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Taken by Erin Bowman: Excerpt #6

There are no men in Claysoot. There are boys—but every one of them vanishes at midnight on his eighteenth birthday. The ground shakes, the wind howls, a blinding light descends…and he’s gone.

They call it the Heist.

Gray Weathersby’s eighteenth birthday is mere months away, and he’s prepared to meet his fate–until he finds a strange note from his mother and starts to question everything he’s been raised to accept: the Council leaders and their obvious secrets. The Heist itself. And what lies beyond the Wall that surrounds Claysoot–a structure that no one can cross and survive.

Climbing the Wall is suicide, but what comes after the Heist could be worse. Should he sit back and wait to be taken–or risk everything on the hope of the other side?

Goodreads summary

Here is the chapter 6 excerpt!

The Corner of Bitter and Sweet by Robin Palmer

Gilmore Girls meets Postcards from the Edge crossed with L.A. Candy! 

Sixteen-year-old Annabelle Jacobs never asked to be famous, but as the daughter of Janie Jacobs, one of the biggest TV stars in the world, she is. Growing up is hard enough. Having to do it in public because your mother is a famous actress? Even harder. When your mom crashes and burns after her DUI mug shot is splashed across the internet? Definitely not fun. Then your mom falls for a guy so much younger than she that it would be more appropriate for you to be dating him? That’s just a train wreck waiting to happen.

From Robin Palmer, author of Geek Charming and Wicked Jealous, this is a novel about the most complicated relationship a girl ever has: that with her mother.

Goodreads Summary

Annabelle Jackson is the daughter of a star...well, former star.  Her mother, Janie Jackson, is a flightly, flirty nincompoop.  After being arrested for drunk driving, Janie vows to turn her life around and enters rehab.  Although the drinking does appear to have stopped, Janie picked up a new habit: self-help books.  Meanwhile, Annabelle is left to pick up the pieces of her mother's latest failure.  She makes lists and smells play-doh to calm herself.  When it is clear that her mother's career might not be "the hottest thing" anymore, two of her best friends take off.  Annabelle must do something to rectify these negative changes in her life, but what?  When an opportunity to star in a movie with the famous Billy comes along, Annabelle convinces him to ask to let her mother try out for a lead part.  Can her mother handle the pressure and avoid hitting on her much younger co-star?  Can Annabelle learn to grow into herself and lose her nervous habits?


Annabelle's character was the main draw in this novel.  The author infuses her with personality in the sense that the reader can smell play-doh along with her (and certain colors are better than others, you know), feel the nervous energy surrounding her character, and root for her when the going gets rough.  Annabelle is one of those characters that has unforgettable quirks; she has true "character" (pun intended).  Annabelle's mother, on the other hand, is an annoyance.  She acts like someone half her age...even like a two year-old, at times.  Her alcoholic ways and vanity are not attractive in the least; though she has a redeeming trait in that she does truly appear to love Annabelle.  Billy, Janie's co-star, is a bit of an enigma.  The reader will wonder if he truly likes Janie or if he's putting on a show.  The other characters are fun to read about and mostly likable.

Overall, if a reader is looking for a fun book to pick up in preparation for summer, The Corner of Bitter and Sweet is perfect. With Hollywood themes and a coming-of-age plot, teens and young adults are sure to enjoy this novel.

4 Stars

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Maybe Tonight? by Bridie Clark

Maybe Tonight? opens as the reader is getting ready for the most exciting party of the year—Midwinter’s Night Dream, set in the frosty woods just off campus—with her roommates and best friends Annabel Snow, Spider Harris, and Libby Monroe. Choices unfold quickly and the reader must decide which risks to take in pursuit of social status, adventure, success, and love.

Goodreads Summary

Looking for a book where you control the main character's actions?  Although a somewhat unusual genre, the Choose Your Own Adventure novel is terrific for readers who love to decide on the events and ending of a story.  Maybe Tonight? takes the reader into the mind of a young girl preparing for the best party of the year. Who will she go with?  What will she wear?  Will she make any bad decisions at the party?  That's up to the reader!  There are many different plot choices to choose from, all loosely constructed around the idea of preparing for a party and going about everyday life.  

