Thursday, February 28, 2013

Guest Review: The Paris Wife (Paula McClain)

A deeply evocative story of ambition and betrayal, The Paris Wifecaptures a remarkable period of time and a love affair between two unforgettable people: Ernest Hemingway and his wife Hadley.
Chicago, 1920: Hadley Richardson is a quiet twenty-eight-year-old who has all but given up on love and happiness—until she meets Ernest Hemingway and her life changes forever. Following a whirlwind courtship and wedding, the pair set sail for Paris, where they become the golden couple in a lively and volatile group—the fabled “Lost Generation”—that includes Gertrude Stein, Ezra Pound, and F. Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald.

Though deeply in love, the Hemingways are ill-prepared for the hard-drinking and fast-living life of Jazz Age Paris, which hardly values traditional notions of family and monogamy. Surrounded by beautiful women and competing egos, Ernest struggles to find the voice that will earn him a place in history, pouring all the richness and intensity of his life with Hadley and their circle of friends into the novel that will becomeThe Sun Also Rises. Hadley, meanwhile, strives to hold on to her sense of self as the demands of life with Ernest grow costly and her roles as wife, friend, and muse become more challenging. Despite their extraordinary bond, they eventually find themselves facing the ultimate crisis of their marriage—a deception that will lead to the unraveling of everything they’ve fought so hard for.

A heartbreaking portrayal of love and torn loyalty, The Paris Wife is all the more poignant because we know that, in the end, Hemingway wrote that he would rather have died than fallen in love with anyone but Hadley.
Hardcover, 314 pages
Published February 22nd 2011 by Ballantine Books
Copy Provided by Publisher for Honest Review



I have always been interested in the 1920's. I was so excited to learn about The Paris Wife! In high school I did a huge research project on Scott Fitzgerald and I loved that he and Zelda were characters in this novel! If we think society is bad today and that marriage vows are taken for granted then we missed the madness in the 1920's!

 These characters knew how to drink! There were also other scandals with drugs, affairs and suicide. All the makings of a good book or movie! 

 The Paris Wife begins in the states where Hemingway and Hadley first meet. Hadley is a few years older than Hemingway and they have both been through tough childhoods. They are instantly attracted to each other. Hadley returns back to St. Louis where she lives with her sister and Hemingway begins to write her letters. Their relationship builds has they write very often to each other and finally Hadley agrees to go back to Chicago for a visit. Hemingway tells Hadley of his big ideas and that he thinks they should get married and move to Paris! They have a small wedding and leave for Paris as soon as they can afford to travel! They meet several people in Paris and make some great friends. They begin to lead the rich life has Hemingway and a few of his friend get the publishing breaks they have been waiting for. Hadley finds herself pregnant and Hemingway is not very excited to begin with but he comes around. They have a beautiful baby boy and everything is going great for them until a new lady comes into their life. Pauline starts out as just a friend of both Hadley and Hem but eventually Pauline and Hem have an affair. It was hard for me to read about the affair and how Hadley just played along for a while. 

 It made me really angry with Hadley! In the end Hemingway and Hadley divorce and Hem marries Pauline. Hadley meets another man and marries as well. Things work out wonderfully for Hadley and not so great for Hemingway.

 I enjoyed this book! I love to read about history even though this book was fiction there were still several things that were true in the novel! 

 It is fun to think about how life was in the 1920's! I appreciate the research the author did and the information she gave the reader. I give this book 3-1/2 stars.









Paula McLain has published two collections of poetry, “Less of Her” and “Stumble, Gorgeous,” both from New Issues Poetry Press, and a memoir entitled “Like Family: Growing Up in Other People's Houses” (Little, Brown, 2003). “A Ticket to Ride,” is her debut novel from Ecco/HarperCollins. She received her MFA in poetry from the University of Michigan in 1996, and has since been a writer-in-residence at Yaddo, The MacDowell Colony, and The Ucross Foundation Residency Program, and received fellowships from the National Endowment for the Arts and the Ohio Arts Council. Individual poems and essays have appeared in numerous journals, including the Gettysburg Review, Antioch Review, and The New York Times Sunday Magazine. As well as teaching part-time at John Carroll University, she is a core faculty member in the low-residency MFA Program in Poetry at New England College.

