Review and Author Interview – Kay’sville

26 Oct, 2010 by in rhea jensen series, sheralyn pratt 2 comments

Kay’sVille
By Sheralyn Pratt
Rhea Jensen Series #4
Paperback, 224 pages
To Be Published December 7th, 2010
by Bonneville Books
ISBN 1599554259

First of all thanks so much to Sheralyn for sending me a sneak peek of book #4 in her Rhea Jensen series. Kay’sVille felt like a companion novel as it takes a completely different point of view than the rest of the Rhea Jensen series. It is told by Rhea’s best friend Kay and fills in the details of how they met and why they are who they are. Readers may be scratching their heads after book three wondering why Kay ditched her high powered reporting job in L.A. to follow Rhea to Utah. Kay’sville fills in those gaps. Kay is a strong willed, in your face type of girl with fashion sense and an attitude… but she hasn’t always been that way. I’ve always liked Kay and now I like her more. In Book 4 we learn what her roots are, and I think you’ll be surprised as I was. Her flashbacks of pre-college life were some of my favorite parts of the book. Dahl is her sidekick cop who helps her in reporting a story and solving a mystery. He is my other favorite part of Kay’sville. My favorite scene: I loved and laughed at Kay’s description of dating in Utah.

On the flipside Kay’s ville was really hard for me to read at Chapter 11 only because of a serious hazing which was committed and the details used to describe it. It was a little bit too much information and dark for me in spots. Sheralyn does a great job exploring realistically how the crime could alter the victim for life. She has reached out to readers on her blog to let them know that starting at book 4 the Rhea Jensen series is taking on heavier issues. Here’s what she had to say about the book in our interview.

Tell us how Kay’sville is different from the rest of the Rhea Jensen series? I guess the most obvious difference is Rhea’s not telling the story in this book. We’re hearing from her best friend, who is filling us in what Rhea chooses not to share. Also, this book is way more character driven. If there’s any “mystery” at all in this book, it’s solving the mystery of why Rhea and Kay are such good friends. There are other real mysteries/news stories, but we don’t see Rhea’s side of the process in this book, only what Kay deals with and why she’s so quick to crack the whip on Rhea.

What do you most want readers to learn about Rhea and Kay’s relationship? How would you describe their friendship? The term that comes to mind is “enmeshed.” If you step back an look, Rhea has exactly one female friend and only a few male friends. Rhea’s VERY slow to trust and let people into her life, and yet there Kay is, front and center. Rhea would die for Kay without blinking in hesitation. Kay would play human shield any day for Rhea, yet Rhea hasn’t really focused on their friendship as she’s told her side of the story, starting in Book 1. In “City of Angels” Rhea introduces Kay in such a casual way that it may not even seem like they’re actually friends. In book 2, you start to get that they have a history. By the time you read “City Limits” you’ve seen enough of Kay to start sensing that the history she and Rhea share isn’t all easy-breezy, which brings up to book 4, where Kay takes the metaphorical pen away from Rhea to write her own installment–thereby forcing Rhea to stop “protecting” her.

As for what I want people to learn… Hmmm, really this book is about how pivotal the right friends can be in our lives. There are times when the people around us profoundly impact our futures. Rhea would not be who she is without Kay, and vice versa–and they honor that about each other. I guess the power of that is one thing I wanted to share with readers.

What surprises do you think followers and fans are in for with Kay’sville? Surprises? Well, I think there are a few, some fun and some on the opposite end of the spectrum. I think one surprise will be how immensely human Kay is and learning where she started from, what her dreams were, and how hard she fought to get where she is. Telling Kay’s version of things was an intense process on my side. There were many times when I wanted to step in and change Kay’s story for her, but each time I was shut down. Kay’s a reporter. Getting the facts right is important to her. And the whole purpose of her stepping in to tell this part of the story is to make sure readers have the facts they need to understand what Rhea’s about to do in future books.