The reader is not likely to get too attached to the main character...or any characters for that matter.  For whatever reason, it was difficult for me to invest time into a character that I could control.  I thought I would be more invested in her, but I had the opposite reaction.  Her stereotypical thoughts and actions may have played into my inability to care too much about her, however.  The other characters were a little on the blah side.  They didn't have too much personality or charisma, as far as I was concerned.  Overall, this is a good novel for young or tween readers.

3 Stars

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Love In the Time of Global Warming by Francesca Lia Block

Seventeen-year-old Penelope (Pen) has lost everything—her home, her parents, and her ten-year-old brother. Like a female Odysseus in search of home, she navigates a dark world full of strange creatures, gathers companions and loses them, finds love and loses it, and faces her mortal enemy.

In her signature style, Francesca Lia Block has created a world that is beautiful in its destruction and as frightening as it is lovely. At the helm is Pen, a strong heroine who holds hope and love in her hands and refuses to be defeated.

Goodreads Summary

This is one of those books that will leave the reader thinking about current issues affecting our future; in this case, the focus is global warming.  The best facet this book contains is the setting and overall plot.  Block has created a world like no other.  This world is dark, mysterious, and genius in its twists and randomness.  Pen, the main character, navigates this world.  She has lost everything, including her family, but she has not lost hope.  Her character is resilient, the epitome of faith and strength.  It was so easy to love Pen and root for her.  The plot itself is full of random and imagination.  It is literally to difficult to describe in a few short sentences, but the reader will not be disappointed.  

The other characters are unusual and will stick with you long after you put the book down.  The reader will have varying reactions to them.  The book revolves around the concept of finding love and losing it, only to continuosly search for the erratic emotion.  Pen finds love, many different kinds of love, as well as herself.  She discovers different characteristics and feelings that she never thought she could have.  The book resonates with devastation and fear; the theme is, after all, global warming.  Overall, young adult and adult readers should pick up this book soon.

4 stars

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Confessions of a Hater by Caprice Crane

Mean girls are always the haters - Right?

Hailey Harper has always felt invisible. Now her dad has a new job and the family is moving to Hollywood. Just what Hailey needs: starting a new high school.

As she's packing, Hailey finds a journal that belonged to her older sister, Noel, who is away at college. Called "How to Be a Hater," it's full of info Hailey can really use. Has Hailey found the Bible of Coolness? Will it help her reinvent herself at her new school? Will her crush notice her? Will she and the other Invisibles dethrone the popular mean girls? After all, they deserve it. Don't they?

Caprice Crane's funny--and deeply felt--observations about high school, bullies, popularity, friendship, and romance will leave teens thinking...and talking.

Goodreads Summary

Hailey Harper is a typical teenage girl.  She is shy and feels as if nobody notices her; she looks up to her older sister, Noel, as someone of significance, someone to be noticed.  When she finds Noel's "How To Be a Hater" journal, Hailey knows that she might have found something to elevate her social status...or at least get her some attention.  Will Hailey be able to control her newfound power as a Hater?  Will her love interest finally see what is right in front of him?  Is life as a Hater really all that great?

Hailey's character was clearly created by an author with a terrific imagination.  She is a self-professed hater which makes her instantly awesome in my book.  During the story, she transforms from being a shy, shrinking violet to a self-possessed young woman.  It's fascinating to watch the character dynamics change over the course of the novel.  The other characters are interesting; some will rub the reader the wrong way, some will be epically fun to read about, and others are just stereotypical.  

The plot itself is interesting.  There were a few slower portions that I skimmed.  The novel plodded along in some parts, but the reader will likely stick it out to the end.  Overall, this was a fun novel to read and recommended to young adult readers.

3 1/2 Stars

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Happy Easter Eggstravaganza Giveaway Hop!

To all who celebrate: HAPPY EASTER!!! On this blog stop you can win:

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Cover Reveal: Secret For A Song by Adriana Ryan

Saylor Grayson makes herself sick. Literally.

She  ate her first needle when she was seven. Now, at nineteen, she’s been kicked out of college for poisoning herself with laxatives. The shrinks call it Munchausen Syndrome. All Saylor knows is that when she’s ill, her normally distant mother pays attention and the doctors and nurses make her feel special.

Then she meets Drew Dean, the leader of a local support group for those with terminal diseases. When he mistakes her for a new member, Saylor knows she should correct him. But she can’t bring herself to, not after she’s welcomed into a new circle of friends. Friends who, like Drew, all have illnesses ready to claim their independence or their lives  

For the first time, Saylor finds out what it feels like to be in love, to have friends who genuinely care about her.  But secrets have a way of revealing themselves. What will happen when Saylor’s is out?