Guest Review: Independance (Shelly Crane)

In the fourth and final installment, Maggie and Caleb must tie up all the loose ends of their lives and make a way to be together completely on their own. With everything that happened with Bish and Maggie's father, she's almost reluctant to move on and move out. And now she must figure out all of this...stuff...with Haddock. But of course, nothing can stay simple for the Jacobsons. Enemies who were thought to be dissolved have decided to not go down so easily. And old flames come calling for more than just Maggie. Caleb is torn between leading his family and personal wants. Maggie is torn between Caleb and being the leader of their people. But neither will let what they need most to be pushed to the wayside. They are determined to make it all work, design a plan toward destiny, and make everything right again for themselves and their family.
And then there's a wedding..

Published December 18th 2012




Independence is the fourth and final book in the Significance series. I am so sad that this journey is over! To say I loved this series is an understatement! It was wonderful! 


 In this final book Shelly Crane did an amazing job of bringing everything to a close and tying the end up with a big pretty bow! There was a brief few minutes when I thought I was going to be very disappointed with the ending but the author quickly saved the unthinkable from happening! 

 Independence takes us back to Maggie's hometown where everyone thinks Maggie's best friend Beck and her boyfriend are missing. Maggie wants to be able to save them but feels useless until she has a vision. Maggie and Caleb leave instantly to save Beck and her boyfriend. The Watson's are still up to no good and Maggie and Caleb now know they have to put an end to this evil. Maggie and Caleb start planning their wedding and Gran gives Maggie her wedding dress to wear. Maggie, however, has other plans for the wedding! It all works out perfectly! 

 The wedding excitement was quickly lost when the Watson's attack yet again. All of the newlyweds leave for a group honeymoon together. While they are trying to enjoy their honeymoon their powers start to fade and they have no idea what is going on. One guess who is behind the latest problem, Marcus! Again we have another suspenseful battle! I loved how things development and ended! I also loved the little preview the reader got into the future! 

 This really was a fantastic series and I would recommend it to anyone! Well done Shelly Crane! I give this last book 5 stars!






Bestselling YA author from a small town in Georgia and loves everything about the south. She is wife to a fantastical husband and stay at home mom to two boisterous and mischievous boys who keep her on her toes. They currently reside in everywhere USA as they happily travel all over with her husband's job. She loves to spend time with her family, binge on candy corn, go out to eat at new restaurants, buy paperbacks at little bookstores, site see in the new areas they travel to, listen to music everywhere and also LOVES to read.Her own books happen by accident and she revels in the writing and imagination process. She doesn't go anywhere without her notepad for fear of an idea creeping up and not being able to write it down immediately, even in the middle of the night, where her best ideas are born.

Guest Review: Defiance (Shelly Crane)

In the third installment of the Significance series, we begin with Maggie and Caleb in the clutches of a new enemy; the Virtuoso council. Not only do they have to deal with the consequences of taking the lives of the Watsons and the council attempting to take Maggie away to keep their precious Visionary safe, but they must deal with Marla as well. All are determined to undermine, control and use Caleb and Maggie's rare gifts for their own uses, some wish to destroy them entirely. Then Maggie's father and Bish are threatened but the council forbids the presense of humans. Peter and the family fight and stand beside them every step of the way to save Maggie's father, to keep Caleb and Maggie together when the corrupted council is so set on keeping them apart and to stop Marla and whatever she has up her sleeve. Then Maggie has the shock of her life when she discovers something about her real father. It may change everything for everyone. Stay tuned as the story continues.

Kindle Edition, 281 pages
Published March 8th 2012 (first published January 1st 2011)




Defiance is the third book in the Significance series. These books have been so good! I could not wait to pick this third book up and keep reading this amazing story!

