Interview with Heather Davis

Heather Davis is the amazing author of The Clearing and Never Cry Werewolf. She is a fellow Washingtonian, born and raised here. She has been writing since she was very young and has been a finalist for the Golden Heart award several times. Heather is also a co-founder of http://www.booksboysbuzz.com/ a popular teen fiction blog she shares with five other YA authors. Visit her at http://www.heatherdavisbooks.com/. This is my second interview with her. I hope you enjoy it.

1. The main character Amy was abused by her ex-boyfriend. What inspired you to incorporate it into The Clearing?
It’s a pretty common experience for a lot of women and girls. I wanted to show that you can survive emotional, mental, and physical abuse. It’s important to know that you can regain your strength, and that you deserve better. You are special.
2. Your main character travels back into the 1940's. What time periods would you want to travel to the most?
I think the 1940s have always interested me. I’ll pick them, and for fun, how about the years between the first world wars -- if I can live in Paris with James Joyce and Gertrude Stein.
3. Both of your books take place in the pacific northwest. What is your favorite thing about that setting?
I think there is a mystical quality about the Pacific Northwest. We have foggy shorelines, mossy forests, and remote, snowy mountains. Who knows what happens in all of those hidden places? I’m constantly inspired by this landscape.
4. What fictional character in any book can you relate to the most?
I always liked Jo March in Little Women. She wrote stories first to entertain her family of sisters (like me) and then used them to gain a little independence.
5. What are some of your favorite books?
That’s no fair, Sarah! There are way too many. I have special love for The Book Thief by Markus Zusak and recently, I loved Need, by Carrie Jones.
6. What do you think is your largest influence, while writing?
My family and my experiences in life. I think I bring a lot of real-life emotion to my stories, even if they are fantastical.
7. Is there anything that you would like to add?
Just that I am really grateful to you for doing this interview and posting your reviews. Thanks for being such an amazing supporter of YA, Sarah!

The Clearing by Heather Davis

Rating:

Characters: 18/20

Plot: 19/20

Originality: 18/20

Writing: 18/20

Recommendation: 20/20

Overall: 93/100 or A

Source: Author

Amy is a recovering from an abusive relationship. She moves in with her Aunt Mae. Now she is near the Cascade Mountains, where she can escape from her past in Seattle. There is a strange clearing in the back of her aunt's property. It is covered with thick mist and it seems that the clearing doesn't want anyone entering it. She understands when she makes an amazing discovery. Henry is a boy from 1944 and he is trapped in an endless summer. Amy finds a refuge with Henry and his world and she begins to learn that some moments are worth savoring. But when the past and present come crashing together, both of them must find the courage to face what is meant to be, even if it means losing each other forever.

I enjoyed this book so much. Davis wrote The Clearing as a book that switched point of views. Amy was an amazing character. She had a hard past with an abusive boyfriend that was a total jerk and at her old school has horrible friends that ended up to be untrustworthy. Then she meets Henry, who is a complete sweetheart. Their relationship seemed to be realistic. I loved how they started out as friends and became something more and it seemed so honest and true. The plot was basically Amy and Henry's life, even though that may seem boring. It was actually was really interesting and fun. I found the loves from other decades idea to be fun and really original. Davis is an amazing writer that created a great book that I loved. I highly recommend this book, it was so fun to read and easy to connect with.

Never Cry Werewolf Contest

My blogoversary is in two days. So there are going to be five contest this week, with some awesome books. Today's giveaway is Never Cry Werewolf by Heather Davis. Here is what it is about:
Moonlight can totally change your life.
And it all starts so simply.
You. Him.
The moon.
You're toast.
Okay, so maybe Shelby has made a few mistakes with boys lately (how was she supposed to know Wes had "borrowed" that Porsche?). But her stepmother totally overreacts when she catches Shelby in a post-curfew kiss with a hot senior: Suddenly Shelby's summer plans are on the shelf, and she's being packed off to brat camp. It's good-bye, prom dress; hello, hiking boots.
Things start looking up, though, when Shelby meets fellow camper (and son of a rock star) Austin Bridges III. But soon she realizes there's more to Austin than crush material—his family has a dark secret, and he wants Shelby's help guarding it. Shelby knows that she really shouldn't be getting tangled up with another bad boy . . . but who is she to turn her back on a guy in need, especially such a good-looking one? One thing's for sure: That pesky full moon is about to get her into trouble all over again.
To enter the contest: How would you react if someone you like turned out to be a werewolf?
Extra entries:
1. New or Current follower. +5
2. Re-post it in any social network or blog. +3 each
3. +1 for each referral and +1 on being referred.
This Contest is open till September 21st at midnight. International is okay, just indicate it, because only two of the prizes can go to international winners.

Never Cry Werewolf by Heather Davis

Rating:
Characters: 19/20
Plot: 18/20
Originality: 19/20
Writing: 20/20
Recommendation: 19/20
Overall: 95/100 or A
Shelby has had one too many broken curfews. So, her stepmother Priscella convinces Shelby's dad that Brat Camp is exactly what is needed to make her follow their rules. She meets Austin Bridges III, who is the son of a infamous rock star and has a darling British accent. Shelby realizes that there is more to Austin then just a pretty face. He has a family secret that could ruin his family. Shelby knows that bad boys cause trouble, but Austin needs help to keep his secret and the only ways that can happen is by running away from camp.
Shelby was really down to earth and caring towards Austin. Austin was sweet, like when he gave Shelby, some gummy bears to cheer her up. The plot was cute and fun to read. It was a very different take on a werewolf book. Heather Davis did a great job describing the scenery and the characters. It was an amazing debut and I loved it. It comes out, September 1st, 2009.