Mina Hamilton thinks that her life is perfectly normal. She's a high school junior with decent grades and has had a crush on Nathan for forever and still stutters around him. Oh yah and her parents just happen to be vampires! Just your typical teenage girl right? Now on top of high school she has to deal with going to these vampire classes with all these weird kids and a horrible teacher, even though she's not that sure she really wants to be a vampire. Mina's only got a couple of short weeks to decide whether or not she wants to be a vampire. She can't talk to her parents about it, nor can she talk to her absolute best friend Serena about it. The only person she has to guide her is her Uncle Morty, who's a little off beat! Along the way Mina finds a little romance and learns more about herself than she realized. Will Mina make the right choice for her, or will she make the choice that pleases everyone else?
From the very first page I was literally "sucked" into this book. It was truly fantastic. What I loved the most was the humor. Mina had such a witty voice that I found myself laughing with every turn of the page. I also really enjoyed the format of the book. It was written through Mina's journal entries. I felt like we really got to know Mina without a third party intervening. Her voice was that of a genuine teenager that I was really able to relate to, except for the fact that I'm not considering being a vampire! Kimberly Pauley kept poking fun at common vampire myths which made the book even funnier. If I hadn't known that this was Kimberly Pauley's debut novel I would have never known. She obviously has a great talent that I am hoping she continues with. Maybe there will be more stories about Mina, or maybe she'll try something new. All I know is that I will be grabbing and devouring all of her future novels. This was seriously one of the best books I've read this year and I urge you all to run out and buy it when it releases in September.
I have had the lovely pleasure of being interviewed by not one, but two fabulous authors.
My first interview was posted last Saturday at the lovely Beth Kephart's blog (I know it's a little late, but I've been at camp!!). Click here to read it.
Then there was my lovely interview with the class of 2k8. Click here to read it. Also if you comment by tomorow evening you'll be entered to win a copy of N. A. Nelson's fabulous upcoming release, Bringing the Boy Home. To read my review click here.
This week I had the pleasure of interviewing Christine Fletcher, author of Tallulah Falls and Ten Cents a Dance. For my review of Ten Cents a Dance, click here. Christine is a delightful person and a wonderful author. I also want to thank her for sending (and signing) me a copy of her book for me to review, again.
A little background on Christine. She currently resides in Portland, Oregon with a multitude of animal companions, and a human one too! Not only is she an author, but a vet too. She even likes to give herself some credit for inventing veterinary science! Of course she's a big reader too, always has been always will be.
Now without further ado I am pleased to present you with our fabulous interview!!!
___________________________________________________________ 1. How did the story of Ten Cents a Dance come about?
One of my mother’s aunts was a taxi dancer. When Aunt Sofia was fifteen, she got kicked out of the house. To survive, she supported herself by taxi dancing. Later, she became the mistress of a prominent mob boss. Talk about a black sheep! After I heard Aunt Sofia’s story, I got curious about taxi dancing and started doing some research. I learned that it was considered really disreputable, and that many girls -- especially the ones still living at home -- kept their job secret from their familes. In essence, they lived double lives. I began to wonder: How would a young woman manage this? Why might she have to? And how long could she possibly get away with it? Before I knew it, I was working on a novel.
2. Were you an author or a veterinarian first? Why did you chose to become a vet?
I was a veterinarian first. When I was a kid watching doctor shows on TV, sickness seemed like a kind of puzzle that you had to figure out from clues. That really appealed to me. And I’ve always been fascinated with animals. So, when I was about seven, I had this amazing flash of genius: I would be the world’s first doctor for animals! I couldn’t believe it when my mother told me other people had thought of it first. But then I decided that was OK, I’d be one anyway.The writing came much later, after I’d been a veterinarian for a while. I still work in veterinary practice part-time…I’m not ready to give it up!
3. Do you prefer to write about events in the past, present, or future? Why?
Ooh, good question! I haven’t tried writing any stories set in the future (although I’d like to try someday). As far as present vs. past, it really depends on the story. My first book, Tallulah Falls, could only have been set in the present, and Ten Cents a Dance could only be set in the 1940s. But I admit I do love historical fiction. I like imagining how people used to live, what they took for granted that we would find strange. Also, I’m a total research geek. So writing stories set in the past lets me spend lots and lots of time in libraries, discovering obscure and irrelevant things that I can stuff into my head. Which is why I can tell you all about the Tydings-McDuffie Act of 1934, but I can’t remember where I put my sunglasses.
4. How did the names for your characters come about? Did you always know what they were going to be from the moment you sat down to write or did you sift through a baby name book?
For Tallulah Falls, I knew the main characters names from the beginning. But Ten Cents a Dance took a lot more work. Names go through fads, just like clothes. Something like Amber or Stephanie would be way too modern for the 1940s, while Fannie or Ida would be too old. Also, the name had to suit my main character. Fortunately, there are records of popular baby names going back decades. My absolute favorite is the Baby Name Wizard ( http://www.babynamewizard.com/voyager). That thing is addictive, I can play with it for hours! (See, I wasn’t lying about the geek part). As soon as I saw the name Ruby, I knew it was perfect. It’s colorful and sparkly and strong, just like Ruby herself.
