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Sweethearts by Sara Zarr

03 Jan, 2010 by in once was lost, sara zarr, story of a girl, utah authors, YA fiction Leave a comment


Pub. Date: February 2008
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Format: Hardcover, 224pp
Age Range: Young Adult
ISBN: 0316014559

Synopsis
As children, Jennifer Harris and Cameron Quick were both social outcasts. They were also each other’s only friend. So when Cameron disappeared without warning, Jennifer thought she’d lost the one person who would ever understand her. Now in high school, Jennifer has been transformed. Known as Jenna, she is popular, happy, and dating—everything “Jennifer” couldn’t be. But she still can’t shake the memory of her long-lost friend.

When Cameron suddenly reappears, they both are confronted with memories of their shared past and the drastically different paths their lives have taken.

Sweethearts is a story about the power of memory, the bond of friendship, and the quiet resilience of our childhood hearts.

From Sara Zarr’s website :

Honors

•2008 Cybil Awards Finalist
•Oprah Book Club Kids Reading List
•American Library Association Best Book for Young Adults
•New York Public Library Book for the Teen Age
•Utah Book Award Finalist
•TX Tayshas Pick

Reviews

•“…dark and engrossing, thanks to Zarr’s full-bodied characters and creative storytelling.” – Publishers Weekly, starred review
•“Zarr’s writing is remarkable.” – Booklist, starred review
•“…subtle, beautifully written…” – VOYA, starred review
•“…an engrossing novel.” – The New York Times
•“…wistful prose and skillfully layered characters.” – The Horn Book

About the book:

The story of Jenna/Jennifer and Cameron was inspired by a friendship I had as a child with a boy, Mark, who came back into my life when we were both adults. When Mark and I got back in touch, I was surprised at what a strong bond we had despite having not seen nor heard from one another since third grade. I started asking myself—what if Mark and I had been reunited in high school? What if our lives had taken divergent paths? Would we still be loyal to each other, based on that childhood friendship, even if we wound up in different social circles and with different destinies? If so, why? What kinds of emotional and practical challenges would that bring? Though the details of what happened to Jennifer and Cameron were all made up, I did my best to be as emotionally truthful as I could with their story. I continue to be been blown away by reader response to this book, and how many people out there have Jennas and Camerons of their or their own.

I met Sara Zarr soon last month after completing her book “Once Was Lost” at the “Beautiful Creatures” release party. She was sitting on the couch and I knew no one else around, as our friend Brodi had not yet arrived. I went up and introduced myself in a Jennifer Harris moment of my own. I tried to spark up conversation about my opinions of her book and in the process made a complete fool of myself. Sara was down to earth and genuine. Meeting her made me want to read more of her work.

Sweethearts was so realistic and heart warming for me personally. Cameron Quick is the kind of friend you want for all of your life, despite his understandable walls and ability to disappear. I could relate to much of their life story which is I think why I was pulled completely into the pages. I finished it in 24 hours and it left an impression I am sure I won’t forget. Having worked for several years as a child protective service and foster care worker for the State, I see so many of Sara’s descriptions as real-life struggles for teens seeking independent living and seeking to break the cycles of their childhood.

Sara tackles every day issues in today’s world like abuse, single parent homes, popularity, school bullies, religion, compulsive eating, and teenage relationships. She leaves you hopeful that there are every day heroes and loves that endure the bounds of time and space. Five out of five stars for “Sweethearts.” I think it would be an excellent book to explore in the classroom.

Watch a fan made trailer on Youtube here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CM8gfCJUTMs

Fallen by Lauren Kate

01 Jan, 2010 by in paranormal YA fiction 1 comment


Excerpt From Goodreads: published December 8th 2009 by Delacorte Press

details: Hardcover, 452 pages

characters :Lucinda Price, Daniel Grigori

isbn: 0385738935 (isbn13: 9780385738934)

“There’s something achingly familiar about Daniel Grigori.

Mysterious and aloof, he captures Luce Price’s attention from the moment she sees him on her first day at the Sword & Cross boarding school in sultry Savannah, Georgia. He’s the one bright spot in a place where cell phones are forbidden, the other students are all screw-ups, and security cameras watch every move.

Even though Daniel wants nothing to do with Luce–and goes out of his way to make that very clear–she can’t let it go. Drawn to him like a moth to a flame, she has to find out what Daniel is so desperate to keep secret . . . even if it kills her.

