with that info. I had a couple weeks of very exciting talks with agents and went with Sara. She really seemed to like the book and get what was working and what wasn't.

6) What was the inspiration for your debut novel, The Eleventh Plague? How long did it take you to write your first draft of the story? Is this a stand alone novel or the first in a series?

An image popped to mind one day of two people burying someone late at night on a hill overlooking the ruins of an old shopping mall. The rest of the story came from trying to figure who these people were, what their world was like and how they wanted to change it. It was quite a long process actually. As best as I can figure I started the book sometime in late 2006. I queried Sara with it just shy of 4 years later. The plan at the moment is for this to be a stand alone.

7) Tell us about your writing process. Do you meticulously plot out your stories or are you more organic and write as it comes?

A little of both actually. The book I'm working on now I figured out the major arcs for the main characters and the overall thrust of the story and am improvising off of that. I used to go completely by the seat of my pants but I find that having a few things planned in advance actually makes it easier to improvise since you know you have a path you can always come back to if you get lost.

8) Take us into the writing day of Jeff Hirsch. How do you write and manage your time?

I'm a write-every-day-slow-and-steady-wins-the-race type. I generally get home from work, try (and often fail) to hit the gym, have a little dinner and then write for 2 hours or so. The time I have left generally involves my wife, Netflix and pie. These days I'm shooting for 4000-5000 words a week.

9) Can you share your plans for any future projects with us?

Not sure how much detail I'm supposed to get into yet, but the next book is called (for the moment at least) Magisterium. It should be out Fall of 2012, again with Scholastic. It's about a girl named Glenn navigating a world that's been divided in two. Other than that I'll keep it a little mysterious for the moment.

Thanks so much Jeff for letting us get to know you better!

To keep track of Jeff and what he's up to in the coming days and beyond, go to jeff-hirsch.com.

THE ELEVENTH PLAGUE releases Thursday, September 1, 2011 by Scholastic.

Stop by here then and check out the review!

Toodles!

And the Winner of The Girl Who Fell From the Sky by Heidi Durrow is...

2011-08-28T15:09:00.001-04:00

Sorry for the delay, guys. I was busy and didn't get a chance to post yesterday. The winner is...

Nicole Weaver!

Congrats, Nicole. Please email me with your address and I'll get the book out to you. If the winner doesn't respond in 48 hours, another will be selected in her place.

Toodles!

My Selection for Waiting on Wednesday: A Million Suns by Beth Revis

2011-08-24T00:30:00.000-04:00

Book Two

Waiting on Wednesday has swung back around again. I'm glad because its my favorite meme, but I'm also sad because that means the Summer is disappearing...*sigh*...WoW as started by Jill at Breaking the Spine. She must be somewhat of a genius to have created such an inspiring post. Thanks Jill! This week I've got a sequel in mind: A Million Suns by Beth Revis. It's the second book in the Across the Universe trilogy. Let's see how the story continues...

When Elder learns harrowing news about the space ship Godspeed, he and Amy must work together to unlock a puzzle that was set in motion hundreds of years earlier, all the while dealing with the romance that’s growing between them and the chaos that threatens to tear them apart. It all boils down to one mind-bending conclusion: They have to get off this ship.

Book One

If you haven't read the first book, please do. I implore you. It's an awesome read. I can't wait to see what going to happen to Amy and Elder next. I remember how the publisher gushed about this series when he spoke at a writers conference in January 2010. He wasn't exaggerating. It is that good. Who's going to go across the universe with me to read this?

A Million Suns releases January 12, 2012 by Razorbill (Penguin)

Toodles!

Life Influences Art. Biracial Girl seeks Identity & Fulfillment: The Girl Who Fell From The Sky by New York Times Bestselling Author, Heidi Durrow. A Book Talk and Signed Giveaway

2011-08-22T18:24:00.006-04:00

I can't remember where I first heard of The Girl Who Fell From The Sky, but I do know that the title intrigued me. A girl fell from the sky? Who? How? Was this some kind of science fiction or paranormal story? Far from it. It's based on real events and real people, the author of which is one. Let's look at a description of the story...

This debut novel tells the story of Rachel, the daughter of a Danish mother and a black G.I. who becomes the sole survivor of a family tragedy.

With her strict African American grandmother as her new guardian, Rachel moves to a mostly black community, where her light brown skin, blue eyes, and beauty bring mixed attention her way. Growing up in the 1980s, she learns to swallow her overwhelming grief and confronts her identity as a biracial young woman in a world that wants to see her as either black or white.

In the tradition of Jamaica Kincaid's Annie John and Toni Morrison's The Bluest Eye, here is a portrait of a young girl and society's ideas of race, class, and beauty. It is the winner of the Bellwether Prize for best fiction manuscript addressing issues of social justice.

I don't want to giveaway any spoilers, but there really is a girl that fell from the sky. Durrow, the author wanted to give this girl a voice, envision what her future would be. Writers are told to write what they know, so Durrow did just that: she made the girl a version of herself: mixed-raced, black and white, blue-eyed, moving from an all white environment in Denmark to a primarily black one in the United States.

The book has a very literary and lyrical sensibility. The story is sad, it's tragic, it's hopeful. I loved it.

Heidi and I became friendly over Twitter. When she told me she was going to be performing a reading of her book at The New School in New York City, I had to be there. It was a real joy to listen to her read from her book. It tickled me to listen to her. She's got the black vernacular down to a science--and this from a girl who for the first twelve years of her life didn't know a black person beyond her father and whose first language is Danish. She refers to herself as an "afro-viking"...lol...

Heidi (R) and her brother listening to their father read.

It's my pleasure to give away a signed copy of Heidi's book and a bookmark. If you're interested in receiving them, please leave a comment telling me if you know anyone who's biracial and what combination of race he or she is. Don't forget to leave your email. That is all.

Heidi signing YOUR book!

Heidi Durrow speaks to the audience at The New School in NYC

Giveaway open to residents of the US and Canada only. It ends Friday, August 26, 2011.

The Girl Who Fell From The Sky released January 2010 and is a New York Times and Los Angeles Times bestseller.

Toodles!

Thank God for Good Friends!

2011-08-20T23:32:00.000-04:00

I just have to say, thank the Lord for good friends. Today, I received some sorely needed help and I'm so grateful.

My dad died several years ago. When I cleaned out his house, I gave away a lot of the furniture to relatives. He had a huge truck and it was filled to brim with a lot of personal effects, clothes and such. This is not the usual truck one just drives around. It's industrial size. If even has a compartment that freezes if you need to keep things cold! And it's been sitting in my backyard taking up a huge amount of space

The time has come to get this truck out of here. But before I can do that, I have to empty it out. When I opened it, I almost fainted. I forgot just how much stuff was in there. There was stuff packed into every inch of space--right to the door. I should have taken a picture of it. I picked at it for a few minutes then closed it back up and went into the house. I was paralyzed. Just the though of trying to tackle it made me depressed. Combine this with the fact that I'm a pack rat who hates to throw anything away--it was depressing.

