Interview with Victoria Schwab

I have Victoria Schwab here. She is talking about the cover of her debut, The Near Witch.

1. Your cover is absolutely gorgeous. What are your favorite part about it? What is your least favorite part, if anything?

I love it. It's so different from the majority of fantasy/paranormal out there. For me, the light quality of the cover is deceptive, the story itself at times quite dark. The whole cover is whimsical and eerie, and I love it for managing to be both. My favorite part is probably the glossy filigree, which adds that element of magic.

2. How well do you think the cover portrays Near Witch?

This is a hard question, because covers are meant to draw people in, to pique curiosity. They don't need to accurately portray anything, only convey a vibe, and in that sense, I think the cover is successful. I hope it's enough for people to pick the book up and investigate further.

3. What are some of your favorite book covers of other books?

Ohhhh, I LOVE covers. I actually have a degree in book design, so I spend the majority of my time in bookstores just looking at art. UNBECOMING OF MARA DYER is probably my favorite cover of the year so far, along with IMAGINARY GIRLS. Apparently, I'm in the mood for floating people.

4. Is there anything that you would like to add?

Just a thank you!! A thank you to you for interviewing, and to the readers/bloggers/online people of awesome who have already shown so much love and support. You all make this a joy.

The Near Witch by Victoria Schwab

Source: Publisher

The Near Witch is only an old story told to frighten children.
If the wind calls at night, you must not listen. The wind is lonely, and always looking for company.
And there are no strangers in the town of Near.

But when an actual stranger—a boy who seems to fade like smoke—appears outside her home on the moor at night, she knows that at least one of these sayings is no longer true.

These are the truths that Lexi has heard all her life.

The next night, the children of Near start disappearing from their beds, and the mysterious boy falls under suspicion. Still, he insists on helping Lexi search for them. Something tells her she can trust him.

As the hunt for the children intensifies, so does Lexi’s need to know—about the witch that just might be more than a bedtime story, about the wind that seems to speak through the walls at night, and about the history of this nameless boy.

Part fairy tale, part love story, Victoria Schwab’s debut novel is entirely original yet achingly familiar: a song you heard long ago, a whisper carried by the wind, and a dream you won’t soon forget.

The Near Witch is haunting and poetic. Each word reads like a fairy tale from ages ago and you can't help loving every moment that you are on this spectacular journey. I really liked Lexi. She is trying to figure out who she is and what she believes in. She was very stubborn, strong, and clever. She also didn't give into pressure and wasn't afraid to take a risk. The romance between Cole and Lexi was very sweet. I like that it slowly built up. The setting of Near was perfect. It is a small town, full of fears, mostly from stories and legends. Schwab's writing made it creepy at times and made you guess what would happen next. The setting really helped the plot. The plot is exciting at times, there are a few slow parts that make it drag, but it is made up by the characters and setting. The plot was really unique and surprised me along the way. Schwab's writing was amazing. I enjoyed Near Witch. It was fresh and unlike anything that I have read. It was an amazing book that I highly recommend that you read as soon as possible.

Friday Five

1. I have become obsessed with Tumblr... I would check it soon. It is awesome.

2. Project Runway is back. I love that show even though I am not fashionable. I am cheering for Byrce and my sister is cheering for Anthony Ryan. If you watch it, who are you cheering for?