 During the third book all the Aces are together for the reunification. Maggie is getting an overload of unwanted attention. She and Caleb quickly learn that this reunification is not going to be all fun and games that it has been in the past. Caleb must face the consequences for defending himself and Maggie against an attack that happened in Accordance. 

 The laws of the Aces need to change and everyone knows this except a few of the leaders that do not agree with change. Lots of secrets are revealed during this third novel while everyone is gathered at the reunification. The climax of this book was wonderful! The fight between the Jacobson's and Watson's was exciting and kept you wondering how it was going to end. I was really sad about Rodney. 

 I had really fallen for his character during this novel. I also would have liked to find out more about the first visionary. Overall I am still very addicted to this series and I am already depressed knowing that I only have one more novel left to read! I give this one 4 stars!














Bestselling YA author from a small town in Georgia and loves everything about the south. She is wife to a fantastical husband and stay at home mom to two boisterous and mischievous boys who keep her on her toes. They currently reside in everywhere USA as they happily travel all over with her husband's job. She loves to spend time with her family, binge on candy corn, go out to eat at new restaurants, buy paperbacks at little bookstores, site see in the new areas they travel to, listen to music everywhere and also LOVES to read.Her own books happen by accident and she revels in the writing and imagination process. She doesn't go anywhere without her notepad for fear of an idea creeping up and not being able to write it down immediately, even in the middle of the night, where her best ideas are born.




Cover Reveal: Out of Play (Dawn & Perry)






Rock star drummer Bishop Riley doesn't have a problem. Celebrities—especially ones suffering from anxiety—deserve to party, right? Wrong. After taking a few too many pills, Bishop wakes up in the hospital facing an intervention. If he wants to stay in the band, he’ll have to detox while under house arrest in Seldon, Alaska.

Hockey player Penny Jones can't imagine a life outside of Seldon. Though she has tons of scholarship offers, the last thing she wants is to leave. Who'll take care of her absent-minded gramps? Not her mother, who can’t even be bothered with the new tenants next door.

Penny’s too hung up on another guy to deal with Bishop’s crappy attitude, and Bishop’s too busy
sneaking pills to care. Until he starts hanging out with Gramps. If Bishop wants a chance with the fiery girl next door, he’ll have to admit he has a problem and kick it. Too bad addiction is hard to kick…and Bishop’s about to run out of time.


Goodreads- http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17332383-out-of-play
BN.com- http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/out-of-play-jolene-perry/1114317968
Amazon- http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1622660102

Blog Tour & Interview (The Grimm Chronicles (Brosky & Fontaine)














200 years ago, the Brothers Grimm unleashed their stories upon the world. Literally. Now the characters of the Grimms' stories walk among us. With every day that passes, they grow more evil. They are the Corrupted, and only a hero can stop them.For 18-year-old Alice Goodenough, that means taking precious time off from her summer vacation. In addition to volunteering at the local library, Alice must stop the Corrupted who are now actively hunting her down. With the help of her magic pen and her trusty rabbit friend, the world has suddenly gotten a lot more complex. The Corrupted are everywhere, and only Alice can see them for what they truly are.





This book contains the first 3 episodes of the critically acclaimed series:
Episode 1: Prince Charming Must Die!
Episode 2: Happily Never After
Episode 3: Revenge of the Castle Cats

Additional features for this special edition:
- An introduction
- Two special "Lost Diaries"
- A behind-the-scenes interview
- A collection of original Grimms' Fairy Tales

The Grimm Chronicles is intended for Young Adults aged 13 and up. The goal is to provide Young Adult readers with a strong, charismatic young woman in the role of the hero and provide readers with a positive protagonist who uses her brain to overcome obstacles life throws in her way.