Dangerously exciting and darkly romantic, Fallen is a page turning thriller and the ultimate love story.”

Once again I will start by saying I chose this book because of its cover. It is by far my favorite cover of the year, absolutely stunning in every way. Even the paper feels good in your hands while you are reading it!
The story itself is one I am going to have to wait for the sequel to decide on. The plot was slow moving and I kept waiting and waiting for Luce to find out, along with the rest of us what is really going on. I relished the descriptions of the old buildings on campus, the graveyard, the dreams and Daniel’s true self. And I have to say I kinda like Cam in a way. I like my bad guys bad and my good guys good, Luce and Daniel’s personalities seemed watered down to me. By the end of the book, I was hoping Luce could have found a way to be an active participant in her own story, rather than being afraid. I also hoped we would learn more about the shadows that keep haunting her and why they are there.
I prefer a stronger heroine, who can fight back , which I am hoping to see in the sequel. Luce and Daniel have a lot of catching up to do, which for me was wanting in this book. I really liked Penn and Arrianne’s role in the book and felt they were fleshed out more than Gabbe. This book was refreshing in that I think it is suitable for Young Adults. There was a little drinking and fighting, but all in all, the content was good. The Epilogue did leave me waiting for more, but this first book as a stand alone, I think merits a three out of five stars.
Here is the American book trailer http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jKfDmWHibUs

Twilight Thursday Giveaway

31 Dec, 2009 by in fire and ice, free stuff, giveaway, new moon, reelz channel, twilight moms, volvo, Webook Apparel 52 comments

Happy Twilight Thursday! We are in need of some followers, friends, feedback or a music video. So I am reaching into my personal Twilight swag stash from TwiCon, TwiTour and the New Moon Event and offering some goodies to you! Here’s the SWEET package.

  • A Twilight reusable shopping bag with handles

  • Handmade 200 page apple journal

  • A lampwork glass apple charm necklace

  • “Nessie” body lotion from Essence of Twilight

  • A Fire and Ice button

  • An Eternal Conflict CD and

  • A Reelz Channel Team Twilight T-Shirt

Here is how to enter:

+1 for leaving a comment below

+3 for following us on Twitter @FireIcePhotos

+3 for becoming a fan on Facebook at Fire and Ice (this also enters you to win a free item of your choice from the Etsy store)

+3 for old blog followers

+2 for new blog followers

+5 for a blog post on your site, send us the link

+3 for any photos submitted of us or you with our CD

+2 for a retweet on Twitter

+3 for commenting on one of our You Tube Videos (links are in the post below)

+10 for making us a music video. We have one unreleased song as well, email us if you want it

+5 for adding us as a friend on MySpace

+5 for making us a new blog button with script

+2 for a suggestion on how to get us back on tour with Twilight conventions and events!

+1 for leaving us your favorite quote from Eclipse

Total your points and leave them below

Good Luck! Contest ends January 15th, 2010 and is open to International entries.

Bella’s Waltz

31 Dec, 2009 by in fire and ice, michael martinez, New Jersey TwiTour, piano, Twi Con, twilight music Leave a comment

Our own Daniel Jackson of Fire and Ice has been working on a waltz piece for the Utah Ballroom Dancers. It is an adaptation of Bella’s Waltz from the Movie Twilight. Daniel is a super talented pianist and composer. Here is his newest piano version! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IDcUoNk074I

Let us know what you think of all of our music. Check it out on our MySpace page at www.myspace.com/eternalconflictmusic The CD is available for sale on the right sidebar and 10% of all album proceeds go to Autism Treatment.

and YouTube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8e0h05nIsrI
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X_OqG75VEZ0
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_7YdW-WnkD4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ryrti6cTQmY

Recent Media Coverage of Fire and Ice which includes Michael Martinez as Jacob, Daniel Jackson as Edward and Heather Gardner, Esme & Alice:

Fire and Ice performed live at the Official Twilight Convention in Parsipanny, New Jersey and the New Moon Event in Salt Lake City, Utah. Our hope is to earn enough money from CD sales or receive an endorsement for EyeCon to continue touring and making guest appearances.
Recently Daniel was interviewed by Twilight MOMS for a feature piece we are anxiously awaiting to see 🙂 We will be releasing another version of his song “Edward” later this week, so stay tuned and if you are interested in making a music video for us shoot over an email or DM!