About the author...

A huge fan of spooky stuff and shoes, Adriana Ryan enjoys alternately hitting up the outlet malls and historic graveyards in Charleston, SC where she lives and imbibes coffee. Her husband and two small children seem not to mind when she hastily scribbles novel lines on stray limbs in the absence of notepads.

Attached, you'll find the cover and my author photograph. Let me know if I've forgotten anything! 

Thank you so much again! I'm so excited to be working with you once more!

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Tarnish by Katherine Longshore

Anne Boleyn is the odd girl out. Newly arrived to the court of King Henry VIII, everything about her seems wrong, from her clothes to her manners to her witty but sharp tongue. So when the dashing poet Thomas Wyatt offers to coach her on how to shine at court--and to convince the whole court they're lovers--she accepts. Before long, Anne's popularity has soared, and even the charismatic and irresistible king takes notice. More than popularity, Anne wants a voice--but she also wants love. What began as a game becomes high stakes as Anne finds herself forced to make an impossible choice between her heart's desire and the chance to make history.

Goodreads Summary

Do you know the real Anne Boleyn?  The girl who wants to impress, but doesn't want to lose her individuality?  The girl who proudly states "the Boleyns stick together," but has her doubts about her own family?  When she arrives at court, she doesn't immediately make friends.  Anne chooses to continue with the "French" style of dressing, making her instantly unpopular in the English court.  Her sister, King Henry's mistress, is approachable and friendly, but motherly at a time when Anne wants a friend.  Her brother is harsh and unkind towards her.  Anne wanders through the adjustment period until she inadvertently finds a friend in Thomas Wyatt.  Thomas is a married poet who has captured the favor of the King; he promises to make Anne known in court...infamously or famously, only time will tell.  

The reader will love the historical accuracy (for the most part) of this book.  The author has clearly done her research, adding only a little extra spontaneity that may or may not have  happened to Anne.  Anne literally matures before the readers' eyes.  It is fascinating to see her go from an obstinate, stand-out girl to a strong, self-assured woman.  Thomas Wyatt is an interesting character in his inability to leave Anne alone and his mysterious poems.  There are romance themes throughout the book, but the romance aspect does not overtake the historical significance that pours through the pages.  The King is a figure that the reader likely knows will factor greatly into Anne's life later on; however, during the time period this novel covers, the King does not disturb Anne's growth.  Rather than being a prominent character, he becomes a character who is just "there," always present, but not necessarily noticeable.  The reader will likely dislike Anne's brother.  He doesn't seem to like or want to help Anne, making it difficult to like him.  Her father, too, is just as rude. He does want to further Anne's chances at court...to further his own; she constantly seeks his approval, even despite herself.  There are several other characters, such as Henry Percy, that affect Anne with varying degrees.  Henry Percy's character helped her mature by abandoning her at a time when she needed him most.  

Overall, a reader should give this novel a try.  I loved the rich history and the intricately described settings and characters; I literally felt like I was in court with Anne.  The innuendos and thinly veiled insults/comments made me feel like I was experiencing the true English court.  This novel is recommended to young adult/teen readers.

4 Stars

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The Ward by Jordana Frankel

Sixteen-year-old Ren is a daredevil mobile racer who will risk everything to survive in the Ward, what remains of a water-logged Manhattan. To save her sister, who is suffering from a deadly illness thought to be caused by years of pollution, Ren accepts a secret mission from the government: to search for a freshwater source in the Ward, with the hope of it leading to a cure.

However, she never expects that her search will lead to dangerous encounters with a passionate young scientist; a web of deceit and lies; and an earth-shattering mystery that’s lurking deep beneath the water’s rippling surface.

Jordana Frankel’s ambitious debut novel and the first in a two-book series, The Ward is arresting, cinematic, and thrilling—perfect for fans of Scott Westerfeld or Ann Aguirre.