Volume 2 of the Grimm Chronicles (books 4-6) will be released soon. 
Book 4: The Orphanage of Doom
Book 5: Blood and Thunder
Book 6: The Order of the Golden Dragon


Praise
“5 stars!” ~ Bookies Book Blog

"Highly recommended for all who love fairy tales and the YA genre." ~ My Cozie Corner

"All in all the books were excellent." ~ LilyElement

"If you love fairy tales and them being turned into modern day stories you will love these short stories." ~ Mom With a Kindle

5 stars (out of 5) ~ I Am, Indeed

“Isabella Fontaine and Ken Brosky’s incredible talent for storytelling takes the reader on an amazing action-packed ride fueled by endless creativity and limitless imagination. TGC is like a high-stakes version of Harold and the Purple Crayon meets a contemporary, above ground Alice in Wonderland. “ ~ Bookfetish

“I absolutely loved this book! No, let me rephrase that, I FREAKING LOVE THIS BOOK! Nope, that doesn't even do it justice. Vol. 1 has the first three stories from the 12 that will ultimately make up the chronicles.” ~ Jesse Kimmel-Freeman



Interview Questions:

What gave you the inspiration to write this book?


We wanted to write a YA novel that gave Grimms' Fairy Tales a twist, and we wanted to make sure we had an intelligent, strong female lead. So we started playing around with some of the messages behind the fairy tales and building up this idea that the characters from these tales were real ... and they weren't supposed to be. And the longer they remained on earth, the more evil they got.

Who is your favorite character in the book?

I personally like Seth, because he has some of my quirks. But I'm really happy with how Alice has developed as the hero. One thing I've worried about is her becoming unlikeable. I remember feeling that way about Buffy the Vampire Slayer the more seasons I watched. Alice needs to remain likeable.


Which came first, the title or the novel?

The title! "Prince Charming Must Die!" It was such a cool idea. Sure, some of the story is given away in the title ... but not as much as you may think.

What scene in the book are you most proud of, and why?

I think this series has gotten better and better with each new book. I haven't sat down with any of the newest books and said to myself, "Meh." I've always been excited for the next one. So I think that's a good thing. The scene I most loved writing was in Book 5, where Alice does battle with a Corrupted on an old whaling vessel. I wrote it right after reading Moby-Dick, so you can imagine my inspiration. I had so much fun writing that scene.


Thinking way back to the beginning, what’s the most important thing you’ve learned as a writer from then to now?

Practice, practice, practice. Also: read, read, read. Practice makes perfect, but reading lets you absorb some of the good habits. The trick is to read good books.

Chris Smith is an excellent cover artist. I usually give him a synopsis and some basic descriptions and he does the rest. It's pretty incredible.

What new release book are you looking most forward to in 2013?

I'm still waiting for the next George R.R. Martin book to come out. But I guess I'll be waiting for a while. I wish Margaret Atwood would The MaddAddam Trilogy already. Oryx and Crake was one of my favorite sci-fi books. Snowman is a fantastic character.

What was your favorite book in 2012?

I'm a big fan of Louise Erdrich, so The Round House was probably my favorite. I also read some old Charles Stross science fiction, and really loved it.

What’s up next for you?

Book 7, of course! I'm also working on a post-apocalyptic series that's more adult. I also am submitting some short stories to literary journals. So a lot on the ol' plate. But I do really enjoy it.

Is there anything that you would like to add?

Yes. Our puppy is going through a false pregnancy right now. Her body thinks she's pregnant even though she isn't. So guess what? She decided to pee next to my feet. I'm on petmd.com right now, looking at the symptoms. Is my puppy depressed? I don't know. Are her mammary glands enlarged? Definitely, yes. This whole incident is a great example of how easy it is to get distracted while writing at home.


Purchase:



About the Authors
Ken Brosky received his MFA in fiction writing from the University of Nebraska-Omaha. He also teaches English at Madison College. This is his first Young Adult series.

Isabella Fontaine owns a farm in Wisconsin and enjoys reading weird books like House of Leaves. This is her first Young Adult series.





 

Wednesday, February 27, 2013

Guest Review: Accordance (Shelly Crane)

In the sequel, Maggie learns much more about all the strange things that happened to her, and has to face new ones. She rebels against it, but ultimately, must face it for her new families sake and maybe even her life. Bish went from being her biggest supporter to her biggest pain in the butt and Kyle's intentions to attract her interest may not be so innocent. Caleb and Maggie face many new obstacles together and fight to work through them but will one that should be a good thing be too much for Maggie to handle?