3. I was sent a link to this. Not sure if anyone wants to check it out, but it makes a picture of You and Patch.

4. The schedule for Northwest Bookfest 2011 went up. I am really excited for it and will probably be going both days.

5. I have been really busy lately and not on twitter much. So how is everyone?

My Life Undecided by Jessica Brody

Source: Publisher
PLEASE READ THIS! MY LIFE DEPENDS ON IT!
Okay, maybe that was a bit melodramatic, but I’m sorry, I’m feeling a bit melodramatic at the moment.
Here’s the deal. My name is Brooklyn Pierce, I’m fifteen years old, and I am decisionally challenged. Seriously, I can’t remember the last good decision I made. I can remember plenty of crappy ones though. Including that party I threw when my parents were out of town that accidentally burned down a model home. Yeah, not my finest moment, for sure.
But see, that’s why I started a blog. To enlist readers to make my decisions for me. That’s right. I gave up. Threw in the towel. I let someone else be the one to decide which book I read for English. Or whether or not I accepted an invitation to join the debate team from that cute-in-a-dorky-sort-of-way guy who gave me the Heimlich Maneuver in the cafeteria. (Note to self: Chew the melon before swallowing it.) I even let them decide who I dated!
Well, it turns out there are some things in life you simply can’t choose or have chosen for you—like who you fall in love with. And now everything’s more screwed up than ever.
But don’t take my word for it, read the book and decide for yourself. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, you’ll scream in frustration. Or maybe that’s just me. After all, it’s my life.
My Life Undecided is quick and fun read. I loved Brooklyn from the beginning. She wasn't exactly sure who she was in the beginning. I liked seeing her slowly discover who she was and what she really wanted. She was a very genuine girl that was very headstrong and yet caring about others. I also loved that it showed her blog. There are two guys in My Life Undecided that are love interests. Hunter is very charming and gorgeous southern guy. He is very dreamy, but he is not my favorite guy. Brian is smart, funny, and sweet. He was very down to earth and I completely adored him. Mrs. Moody was a lot like Brooklyn and I think that it helped her realize what could happen if she didn't change soon. Shanye is a total bitch and I wanted to stab her several times. I hated that she tried to control everything and used people.

The plot of My Life Undecided is a little over the top, but I think that a lot of the time, people make decisions from asking their friends about what they should read, eat, watch, do, and ect. I also related to Brooklyn's blogging habits and a lot that she talks about is relatable to as a blogger. Everyone has made bad decisions, which is what makes this book the most realistic, because sometimes you want some else to make your decisions for you. Brody is a fantastic writer and I can't wait to read more from her. Her writing is fresh, exciting, and funny. I recommend this book to fans of Lauren Barnholdt and Jennifer Echols.

Waiting on Wednesday (109)

Title:Juliet Immortal
Author: Stacey Jay
Publisher: Random House
Release Date: September 13, 2011
"These violent delights have violent ends
And in their triumph die, like fire and powder,
Which as they kiss consume."
—Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare
The most tragic love story in history . . .
Juliet Capulet didn't take her own life. She was murdered by the person she trusted most, her new husband, Romeo Montague, a sacrifice made to ensure his own immortality. But what Romeo didn't anticipate was that Juliet would be granted eternity, as well, and would become an agent for the Ambassadors of Light. For 700 years, she's fought Romeo for the souls of true lovers, struggling to preserve romantic love and the lives of the innocent. Until the day she meets someone she's forbidden to love, and Romeo, oh Romeo, will do everything in his power to destroy that love.
It sounds like a really unique premise and I love this cover.

Trailer Tuesday (37)

I really enjoyed this book and I think the trailer fits it really well.

Contest for Love Story by Jennifer Echols.

I have two copies of Love Story to giveaway. Here is what the story is about:

She’s writing about him. He’s writing about her. And everybody is reading between the lines.

For Erin Blackwell, majoring in creative writing at the New York City college of her dreams is more than a chance to fulfill her ambitions—it's her ticket away from the tragic memories that shadow her family's racehorse farm in Kentucky. But when she refuses to major in business and take over the farm herself someday, her grandmother gives Erin's college tuition and promised inheritance to their maddeningly handsome stable boy, Hunter Allen. Now Erin has to win an internship and work late nights at a local coffee shop to make her own dreams a reality. She should despise Hunter . . . so why does he sneak into her thoughts as the hero of her latest writing assignment?

Then, on the day she's sharing that assignment with her class, Hunter walks in. He's joining her class. And after he reads about himself in her story, her private fantasies about him must be painfully clear. She only hopes to persuade him not to reveal her secret to everyone else. But Hunter devises his own creative revenge, writing sexy stories that drive the whole class wild with curiosity and fill Erin's heart with longing. Now she's not just imagining what might have been. She's writing a whole new ending for her romance with Hunter . . . except this story could come true.

The contest ends on August 5th and US only. Fill out the form below to enter.