Goodreads Summary

Imagine a world where water is precious and every single breath you take could potentially infect you with a fatal disease.  Set in Manhattan, The Ward depicts a world meant for horror stories, a world where pollution has overrun everything and led up to the creation of a disease that consists of invasive, deadly tumors.  Ren, a gutsy girl living in this squalor, is the main character and a character that the reader is sure to root for. She begins the novel with a carefree, cold-shouldered manner...a girl who is used to losing everything and everyone.  By the end of the first chapter, Ren has progressed to potentially care for her "sister," a fellow orphan.  The plight of her sister, sick with this illness, dictates Ren's every move.  She must win races in order to get enough money and clean water; she must remain by her sister's side, helping her through the worst of the disease's symptoms; when Ren is approached by the government to look for freshwater, she must accept this dangerous deal in order to better her sister's chances for survival. 

Ren's character is admirable.  She is brave, direct, and a little bit foolhardy; in other words, her character contains all of the traits for a potentially outstanding female lead.  Her character is slightly complicated by romance...one with a charismatic, enigmatic young man; however, Ren is more of a character "unto herself," she holds her sister high in her esteem and not many others.  Her sister, Aven, is tiny and unhealthy; she is reminiscent of a small bird or animal who is constantly happy (or attempts to be), but needs constant care.  Callum is a young scientist with promise; his character is impressive in the sense that he has the ability to change the shape of the world with a potential cure, but he is also condescendingly annoying, at times.  Derek, the elusive love interest, was nice enough; however, Derek's character kept so many secrets from Ren...and the reader that he became more annoying than anything. 

Overall, The Ward is a thought-provoking, conversation-starting novel that will make the reader think deeply about issues such as pollution and/or water deprivation and/or diseases.  The characters are interesting and easy to root for and the plot is fast-paced.  This book is highly recommended to young adult/teen readers.

4 Stars

*Reviewed by Krystal*

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Fire & Ash by Anne Patrick Giveaway

Fire and Ash by Anne Patrick

Fire and Ash is the story of female fire investigator Sadie McGregor.  When she was a child, Sadie lost her family in a horrific fire that still haunts her.  She's now been called in to investigate a fatality fire in her hometown of Emerald Point, Missouri. What Sadie and the handsome new police chief discover will not only affect those close to them, but will rock the entire community.

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Reviews and Awards

"This is a beautiful, yet hard-hitting story, fluently written, presenting characters you fall in love with." 
~ Reviewed by Fennel at LASR

"A Top Pick! Another Fantastic Novel!!!! Anne Patrick's novel, "Fire and Ash" is a well-written novel that flows wonderfully. A fantastic read!" 
~ Night Owl Reviews

"A wonderful read, this book had me laughing and crying. True to life characters and vivid descriptions, along with comedy and heart stopping moments, make this a page turner you'll want to read again." 
~ Happily Ever After Reviews

"As a forensics show enthusiast, I found that Anne Patrick, in her book, Fire and Ash, goes into great, minute detail of the fire investigation, that puts you on the scent of a perpetrator.  Her unique ability to incorporate multiple plots to throw you off course makes the pages fly by to connect the dots."  
~ Onedesertrose's Christian Book Reviews Blog

"As a retired fire investigator I have to say kudos to Ms Patrick on her research. I normally don’t read romantic suspense, but this book sounded intriguing so I couldn't resist. I WAS NOT DISAPPOINTED" 
~Review from 'Fireboy' at Christianbook.com

Received Four Stars from Romantic Times Book Reviews!

LASR BEST BOOK of 2010 Nominee!

'Best Inspirational' 2010 at The Romance Reviews!

#1 Bestselling Suspense eBook, and #1 Bestselling Romance eBook at Christianbook.com!

Amazon Top 100 Bestseller in Christian Fiction!

Author Anne Patrick

Anne Patrick is the author of more than a dozen novels of Romance, Mayhem & Faith, including the award winning and bestselling WOUNDED HEROES SERIES, FIRE AND ASH, and TIES THAT BIND. When she isn't working on her next novel she enjoys spending time with family and friends, and traveling to foreign countries to experience new cultures and adventures. Born and raised in Oklahoma, she now makes her home in Kansas. 

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She loves to hear from her readers!

Book Blast Giveaway
$25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash
Ends 4/10/13

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer http://iamareader.com and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

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Cover Reveal of Frigid by Jennifer Armentrout

For twenty-one-year-old Sydney, being in love with Kyler isn't anything new. They'd been best friends ever since he pushed her down on the playground and she made him eat a mud pie. Somewhere over the years, she fell for him and fell hard. The big problem with that? Kyler puts the 'man' in man-whore. He's never stayed with a girl longer than a few nights, and with it being their last year in college, Syd doesn't want to risk their friendship by declaring her love.

