Saturday Situation- Link Up Your Reviews & Giveaways!

Saturday Situation is hosted by both Lori at Pure Imagination and myself. It's a linky for you to link your book related Giveaways and Reviews (and whatever neglected posts you may have). You'll find the same linky's at Pure Imagination, so don't enter them twice!
Keep in mind that you can add your links through the entire week.
You can find the newest Saturday Situation posts by the tab at the top of my blog labeled Saturday Situation.

And off subject, but did you see my revamped design?  Doesn't it look much cleaner and professional?  Big thanks to Lori at Imagination Designs for fixing it up for me!   She also made the cute new banner for this Saturday Situation post! 

CBB Book Promotions: Current Tours & Review Opportunities

Welcome! This is the page you can find all tours that I am currently booking or that are running as well as review opportunities for books that I am doing on-going publicity for.  If you are a blogger interested in any of the tours or review opportunities please contact me at the email at the bottom of this post. 

Some things you'll want to know about me: For each tour I go through and try to find people that I think will enjoy the book I'm representing, it's very possible that many will be left out because I didn't think they would enjoy it or their review policy says they aren't accepting anything, etc.  So if you want to be sure to not miss any please be sure to stop by this page to see what's currently going on.  You can access this page by the drop down menu at the top of my blog under CBB Book Promotions: Current Tours.

Also remember that I only represent books I stand behind myself.  Books that are well edited and have an engaging and fulfilling story inside.  While opinions will vary you can trust that I'm not promoting books that have been sloppily put together and poorly edited.
 

To find out more about CBB Book Promotions please check out the tour page.

All banners have been Designed by Imagination Designs.

 Dreamscape by Christie Rich 
Genre: Fantasy

Age: New Adult age 14+

Dates: August 12th-23rd

Wanted: Reviews, guest posts, interviews, character interviews and more. Giveaway's available to hosts as well as on the tour.

Tour Page With Info HERE.

 
The Exemeus by Folami and Abeni Morris
The Azemeon by Folami and Abeni Morris

Genre: YA Fantasy

Age: 12-adult

Dates: August 25th-31st 

This is also available for review outside the tour and when you are able.

Wanted: Reviews, Guest Posts, author interviews, character interviews, scavenger hunt, giveaway's etc

Tour Page with Info HERE.

 Ghost Leopard: A Zoe & Zak Adventure, Volume 1 by Lars Guignard
Genre: Middle Grade Magic, Fantasy Adventure. 

Age: 8-13

Dates: September 9th-20th 2013

This is an audiobook tour with reviews only.

Tour Page with Info HERE.

Resilient by Patricia Vanasse
Genre: YA paranormal/sci-fi
Age: 13+
Dates: Entire month of September, 2013
Tour consists of Reviews, Interviews, Guest Posts, Giveaway's and more
Tour page with info is HERE.

The Supes Series # 1: Finding Esta by Shah Wharton
Genre: Mature NA Urban Fantasy 
Age: 16+
Dates: Sept 23rd-27th
This is a reviews only tour.
Tour Page with info HERE.

SUSY Asylum (The Lorne Family Vault #2) by Michael Pierce
Genre: Urban Fantasy/sci-fi/contemporary

Age: Young Adult 9th grade and up

Dates: Oct. 14th-25th
This tour consists of reviews of both books (Provex City and SUSY Asylum) as well as guest posts, author interviews, character interviews, top tens and more.
Tour Page with Info HERE.

If you are interested in reviewing any of the following titles on your own time (not a schedule) please contact me (candacesbookblog(at)yahoo(dot)com) with the format you'd like as well as your blog info, etc.

Along the Watchtower by David Litwack
Genre: A mainstream fantasy romance by David Litwack
Publication Date: June 3, 2013 from Double Dragon Publishing
ISBN: 1554049962 (ISBN13: 9781554049967)
Available in epub and mobi files (paperback after June 3rd)
Open: Worldwide
Wanted: Honest Reviews
Requirement: Review on your blog, Amazon and GoodReads
Book trailer: http://youtu.be/f1JMK-ukaPo
Amazon: TBD
Goodreads: http://bit.ly/183Zk0w
Find the author: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Book Trailer | Goodreads

Book Description

 A Tragic Warrior Lost in Two Worlds…

The war in Iraq ended for Lieutenant Freddie Williams when an IED explosion left his mind and body shattered. Once he was a skilled gamer and expert in virtual warfare.  Now he’s a broken warrior, emerging from a medically induced coma to discover he’s inhabiting two separate realities.  The first is his waking world of pain, family trials, and remorse—and slow rehabilitation through the tender care of Becky, his physical therapist. The second is a dark fantasy realm of quests, demons, and magic that Freddie enters when he sleeps.