In My Mailbox (Week of July 24th)

For Review:

The Name of the Star by Maureen Johnson

The Probability of Miracles by Wendy Wunder

Shelter by Harlan Coben

A Temptation of Angels by Michelle Zink (with a nice card)

Small Town Sinners by Melissa Walker

Love Story by Jennifer Echols

The Fox Inheritance by Mary E. Pearson (with Escapee bracelet)

Hades by Alexandra Adornetto

My Life Undecided by Jessica Brody

Paradise by Jill S. Alexander

White Crow by Marcus Sedgewick

The Girl is Murder by Kathryn Miller Haines

Falling for Hamlet by Michelle Ray

Source: Publisher

Meet Ophelia: a blonde, beautiful high-school senior and long-time girlfriend of Prince Hamlet of Denmark. Her life is dominated not only by her boyfriend's fame and his overbearing family, but also by the paparazzi who hound them wherever they go. As the devastatingly handsome Hamlet spirals into madness after the mysterious death of his father, the King, Ophelia rides out his crazy roller coaster life, and lives to tell about it. In live television interviews, of course.Passion, romance, drama, humor, and tragedy intertwine in this compulsively readable debut novel, told by a strong-willed, modern-day Ophelia.

Falling for Hamlet stays pretty faithful to Hamlet, but brings enough originality to a contemporary story that makes it really exciting and fun to read. Hamlet was an asshole for parts of the book, but at other times he was really sweet and kind to Ophelia. Horatio was a great friend to Ophelia and Hamlet and I liked how Ray really fleshed him out well. I understand Ophelia a lot, she really loves Hamlet and thinks what she is doing is the best things that she can do at the moment. The plot is full of drama, which is no surprise. I liked how Ray used the Police and Talk Show to tell part of the story and that the rest comes from Ophelia herself. Ray's writing was clear and easy to understand, which definitely different then parts of Shakespeare's prose. She expands on complex characters and makes them her own. This story is addictive and a must for fans of Hamlet. I really enjoyed this story and can't wait for more from Ray.

Book Trailer...

I really love the first book, so I really want to read Supernaturally. This trailer is really cute and I am so excited for it to come out next week.

Waiting on Wednesday (108)

Title: A Temptation of Angles
Author: Michelle Zink
Publisher: Dial
Release Date: March 20, 2012

When her parents are murdered before her eyes, sixteen year-old Helen Cartwright finds herself launched into an underground London where a mysterious organization called the Dictata controls the balance of good and evil. Helen learns that she is one of three remaining angelic descendents charged with protecting the world’s past, present, and future. Unbeknownst to her, she has been trained her whole life to accept this responsibility. Now, as she finds herself torn between the angelic brothers protecting her and the devastatingly handsome childhood friend who wants to destroy her, she must prepare to be brave, to be hunted, and above all to be strong because temptation will be hard to resist, even for an angel.
Michelle Zink masterfully weaves history with paranormal romance to create a gripping tale of love and betrayal.

This book sounds amazing. I really love the cover and I have loved Zink's books so far.

This or That with Janet Ruth Young

Today, I have Janet Ruth Young, the author of The Babysitter Murders with This and That. I hope you enjoy.

1. Books or Music?
Books. My raison d’etre!
2. TV or Movies?
Movies. I don’t watch TV. Not even Mad Men.
3. Black or White?
White.
4. Paris or London?
London. As a person of Scottish descent I’m expected to dislike the English, but there’s way too much smoking in Paris.
5. Zombies or Unicorns?

Unicorns. As something of a scaredy-cat, I should probably avoid any run-in with a zombie.
6. Outside or Inside?
Outside. In the yard, on the tennis court, walking on Stacy Boulevard, or at the beach. I think I’ll even sleep outside a few times this summer.
7. Past or Future?
Future.
8. Writing or Reading?

Right now, writing. But I hope to spend a good part of the summer in my hammock with book in hand.
9. Cake or Pie?
Definitely cake. Unless it’s my sister Diane’s pumpkin pie with sugared pecans, I rarely choose pie, because I find crust to be a big waste of calories.
10. Coffee or Tea?
Coffee – first thing in the morning. Then switching to tea in the afternoon.
11. Nonfiction or Fiction?
Nonfiction. I need to improve my knowledge of history. I have a great handle on psychology and human nature but I don’t really know what’s gone on in the world. I think biographies are the way to start addressing that.
12. Classic or New?
New.
13. Chocolate or Vanilla?
Vanilla.
14. Coke or Pepsi?
Usually Coke.
15. Comedy or Drama?
Drama, although I think they’re inseparable. Even the most horrific story has some funny elements – that’s the human condition.

