Book Review and Giveaway: A SINGLE BREATH by Lucy Clarke

I read a lot of YA, so when I was offered the opportunity to read a more "grown up" book, I leaped at the chance, especially one that sounded as intriguing as this. Check out the description of A SINGLE BREATH by Lucy Clarke...

Eva has only been married for eight months when her husband, Jackson, is swept to his death while fishing. Weighed down by confusion and sorrow, Eva decides to take leave of her midwifery practice in London and visit Jackson's estranged family in Tasmania with the hope of grieving together.

Instead, she discovers that the man she loved so deeply is not the man she thought she knew. Jackson's father and brother reveal a dark past, exposing the lies her marriage was built upon. As Eva struggles to come to terms with the depth of Jackson's deception, she must also confront her growing attraction to Jackson's brother, Saul, who offers her intimacy, passion, and answers to her most troubling questions.

Will Eva be able to move forward in life, or will she be caught up in a romance with Saul, haunted by her husband's past? Threading together beautiful, wild settings and suspenseful twists, A Single Breath is a gripping tale of secrets, betrayal, and new beginnings.

I am a romance junkie. Love stories that incorporate a thread of forbidden love, capture my attention. A SINGLE BREATH did not disappoint, but oh, it was so much more! I've never considered myself a fan of suspense stories, but this tale pulls you along and won't let you go! There are so many questions to be answered and I had to know! A SINGLE BREATH is not the kind of story you can put down for long. When I had to stop reading to do other things, I couldn't wait to get back to it.

As someone who has indulged in writing stories myself, I really appreciate when I'm in the hands of a skilled author, and that is certainly what Lucy Clarke is. I couldn't help putting my "writer" cap on and critiquing as I read. I was fascinated by her ability to conceive and plot a rather complex tale, yet thread it together so intricately. Bravo, my girl!

When I get the opportunity to get a book in the hands of readers, I like to seize it. My sincere thanks to Courtney of Simon & Schuster for graciously agreeing to send a copy of A SINGLE BREATH to one of my blog visitors.

If you'd like the chance to be that winner, just leave a comment that includes your email, so you can be contacted. That's it. A winner will be selected randomly. Good luck!

The giveaway is open to residents of the US and Canada.

A SINGLE BREATH released April 8, 2014 by Touchstone/Simon & Schuster.

Toodle's y'all!

OMG! Bryan is back and he's offering you the chance to win up to 500 dollars doing what you love!

Bryan Cohen

If you like to write stories, blog posts, and more and love to read, my guest blogger, Bryan, can help you do it all! Check out his post below, expand your learning curve and maybe put a few more bucks in your pocket. Take it away, Bryan...

Your Writing Sanctuary and/or Shack

 

by Bryan Cohen

I sat on the blacktop of my dorm's basketball court, surrounded by construction noise when I realized that I could write anywhere. I don't know what it was I was scrawling on a piece of looseleaf that day, as my fellow classmates looked at me like I was crazy, but the machines were doing their work and so was I. That was over a decade ago, and yet it was one of the most important lessons I ever internalized. I didn't write my first book in an office. I wrote it in other peoples' offices during temp jobs. I put together some of it in my "economy studio" in which my office was the same room as my kitchen and my bedroom. I later put the finishing touches on the book on top of a luxurious $100 table my wife and I bought from Target. My writing time was inconsistent and erratic but I got it done wherever I could.

I think some writers put too much emphasis on finding their writing sanctuary: the perfect place to make their novel or non-fiction a reality. There's some merit to locating a place where you feel less distracted and blocked. I wrote part of my first book on an inherited queen size bed I later had to toss out because of bed bugs. I wrote my latest half in my office and half in my favorite, quiet, gluten-free pastry shop. Finding the right locations for writing made an impact, but the major difference between my first and latest book is me.