5. What was your road to publication like?
Strangely, I didn’t set out to be a YA author. I wrote my first novel, Tallulah Falls, for adults. I thought maybe it was good enough to publish, and fortunately, a wonderful agent, Dorian Karchmar, agreed. We got a lot of interest from editors, but the novel kept getting rejected; the editors said that adults won’t read books with teenage characters. So Dorian suggested we try the young adult market instead. I told her I didn’t see myself as a “kid’s author.” My agent, bless her, she’s so patient. She said, “Go to the bookstore and look at YA and see what you think.” So I bought an armful of YA books and read them all and I loved them. Dorian started submitting Tallulah Falls to children’s publishers, and within a couple of weeks, we had two offers. Now, I can’t imagine writing anything but YA. I love the books, and I adore the readers. They’re enthusiastic, and at the same time they’re so honest. They just come out and tell you what they loved and what they didn’t, and I really enjoy that.
6. What are you currently working on?
The next novel is also set during World War II. But unlike Ruby, this girl starts off with everything…and loses it all. She figures out a plan to get her life back, and the boy she loves too. But whether or not it’ll work…well, we’ll see.
7. What are the last three books you've read? Do you read a lot of YA or do you mainly read adult novels?
Wild Roses by Deb Caletti, The Luxe by Anna Godbersen, and Lavinia by Ursula K. LeGuin.I still buy armfuls of YA. There are so many good books and many of my favorite authors are YA authors. I read adult novels, too, but it’s about half and half with YA.
8. What's one quirky fact you think readers would enjoy knowing about you?
I once chased a giraffe on foot across the South African veldt. I was taking a hands-on course in wild animal management -- not that I need to know how to catch giraffes, but as a safari kind of thing it sounded more fun than riding around in a jeep taking pictures. Which it was. Compared to a giraffe, I’m a really slow runner.
9. What's your ideal writing location?
It used to be my office, but the internet and email (and computer Scrabble!) are too much of a distraction. So now I write on an ancient (ie, non-internet-enabled) laptop on the couch. The dogs love this, because I let them climb up and sleep next to me all day.
10. How much of yourself do you see in your characters? Of all your characters which is the most like you?
My characters are all way more interesting than I am! Ruby and Tallulah, my two main characters, are both very different from me. Maybe I’m most like Stan, in Ten Cents a Dance. Quiet but ambitious. I’ve been told a couple of times in my life that I’d never succeed at something, but each time I went after it anyway and I made it. (One was getting accepted to veterinary school. The other was getting published).
11. Are there any other questions you wish I'd asked?
You’ve asked such great questions! I can only think of one: “What advice would you give someone who’s interested in being a writer?”Read. Read, read, read, and then read some more. While you’re reading, start writing. Reading gives you a feel for the rhythms of language, how dialogue works, etc. But you’ll only really learn by writing. Writing is a craft. No matter how good you think you are, always believe you can do a little better. It’s the only way to improve.
This is the wonderful girls from Plenty of Paper's review of Masquerade by Melissa De La Cruz. It is not my review, but I have read the book and have a review up and coming. Don't forget to comment to be entered into their fabulous contest. For the rules, click here.
Schuyler Van Alen wants an explanation for the mysterious deaths of young vampires. With her best friend, Oliver, Schuyler travels to Italy in the hope of finding the one man who can help—her grandfather. Meanwhile, back in New York, preparations are feverishly under way for the Four Hundred Ball, an exclusive gala hosted by the city’s wealthy, powerful, and unhuman—a true Blue Blood affair.
But it’s at the after-party, a masquerade ball thrown by the cunning Mimi Force, that the real danger lurks. Hidden behind the masks is a revelation that will forever change the course of a young vampire’s destiny. [description from inside cover]
After taking months to get into the first book in this series, Blue Bloods, I jumped right in to Masquerade. The new plot developments were much more interesting in comparison, and the suspense was built up to extremes. Not only did the characters become more developed and have stronger emotions, but the vampire lore became more developed and had a past. Everything about the Blue Bloods that you couldn’t figure out in the first novel was very well explained in the second.
For example:
Once Schuyler finds her grandfather, he decides she needs to be trained to use her powers—something The Committee is no longer doing with new vampires. In his training, he teaches Schuyler about the four factors of the glom, or mind control. This is just one of the many new introductions to vampire lore in Masquerade.
Despite the lack of many Silver Blood attacks in this novel, it is surprisingly more suspenseful than the first. I was flipping pages fervently as it got later and later into the night—I just couldn’t put it down. The romance between Schuyler and Jack (and Oliver) becomes part of the story, as does the romance between Jack and Mimi, Bliss and a new character, Kingsley, and Charles and Allegra.
If you’ve read the first and are skeptic about the second, I encourage you to go pick it up now. It will not disappoint.
Or even if you haven’t read the series at all, I encourage you to start it—and don’t worry, if you can’t get into Blue Bloods, it ends up turning into a great series.
