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May 30, 2012

Book Review: Shadows Gray by Melyssa Williams

May 30, 2012 1 Comments

Author: Melyssa Williams
File Size: 366 KB
Print Length: 240 pages
Publisher: Melyssa Williams; 1 edition (March 21, 2012)
Language: English
ASIN: B007NC8DN4
Buying Link: Shadows Gray


Book Blurb:

Sonnet Gray has problems, and not just those of a typical 18 year old. Her family is one of the Lost; time travelers who have no power over their journeys. Hopelessly old fashioned and yet more modern than most girls, Sonnet speaks several languages and takes care of her motley crue back home by working in a coffee shop and playing guitar. Over time, the Lost leave behind those they love and pick up new characters along the way. In twenty-first century America, Sonnet meets Emme, a Lost young woman with a questionable line of work, Luke, a mysterious photographer, and Israel, a young doctor . But no one can take the place of Sonnet's sister, Rose, who was left behind as a baby in the fifteenth century. The ghost of her beckons from each time and place; but what's real and what isn't? Is Rose Gray trying to contact her before it's too late?


A ghost story with a sci-fi, Gothic romance twist, Shadow's Gray will keep you up at night, wondering: is the redemptive power of love enough to change history?


My Thoughts:

Shadows Gray is the first book I've ever read from Ms. Melyssa Williams and I can say that I'm pleasantly surprised by the uniqueness of the whole book and I'm definitely hoping to read more from this author.

I decided to make bulleted list of what I liked and what I didn't for this review.

What I Liked:
  • What attracted me first from this book is the book cover. It's very intriguing and very classy. It practically screams "Read Me" which is very important. Book covers are the first ones that a reader would see in a book. It's the first deciding factor if a reader would pick up the book or not.
  • The plot of this book is very unique. I don't usually go for "Time Travel" themed book but this one is very much intriguing that I couldn't help myself but read this. I liked how Ms. Melyssa Williams created a whole new world for her readers. Her definition of time travel is very different from others.
  • The characters are very much real. Sonnet is a nice heroine to read. Her sadness and loneliness calls to me. The other character are also nice to read. You could distinguish the difference of the personalities of these characters which is fun.
  • The family dynamics of the characters of the book is the strongest point of this book. They are not all blood related but they are bonded by their loneliness. Their situation is really hard. The author made sure that as a reader you could feel their sadness and the love they all shared for each other. You could feel their need to be with other Lost people like them, those who would understand their frustration in their way of life.
What I Didn't Liked:
  • I was very much disappointed in the way it ended. It was like I was left hanging when the story was on its climax. I think there should have been more to it because there are so many unanswered questions. I was feeling like it shouldn't have ended at that point of the story. The ending of this book was very frustrating. 
Overall, I still enjoyed reading this book despite the very abrupt ending. It was still a well written  book in my opinion. Ms. Melyssa Williams wrote a very unique YA book that is full of mystery and suspense with a little bit of romance perfectly. I recommend this book to those readers who loves to be spooked by the mystery and suspense of a book without sacrificing the sentimental feel of it.




Where to Buy:



About the Author:

My name's Melyssa. I go by Lyssa. I have three kids. They're pretty great. I like them quite a bit. I have one husband. Also, a nifty dude. I read books. I write books. I drink coffee and red wine, depending on whether it's a.m. or p.m. I have a dog and three chickens. I prefer country over city and I'd rather hang out at a library than hang out at a club. I homeschool. I was homeschooled. I write for Home Educating Family magazine and for MaryJane's Farm magazine. I don't like being photographed, spiders, sweet pickles, staying up past 11, snow in April. Or October. I used to dance back when I was flexible and looked good in tights (those days are gone). Now I teach ballet. It's a lot like herding cats, except they wear tutus and need frequent potty breaks. I wrote a book. Did I already say that?


May 15, 2012

Book Review: Worth Fighting For (Alpine Woods Shifters Book 4) by Sondrae Bennett

May 15, 2012 0 Comments
This review was originally written for The Romance Reviews.

Worth Fighting For

Author: Sondrae Bennett
Publisher: Lyrical Press, Incorporated
Release Date: March 2012
ISBN: 9781616503734
Book 4 of Alpine Woods Shifter Series
Book Genre: Paranormal Romance


Book Blurb:
All's fair in love and war. 


As leader of a fox skulk, Cody is used to feeling protective. But when his best friend, Misty, gets attacked, his panic has nothing to do with duty. Suddenly, he's noticing Misty as a woman instead of the girl he grew up with. But pursuing those feelings would risk their friendship, something he's unwilling to do. 


Misty's tried everything, without success, to convince Cody she's not "one of the guys". Yet now that he's looking at her like she always dreamed, he pulls away every time she gets close. 


Danger lurks in the background, waiting to pounce. Someone plots against the foxes, leaving them all in jeopardy…especially Misty. Will Cody overcome his fears in time to save the woman he loves?


My Thoughts:

WORTH FIGHTING FOR is a thrilling story of a love that waits, perseveres and prevails.