The Babysitter Murders by Janet Ruth Young

Source: Teen Book Scene blog tour
Everyone has weird thoughts sometimes. But for seventeen-year-old Dani Solomon, strange thoughts have taken over her life. She loves Alex, the little boy she babysits, more than anything. But one day, she has a vision of murdering him that's so gruesome, she can't get it out of her mind. In fact, Dani's convinced that she really will kill Alex. She confesses the thoughts to keep him safe, setting off a media frenzy that makes "Dani Death" the target of an extremist vigilante group.
Through the help of an uncoventional psychiatrist, Dani begins to heal her broken mind. But will it be too late? The people of her community want justice . . . and Dani's learning that some thoughts are better left unsaid.
The Babysitter Murders is unlike any book that I have read. It focused on a part of psychology that I didn't know about much before reading this book. I found that to be fascinating and very unique. Dani was a strong character, who is unsure who she is and what she wants. She also has these thoughts that she would do anything to be without them. I also liked how it showed that people overlook when someone is asking for help at times. The plot of The Babysitter Murders was exciting and kept me guessing on what would happen next. The story had many layers of complexity within the plot and subplot that made me want to learn more about the characters. Young's debut was thrilling, unique, and one of a kind. I can't wait for her next book. I recommend this to someone that wants an exciting and unique book unlike anything that I have read in YA fiction.

In My Mailbox (Week of July 17th)

I am having a problem with uploading my vlog. I am hoping to get it up asap. Anyway, this is what I got.

For Review:

Audition by Stasia Ward Kehoe

Won:

Beauty Queens by Libba Bray (signed)

Abandon by Meg Cabot (signed)

Forever by Maggie Stiefvater (signed)

Tempest Rising by Tracy Deebs

Source: Publisher

Tempest Maguire wants nothing more than to surf the killer waves near her California home; continue her steady relationship with her boyfriend, Mark; and take care of her brothers and surfer dad. But Tempest is half mermaid, and as her seventeenth birthday approaches, she will have to decide whether to remain on land or give herself to the ocean like her mother. The pull of the water becomes as insistent as her attraction to Kai, a gorgeous surfer whose uncanny abilities hint at an otherworldly identity as well. And when Tempest does finally give in to the water's temptation and enters a fantastical underwater world, she finds that a larger destiny awaits her—and that the entire ocean's future hangs in the balance.

I love mermaids and I was excited to read Tempest Rising. I was really happy to find the plot to be well developed and exciting. This book had hints of Little Mermaid, but there is definitely a lot of darkness in Tempest Rising. I liked the prophecy about Tempest and found that even more intriguing. Tempest was a very strong character. I liked that she wasn't afraid to take risk. I also liked that she was conflicted about what to do, when the change came. She didn't want to be like her mother, but at the same time, she had to make her own decision. I liked that she cared about her family. Kai and Mark were both very different people that both cared about Tempest for different reasons. I liked that there wasn't so much as a love triangle as a transfer of feelings and I enjoyed that a lot more. The Sea Witch was frightening and exciting at the same time. Her obsession with her beliefs gave a vibe of Voldemort and Valentine of the Mortal Instruments series. The more minor characters could have been developed better. I found this book to be exciting and fun. I am really excited to see what Deebs will come up with next. The writing was gorgeous and I found the descriptive passages of under the sea to be memorizing and beautiful. I can't wait for more from Tracy Deebs. Overall, I found this debut to enchanting, exciting, and amazing, other then a few minor things I had with the pacing. I definitely recommend this book to fans of mermaids.

Guest Post with Sheenah Freitas

I have Sheenah Freitas here to talk about the magic that is in Disney films. I hope you enjoy.
I’ve always thought that the inspiring storytellers were the people who could craft magic. Whether you do that literally as J.K. Rowling has done with Harry Potter or you do it like Suzanne Collins did with The Hunger Games, an inspiring storyteller should be able to wow you, to make you excited for more. There are people out there who aren’t your stereotypical novelist but are equally important storytellers such as Stan Lee and Frank Miller, but the most important storyteller out there, to me, is none other than Walt Disney.
Walt Disney had an eye for telling stories that every animator wants to achieve. Hayao Miyazaki, Howard Ashman, and John Lasseter are but a few of the people who have striven to bring out the very best and who I feel emulate (or in Howard Ashman’s case emulated) everything that Walt Disney was.
There wasn’t one project that Disney had worked on that didn’t get his mark of approval. If something wasn’t working, they would put it back and work on it at a later date such as with The Little Mermaid and Beauty and the Beast. He made sure to cut out scenes that slowed down the story, no matter how much he loved it. Disney was able to create a sense of awe with his movies that kept audiences enraptured and part of that was because his characters were real. He saw the importance of music in films and used it — probably most masterfully in Bambi — to establish mood.
I propose that every fiction writer sit down and analyze a Disney film. What about that film do you love? Take note of the characters. How can you make your characters more Disney-like? And I don’t mean squeaky clean either. After all, the Wicked Stepmother wanted Snow White’s heart brought to her in a box, Pinocchio smoked a cigar, and Tinkerbell was an envious, slightly homicidal pixie before turning a 180 in the new Tinkerbell movies.
Trying to make your story more Disney-like can be a fun exercise that can help breathe new life into your work and who knows? Perhaps one day you’ll be an inspiring storyteller like Walt himself.