I grew from writing in all those different places. I improved by putting in more time and absorbing the different energies around me as I wrote. I think I needed to write in that tiny studio with the giant window that let out nearly all of my radiator heat during the Chicago winter. I had to reinforce the knowledge that writing could take place anywhere and under any condition. I still get writers block, like any other writer, but I've learned the lesson that I can find my writing sanitary or shack anywhere. Am I out of inspiration in my office? It's time to go to the coffee shop! Coffee shop too crowded? I'll try taking a trip to the edge of Lake Michigan. Or the back seat of my wife's parked car. Or even a bench located underneath the growling Chicago Transit Authority elevated train tracks.

 

If you can make your hallowed writing ground anywhere, there's no such thing as writers block. The next 500 words may be right around the corner. All you need to do is move.   

About the Author

In honor of his new book, Cohen is hosting the “1,000 Prompts, 1,000 Dollars" Writing Contest on his website. Click the link to find out how to enter!

 

Bryan Cohen is an author, a creativity coach and an actor. His new book, 1,000 Creative Writing Prompts, Volume 2: More Ideas for Blogs, Scripts, Stories and More is now available on Amazon in digital and paperback format. His other books include 1,000 Creative Writing Prompts, The Post-College Guide to Happiness, and Ted Saves the World. He has published over 30 books, which have sold more than 20,000 copies in total. Connect with him on his website, Build Creative Writing Ideas, on Facebook or on Twitter. 

My sincere thanks to Bryan for his words of wisdom and offering such a generous opportunity to enrich writers and readers.

Toodles, ya'll!

 

And the Winner of UNWRITTEN by Charles Martin is...

Thanks for checking out UNWRITTEN. It sounds like a great story and I can't wait to read it. One of you won't have to wait long because you're the winner! And the winner is...Vicki!!! Congrats.

Please email me with your contact info, so I can pass it on to the publicist. If I don't hear from you in 72 hrs, I'll select someone else. The winner was chosen randomly.

Toodles, y'all

And the two winners of a signed copy of Fated are...

Hi girls,

Thanks for dropping in and letting me know which books you've read of Alyson Noel. The winners of the giveaway of a signed copy of her latest, Fated, are...

Leona!!! and...

Courtney of Stiletto Storytime!!!

Please email me with your addresses so I can pass it on to the publicist. The winners were chosen randomly using Random.org. If I don't hear from the winners in 72 hours, others will be chosen in their place.

Toodles!

And the Two Winners of The Lady of the Rivers by Phillipa Gregory are...

I'm glad you girls shared your thoughts about historical fiction. I won't delay the announcement another second. The winners of The Lady of the Rivers are...

Cindy Bennett!!! and...

Donna McBroom-Theriot!!!

Congratulations! Please email me with your contact info, so I can pass it on. The books will be arriving directly from the publisher.

The winners were selected randomly using Random.org.

Toodles!

Phillipa Gregory fans! Get a copy of her newest paperback: The Lady of the Rivers. Two winners for this one!

Phillipa Gregory is arguably the queen of English historical fiction. If you haven't read it, I'm sure you've seen or heard of the movie adapted from her book, The Other Boleyn Girl.

In The Lady of the Rivers (On-sale April 3, 2012; $16.00; 978-1-4165-6371-6), now in paperback, this #1 New York Times bestselling author masterfully weaves passion, adventure, and witchcraft into the story of Jacquetta, Duchess of Bedford, who would survive two reigns and two wars to become the first lady at the rival courts of both Lancaster and York.

When Jacquetta is married to the Duke of Bedford, English regent of France, he introduces her to a mysterious world of learning and alchemy. Her only friend in the great household is the duke’s squire Richard Woodville, who is at her side when the duke’s death leaves her a wealthy young widow. The two become lovers and marry in secret, returning to England to serve at the court of the young King Henry VI, where Jacquetta becomes a close and loyal friend to his new queen.