My husband saw I was kind of out of it and called some friends. He asked if they would come over and help me tackle that truck. They showed up today. Their kids even came prepared with an arsenal of video games to watch while the adults worked. We were hot, sweaty and fighting the mosquitoes, but we just passed around the bug spray, got cold drinks and kept at it.

One of the kids had a severe asthma attack and had to go to the hospital--but the parents came over afterwards to help anyway.

Those are real friends. Thanks guys. And God bless...

My Selection for Waiting on Wednesday: Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi

2011-08-17T01:02:00.000-04:00

Waiting on Wednesday is back and it snuck up on me so fast, I almost didn't post this! WoW is the meme that lets everyone know what we're looking forward to reading. It was started by Jill over at Breaking the Spine. For those of you who stopped by last Wednesday, you know how crazy I was to read Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor. Guess what? I discovered an ARC of the book in my mailbox yesterday! Yay! I couldn't believe it. Can't wait to sink my teeth into it. This week I'm going in another direction. I'm moving away from the scary into dystopian--again. We're seeing a lot of that, aren't we? Is it too much? Let's see what's the deal behind Shatter Me...

Juliette hasn't touched anyone in exactly 264 days. The last time she did, it was an accident, but The Reestablishment locked her up for murder. No one knows why Juliette's touch is fatal. As long as she doesn't hurt anyone else, no one really cares. The world is too busy crumbling to pieces to pay attention to a 17-year-old-girl. Diseases are destroying the population, food is hard to find, birds don't fly anymore, and the clouds are the wrong color.

The Reestablishment said their way was the only way to fix things, so they threw Juliette in a cell. Now so many people are dead that the survivors are whispering war- and The Reestablishment has changed its mind. Maybe Juliette is more than a tortured soul stuffed into a poisonous body. Maybe she's exactly what they need right now.

Juliette has to make a choice: Be a weapon. Or be a warrior.

This novel is getting a lot of buzz and I want to know what all the fuss is about. It has a beautiful cover, but my first thought is that it doesn't clue me in as to what the story is about. Based on the description, I wouldn't expect Juliette to wear something like this. It reminds me of a wedding dress. I still really like it though...lol...I want to know how it fits into the story...This could work based on the mystery factor. People may crack that spine for the very reason of trying to understand what the heck is going on with the girl in the pretty dress...

Shatter Me is being pitched as a cross between The Hunger Games and The X-Men. I'm having a hard time reconciling those two visuals, but that's probably just me. I'm really anxious to see if this novel will live up to the hype. Divergent certainly did and I thought that might be the real next Hunger Games. Can Shatter Me do the same? Let's read it and find out, shall we?

Shatter Me will be released by HarperCollins November 15, 2011

OKAY...I WAS WRONG!!!! Sorry, Aprilynne...

2011-08-12T19:04:00.000-04:00

I'm a little late to the Wings party, the debut novel by Aprilynne Pike. It released in May 2009. That is shortly after I took an interest in writing as a serious endeavor. When I began my fledgling attempts to write a YA novel, I started to do research on the genre. I went to the bookstore (remember when we used to do that! *sigh*) and began checking out young adult books to get a better understanding of how they're composed. Fairies as a trend were really taking off around this time too. I've never been drawn to the fairy saga as a subject I was interested in reading, but the cover of Wings caught my eye. I picked it up, looked it over and debated buying it. I put it back in favor of a contemporary YA, Perfect Chemistry by Simone Elkeles to be exact. Wings stayed on my mind though and I figured I'd get it one day. I started seeing reviews on Wings across the blogoshere. They were mixed. Stephanie Meyers' endorsement was certainly instrumental in piquing my interest in the book.

Book One

As I began my collection of YA books, I decided I had no interest in fairies. As I considered the reviews I was seeing, I figured the book was getting a substantial amount of attention because Stephanie Meyers' endorsed it; after all, she's Aprilynne's friend. I dismissed the book, but not totally. It crossed my mind from time to time; I'd pick it up and leaf through it when I went to the book store. I'd stop by Aprilynnes' blog to see what she was up to and what was the latest news on the Wings trilogy. During one such visit, Aprilynne stated that for a short time, Wings would be available for free to download to a Nook. I had recently received that e-reader and figured what the heck. I may as well check it out. I downloaded it and there it remained, unread for weeks. When I went on vacation a couple of weeks ago, I decided to finally read it.

OMG! I freakin' love this book! Those of you who visit here regularly, may be aware that I'm a total romance junkie. This may be a fairy book, but Aprilynne gave me just want I wanted in the romance department. I was completely absorbed. She didn't make me wait for it either. She started it within the first eight pages (Nook "pages", anyway!). I learned that the author has the same writing sensibility as myself. I like to focus on the relationship in my writing and I can tell that Aprilynne does too. She's a passionate woman! Lol...This is a great example of how an author shouldn't be afraid to giveaway content for free. I'm a total Aprilynne Pike fan now. I will be buying the rest of the trilogy and can't wait to learn what her new series is about. I'm sure smokin' hot boys and heart-pounding love will factor in somewhere. I also enjoyed her take on the fairy mythology. I've seen some complaints about it, but it pulled me in and I'm not even a fairy aficionado.

I allowed myself to be unduly influenced by negative reviews and I didn't see the story in that way at all. It's one of my favorite books! When I had to put the story down, I couldn't wait to get back to it. I sat out under a coconut tree, enjoyed the Caribbean breeze and lost myself in the world of Wings.The biggest lesson I learned from this experience is that one should process info from varying sources, but always keep an open mind and decide things for yourself.

Sorry for doubting you, Aprilynne and thanks for a great story! Ha!

Toodles, ya'll!

My Selection for Waiting on Wednesday: Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor

2011-08-10T00:07:00.000-04:00

Waiting on Wednesday is that yummy meme that gives us all a chance to learn what other bloggers are waiting for and anticipating in the literary realm. It was started by Jill over at Breaking the Spine and I'm so glad she did! This week I'm going for something a little more along the lines of the creepy and horrific. Check this out...

Around the world, black handprints are appearing on doorways, scorched there by winged strangers who have crept through a slit in the sky.

In a dark and dusty shop, a devil's supply of human teeth grown dangerously low.

And in the tangled lanes of Prague, a young art student is about to be caught up in a brutal otherwordly war.

Meet Karou. She fills her sketchbooks with monsters that may or may not be real; she's prone to disappearing on mysterious "errands"; she speaks many languages--not all of them human; and her bright blue hair actually grows out of her head that color. Who is she? That is the question that haunts her, and she's about to find out.

When one of the strangers--beautiful, haunted Akiva--fixes his fire-colored eyes on her in an alley in Marrakesh, the result is blood and starlight, secrets unveiled, and a star-crossed love whose roots drink deep of a violent past. But will Karou live to regret learning the truth about herself?

This novel is one of the "big" books being enthusiastically promoted by Little, Brown. I did a little research into the author's earlier books and they're all fantasy and have a rather evil, demonic undertone. Her sensibility is similar to my own, but I've tried to keep the horror aspects not as dark in my own story, but I've debated it. I really wonder what made the author focus on these factors. I know what inspired me.

