Behind The Scenes of The Circle of Fire Trailer Part I

12 Aug, 2011 by in book trailer, Heather Gardner Photography, michelle zink 1 comment


Now that both Circle of Fire trailers are up I thought it would be fun to do a couple photography Friday posts on the behind the scenes work that went in to pulling it all together. Michelle Zink and I started working on putting together the book trailers back in January. Our first step was working on setting. Michelle wanted some forest shots, rolling green hills and pastures. Without giving away any spoilers for those who haven’t read the book yet, here’s the first scenic shot picked and released.


My next step was casting the four main characters of the book. One of my awesome author friends, Sheralyn Pratt referred me to a local talent agency KnightStarTalent where I found everyone expect for Alice. Our James brought her with him to the shoot.

Alice (Erin)

James (Dash)

Dimitri (Jon)

Lia (Analisa) photo courtesy Crave photography



Once the main four were cast I started collaborating with Michelle on costumes. She said. “Circle of Fire “is set in 1892. I try to counteract the Victorian prejudice by making all the Prophecy stuff pretty and just a little bit sexy.” My first trip to the local thrift store was for clothes for the extra characters in the book who would be in several of the scenes. I tried to find things with lace ribbons and taffeta, velour, high buttoned boots and embroidery.

I had a blast shopping and when we had a full set of costumes I did a test shoot with two of my neighbors plus the daughter of another local author Marie Higgins . She was kind enough to take some photos of me shooting and post them on her site.

And here’s some of my favorites I took away from our day.

Gareth (Hayden)



Our next shoot was a Masquerade Ball with the entire cast. My fellow photography friend Lesli Jenks Groves of Haven Rock Photography came along as a second and as Aunt Virginia. The masks added a dramatic effect that really fits the Victorian and Gothic moods. I used these galleries on Flickr as an inspiration for some of the shots.

Special thanks to Hailey Gardner for bringing several of her friends to fill in as Brigid and Helene, Ashley Dickman for playing Sonia, Katie Bowen for standing in as Luisa and Meg Kavanagh for playing Helene. All in all, we had 15 actors and models working on the set.

Be sure to stay tuned next Friday for part two of behind the scenes with Heather Gardner Photography and the making of the Circle of Fire trailers…much more about Dimitri and Lia plus Alice and James.

Book Review-My Girlfriend’s Boyfriend

11 Aug, 2011 by in Uncategorized Leave a comment

by Elodia Strain

Paperback , 224 pages

Published August 8, 2011

by Cedar Fort, Inc.

ISBN 9781599559056

Source: Publisher

4 stars

Unlucky-in-love Jesse finds herself thrown back into the dating game when she meets Ethan —a cute, struggling writer who seems perfect for her. Things get complicated fast, though, when only moments later she meets Troy—a confident, successful advertising exec who seems…just plain perfect. But everyone is keeping a secret, and Jesse soon learns that things aren’t always what they seem. My Girlfriend’s Boyfriend is a classic love story turned upside down, a romantic comedy that blends warm sincerity with fresh storytelling…and some big surprises.



If you’ve never read a book by Elodia Strain today is the day to go out and buy one. She is by far my favorite writer in the romantic comedy genre. I wasn’t quite sure what to expect from My Girlfriend’s Boyfriend because it was written based off of a movie that was released a year ago that I’ve never seen or heard of. But I picked it up knowing that I love Elodia’s sassy, hilarious writing. And then when curiosity got the best of me after I finished the book I had to rent the movie to compare notes.



I adore the changes Elodia made and the new characters she added to the written version. She made the story enough her own with a hilarious protagonist Jesse who tends to find herself in awkward situations. Recovering from a divorce, Jesse is not quite ready to throw herself back out there in the game of love-but with a little extra push from her coffee shop co-workers and her uncle she decides to take a few risks. Then within 24 hours, not one, but two eligible and swoon worthy men walk into her work and begin to vie for her attention.



Ethan, the starving writer and Troy the rich successful executive couldn’t be more different. Funny thing is that in the book I found myself rooting for one and in the movie the other…each have qualities that will attract both Jesse and readers. You’ll laugh out loud and be very surprised at the big twist in the end. I actually had to read the last chapter through twice just to make sure I’d read it right! I would highly recommend My Girlfriend’s Boyfriend as a squeaky clean and hilarious romance for all readers. It addresses honesty, trust, taking a chance on love and following your dreams. Well done once again Elodia!

About the Author: Originally from California, Elodia Strain has lived everywhere from Alaska to Washington to Pennsylvania, where My Girlfriend’s Boyfriend is set. She currently makes her home near Dallas, Texas, where she loves playing with her adorable nieces and nephews, swimming, and enjoying good Tex-Mex.