The Woodvilles soon achieve a place at the very heart of the Lancaster court, though Jacquetta can sense the growing threat from the people of England and the danger of their royal York rivals. As Jacquetta fights for her king and her queen, she can see an extraordinary and unexpected future for her daughter Elizabeth: a change of fortune, the throne of England, and the white rose of York. . . .

If you'd like an opportunity to be one of the two winners to receive a copy of this book, tell me why you like historical fiction. Can you name any Phillipa Gregory books you've read? That is all. Don't forget to include your email!


The  Giveaway is open to residents of the US and Canada. It ends Saturday, April 7, 2012.

My thanks to Kaitlyn of Simon & Schuster, Inc for making this giveaway possible.

Lady of the Rivers released in paperback April 3, 2012 by Touchstone/Simon & Schuster. 


Toodles!

And the Winners of The Dark Divine series by Bree Despain are...

Thanks for dropping in and checking out Bree's interview. I thought I was only going to be able to have two winners, but I contacted the publicist and was informed I could chose three people to win! Now that's what I'm talking about! The more, the better, wouldn't you agree?...hee hee hee...Let's get to those winners. They are...

Nebraskaicebergs!!
Sara Intidam!!
JenniferJ!!

Email me, girls, with your contact info so I can pass it on to the publicist.  If the winners don't respond in 48 hours, others will be chosen in their place. The winners were selected randomly.

Toodles, ya'll!

YA Special: Interview and giveaway of The Dark Divine series by Bree Despain. Three winners for this one!

Bree Despain

As an aspiring YA writer, I love an opportunity to pick a successful author's brain. When I got the chance to ask Bree Despain, author of The Dark Divine series, some questions, I seized it! I'm also excited to be able to offer three winners the opportunity to receive all three books in her Dark Divine trilogy. Isn't that cool?! My thanks to her publicist and her publisher, EgmontUSA for making this giveaway possible. Check out what Bree has to say about writing, getting published and making it all work for her, then enter the giveaway for a chance to win all three of her books for yourself!

1) The Dark Divine series is flavored with religious components. Did your own beliefs play a role in including religious faith in the story? Were you concerned about how your readers would perceive this? Did you fear coming across as "preachy" or feel a need to restrain yourself in this area?

Yes.  While Grace and I do not share the exact same religious background, I really wanted to write a book from the point of view of a character who deals with questions of faith, religion, and living up to expectations in her everyday life because that reflected my own personal teenage experience. The books also explore themes of redemption, forgiveness, and what might happen to someone who can't forgive.  While not all readers may come from a religious background, I think these are themes that can be universally understood and identified with.  I knew all along that the first book may never be published because of the religious themes, but I felt like it was a story I HAD to write, even if it was just for myself.  I am glad I found a publisher who looked at the point of view of religious character no differently than they would any other book written from a character with an interesting point of view on the world.  It is very important to me not to come across "preachy" in my books.  I did not write them to "preach" to anyone.  I write because I want to explore different questions that I have, and to tell entertaining stories from a unique point of view.                          

Book One

2) How many novels did you write before getting published? Did the published version of the story change much from the original way you conceived it? If so, what influenced that change? Was it difficult? Did you plan on the story being a trilogy from the beginning?

I'd written about two complete novels before getting published--any many, many, many beginnings to other books.  My very first inkling of the story had no paranormal elements in it all, but as I started writing, I started to think "Wow, wouldn't it be cool if something supernatural was going on in this book?" I blame the Buffy The Vampire Slayer reruns that used to come on TV in the background during my designated writing time (i.e. my son's nap time).  I tried writing a draft of the book without anything paranormal going on, but once I fully embraced the idea of adding a paranormal storyline the book really start to come to life.

I wrote the first book thinking it was going to be a stand-alone, however I did purposely leave the ending open to more books.  After my publisher bought the first book, they asked for more and I was happy to oblige. While I didn't know it was going to be a trilogy, I did know how I wanted things to end between the three main characters in the last book.