It's 1941, fifteen year old Ruby and her sister and mother live in Chicago's meat packing district. Ruby has had to drop out of school in order to go and pickle hog's feet after her mother has to quit her job because of illness. When the local bad boy, Paulie Suezle, tells Ruby he knows a place where she can make $50 a week, she jumps at the opportunity, even if she knows her mother won't approve. The idea of the job gets even better when Ruby learns she will be working at the StarlightDancingAcademy. Even though she is naive at first she soon learns that she has become a taxi-dancer. Men pay a dime for a chance to dance with a pretty girl and the illusion that these girls are interested in them. Not minding the job too much, especially because she loves to dance, Ruby soon finds herself making quite a bit of money, but also getting into an equal amount of trouble. With the aid of her only friend at Starlight, Peggy, Ruby learns the ropes of becoming a taxi-dancer. Will lying to her mother about her job be worth it in the end? Will she get a happily ever after love story?
What I was expecting was a good book. Historical fiction is right up my alley and I'm not too familiar with this particular time period, except for the whole war, but that's not too prominent in this particular book. What I got was a great novel filled with a strong heroine and a fascinating plot. It's been a long time since I read a book where I was immediately drawn to the strength of a character. Ruby was strong willed and determined to help her family what ever it took. At some times I felt she was a little stubborn, but still came to respect her. I also thought that the spectator characters were really developed. I especially enjoyed Yvonne, who was Ruby's biggest instigator at Starlight. She was so funny and she reminded me a lot of my younger sister, always stirring the pot! I also loved how Christine Fletcher wrote about a time that isn't as well known. Yes we all probably know all about World War 2, but do we really know what was happening to the normal people in America? Another great thing was the book was really easy to get into. The author had me absorbed into Ruby's story as soon as Ruby set foot into her first dance. Overall I was very impressed with Christine Fletcher's second novel and will definitely go back and read her other book, Tallulah Falls, and will eagerly anticipate her future works.
Today I am pleased to present the ever fabulous Claudia Gray. Her debut novel, Evernight, hit shelves just a couple of weeks ago and is already getting tons of praise. It is definitely a must read for everyone. For my review click here. I have here a great interview with Claudia that I think you will all enjoy. So read on and enjoy getting to know yet another awesome author!
_________________________________________________
1. What inspired you to write about vampires as opposed to other sorts of creatures?
I plan to write about other sorts of creatures too! Vampires simply wound up being first in line.
2. In the book Bianca does not like Dracula, do you share the same dislike, or is it one of your favorites?
I enjoy Dracula -- I wouldn't call it a favorite, but I do like it. I can see why Bianca's doesn't, though; it can be fairly slow going in parts.
3. How does it feel being a publicized author? Do you think you'll have the same feeling when your next book comes out?
Mostly it feels fabulous. I love hearing from readers who have enjoyed the book, and it was a real thrill to see it on bookstore shelves for the first time. But I wasn't prepared for how much time it would take. Next time I'll be ready.
4. When did the idea of Evernight come to you?
The rough idea of the story took form during late 2005 and very early 2006. At that time, I only had the plot of the first book. I would say that I had the rough form of the four-book arc planned by the end of 2006 (although some details change all the time).
5. Now I know that there are going to be four Evernight books, but can you tell us a little bit about what's going to happen in them? Are you working on any other books that don't have to do with Evernight?
I can't tell you too much! However, I can promise that Lucas will return to beautifully complicate Bianca's life all over again, and that Bianca will become much more curious about all the aspects of the vampire world that she's taken for granted before. Balthazar, Vic and Raquel will have major parts to play in future books, as will Mrs. Bethany. We'll learn a lot more about Black Cross, too, as well as other supernatural creatures in this world.
I'm currently working some other YA paranormal ideas and researching a thriller I hope to write for older readers.
6. What's the best part about being a writer? The worst?
The best part is the writing itself -- I love figuring out who the characters are, what happens to them, where we go next. I honestly don't know that there is a "worst," because so far, the process has been very rewarding.
7. Do you write full time? If not, what do you do?
Not full-time yet! By day, I do in-house communications for a large law firm. This means I write their newsletters. My office is in Times Square, which is about as much glamour as I can claim.
8. Where is your ideal writing location?
At home, in the coziest chair in the house, with some soft music playing.
9. Do you see a lot of yourself in any of the characters? If so, which one? I see some of myself in virtually all the characters. I think that's fairly important, really -- to identify with everyone, at least a little bit. (Maybe not Erich, though.)
10. What's one quirky thing about yourself that you think readers would find interesting?
I have a tryout for "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?" in a couple weeks. Wish me luck!
11. Are there any questions you wish I'd asked?
"Would you like this completely legitimate check for a million dollars?"
The answer would've been yes, by the way. No need to worry about my game-show audition then!