Misty has always been close to Cody, the leader of the Fox skulk she belongs to. She's always been in love with him and she tried everything to make him notice her, she even tried to make him drunk one night, and they shared a very passionate kiss but to her dismay, Cody didn't even remember it happening. And then something happened! She was attacked and suddenly Cody looks at her as if he wants her and not just as the best friend, but she could see that he's fighting the attraction so hard to the point of pushing her away. So, what's girl in love to do? Will she fight for a man who's not fighting for her?


I really liked this book. It was a really fun read. The pacing of the story is quite ok. This is the fourth book of the Alpine Woods Shifter Series and although I haven't read the first three books of the series, I still understood most of it because the author made it easier to read. There is enough back story to make it understandable, though it would've been better to read the first three books to have better understanding of the other characters who are also in this book. 


I loved the characters! Misty is a fine woman who loves dearly. She fights for her man even though she's hurting because her love was not given back. And Cody is one interesting hero. He's extremely protective of Misty and he knows he feels something for her, but he's scared to make changes that have the possibility to ruin his friendship with Misty.


I loved how the author wrote about the turmoil of emotions that the main two characters goes through. Sondrae Bennett wrote the different feelings perfectly. Cody's fear, confusion, love and Misty's hurt, exhaustion, elation and love...all of these feelings are written well and it was really fascinating. The only thing that I think was slightly lacking in this book is in the paranormal issues. I think it could have been more exciting and more fun if the author added more about the paranormal stuff.


Overall, I think that WORTH FIGHTING FOR is a great read. If you want to read a book that can touch your heart and make you giddy then, this book is definitely for you. 

Buy Here:

  About the Author:


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Sondrae has been an avid reader of romance books since the tender age of twelve when her mother gave her one while she recovered from her wisdom teeth removal. Ever since then, she's been hooked. Her tastes in genres have expanded over the years, from the sweet contemporaries to the darker paranormal and even the steamy erotica, she loves them all. It wasn't until she started envisioning multiple endings for books she was reading that she decided to try her hand at writing one. She believes the best characters are those deeply and truthfully inv ested in situations they find themselves in. Sondrae usually lets her characters speak for themselves, and considers herself merely the vessel through which her hero's and heroine's interact. Above all, she loves giving her characters the happily ever afters they deserve, after a little necessary drama first. 

When suffering from writers block, Sondrae spends her time reading, going to plays, watching movies, and of course spending time with her family and her two dogs. She loves to hear from her readers at sondraebennett@gmail.com or visit the contact me page on her website www.sondraebennett.com.

May 14, 2012

Blog Tour: ARC Book Review: Legacy of a Dreamer (Dreamer Series #1) by Allie Jean

May 14, 2012 0 Comments


Category: YA Fantasy Romance
Publication date: May 3, 2012
ISBN (paper): 978-1-61213-040-8
ISBN (ebook): 978-1-61213-041-5



Book Blurb:

Chantal Breelan has spent most of her childhood as a ward of the state. She has a mysterious past and the foster system provided her with no answers. At the age of fifteen, she begins to have horrifying dreams: images of violence and death that haunt her during her waking hours. Anxious and afraid, and with no one else to confide in, she finds comfort in her imaginary friend, a shadow in the shape of a man who stands sentinel over her. She tells him of her dreams and her fear of an unknown future.


On her eighteenth birthday, she’s forced out of her foster home, but the stress and demands drive her to the edge, making her see things. A boy from her nightmares appears in a subway station, sending her life in twists of truth and lies, and darkness surrounds her from all sides. But is it only evil that hides in the shadows, or are the answers to her past lingering just beyond?

My Thoughts:

Chantal grew up with an unclear past. She has always  been bothered by strange nightmares that kept her from sleep. She's been taken from her parents when she was just a little girl and she didn't know why. After being dragged to foster homes after foster homes, she settled under the care of a heartless woman who takes care of orphans/delinquents like her in an exchange of a monthly check given by the state. The problem is she's turning 18 and she's being tossed out into the real world.


Chantal thought that turning 18 and going to a University in New York would be the new start she has been craving for all her life. She hoped for a better life, a better future for herself but she was dead wrong.


She didn't expect that turning 18 would also turn the nightmares that has plagued her everynight since she was little into a reality.


Suddenly she's being hunted. And now, she's on the run for her life.  Everything she thought real turned out to be a lie.


All will be revealed but can Chantal be strong enough to face the monsters who haunts her in her dreams.


This is the first I've read from Allie Jean and I can say that Legacy of a Dreamer is a very pleasant revelation!


When I accepted this book, I didn't know what to expect. I've read the blurb and I thought that it was interesting but it was a bit vague. All I really know about this book, is that it's a Fantasy novel. I was quite skeptical at first but then, thank God my curiosity won over my doubt. It was one of my most fantastic reads!


After I finished the book, I realized why the blurb was that vague, it was to keep the readers guessing. I realized that NOT knowing where the story is going in the first few chapters added to the thrill the readers feel while reading it.


To tell you honestly, the first few chapters spooked me. It kept me guessing and thinking on what Chantal really is and what kind of plot the book possess. There was something in the way the author wrote the first few chapters that could scare you, especially, if you read it in a very dark room the way I did! Be warned that you should be ready to feel your heart beat raise and be ready to feel the goosebumps on your skin if you decide to read this in a dark room with few little lights.


