Touching Sky by Stephanie Boyd~ CD Review and $25 Giveaway

16 Feb, 2014 by in Uncategorized 1 comment

Touching Sky

Touching Sky

With a fresh and energizing sound, Stephanie Boyd’s debut album Touching Sky will put a smile on your face and a skip in your step. Unique lyrics, heartfelt vocals and top quality production will inspire and uplift you. With brand new original songs and a novel take on some favorite hymns, this CD will stay with you every day of the week.

Review

Stephanie Boyd’s debut CD offers a mix between artists Hilary Weeks and Mindy Gledhill. Her contemporary Christian sound has uplifting, clean lyrics and mixes that hold appeal for both teens and adults. I loved hearing Scatter Sunshine, a popular hymn accented by folk undertones as well as a sax. We listened to Touching Sky on repeat play during a road trip and found each time we heard the songs we enjoyed them and found familiar nuances in the melodies that blend church music with popular tunes you would find on your radio stations.

The message through out the playlist is one of confidence in who you are– a child of God. One of my favorite picks from the album, Good for the Soul reminds us to take time out to be quiet and still. This is a great music pick as a gift for music lovers and the tween or teen in your family. Thanks so much to Stephanie and Deseret Book for helping us add another wonderful CD to our family playlist.

Amazon * Google Play * iTunes * Deseret Book

 

Music Video

StephanieAbout Stephanie

Growing up in New York, Stephanie was drawn to the power of music from a young age. While she was originally trained in classical singing, Stephanie always gravitated towards more upbeat and modern music. With her debut album, Touching Sky, Stephanie combines her love of traditional messages with fresh music. Since moving to Utah, Stephanie has worked closely with well-known artists including Jenny Phillips, Tyler Castleton, and Michael McLean. She was also featured soloist with Sally DeFord. She has a master’s degree in environmental science she and her husband have enjoyed building and selling businesses together. Stephanie is married with four children (and one on the way!) and likes to read, garden, run and bake fun birthday cakes.

 

Website * Facebook * Twitter * Pinterest * Instagram

 

Blog Tour Giveaway

$25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash

Ends 3/9/14

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Divider

Porcelain Keys by Sarah Beard Blog Tour and Giveaway

14 Feb, 2014 by in blog tour, cedar fort, sarah beard 2 comments

porcelain_keys
Porcelain Keys FULL SIZE RGB-x-small

Aria’s life is full of secrets–secrets about her mother’s death, her father’s cruelty, and her dream to go to Juilliard. When Aria meets Thomas, he draws out her secrets, captures her heart, and gives her the courage to defy her father. But when tragedy strikes and Thomas disappears, Aria is left alone to transform her broken heart’s melody into something beautiful. Porcelain Keys is a captivating love story that will resonate long after the last page is turned.

Reviews

“Emotionally rich, elegant description, beloved characters–Sarah Beard delivers a fresh, new novel that will go on my list of classics.” –Stephanie Fowers, author of With a Kiss.

“Aria is a heroine worth rooting for, and the plot is an emotional melody that weaves a pell so potent, it can only be broken by reaching the end. And even then, I couldn’t stop thinking about Aria and her story.” –Heather Frost, author of The Seers Trilogy

“Emotionally gripping, this beautifully crafted young adult romance will pull at readers’ heartstrings from tragic beginning to happy ending. A must-read for fans of contemporary romance, both young and seasoned. ” –Julie Ford, author of Replacing Gentry

“Porcelain Keys is a fresh, heart-wrenching take on boy-meets-girl. Using fantastic and musical imagery to tell the poignant love story of Aria and Thomas, the author leads the reader to a swelling crescendo as if we’re part of the song—and what a beautiful song it is.” –Cindy C. Bennett, author or Geek Girl and Rapunzel Untangled