Bianca’s parents have taken her away from her small town to move her to EvernightAcademy. Bianca can’t believe her world is crumbling like this. I mean she cannot even begin to imagine what it will be like to have to make new friends, especially making friends with the snooty students at Evernight. In a failed attempt to run away Bianca meets Lucas. Lucas isn’t stuck up like all the other Evernight students and he and Bianca immediately forge a friendship. While all the perfect, smart, and too good to be true students at Evernight keep getting better, Bianca finds herself getting more and more lost as the days go by. But as her relationship with Lucas strengthens, she knows that she will be able to make it through with him at her side. As things get tougher and tougher and secrets get unveiled, Bianca realizes that she will do anything for Lucas, but will it hurt her in the end?
OMG!! This is seriously one of the best books I have ever read!! I LOVED it. I was sucked in from the beginning and literally couldn’t put the book down. I mean I fell asleep before I stopped reading, it was that good! I really enjoyed Bianca’s character. I felt like I was able to connect with her a lot, especially because she felt so torn up about leaving the town she had known her whole life. I definitely know how it feels to leave a bunch of great friends and go somewhere where you know no one. Now the absolute greatest thing about this book is the amazing plot twist. The story was moving along just fine and then BANG the whole story changes into something even more spectacular. While there were a few hints as to what was coming, I really never expected it. You may be wondering why I’m not telling you anything about this and really it’s simple, I think it would definitely put a damper on the book. I definitely recommend that you all go no RUN to the nearest bookstore and snatch up your copy before they are all gone - you will not be disappointed. As I’m sure you can imagine I am desperately anticipating the release of the next book in the series, Stargazer, which comes out at the end of the year. This book has seriously opened my eyes to a whole new area of YA books that I am so excited to dive into!
Tirio comes from the Takunami tribe. They are hidden in the depths of the Amazon rainforest and live a totally secluded life. When Takunami boys reach the age of 13 they must perform their soche seche tente, a sixth sense test. When Tirio is just a young boy his parents know that he will never be able to complete this test because of his disabled foot, bringing dishonor to the family, and banish him from the tribe. They send him down the Amazon River, knowing he probably won’t survive. Luck was on Tirio’s side though when an American woman named Sara found him. Sara adopted Tirio and brought him home to the States with her where he received the best care for his foot.
Luka is determined to pass his soche seche tente; he has been preparing for it his entire life. It’s so important that his family is depending on him in order for them to have a real future. His mother has even made it her life’s purpose to help train him, neglecting and using her other children in order to prepare him for this perilous test. They both hope that nothing has been overlooked and are convinced that Luka will do just fine.
Almost thirteen years later Sara and Tirio head back to the Amazon where Sara found Tirio. As the trip draws nearer Tirio starts feeling more and more connections to the Takunami tribe. His senses are more alert and he just can’t wait to get back to his homeland. Before he even steps foot in the country Tirio has decided he will find his way back to his tribe. Will Tirio make it back to the Takunami? Will Luka pass his soche seche tente? In a weird way fate brings these two together in an unimaginable way.
I think this was definitely the most unique and original coming-of-age story I have ever read! I really liked this book. The characters were well created and I loved the story. While this is classified as a middle grade novel, I think it is definitely a suitable read for young adults too. There is nothing that is really kiddish and the story is really good. There were a few surprises that really caught me off guard, which made the book that much better. This would definitely be a good book for reluctant readers as well as avid readers as it is progresses quickly and is full of adventure. I would also like to point out that N.A. Nelson is a fabulous member of The Class of 2k8. This group of authors seems to be putting out some of the best books this year. All in all this was a great book. I really give props to the author for her creativity in this book, as she did a great job encompassing some amazing culture and a great sense of nature!!
Bringing the Boy Home hits shelves near you July 1st, so hurry out and grab a copy!!
Today I am honored to present to you Ms. Regina Scott, who's debut YA novel, La Petite Four, was stunning, just like the cover! For my review click here. Now when I asked Regina if she would care to guest blog over here at And Another Book Read she said sure, as she is an extremely sweet lady. Then she came up with the brilliant idea of writing a mini story for the guest blog. What's even cooler is that she split the story up between my blog and The Story Siren's. So for the first part of today's story make sure to go over to click here!
Without further ado, please read the second half of this thrilling story!! Enjoy:)
Master Thief A Mini La Petite Four Story Part II by Regina Scott
Just when Lady Emily was about to question her friend further about the mysteriously missing brooch, she heard a noise behind her.
“Perhaps I can help,” said a warm male voice.
Emily whirled, pulse pounding. James Cropper stood in the doorway of Priscilla’s sunny bedchamber. His russet hair was for once combed in place, his brown jacket and breeches looked as if they had been recently pressed, and his cravat was tied in an elegant knot. But what truly drew her eyes was the smile curving his mouth. It was positively wicked. The questions dried in Emily’s throat.
Her three friends seemed similarly affected, for no one said anything for five full ticks of the enameled clock on the mantel. Then Daphne picked up her saffron skirts and hurried to greet him.
“Oh, Mr. Cropper, thank you for coming!” She led him into the room. “See, Emily? I told you we called for the best.”
Emily’s face heated. Jamie was also good at solving mysteries. She could see why Priscilla might request his services. But her friends could have given Emily a few moments first, if only to tidy her hair!