I really loved this book. The characters are very interesting. The way the author gave life to these wonderful and complex characters is pretty amazing! The author wrote Chantal in a way that a reader could relate to her. She'a very strong girl. What she's been through while growing up made her strong and yet the author didn't forgot to show the vulnerability of a girl who was left alone. Chantal might be a little jaded but she still posses a very compassionate heart. The author mixed the strength and vulnerabilty well in Chantal's character which is pretty amazing because Allie Jean succeeded in doing what most authors failed to do, making their character relatable and realistic. 
And then, there is Mathias/Nick. I know he's not on the blurb but he's an important character and I must say that I absolutely adored him. He's a brave and cool warrior. I love the way the author showed his conflicting feelings for Chantal in a way that could make the reader root for him.


Chantal and Mathias/Nick's chemistry was really good. The romance between them flowed naturally. It wasn't rushed nor slowed down. Their interactions and banters are very fun to read.


The pacing of the story is what I loved the most. Allie Jean knows the right moment to reveal certain mysteries and secrets. The pacing of the story was done in a way that would make a reader continue on reading without feeling the time pass. I actually finished reading this book in one seating and that is the proof of how good this book is.


Overall, Legacy of a Dreamer is a 100% keeper! Allie Jean wrote a book that contains the right amount of ingredients needed in a great fiction read! It has suspense and mystery that would spook you and keep the wheels in your head spinning. It has the action to keep you excited and it has the heart felt romance that everybody craves for, and most of all it has the right amount of emotions and feelings to touch your heart! If you're looking for all of this in one book then you shouldn't miss this one!


Where to Buy


Amazon



AUTHOR BIOGRAPHY


Allie Jean was born with an overactive imagination. At a very early age, her days were spent inventing stories, directing her sisters in made-up plays or telling elaborate ghost stories. Her mind never took breaks, or shutdown, even when she slept. When her eyes shut at night, she would have vivid dreams complete with extensive, elaborate plot lines, and good overcoming evil villains.
She was encouraged by her parents, even at a young age, to write down her tales, and it has remained a somewhat secret hobby.  It became a means to escape from the drama of real life into one of the many worlds she created.
Now, living in California with her husband of ten years, her love of storytelling had taken a back seat with the arrival of their four children. Though, she always found time to write down her thoughts on whatever was handy, including a stray diaper or two while rocking a sleeping child in the middle of the night when her character's begged for attention as well.
As a busy wife, mother and working full-time outside the home, somehow she has been able to write down her relentless character's story.  Her once secret hobby and private world, is now released, for others to enjoy.  Nothing would make Allie happier that to continue writing and spend more time at home with her family on a more full-time basis.

May 12, 2012

Blog Tour: Guest Post and Review: Ruthless (Nashville Nights #3) by Cheryl Douglas

May 12, 2012 1 Comments



Welcome my lovely readers! Today, we have a guest! We have Ms. Cheryl Douglas the author of Nashville Nights Series. She's on a blog tour promoting the third book in the series entitled Ruthless. This blog tour was organized by Bewitching Book Tours. Anyways, lets see, what Ms. Cheryl Douglas have to share for us.

Author Guest Post:

Author: Cheryl Douglas 
Series: Nashville Nights
Book: Ruthless, Book Three 


Like most lovers of the romance genre, I was intrigued when I heard about the book, The 50 Shades of Grey. I was curious about why people were clamoring to read this book and production companies were vying for the movie rights. What made it so special? I have started reading it, but I’m only sixty pages in, so I can’t answer that question yet, but last week, E.L. James was interviewed on a TV show, and offered some insight that made sense to me. 


As romance readers, we’re looking for fantasy. We want to escape the demands of doing piles of laundry, cleaning the house, chauffeuring the kids, and working long hours, so we often look to books as an escape. 


In Fifty Shades, the hero, Christian Gray, is a billionaire with a penchant for BDSM. Though I haven’t read enough of the book to say for sure, my understanding is that he wants to take care of the heroine, Ana, to see to her every need, and as E.L. James puts it, who doesn’t want to be taken care of once in a while? She’s absolutely right! We may be single career women, or stay-at-home moms tending to the needs of a young family. It doesn’t matter who we are, we still want to be taken care of and pampered once in a while. If not, spas are wouldn’t be so popular. 


We want strong, independent heroines in our romance novels, right? We scoff at silly, naïve characters that are a throwback to another generation, but then a character like Anastasia in 50 Shades is written, and suddenly we’re singing a different tune. She’s cute and quirky, insecure, and clumsy, and let’s face it, we see a bit of ourselves in her, right? We imagine being ‘taken care of’ by a handsome billionaire with a penchant for erotic bedroom play… someone who wants to take control and see to our every need. It’s a fantasy, and that’s what romance novels are all about. 


I think 50 Shades has been so popular because E.L. James had the courage to bring one of our deepest, darkest fantasies to light. In this enlightened era of superwomen, it’s taboo to admit that you want to be taken of. You’re supposed to have the strength, energy, and determination to do it all, right? You may cook and clean, work outside the home, try to be a supermom to your kids, a generous lover to your spouse, and at the end of the day, there’s nothing left for you. So for those of you who connected with a book like 50 Shades, take heart, you’re not alone. I don’t think there’s a woman in the world who doesn’t fantasize about being rescued every time she hears the word, ‘Mooooooooommmm.’ And yes, you can count me among them!  