“A lyrical love story that will leave your heart singing. Porcelain Keys is a masterpiece with emotional depth, young love, and family angst. Beard takes us on a journey of self-discovery, second chances, and ultimately, sweet resolution.” –Heather Ostler, author of The Siren’s Secret

Guest Post for Valentine’s Day

Someone recently asked me in an interview who would be a good romantic match for my main character, Aria, if Thomas Ashby wasn’t around. Well, since I’ve spent a lot of time lately reflecting on my favorite fictional heroes, and since it’s Valentine’s day, I thought I’d share some of them with you here. In no particular order, I present to you:

Five Men That Aren’t Real But Should Be:

1) Sean Kendrick from The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater
The man knows how to handle a horse. But not just any horse. Monstrous, man-eating horses from the sea. He is a man of few words, but his mind is constantly turning. He has incredible work ethic and integrity. And he loves Kate Connolly so much he’s willing to risk the prize he’s wanted his entire life in order to protect her and give her a chance to win it for herself.

2) Edward Cullen from Twilight by Stephenie Meyer
I’m sorry about this. But really I’m not. Really I’m flabbergasted that so many women’s hearts have turned cold (no pun intended) toward Mr. Perfect-Marbled-Sparkly-Boy. The very same women who pushed their Twilight hardback into their friends’ hands and emphatically cried, “Read it!” are the ones who are now too embarrassed to admit they were once a member of the rabid club called Team Edward. I mean, I get that people are over it. Honestly, I’m finally over my vampire crush too. Really. Maybe. But I have yet to find another male character who has made me swoon as much. He’s dreamy. He’s fast and strong. He can read anyone’s mind, but all he cares about is what’s on Bella’s mind. He respects her virtue, and his self-control is out of this world—a quality that is seriously underrated in today’s world.

3) Mr. Edward Rochester from Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte.

He’s cranky. He’s brooding. And realistically, a crank does not make a good companion. But few men have as good a reason to be a grump as Mr. Rochester. I won’t give the reasons here, in case you haven’t read it (seriously though—why haven’t you read it?!). However, underneath all that petulance is a man who yearns for love and redemption. In that broad and tormented chest of his, beats a heart that is capable of kindness, generosity, and selfless, passionate love.

4) Philip Wyndham from Edenbrooke by Julianne Donaldson
Smiling eyes + teasing grin + cravat = One fetching regency fellow. Philip’s keen sense of humor perfectly complements his noble character. His charisma and charm know no bounds, and neither does his love for Marianne Daventry. And that letter. Oh, that letter! (Read it and you’ll know exactly what I’m talking about).

5) Thomas Ashby from Porcelain Keys
It’s a no-brainer that one of my favorite fictional heroes is one I created. Sometimes people ask me if I base my characters off of real people. The short answer to that question is “no.” There may have been people who sparked an idea for a character, but any writer will tell you that characters have a way of taking on a life of their own. Such was the case with Thomas. He started out as a composite of all the good traits I’ve observed in men—in my life, in literature, or in movies. In other words, he started out as a patchwork character. But as I wrote his and Aria’s story, his true character emerged, and all his seams smoothed out.

So who is Thomas Ashby?

Thomas is both an artist and an intellectual, a modern-day da Vinci, if you will (though on a much smaller scale). He creates beautiful art pieces with melted wax, then turns around and reads The Feynman Lectures on Physics—for fun. He is studious and introspective, and much too hard on himself. He is restless, but good at hiding it.
He’s perceptive, and sees things in Aria that others don’t. He knows she’s hurting and holding things in—things she’s afraid to express—but he’s patient with her. He waits for her to open up instead of demanding answers. And at the same time, he withholds his own secrets for fear that they’ll add to Aria’s hardships. He is carrying great burdens, but he never shows it. And at one point, he can’t carry them anymore, and he buckles.

Thomas adores Aria and wants nothing more than for her to be happy. He goes to great lengths to help her achieve her dreams and opens doors for her, figuratively and literally. He is not perfect, but he is just what Aria needs.