Priscilla and Ariadne quickly explained the situation to him, and Jamie listened, gaze wandering about the little room as if taking in every detail. Emily noticed that Priscilla left out the part about the brooch being paste and her fears about Debtor’s Prison if it weren’t found. In fact, Priscilla seemed to have recovered her usual good spirits. Her lovely face was animated, her smile so charming dimples danced on either side of her mouth. Jamie may have come to rescue Priscilla, but Emily had a feeling he was going to be the one who needed rescuing in a moment.
He caught Emily’s gaze on him and winked. Emily’s face heated once more.
When Priscilla and Ariadne finished their tale, Emily thought Jamie would likely jump into action, but he merely nodded. “I’d wager Lady Emily has a thought or two about the matter.”
Her? He was turning it back to her? Her friends looked just as surprised. Jamie’s handsome face was expectant. Emily raised her head. “I do, as a matter of fact. We’ve checked the floor, so it doesn’t seem to have fallen. Miss Tate has already looked over her garments, and it doesn’t appear to be there.”
“I knew it!” Ariadne declared, honey-colored curls bouncing with her insistence. “It’s been stolen!”
Daphne nodded sagely, her darker curls moving with similar energy. “And it’ s obviously the work of a master thief. He knew to take the brooch because . . .”
“It’s the best piece,” Priscilla put in hurriedly with a look to Daphne. “Who knows what else he might take!” She lay a hand on Jamie’s arm and gazed up at him, green eyes liquid. “Oh, please, Mr. Cropper. You must help us!”
Emily wanted to reach out, grab Jamie’s arm, and pull him safely to her side. But perhaps it was best merely to send him to safety. “I don’t think we need trouble Mr. Cropper, Priscilla. Surely we can handle this.”
“It’s no trouble,” Jamie said with a smile to Emily.
That’s what every boy said when the golden-haired Priscilla started flirting. Clearly more drastic steps were necessary. Emily took a step toward them. As if Priscilla saw the fire in her eyes, she dropped her hold on Jamie’s arm.
“I was hoping you might work with Mr. Cropper, Emily,” Priscilla pleaded. “You understand me so well. With your artist’s eye, you see things I miss.”
Emily narrowed her eyes. “And what will you be doing?”
Priscilla’s hand drifted back to her brow. “Oh, I must lie down for a restorative nap.”
Ariadne stepped to her side, switching her reticule to the other hand so she could put an arm about Priscilla’s waist. “This whole incident has sorely tried her, poor dear. I’ll just stay to keep her company.” She gazed pointedly at her sister.
“Oh.” Daphne hurried to their sides. “I’d better stay as well in case you need anything.” She waved a hand at Emily and Jamie. “You too run along and have a good . . .”
“Investigation,” Ariadne finished. “Have a very successful investigation. It should take you all over London: the dark alleys, the hidden byways. Very likely it will take some time.”
“Days,” Daphne said with a nod.
Jamie’s gaze met Emily’s, and she could see the future in those smoky eyes. “Perhaps weeks,” he said, smile curving up.
Weeks? Wandering all over London with the handsome Jamie at her side? Incredible!
Without a chaperone? Unthinkable!
Emily eyed Daphne. “Surely Lord Snedley would protest.”
Daphne paled at the mention of the famous master of etiquette. “Well, Lord Snedley has occasionally been wrong.”
“Don’t say that in public!” Ariadne demanded, turning to her sister so quickly that her reticule thumped Daphne on the hip. Daphne grimaced.
And in that moment Emily knew exactly what had happened. She knew where the brooch had gone and why. And she knew what she must do now.
She turned to Jamie. “I believe we have a great deal to discuss, Mr. Cropper. Will you meet me tomorrow at three in Hyde Park, on the bridge over the Serpentine?”
He gazed down at her, smile as soft as the touch of a feather. “Your servant, Lady Emily. Until later.”
Emily felt so warm she could have melted right into the Oriental carpet. “Until later.”
He bowed over her hand, holding it in his strong grip for longer than was proper, then turned to go. Emily knew everyone in the room could hear her sigh.
But as soon as he was out the door, she turned to her wide-eyed friends.
“That,” she said, “was entirely too easy.”
Priscilla tossed her golden curls. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”
Emily strode to their sides. “I think you do. Why is your reticule so heavy, Ariadne?”
Ariadne clutched the embroidered cloth bag to her chest. “My reticule? Why, because of my journal, of course.”
“Really,” Emily said. She pointed to the round bulge near the bottom. “And has your journal taken to wearing jewelry?”
Ariadne slumped, dropping the bag to the length of its cord.
“I told you we should have hidden it,” Daphne said.
“Yes, well, I wasn’t taking any chances,” Priscilla said. “It is my best piece.” She held out her hand, palm up, and Ariadne fished out the brooch and handed it to her.
“Are you furious with us?” Ariadne asked Emily sheepishly.
Emily glared at the three of them. Priscilla was once more biting her lip, Daphne was shifting her weight from side to side so that her saffron skirts swung like a bell, and Ariadne was loosening and tightening the cord on her reticule as if even her fingers heated in embarrassment.
Emily broke into a grin. “How could I be angry? I know why you did it and what was at stake. Priscilla risked her brooch, Ariadne her reputation for knowing what’s what, and Daphne her right to be the adventurous one just so I might have an excuse to spend a few moments with Mr. Cropper. Could anyone ever have such dear friends?”
Ariadne and Daphne blushed at her praise. Priscilla simply shook her head. “Yet you spoiled it. Now you have no reason to meet Mr. Cropper.”
Emily’s grin widened. “Why not? Mr. Cropper doesn’t know the brooch is found.”
Priscilla smiled. “I’ve taught you well.”
Emily laughed. “Well enough. I’ll tell him tomorrow, after we’ve had a nice walk in the park.”
Ariadne nodded. “Fair enough. Now, on to more important matters.” She leaned in and beckoned them all closer. “It will take a master thief to steal Mr. Cropper’s heart. Whatever will you wear?”
The End
(Note: Regina Scott’s charming editor would like all readers to know that this original story is copyright 2008 to Regina Scott, uncopyedited, and unproofed. Hope you enjoyed it!)
Now for all of those who read on till the end I have an extra special treat for you!! I happened to come upon an extra ARC of La Petite Four, and would love to give it away. All you have to do is comment and tell me what time period you wish you could live in and why. The only condition is that you have to live in either the U.S. or Canada. All Entries must be in by Wednesday June 18th at 12. pm E.S.T. The winner will be announced on Thursday.
Now here's the book trailer for La Petite Four. Enjoy!!
Lady Emily and her best friends from boarding school, Priscilla, Ariadne, and Daphne, are all ready to graduate and head back to their homes in nineteenth century London. They’re even more excited for Priscilla’s coming out ball, which they all are planning on attending. That is until Emily learns that she is engaged to Lord Robert Townsend. This puts a damper on all of the girls’ plans as Lord Robert is not planning on attending the ball and doesn’t think Emily will be either. While Emily doesn’t think that the marriage will work, her father thinks it is a match made in heaven and fails to honor Emily’s request to cancel the engagement. Emily knows that if she is ever going to be a member of the Royal Society of Beaux Arts and go to Priscilla’s ball that she will simply have to take matters into her own hands. With the help of her best friends, Emily sets off to find something that will prove that Lord Robert will not be a good husband. What Emily finds not only surprises her, but also helps her find something she’s been longing for, love.
It's hard to express the way I felt about this book in one word, but I'll try. This book is AMAZING! Actually, the book is more than amazing, it’s fantastic, superior, radiant, and any other synonym you can think of! – now can you tell how much I loved this book?! I am always up for a historical fiction and this book certainly lived up and surpassed every expectation I had of it. I mean it contained mystery, suspense and love. What more could a girl ask for? Regina Scott created a great story where the characters were three dimensional and you felt like you were walking the cobbled streets of nineteenth century England. I especially loved Emily’s character. I could feel the sarcasm in her words and felt her sadness when she was grieving over not attending the ball. While I had my hunches as to what Lord Robert was up to, there were always little twists and turns that kept me second guessing myself until the moment was revealed. Regina Scott has definitely found her niche in the YA world and I’m crossing my fingers and toes that there will be more adventures with La Petite Four. I really just cannot get over how good this book is! I urge you all to scurry to your closest book provider and get this book as it is….AMAZING!!!
A strange phenomenon is happening across the entire country. Some teenagers are coming back from the dead. While some may think this is great, a second chance at life, others aren’t all that happy about it. Most of these “differently biotic” move extremely slowly and talk just as slow. They are all trying to fit back in with the world they once knew, but with a society filled with people who don’t want to accept them, it can be painstakingly hard.
Phoebe, a Goth girl, has never really fit in. She has a grand total of two friends but that’s all she needs. When Phoebe finds herself drawn to Tommy Williams, a differently biotic boy, no one can believe it, especially her friends. Her best friend Margie thinks she’s crazy, but Margie’s feelings for differently biotic people are way deeper than the stereotypical feelings most people have, they are much more complicated. And then there’s Adam - Phoebe’s childhood best friend and next-door neighbor, who doesn’t want Phoebe getting hurt and he may just have “more than friends” feelings for her.
When the opportunity for a work study with the Hunter Group presents itself to the students at Oakvale High that involves the differently biotic kids Phoebe is one of the first to raise her hand. She is able to convince both Margie and Adam to join her along with Tommy and a few other differently biotic kids to join the work study group. Here they will try and shed some light on the mystery of the differently biotic kids that still marvels scientists and also build unlikely friendships. These work study members better watch their back though as there is one kid who has such a passionate hate for differently biotic kids that he won’t stop at anything to get rid of them. With no laws protecting the differently biotic this can only end it tragedy, but will the other students at Oakvale High let it happen?
I have to say that at first I was a little hesitant about reading this book. I haven’t ever read a book that has to do with zombies or vampires or anything like that. This was a GREAT introduction into these kinds of books. It was a gripping, poignant, and extremely well written story. While the main premise is zombies and how they aren’t treated fairly in society, there are a lot of underlying messages especially about prejudice. I loved how the author was able to talk about such a controversial subject in such a creative way. The characters in this book were absolutely breathtaking, alive and dead alike. The author did such an excellent job making them into three-dimensional people that I felt were sitting beside me and telling me one heck of a bedtime story. This was just an all out great book that has become a new favorite of mine. The ending certainly lined up for a sequel, and hopefully the author will continue this fantastic story.
This week for And Another Awesome Author visit we have the wonderful Teri Brown. She is the author of Read My Lips. To read my review click here. This was a great book that I definitely urge you all to read. To learn more about Teri you can visit her this week at the Class of 2k8 blog, or all the time at her MySpace, or blog. Also in celebration of the release of Read My Lips Teri is hosting a contest that ends TODAY at 5 p.m. pacific. All you have to do though is post her book trailer and tell her about it. Also next week she is having an extraordinary party of at her blog. I mean it is seriously going to be the event of the year. She has a bunch of authors making guest appearances and giving away lots of good books. Your all invited so head on over to her blog starting on June 9 and lasting through the 13th.
Teri joins us today to talk about the generosity of writers. This is a really interesting post, so go ahead read on!! _______________________________________________________________
When people ask me about how I became a writer, I immediately think of other writers.
Sure, I’d checked out the books at the library, but as much as I love books, human support was the key that unlocked my creative door.
I think I got online in 1998. The Internet was a fabulous new world and my keyboard was its entryway. Since I homeschooled my children, I gravitated toward homeschoolers and then, slowly toward writer’s groups. Then I won a short story contest and it gave me the confidence I needed to stretch my wings. I wrote my first YA novel in 1999 then put away fiction for more lucrative writing and began studying to become a freelance writer. By the year 2002 I had written and published two nonfiction books and a slew of nonfiction articles. Every step of the way there were other writers willing to take the time to share their knowledge and critique my work.
By 2003, my nonfiction career was steady and I started thinking more and more about fiction. When I heard about Nanowrimo (National Novel Writing Month) I was intrigued. I signed up and wrote a horrible, horrible chicklit book. When a writer who read my blog asked me to join her critique group, I was delighted. I think my first chapter shocked them— I’m sure they figured that because I was a professional freelancer, my writing would be much better. How was I supposed to know that a different genre meant a different style and different voice! But they taught me so much and I grew and I grew. I have been a member of many different writing groups and have always been surprised by their warm generosity. Very seldom have I run into the kind of jealousy and backbiting that occurs in other professions. Not that it doesn’t happen, it does…. But I am always, always surprised by it.
When one writer’s husband accidentally shot himself, the writing community came together to give her emotional and financial support. When another writer returned from a national writing convention to find that her home had burnt to the ground, the writing community was beyond generous in their support. When one author came down with cancer and could not promote her debut book, other writer’s did it for her. I could go on and on.
I’m not saying that I wouldn’t be a writer if it weren’t for other writers— I have always been a writer. But without the help and support of other writers, I doubt I would be a published author, celebrating the release of my debut novel, Read My Lips.
Kori Kitzler is different - to say the least. She is beautiful, mysterious, the subject of rumors, and has quite a reputation with the guys. One fateful day in eighth grade, average girl Serena Moore walks into the bathroom and runs into Kori. Serena is shocked when Kori tells her they are more alike then she thinks, but instead of turning around and running out of the bathroom Serena stays. This marks the beginning a deep and powerful friendship between the girls. Since that fateful day the girls have been joined at the hip and share everything with each other.
Now it’s the girls sophomore year in high school and their friendship has grown even more. When Serena’s favorite teacher, Doc, assigns the class the task to create a list of five things they would never do- a way to tempt fate, Serena doesn’t take it seriously at all since she doesn’t trust fate. Serena and Kori continue on with their lives leaving the list forgotten until tragedy strikes Kori. Serena is devastated and one of the only things she has left is Kori’s list. In a way to commemorate Kori, Serena decides to take Kori’s list and do everything on it. While the list puzzles Serena she knows that she can’t leave anything undone. While she tries to finish Kori’s last wishes, Serena ends up learning more about herself than she ever would have been able to if life had just stayed the same.
This is another amazing book from a debut Class of 2k8 author. Undone was completely spell binding. While I am nothing like Kori or Serena I felt so connected to them and wished they were my friends. The loyalty they had for each other was so real that it made me think how lucky they were to be friends, and how lucky I am to have friends. I also really liked the writer’s style. To me it was a tad different which made the whole book a refreshing read. Now the story itself was also mesmerizing. It totally grabbed me in and wouldn’t release its grasp until the very last page. The story took twists and turns that I never suspected in the least. I think that half the time I was reading my mouth was hanging open in shock of what had just happened. My only complaint is the book ended! I seriously didn’t want this book to end, it was just that good. I seriously cannot wait for more from Brooke Taylor, as I expect they will be just as amazing. I definitely recommend this book to everyone and anyone. It’s a bright light that just can’t be put out, that reminds us all of how valuable friendship is and how much we should treasure it.
So first the meme (I am totally trying to build some suspense here!!). So here's the rules:
Link to the person that tagged you, post the rules somewhere in your meme, answer the questions, tag six people in your post, let the tagees know they’ve been chosen by leaving a comment on their blog, let the tagger know your entry is posted.
We all get constantly asked this question. The answer is always so hard to come up with so I’ve simply started saying too many. I love so many authors that I could never pick just one. So in short I no favorite author I have many favorite authors!
2. Who was your first favorite author, and why? Do you still consider him or her among your favorites?
My first favorite author (that I can remember!!) was Georgia Byng. Why? Well she created the amazing Molly Moon series. I found this book tucked into the shelves when I had just turned eleven. I had a gift card to the bookstore and thought well why not get this book as it sounds pretty good and hey I’m buying it with a gift card!! Wow, did I ever fall in love with that book!! I think I have seriously read it five or six times along with all of the books that follow in the series. I definitely still consider Ms. Georgia Byng to be one of my favorite authors.
3. Who’s the most recent addition to your list of favorite authors, and why?
I think the most recent addition to my list would have to be a tie between Daphne Grab and Elizabeth Scott. I was introduced to both of them a couple of months ago and seriously fell in love with their writing. They seem to both capture emotion really well and just seriously pulled me into their stories!!
4. If someone asked you who your favorite authors were right now, which authors would first pop out of your mouth? Are there any you’d add on a moment of further reflection?
Hmm…well after the millions of names that just popped into my head I’m just going to name a bunch that I thought of: Daphne Grab, Elizabeth Scott, Melissa Walker, Beth Kephart, Libba Bray, J.K. Rowling (of course!!), Sarah Dessen, Georgia Byng, Meg Cabot, Catherine Gilbert Murdock, Regina Scott, Jennifer Banash, Brooke Taylor, Claudia Gray, Maureen Johnson and Shannon Hale.
Since almost everyone has been tagged for this I'm at a loss for who to tag. If you haven't been tagged yet and you want to participate consider this your tag!!
Francey and Rick St. Martin are the ultimate father-daughter duo. In fact they are more like best friends than anything. Francey is a bubbly, smart, and very mature sixth grader who is definitely wise beyond her years. Rick is a world renowned architect and would do anything for his daughter. When Lord Crimson, a rich and sorrow filled member of English royalty asks Rick to attempt a task no one else has been able to accomplish Rick wonders if it is possible. He wants Rick to build him a manor that perfectly imitates a seventeenth century manor that has appeared in many recurring dreams. About the same time as Rick is asked to take on this arduous task Francey starts to have horrific nightmares that act more like memories. In these nightmares Francey takes on the persona of Susan Sebastian, a seventeenth century noble lady who was in love with a commoner. Susan’s lover, Edward Delaney, was murdered when the man betrothed to Susan found out about their love. Francey feels all of the emotions of grief that Susan felt. What is even stranger is Francey has become a stunning artist, which was one of the many attributes of the young Susan Sebastian. All of these strange events create a mystery enveloping Francey, her father, and even her teacher, who just so happens to be one of the most fabulous people on earth.
J..a..w..d..r..o..p!! This was such an amazing book. While it is a quick read it encompasses all of the necessary elements that readers crave. It was an incredible mix of romance, mystery, and suspense. I found it unbelievably hard to put the book down as it gripped me from the very first sentence. The characters were extremely vivid and I could feel their emotions dripping off the page. Not only were the characters great, but the story was completely original and captivating. I particularly enjoyed how the author was able to completely transfer you to another world with his writing and his words just floated along the page. The author’s style was truly fantastic. I highly recommend this book to all. It was a tender love story, a captivating mystery, and an unforgettable tale. I definitely can’t wait to read more of Martin Dubow’s future works.
In regard to Mr. Dubow's future works. Mr. Dubow was kind enough to tell me about his latest which will be titled Joan of New York. To read more about about Joan of Arc click here and scroll to the bottom of the page. It definitely sounds very interesting.
Now for all you commenters. Mr. Dubow has graciously given me one copy of Francey to give away. All you have to do is comment. It can be about anything, tell me how you liked the book, if you think it sounds good, so on and so on. I'll pick a winner on Wednesday June 4. The contest is only open to U.S. residents.
Mina Hamilton thinks that her life is perfectly normal. She's a high school junior with decent grades and has had a crush on Nathan for forever and still stutters around him. Oh yah and her parents just happen to be vampires! Just your typical teenage girl right? Now on top of high school she has to deal with going to these vampire classes with all these weird kids and a horrible teacher, even though she's not that sure she really wants to be a vampire. Mina's only got a couple of short weeks to decide whether or not she wants to be a vampire. She can't talk to her parents about it, nor can she talk to her absolute best friend Serena about it. The only person she has to guide her is her Uncle Morty, who's a little off beat! Along the way Mina finds a little romance and learns more about herself than she realized. Will Mina make the right choice for her, or will she make the choice that pleases everyone else?