Ruthless  (Nashville Nights #3) File Size: 369 KB
Print Length: 188 pages
Language: English
ASIN: B007XVR9MG

Blurb:



Marisa Turner has wanted her brother's best friend, Luc, forever, but she also wants a baby and it seems Luc isn't up to the challenge. She has to choose between the man she loves and the family she hopes to have. Fortunately, there's another man waiting in the wings to make her baby fantasy a reality.


Luc Spencer is tired of hearing about marriage and babies. He loves Marisa, but he can't promise her forever. After two years together, she tells him it's over. He's not worried, he believes she'll be back. But what will happen when he finds out there's another man waiting to take his place?


My Thoughts:

Ruthless is the third book of Nashville Nights Series which was written by Ms. Cheryl Douglas. This is the second book that I've read from Ms. Cheryl Douglas and I must say that as always, she knows how to make the readers feel the right amount of angst required in a good romance read.

Marissa Turner and Luc Spencer are not new to us who had read the first book of the series. They are actually the secondary characters who stood out in the first book. And I must admit that I've been waiting for their book to come out ever since I've gotten my hands on the first book.

The characters are very interesting. Marissa and Luc have this incredible chemistry that would be impossible to ignore. I absolutely enjoyed reading and feeling  their chemistry. I did say that this book is full of angst. I think Ms. Cheryl Douglas' great strength in writing is her ability to write the angst in a story without going overboard. 

The plot is not very original because I think most of us romance readers have encountered the ex-lovers-who-are-totally-not-over-each-other plot, but I think Ms. Cheryl Douglas made the plot hers which is nice and really fun to read.

Overall, I totally enjoyed reading this book. To all those romance book lovers who enjoys a good romance with a full dose of sexiness and angst, then I suggest that you get this book immediately because this is totally for you!

Buy Here:

About the Author:

Cheryl began her professional career as a nutritionst, but she didn't find her happily ever after until she made a career change.

The fear of ending up in someone's never-ending slush pile, coupled with the nagging inner voice that told her it was crazy to give up a successful business prompted Cheryl to continue writing as a hobby for many years. Finally, she decided it was time to take the plunge into writing full-time. Ten books later, she believes it was the best decision she's ever made.

An avid reader of the genre she loves and self-proclaimed workaholic, Cheryl does manage to tear herself away from her computer to spend time with the other two loves of her life, her husband and son.






May 10, 2012

Blog Tour: Book Excerpt: Streamline by Jennifer Lane

May 10, 2012 1 Comments


Hi my lovely followers! I'm back again with the Streamline Blog Tour! This Blog Tour was organized by AToMR Tours. Streamline is YA Contemporary Romance Novel that is written by Ms. Jennifer Lane. Today we're going to get a little glimpse on what's inside Streamline! 

Book Excerpt:

A noise in the hallway drew Leo’s attention. He looked up to catch
a glimpse of someone entering the room, and he instinctively braced
his shoulders and stared straight ahead, holding completely still.


“Yo, relax, hombre. I’m just your roomie.”


Leo exhaled and examined the brown-skinned guy. Two aspects
of his roommate immediately stood out: a friendly, toothy grin and
a white sling over his shoulder, which held his left arm securely in
place. His white tank top revealed bulging muscles as he let go of
his bag to land with a thud at his feet.


Leo shook his hand. “I’m Leo Scott.”


“Benito Dulce.” He pumped Leo’s arm. There was a fullness
and innocence to Benito’s face that made him seem younger than a
college freshman.


“Wait a minute. How’d you know we’ll be roommates? We’re not
supposed to find that out till tomorrow.”


Benito winked. “Lt. Winton took me aside and told me to stash
my bag up here, so I could meet my roommate. I think my stupid
sling made him take pity on me.” Pointing to his shoulder, Benito
shrugged. “Torn rotator cuff. Just had surgery three weeks ago.”


Leo nodded, wondering how the poor guy’d survive Plebe
Summer with his shoulder in a sling. His ass would be in a sling,
more like it.


Paperback: 460 pages
Publisher: Omnific Publishing; 1ST edition (March 27, 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 193630502X
ISBN-13: 978-1936305025
Genre: YA Contemporary

BOOK BLURB:

Seems like Leo Scott has it all: looks, brains, and athletic talent. He’s captain of his high school swim team with a bright future in college and beyond. But Leo has secrets. His mother’s crippling car accident has devastated his family and left Leo to deal with his father’s abuse, battered and alone.

Leo’s girlfriend Audrey Rose is poised for her own share of success. As one of Florida’s top high school swimmers, Audrey dreams of college swimming stardom. But there’s an obstacle to her glorious rise to the top. Her number-one supporter--her father--is in prison for murder.

Part murder mystery, part tale of young love in a military family, this gripping story takes readers on a journey from Pensacola to Annapolis. Leo and Audrey must band together to rise above the adversity they encounter and find their true selves in the process. When everything’s on the line . . . streamline.