3) Are you a pantser or an outliner? Tell us about your writing process. How do you manage your time as a writer and mother?

I'm a pantser by nature but my editor makes me outline--but I can't say the books end up looking anything like that outline!  In my world, outlines are the place for getting out all the mediocre ideas, then when I am writing, I try to top whatever is in the outline.

I still don't know the secret to managing time as an author and mother. My writing process involves a lot of "plot walks" around the nearby lake, procrastination, author guilt, chocolate binges, Thai take-out, word wars,  all-night writing sessions to make my looming deadlines, mommy guilt, more procrastination to spend time with my kids, followed by author guilt, followed by 16 hour writing days to make up for lost time.  It's on-going cycle.  If someone knows the secret to the mommy-author balance, I'd sure love to hear it.

Book Two

4) Tell us what your search for an agent was like.

I tried finding an agent a few years ago, but came to terms with the fact that my writing wasn't ready yet.  I spent the next couple of years working on craft and reworking my manuscript.  When I felt like it was finally ready, I used a website called agentquery.com to research agents.  I made a list of about 30 I was interested in, did more research and narrowed that list down to my top fifteen. Normally, I'm the kind of person who would start at the bottom of that list and work my way up with rejections.  However, this time I decided to take a chance and queried the agent that I felt was the best fit for the project first. For a week I sent out one query a day, and by the end of the week I heard back from my #1 agent.  He asked to see the book ASAP, I sent it to him and a week later he offered representation.  I look back on the experience as a combination of good research and a lot of luck.

5) Do you plan to write realistic, contemporary stories or are you firmly in the paranormal camp? Do you think you'll ever write adult fiction?

I actually started out writing realistic fiction--especially humorous realistic fiction--and I still consider it one of my greatest loves.  Lately, most of my ideas end up having some sort of paranormal or thriller twist to them, but I do have a few realistic fiction ideas brewing.  I dream of someday writing two books a year, one would fantasy and one would be realistic.  I don't foresee myself ever writing for adults, but who knows.

6) Is there anything you can share with us about future projects?

I am working on a new book that is slated for publication in Fall 2013.  I don't know what all I am allowed to say about it yet, but it is project I started writing several years ago and I am very excited to be working on it again.  The book is a whole new twist on a very old story.

Thanks so much, Bree for sharing your journey with us!

Book Three

To enter the giveaway, leave a comment and tell me the name of one of your favorite YA series. If you haven't read a series, that's fine, just say so, and give me the name of your favorite singular title. That is all. Don't forget your email!

The giveaway ends Friday, March 23, 2012. Giveaway is open to residents of the US only at publisher's request.

I love it when I get a chance to give away great books!

Toodles, ya'll!

Book Review: Wanderlove by Kirsten Hubbard

Wanderlove is the second book from author, Kirsten Hubbard. I didn't get a chance to read her debut, Like Mandarin, but the idea of the character traveling in Central America, in Wanderlove, intrigued me. When the opportunity to snag an e-galley presented itself, I grabbed it. It's a YA contemporary story. Check out the description...

It all begins with a stupid question:

Are you a Global Vagabond?

No, but 18-year-old Bria Sandoval wants to be. In a quest for independence, her neglected art, and no-strings-attached hookups, she signs up for a guided tour of Central America--the wrong one. Middle-aged tourists with fanny packs are hardly the key to self-rediscovery. When Bria meets Rowan, devoted backpacker and dive instructor, and his outspokenly humanitarian sister Starling, she seizes the chance to ditch her group and join them off the beaten path.

Bria's a good girl trying to go bad. Rowan's a bad boy trying to stay good. As they travel across a panorama of Mayan villages, remote Belizean islands, and hostels plagued with jungle beasties, they discover what they've got in common: both seek to leave behind the old versions of themselves. And the secret to escaping the past, Rowan's found, is to keep moving forward.