Kindle Edition, 314 pages
Published September 15th 2011






Accordance is the second book in the Significance series by Shelly Crane and I can officially say I am hooked! I absolutely loved the first book and could not wait to start the second one! Accordance did not disappoint! 

 The reader is immediately back in Caleb and Maggie's world where they are trying to stay safe from the evil clan that is trying to destroy them. Even thought this life that the Aces lead is anything but normal Caleb and Maggie try to take their relationship slow and get to know each other. I loved the part where Caleb was practicing with the band and Maggie was watching! I could picture her standing there smiling at him! Maggie's true powers are revealed in this novel when she becomes the Visionary. Maggie struggles with the attention and power that comes with this title. Other imprints began to start transpiring with other Aces which is very exciting for all the clan members.

 At the end of the novel the Jacobson's head to London for the big reunification where all the Aces will gather. No time is wasted before Maggie has an encounter with Marla from the evil Watson clan and learns she is still in danger. Again Shelly left me wanting to start the third book instantly! I give this book 4 stars.









Bestselling YA author from a small town in Georgia and loves everything about the south. She is wife to a fantastical husband and stay at home mom to two boisterous and mischievous boys who keep her on her toes. They currently reside in everywhere USA as they happily travel all over with her husband's job. She loves to spend time with her family, binge on candy corn, go out to eat at new restaurants, buy paperbacks at little bookstores, site see in the new areas they travel to, listen to music everywhere and also LOVES to read.Her own books happen by accident and she revels in the writing and imagination process. She doesn't go anywhere without her notepad for fear of an idea creeping up and not being able to write it down immediately, even in the middle of the night, where her best ideas are born. 

Waiting on Wednesday: Dark Triumph (Robin LaFevers)



OK First let me say that the first book in this trilogy, Grave Mercy, is one of the BEST books I have EVER read! Yes I said EVER!!!! I was so completely enthralled in this book that I gave up hours and hours at night to finish reading it. What a incredible story! Fascinating characters, intense story line, and knife wielding assassin nuns?? UMM HECK YEAH!!!! So of course now I am DYING to read Dark Triumph...I cannot wait to see where this story goes!! Robin LaFevers weaves an incredible story that will have you on the edge of your seat through the entire book..Yes it is THAT GOOD!!!!


Sybella arrives at the convent’s doorstep half mad with grief and despair. Those that serve Death are only too happy to offer her refuge—but at a price. Naturally skilled in both the arts of death and seduction, the convent views Sybella as one of their most dangerous weapons.
But those assassin’s skills are little comfort when the convent returns her to a life that nearly drove her mad. Her father’s rage and brutality are terrifying, and her brother’s love is equally monstrous. And while Sybella is a weapon of justice wrought by the god of Death himself, He must give her a reason to live. When she discovers an unexpected ally imprisoned in the dungeons, will a daughter of Death find something other than vengeance to live for?
This heart-pounding sequel to Grave Mercy serves betrayal, treachery, and danger in equal measure, bringing readers back to fifteenth century Brittany and will keep them on the edge of their seats.

Hardcover, 400 pages
Expected publication: April 2nd 2013 
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Books for Children

Purchase Links





R.L. LaFevers (Robin Lorraine when she’s in really big trouble) grew up surrounded by shelves of old dusty books and a passel of brothers. She has also spent a large portion of her life being told she was making up things that weren’t there, which only proves she was destined to write fiction. She is the author of over fourteen books for young readers, including THEODOSIA AND THE SERPENTS OF CHAOS, (Houghton Mifflin, 2007) which received starred reviews and was a Junior Library Guild selection, a Booksense Summer Pick, and nominated for the Malice Domestic’s Agatha Award, and the NATHANIEL FLUDD, BEASTOLOGIST series. Her first young adult novel, GRAVE MERCY, will be published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt in Spring of 2012. She currently lives with her husband and a demonic cat in Southern California and spends her days gazing longingly at ancient artifacts or wallowing in old forgotten texts.