Where to Buy:




Author Bio:
Jennifer Lane
People fascinate the psychologist/author (psycho author) known as Jennifer Lane. Her therapy clients talk to her all day long about their dreams and secrets, and her characters tell her their stories at night. Jen delights in peeling away the layers to scrutinize their psyches and emotions. But please rest assured, dear reader, she isn't psychoanalyzing you right now. She's already got too many voices in her head!

Stories of redemption interest Jen the most, especially the healing power of love and empathy. She is the author of The CONduct Series---romantic suspense for adult readers---and is currently at work on the third and final installment: On Best Behavior. Streamline is her first foray into writing for young adults, but she's found this sort of writing even more fun. A former college swimmer, Jen was able to put a lot of her own experiences into this book.

Whether writing or reading, Jen loves stories that make her laugh and cry. In her spare time she enjoys exercising, attending book club, and hanging out with her sisters and their families in Chicago and Hilton Head.

With Good Behavior was a Goodreads Choice Award Nominee for 2010 Romance of the Year.


http://www.jenniferlanebooks.com/


May 8, 2012

Author Interview: Melissa Studdard

May 08, 2012 1 Comments


Hi my lovely followers! Welcome to Journey with Books! Today I'm doing an interview with Ms. Melissa Studdard! She's a very nice author. She wrote the book Six Weeks to Yedidah. And now, we're going to learn so much more about her and about her book! Get your career as an author started with the  Guide to Career Education.


Image of Melissa Studdard 



Author Bio:


Melissa Studdard is a professor, a book reviewer at-large for The National Poetry Review, a contributing editor for both Tiferet Journal and The Criterion, and the host of the radio interview program Tiferet Talk. As well, she is a member of many literary organizations, including the National Book Critics Circle and the Society of Childrens Book Writers and Illustrators. She is the author of the bestselling novel Six Weeks to Yehidah.

She loves anything related to writing and reading, whether it's sitting alone with a book and a cup of hot tea, or attending a large poetry reading or literary festival. She also loves travelling, meditating, going for walks, bicycling, practicing yoga, and spending time with family.

She currently resides in Texas with her wonderful daughter and their four sweet but mischievous cats.


Interview:
  • Tell us something about yourself. Something that would make your name stay with us.

I’m a little cat crazy, so if you want my name to stay with you, instead of thinking “Melissa Studdard,” you could think of me as “Melissa Studdard, Nurturer of Cats, Scooper of Litter, Comber of Feline Fur, Exterminator of Fleas, Extraordinaire.” I think I would like that whole title to be my proper name. Next time you address me, could you please call me that?

  • What made you decide to write a book?

    I actually wrote this book for my daughter. She and I have enjoyed reading together so much  over the years that I wanted to tell her my own story. As well, there were certain wisdom traditions that I wanted to share with children in general, and narrative seemed the perfect way to do it.                                   

  • What is your first ever read? The one that made you fall in love with books?

When I was in kindergarten, my teacher read to our class every day from Charlotte’s Web. It was my favorite part of the day, and I couldn’t wait to get crisscross applesauce on my little mat on the floor and hear what would happen next. Now that I think about it, that book may have been responsible for more than turning me into a lifelong reader. It may also have led to my vegetarianism.

  • What is the hardest part of being an author?

Writer’s block! Without question. I don’t get it often, but when I do, it feels like someone turned off the sun. When you love something as much as most writers love writing, life without it feels dark, empty, and unbearable. To me, being abandoned by the muse feels like being abandoned by a loved one.

  • What are the perks of being an author?

There are so many. The biggest perk for me is getting to make stuff up and still be considered sane. I also love doing research, which can involve talking to interesting people, travelling, and reading fascinating articles and books.

  • Where did you get the inspiration to give life to your characters?

They just sprang out of nowhere. It was incredible. I had an assignment from a writer’s group to write a fairy tale short story, and after I’d gotten the required length, I just kept going and going, and it was because of these crazy, delightful characters. Over time, I began to see that some of them were composites of people I know, but their cores, their vital essences, are pulled straight from the imagination. To some degree, where they came from is a mystery to me.
Fun Questions:


  •  When the word 'Hunk' is uttered, who is the first person that comes into your mind?

My boyfriend. Not only is he in perfect shape, he’s also the kindest person I know, and he is brilliant and talented to boot. With him around, I don’t even notice or think about anyone else.

  • If you're going to heaven, who is that ONE person you'd want to be with?

I would have to have two: my boyfriend, which would just be an extension of what it’s already like to be with him, and my daughter, because she and I are best friends, and we do everything together.

  •  If you're going to hell, who is that ONE person that you would drag with you?

Hmmm. It would have to be someone who would end up there anyway. Hypothetically (because he’s already dead) I’d have to say Oscar Wilde. I’m not quite sure why he deserves to go to hell other than that he would be bored in heaven and cause trouble and end up banished to hell anyway, so he might as well start there. He’s got a wickedly clever sense of humor, so we could entertain each other and make up poems and plays and stories about how awful hell was.
 
Now, tell us something about your book.