Elodia is also the author of The Icing on the Cake, for which she was named Best New Fiction Author by Cedar Fort, and Previously Engaged, which was a 2009 Whitney Award Finalist.

She can be found online at http://www.elodiastrain.com/.

Head on over to Goodreads between now and September 30th for your chance to win a copy of My Girlfriend’s Boyfriend from Cedar Fort publishing.

Giveaway Winners

10 Aug, 2011 by in Uncategorized 1 comment


Congrats to Hikari Black who won an ARC of The Game of Triumphs
to Aimee who won a copy of Perfect Token
Shery L Crouse who won a $25 gift certificate for our Etsy stores
Alicia Saechao who won an ARC of Crush Control and Norejka who won a Supernaturally inspired necklace.

Please email us to confirm your mailing address!
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Wolfsbane Blog Tour and Giveaway

09 Aug, 2011 by in nightshade, penguin, wolfsbane 57 comments

Fire and Ice is thrilled to be a part of the Wolfsbane Blog Tour hosted by Mundie Moms since Andrea Cremer is one of our favorite people. Here’s a bit about Wolfsbane her latest book in the Nightshade Series…

Hardcover, 390 pages

Published July 26th 2011

by Penguin Young Readers Group

ISBN 0399254838

series Nightshade #2

4 stars

When Calla Tor wakes up in the lair of the Searchers, her sworn enemies, she’s certain her days are numbered. But then the Searchers make her an offer—one that gives her the chance to destroy her former masters and save the pack—and the man—she left behind. Is Ren worth the price of her freedom? And will Shay stand by her side no matter what? Now in control of her own destiny, Calla must decide which battles are worth fighting and how many trials true love can endure and still survive.

Nightshade was at the top pf my top ten reads for 2010,so when I got an advanced copy unexpectedly in the mail of Wolfsbane I may have squealed *just a little.* What can I say other than that Andrea Cremer is one smart cookie?! First she created this amazing spin on wolf lore in her first book with the perfect love triangle. Then in the second installment, Wolfsbane, the readers are introduced to a whole new set of characters. Andrea adds layers upon layers of history, back story and twists of plot.

Wolfsbane picks up right where Nightshade left off. Many of the questions about the Keepers, Guardians and Searchers are answered from a very different point of view than Calla is used to. She and Shay are in enemy territory and are soon learning things are not as they once appeared. I would recommend readers have a concrete grasp of the difference between the three groups before plowing ahead. Wolfsbane has a whole lot of information power packed into those 400 pages. Teachers and book clubs may want to put together a vocabulary list with all the terms or a map of characters to keep things straight.

The thing I love about these book is that they are not a light fluffy read- they are deep and multi faceted as well as incredibly detailed. I fell in love with several of the pack members in book one and in book two I became attached to a couple of the Searchers. Connor kept me laughing with his snarky personality and I grew to love Adne for what we see in her during the last chapter. Be prepared for plenty of action, romance and witty sarcasm.

This is one of those reviews that is nearly impossible to write without spoilers. I will say I stand firmly as team Ren though he makes some really poor choices. Shay is just not my cup of tea with his possessive, jealous and pushy personality. If you loved Nightshade you will not be disappointed with book 2! Bloodrose, the final book, comes out in February. After reading the first chapter sneak peek I’m sure we are all on pins and needles. Click here to view content warnings.

To find out more about the series, read an excerpt, where to buy & more, visit the Nightshade book site. Follow the series on Facebook and read Andrea Cremer’s blog here. See the author giving an introduction to Wolfsbane on YouTube here. Penguin has graciously provided a set of the series for EACH blog on the tour to giveaway. So be sure to head over to Mundie Moms for a full list of all the blogs participating. Thanks so much to MM’s, Andrea Cremer and Penguin for including our blog on the tour!


Here at Fire and Ice we are giving away a paperback copy of Nightshade and a hardcover of Wolfsbane. This is for US residents only and ends August 16, 2011. Simply comment below to enter! Be sure your profile includes your email address where you’d like to be contacted if you win.

Forever ARC Giveaway

04 Aug, 2011 by in Uncategorized 80 comments

Forever
by Maggie Stiefvater
Hardcover, 386 pages
Published July 12th 2011
by Scholastic Press
ISBN 0545259088

The thrilling conclusion to #1 bestselling Shiver trilogy from Maggie Stievater

In Maggie Stiefvater’s SHIVER, Grace and Sam found each other. In LINGER, they fought to be together. Now, in FOREVER, the stakes are even higher than before. Wolves are being hunted. Lives are being threatened. And love is harder and harder to hold on to as death comes closing in.