But Bria comes to realize she can't run forever, no matter what Rowan says. If she ever wants the courage to fall for someone worthwhile, she has to start looking back.

Every so often I make a visit to the author's blog. Once, she posted about her angst about being a midlist author, this meaning one who sells steadily, but has not broken out with a bestseller. Let me tell you, she shouldn't worry. The girl can write! It's tough for authors who write contemporary, realistic fiction in a world awash in all things paranormal, but Hubbard is a skilled writer. Wanderlove is a fresh, taut, contemporary romance that keeps the reader fully engaged in the story.

The author is a travel writer and her expertise and experience clearly shined through in the story. I knew she wasn't just making stuff up. I've wanted to travel to Belize and actually filed away some of the travel "rules and suggestions" the character made in the story! What I didn't know is that Hubbard is a skilled artist as well and did her own illustrations for the book! It was kind of fascinating to see the illustrations and compare them to the images of the characters and the goings-on that I had in my imagination as I read. It's cool to see a YA story with pictures; this is so rare.

Wanderlove isn't just a romantic story, but it is one of self-discovery. Sometimes I found myself annoyed at the main character, Bria, for some of her decisions, but this is a testimony to Hubbard's skill in making the protagonists so real and fully fleshed out.

It's a fresh, engaging young adult romance. Once you start, you'll want to know what this couple is going to do with their lives and with each other. Hubbard doesn't make it easy and keeps you guessing right till the end.

Wanderlove releases March 13, 2013 by Delacorte Books for Young Readers.

Toodles!

And the Winner of Trafficked is...

Thanks for stopping by, girls and getting the goods on a very engrossing, heart-pounding story! I'm hope you learned a little something about the problem of human slavery/trafficking in the process. Let me get to the best part. The winner of Trafficked by Kim Purcell is...

Fairday Morrow!!!

You lucky girl, you! Congratulations. Please email me with your address so I may pass it on to the publicist. If I don't hear from the winner in 72 hours, another winner will be chosen in her place. The winner was chosen randomly using Random.org.

Toodles, ya'll!

And the Winner of a signed copy of Gathering of Waters is....

Thanks to those who stopped in. I won't delay this momentous occasion any longer...lol...the winner of Gathering of Waters is...

Janiera!!

Congrats! Please email me your contact info so I can pass it on to the publisher and they can get the book out to you. Enjoy!

Toodles.

In honor of Black History month, a review and signed book giveaway of Gathering of Waters by Bernice L. McFadden

Giveway has ended as of 2/26/12
 
I became familiar with the writing of Bernice McFadden a couple of years ago when I read her prior novels, Sugar and Glorious. The writing is outstanding and Glorious received accolades from a number of sources, including the New York Times and Oprah's magazine. I was quite intrigued when I was offered the opportunity to read her newest novel, Gathering of Waters. Check out the blurb on the cover of the book...

Gathering of Waters is a deeply engrossing tale narrated by the town of Money, Mississippi--a site both significant and infamous in our collective story as a nation. Money is personified in this haunting story, which chronicles its troubled history following the arrival of the Hilson and Bryant families.


Tass Hilson and Emmett Till were young and in love when Emmett was brutally murdered in 1955. Anxious to escape the town, Tass marries Maximillian May and relocates to Detroit.

Forty years later, after the death of her husband, Tass returns to Money and fantasy takes flesh when Emmett Till's spirit is finally released from the dank, dark waters of the Tallahatchie River. The two lovers are reunited, bringing the story to an enchanting and profound conclusion.

Gathering of Waters mines the truth about Money, Mississippi, as well as the town's families, and threads their history over decades. The bare-bones realism--both disturbing and riveting--combined with a magical realm in which ghosts have the final say, is reminiscent of Toni Morrison's Beloved.