Six Weeks to Yehidah is the tale of a spunky young girl named Annalise, who travels from one adventure to another, learning ancient wisdom traditions and gaining deeper and deeper insight into herself and her world. Eventually she must make the most important decision she's ever faced -- whether or not to return to the self she has always known. I’d also like to let the book speak for itself, so here are the first two paragraphs: The thing you would notice most was the rain, how the rain fell and fell and never seemed to stop. The sky was constantly swollen with it, then birthing it, swollen, then birthing again, and the hills, like greedy babies, suckled up all that rain. They shone and glistened green as the backs of frogs on bright green lily pads.
Annalise was ten then, old enough that she’d begun thinking about grown up things, like picking her own clothes out for school, yet young enough, still, to indulge in fanciful imaginings of enchanted trees and talking hills. Her best friends were the clouds that canopied her village and the verdant hills that hosted her most precious and outrageous dreams. 
And for the last question:

  • What is next for you as an author?


I’ve just started a new novel with an incredibly complicated plot, complex characters, and layers of psychological depth. It will probably take me a while to write this one, and I’m having a great time in the process! Right now, it’s got the working title, India, which is the main character’s name. While I’m writing India, I’ll release a collection of interviews I conducted for the radio program Tiferet Talk, and I will probably also complete a collection of poems. I love working on more than one thing at a time because when I get stuck on one there is always something else to focus on. Thank you for asking!
Six Weeks to Yehidah
Paperback: 170 pages
Publisher: All Things That Matter Press (August 2, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0984651705
ISBN-13: 978-0984651702

Book Blurb:

"The thing you would notice most was the rain, how the rain fell and fell and never seemed to stop. The sky was constantly swollen with it, then birthing it, swollen, then birthing again, and the hills, like greedy babies, suckled up all that rain. They shone and glistened green as the backs of frogs on bright green lily pads.


Annalise was ten then, old enough that she’d begun thinking about grown up things, like picking her own clothes out for school, yet young enough, still, to indulge in fanciful imaginings of enchanted trees and talking hills. Her best friends were the clouds that canopied her village and the verdant hills that hosted her most precious and outrageous dreams."


As spunky young Annalise travels from one adventure to another, she learns ancient wisdom traditions and gains deeper and deeper insight into herself and her world. Eventually she must make the most important decision she's ever faced -- whether or not to return to the self she has always known.



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May 7, 2012

Blog Tour: Character Interview: Audrey of Streamline by Jennifer Lane

May 07, 2012 1 Comments

Welcome to Journey with Books Blog! Today, I am featuring Streamline by Jennifer Lane. This wonderful blog tour was organized by AToMR Tours. Through this fab blog tour we're all going to find out what Streamline is all about! And now, we're going to know more about Audrey Rose the heroine from Streamline! 

Character Interview with Audrey:

Audrey
I’m sure being a high school swim star has its pressures. Does anything overwhelm you or do you take most things in stride?

I feel overwhelmed all the time! Some days I’m on the verge of tears but being with Leo helps calm me down.

You dad is in prison. Has this hindered you in any way or pushed more to succeed?

*looks down* It’s been really tough. I wish I was strong enough to use his conviction as a way to be a better person, but I can’t stop thinking about how awful it is for him. I miss him…especially at swim meets. And my mom hasn’t been around much either, so…

How did you and Leo meet? What was your first impression of him?

*small smile creeps in* His family moved to Pensacola when we were both…ten, I think? Anyway, he was always really quiet. It was also weird how he referred to our coach as “sir” all the time—I thought he was kind of uptight. I spent most of my time hanging out with Elaine and Alex, so I didn’t know Leo that well. Then one night after practice—I think I was fifteen—Elaine and I snuck into the pool to go…*giggles*…skinny dipping. We were doing some stupid synchronized swimming moves and Leo caught us! I about died. We made him turn around so we could get our towels. I was booking it to the locker room when he stopped me and told me I needed to work on my technique. At first I thought he was being kind of mean, but then I realized he was flirting with me. I’m a little dense sometimes.

What do you admire the most about Leo?

Hmm. The first thing that comes to mind is his eyes. They’re so pretty. But I guess that’s sort of shallow…I also like how smart he is. But really, the biggest thing is his heart. He’s got a huge heart—he is so sweet and caring.

What bugs you the most about Leo?

You know how they say that your greatest strength can be your greatest weakness? Well, I love Leo’s kindness, but sometimes he’s way too self-sacrificial. He gets himself in trouble because he’s always trying to save everyone around him. He’s got issues!

What is one thing you would do differently if you could?

That’s a no-brainer. I would’ve stopped my dad from drinking that night we were at the Scotts for the July 4th party. I don’t care if Dad would’ve been mad or embarrassed. He’s always taught me to be responsible but he acted so irresponsibly that night. I wish someone would’ve stopped him!

If you could have one wish come true, what would it be?

Oh my gosh, that’s a hard question. I think it would be to take that baby bracelet I gave Leo and one day slide it on the chubby little wrist of Leo’s son. Our son. That would be so awesome.


Paperback: 460 pages
Publisher: Omnific Publishing; 1ST edition (March 27, 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 193630502X
ISBN-13: 978-1936305025
Genre: YA Contemporary

Book Blurb:

Seems like Leo Scott has it all: looks, brains, and athletic talent. He’s captain of his high school swim team with a bright future in college and beyond. But Leo has secrets. His mother’s crippling car accident has devastated his family and left Leo to deal with his father’s abuse, battered and alone.