Trailer:

Fire and Ice is giving away another advanced reading copy of Forever to our readers! To enter to win simply comment below. Giveaway ends on August 30, 2011. Open Internationally.

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Circle of Fire Trailer Unveil

03 Aug, 2011 by in book trailer, Heather Gardner Photography, michelle zink Leave a comment


A Very Happy Book Birthday to
Circle of Fire
Prophecy of the Sisters #3
by Michelle Zink
Hardcover, 352 pages
Published August 3, 2011
by Little Brown and Company
ISBN0316034460

With time dwindling but her will to end the Prophecy stronger than ever, Lia sets out on a journey to find the remaining keys, locate the missing pages of the Prophecy, and convince her sister Alice to help–or risk her life trying. Lia has her beloved Dimitri by her side, but Alice has James, the man who once loved her sister–and maybe still does. James doesn’t know the truth about either sister, or the prophecy that divides them. And Alice intends to keep it that way.There are some secrets sisters aren’t meant to share. Because when they do, it destroys them. This stunning conclusion to Michelle Zink’s Prophecy of the Sisters trilogy will make saying good-bye bittersweet for readers

I have been waiting forever for this release so I can finally unveil the custom photos I took for author Michelle Zink. So without further ado…

Here’s the trailer

Head on over to my site at Heather Gardner Photography for a look at all the photos taken for Circle of Fire .

Then be sure to stop by Michelle Zink’s site .

Special thanks to Michelle and her family for all of their hard work and for letting me have so much fun with some amazing models and wardrobes!

Happy Release Day Giveaway- Between

02 Aug, 2011 by in book giveaway, walker 13 comments

Between
by Jessica Warman
447 pages
Published August 2nd 2011
by Walker Childrens
ISBN 0802721826

Elizabeth Valchar — pretty, popular and rich — wakes up the morning after her 18th birthday on the yacht where she’d been celebrating with her closest friends. A persistent thumping noise has roused her. When she goes to investigate, she finds her own drowned body is hitting the side of the boat. Liz is dead. She has no memory of what happened to her, and can only observe in horror the fallout of her death.

She’s also soon joined by Alex Berg, a quiet boy from her high school who was killed by a hit-and-run driver. The two keep each other company, floating in and out of memories and trying to piece together the details of what happened to each of them.

In her regular life, Liz was a runner. It wasn’t abnormal for her to run 8-10 miles per day. But as memories from closer to her death begin to surface, Liz finds that she’d been running much more than normal, and that she’d all but stopped eating. Liz’s mother, who died when Liz was nine, had battled with anorexia as well, and those around her worried that Liz was following in her mother’s footsteps. But something more sinister was consuming Liz from the inside out…

JESSICA WARMAN is also the author of Breathless, which received three starred reviews and was an ALA Best Book for Young Adults, and Where the Truth Lies. The idea for Between came from an incident in her childhood, when a local boy went missing after a party on a yacht (he was eventually found, alive). Visit her online at www.jessicawarman.com

To celebrate the book birthday of Between Fire and Ice is giving away one advanced reading copy to our readers. Fill out this form to enter. Must be 16 or older with a US mailing address.

Book Review- The Iron Knight by Julie Kagawa

01 Aug, 2011 by in netgalley, YA book reviews 4 comments

Paperback, 304 pages
Expected publication: October 25th 2011
by Harlequin Teen
ISBN 0373210361
series: Iron Fey #4
source: Netgalley
4.5 stars

Ash, former prince of the Winter Court, gave up everything. His title, his home, even his vow of loyalty. All for a girl… and all for nothing.

Unless he can earn a soul.

To cold, emotionless faery prince Ash, love was a weakness for mortals and fools. His own love had died a horrible death, killing any gentler feelings the Winter prince might have had. Or so he thought.

Then Meghan Chase—a half human, half fey slip of a girl— smashed through his barricades, binding him to her irrevocably with his oath to be her knight. And when all of Faery nearly fell to the Iron fey, she severed their bond to save his life. Meghan is now the Iron Queen, ruler of a realm where no Winter or Summer fey can survive.

With the (unwelcome) company of his archrival, Summer Court prankster Puck, and the infuriating cait sith Grimalkin, Ash begins a journey he is bound to see through to its end— a quest to find a way to honor his solemn vow to stand by Meghan’s side.

To survive in the Iron realm, Ash must have a soul and a mortal body. But the tests he must face to earn these things are impossible. At least, no one has ever passed to tell the tale.