I've never thought of myself as a connoisseur of historical fiction, but I find myself eagerly awaiting McFadden's books. Gathering of Waters was different than what I expected--in a good way. The two books of McFadden's that I read were firmly rooted in reality and totally engrossing. I wasn't sure if I could get into a story that had a magical realism thread, but the it dídn't take long to pull me in. This is an author that has a true gift for dialogue and description. As a reader, you feel that you are right there in the scene--And believe me--some of those scenes will have you covering your mouth and shaking your head!

The world of Gathering of Waters is intricate, rich and finally nuanced. It's a story that keeps you reading. You have to know how it's going to turn out. If you'd like to recieve a signed copy for yourself, just leave a comment that tells me what historical novel you've read or story the includes magical realism. If you haven't read any that's fine, just say so. Don't forget to include your email so you can be contacted. That is all.

The giveaway is open to residents of the US and Canada at publisher's request. It ends Sunday, February 26. 2012.

Toodles!

And the Winner of The Summer I Turned Pretty series is...

Thanks so much for dropping in, girls. I wish I had enough books to give to each of you. This series is truly a good one. I'm happy to give it away and let someone else experience it. The winner of The Summer I Turned Pretty series by Jenny Han is...

Kathy Ann Coleman!!!

Congratulations, Kathy. I know you're going to love this story. Please email me and send your contact information so I can get the books out to you. If I don't hear from the winner in 72 hours, another winner will be randomly selected in her place.

Toodles!

A Very Special Giveaway: The Summer I Turned Pretty series by Jenny Han

                                                                    
   This Giveaway Has Now Ended As Of 2/21/12

Jenny Han at her release party in New York City



Book One

 In honor of reaching over 1000 followers and because this is the month love gets extra attention, I'm giving away the entire New York Times bestselling trilogy, The Summer I Turned Pretty, by Jenny Han. I was drawn to the first book because of the lovely, breezy, summery cover. I figured it was a light weight read. I couldn't be more wrong. That book, this series is totally awesome! I'm not kidding. It is poignant, heart wrenching and unputdownable (is that a word?! Lol...) Han is an author with amazing writing talent. She doesn't have to depend on the fantastical or paranormal to keep you engaged and absorbed in her story. There are no creatures of any kind in these books, just good old-fashioned storytelling of young love, devotion, devastation and the pain and pleasure of coming-of-age.

When Han had a release party and book signing of the third book, It's Not Summer Without You, last spring in Books of Wonder in Manhattan, I had to be there. I love this series so much, I bought one set for myself to keep, bought another to give away and had Han sign all six books! Now the time has come to give away that set. I can't wait to get it into someone's hands so she can enjoy it as much as I did

Book Two

Book Three

                                                                                    

If you're interested in entering the giveaway, leave a comment telling me the name of a romantic story you've read that you love. I haven't done this in a long time, but you must be a follower of this blog to have a chance to win. I am not doing this to get more followers. I'm quite pleased to reach the number I have and have no interest in using gimmicks to get more. Part of the reason for the giveaway is to celebrate those who helped push me to the 1000 mark and beyond. It only seems fair to limit the giveaway to those folks who follow. Don't forget to leave your email in case you're the winner.

The giveaway will end on Tuesday, February 21, 2012. It's open to residents of the US and Canada only. (shipping three books can get expensive!)

Jenny Han signing one of your 3 books!

Toodles!

And the Winner of Tempest by Julie Cross is...

Thanks to all who entered and supplied the names of some very interesting time travel books. I have some of them on my shelf and didn't even realize they had a time travel element! Ha! Well, on to the winner. The winner of Tempest is...

Carrie at in the hammock blog!!!

Congratulations, Carrie. Please email me your address so it may be passed on to the publisher. The winner was selected randomly. If she doesn't respond in 48 hours, a new winner will be selected in her place.

Toodles!

Book Giveaway: Tempest by Julie Cross

Book One

This giveaway is now closed as of 2/2/12

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!

And the Winner of The Night Swimmer is...

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

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!

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

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

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!