Kyler has always put Syd on a pedestal that was too high for him to reach. To him, she's perfect and she's everything. But the feelings he has for her, he's always hidden away or focused on any other female. After all, Kyler will always be the poor boy from the wrong side of tracks, and Syd will always be the one girl he can never have.

But when they're stranded together at a posh ski resort due to a massive Nor'easter, there's nothing stopping their red-hot feelings for each other from coming to the surface. Can their friendship survive the attraction? Better yet, can they survive at all? Because as the snow falls, someone is stalking them, and this ski trip may be a life-changer in more ways than one.

Frigid will be available in digital formats on July 30th 2013
Print release of Frigid will be November 5th 2012
Goodreads
http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16122034-frigid?ac=1




J. Lynn, also known as Jennifer L. Armentrout, is a # 1 New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author. She lives in Martinsburg, West Virginia. All the rumors you’ve heard about her state aren’t true. When she’s not hard at work writing. she spends her time reading, working out, watching really bad zombie movies, pretending to write, and hanging out with her husband and her Jack Russel Loki.
Her dreams of becoming an author started in algebra class, where she spent most of her time writing short stories….which explains her dismal grades in math. Jennifer writes young adult paranormal, science fiction, fantasy, and contemporary romance. She is published with Spencer Hill Press, Entangled Teen and Brazen, Disney/Hyperion and Harlequin Teen.
She also writes adult and New Adult romance under the name J. Lynn. She is published by Entangled Brazen and HarperCollins.
Twitter  https://twitter.com/JLArmentrout
Facebook http://www.facebook.com/JenniferLArmentrout
Website http://www.jenniferarmentrout.com/

Excerpt and Giveaway: High Stakes

Former party girl, Alisa Turner, made a deal with her daddy, Trey. He’ll provide the seed money for her new business venture as long as she promises to stay out of trouble. Too bad her good intentions tumble 30,000 feet when she meets a sexy stranger on a flight to sin city. 

Hotel mogul, Liam Bryson, has never believed in love at first sight, but when a sexy little siren twenty years his junior tempts him into a night of high stakes Blackjack, he’s suddenly playing for keeps. 

Alisa wakes up in Liam’s bed the next morning, cursing Tequila and the five carat diamond on her left hand. She demands an annulment before her over-protective father finds out she reneged on their agreement, but her new hubby isn’t prepared to let her go without a fight.

Excerpt

“Have you seen this garbage?” Trey Turner asked, tossing the rolled up newspaper in his daughter’s general direction. “That’s the third time this month I’ve seen your face in some rag, drinkin’ or partyin’ with—” 

Alisa held her hand up. “I’m not having this conversation with you again. I’m twenty-five, not five. That means I get to decide what I do and with whom I do it.” She loved and respected her father, but if he had his way, she’d live under his roof and abide by his rules until she was too old to care about having fun. 

“Oh yeah?” He smirked. “Who bought you that fancy condo you just had to have, or how about that new A7…” His eyes fell to her shoes. “Gucci?” He whistled under his breath. “Must’ve cost a pretty penny. Might be the last pair you buy for a good long while. I hear waitresses are only makin’ minimum wage plus tips. That’s probably not enough to buy designer shoes or purses.” 

“You’re threatening me?” Alisa couldn’t believe what she heard. She and her father had always been close. He may not always agree with the choices she made, but he never threatened to cut her off before. 

“Call it what you want.” He shrugged his broad shoulders. “I’ll do whatever I have to do to keep you from self-destructin’ the way I did.” 

Alisa knew her father’s history with alcohol. When her parents divorced, before remarrying more than twenty-five years ago, he’d hit the bottle hard and nearly destroyed everything he worked so hard to achieve. But she wasn’t him. She was young and single, trying to enjoy life a little before settling down into the life of domestic bliss so many of her friends seemed to favor. The life she’d almost had, before another woman stole it from her.

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Cheryl began her professional career as a nutritionist, but her love of books started at an early age. She studied writing for many years before she decided to pursue her passion as a full-time career. After receiving constructive criticism from several well-known authors, Cheryl finally had the confidence to write her first romance novel. The first book in the Nashville Nights series, Shameless, was a book that had been dwelling in Cheryl’s subconscious for years. For her, the surprise came when the manuscript began taking on a life of its own. Characters came to life, secondary characters became more prominent, outlines were forgotten, and a single title evolved into an eight book series, and another eight book spin-off series entitled Nashville Nights, Next Generation. 