Describe how Kay came to you and what her character is like. Wow. That answer could go on for a while. The thing about Kay’s character that separated her from other characters I’ve “met” is how dissimilar we are. Straight out of the gate Kay did not like talking to me because we had nothing in common. It was like hanging out with a muse who had the attitude of, “I don’t see the point of talking to her. She doesn’t have a clue what I’m talking about.” And truthfully, she was right. When it came to everything Kay values, I had a zero IQ in the beginning. It was only when I started caring about what Kay cares about and putting in an effort to understand her world that Kay got a bit more chatty. I think that says a lot about her character. If you give Kay an inch, she’ll give you a mile. At least that how she’s been with both me and Rhea. When you show you care, she can’t help but bend over backwards for you. Until then, though, she might just shoot you the middle finger to see if she can scare you away.

Are there life lessons you hoped to portray in this book? Another loaded question. If there was one lesson this book illustrated deeply for me, it was the importance of not making snap judgments about others and their choices. Though it is a human tendency to be quick to judge and condemn, we really have no idea what people have been through and why they make the choices they do. We think we know better; we think we are smarter or more righteous, when really we’re all just doing the best that we can. Kay is. Rhea is. I am. You are. A lot of living is making things up as we go along, but the one consistent fact is that we’re all trying. No matter what our methods and their outcomes. We’re all giving it our best, and we only hurt each other and retard healing and growth when we judge and alienate others.

What do you have planned for the rest of the series? Well, the next 2 books are very much about how Rhea gets out of the “contract” she never knew she signed with The Fours. It’s not going to be an easy ride for Rhea, which is one of the reasons Kay stepped in on Book 4 to drop a few secrets. Also, Kay kind of does double-duty is raising the intensity bar for future books. There’s a lot of action and hard decisions coming up. If you like Book 4, you’ll love 5 & 6. If you find 4 a bit heavy for your taste, it might be a good cue that Rhea’s upcoming gauntlet may be a bit intense or your tastes as well.

How will the future books differ from the beginning of the series? Readers may notice that with each book, Rhea starts trusting readers with more and more information. She starts hiding less, the more time you spend with her. In the future of the series, readers can expect Rhea to take the metaphorical gloves off and be a straight shooter. After Kay spills the beans in Book 4 on a couple of things, there’s less for Rhea to dance around as far as keeping secrets. She’ll be able to reference things she tip-toed around before. That’s the number one way the books will differ in the future. At first Rhea wanted to keep things really light. She still wants to keep them as light as possible, but there will be times when it will be impossible. The pressure cooker around Rhea is about to develop a vice grip that will force Rhea to choose who she will be. She’ll have to make choices no one wants to make and live with the consequences. The days of simple little cases for rich clients are gone. From now on it’s not about money. It’s about who Rhea will become once she takes her life into her own hands and takes on her deepest fears… I just hope I’m up for the challenge telling the story right.

Thanks so much Sheralyn for the interview! To learn more about Sheralyn Pratt and her Rhea Jensen series, visit her website at http://www.sheralynpratt.com/

See our past related posts here:
City Of Angels review
Author Interview
Welcome To Stalk Lake City Review
Teaser From Idle Playgrounds

Review: The Road Show By Braden Bell

25 Oct, 2010 by in road show, utah authors 20 comments

Paperback: 128 pages
Publisher: Cedar Fort, Inc
Released : June 8, 2010
ISBN-10: 1599553562
5 stars

Scott Jenson hates everything he knows about road shows: cheap costumes, silly songs, and bad acting. Being asked to create a road show is his worst nightmare come true. Can flawed but talented artist create a piece of art that testifies of Jesus Christ? And is there any way that something so trivial can have a healing effect on the lives of five troubled souls? A pornography addict, a depressed young mother, a sick older woman, a lonely outcast, and a spiritually numb elder s quorum president are about to find out. Braden Bell gives a five-star performance with Road Show: Beauty for Ashes. With true-to-life characters, humorous situations, and tender realizations, this book is guaranteed to make you smile and applaud for more. The Road Show is the powerful story of five broken souls, contemporary Mormons struggling with familiar challenges–and their unlikely journey to ultimate healing and hope through the Savior’s Atonement.

This is one of those books I never would have picked up off of the shelves based on the title alone because I have to admit I’m not a big fan of roadshows. However, it is a far cry from corny or poorly written. The Roadshow introduces us to the lives of five contemporary LDS people and the trials they are dealing with: physical, emotional, and spiritual crosses that feel too heavy to bear.

I was impressed to see how Braden Bells tackles issues that many modern day Mormon people face but won’t publicly admit. Each character reveals their honest feelings through thoughts written in differing fonts through the book’s dialogue. Readers feel they are getting to know the true individuals behind the outer masks they wear.

As the plot progresses each character starts to change and more hopeful loving thoughts are whispered into their hearts. They experience a modern day miracle through their own works, after acting in a simple play portraying scenes from the Savior’s life.

I found myself in tears by the end of the book as a glimmer of absolute hope and peace was offered to those who sought answers. The Road Show teaches that miracles exist today and the atonement is accessible to any who reaches out and prays for help. It is beautifully written, short and concise with universal truths and artistic creativity. Thank you so much to Braden Bell and Cedar Fort Books for sending me a copy for review. To learn more about the author and view a trailer for the Road Show visit his website at http://www.bradenbell.com/

Comment below for your chance to win The Roadshow. Giveaway ends November 25, 2010.

Beautiful Darkness Signing at King’s English

22 Oct, 2010 by in margaret stohl, new YA fiction 52 comments

Last night was the final tour stop for YA authors Margaret Stohl and Kami Garcia’s Beautiful Darkness Book Tour at Utah Indie bookstore The King’s English. Kami and Margie were full of Southern Hospitality even though they herald from L.A.
If you want a good laugh, tune in and watch their previous blog T.V. coverage of the tour. They have fun bantering back & forth. (Frequently MStohl breaks into random song) Kami revealed she likes to think of new ways to kill off her characters, so you can bet not everyone survives the four book series. She is a Black Sabbath type of girl while Margaret prefers Glee.
The two have already planned out the entire series via grape smelly marker on a white board. Interestingly, the original idea for Beautiful Creatures came after hearing a group of teens complain about what they saw in YA fiction and what they wanted to see change.

YA contemp author Emily Wing Smith
hosted the first Q&A session and introduced her upcoming book
“Back When You Were Easier To Love” to be released April 28, 2010 by Dutton.

Brodi Ashton, author or the upcoming Ever’neath series mediated the Q&A speed round where questions were taken by blog TV participants online as well as live participants. In the audienc fieilding questions was Bree Despain, author of The Dark Divine.


Fellow Utah Book Bloggers Emily’s Reading Room were there with their Literati group.


I got to see some of my fun and favorite TwilightMOMS

Lisa- founder of Twilight MOMS, me, Jenny and Tara

and I spent my days before hand collecting meaningful junk for gift necklaces.


Here’s where you all come in…

Kami and Margaret were generous with their swag and we are giving some away. Our prize pack includes a Beautiful Darkness bookmark, a pin from the authors and one of my handmade necklaces.
Simply comment below to be entered to win.
Contest ends November 21, 201o and is open internationally.

Book Review- Beautiful Darkness

21 Oct, 2010 by in margaret stohl 2 comments

Hardcover, 512 pages
Published October 12th 2010 by Little Brown ISBN0316077054
series Caster Chronicles #2
4 stars

Ethan Wate used to think of Gatlin, the small Southern town he had always called home, as a place where nothing ever changed. Then he met mysterious newcomer Lena Duchannes, who revealed a secret world that had been hidden in plain sight all along. A Gatlin that harbored ancient secrets beneath its moss-covered oaks and cracked sidewalks. A Gatlin where a curse has marked Lena’s family of powerful supernaturals for generations. A Gatlin where impossible, magical, life-altering events happen.

Sometimes life-ending.

Together they can face anything Gatlin throws at them, but after suffering a tragic loss, Lena starts to pull away, keeping secrets that test their relationship. And now that Ethan’s eyes have been opened to the darker side of Gatlin, there’s no going back. Haunted by strange visions only he can see, Ethan is pulled deeper into his town’s tangled history and finds himself caught up in the dangerous network of underground passageways endlessly crisscrossing the South, where nothing is as it seems

First of all a special thanks to fellow Twilight MOM Laura for letting me borrow her advanced reading copy of Beautiful Darkness before its release. She’s the best! I enjoyed this installment even more that I did Beautiful Creatures, finished it almost two weeks ago and the story has really stuck with me.

Beautiful Darkness picks up with Lena in a tough place after the events that unfolded on the night of her 16th birthday. She’s grieving and trying to figure out where she stands…torn between the world of a light and dark caster. Book #2 of the Caster Chronicles has a much more angst feel as she explores her dark side.

Here’s what I loved about the book

-New boy character John Breed. I wish we could have learned more about him but I have a hunch he will be back in a big way in book #3.

-The rich world building that combines every day southern culture and caster underground. In this book you are introduced to tunnels laying under Gatlin and secret passageways into a whole other world. Picture The Wizard of Oz’ ish alternate reality.

-The background history behind who Ethan’s mother Lila was and how intertwined his family is with Lena’s. She is a strong female adult character who influences past and future.

-We see more of Ethan’s housekeeper Amma. She keeps popping up in random places during the story to save the day. She’s got some sass and know how to whip up a mean pie for the county faire.

-The detail in Kami and Margie’s writing. They pack so much information in there its hard to process it all. But wow, they’ve upped the anty in this book. Intelligent, beautiful rich passages make the story immersive.

On the flipside, it took me a while to get back into the groove after a year has lapsed since the first book Beautiful Creatures. I would recommend reading that one again before picking up #2. There are a lot of repeat characters and back history that would be difficult to understand without the prequel. The series definitely builds on itself.

My favorite scene: when Ethan finds Lena on her ceiling surrounded in her thoughts. For some reason is an image that stuck with me after I finished. She is dealing with so many complex emotions and her writing, doodling and dress portray outwardly what she is feeling on the inside.

My favorite thing overall about the series: all of the symbolism and objects they tie into the story. It makes the book more tangible and real.

I’ll be at the Beautiful Darkness signing tonight at Kings English Bookshop -7 PM. Stay tuned for photos and news. And if you are in Utah… stop by! Margie and Kami are so fun to meet in person. If you are some where else, catch live coverage via blog TV. See their website for details http://beautifulcreaturesthebook.com/

Review & Giveaway- Crescendo by Becca Fitzpatrick

19 Oct, 2010 by in simon schuster 49 comments

Hardcover, 427 pages
Published October 19th 2010
by Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing
series Hush, Hush #2
5 stars

Nora should have known her life was far from perfect. Despite starting a relationship with her guardian angel, Patch (who, title aside, can be described as anything but angelic), and surviving an attempt on her life, things are not looking up. Patch is starting to pull away, and Nora can’t figure out if it’s for her best interest or if his interest has shifted to her arch-enemy Marcie Millar. Not to mention that Nora is haunted by images of her father and she becomes obsessed with finding out what really happened to him that night he left for Portland and never came home.

The farther Nora delves into the mystery of her father’s death, the more she comes to question if her Nephilim blood line has something to do with it as well as why she seems to be in danger more than the average girl. Since Patch isn’t answering her questions and seems to be standing in her way, she has to start finding the answers on her own. Relying too heavily on the fact that she has a guardian angel puts Nora at risk again and again. But can she really count on Patch, or is he hiding secrets darker than she can even imagine?

First of all I have to thank FallenArchangel.com for giving me a sneak peek at the ARC of Crescendo….Which may I say was incredible! I stayed up way past my bedtime with my little night light the same day I got it in the mail and read the 400+pages in less than 24 hours. It’s one of those series you will not be able to put down once you start, and then you’ll be hooked on Patch like the rest of us.

The book picks up right after the last scene in Hush, Hush and Patch has been assigned as Nora’s guardian Angel. Their relationship is full-speed ahead. Enter visions of the murder of Nora’s father, Marcie Millar her arch nemesis and a childhood friend gone bad Scott Parnell. Things are about to get complicated. Suddenly Patch is hanging out with Marcie way more than normal, Nora is plagued by dreams of the past and her best friend Vee is dating Patch’s best friend Rixon.

What I love about Becca Fitzpatrick is that she adds so many twists and turns to the plot you have no idea who is good and who is bad. Crescendo fleshes out more of the history behind Nora’s family and the archangels. Readers spend the whole time trying to help unravel the mystery behind what really killed Nora’s dad and what in the world is going on! The ending is a literal roller coaster, action packed thrill ride. And when the dust settles and you think all is peaceful…think again.

GO GET THIS BOOK NOW! 5 stars to a heart stopping adventure with plenty of surprises. Happy Book Birthday Becca Fitzpatrick! Be sure to stop by The Story Siren today to see Becca reading a cookie leading up to her favorite scene.



Comment below for a chance to win one of 18 handmade Hush Hush/ Crescendo inspired items out of our etsy store. Click to view then pick your poison! Contest ends November 14, 2010 and is open internationally.

Rick Riordan Book Signing

19 Oct, 2010 by in rick riordan 1 comment


Last night The Kings English bookshop hosted a huge release party for Rick Riordan’s newest book The Lost Hero. It’s the first book in the middle grade Heroes of Olympus series, with the second scheduled to be released October 2011 (to read the first two chapters go here). Mr. Riordan plans on publishing a new book in one of his series every six months. The next book will be a new 39 Clues series to be published April 2010.


According to Publisher’s Weekly “Riordan told a group of media representatives during a conference call last week that he decided to write a second series about young demi-gods at Camp Half-Blood because he had so many more Greek and Roman myths he hadn’t been able to explore and twist into tales for modern-day readers in the first series. He also conceded that he wanted to “give Percy Jackson fans what they still want.” A “gods-eye-view” of the “worldwide party” for Heroes of Olympus at BookPeople. One book will be released each spring in his three-volume Kane Chronicles series for middle-grade readers, based on Egyptian mythology, and one book will be released each fall in the five-volume Heroes of Olympus series, which will mix Greek and Roman mythology. “

Mr. Riordan told fans last night that he retired from school teaching five years ago to write full-time and his characters are based on people he knows. One being a fifth grade math teacher he worked with, whom he later told. He took questions and answers from people in the crowd which filled the high school auditorium. Fire and Ice was fortunate enough to have a copy of The Lightening Thief signed for our blog followers. To enter to win fill out the form below.

Loading…

Author Interview Erin McCahan

18 Oct, 2010 by in Uncategorized 2 comments

Tell us about your book… I Now Pronounce You Someone Else
Contemporary YA
No vampires
Carries the following warning: This book contains parents.

Is there a sequel planned? Or any other books in the works?
No sequel, but I get e-mail from readers at least once a week asking me to write one, and I am indescribably grateful for the sentiment every single time. It really touches my heart that people like these characters so much that they want to read more about them.
And, yes, I have a second, unrelated book in the works, tentatively title KISSING MR. GLASER. Quick synopsis: Brainy 16-year-old Josie Sheridan falls in love with a guy who falls in love with Josie’s sister who is engaged to a man Josie hates. Now armed with all the ammunition she needs to prevent the wedding, Josie must determine how pure her motives are, where her loyalty lies and what this business of love is really all about.

Where did the idea for I Now Pronounce You Someone Else come from?
From the intersection of three separate ideas:
1. My happy fascination with weddings
2. My own alias – Phoebe Lilywhite
3. My regret at having never told my step-dad how much I loved him before he died.
So, put these three elements into the crucible that is my imagination and . . . poof! . . . instant novel. I’m just so glad it didn’t smell like rotten eggs!

Are any of Bronwen’s struggles ones you can identify with? What advice would you give to teens who can relate?
Yes, I struggle with Pathological Condiment Aversion, and my advice to anyone who suffers from this condition is to avoid all situations – especially picnics – where condiments may be placed on your sandwich without your permission or knowledge. Alternatively, just eat before you go.

Her parents struggle to relate and Jared seems to have the perfect family. What are the main differences between the two families?
Good mental health. I’m serious. Bronwen’s family is not mentally healthy. They’re not making tin-foil hats to deflect the mind-altering radio waves beamed at them from their neighbors’ satellite dish. They’re not that kind of crazy. But they’re still not a fully functional family. Jared’s family is.

What made you want to write about teenage marriage?
I don’t think I wrote about teenage marriage. I wrote about belonging and the universal desire for it. Marriage is merely the vehicle Bronwen chooses to find a place to fit in. In this case, she’s fitting in with a family she does not have.

How do you think the death of her father affected Bronwen and what helped her recover?
I can write this from experience. My father died when I was five months old, and my step-dad died when I was 21. The death of a loved one changes you permanently. You are never the same again. You can have joy, peace, love, good times, laughter, etc., but it’s all of a slightly different kind. It is now tinged, to ever varying degrees, with sadness or longing or sighing or tears or a nagging sense of incompleteness. The bad news is that this never goes away. The good news is that you learn to live with it.
In addition to this, children whose mother or father dies have a whole set of worries and fears and problems and experiences and perceptions that children whose parents live into old age will never know.
So Bronwen is changed by her father’s death in ways no one can fully understand unless they have experienced a similar loss. Talking about grief is what helps you heal from the rawness of it, and clearly Bronwen’s family does not do enough talking. She does, though, and she has friends like Kirsten to help her, and Jared’s a good listener for her, too.

What advice would you give to someone getting married?
To the Bride-to-Be: Only go through with this if you can honestly say you’d marry this particular guy without any of the “Big Wedding” accessories – no dress, no bridesmaids, no showers, no rehearsal dinner, no reception – just you, him and the presiding official of your choice.

To the Groom-to-Be: If you are about to marry a woman who gave you an ultimatum – If we’re not engaged by Christmas, we’re through – call it off! You just got bullied into marriage! Oh, and then back to the Bride-to-Be: If you can bully him to the altar, do you really want him?
Okay – I need to go into the pre-marital counseling business, because I have so much more to say to and about engaged couples. At the end of the session, instead of a grade or comments, couples will just get a YES or a NO from me.
Yes – get married and bless you both.
No – call it off, give the ring back and unfriend each other on Facebook. It’s over.
That will be $75 please.

How do you picture Bronwen and Jared if you were casting them?
As long as this isn’t turned into a musical, I would be happy with anyone in the parts.

Review- Blink Of An Eye by Gregg Luke

15 Oct, 2010 by in new fiction, psychological thriler, utah authors 8 comments

Paperback: 293 pages
Publisher: Covenant Communications

July 1, 2010
ISBN-10: 1608610268
4.5 stars
Childhood was a happy, carefree time for Joseph Ramirez. At least that’s how he remembered it. But after a near-fatal traffic accident leaves him with a crushed skull, he’s not so sure. Along with physical pain, Joseph now suffers recurring nightmares. And each night the heart-wrenching dreams grow increasingly vivid and graphic—to the point that he often cries out in anguish and remorse, revealing horrifying secrets kept hidden for twenty years. To complicate matters, a ruthless lawyer is challenging Joseph’s innocence in the traffic accident.

When defense attorney Michelle Haas comes to his aid, they discover they knew each other as children, and soon another forgotten experience comes into play—one that goes deeper than simple friendship. Together they struggle to answer Joseph’s unanswerable questions. Are Joseph’s night terrors actually repressed memories? Can his psychiatrist unravel the mystery behind his nightmares—including his hospital roommate’s claim that Joseph has confessed to murder? As the clock ticks down, Joseph realizes there’s only one way to uncover the truth about his family and himself—reliving a past he has unknowingly worked all his life to forget.

This is the first novel I have ever read by Gregg Luke and I have to admit I was impressed. Blink of an Eye is a medical/ psychological thriller that looks at the impact of traumatic brain injury on one man’s life. Joseph Ramirez leads an ordinary quiet life as a school teacher when he is involved in a car accident that alters his memory forever. Soon bits and pieces of his childhood begin into come back dreams and he learns that it was anything but ideal.

Gregg Luke unravels the page turning plot little by little in short well written chapters that leave you wanting to know more. The detail is incredible and I found the methods used by the psychologist sound and accurate. A lot of research and hard work went into describing the process of hypnotherapy and regression used by the psychiatrist working on Joseph’s case. Blink of An Eye is not for the faint of heart as it describes the abuse Joseph and his family were forced to endure. It tells a gripping story that could very well be many people’s reality who deal with domestic violence and child abuse daily in their homes. This is a hard one to put down once you have started. You’ll want to know exactly what did or did not happen to Joseph and what secrets lay in his past.

It’s one I likely will never forget since it brings to light many of the issues I worked with as a child protective service worker and domestic violence victim’s advocate. It’s a book that leaves an impression. To learn more about the author visit his website at http://greggluke.com/2201.html

Special thanks to author Gregg Luke for sending us a signed copy of Blink of An Eye for giveaway. To enter to win simply leave a comment below. Contest ends November 14, 2010 and is open to US residents age 16 and older.