Pieces of Paris by G.G. Vandagriff

28 Sep, 2010 by in pieces of paris, Shadow Mountain 23 comments

320 pages
To Be Published October 13th 2010
by Shadow Mountain Publishing
ISBN 1606418386

Is it possible to forget who you once were?

Annalisse and Dennis seem to be living the American dream until Annalisse’s secret past threatens to destroy their family. This skillfully crafted novel from Whitney Award winner G. G. Vandagriff explores the long-term effects of personal tragedy in haunting flashbacks of Annalisse’s former life–flashbacks that are interwoven with a passionate romance to reveal a person entirely different from the woman Dennis thought he had married. But as Annalisse struggles with long-buried memories, Dennis’s investigation of a toxic waste incident ignites the wrath of a former political ally and an industrial firm that will go to any lengths to cover up a shocking crime. Can Annalisse reconcile her turbulent past with her present life before it’s too late? And can Dennis find a way to save his family and the town they’ve called home?

This is the first book I have read by G.G. Vandagriff though I’ve met her briefly a couple of times at Authorpalooza events. So first off, special thanks to her and Shadow Mountain for letting me take a sneak peek at her newest novel for women.

Told through the eyes of a married couple and from two alternate points of view, Pieces of Paris opens with Annalisse, a woman in her twenties, living on a farm in the Ozarks. She is pregnant with her second child and suddenly finds herself being haunted by the past. Her stable life with husband Dennis, a local lawyer, begins to crumble as she can’t shake memories that come in the way of flashbacks. Meanwhile, Dennis is battling with a case which stirs up controversy and puts their family in danger. His lifelong dream of an escape to Eden and a peaceful life are threatened by Annalisse’s sudden change in behavior and the hot bed of unrest in his town. The two of them pull apart for the first time as a couple and both begin to wonder if their marriage is not at all what they wanted or expected. Can Annalisse salvage the passion and talent she once felt without losing herself to the past? Can Dennis love her as she really is?

Pieces of Paris does a masterful job of weaving a captivating story with real life issues like manic depression and the true definition of love. It’s a book that is likely to evoke strong emotions for anyone with experience with mental illness or PTSD. She pushes buttons on some hot topics: racism and environmental clean up as well as small town politics. The book has some very tough and graphic moments as Annalisse learns she has to move through the pain or her past in order to overcome it. However, in the end the overall message is one of hope and finding a center that can’t be lost. It was evident from the detail in Pieces of Paris that Ms. Vandagriff is a highly intelligent, cultured person with a deep knowledge of psychology. (We’re excited to interview her soon!) 25 years in the making, Pieces of Paris is a glimpse of her talent. Visit her website at http://ggvandagriffblog.com/ to learn about her other published works and upcoming events.

Leave a comment below for a chance to win a Paris necklace from our shop.

Giveaway ends October 28, 2010 and is open internationally.

Infinite Week Contest Winners

28 Sep, 2010 by in contest winners, rebecca maizel 1 comment

Congrats to @lunitaBere for winning our Infinite Blues Art Print http://fireandicereads.com/2010/08/infinite-blues-art.html

and Chas for winning the I Love Wickham scrabble tile pendant
http://fireandicereads.com/2010/08/wickham-scrabble-tile-pendant.html

Please email us your mailing addresses and we will send out your prizes. Today is the last day to enter to win our Infinite Days inspired necklace made in collaboration with author Rebbecca Maizel. Good Luck!

Betsy Red Hoodie by Gail Carson Levine

27 Sep, 2010 by in scott nash Leave a comment

Hardcover, 40 pages
Published September 1st 2010
by HarperCollins
ISBN 0061468703
4 stars

Betsy is finally old enough to take cupcakes to Grandma all by herself—with the company of her faithful sheep, of course. And although wolves aren’t good for grandmas, Betsy lets her best friend, Zimmo, come along too. But will Zimmo’s wolfish instincts make Grandma the tasty treat instead?

In her second picture book starring the feisty young shepherd Betsy, Newbery Honor author Gail Carson Levine teams up once again with Scott Nash to put a hilarious twist on an old favorite. This reimagining of Little Red Riding Hood is sure to delight readers from little lambs to cupcake-loving grandmas.