Favorite Harry Potter Quotes

Khy at the Frenetic Reader did a post on some of her favorite Harry Potter Quotes earlier this week. I decided to do it too, because with less then 12 hours till it is out, it is the only thing on my mind. So here I go...

' "If anybody fancies buying a Portable Swamp, as demonstrated upstairs, come to number ninety-three Diagon Alley -- Weasley's Wizard Wheezes," he said in a loud voice.

"Our new premises!" "Special discounts to Hogwarts students who swear they're going to use our products to get rid of this old bat," said George, pointing at Professor Umbridge. '

-Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

OotP is my least favorite book of the series. Fred and George's humor and the DA are what got me through it.

"So light a fire!" Harry choked.

"Yes...of course...but there's no wood!" Hermione cried wringing her hands.

"HAVE YOU GONE MAD!" Ron bellowed, "ARE YOU A WITCH OR NOT!"

- Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone

OMG! I love the trio, and this is one of a million quotes that are reasons, why I love them.

"“Oh, no, I’d love to go with you as friends! Nobody’s ever asked me to a party before, as a friend! Is that why you dyed your eyebrow, for the party? Should I do mine too?”"

-Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince

Luna Lovegood is one of my favorite characters ever. She is so funny and amazing. I love that she doesn't really care about what other people think.

"I'll join you when Hell freezes over," said Neville. "Dumbuldore's Army!" he shouted, and there was an answering cheer from the crowd, whom Voldemart's Silencing Charms seemed unable to hold."

-Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows

I love Neville. He is such an awesome person, if only Luna and him ended up with each other.

So, what are some of your favorite quotes?

Waiting on Wednesday (107)

Title: Ditched: A Love Story
Author: Robin Mellom
Publisher: Disney Hyperion
Release Date: January 1st, 2012
High school senior Justina Griffith was never the girl who dreamed of going to prom. Designer dresses and strappy heels? Not her thing. So she never expected her best friend, Ian Clark, to ask her.
Ian, who always passed her the baseball bat handle first.
Ian, who knew exactly when she needed red licorice.
Ian, who promised her the most amazing night at prom.
And then ditched her.
Now, as the sun rises over her small town, and with only the help of some opinionated ladies at the 7-Eleven, Justina must piece together — stain by stain on her thrift-store dress — exactly how she ended up dateless. A three-legged Chihuahua was involved. Along with a demolition derby-ready Cadillac. And there was that incident at the tattoo parlor. Plus the flying leap from Brian Sontag's moving car...
But to get the whole story, Justina will have to face the boy who ditched her. And discover if losing out at prom can ultimately lead to true love.
Filled with humor, charm, and romance, Ditched: A Love Story by debut novelist Robin Mellom will have readers dreaming of love on their own prom nights.
This book sounds really cute and I love the cover when I saw it in May, even if it isn't final yet.

Interview with Margie Gelbwasser

Today I have a vlog interview with Margie Gelbwasser. I hope that you enjoy it.

Inconvenient by Margie Gelbwasser

Source: Publisher
In fifteen-year-old Alyssa Bondar's Russian-Jewish culture, having a few drinks is as traditional as blinchiki and piroshki. So when her mom's midday cocktails turn into an all-day happy hour, it seems like Alyssa's the only one who notices—or cares. Her dad is steeped in the nightly news—and denial—and her best friend Lana is too busy trashing their shared Russian heritage so she can be popular.
Alyssa would rather focus on cross-country meets and her first kiss with her running partner, Keith, but someone has to clean up her mom's mess. But who will be there to catch Alyssa when her mom's next fall off the wagon threatens to drag her down, too?