Author BioSarahBpic1cropXsmall

SARAH BEARD is the author of Porcelain Keys, a YA contemporary romance. She has a degree in communications from the University of Utah and splits her time between writing and raising three energetic boys. She is a cancer survivor and a hopeless romantic. She enjoys reading and composing music, and lives with her husband and children in Salt Lake City, Utah. You can follow Sarah on twitter at @authorsarahb, or at facebook.com/authorsarahbeard. Her website is www.sarahbeard.com.

Giveaway

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Divider

Anomoly Cover Reveal and Giveaway

13 Feb, 2014 by in Cover Reveal- 2 comments

 Tonya Kuper and Entangled Teen are revealing the cover for ANOMALY, releasing in November 4, 2014!

Check out the awesome cover and enter to win an eARC!

 On to the reveal…

 

About the Book

Title: ANOMALY (Schrodinger’s Consortium #1)
Author: Tonya Kuper
Publisher: Entangled Teen
Pub. Date: November 4, 2014
Pages: 400

Find it: Goodreads/ Amazon

What if the world isn’t what we think?

What if reality is only an illusion?

What if you were one of the few who could control it?

Yeah, Josie Harper didn’t believe it, either, until strange things started happening. And when this hot guy tried to kidnap her, shouting about ultimate observers and pushing and consortiums hell-bent on controlling the world… Well, that’s when things got real. Now Josie’s got it bad for a boy who weakens her every time he’s near and a world of enemies on
her tail who want to control her gift, so yeah, she’s going to need more than just her wits if she hopes to survive much longer.

Einstein never saw this coming…

About TonyaTonya

YA scifi author of ANOMALY, out 11/14, Entangled Teen. Represented by Nicole Resciniti. Contributor at yastands.blogspot.com & allthewritenotes.com. Music freak. Chocolate addict.

Website/Twitter/Facebook/Goodreads

Giveaway Details

1 eARC of ANOMALY-  International

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Divider

Scintillate Blog Tour and Giveaway

12 Feb, 2014 by in blog tour, book giveaway, Uncategorized 1 comment

scintillate_banner

Fire and Ice is so excited to have author Tracy Clark here today as part of the Scintillate tour hosted by Rock Star Book Tours!

About the Book

COVERTitle: SCINTILLATE
Author: Tracy Clark
Publisher: Entangled Teen
Pages: 304
Pub. Date: February 4, 2014

Find it: Goodreads/ Amazon/ Barnes & Noble

A mighty flame follows a tiny spark Cora Sandoval’s mother disappeared when she was five and they were living in Ireland. Since then, her dad has been more than overprotective, and Cora is beginning to chafe under his confines. But even more troubling is the colorful light she suddenly sees around people. Everyone, that is, except herself—instead, she glows a brilliant, sparkling silver.

As she realizes the danger associated with these strange auras, Cora is inexplicably drawn to Finn, a gorgeous Irish exchange student who makes her feel safe. Their attraction is instant, magnetic, and primal—but her father disapproves, and Finn’s mother orders him home to Ireland upon hearing he’s fallen in love. After a fight with her father, Cora flees to Ireland, both to follow Finn and to look for her missing mother.

There she meets another silver-haloed person and discovers the meaning of her newfound powers and their role in a conspiracy spanning centuries—one that could change mankind forever…and end her life.

Author Q & A

Do you have a playlist for your book?

I have to write in silence, mostly because I love lyrics and will find myself listening to the words of the songs rather than the words in my own head. But there are a few songs that I would listen to before I wrote a scene to get in the mood.

Top ten books you’ve ever read?

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

The Alchemist by Paolo Coelho

Daughter of Smoke and Bone Trilogy by Laini Taylor

The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Sáenz

The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz

I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou

The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky

Sorta Like a Rock Star by Matthew Quick

The Infernal Devices series by Cassie Clare

Favorite treat when writing?