Contact Robin Here

Cover Reveal: Wait for You (Jennifer L Armentrout writing as J Lynn)




What do early readers have to say about WAIT FOR YOU?

“J. Lynn creates a wonderful cast of characters that will make you laugh, swoon, and cry. Cam stole my heart.” – Cora Carmack, NYTimes and USA TODAY Bestselling Author of LOSING IT

“For the love of all that is Cameron without a shirt on! Wait for You will have you laughing out loud, fanning yourself and anxiously waiting to know what will happen next.” – Molly McAdams, NYTimes and USA TODAY Bestselling Author of FROM ASHES and TAKING CHANCES

“I don't think I have ever read a NA Contemporary novel with as much depth as this one. It really moved me and by the end I was just speechless over how inspirational and uplifting it was as well as being sexy and cute and funny and emotional.” - K Books


“Wait For You is uniquely different from anything else J. Lynn's written but it might possibly be her best work yet.” – Jenuine Cupcakes


“For all of you in love with Aiden and Daemon, PREPARE YOURSELVES! Your heart will have to expand a little more for Cam.” Total Bookaholic


“For the love of all things CAM, this book deserves more than 5 stars.” – Mundie Moms


“I cannot even begin to explain how much I adored this perfectly crafted contemporary.” – Shortie Says

Excited? Ready to see the cover for WAIT FOR YOU?

 



Some things are worth waiting for…

Traveling thousands of miles from home to enter college is the only way nineteen-year-old Avery Morgansten can escape what happened at the Halloween party five years ago—an event that forever changed her life. All she needs to do is make it to her classes on time, make sure the bracelet on her left wrist stays in place, not draw any attention to herself, and maybe—please God—make a few friends, because surely that would be a nice change of pace. The one thing she didn’t need and never planned on was capturing the attention of the one guy who could shatter the precarious future she’s building for herself.

Some things are worth experiencing…
Cameron Hamilton is six feet and three inches of swoon-worthy hotness, complete with a pair of striking blue eyes and a remarkable ability to make her want things she believed were irrevocably stolen from her. She knows she needs to stay away from him, but Cam is freaking everywhere, with his charm, his witty banter, and that damn dimple that’s just so… so lickable. Getting involved with him is dangerous, but when ignoring the simmering tension that sparks whenever they are around each other becomes impossible, he brings out a side of her she never knew existed.
Some things should never be kept quiet…

But when Avery starts receiving threatening emails and phone calls forcing her to face a past she wants silenced, she’s has no other choice but to acknowledge that someone is refusing to allow her to let go of that night when everything changed. When the devastating truth comes out, will she resurface this time with one less scar? And can Cam be there to help her or will he be dragged down with her?
And some things are worth fighting for…





WAIT FOR YOU is available now!

Amazon
http://www.amazon.com/Wait-for-You-ebook/dp/B00BLTOXEI/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1361958795&sr=1-1&keywords=wait+for+you

Barnes and Noble
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/wait-for-you-j-lynn/1114701569?ean=2940016231921




Lynn, also known as Jennifer L. Armentrout, is the USA TODAY Bestselling author of the adult romance Gamble Brothers’ series, the young adult Lux Series and award winning Covenant Series. She pretty much writes everything—contemporary, paranormal, and fantasy. All of her books have one thing in common no matter the name or genre: kissing… and stuff. When she’s not busy writing, which is never, she’s usually hanging out with dog Loki, watching reruns of The Walking Dead, or procrastinating on the Internet. 