I think that everyone has secrets that stays at home and they are never talked about. The hell that Alyssa is living in, is realistic and sad at the same time. Alyssa was an amazing girl that realized that she didn't ever have to give up and that she could become more strong. Lana was an amazing best friend at the beginning, but she slowly gave up on who she was and became surrounded into the depths of the popular crowd. Alyssa luckily finds Keith. He understands what she is dealing with and has issues inside of his family too. The plot followed a realistic story and while the ending was open ending, I enjoyed it. It showed that the characters were trying to find a solution for change. Gelbwasser is a fantastic writer. She creates a realistic story with complex and fantastic characters

In My Mailbox (Week of July 10th)

For Review:
BFF Breakup by Taylor Morris
Cold Case by Julia Platt Leonard

The World We Live In by Susan Beth Pfeffer

Source: Netgalley

The heart-wrenching companion to the bestselling novels Life As We Knew It and The Dead & The Gone.

It’s been a year since a meteor collided with the moon, catastrophically altering the earth’s climate. Miranda and her two brothers spend their days scavenging for food and household items, while their mother stays at home and desperately tries to hold on to the ordinary activities of their previous life. But they all know that nothing is truly normal in this surreal new world they live in.

The struggle to survive intensifies when Miranda’s father and stepmother arrive with a baby and three strangers in tow. One of the newcomers is Alex Morales, and as Miranda’s complicated feelings for him turn to love, his plans for his future thwart their relationship. Then a devastating tornado hits the town of Howell, and Miranda makes a decision that will change their lives forever.

I really enjoyed the first two books and was excited for the third. Miranda was such a strong and fierce girl in the first book that would do anything for survival. In this book, she seemed more weak and vulnerable. For example her relationship with Alex is anything but healthy, and I found it to be irritating. The plot of The World We Live In was exciting and kept me entertained, but I felt that it was missing that spark in the first two books. I think that it is a very realistic account of what would happen, which made me entertain me more. It is also a very original account of a dystopian world. Another problem that I had, is the sudden ending. I wish that I knew where the characters were going. I really hope there is another book. I just didn't feel at peace with what happened. Pfeffer is an amazing writer. Overall, I suggest this book to someone that wants something different in Dystopian books.

Friday Five

1. OMG, it is less then a week till I see HP. Dressing up as future Luna again, which may be a reason for me to wear a dress and curl my hair or maybe I am just not that original.

2. I go to College orientation on Monday till Tuesday, which is really exciting.

3. 65 pounds lost. This is my face at the moment: =D

I still have more to lose... but I'll get there.

4. My 5k is at 45:37, which is lower then it was.

5. I am re-reading Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. It is getting rather intense. I love this book.

5 Reasons You Should be excited for Lola and the Boy Next Door...

This is like a pre-review, since it comes out in September, but I was luck enough to read it a little over a week ago and need a bit of fan girling. Don't read this, if you have not read Anna and the French Kiss...

1. Lola: She is such a fun character. I really liked her personality and how she treated clothes and her looks was amazing.

2. Cricket: He is so nerdy and amazing. He also likes Lola for who she really is. Can I marry him now?

3. San Francisco: I loved the setting. It was so rich and awesome. I want to visit there like now.

4. The Writing: Perkins is the master of YA Romance and I totally loved this book.

5 Anna and St. Clair Cameos: They are in the book in a few times and omg, it is so adorable.

My full review will be up in September, but I hope that you enjoyed this small post.

Jill S. Alexander's playlist for Paradise and giveaway

Here is a playlist for Paradise. I hope you enjoy it.

Sometimes, stories come to me initially as a character, a title, maybe a first line. PARADISE came through music. I knew I wanted to write a story about small town teens in a country rock band, and I stayed open to all the character possibilities – waiting on that special spark that tends to ignite my writing. One night at a restaurant/blues bar, I saw a guy totally shred a Springsteen song – not with a guitar or some other sexy musical instrument, but with a red, three-row button accordion. He was hot. The song was hot. The place went crazazay. And that was the spark that led to PARADISE.

So many songs – old and new – spoke to me while writing PARADISE. Here are a few from my official PARADISE playlist:

Runnin’ Down A Dream by Tom Pett PARADISE is just that: A story about chasing dreams, feeling unstoppable.

Use Somebody by Kings of LeonThe play on words. The idea of needing someone. The guitars. The drums. This song reminded me so much of Paisley and Paradise.

Jack & Diane by John Mellencamp “Two Amercian kids growing up in the heartland.” I had written Paisley’s parents as Jack and Diane – never thinking of the song. One day, I was driving and the Mellencamp song came on the radio. I was blown away. It was perfect for them. “Two American kids doing the best they can.”