I can't wait to read this book and I want to check out her earlier works as well. She received star reviews for her prior books and was a National Book finalist. Readers seem to have a uniformly great impression of her writing. I want to check it out for myself.

What say you, fellow book lover. Does her stuff sound too heavy for you, or can you handle it?

Daughter of SMOKE & BONE by Laini Taylor will be released September 27, 2011 by Little, Brown Books for Young Readers.

Toodles!

And the Winner of Retribution by Sherrilyn Kenyon is....

2011-08-08T16:22:00.000-04:00

Glad you girls stopped by. It's always good to see you. Let's get to that winner! The winner of RETRIBUTION, the next book in the Dark Hunter series is...

Latishajean!!

Congrats, girl! Email me with your address and I'll pass it along to the publisher. If the winner doesn't respond in 48 hours, another will be selected in her place. The winner was chosen randomly using Random.org

Toodles!

Book Giveaway: RETRIBUTION: A Dark Hunter Novel by Sherrilyn Kenyon, New York Times bestselling author.

2011-08-05T12:07:00.002-04:00

Giveaway is now closed as of 8/8/11

Sherrilyn Kenyon does it again. The prolific writer of such book series as the Chronicles of Nick, Were-Hunter, Dream Hunter and Lords of Avalon to name just a few adds a new book to her Dark Hunter series: Retribution. The publisher, St. Martins Press is graciously offering one lucky winner a chance to receive the newly released hardcover edition of Retribution. Check out what it's about...

Harm no human…

A hired gunslinger, William Jessup Brady lived his life with one foot in the grave. He believed that every life had a price. Until the day when he finally found a reason to live. In one single act of brutal betrayal, he lost everything, including his life. Brought back by a Greek goddess to be one of her Dark-Hunters, he gave his immortal soul for vengeance and swore he’d spend eternity protecting the humans he’d once considered prey.

Orphaned as a toddler, Abigail Yager was taken in by a family of vampires and raised on one belief—Dark-Hunters are the evil who prey on both their people and mankind, and they must all be destroyed. While protecting her adoptive race, she has spent her life eliminating the Dark-Hunters and training for the day when she meeting the man who killed her family: Jess Brady.

A gun in the hand is worth two in the holster…

Jess has been charged with finding and terminating the creature who’s assassinating Dark-Hunters. The last thing he expects to find is a human face behind the killings, but when that face bears a striking resemblance to the one who murdered him centuries ago, he knows something evil is going on. He also knows he’s not the one who killed her parents. But Abigail refuses to believe the truth and is determined to see him dead once and for all.

Brought together by an angry god and chased by ancient enemies out to kill them both, they must find a way to overcome their mutual hatred or watch as one of the darkest of powers rises and kills both the races they’ve sworn to protect.

To enter the giveaway, leave a comment telling me what other Kenyon book you've read if any. If you haven't read any, that's okay, just say so. Tell me why you want to read this one. That is all. Don't forget to include your email. Someone always forgets and I don't have time this summer to track you down if you win.

Giveaway ends Monday, August 8, 2011 at 2PM

Giveaway is open to residents of the US and Canada only
at publisher's request. Thanks to St. Martins Press and Tara of Zeighost Media for making this giveaway available.

RETRIBUTION released August 2, 2011 by St. Martins Press.

Toddles!

My Selection for Waiting on Wednesday is Fever by Lauren De Stefano

2011-08-03T00:06:00.003-04:00

Book Two of the Chemical Garden Trilogy

Ahh...time for one of my favorite posts. Waiting on Wednedsay was started by the fabulous Jill over at Breaking the Spine. It's an excellent way to learn about the new books that folks are excited about and looking forward to. This week, I've got my eyes set on Fever, the second book in the Chemical Gardens trilogy. If you haven't read Wither yet, you should check it out. The writing is beautiful and lyrical, the story somber, somewhat dark and thought-provoking. Let's see where Wither ends and Fever takes off...

From the moment of their escape, Rhine and Gabriel are constantly in danger. First, the police are after them for stealing their escape boat; then, they run straight into the eerie den of Madame, an old woman who collects and sells girls to the highest bidders. Worst of all, Rhine's father-in-law Vaughn seems able to find her wherever she goes.

She manages to make the long journey home only to find it abandoned, her twin brother Rowan nowhere to be found. And when she discovers several of their treasured possessions are also gone, she realizes that he won't be back. Rhine's determination to find her brother remains steadfast, until she finds herself crippled by illness. . . and then, once again, at her father-in-law's mercy. Fearing for Gabriel's safety, she reluctantly leaves him behind and, unbelievably, returns to the one place she never wanted to see again.

Book One

The second book in the Chemical Garden Trilogy reveals a world outside the mansion as captivating and bleak as the one Rhine left behind--and sets the stage for an explosive conclusion.

What do you think of the cover? It seems to have provoked some strong feelings across the blogosphere. It's the same model. I am partial to the first one, Wither, but I do like the new one as well. Judging by the girl's rather wasted appearance, it looks like Rhine went through hell in this sequel...lol...I'm looking forward to finding out. What say you, fellow booklover?

Fever releases February 21, 2012 by Simon and Schuster Children's Publishing

Toodles!

And the Winner of Wildefire by Karsten Knight is...

2011-08-01T15:47:00.000-04:00

Thanks to all of you who stopped in an left your romance comments. I only found a couple of folks who like it as much as I do...at least during this post! But that's what the romance genre is for, right...lol...Anyway, let's get to the winner. And that winner is...

Sniffly Kitty!!

Congrats. Please email me with your address. If I don't hear from the winner in 72 hours, another will be chosen in her place.

Toodles!

Release Day! Book Review and Giveaway! Wildefire by Karsten Knight

2011-07-26T16:25:00.004-04:00

GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED
AS OF 8/1/11

Wildefire by Karsten Knight

Simon and Shuster

Release Date: July 26, 2011

Young Adult

ISBN-10: 1442421177

ISBN-13: 978-1442421172

Fantasy/ Paranormal

400 pages
Wildfire is the YA debut of Karsten Knight and several factors set it apart: Being a young man distinguishes Knight in a crowded young adult genre that is bursting at the seams with female writers. His decision to write from a female point of view adds to the interest level. He also pays homage to diversity by making his protagonist Polynesian—now that’s an ethnic group we don’t hear much about.

Wildefire follows Ashline Wilde as she goes through one of the toughest years of her life. She thinks things are bad enough as she tries to find her place in the pecking order at her high school as the lone Polynesian, and comes to terms with a cheating boyfriend.

But then things, as they often do with teens, soon quickly spiral out of control. Her runaway sister returns, exhibiting a violent streak that Ash could never have imagined before she left. Then her sister’s involvement in the death of a student traumatizes Ashline and sends her packing to a private school across the country to start life afresh.