You can find out more about Jennifer by visiting the following websites:

Twitter

Facebook

Website:

Blog Tour & Giveaway: Fields of Elysium (A.B. Whelan)


Fields of Elysium by A.B. Whelan
How can love mend a heart full of hate?
Small town girl, Molly Bennett, moves to Los Angeles where she becomes an outsider while attending Beverly Hills High School. It seems life cannot be any more dreadful. Then one day after school, something magical happens. On a secluded hike in the Hollywood Hills, Molly chases her disobedient mutt and only friend into a hidden cavern. She stumbles upon a strange glimmering gateway that transports her to Arkana, a planet that is the cradle of an advanced human race. There, teenagers navigate amazing flying vehicles, compete in perilous games for glory, and possess supernatural powers. While Molly tries to wrap her mind around this unbelievable discovery, she meets the alluring and mysterious Victor Sorren. He is a Sentinel Apprentice, whose hatred toward people from Earth is beyond understanding. Yet every time Victor unpredictably saves Molly's life, his heart draws closer to hers, no matter how much he tries to fight against it. It further complicates things that their growing friendship is strictly forbidden. Earth people are prohibited in Arkana, yet Molly continues to cross through the portal to Arkana to see Victor. Torn between their double lives, they go down a dangerous path, from where there is no return and multiple endings.
Fields of Elysium is a suspenseful, romantic tale full of forbidden secrets, unimaginable danger, deception, and the never-ending fight for true love.




PRAISE

"The novel's take on otherworldly travel is a compelling one, and the romantic plot will likely appeal to Twilight fans." - Kirkus Reviews

"I expected a good love story with a paranormal twist. I got so much more. I think you should take the chance and read it. Let this book take you on the adventure, fall in love." - Young Adult and Teen Readers

"Fields of Elysium is a fabulous read. ... Whelan paints her faith into the fabric of her story with deft, light brushstrokes, making her work accessible to all, no matter their spiritual beliefs or background." - Readers Favorite

"I escaped into this fantasy world, author, A.B.Whelan, created and I didn’t want Molly to go. From detailed descriptions, to sweet romance, and to all the twist and turns in the story, it had me captivated from page one." - Mary Ting, author of the Crossroads Saga

"Whelan's writing is very vivid and descriptive. It's more formal than the average YA novel, but I enjoyed the lyrical and mesmerizing quality to it. I thought the overall story read like a fairy tale--very sweet." - Megan Thomason, author of Daynight







Author A.B. Whelan

A.B.Whelan is a Hungarian born, American writer. She currently lives with her husband and two children in Southern California.
While growing up in a wealthy Eastern European family, she had a chance to travel Europe. Later as an adult, she visited Africa and the Middle East and lived in Ecuador and in Crete.










Tour Schedule






$50 Book Blast Giveaway
$50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash plus a gift bag of one signed copy of Fields of Elysium, a scrabble-tile pendant with a butterfly image on a chain necklace, and a fridge magnet.

Ends 3/11/13

Gift Bag open to US only.  If winner is international they will receive only the gift card or paypal cash.
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.


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tuesday, February 26, 2013

Book Blast: Phantom Summer by Amy Sparling


Phantom Summer by Amy Sparling
Seventeen-year-old Taylor Gray moves to Sterling Island to get over her dead boyfriend. Mom’s cool with letting her crash on the couch, but Taylor needs to get a job before the lights are cut off again.
When the tall, dark and crazy Raine Tsunami offers her a position at his thriving ghost tour business, she figures it’s an easy way to make some cash. Taylor isn’t afraid of ghosts--that crap is as fake as her mom’s boob job. She loves their adventures on the historic island, especially the secret places he shows her when the crowds go home. So what if all the ghost stories are just legends?
When Taylor comes face to face with a ghost and Raine crosses the line between friend and boyfriend--Taylor’s new life collides with her haunted past. If murdered people end up as ghosts, then that someone she was trying to forget is probably trying to find her.




Praise
"I was wonderfully surprised by Phantom Summer!!! I couldn't put it down. Loved everything about it."
~Amazon Reviewer Angelmusic

"The emotions are so well written... I would definitely recommend reading this."
~Goodreads Reviewer Lauren



Author Amy Sparling
Amy Sparling is a Texas native with a passion for young adult literature. In her free time she participates in an unhealthy amount of Xbox playing, attends nerd conventions and reads books with her daughter. She's studying to become a high school teacher and lives near the beach with her daughter and two cats. Amy Sparling is a pen name.












$50 Book Blast Giveaway

Ends 3/10/13

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.


a Rafflecopter giveaway