Lately, I’ve been addicted to those dark chocolate covered pomegranate balls of goodness. I

don’t even know what’s really under the chocolate and I don’t care. When I need salt, it’s chips

and salsa all the way.

Highlight of your writing career thus far?

Had this question been posed a couple of months ago, I’d say that getting “the call” with a book offer was the highlight. Or even having drinks at one table with Jay Asher, Laurie Halse

Anderson and Stephen Chbosky during a conference in August. But honestly, recent reviews from actual readers saying they LOVED the book and couldn’t put it down and that it made them feel, that’s really my dream come true.

What do you do when you are in-between books?

I feel like being a writer is such a big part of who I am, that it would be odd to have long periods of downtime. I’ve always tried to start something new immediately after finishing another project. As I get busier, I see the importance of having fallow seasons where you let your mind rest a bit, even if a “season” is just a few days! (See, I’m addicted.) I realized that as we head into 2014, that I’ll be writing book 3, editing book 2, promoting SCINTILLATE and working on an unrelated project I’m really excited about. It’s a YA psychological thriller.

Where is your favorite place to read/write?

I am so easily distracted that I can’t write or read very well in public places. I find myself too drawn to people-watching and eavesdropping. Inspiration is everywhere! I love to write in my home office and read in bed.

Please tell us in one sentence only, why we should read your book.

Read SCINTILLATE to immerse yourself in the mystical play of energy between people, and to discover the mysterious secret that’s been kept from Cora and the rest of humanity.

If you could jump in to a book, and live in that world, which would it be?

Harry Potter, hands down. Camp Hogwarts, anyone?

What was your favorite book when you were a child/teen?

Rumor has it that I taught myself to read. I remember loving to escape into books from a very early age. As a small child, I had a book called Timmy Mouse that I adored. I still have it! From there, I recall reading Disney versions of classics like Robin Hood and Cinderella. Judy Blume books were definitely part of my growing up! As a teen, I must admit to being a Flowers in the Attic fan. Then, my love of metaphysics! That was the phase of reading about reincarnation, auras, and energy, which inspired much of SCINTILLATE.

About Tracyunnamed (1)

Tracy Clark is a young-adult writer because she believes teens deserve to know how much they matter and that regardless of what they’re going through, they aren’t alone. In other words, she writes books for her teen self.

She grew up a “Valley Girl” in Southern California but now lives in her home state of Nevada, in a small town at the base of the Sierra Foothills. Her two children teach her the art of distraction and are a continuous source of great dialogue. She’s an unapologetic dog person who is currently owned by a cat.

Tracy was the recipient of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) Work in Progress Grant. A two-time participant in the prestigious Nevada SCBWI Mentor Program where she was lucky enough to be mentored by bestselling author, Ellen Hopkins, who taught her so much about the art of writing and cured her of her ellipsis addiction.

Her debut novel was inspired by her enchantment with metaphysics as a teen, seeing it as the real magic in life. Tracy is a part-time college student, a private pilot, and an irredeemable dreamer.

Website/Blog/Twitter/Facebook/Goodreads

Giveaway Detailsnecklace_giveaway

1 Prize pack of a key necklace and a signed copy of Scintillate. US ONLY
3 paperbacks of Scintillate US Only.
3 eBooks of Scintillate International.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

Divider

In Tune by Gerald N. Lund Blog Tour

10 Feb, 2014 by in Uncategorized Leave a comment

I received this book for free from Deseret Book in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

In Tune by Gerald N. Lund Blog Tour

In Tune

by Gerald N. Lund
on December 1st 2013
Pages: 182
Format: Hardcover
five-stars
Source: Deseret Book
Buy the Book • Goodreads
In The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we are all teachers. Not only do we have a glorious mandate to "teach all nations" the gospel (Matthew 28:19), we also have numerous charges to "teach one another the doctrine of the kingdom" (D&C 88:77). In formal and informal settings, as parents or leaders or friends, we are constantly teaching and learning.