As she makes new friends and a new romance comes into bloom, Ash is sure she’s made the right decision to leave her old life behind—until she discovers that she’s a volcano goddess and her new school is full of gods and goddesses. This has to be more than coincidence, but what does it mean? Ashline and her classmates are determined to find out. Ash’s sister, Eve makes a surprise visit and things go from bad to worse in short order. Another death isn’t far behind—and Ashline has to decide where her loyalties lie.

Karsten Knight easily captures a teen girl’s voice, doing so with snap and wit. He writes a crisp, tight tale, propelling the reader through the narrative in a linear and forthright manner while exploring a fresh mythology. There is a far amount of violence in this story, but it isn’t anything that the teen audience can’t handle. As a romance junkie, I would have liked more of the romantic element to have been explored in the story, but I'm hopeful for the sequel. A guy did write this; afterall, and maybe he put in as much of it as he could stand...lol...

The author ends the first installment of this trilogy with a surprise ending that begs to be continued.

I'm giving my ARC away. If you're interested in receiving it, just leave a comment that answers this question: How much romance do you like in your YA novels? Don't forget to include your email so you can be contacted if you're the winner. That is all. I'm busy over the next week, give or take some days, so I haven't decided when this giveaway will end. I'll just announce a winner from the people who have entered up to that point.

Giveaway open to residents of the US and Canada only.

Toodles!

My Selection for Waiting on Wednesday: Hades by Alexandra Adornetto

2011-07-20T01:08:00.002-04:00

Book Two

Waiting on Wednesday is the weekly meme started by Jill at Breaking the Spine. It's a great opportunity to learn about new books and discover what folks are eagerly anticipating. This week, I'm looking forward to reading Hades, the second book in the Halo trilogy by Alexandra Adornetto. I had the pleasure of meeting her last year when she spoke about her book and writing career in a Manhattan library. She's a lovely girl from Australia who was only seventeen years old. I interviewed her for my blog (see 11/01/10 post). She was touring the US and fell in love with the American South. She's attending a Southern college now.

Book One

The first book in the series, Halo received mixed reviews in the blogosphere. Some bloggers really panned the book. It seemed some folks had a great time making sport of the story and saying how awful it was written. That's why I was so surprised to learn that it made the New York Times bestseller list! I LOVE this story. It was my favorite read of last summer. It's a nice, thick novel and I stretched out comfortably and devoured it. I even slowed down so I wouldn't finish it too quickly. It just tickled me to read some of the unfavorable reviews when I was enjoying the story so much. Sometimes you have to suspend your beliefs and go with the fantasy, people. It's fiction and a lot of what we read doesn't make sense. Let's see where the story is headed in the second book...

Even the love of her boyfriend, Xavier Woods, and her archangel siblings, Gabriel and Ivy, can’t keep the angel Bethany Church from being tricked into a motorcycle ride that ends up in Hell. There, Jake Thorn bargains for Beth’s release back to Earth. But what he asks of her will destroy her, and quite possibly her loved ones as well. Can he be trusted in this wager? And what does Jake have Xavier believing about Beth’s fate that may result in an act of betrayal that will leave Bethany – and readers – wondering if Xav is so good after all?

I don't know about the rest of ya'll, but I'm looking forward to sinking my teeth into Hades. Anyone brave enough to join me...lol...?

Hades releases August 30, 2011 by Feiwel and Friends (McMillan)

Toodles!

Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins still in hardcover. Why?

2011-07-19T04:35:00.000-04:00

I'm a late comer to the Hunger Games trilogy. I resisted reading it because it was so popular; I couldn't believe anything was that good. I'm a bit of a reading rebel at times. I'm not ashamed to admit I was wrong--terribly. I finally succumbed to the pressure and bought it. It is awesome! I'm on to book two and I find it very strange that Catching Fire is still out in hardcover. It released in 2009 and the last book of the trilogy, Mockingjay is out. Why isn't Catching Fire out in paperback yet? Even the first book, Hunger Games is out in paperback form. I've never noticed this in a series before. Catching Fire will be two years old in September. What's the holdup? I've downloaded the kindle edition, but still like to have a physical book in my hands, especially of my favorite reads. I buy a lot of books and I depend on the paperback to save money. What about you? Does anyone have any ideas about what's the deal with this hardcover/paperback situation? If you do, fill me in. I'm curious.

And the Three Winners of Blogfest 2011 are...

2011-07-18T04:46:00.001-04:00

Wow. I'm amazed at the response my little giveaway had. Thank you so much. I'm humbled that you all thought so much of the prizes and had so much enthusiasm about them. Again, thank you. Let's not wait any further than, shall we. The winners of Blogfest 2011 are...

Grand Prize winner is Evie!!!

First Prize winner is Denise Z!!!

Second Prize winner is Faith, Hope and Cherry Tea!!!

Please email me with your addresses, girls. If I don't hear from the winners in 48 hours, others will be chosen in their place.

Until the next giveaway, my friends...

Toodles!

Three Day Giveaway: Books and Bling during Blogfest 2011, July 15-17. Three Winners for this!

2011-07-15T00:03:00.002-04:00

Welcome To Blogfest 2011!!

This is an awesome opportunity to explore lots of blogs easily. The master list of blogs is located at: http://www.ajourneyofbooks.com. They are all GIVING AWAY A VERY SPECIAL BLOGFEST GIVEAWAY (For Three Days Only: 7/15-7/17) .

Each blog will have a link and take you to the next five blogs you should visit. When you are finished here, please go to the links listed at the end of this post to continue your blogging treasure hunt!

If you see something that interests you on any of our participating blogs, you can bookmark that site. Later, when you have more time, you can discover all that it has to offer.

*** There is also a massive BlogFest 2011 grand giveaway! ***

Head on over to http://blogfest.ajourneyofbooks.com and click on the Tracking Site link to head to our own exclusive tracking site. Once there you can register with a valid email address (to be used solely for the purpose of contacting the winner). This site will allow you to track your progress through BlogFest 2011! You can log on from anywhere at any time and continue where you left off. The best part is that every blog that you visit and mark off through this tracking site will give you one entry into the massive giveaway! We have a great collection of books, goodies and other swag that is looking for a new home!

Now, here are the particulars of MY GIVEAWAY and RULES:

Grand Prize

I like to keep it simple folks. For a chance to win the Grand Prize, the First Prize and the Second Prize, leave a comment with your e-mail or some way to contact you. That's it! What could be simpler? I don't require you to become a follower, but if you think this is a place you'd like to visit in the future and keep track of the goings-on here, I'd be honored. Winners are chosen randomly, so when you enter, there is no guarantee which prize you'll win. The giveaway is open to residents of the US and Canada only. Sorry guys, but it gets expensive. The winners will be announced July 18th. Let's go over the lovely prizes:

Grand Prize

The Grand Prize consists of a hardcover edition of the YA book, The Ivy that the publisher sent me. It's the first book of a trilogy. Book two released in March. It's about a girl entering Harvard and all the craziness she has to juggle with snotty girls, cliques and hot boys. The authors are both Harvard graduates. Part two of the Grand Prize consists of two charm bracelets. One gold toned and the other silver toned. I love to collect antiques and they have old, vintage charms on them.