In his dreams he is Frederick, Prince of Stormwind, who must make sense of his horrific visions in order to save his embattled kingdom from the monstrous Horde.  His only solace awaits him in the royal gardens, where the gentle words of the beautiful gardener, Rebecca, calm the storms in his soul. While in the conscious world, the severely wounded vet faces a strangely similar and equally perilous mission—a journey along a dark road haunted by demons of guilt and memory—and letting patient, loving Becky into his damaged and shuttered heart may be his only way back from Hell.

Eliza's Forever Trees by Stephanie Lisa Tara

Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy with Contemporary Issues

Published: Nov. 2012 by Brown Books

Available: All ebook formats as well as paperback.

Dates: Anytime through the Spring of 2013 (tour planned for April as well)

Open: Worldwide

Wanted: Honest Reviews

Giveaways: Possible

Requirement: Review on Amazon

Find the book: Goodreads | Amazon 

Find the Author: Website |  Book Trailer | Facebook

About the book:

ELIZA'S FOREVER TREES:

Where has mother gone? Mothers don’t leave. Mothers stay, forever. Mothers are like redwood trees, those special forever trees that grow hundreds of feet high and live for thousands of years. Mothers read storybooks aloud. They know the power of a story. Power that can even make the wrong-beats of a child’s heart go away.

Maybe the monarch butterfly was right? Perhaps they should make the journey. The one that was too long, and too far, for a girl with a wrong-beating heart. Yet there was someone in the redwood forest that Eliza just knew could help. Not just any someone. Another mother. The first mother. The one, Eliza’s own mother had spoken of. Great Mother Redwood. The very first, the oldest and wisest redwood tree of them all. She, who started the forest thousands of years ago, might know where mother had gone. It seemed impossible. To find one who had never been seen, one who had only been spoken of? Yet. Mothers dont leave. They are like redwood trees. They stay, forever.

Eliza decided she must try. She would put one foot in front of the other, slowly. She would take small steps. She knew the butterfly would be patient alongside her. Down the path. To the forever trees.

To find Great Mother Redwood.

~

AUTHOR'S NOTE:

My ten year old daughter and I often hike through the redwood forest which is just outside our home, here in Northern California. One of our favorite spots in the forest is a magical occurrence called a redwood fairy ring. Mother redwood reproduces by throwing off roots, sprouts, burls from her body. Child-redwoods form a circle around her, they are her, created from her very body. The children are as ancient as the original mother. This ring of trees is said to have a very powerful energy and magic. And I can certainly declare that when Maddie and I sit inside a fairy ring…we definitely can feel it.

With Love,
Stephanie Lisa Tara
San Francisco
June 2011

Contact: candacesbookblog(at)yahoo(dot)com with Eliza's Forever Trees in the subject line.

There Comes a Prophet by David Litwack
Genre: YA Dystopia
Published July 9th, 2012 by Double Dragon Publishing
Available: All ebook formats as well as paperback (available INT).

Dates: Through Spring 2013

Open: Worldwide

Wanted: Honest Reviews and the author is available for other features as well (interviews, guest posts, etc).

Giveaways: Available

Requirement: Review on your blog, Amazon and Goodreads.

Find the book:  GoodReads | Amazon 

Find the author: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Book Trailer | Goodreads

About the book:  

Who among us will cast aside a comfortable existence and risk death to follow a dream?

A world kept peaceful for a thousand years by the magic of the ruling vicars. But a threat lurks from a violent past. Wizards from the darkness have hidden their sorcery in a place called the keep and left a trail of clues that have never been solved.

Nathaniel has grown up longing for more but unwilling to challenge the vicars. Until his friend Thomas is taken for a teaching, the mysterious coming-of-age ritual. Thomas returns but with his dreams ripped away. When Orah is taken next, Nathaniel tries to rescue her and ends up in the prisons of Temple City. There he meets the first keeper of the ancient clues. But when he seeks the keep, what he finds is not magic at all.