Rosalita by Bruce Springsteen“I know your momma she don’t like me ‘cause I play in a Rock n Roll Band” says it all.

Carry On by Pat Green Written by Texas music legend Radney Foster, “Carry On” captures the feeling of needing to get away, “grab the wheel with your own two hands.” It’s also a barn party anthem for most Texas teens, so it works with the characters and setting. Check out the barn party scene in the novel!

Fifteen by Taylor Swift When I first heard this song, it reminded me of a scene when Paisley’s sister Lacey is cautioning her about taking things too far and too fast with Paradise. This particular scene is one of my favorites from the novel – personal and honest, as only two sisters can be.

I have a signed copy of The Sweetheart of Prosper County. Have a US address and comment with your favorite song by July 15th to enter to win.

The Chosen by Sheenah Freitas

Source: Author

Kaia's entire life has erupted in flames after an assassin appears and burns her village down. She's rescued by a god from another planet who requests her help because she's the descendant of their last savior. Together with Reeze -- the only other survivor from her village and her appointed guardian -- they set off on a quest to find the treasures of the gods in hopes of preventing a dire prophesy. Kaia and Reeze quickly meet the Tueors, a group of people many thought extinct, who are searching specifically for Kaia. Their intention: to protect the truth. As Kaia discovers more about the truth and her family's past, she also learns of the Tueors' bloody secret. Will Kaia be the savior the gods have been waiting for? Or will she let the prophesy come true?

I read an unedited ARC, so this might change by the time that it is published. There were several words that were used in the wrong context and other times, the phrasing just seemed wrong or made little sense. The world building could have been more believable. I just didn't see why it was based on a sister planet of Earth. It just didn't seem realistic or likely. I think that with more editing, this book could be very exciting. The characters each had distinct and unique personalities that I enjoyed. The plot was rather exciting too. After the kinks are fixed, I would recommend this book to fans of Fantasy.

So...

Happy 4th of July!!!

In My Mailbox (Week of July 3rd)

For Review:

Little Women and Me by Lauren Baratz-Logsted

Won:

The Sweetest Thing by Christina Mandelski (via YA Fresh)

Gifted:

Die for Me by Amy Plum (Via Pam at Bookalicious)

Paradise by Jill S. Alexander

Source: Author

Paisley Tillery is the drummer for a country rock band. If they can make it to the stage at the Texapalooza music fest, then Paisley will be closer to her dream of a career in music and a ticket out of her small Texas town.

Drumming and music are what Paisley has always wanted. Until the band gets a new lead singer, the boy from Paradise, Texas. With Paradise in her life, what Paisley wants, and what she needs, complicate her dreams coming true.

I loved Paradise. Paisley was such an awesome character. She wanted to achieve so much and had so much charm and was very determined. I loved the sister relationship between Lacey and Paisley and that they had awesome relationship between each other. The boys in the Waylon Slider Band, all had their own personality and I loved every single one of these character. I really loved Gabe. He was so amazing. The romance between Paisley and Gabe was amazing and I loved them together. The plot of Paradise was fast and exciting and I was engrossed during the whole book. I loved the music aspect of the book and that the plot was amazing. I could not put this book down. Alexander's writing was fabulous and entertained me every single moment. If you like music or realistic fiction, you need to read this book like now. It is so amazing.

Books read in June 2011

79. Luminous by Dawn Metcalf

80. Crush Control by Jennifer Jabaley

81.Legend by Marie Lu

82. The Carrier of the Mark by Leigh Fallon

83. Haunting Violet by Alyxandra Harvey

84. The Babysitter Murders by Janet Ruth Young

85. Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins

86. Falling for Hamlet by Michelle Ray

87. The World We Live by Susan Beth Pfeffer

88. The Choosen by Sheenah Freitas

89. Inconvenient by Margie Gelbwasser

90. The Tale of Beedle the Bard by JK Rowling

Reviews posted from these books: 3 of these books so far, a few are planned to be posted later.
Books from Library: 0
Books for Review: 9
Books borrowed: 0
My Favorite: Lola! OMG, it wa perfect for the sequel to Anna!
My Least Favorite: None this month.
Debut Authors '11: 25 read 25 books left

Books I hope to read next month: Planning on All 7 HP and then focus on some of the ARCs I have to read for July and August.