Not only has the Lord commanded us to teach, but He has taught us what we are to teach and how we are to do it: diligently and by the power of the Spirit. But how do we know if we're "doing it right"? What signs can we watch for that the Spirit is actually present in a teaching setting?

In this insightful companion volume to Hearing the Voice of the Lord, bestselling author Gerald N. Lund brings his decades of experience working in the Church Educational System to the topic of teaching and learning by the Spirit. He discusses common misconceptions, important questions we should ask about our teaching, and the role of the Holy Ghost in the process.

"The Lord has given the responsibility to save His children to teachers," writes Elder Lund. "The charge is clear. It is specific. It is inspiring. And, gratefully, the Lord blesses us greatly when we strive to carry out His will."

As a mother and teacher, I am always looking for ways to better carry the message I’m teaching to the hearts of those I love and In Tune by Gerald N. Lund has the answers. He describes the roles and methods of the Holy Ghost, the best way to both teach and preach, and how to edify those around us. His simple but deep written message is punctuated by scripture and stories that clarify each point.

In particular I loved the myths he dispels about how we know when we’ve taught and been taught by the Spirit. This is one of those books I think each church instructor and any person trying to better understand the role of the Holy Ghost should read. I’m thrilled Deseret Book gave me such a valuable tool to help me be a more humble and more wise Relief Society instructor. I will be using In Tune often for ready reference. My favorite quote…

Please notice how the power of the Spirit carries the message unto but not necessarily into the heart. A teacher can explain, demonstrate, persuade, and testify, and do so much with great spiritual power and effectiveness. Ultimately, however, the content of a message and the witness of the Holy Ghost penetrate into the heart only if a receiver allows them to enter.” – David A. Bednar, Seek Learning By Faith as quoted on page 43 of In Tune: The Role of the Spirit in Teaching and Learning by Gerald N. Lund.

heatherAbout the Author

Elder Gerald N. Lund received his B.A. and M.S. degrees in sociology from Brigham Young University. He also did extensive graduate work in New Testament studies at Pepperdine University in Los Angeles, California, and studies Hebrew at the University of Judaism in Hollywood, California.

During his thirty-five years in the Church Educational System, the author served as a seminary teacher, an institute teacher and director, a curriculum writer, director of college curriculum, and zone administrator. His Church callings have included serving as stake president, bishop, and teacher. Elder Lund served as a member of the Second Quorum of the Seventy from 2002 to 2008.

Elder Lund is a prolific author; his novels include the Work and the Glory series, the Kingdom and the Crown trilogy, Fire of the Covenant, and The Undaunted. He has also written several books on gospel topics, including Hearing the Voice of the Lord and Divine Signatures.

He and his wife, Lynn, are the parents of seven children.

Divider

Photography Friday ~Peek Into My Postbox

07 Feb, 2014 by in Uncategorized Leave a comment

peek_into_my_postboxIt’s been a couple of weeks since I’ve posted either of these memes and though today it would be fun to roll them together! I’ve had some super fun book mail lately.

If you want to keep up with my  daily post deliveries, I post frequently on instagram and Tumblr.  All  photos taken with an iphone 5C and are copyright Heather Gardner Photography.

 

Peek into My Postbox #12

PIP12

Broken Hearts, Fences, and Other Things to Mend

Lynn Weingarten’sThe Secret Sisterhood of Heartbreakers [Hardcover]2011

The Book of Love

How to Love

The Beginning of Everything

No One Else Can Have You

Pop Art: Decorating and Shaping Custom Cake Pops

PIP13Peek Into My Postbox #13

Touching Sky

Fates

Be with Me: A Novel (Wait for You)

Cragbridge Hall, Volume 2: The Avatar Battle

Day of Defense: Positive Talking Points for the Latter Days

Longing for Home, Book 2: Hope Springs

In Tune: The Role of the Spirit in Teaching and Learning

Reverently, Quietly: Sacrament Meeting Activity Book

HungryHungry

smasherSmasher

TIme Out Collection

Habits of Happiness

Making it Through the Middle

Everything I Need to Know, I Learned at Home

Living in the Eleventh Hour: Preparing for the Glorious Return of the Savior

 

Thanks to all the publishers and authors who make Peek Into My Postbox possible! Children’s and Middle Grade titles will be reviewed on our sister site Little Red Reads.