If he reveals the truth, the words of the book of light might come to pass:

“If there comes among you a prophet saying ‘Let us return to the darkness,’ you shall stone him, because he has sought to thrust you away from the light.”

What people are saying about There Comes a Prophet:
 "There Comes a Prophet was well-written and captivated my interest as I read it. It is undoubtedly one of the best underappreciated works I’ve read." by Fiction Fervor, find the full review HERE. 

"Each character is unique with their strengths and weaknesses. Each character is pretty thoroughly “fleshed out”." by My Parahangover

 "Nearly everything about this novel is believable: dialog, character development, events, conflicts, responses, consequences. You’ll identify and empathize strongly with the characters. This makes for a gripping story." by Kaben at On Starships And Dragonwings
*this review in particular is VERY well said!*

Contact: candacesbookblog(at)yahoo(dot)com with There Comes a Prophet in the subject line.

If you are a blogger that is interested in any of these tours or would like to be included on my list of bloggers please contact me at candacesbookblog(at)yahoo(dot)com with your information or go to my Be a Host page HERE.

Review: Origin by Jessica Khoury

Origin by Jessica Khoury

Hardcover, 372 pages

Expected publication: September 4th, 2012 by Razorbill

Source: Publisher

Pia has grown up in a secret laboratory hidden deep in the Amazon rain forest. She was raised by a team of scientists who have created her to be the start of a new immortal race. But on the night of her seventeenth birthday, Pia discovers a hole in the electric fence that surrounds her sterile home—and sneaks outside the compound for the first time in her life.

Free in the jungle, Pia meets Eio, a boy from a nearby village. Together, they embark on a race against time to discover the truth about Pia’s origin—a truth with deadly consequences that will change their lives forever.

Origin is a beautifully told, shocking new way to look at an age-old desire: to live forever, no matter the cost. This is a supremely compelling debut novel that blends the awakening romance of Matched with the mystery and jungle conspiracy of Lost.

Writing a review for this book is proving to be difficult for me and is quite possibly the worst review I have ever written.  I have so many mixed feelings about the book.  There wasn't anything that I didn't like, but yet nothing really wowed me. 

I liked the setting of the rainforest a lot.  And I liked the laboratory hidden in the Amazon and the story behind it.  I liked the science behind Pia and her immortality.  I liked Pia and I liked Eio.  But the plot was slow moving and the romance felt a bit blah at first.  In the last bit it pulled through for me and I liked it, but I wasn't feeling it for quite a long time.   The story line was good, I liked the history and I liked that Pia was finding her morality when she'd basically been taught not to have any, but I wanted things to happen sooner.  There's not much action in this book until the last little bit.  And if some conflict had occurred sooner I could have felt more passionate about the book I think.  I think it had potential for greatness but didn't quite pull through for me.

I enjoyed this book but it lacked emotion for me.  I felt it at the end and the final conflict, but I guess it was a little too late.  At the same time I loved how Pia found her way.  So I don't know, I liked it, but definitely didn't love it.  I have been back and forth between 2.5 stars and 3.  I decided to go with 3 as I think that really reflects how I feel even though my review sounds so negative. 

Disclosure: I received this book for review purposes.  All opinions expressed are my own and I was not paid or influenced in any way.

Review: Betrayal by Gregg Olsen

Betrayal (Empty Coffin #2) by Gregg Olsen

Hardcover, 288 pages

Expected publication: Sept. 4th, 2012 by Splinter

Source: Gift 

In this action-packed thriller sequel to Envy, foreign exchange student Olivia Grant is stabbed to death after a party--and the prime suspect is her best friend. As twins Hayley and Taylor Ryan get pulled into the aftermath of this Amanda Knox-like crime, they realize nothing is what it seems. Could it be betrayal of the ultimate kind?
Betrayal features real-life crime-solving techniques, heart-stopping suspense, plenty of red herrings, hard-hitting ethical questions, and information about the Amanda Knox case that inspired the novel. As the crime unravels, so does the twins' past…and they must face off against a family member who may unexpectedly have carried out the worst betrayal of all. 