One word would aptly describe Cheryl: workaholic. She lives and breathes her writing, when she’s sleeping, watching TV, driving, reading… it’s always in the periphery of her mind. Her imagination rarely takes a holiday, even when she escapes to a sandy beach with her husband and son, she’s planning, plotting, outlining, and daydreaming. 

Cheryl feels blessed to be able to get up every day and do something she loves. The thousands of fans who have embraced the Nashville Nights have made that possible. She writes for the readers who ask for more, she writes to satisfy the muse residing inside of her, but most of all, she writes because she couldn’t imagine doing anything else with her life. It took her thirty-seven years to decide what she wanted to be when she grew up, but now that she knows, she’s convinced she’s found her purpose.

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She'll be awarding the following prizes to randomly drawn commenters during the tour:

* two $20 Amazon Gift Cards

* ten trading card/cover flat packs (US/Canada)

* ten eBooks from the Nashville Nights series (winner's choice)

* two sterling silver necklaces (US/Canada)

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If You Find Me: Excerpt and Giveaway!

Looking for a spooky, haunting read?  Look no further!  If You Find Me is a must-read for teens and young adults this Spring!



Excerpt:

Page 148

"Go ahead--I dare you, freak," Delaney hisses, not even trying to defend herself. "Show them who you really are--white trash garbage whose mother didn't bring her up right, let alone want her."

To my horror, a dam breaks.

"You're pathetic, you know that? I wish they'd never found you. I wish your crack-ass mother had taken you with her--"

"She was smoking meth," I hiss. "And I didn't ask to come here."

We're both breathing heavily.

"What's your problem with me anyway," I saw, the white heat filling my body. I reckon you have everything a person could ask for. You even had my father. Why do you hate us so much?"

Delaney laughs, a hollow, bitter sound. "Are you kidding me?"

 ....

Once she's gone, I ball up the paper an shove it to the bottom of the garbage. Then I hold on to the edge of the counter for support and cry until I'm all cried out. I reckon a good cry has been a long time in the making, and I cry until I'm empty, but a good empty, like the speckled shells left behind by flapping quail babies.

My mind wanders back to the Hundred Acre Wood and I close my eyes, remember the frosty breeze painting roses on our cheeks and setting the branches clattering; the stars blinking thoughtfully from their perilous heights; the crackling fire accompanying my violin; and Nessa clapping at the end, propped up against me for warmth.

I even yearn for Mama, just for a second, before I snuff out her memory like the candle stubs we read by when the kerosene lamp ran low.



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Author Bio:

Emily Murdoch is a writer, a poet, and a lover of books. There's never a time she's without a book. Her debut novel, IF YOU FIND ME, will be available from St. Martin's Press on March 26, 2013 and from Orion/Indigo UK on May 2, 2013.

When she's not reading or writing, you'll find her caring for her horses, dogs and family on a ranch in rural Arizona, where the desert's tranquil beauty and rich wildlife often enter into her poetry and writing.

You can find Emily online on her website, Twitter, GoodReads, and blog.

Add IF YOU FIND ME on GoodReads or reserve your copy on Amazon.

Photo is courtesy of the author.

Emblaze by Jessica Shirvington: Interview and Giveaway

Once again Violet Eden faces an impossible choice ... and the consequences are unimaginable. 

Violet has come to terms with the fact that being part angel, part human, means her life will never be as it was.

Now Violet has something Phoenix - the exiled angel who betrayed her - will do anything for, and she has no intention of letting it fall into his hands. The only problem is that he has something she needs too. 

Not afraid to raise the stakes, Phoenix seemingly holds all the power, always one step ahead. And when he puts the final pieces of the prophecy together, it doesn't take him long to realise exactly who he needs in order to open the gates of Hell.

With the help of surprising new allies, ancient prophecies are deciphered, a destination set and, after a shattering confrontation with her father, Violet leaves for the islands of Greece without knowing if she will have a home to return to...