Today’s Mom’s Monday featured book is a recent release from the author of Ella Enchanted. The first thing that drew me into this book was the quality of illustration done by Scott Nash. I am a fan of anything Little Red Riding Hood. The detail in depictions of the sheep and animals make an especially beautiful read. The pictures blend old fairy tales elements with modern day retro images. Little Red is wearing a hoodie sweatshirt, Farmer Woolsey is driving a very styling yellow classic convertible and Betsy’s mom owns a hip bakery complete with cupcakes.

I tested Betsy Red Hoodie out on three of my kiddos ages 2-6 and their consensus was a thumbs up. Favorite scenes were the sheep sliding down the hill and the big two page illustration of Zimmo the wolf running through the forest. Adults will enjoy the fun conversation bubbles between sheep. The book is written as a story book for young children but definitely has elements to pull in older readers. Overall, a fun colorful read looking at how Grandma has adapted since almost being eaten by a wolf.

To learn more about Gail Carson Levine visit her site at www.gailcarsonlevine.com and be sure to check out Scott Nash’s fun website at http://www.scottnash.com/

The Lost Saint by Bree Despain

25 Sep, 2010 by in the lost saint 34 comments

Hardcover, 384 pages
To Be Published
December 28th 2010
by EgmontUSA
ISBN 1606840584
series The Dark Divine #2

*contains spoilers for those who have never read The Dark Divine*

Grace Divine made the ultimate sacrifice to cure Daniel Kalbi. She was infected with the werewolf curse while trying to save him, and lost her beloved brother in the process. When Grace receives a haunting phone call from Jude, she knows what she must do. She must become a Hound of Heaven. Desperate to find Jude, Grace befriends Talbot—a newcomer to town who promises her that he can help her be a hero. But as the two grow closer, the wolf grows in Grace, and her relationship with Daniel is put in danger—in more ways than one. Unaware of the dark path she is walking, Grace begins to give into the wolf inside of her—not realizing that an enemy has returned and a deadly trap is about to be sprung.

Last year I read the Dark Divine and was introduced into the world of Bree Despain which inspired me to create a ton of jewelry, make 10 blog posts and follow her around to several signings to learn more. I dare say I fell in love with the music playlist, the amazing cover and Daniel. This year we saw the ARC for The Lost Saint up for auction at the Writing for Charity event and yearned to read number two in the series. So, I have to thank Jennie B and EgmontUSA for sending the uncorrected bound proof. You guys rock!

The Lost Saint picks up as Grace has just lost her brother Jude since he bit her and infected her with the curse of the wolf. Grace’s mom is in a deep depression and the household is in chaos as her dad is scouring the country for signs of Jude. He hopes to bring their Prodigal Son back home to the fold. Their town Rose Crest is steeping with a rash of crime with no evidence of who could have created such destruction other than the old Markham Street Monster. The first few chapters things are beautiful between them. I fell in love with their chemistry in The Dark Divine. But soon things start to grow a little complicated. Here’s where I should say that I am not a patient reader so sequels are sometimes harder for me to read. (I was not much a fan of New Moon in the Twilight series) Transition and change are rocky. The Lost Saint also felt a titch darker in parts than The Dark Divine as Grace is battling her choices. You’ll see a whole new side to everyone you are familiar with.

My favorite part of the book…loads of new characters! Grace meets the new hot man in flannel, Talbot. You will love him. Majorly swoon worthy and a hunk of man. He is my favorite new character of the series. The fun part as well, characters you may recognize! That’s right… bloggers make cameo appearances in the book. Super cool. Katie Summers (KatieB) from Mundie Moms, blogger Debbie CranberryFries and Stacey C from PageTurners Blog all are in there. As well, there are lots of other names I didn’t personally recognize, but many of you may be able to pick them out. We can’t give away much more because this is an action packed novel and we have to save you all from spoilers. I dare say followers of Bree won’t be disappointed.