First Prize

First Prize

The First Prize consists of the YA ARC, Vixen, the first book of a trilogy. There's a lot going on in this story! It's set in the twenties and there's a forbidden interracial relationship, illegal drinking and girls being very naughty. The sequel comes out this summer. The First Prize winner will also receive a goldtoned charm bracelet. It includes some charms made of mother-of-pearl and an enameled fish!

The Second and final prize consists of the hardcover edition of the novel, The Secret Life of Bees. This winner gets a silvertoned charm bracelet as well!

First Prize

All the winners will receive Beautiful Creatures/Beautiful Darkness swag.

Now, you can move on to the next five blogs listed below. Have fun and I hope you'll stop by again!

1) Jennifer Wells, Paranormal Romance Author

2) Must Read Faster

3) For Those About to Read

4) Once Upon a Twilight!

5) Livre De Amour-Books of Love Blog

Toodles!

My Selection for Waiting on Wednesday: All You Desire by Kirsten Miller

2011-07-13T00:34:00.000-04:00

Book Two

It's been a while since I've posted a Waiting on Wednesday choice and I've certainly missed it. You know how it is, life outside of the electronic one, takes over. I made a special effort to make it back this week! There are so many good books out there...too many in fact. I'll never get them all read, but I do my best. WoW was started by Jill over at Breaking the Spine and it's a great way to learn what are the highly anticipated reads.

This week, I'm looking forward to All You Desire by Kirsten Miller. It's the second book in The Eternal Ones trilogy which is out in paperback this week. This book holds a special place in my heart because it's the first ARC I ever received and I got it directly from the publishing head, Ben Schrank while attending a writers conference. This YA series has an original spin as it deals with two lovers struggling to be together through time and reincarnation is a big hook in the plot. Let's see where book two, All You Desire picks up the story...

Book One

Haven Moore and Iain Morrow have been living a blissful life in Rome, an ocean way from the Ouroboros Society and its diabolical leader. But paradise is not to last. The mysterious disappearance of Haven's best friend, Beau, sends the pair running back to New York, where they encounter the Horae, an underground group of women who have spent centuries scheming to destroy Adam Rosier. Only they can help Haven uncover the secret to Beau's whereabouts in one of her past lives. But their help comes at a price: Haven must infiltrate the Ouroboros Society, charm Adam Rosier, and lure him into a trap. It's a plan the Horae believe will save the world - but Haven and Iain fear that it may destroy the happiness they've been chasing for two thousand years.

Aren't the covers gorgeous? They just reek of old-fashioned romance. Have you read the first book, The Eternal Ones?

All You Desire releases August 9, 2011 by Razorbill (Penguin)

Toodles!

Book Review: FURY by Elizabeth Miles. Umm...an unexpected delight.

2011-07-11T16:35:00.003-04:00

I received an ARC of FURY and I couldn't have been more surprised. It's the debut novel of Elizabeth Miles. I so, enjoyed this story. I'm a total romance junkie, so if that's not a big part of the plot, I tend to be somewhat disappointed. I had no idea what FURY was about initially, but the cover drew me in immediately and I had to check it out. Let's look at the description:

Sometimes sorry isn't enough....
It’s winter break in Ascension, Maine. The snow is falling and everything looks pristine and peaceful. But not all is as it seems...
Between cozy traditions and parties with her friends, Emily loves the holidays. And this year’s even better--the guy she’s been into for months is finally noticing her. But Em knows if she starts things with him, there’s no turning back. Because his girlfriend is Em’s best friend.
On the other side of town, Chase is having problems of his own. The stress of his home life is starting to take its toll, and his social life is unraveling. But that’s nothing compared to what’s really haunting him. Chase has done something cruel...something the perfect guy he pretends to be would never do. And it’s only a matter of time before he’s exposed.
In Ascension, mistakes can be deadly. And three girls—three beautiful, mysterious girls—are here to choose who will pay.

Since this story is not particularly romantically focused, I wasn't sure I would be that into it. I couldn't be more wrong! I was into this story, totally. Miles pulls the reader through a fantastic mystery and I'm happy to say, there's an undercurrent of a romance brewing under the surface, waiting to be discovered! It's clear that Em has been a very naughty girl, so I could understand why she may be due a little revenge coming her way. Chase; on the other hand, I wasn't so sure. I thought I had missed it or maybe the author had, as I didn't find him to be that bad of a guy and didn't understand why he was a target. Well, without giving away any spoilers, everything isn't as it first appears and Miles hasn't missed a beat. She knows just what she's doing and the reader will find out all in good time.

I'm not really a mystery kind of girl, but I raced through the pages to find out what was going to happen next! Who are these three girls and what the heck are they about?! This was a great story and it ended in a way I wasn't expecting. I definitely have to read the sequel to learn what's going to happen next. You can't go wrong with this novel. Fury is one to add to your list. Kudos to Elizabeth Miles. She does scary good.

FURY releases August 30, 2011 by Simon and Shuster.

Toodles!

And the Winner of The Stormchasers by Jenna Blum is....

2011-07-06T05:59:00.000-04:00

Thanks for your thoughts, guys. So, without further ado, the winner of The Stormchasers is...

Ann, who's cozy in Texas!!!

Congrats Ann. Please email me with your address so I may pass it on to the publisher. If the winner doesn't respond in 72 hours, another will be selected in her place. The winner was chosen randomly using Random.org.

Toodles!

Book Profile and Giveaway: The Stormchasers by Jenna Blum

2011-07-01T00:06:00.002-04:00

Giveaway now closed as of July 6, 2011.

With all the crazy weather we're having across the country and the world, this book couldn't be more timely. As a therapist, it also raised my interest level. The Stormchasers by Jenna Blum follows the saga of fraternal twins Karena and her brother Charles as their lives takes a deadly and devastating turn.

How far would you go to protect a sibling-and at what cost to yourself?

As a teenager, Karena Jorge had always been the one to look out for her twin brother Charles, who suffers from bipolar disorder. But as Charles begins to refuse medication and his manic tendencies worsen, Karena finds herself caught between her loyalty to her brother and her fear for his life. Always obsessed with the weather-enraptured by its magical unpredictability that seemed to mirror his own impulses- Charles starts chasing storms, and his behavior grows increasingly erratic . . . until a terrifying storm chase with Karena ends with deadly consequences, tearing the twins apart and changing both of their lives forever.

Two decades later, Karena gets a call from a psychiatric ward in Wichita, Kansas, to come pick up her brother, whom she hasn't seen or spoken to for twenty years. She soon discovers that Charles has lied to the doctors, taken medication that could make him dangerously manic, and disappeared again. Having exhausted every resource to try and track him down, Karena realizes she has only one last chance of finding him: the storms. Wherever the tornadoes are, that's where he'll be. Karena joins a team of professional stormchasers-passionate adventurers who will transform her life and give her a chance at love and redemption- and embarks on an odyssey to find her brother before he reveals the violent secret from their past and does more damage to himself . . . or to someone else.