What’s in your postbox? Link up your IMM, PIP, Stacking the Shelves and similar meme posts below!



Divider

The Third Daughter by Susan Kaye Quinn Book Blast and Giveaway

06 Feb, 2014 by in Uncategorized Leave a comment

Third daughterThird Daughter by Susan Kaye Quinn

Skyships, saber duels, and lots of royal intrigue… and, of course, kissing.

The Third Daughter of the Queen wants her birthday to arrive so she’ll be free to marry for love, but rumors of a new flying weapon may force her to accept a barbarian prince’s proposal for a peace-brokering marriage. Desperate to marry the charming courtesan she loves, Aniri agrees to the prince’s proposal as a subterfuge in order to spy on him, find the weapon, and hopefully avoid both war and an arranged marriage to a man she does not love.

Third Daughter is the first book in the The Dharian Affairs Trilogy (Third Daughter, Second Daughter, First Daughter). This steampunk-goes-to-Bollywood (Bollypunk!) romance that takes place in an east-Indian-flavored alternate world filled with skyships, saber duels, and lots of royal intrigue. And, of course, kissing.

From the author of the bestselling Mindjack Trilogy, The Dharian Affairs is a new series filled with equal doses of action-adventure and romance, meant to appeal to fans of Mindjack.

NOMINATED for the Illinois Librarian’s “Soon to be Famous Author Project” wherein librarians hope to discover local authors whose “work will jump off the page for readers.”

“Third Daughter is vividly breathtaking. Quinn delivers royal intrigue, exotic locations, and sweeping romance. Not to be missed!” – Pavarti K. Tyler, author of Shadow on the Wall

“Susan Kaye Quinn writes characters that leap off the page… Incredibly well written, the vivid setting was crisp in my mind… As the plot raced on, I was cursing real life for not letting me just sit glued to my kindle, punching the touch screen to get to the next page.” – Tiffany on Goodreads

Amazon * Barnes & Noble * Kobo * Book Depository

Excerpt

A lone two-wheeled surrey ambled out of the shadows of the Samirian embassy and headed toward her dark corner of the Queen’s estate. Aniri held her breath and silently cursed the full two-moon night. If the carriage came much closer, the occupants would surely see her clinging to the side of the palace like a spider on her thread.

The six-hooved beast pulling the surrey slowed as it neared the giant stone statue of Devkasera. The mother goddess of ancient Dharia loomed larger-than-life, threatening the carriage with a sword and a scroll—the powers of destruction and creation—clasped in two of her six hands. The Queen loved the ancient traditions, so the goddess held a place of respect in the middle of the palace lawns. Aniri preferred the clean streets and steam-driven inventions of modern Dharia to the unwashed feet and mystic religion of her country’s past, but that didn’t stop her from sending a silent prayer to Devkasera—for invisibility for herself or perhaps a sudden loss of sight by the persons in the carriage.

Third Daughter Tour

Tour Schedule

susan quinnAuthor Susan Kaye Quinn

Susan Kaye Quinn is the author of the bestselling Mindjack Trilogy, which is young adult science fiction. The Dharian Affairs trilogy is her excuse to dress up in corsets and fight with swords. She also has a dark-and-gritty SF serial called The Debt Collector and a middle grade fantasy called Faery Swap. It’s possible she’s easily distracted. She always has more speculative fiction fun in the works. You can find out what she’s up to by subscribing to her newsletter (hint: new subscribers get a free short story!) or by stopping by her blog (www.susankayequinn.com).

Website * Facebook * Twitter * Pinterest * Goodreads

BookBlast Giveaway

$50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash

Ends 3/14/14

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Divider

ARC Review: Broken Hearts, Fences, and Other Things to Mend

05 Feb, 2014 by in book review, Uncategorized, YA contemporary, YA fiction 2 comments

I received this book for free from Feiwel and Friends in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

ARC Review: Broken Hearts, Fences, and Other Things to Mend

Broken Hearts, Fences, and Other Things to Mend

by Katie Finn
on May 13, 2014
Genres: Young Adult
Pages: 352
Format: ARC
four-half-stars
Source: Feiwel and Friends
Buy the Book • Goodreads
Summer, boys, and friendships gone sour. This new series has everything that perfect beach reads are made of!

Gemma just got dumped and is devastated. She finds herself back in the Hamptons for the summer—which puts her at risk of bumping into Hallie, her former best friend that she wronged five years earlier. Do people hold grudges that long?

When a small case of mistaken identity causes everyone, including Hallie and her dreamy brother Josh, to think she’s someone else, Gemma decides to go along with it.

Gemma's plan is working (she's finding it hard to resist Josh), but she's finding herself in embarrassing situations (how could a bathing suit fall apart like that!?). Is it coincidence or is someone trying to expose her true identity? And how will Josh react if he finds out who she is?

Katie Finn hits all the right notes in this perfect beginning to a new summer series: A Broken Hearts & Revenge novel.

Summer time, the Hamptons, a cute boy and a case of a mistaken identity…check. Unexpected twist ending which leaves reader in a  cliffhanger…check! Fun, YA contemp that you can breeze through while on vacation…yes.

Broken Hearts, Fences and Other Things to Mend kept a smile on my face almost the entire time I was reading. Gemma is sent to stay with her father for the summer while her mom and step dad are off to Scotland. But she dreads the Hamptons! Scene of a huge life changing summer that snowballed into a lot of hurt, she’s trying to avoid the place of her crime. But when she meets a cute boy on the bus and his sister comes to pick him up the cat is out of the bag…or not.

Gemma is desperately hoping her nemesis Hallie won’t remember who she is,  and that the name printed on her coffee cup can be her alter identity for the time being while she explores things with Josh.

But things just keep getting weirder and weirder! A babysitting job turned nightmare, food poisoning, stolen shoes and a malfunctioning swimsuit are among the crazy happenings that keep Gemma on her toes. She keeps falling into such embarassing situations that publicly humiliate her, yet Josh seems to truly care. And Gemma finds herself drawn to him even though sister Hallie has warned her not to hurt him. Josh is a keeper!

I loved the writing, the characters and the ultimate lesson that honesty always is the best policy. While it is somewhat predictable there is enough of a plot twist that I predict readers will be pulled in for the entire series, not just book one. I would like to feel, smell and hear more about the setting in the next books as the Hamptons are perfect for summer.

I would recommend Broken Hearts, Fences, and Other Things to Mend. Add it to your reading list!

Content (highlight to reveal): one swear word, bullying.

heather

About The Author

katie_finn
Katie Finn grew up in Connecticut, in a town that looks an awful lot like Putnam. During high school, she was a total theater devotee (like Madison) and never dreamed she’d be a writer. But lots of Katie’s high school misadventures have made it into her books…which just goes to show that you never know!

She currently lives in Los Angeles, California, in a house she wishes was a lot closer to the beach.

Divider

Paris Cravings Cover Reveal, Review and Giveaway

01 Feb, 2014 by in Cover Reveal-, paris, YA contemporary 1 comment

I received this book for free from Elana Johnson in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Paris Cravings Cover Reveal, Review and Giveaway

Paris Cravings

by Kimberley Montpetit
Published by Spellbound Books on February 1, 2014
Genres: Contemporary, Young Adult
Pages: 205
Format: eARC
four-stars
Source: Elana Johnson
Buy the Book • Goodreads
Can life really turn on a dime,
a missed bus—
or a stuck pastry shop door?

Chloe Dillard’s life has always been complicated. Her mother is a neurotic romance novelist and her boyfriend, Mathew, has been pressuring her to go “all the way”—even as one of her own best friends offers to accommodate him.

But after The Worst Night of Her Life, Chloe escapes on her Senior Class trip to the swoon-worthy city of Paris which takes her mind off her troubles—temporarily. On the final leg of her dream trip, Chloe squeezes in one final run for a last-minute box of decadent pastries. Add a stuck door, subtract a broken four-inch heel from her cute strappy sandals, and Chloe ends up one stuck girl on the bakery shop floor with a sprained ankle.

Rescued by the shop owner’s dreamy son with chocolate-syrup eyes, the beautiful city of Paris suddenly becomes Chloe’s personal secret adventure. And even though Jean-Paul, the oh-so-kind La Patisserie shop boy is the gentlemanly guy Chloe has always dreamed of, even he has a girlfriend.

The police are tracking her down as a run-away, Mom’s having a nervous breakdown over her daughter’s “disappearance”, and Chloe’s just trying to have a Happily-Ever-After even as her dreams with Matt are swirling down the drain.

Could being lost in the city of Paris be just what the doctor ordered? What’s a girl to do in the most romantic city in the world?

Who can resist a book set in Paris amidst a Patisserie shop full of eclairs and pastries?! I’m excited this is a series, because anything with a bakery involved and I am in! Paris Carvings started out with a girl, a big box, some high heels and a mishap with a door. Insert cute worker with Hershey brown eyes, a French accent and a missing passport and you have the beginnings of romance.

Chloe is about to leave her summer student exchange program in Paris when a mishap leaves her stranded and covered in whipped cream. But once she discovers just how nice the locals can be she doesn’t ever want to leave! The trick is evading her tour group’s hired henchman and her nervous mother while touring the dreamy Paris sites with her new- found “friend.”

This is a feel good contemporary with a fun setting. There is a secondary story line of how Chloe deals with her boyfriend back home, written in flashback chapters of their relationship past to present. These were my least favorite parts of the novel as her BF is such a jerk! Red flags flying everywhere! But, overall this is a fun diversion. You can smell, taste and fell the warmth of a Paris bakery. Take me away to France please!

Content: (highlight to reveal)  Definitely a read for older teens as there is much discussion of sex, innuendo and avoiding peer pressure. There is a hinting at coercion and sensuality. I was a bit distracted also by the taking of the Lord’s name in vain which I don’t like to read.

 

heather

 

About The AuthorKimberley_Montpetit

Kimberley Montpetit once spent all her souvenir money at the La Patisserie shops when she was in Paris—on the arm of her adorable husband. The author grew up in San Francisco, another swoon-worthy city, loves all things Parisian and chocolate and lives in a small town along the Rio Grande with her family.

Kimberley has won many awards for her work, including the Southwest Book Award, the Whitney Award, the Arizona/New Mexico Book Award, is a Crystal Kite Finalist (SCBWI) and included in the Bank Street College Best Books of the Year.

She once stayed in a haunted castle tower room at Borthwick Castle in Scotland, sailed on the Seine in Paris, walked the beaches of Normandy, eaten in numerous French cafes, ridden a camel in Petra, Jordan, sunbathed on Waikiki, shopped the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul, and spent the night in an old Communist hotel in Bulgaria.

She adores all baked goodies; brownies, éclairs, donuts, tarts, and pie, and makes a lot of chocolate chip cookies while revising. Kimberley is, of course, hard at work on her next novel(s).

Learn More

Website * Facebook * Twitter * Goodreads

Purchase

Amazon * B&N * Kobo * Smashwords

The Giveaway

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Divider