==

Interview Questions

1. Can you tell us what to expect from Emblaze?

A large part of Emblaze is set in Santorini - a volcanic island in Greece. That might give you an inkling of what you can expect action wise. ;-)

As for Violet and the men in her life - things are reaching boiling point and something has to give. Phoenix is determined to carve out a place for himself in this world, but Violet can't stand by and let him hurt innocent people in order to get what he wants. Lincoln, as ever, appears to be self sacrificing and putting the cause before his desires, but even for Lincoln the events of EMBLAZE test him and force some revelations. 

2. Who was your favorite character to write about and why?

I don't have a favorite but I do write in Violet's point of view so I am definitely closest to her. For every scene and interaction with other characters I am watching it through her eyes and considering her reactions. But I also love the other characters. It has become a large group now and they all have their good and not-so-good moments, which makes them who they are. 

3. If you could be any character from your novels, who would you choose and why?

Well, I'd still choose to be a girl. And though I love Violet, life is being pretty tough on her so I probably wouldn't want to be in her shoes. I'm thinking either Steph or Zoe. They both have a lot of excitement but still seem to be able to have a little balance too. It would be cool so be as brainy and easy going as Steph. And it would definitely be cool to have Zoe's power of manipulating nature!

4. Was there any character(s) that were particularly difficult to write about?

The boys - Phoenix and Lincoln - are always a challenge. They are emotional guys but very different to one another. With Lincoln, he can be quite introverted which can be frustrating. Sometimes I want to throw out more of him on the page, but I have to hold back because that wouldn't be being true to his character. In the case of Phoenix, he is often playing a role to people, giving them a false image of him in order to protect himself and yet he is also genuinely bad at times. It makes it complicated to find the right balance so readers will see him the way he is supposed to be seen. In EMBLAZE there is actually a chapter from Phoenix's point of view. I really deliberated for a long time over this chapter, not sure if I wanted to leave Violet's point of view, but I am so glad I did. It has ended up being one of my favorite chapters in EMBLAZE.

5. Are you currently working on another project?  Can you give us a hint?

Yes. I'm working on a few things. ENDLESS - book 4 - will be out in October. I'm currently working on the final book in the series and I am also in the final stages of edit for my first stand alone novel, BETWEEN THE LIVES. It is more of a psychological thriller and I am very excited about it.

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Love In the Balance by Regina Jennings

Jennings's Newest Historical Romance 
Is a Delight! 
Molly Lovelace dreams of a life without cares in Lockhart, Texas. She also dreams of handsome wrangler Bailey Garner, her ardent but inconsistent beau. The problem is, with Bailey's poor prospects, she just can't fit the two dreams together.

Then mysterious stranger Edward Pierrepont sweeps into town--and her life--and for the first time Molly wonders if she's met the man who can give her everything. But he won't be in Lockhart long and while he talks about their glorious future together, she can't quite get Bailey out of her mind.

What's a girl to do with all these decisions when love is in the balance?

Regina Jennings takes on a love triangle with careful calculations and a realistic approach.  Molly is a woman who wants to findthe  man of her dreams...should it be this hard to find him?  He must be out there, right?  Bailey, a charismatic and good-looking wrangler, definitely seems to like her and she seems to like him, but he isn't the wealthy man she always thought would sweep her off of her feet.  When Edward, a newcomer to their small town, arrives with a flourish, Molly can't decide if he might be the man of her dreams.  She must decide rather quickly between Bailey and Edward and decode the inner workings of her own heart.

Molly's character is nice enough.  I wasn't that big a fan of her flip-flopping between two men; I felt like she should just make a decision and stick with it.  She was a sweet character, never wanting to hurt anyone's feelings.  I suppose she couldn't help being a dreamer and wanting to think through her choices before choosing between the two men.  Bailey was a great character.  Thereader can tell that he really likes Regina and wants the best for her.  Edward has that "new guy" feel to his character.  He is almost an intruder in the sense that Molly and Bailey were steadily growing closer until he decided to ride into town.  He is certainly a smooth talker with handsome features, but is Molly reading too much into his arrival?  The other characters were mainly utilized for background information.  I liked how the author spent a long time developing each character with precision and care to allow the reader to care about them as much as possible.

The plot was not exactly new and slightly predictable, but I enjoyed it nonetheless.  There are religious elements in this novel, but a reader who isn't particularly religious should still enjoy this book.  Overall, I would recommended Love In The Balance to adult readers.

4 Stars

This product or book may have been distributed for review, this in no way affects my opinions or reviews.