If you'd like a chance to receive this book, just leave a comment that answers this question: Do you know anyone who suffers from a mental illness? Don't forget your email. That is all. The giveaway ends July 5, 2011. Giveaway open to residents of the US only at publishers request.

Toodles!

Book Review: Forbidden by Tabitha Suzuma

2011-06-29T05:30:00.000-04:00

Forbidden is the latest young adult novel by British author Tabitha Suzuma. It’s a contemporary love story with an edge. Reminiscent of V. C. Andrews’ Flowers in the Attic, the protagonists in this young adult novel are star-crossed lovers in an untenable situation.

Seventeen-year-old Lochan and sixteen-year-old Maya are in love. There’s just one problem—they’re brother and sister, hence the title of the book: Forbidden.

After their father abandoned the family to start afresh, Lochan and Maya’s irresponsible, alcoholic mother continues her downward spiral. She takes up with a younger man and all but abandons her children. The teenagers are two of five children. As their mother spends increasingly more time away from home, Lochan and Maya have no choice but to care for and protect their younger siblings. They’ll do anything to keep the family together and under the radar of the local child protective services.

Trying to parent a rebellious 13-year-old in addition to an 8- and 5-year-old, would try the patience and ability level of the most astute and patient adult. Imagine struggling to accomplish this feat as a child yourself with little money, few resources, and homework to juggle.

Lochan and Maya develop a second sense about each other. The fear and constant stress they share draw them closer than the average teen siblings. Alone and left to their own devices, they’re functioning in the role of parents. A slip into the husband and wife role is not far behind. Only heartache and tragedy can follow.

Forbidden has a built in “yuk” factor: sexual contact between siblings. It’s to the author’s credit and storytelling ability that such feelings on the part of the reader are minimized.

Ms. Suzuma does not accomplish this by glossing over the sexual activity. She thoroughly explores it and the accompanying feelings of confusion and disgust the protagonists experience. Author Suzuma plumbs the depths of emotion the star-crossed siblings experience. She gets into the heads of these teens and exposes their love, lust, doubts, insecurities, and needs. Ms. Suzuma’s ability to dig so deeply into the various layers of human need and desire across several strata—physical, emotional, situational—renders a cringe worthy premise another human experience to evaluate.

The poignant and shocking ending will leave the reader pondering this story long after the final page is turned.

Forbidden released June 28, 2011 by Simon Pulse.

Toodles!

ANd the Winner of The Murderer's Daughters is...

2011-06-23T08:23:00.000-04:00

Thanks for entering girls and leaving your thought provoking comments. The winner of The Murderer's Daughters by Randy Susan Meyers is...

LuAnn!!!

Congrats, LuAnn. Please email me with your address, so it can be sent to the publisher. If the winner doesn't respond in 48 hours, another will be selected in her place. The winner was chosen randomly.

Toodles!

Book Review and Giveaway: The Murderer's Daughters by Randy Susan Meyers

2011-06-19T15:54:00.002-04:00

Last year, before I read this book, I met the author, Randy Susan Meyers at a writers conference. I won second place in a contest there and she was so enthused about my writing and quite complementary. I was so honored. I attended one of her workshops and was intrigued to read her book, The Murderer's Daughters. The title is certainly attention worthy and I was keen to learn what it was all about.

A shocking act of violence leaves two young sisters with nothing but each other.

Mama was 'no macaroni-necklace-wearing kind of mother.' She was a lipstick and perfume-wearing mother, a flirt whose estranged husband still hungered for her. After Mama threw him out, she warned the girls to never let Daddy in the house, an admonition that tears at ten-year-old Lulu whenever she thinks about the day she opened the door for her drunken father, and watched as he killed her mother, stabbed her five-year-old sister Merry and tried to take his own life.

Effectively orphaned by their mother's death and father's imprisonment, Lulu and Merry, unwanted by family members and abandoned to a terrifying group home, spend their young lives carrying more than just the visible scars from the tragedy. Even as their plan to be taken in by a well-to-do foster family succeeds, they come to learn they'll never really belong anywhere or to anyone - that all they have to hold onto is each other.

As they grow into women, Lulu holds fast to her anger, denies her father's existence and forces Merry into a web of lies about his death that eventually ensnares her own husband and daughters. Merry, certain their safety rests on placating her needy father, dutifully visits him, seeking his approval and love at the expense of her own relationships. As they strive to carve lives of their own, the specter of their father, unrepentant and manipulative even from behind bars, haunts them. And when they learn he's about to be paroled, the house of cards they've built their lives on teeters on the brink of collapse.

The is an adult novel, but it reads somewhat like a YA story as the alternating point of views, go back and forth between the two sisters from the time they are young girls until they are adult women. Meyers has a vivid, intimate writing style that draws you into the sad world of these sisters and keeps you there. You're sucked into their very thoughts and feelings as you try to guess how this saga is going to play out. It is a very realistic take on a horrible situation and Meyer doesn't sugar coat it. Perhaps that's because the root of this story is based on the author's own experience--a father that tried to kill her own mother and her work with violent men at a Batterer Intervention program. Her protagonists have two very different reactions to the murder and that too makes sense. I leaned toward one, more than the other and know how I wanted the story to end. Meyers keeps it real, and there are no easy answers or neatly wrapped conclusions.

The Murderer's Daughters truly is a testament to the power of family and the ties that bind us together, even as they threaten to tear us apart.

If you'd like a chance to win this book, leave a comment that answers this question: Could you forgive your father for killing your mother? Would you even try? Don't forget to leave your email address. That is all.

The Murder's Daughters released February 1, 2011 by St. Martin's Griffin

Giveaway open to residents of the US only. It ends Wednesday, June 22, 2011.

Toodles!

And the Winner of Ruby Red by Kerstin Gier is....

2011-06-15T18:06:00.000-04:00

Thanks for your enthusiastic response, girls! The winner of Ruby Red is...

Lady Reader (Amy)!!!

Congrats Amy. Please email me with your address, so it can be forwarded to the publisher. The winner was selected randomly. If she doesn't respond by 2PM tomorrow, Thursday, another will be chosen. Stay tuned for the next giveaway!

Toodles!

June

Quickie Book Giveaway: Ruby Red by Kerstin Gier

2011-06-14T17:46:00.003-04:00

Book One

Hey guys. I'm having a super quick giveaway of Ruby Red by Kerstin Gier. This is the first book of a trilogy. The giveaway will be good until 6PM, Wednesday 6/15/11. Let's see what the book is about...

Gwyneth Shepherd's sophisticated, beautiful cousin Charlotte has been prepared her entire life for traveling through time. But unexpectedly, it is Gwyneth, who in the middle of class takes a sudden spin to a different era!

Gwyneth must now unearth the mystery of why her mother would lie about her birth date to ward off suspicion about her ability, brush up on her history, and work with Gideon--the time traveler from a similarly gifted family that passes the gene through its male line, and whose presence becomes, in time, less insufferable and more essential. Together, Gwyneth and Gideon journey through time to discover who, in the 18th century and in contemporary London, they can trust.