WOW Clockwork Angel

30 Dec, 2009 by in mortal instruments 4 comments

Wing Charm Necklace http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=37000391

CLOCKWORK ANGEL by Cassandra Clare

Book Description
A new urban fantasy full of vampires, werewolves and shape-shifters from the bestselling author of The Mortal Instruments series

Product Description
London, 1878: Sixteen-year-old Tessa Gray’s priority should be finding her brother, not falling in love, especially with two boys. She is soon caught in a dangerous love triangle where a wrong decision could prove fatal. Tessa will need all her strength to save her brother and stay alive as she learns the chilling truth of what really lurks on London’s streets after dark.

CAN NOT WAIT for this book to come out from Cassandra Clare! Her books are amazing and even her websites pull you in with interaction, rich illustrations and beautiful covers. Here is her description of the new series:

How many books are there in The Infernal Devices trilogy?

There are three. The title of the trilogy itself is The Infernal Devices: the first book is called The Clockwork Angel, the second The Clockwork Prince, the third, the Clockwork Princess.

When will The Clockwork Angel be out?

September 7, 2010.

Here is Cassandra Clare’s website on the series http://theinfernaldevices.com/index3.html

What’s The Infernal Devices about?

The Infernal Devices is a series of prequels to The Mortal Instruments series, set in 19th century London. The story concerns 16-year-old orphan Tessa Gray, whose quiet life is thrown into turmoil when her older brother Nathaniel suddenly vanishes, leaving her alone. Her search for him leads her into Victorian-era London’s dangerous supernatural underworld, where warlocks throw masked balls for half-demon Downworlders. When Tessa discovers that she herself is a Downworlder, she must come to trust her natural enemies, the demon-killing Shadowhunters, if she ever wants to learn to control her powers and find her brother. Torn between the beautiful Will, a Shadowhunter who isn’t what he seems, and the devoted Jem, whose own deadly secret is slowly destroying him, Tessa must draw on all her strength to save her brother and keep herself alive in this deadly new world.

Ahhhh… why oh why to we have to wait for this book and City of Fallen Angels? In the mean time here are some fan made trailers for Cassandra’s other books in print.

City Of Bones

City of Ashes

City Of Glass

And enjoy some Jace inspired Fallen Archangel jewelry from my shop!

Facebook Fan Freebies

29 Dec, 2009 by in etsy, Heather Gardner Photography, TDD 5 comments

BC Inspired Family Tree Journal
Walnut tree Fuzzy Bark Journal


Tiny Purple Angel Earrings


Triple Purple Dark Divine Inspired Earrings

I have had a ton of fun this week making these new goodies. Send us your ideas.
What would you like to see in the shop? What book would you love jewelry for?
Leave your comments below.
Here’s how to enter this week’s freebie…
Post your favorite item # of any of the 180 items already listed in the Etsy store on our Facebook wall and you will be automatically entered to win that item. One entry per person.
Contest closes when we reach 250 fans on Facebook. Good luck!

Forest of Hands and Teeth

29 Dec, 2009 by in YA fiction Leave a comment


Publish Date: March 2009
Publisher: Random House Children’s Books
Format: Hardcover, 320pp
Age Young adult
ISBN: 0385736819

In Mary’s world there are simple truths. The Sisterhood always knows best. The Guardians will protect and serve. The Unconsecrated will never relent. And you must always mind the fence that surrounds the village; the fence that protects the village from the Forest of Hands and Teeth. But, slowly, Mary’s truths are failing her. She’s learning things she never wanted to know about the Sisterhood and its secrets, and the Guardians and their power, and about the Unconsecrated and their relentlessness. When the fence is breached and her world is thrown into chaos, she must choose between her village and her future—between the one she loves and the one who loves her. And she must face the truth about the Forest of Hands and Teeth. Could there be life outside a world surrounded in so much death?

Carrie Ryan lives in Charlotte, North Carolina. You can visit Carrie at http://www.carrieryan.com/.

I picked this book up at the library because of the cover (the title threw me off I must say.) Typically I avoid books with a lot of graphic imagery and violence, but got sucked in by all of the intrigue and secrets the Sisterhood were holding. For me, Mary’s world of zombies and isolation seemed doomed and ruled by other’s choices. The romance between her and Travis was beautiful at first and disappointing in the end.