Leo’s girlfriend Audrey Rose is poised for her own share of success. As one of Florida’s top high school swimmers, Audrey dreams of college swimming stardom. But there’s an obstacle to her glorious rise to the top. Her number-one supporter--her father--is in prison for murder.

Part murder mystery, part tale of young love in a military family, this gripping story takes readers on a journey from Pensacola to Annapolis. Leo and Audrey must band together to rise above the adversity they encounter and find their true selves in the process. When everything’s on the line . . . streamline.

Warning: This book should be read by older/mature teens because of the sensitivity of the issues discussed inside the book.

Where to Buy:



Author Bio:
Jennifer Lane
People fascinate the psychologist/author (psycho author) known as Jennifer Lane. Her therapy clients talk to her all day long about their dreams and secrets, and her characters tell her their stories at night. Jen delights in peeling away the layers to scrutinize their psyches and emotions. But please rest assured, dear reader, she isn't psychoanalyzing you right now. She's already got too many voices in her head!

Stories of redemption interest Jen the most, especially the healing power of love and empathy. She is the author of The CONduct Series---romantic suspense for adult readers---and is currently at work on the third and final installment: On Best Behavior. Streamline is her first foray into writing for young adults, but she's found this sort of writing even more fun. A former college swimmer, Jen was able to put a lot of her own experiences into this book.

Whether writing or reading, Jen loves stories that make her laugh and cry. In her spare time she enjoys exercising, attending book club, and hanging out with her sisters and their families in Chicago and Hilton Head.

With Good Behavior was a Goodreads Choice Award Nominee for 2010 Romance of the Year.


http://www.jenniferlanebooks.com/

May 4, 2012

Blog Tour: Book Review and Giveaway: Defy (First Born Trilogy #1) by Raine Thomas

May 04, 2012 2 Comments

Welcome to my Journey with Books Blog! Today I am featuring the blog tour of Defy which is organized by YA Bound Tours.. It is the first book First Born Trilogy which is written by Ms. Raine Thomas. Now, I won't make this any longer. Let's see what it's all about! There's also a great giveaway down below!

Paperback: 284 pages
Publisher: Iambe Books (April 29, 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0983831866
ISBN-13: 978-0983831860
Paperback: Defy (Firstborn Trilogy Book One) 
Amazon Kindle: Defy (Firstborn Trilogy Book One)

Book Blurb:

Seventeen-year-old Tate is about to make her parents’ dreams come true. Unfortunately for her, their dreams foretell her death. 


Eager to explore more of the Estilorian plane and prove her abilities, Tate goes against her parents’ wishes and leaves the area of protection surrounding her home. Her choice puts her on a deadly path…one that leaves her alone, severely injured and battling for her life. 


Her possible savior arrives in the form of Zachariah, a male who has removed himself from Estilorian society for more than fifty years. Fighting an unexpected connection to Tate, he must decide whether saving her life is worth destroying his. 


As Tate struggles to find a way home, she ends up drawn into a dark Mercesti plot involving multiple murders and a powerful ancient artifact. With the unpredictable Zachariah as her only source for aid, she’ll soon find out if her abilities are strong enough to help her defy her Fate.


My Thoughts:


Defy is the first book I've ever read from Ms. Raine Thomas and I can honestly say that I was pleasantly surprised. Defy is the first book of First Born Trilogy which is a spin off series from Ms. Raine Thomas' other series which was entitled The Daughters of Saraqael.


I could say that Defy was definitely a very nice read for me. The world that Ms. Raine Thomas built in this book was pretty fascinating although at times, it confuse me. The glossary did help me untangle a bit of the confusion.


The characters are also nice to get to know. They are complex but also relatable. Tate, the heroine in the book is young and her naivete made her more real. She made a mistake of defying her parents and she got into a big trouble. Zachariah is also an intriguing character. He is so fun to read. They do have chemistry together but I wished that chemistry could have been explored more in a more believable sense.


The other characters are pretty fascinating too. To tell you the truth, I think their own adventure when they were looking for Tate is the  part I liked most of this book.


The plot is pretty basic if you took out all of the fantasy and magic that is in the story. It's a story of a girl who defied her parents and went out on her own, thinking she could do it. But! alas she's wrong. Tate's journey into realizing how her parents knows what is best for her is really nice to read. Also the adventure and actions made it all very exciting!


The pacing of the story is just quite right. It made me enjoy Tate's journey in the wilderness!


The only problem I had with this book is the romance part. I found it lacking. Not that there wasn't any romance in it. There is, but I couldn't make myself believe in the love that they shared. Tate and Zachariah's interactions are pretty limited to their dream connection. It actually bothers me because I don't think they know each other that well. 


Overall, I think this is a nice read. If you're looking for a YA read that is full of magic, adventure, a little bit of romance and a journey to self discovery of one's real strength.. then you should definitely check this book out!


Author Biography:
Raine Thomas

Raine Thomas is the author of the exciting and original series of YA fantasy/romance novels about the Estilorian plane.She followed her life-long passion for all things literary and earned her bachelor's degree in English with a focus in Creative Writing from Georgia State University, then her master's degree in Humanities from Central Michigan University. Having grown up in places such as Chicago, Atlanta and Orlando, much of her writing reflects these settings.