If you're interested in the chance to win it, leave a comment telling me if you've read any other books that deal with time travel. If you haven't, that's okay, just say so. Don't forget your email so I can contact you if you're the winner. That is all folks!

Giveaway open to residents of the US and Canada.
Ends Wednesday 6/15/11 at 6PM!

Toodles!

Trailer embed code:

And the Winner of EVERLASTING by Alyson Noel is....

2011-06-13T05:47:00.002-04:00

Thanks for your responses girls. The winner of Everlasting, the last book in the Immortal series is...

Lora1967!!!

Please email me your address so I can send it to the publisher. The publisher is requesting to receive it today. If I don't hear from you by 3PM, I'll have to select someone else.

Until the next giveaway....

Toodles!

Ahh...love at it's sweetest and its best....

2011-06-12T01:11:00.000-04:00

I get all gooey inside looking at this. It makes me feel so good. Makes you wonder how anyone can bring themselves to be cruel to animals. Enjoy!

My Selection for Waiting on Wednesday: Emily and Einstein by Linda Francis Lee.

2011-06-08T01:02:00.001-04:00

Waiting on Wednesday offers a great opportunity to learn about new books. It was started by Jill at Breaking the Spine. I'm an animal lover and my cat means the world to me. That being said, I'm looking forward to reading an interesting story about a dog! Check out the blurb on this one:

He was a man who didn't deserve a second chance... but he needed one

Emily and her husband Sandy Portman seemed to live a gracious if busy life in an old-world, Upper West Side apartment in the famous Dakota building. But one night on the way to meet Emily, Sandy dies in a tragic accident. The funeral isn't even over before Emily learns she is on the verge of being evicted from their apartment. But worse than the possibility of losing her home, Emily is stunned when she discovers that her marriage was made up of lies.

Suddenly Emily is forced on a journey to find out who her husband really was...all the while feeling that somehow he isn't really gone. And what if he isn't? Angry, hurt, and sometimes betrayed by loving memories of the man she lost, Emily finds comfort in a scruffy dog named Einstein. But is Einstein's seemingly odd determination that she save herself enough to make Emily confront her own past? Can he help her find a future--even after she meets a new man?

Whoa. Her marriage wasn't what it seemed? What's this about? Did her husband have a secret identity. And what's this about him not really being gone? Did he come back as the dog Einstein--shades of Garth Stein's Racing in the Rain? Which is an awesome book, I might add! Lot's of questions and I'm looking for answers. I can't wait to dig in to this one. Anyone joining me?

Emily And Einstein was released March 1, 2011 by St. Martin's Press.

Toodles!

Unexpected Giveaway! Everlasting: The Immortal Series by Alyson Noel.

2011-06-05T12:24:00.001-04:00

The sixth and final installment of the epic love story that has enchanted readers across the world. Ever and Damen have spent centuries facing down bitter rivals, jealous friends and their own worst fears all in the hope of being together forever. Now in Everlasting, their destiny is finally within reach.

Will they be united or torn apart forever? Readers will finally discover the truth in this anxiously awaited conclusion!

If you'd like a chance to win, leave a comment telling me why you love this series so much. If you haven't read it, just say so, but tell me why you want to. Don't forget your email, so you can be contacted if you're the winner.

Giveaway is open to residents of the US and Canada. It ends June 12, 2011.

Toodles!

My Selection for Waiting on Wednesday: The Name of the Star: Shades of London (book1) by Maureen Johnson

2011-06-01T00:59:00.000-04:00

Waiting on Wednesday is the meme that let's everyone know what are the books they are anxiously anticipated. It was started by the lovely Jill over at Breaking The Spine. This week, I'm interested in a YA that's different than my usual fare. The publisher sent me an ARC and it immediately caught my attention. The Name of the Star sounds like a thriller and I'm looking forward to getting time to dig into it. Even the title is a mystery. I have no idea how it connects to the story. Let's read the blurb...

The day Louisiana teenager Rory Deveaux arrives in London marks a memorable occasion. For Rory, it's the start of a new life at a London boarding school. But for many, this will be remembered as the day a series of brutal murders broke out across the city, gruesome crimes mimicking the horrific Jack the Ripper events of more than a century ago.

Soon "Rippermania" takes hold of modern-day London, and the police are left with few leads and no witnesses. Except one. Rory spotted the man police believe to be the prime suspect. But she is the only one who saw him. Even her roommate, who was walking with her at the time, didn't notice the mysterious man. So why can only Rory see him? And more urgently, why has Rory become his next target? In this edge-of-your-seat thriller, full of suspense, humor, and romance, Rory will learn the truth about the secret ghost police of London and discover her own shocking abilities.

I love books set in England, I'm even writing one...hee hee...so this is right up my alley. It's the first book in a series. I guess it's a trilogy. What isn't these days. I'm not familiar with this author. Has anyone else read any of her prior books.

The Name of the Star releases September 29, 2011 by Putnam (Penguin).

Toodles!

Book Review: Vixen-The Flappers by Lila Fine aka Jillian Larkin

2011-05-28T19:40:00.000-04:00

Vixen is a young adult book with a new edge. It’s set in the Roaring Twenties when prohibition was in full swing and hidden speakeasies dotted the landscape; gangsters grew in prominence and teenagers had an exciting and pulse-pumping outlet to get into trouble.

The flapper lifestyle, the freedom and excitement of it, it is sure to draw in its share of young girls with the promise of something extraordinary. The three protagonists of this story get caught up in it with decidedly mixed results.

Gloria Carmody, seventeen, is engaged to be married to the handsome, but boring stuffed shirt Sebastian Grey. They are both from prominent Chicago families and Gloria is hardly the sort of girl that would do anything to embarrass them—unless you count sneaking into illegal drinking establishments, teetering on the edge of an interracial affair and possibly making waves with the Jazz set.

When Gloria’s cousin, Clara Knowles comes to town, her mission is to make herself useful. She’s supposed ensure that Gloria stays on the straight and narrow path toward wedded bliss. There’s just one problem. Clara may be a teenager herself, but she’s been living a lifestyle that would turn Chicago high-society on it’s ear and she has to keep it a secret at all costs.

Lorraine Dyer, Gloria’s best friend is the wildcard in the bunch. She’s rich, but neglected. Her most secure relationship—that as childhood friend of Gloria, is veering off track as Gloria pursues other interests. In spite of her best efforts, “Raine” just can’t get what she wants. Her envy is about to cause catastrophic results.

There’s a debate in the world of writing about the need for a prologue. Vixen has one, but it wasn’t necessary. It had an important little clue, but because it was without context, one could not recognize it’s importance and it was even forgotten as the story moved forward.

Initially and perhaps because of the eye-catching girl on the cover, it appears that the story is about one character, Gloria Carmody, but the reader soon realizes that it is the story of the three girls noted above in equal measure. Each girl is the focus of a chapter in chronological fashion and it was a good way to keep track of each character’s story arc.

The story had a mature, film noir quality to it. It didn’t have the common young adult sensibility. It’s easy to forget you’re reading about teenagers. The author seemed to realize this, as one would see a reference to the character’s age or a mention of them as teenagers every now and again. Not a bad idea.