I understand Mary’s need for independence and freedom, but her choices seemed selfish and put the ones she loves in danger. The ending left me sad, but I will read the sequel hoping it answers all of the questions left in my head. Overall, I would give it 3 and a half stars out of five. Very interesting and haunting, yet I found myself wanting Mary to make different choices, taking into consideration all that she lost.

TDD Giveaway Winners

29 Dec, 2009 by in Heather Gardner Photography, the Dark Divine 3 comments

Congratulations to our Dark Divine Giveaway winners! We made it to 50 blog followers and more, before the New Year.

First place is Vanessa/ iloverg.
Second place is Jennie Smith and
Our Third place winner is Savi/ vioLetskieZ (let me know what angel print you would like from the Etsy shop)

Thanks so much to all who entered 🙂 Winners have 48 hours to send us your address via email fireandice.heather@gmail.com or a new winner will be chosen.

Best Reads of 2009

28 Dec, 2009 by in maggie stiefvater, shiver, YA fiction 5 comments


I had challenged myself to read 100 books this year. I don’t think I will quite make it but I am close! It has been an adventure which our whole family has enjoyed. Hubby just finished an 800 page book called “The Undaunted” a couple of days ago. The kids are wracking up a wish list on Amazon. We have learned to love the library and Barnes and Noble now knows me by name.

Here are my top ten (okay… more) reads of this year.

•Lament: The Faerie Queen’s Deception (Books of Faerie, #1) Stiefvater, Maggie
•Ballad: The Gathering of Faerie (Books of Faerie, #2) Stiefvater, Maggie
•Shiver (The Wolves of Mercy Falls, #1) Stiefvater, Maggie…I can not wait for the release of the sequel, Linger
•Princess Academy Hale, Shannon
•Hush, Hush Fitzpatrick, Becca
•Fire Cashore, Kristin
•Austenland Hale, Shannon
•The Smile Napoli, Donna Jo
•The Hourglass Door Mangum, Lisa
•City of Glass (Mortal Instruments, #3) Clare, Cassandra
City of Ashes (Mortal Instruments, #2)
City of Bones (Mortal Instruments, #1)
•Uglies (Uglies, #1) Westerfeld, Scott
•A Child’s Journey out of Autism: One Family’s Story of Living in Hope and Finding a Cure Whiffen, Leeann
.The Dark Divine Despain, Bree

I asked all of my friends on Facebook what their favorite read of the year was and here is the list they came up with…

Kate-Barefoot…sad but good!
Kirsten- Catching Fire
Erin-Deadeye Dick
Amy-Ballad
Paula-The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society
Jennifer-Shiver!!
Michele-I had to look at my good reads – My Favorite non Fiction book was Boundaries. My Favorite Fiction – Pompeii by Robert Harris (a really easy read but I have been there so it was fun to really be able to visualize things)
Georgia-Shiver, Wintergirls, North of Beautiful, Poison Study… the list goes on 😉
Jeff-The Sword Of Shannara by Terry Brooks… ( read the trilogy)
Jasmine-Poison Study was AWESOME:)
Heidi-The Hunger games series!

If you are on Goodreads, let’s hook up and if you are a publisher, blog owner or author…please send me some ARCS so I don’t go broke! As my dad always says : “He who dies with the most books wins.”

TDD Giveaway

27 Dec, 2009 by in etsy, free stuff, the Dark Divine, YA fiction 79 comments

Allrighty, I have spent all weekend having fun with purple jewelry in celebration of the debut of Bree Depain’s Book “The Dark Divine” and now I am ready to give some away!

First prize: The Dark Divine Bauble Bracelet, a pair of purple earrings and a free Twilight Inspired CD from Eternal Conflict

Second Prize: The Dark Divine Inspired Purple Earrings and a button from Fire and Ice

Third Prize: An Angel Print 8×10 of your choice from our Etsy shop

+1 entry for leaving a comment on our blog
+3 entries for becoming a follower of our blog
+3 for following us on Twitter @FireIcePhotos
+3 for becoming a fan of us on facebook Fire and Ice
+2 for a retweet on twitter
+3 for reposting this on your blog, post the link in comments

Winners will be drawn and announced on January 1st, 2010 or before if we reach 50 blog followers. Good Luck! Leave your entry information below: