And Another Awesome Author Visit: Regina Scott

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:)

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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!)

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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!!

La Petite Four by Regina Scott

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!!!

Generation Dead by Daniel Waters

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.

And Another Awesome Author Visit: Teri Brown

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!!
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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.

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Also here's the book trailer. If you want to post it just wait until it's finished and copy paste the the share link to your blog!

Undone by Brooke Taylor

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.

The Winner and A Meme

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.

I was tagged by TONS of people, so if I forget your name I am completely sorry. This is who I know has tagged me: Dominique, Words Speak Volumes, The Book Muncher, Bending Bookshelf, Heather, and Mrs. Magoo Reads

1. Who’s your all-time favorite author, and why?

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!!

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Now for the winner!!!!

Congratulations to:

Breanna

Please contact me within 72 hours with your address or else I will have to pick a new winner.

Francey by Martin Dubow (and a contest!!)

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.