Congrats to the author on her movie deal for the Dark Divine! That is super exciting news and she deserves it. To learn more about Bree Despain visit her website. See our review for the Dark Divine here and read a teaser from the Lost Saint here
Comment below for a chance to win one item of your choice from the Bree Despain or Wolf collections on Etsy. Let us know what you’d like to win! Giveaway ends October 24, 2010 and is open internationally.

Novel Novice Infinite Days Contest

23 Sep, 2010 by in giveaway, novel novice, rebecca maizel Leave a comment

Check out Novel Novice’s site today for a chance to win a $20 gift card toward any item in our Etsy shops as part of the Infinite Days Book of The Month contest. Thanks for spotlighting us. Congratulations to Jennie Smith who won our vintage onyx ring giveaway. Today is the last day to enter to win the Rebecca Maizel Infinite Week Pixie Dust necklace. Enter on our right sidebar and good luck!

WOW- Tempestuous by Lesley Livingston

22 Sep, 2010 by in tempestuous, waiting on 3 comments


To Be Published January 7th 2011
by HarperCollins Canada

Our Waiting On Wednesday is Tempestuous by Lesley Livingston. I’ve been on the look out for more information about this book, but so far have only found the cover art. Lesley is one of my favorite authors because she combines all of my favorite fantasy creatures into one series. You get leprechauns, fairies, wolves and magical beings along with beautiful and poetic writing. Can’t wait for this one!

To learn more about the series and watch book trailers, see our past reviews of Wondrous Strange and Darklight
or visit Leley’s blog at http://lesleylivingston.blogspot.com/

Swoon At Your Own Risk by Sydney Salter

21 Sep, 2010 by in book review, swoon at your own risk, sydney salter, YA contemporary 2 comments

Paperback, 356 pages
Published April 5th 2010
by Graphia
ISBN0152066497
4.5 stars

Boy crazy no more?
You’d think Polly Martin would have all the answers when it comes to love—after all, her grandmother is the famous syndicated advice columnist Miss Swoon. But after a junior year full of dating disasters, Polly has sworn off boys. Now she’s just trying to survive her summer job at Wild Waves Western-themed water park (under the supervision of ex #3, Sawyer Holmes) and focus on herself for once. So Polly is happy when she finds out Grandma is moving in for the summer—think of all the great advice she’ll get.

But Miss Swoon turns out to be a man-crazy sexagenarian! How can Polly stop herself from falling for Xander Cooper, the suddenly hot skateboarder who keeps showing up at Wild Waves, when Grandma is picking up guys at the bookstore and flirting with the dishwasher repairman? And why, despite her best intentions, does Polly keep letting boys get in the way of her relationship with her best friend, Jane?

No advice column in the world can prepare Polly for what happens when Jane persuades her to go on a group camping trip with three too many ex-boyfriends and the tempting Xander. Polly is forced to face her feelings and figure out if she can be in love—and still be herself.

Every once in a while I come across a book that just clicks for me. This was one of those books. Sydney Salter is a local Utah author I met at Authorpalooza on Saturday and picked up a signed copy of her book. I sat down to read it and less than 24 hours later was done with a smile on my face. Swoon At Your Own Risk is a light, fun read that in my opinion is perfect for teens. Polly, the main heroine is looking for a little bit of distraction from her not-so-perfect life and tries out quite a few relationships back to back. Things get a little confusing when she is forced to work with her ex-boyfriend Sawyer at the local water park. Add a few more ex’es in the mix along with her neighbor Xander and you have one interesting summer.

As Polly becomes the main topic of her co-worker gossipy blog, she has to try to figure out who she is and what she really wants. Will she be plastic Polly with a fake smile and lots of jokes, or the real person who is hurting? Meanwhile Polly’s Mom is working at the local burger joint and her dad has forgotten she exists. Along comes Xander, someone Polly has known since elementary school, but boy has he changed….gotta say I love Xander. He is the yin to her yang, and brings her right to where she needs to be. Who wouldn’t want a friend who writes prose, plays ball with your little sister and folds you paper cranes? My favorite scenes with the two of them…cliff diving and a party where he shoes up with another girl to make Polly jealous. Swoon At Your Own Risk will keep you chuckling, yet it still addresses issues that so many teens today face: finding yourself, healing after a parent’ divorce, and being a true friend. Truly it was such a fun read, that I will definitely read Sydney Salter’s other books.

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News and Affiliates

21 Sep, 2010 by in contest winners, etsy, Heather Gardner Photography 2 comments

Congrats to @RoseCBR @Caitlingss @FrutiTutti and @RainyDay Reads who won signed Sydney Salter bookmarks on twitter yesterday. Follow us @FireIcePhotos for twitter exclusive photos and giveaways.

Avalonne83 from Podova, Italy is our winner of Rhode’s Black Onyx ringhttp://fireandicereads.com/2010/08/black-onyx-ring-giveaway.html Please email us your mailing addresses.

Welcome to our newest affiliate Once Upon a Twilight! Follow them on tiwtter @TwilightsDance and check out their blog at http://www.onceuponatwilight.com/

And in photography news three of Heather photo’s made Etsy Treasuries this week.

I’m So Berry Happy from Pajazzled

Angel Soft by Orly My Light
It’s Natural , It Is collection from Memories 1303

Utah Author Event- Authorpalooza 2010

20 Sep, 2010 by in utah authors 21 comments

Saturday was the huge Authorpalooza event at Barnes and Noble for over 40 Utah authors. What a blast…treats, book signings and readings. My kiddos thought it was Halloween with all the cupcakes, candy and freebies! Special thanks to Kristyn Crow and Sharlee Glenn for reading to them. Here’s a list of the authors we got to meet:

Jessica Day George –Princess of Glass

Becky Hall–Morris and Buddy

Heather Justesen– Rebound -Read our review of Rebound here

Sheralyn Pratt –Rhea Jensen Series -Read our interview with Sheralyn here

Dene Low– Petronella Saves Nearly Everyone -YA Historical fiction

Kristen Landon– The Limit -YA Dystopian

Nancy J. Miles–In Good Taste -Family History Cookbook

Steve Gashler– The Bent Sword

GG Vandagriff–Pieces of Paris -NEW Fiction

Rachael Renee Anderson– Luck of the Draw

Frank L.Cole –Hashbrown Winters – See our author spotlight here

Heather Horrocks –How To Stuff a Wild Zucchini -See our book review here

Sydney Salter –Swoon At Your Own Risk – YA Fiction…currently reading now!

Lisa Mangum– The Hourglass Door- See our reviews for books one and two in her series

Marilyn Bunderson– The Mark -see our review here and book based photo gallery here

Dragon Lance The New Adventures

Chef Shawn Bucher –The First timer’s Cookbook

Sterling B. Nixon– The Sea Kings of Rome
Berin Stephens –The Dragon War relic

Alan Bellows– Damn Interesting

Terri Ferran –Having Hope

Dan Wells Mr. Monster
Aubrey Mace -My Fairy Grandmother- see our book review here and author interview here

Ronda Gibb Hinrichsen –Trapped-see our book spotlight here and author interview here

Brandon Sanderson –Wheel of Time

Alicia Buck– Flecks of Gold- YA fiction, currently reading

Camille Funk–Cooking for One
Emily Wing Smith–The Way He Lived-Contemporary YA fiction- see our book review here
Jillayne Clements –The Diet Rebel’s Cookbook & Deadly Treasure
John Brown–Servant of a Dark God
Kristen Chandler–Wolves, Boys and Other Things that Might Kill Me- YA fiction- bought this book, review coming soon
Kristyn Crow –Cool Daddy Rat-see our author interview here

Mettie Ivie Harrison– The Princess and the Bear
Nathan Hale –Rapunzel’s Revenge–see their launch party coverage here
Nichole Giles –The Sharp Edge of a Knife-see our review here
Sharlee Glenn –Just What Mama Needs
Stephen Gashler–The Bent Sword
Wendy Paul–101 Gourmet Cupcakes

We are giving away author signed bookmarks. To enter to win: simply comment below with the book or author which interests you most. Contest Ends October 20, 2010 and is open internationally.