Raine is a hopeless romantic with a background in the fields of mental health and wedding planning...two areas that intersect far more than one would think. Her years working with children and adolescents with emotional and behavioral challenges inspired her to create young protagonists who overcome their own conflicts. When she isn't writing or glued to e-mail or social networking sites, Raine can usually be found vacationing with her husband and daughter on one of Florida's beautiful beaches or crossing the border to visit with her Canadian friends and relatives.

Where to Buy:


Giveaway:

May 1, 2012

The Acropolis Blog Tour: Author Interview: R.K. Ryals

May 01, 2012 0 Comments


Hi my lovely readers! I'm back with another great blog tour! This time I am featuring "The Acropolis". This book is the first book of The Acropolis Series which is a spin off  of The Redemption Series written by R.K. Ryals!

The Redemption Series by R.K. Ryals is not new to my consistent followers. I've been raving about this book for the past month! You guys know how much I loved this series and I will tell you that The Acropolis will not disappoint you! 




But anyways, I am here today because the beautiful author of these 2 amazing series agreed to do an interview! Ms. R.K. Ryals is in the house people! Ok! Let's see what Ms. R.K. Ryals have to say to us!


Interview:


  • Can you tell us something about yourself? Somethings that's not written on your Author Bio.

I have a twin sister who I am really close to. She has three children, one of which is severely autistic. Brianna is seven, still wears diapers, and is nonverbal, but she is one of the most loving little girls you could ever meet. I am a huge autism advocate, and I donate part of my proceeds to the cause. I have a special place in my heart for families who have been touched by autism <3 


  • How did you discover your love for writing?

My family didn't have a lot of money when I was growing up. We didn't have television. When I was around five years old, my mother took my sister and I to the local library for a library card. That card changed my world. It opened up a whole new level of imagination, and I discovered a love for stories. At first, I simply made up stories and told them to my twin sister at night while we were in bed. As I got older, and I learned to write, I began writing the stories down. I rarely kept them. I didn't have a lot of confidence in my writing abilities as a child and young adult. It was my mother, a single mother of two who did not finish high school, who gave me the wings to fly. She "rescued" anything I threw away. Years later when I asked her why, she told me, "What you considered trash, I considered genuis." It is a motto I live by. My mother was a brilliant woman. I can honestly say there has never been a moment in my life where I didn't want to be a writer.


  • Where do you base your characters?

My characters are a wild mix of people I have met, people I know, and people I wish I knew. And there is always a little bit of my personality in each of them as well. Only a few characters are based almost entirely on just one person I know. My character, Monroe, in the Redemption series for example, is based on my own best friend, Audrey Welch.


  • What are the different perks of being a published author?

I think the biggest perk of having a book published, whether traditionally or independently, is having other people become a part of your life through your stories. It's being able to get your work out there, to make it available to the public.


  • What is the hardest thing on being an author?

The hardest part of being an author is editing and promotion. Writing a story is the easy part. Writing is about emptying your heart and soul on paper, stripping yourself naked in front of millions of people. But, in order to get the story out there, it has to be edited first, and there has to be an audience who will buy it. I am fortunate enough to have an amazing editor named Melanie Bruce. She is such a dear friend and she really cares about the books. As for promotion, It can be a hard road trying to figure out what you need to do to make people take notice. Even if they hate the book, it's still attention. And even though promoting is time consuming and sometimes complex, I have met some absolutely amazing people because of it.

Fun Questions:
  • When the word "HOT" is uttered, who is the first person that comes into your mind?
My husband . . . That said, I'm also going to say Sam Worthington from the movie Clash of the Titans and Avatar. *sigh* yum!

  • Who is that one celebrity you would want to marry if you're not married yet?

I'm married, but if I wasn't I think I'd have to say Sam Worthington or Jensen Ackles.

  • One movie that you are dying to watch?

I would say Hunger Games, but I have already gotten the chance to see that (loved it, btw). So I think I'd have to say the second Hunger Games movie.
  • If you're going to heaven, who is that one person you would want to be with you?
Such a hard question! And I would have to admit, that unless I could take at least four people with me, I'd have to stay on earth. lol. I would want to take my three daughters and my husband with me.

  • If you're going to hell, who is that one person you would drag down with you?

Now that, my dears, is a secret. . . ;)

Last Question:
  • What is next for Ms. R.K. Ryals?
Right now, I am currently working on Retribution: book 3 in the Redemption series. It is slated for a May release and should be out no later than the end of that month. After that, I will be working on two anthology submissions, and then I will be starting on the second book in the Acropolis Series. I also have a fantasy series and another paranormal series in the draft stage.


Thanks to Ms. R.K. for being so game in answering these questions!

The Acropolis:

File Size: 403 KB
Print Length: 172 pages
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services
Language: English
ASIN: B007PG4R4C




"We have a new assignment for you, Mr. Reinhardt."


These words are not comforting to me. At eighteen, I am a gargoyle who has been demoted because I broke the rules. Now I have a new mission, a new mark to protect. But I don't expect Emma Chase. I don't expect to question my own race. I don't expect to care for my own mark. And I am not prepared for what I find at The Acropolis. 




Warning: Due to language, this book is suggested for Young Adults 16+


Where to Buy:

Cover Reveal: Take Me in the Night by R.L. Kenderson

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