And then Ash learns something that changes everything. A truth that turns reality upside down, challenges his darkest beliefs and shows him that, sometimes, it takes more than courage to make the ultimate sacrifice.

Once again Julie Kagawa absolutely blows me away with her masterful storytelling. She takes myth and fairytales of old and mixes in characters of her own creation then sets them in a world only she could build. Everything feels so real and vivid. In this final bookend to the Iron Fey series, Ash is out to keep his promise to be with Meghan forever. He must find his way from the Never Never to the River of Dreams to The End of The World and The Testing Grounds then face his demons and ghosts of the past. His quest begins with Puck and Grim and along the way several new characters are added in. Ones the reader will never guess!

It took me a while to get used to hearing the story from Ash’s perspective instead of through Meghan’s voice but I enjoyed seeing a whole new side to Ash. He must face the dark side of who he once was and his biggest fears that come with a soul. The Iron Knight explored the importance of keeping stories alive and atoning for past mistakes as well as the power of loyalty and love. Each character is forced to make some tough decisions.

I’m sad to see the ending of one of my favorite stories but am happy Julie has announced two new series. She never ceases to amaze me. Thanks so much to Net Galley and Harlequin Teen for a wonderful journey through the forest with the fey, red caps, the big bad wolf and even Baba Yaga. I can guarantee Ash, Puck and Meghan will long live on in readers’ imaginations!

J Scott Savage’s Exciting News & A Giveaway

29 Jul, 2011 by in Heather Gardner Photography 7 comments

Local author J. Scott Savage made a very exciting announcement yesterday…

“My middle grade horror series, The Grimville Case Files had sold! Here’s the listing from Publishers Weekly:

Andrew Harwell at HarperCollins Children’s Books has bought a new middle grade series, The Grimville Case Files. It stars three monster-obsessed boys who must solve “fiendishly funny” mysteries; the first in the series is scheduled for publication in spring 2013. Michael Bourret at Dystel and Goderich Literary Management brokered a three-book deal for North American rights.

“My editor is the totally cool Andrew Harwell who you can follow on twitter at @andrewasalways. My agent is the rocking Michael Bourret of Dystel and Goderich. The first book in the series comes out Winter of 2013. It’s called Zombie Kid, and it may be the funniest and scariest book I’ve ever written.”

Congratulations Jeff!!

Here’s some photos I took of him at one of his signings and us with two of his other titles…

About this author:
J. Scott Savage has been creating stories for as long as he can remember. He lives at the mouth of a canyon where morning and evening winds keep the air clear and blue—along with blowing over patio tables, trees, basketball stands, and the occasional small child. He has a wonderful wife who has stuck with him for more than twenty years, four great children, a spastic border collie, and possibly three or four fish. (The pond is still frozen, so he isn’t quite sure.)

Scott has held too many jobs to count, including: a mall Santa, French chef, CEO of a dot com, plumber, radio station talk show host, and the guy who sits in the little photo developing booth. He has completed one marathon and hopes to complete another when the memories finally fade away. He loves reading, writing, camping, playing games with his family, and especially hearing from and meeting his readers. To e-mail him or schedule a visit, come to his website http://www.jscottsavage.com/


To celebrate Jeff’s news Fire and Ice is giving away a hardback copy of the first book in his Far World series

Far World Water Keep
Hardcover, 413 pages
Published September 12th 2008
by Shadow Mountain
ISBN 159038962X
http://www.readfarworld.com/

Other people may see thirteen-year-old Marcus Kanenas as an outcast and a nobody, but he sees himself as a survivor and a dreamer. In fact, his favorite dream is of a world far away, a world where magic is as common as air, where animals tell jokes, and where trees beg people to pick their fruit. He even has a name for this place-Farworld.

When Marcus magically travels to Farworld, he meets Kyja, a girl without magic in a world where spells, charms, and potions are everywhere, and Master Therapass, a master wizard who has kept a secret hidden for thirteen years, a secret that could change the fate of two worlds.

But the Dark Circle has learned of Master Therapass’s secret and their evil influence and power are growing. Farworld’s only hope is for Marcus and Kyja to find the mythical Elements-water, land, air, and fire-and convince them to open a drift between the worlds.

As Kyja and Marcus travel to Water Keep, they must face the worst the evil Dark Circle can throw at them-Summoners, who can command the living and the dead; Unmakers, invisible creatures that can destroy both body and soul; and dark mages known as Thrathkin S’Bae.
Along the way, Marcus and Kyja will discover the truth about their own heritage, strength of their friendship, and the depths of their unique powers.

Enter to win by filling out this form. Giveaway ends August 29, 2011 and is open to US residents.