The story starts right in the midst of action and it took time to get oriented to what was happening, but once this was accomplished, things took off at breakneck speed. Vixen is an action-packed, exciting read. It is chocked full of adventure, intrigue and mystery. Larkin shows real skill in weaving the lives and conflicting goals of the characters into an engaging and page-turning story.

Vixen is the first book of a series. It concluded on a surprising twist that will not be expected. It leaves the reader anticipating the continuation of an exciting story in the next installment, Ingenue, which releases in the summer of 2011.

Book Review: DIVERGENT by Veronica Roth

2011-05-25T00:07:00.000-04:00

Divergent is the debut young adult novel of Veronica Roth, a young adult herself at the ripe age of twenty-two. She’s riding the wave of the current trend in young adult fiction and written the first book of a dystopian trilogy.

The story takes place in Roth’s native Chicago, but it’s not the Chicago we know of today. The sixteen year-old protagonist, Beatrice Prior, lives in a Chicago world in which society is divided into five factions. These factions represent a particular virtue and its adherents subscribe to that virtue as the guiding force of their lives: Dauntless (the brave), Candor (the honest), Amity (the peaceful), Abnegation (the selfless) and Erudite (the intelligent).

Each year, all sixteen-year-olds decide which faction they will commit themselves to for the rest of their lives. They have the choice to remain where they originate from or chose another. Beatrice contemplates who she really is and what she wants out of life and makes a surprising decision. It is at this time, that she changes her name to Tris.

Selecting a faction is only the beginning. Now, an extreme competition ensues. Failure could mean being faction-less, which is almost a fate worse than death: belonging nowhere at all.

As Tris plays hard to win, to endure the intense challenges—both physical and mental—she discovers surprising things about herself, things that could save her and the ones she loves or be her very destruction. She struggles to know whom she can trust—and that includes members of her own family. Of course she knows she has to be wary of the faction leaders. What she couldn’t anticipate is an unexpected romance with an exasperating boy, one that has more in common with Tris than she could have ever imagined.

Many dystopian novels endeavor to be the next Hunger Games or at the very least, recall those same sensibilities. Divergent may come close to accomplishing that feat. Veronica Roth has managed to take the dystopian genre in a fresh and original direction. The story elements don’t feel rehashed or warmed over. The premise of the five factions and the intriguing names used to define them brings a distinct element to the subgenre.

The story is high concept. Roth excels at characterization. The major characters as well as the relatively minor ones, have discrete and vivid personalities and mannerisms. The prose is tight and pulls the reader through the story to discover where the intriguing plot points are going to lead and how they’ll play out.

The author skillfully balances intense action scenes with the emotional internalization of the characters that brings breadth and depth to the story. It compels readers to consider which of the five virtues best describes themselves and question the society we live in, for even among the most virtuous, things are not always as it would appear.

Veronica Roth is a young author to watch, not only for the next two books to come as this fascinating trilogy continues, but also for her future literary endeavors. I am certainly curious to learn where that will lead.

Toodles!

Guest Post and Giveaway by Bryan Cohen. If you or someone you know is a writer or considering becoming one, I have some tips for you! Do you believe?

2011-05-20T00:15:00.002-04:00

Belief

By Bryan Cohen

”When I’m talking about belief, why do you always assume I’m talking about God?”

Shepherd Book, Serenity

As I was growing up, my parents with the help of our Jewish faith, taught me the difference between right and wrong. They taught me to believe in God and that God was good and that if I behaved well that everything would turn out fine. I think that the religious belief system I learned growing up was a pretty good one and I would call myself a relatively moral person at least partly as a result of this upbringing. It tied into my beliefs of true love and destiny that I learned from books and movies.

The thing is, as Shepherd Book points out, belief doesn’t just have to be about God. I learned a lot of religious beliefs I connected with as a kid, but I didn’t learn many beliefs about myself through that process. What I’d learned was that being good would directly lead to me being a successful and happy person. I later supplemented this belief once I picked up some complementary belief systems.

Adding another belief system to my life, The Law of Attraction (from the movie “The Secret” and many different books) helped me to realize that gratitude, positivity and visualization helped to solidify the things I wanted in my life. A belief I learned from blogger and medium Erin Pavlina taught me to believe that there is no such thing as a stranger, there are only friends you haven’t met yet. This belief made everybody around me much friendlier and it has led to several opportunities and relationships that have improved my level of success.

The most important belief system I’ve adopted is that I can accomplish the goals I want to in my life if I just go toward the things I’m afraid of instead of running away from them. I need to e-mail that successful blogger and ask for a guest post. I should call that amazing writer and request some advice. I need to push myself to the limit and go 100% for a project, instead of half-assing it and then blaming failure on my lack of effort. If I fail, so what! At least I’ll learn something and I’ll get closer and closer to achieving my goals.

Now let’s keep in mind, that the character who said the quote above, was also a man of the cloth. Shepherd Book, like myself, believes in God, but he recognizes that both those who do and do not believe in a higher power, still need to believe in something. In my opinion, this means that different ways of thinking can come from all sorts of sources and still be in some way connected to God. Not everything I’ve learned in life has come from a religious text, but that doesn’t mean that things weren’t guided by an outside force. Or a Joss Whedon movie.

Regardless, belief is a major part of success and if you apply it to your life, you may find things beginning to click into place.

---

Bryan Cohen is giving away 100 personalized writing prompts to one giveaway entrant chosen at random during the blog tour. Personalized prompts are story starters that cater specifically to a writer’s subject matter, strengths/weaknesses, etc. Cohen will create the prompts to cater exclusively to the winner. He is giving away free digital copies of his book The Writing Sampler to everybody who enters, which includes excerpts from each of his four books on writing. The book contains essays, writing prompts and tips and tricks to enhance your writing skills. In addition, for each of Cohen’s books that reach the Top 500 on Amazon during his blog tour, he will add a $50 Amazon gift card to the drawing (up to six $50 cards in total)!

To enter, simply post a comment to this blog post with your e-mail address. Entries will be counted through June 2^nd, 2011.

Bryan Cohen is a writer, actor and comedian from Dresher, Pennsylvania. Since graduating from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill he has written four books. His writing and motivation website Build Creative Writing Ideas has had over 100,000 visitors since it was founded in December 2008.

Bryan was the head writer for an un-produced Web series:Covenant Coffee. He lives in Chicago, Illinois.

Learn more about his work here:
1,000 Creative Writing Prompts: Ideas for Blogs, Scripts, Stories and More
500 Writing Prompts for Kids: First Grade through Fifth Grade
Sharpening the Pencil: Essays on Writing, Motivation, and Enjoying your Life
Writer on the Side: How to Write Your Book Around Your 9 to 5 Job
Chekhov Kegstand: A Dorm Room Dramedy in Two Acts
Covenant Coffee.

Follow Bryan on Twitter: @buildcwideas

It was a pleasure having you here Bryan. Thanks! And the rest of you...start writing. Now!!

Toodles!