I wasn't the biggest fan of the first book, Envy.  I didn't dislike it, but I didn't have a connection with it.  The writing style wasn't really for me and it felt slow and confusing.  So I was shocked at how much I loved this book!  This time around I had a better idea of what to expect and I actually really enjoyed the writing style.  I also was never bored with this one.  I desperately needed to know 'who did it' and could hardly stand putting the book down.  And since I now 'know' the twins, Taylor and Haley, I was able to get into their bits of the story and never felt confused about anything.

This book has it's own murder mystery in it separate from the one in Envy.  This murder mystery comes to it's full conclusion in this book.  But we also have some continuing story line regarding the twins Taylor and Haley. This portion of the book is something that will continue on.  A mystery that we get pieces of in each book.  And while there's not a major cliffhanger it leaves off with some new information that definitely has us curious for more of the story.  It's this part with Taylor and Haley that has paranormal-like elements.  Realistic paranormal, in my opinion.

Gregg Olsen is a true crime writer (other then this series).  And I think if you go in knowing that his style is different then we're use to seeing in YA you will enjoy the first book more.  I think maybe I was just caught off guard or something with the first book.  I'm not sure if it was just me and my mood or if the book just really didn't work so well for me, but after reading this book I'm inclined to think that it's just me.

The murder mystery worked well for me.  For one, I loved how crazy these people were.  From absent parents (or downright BAD parents) to teens who really are more concerned about themselves and their own comfort rather then the dead girl, this book really left me guessing who was a murderer because there were just so many that weren't very good people.  I didn't really guess who it was, though I did figure out parts, there was so much more to it.

I loved how emotionally invested I was in this book and the characters.  I felt furious at people for their callousness, for their ridiculous accusations at the completely wrong people and for their completely inappropriate behavior.  It worked fantastically well in this book.

I recently visited Port Gamble and I don't think it had a big impact on my overall feel of the book, but I did enjoy being able to picture the homes and places where everyone went.  I had even toured the home that Haley and Taylor live in so being able to picture everything so well was just an added bonus.

I definitely recommend you check this series out.  If you don't love Envy I still suggest you try Betrayal, perhaps you'll be like me and discover that you really do like the books.

Disclosure:  I received this book free of charge and all opinions expressed are my own.  I was not paid or influenced in any way.

Interview with Keary Taylor and Giveaway of What I Didn't Say

Today I have the pleasure of having Keary Taylor on the blog with an interview and a giveaway of What I Didn't Say.  I loved this book so was very excited when she agreed to be on.  This is a two-for deal.  The interview starts here, and there's a giveaway here, but to finish up the interview you need to head over to Novels, News and Notes From Your Northwest Neighbors, a NW collaborative blog, and there will be a second giveaway there!  You can have TWO chances to win!

Thanks so much for being on today!

You have several books under your belt now and you've published them all yourself. What made you decide to do this? Did you go through trying to traditionally publish, or did you know right away that this was what you wanted?

I did try going the traditional route first. I sent out hundreds of query letters trying to get an agent and in the end got over 140 rejection letters. So I decided “why not?” with self-publishing and it has been so amazing! The publish world has changed so in the past 5 years and it has been a wonderful ride.

What I Didn't Say is contemporary and your other books are more paranormal & dystopian, what made you decide to write a contemporary story?

I really just go wherever the muse takes me. I had some experiences in my own life that I wanted to base a story on and there was the idea of having a mute character in my head. It was a challenge.

Do you think you'll write more contemporary?

I’ve learned to never say never with my writing, lol! Never thought I’d write a science fiction/dystopian and then Eden happened! I don’t have another contemporary planned, but we shall see!

You recently had a cover change for the Fall of Angels Trilogy. Why did you decide to do this? Do you think it has made an impact on sales? (BTW, they are gorgeous!)

It certainly has made an impact. I decided to change them because the old ones felt so plain to me. But I still loved the images of the models so I decided to integrate them into the new covers.

In What I Didn't Say Jake loses his ability to speak. Have you ever experienced anything like that? Is there a reason you wrote about that instead of some other tragedy like losing his sight or hearing.

Like I said, it was a challenge to me to write about a mute character. It was something that I’d never seen done before. It seemed so hard to me! I was scared to death so start this book, but in the end it was a very rewarding experience, one that made me grow as a writer.

Make sure you head over to Novels, News and Notes From Your Northwest Neighbors for the second half of the interview!  Find it HERE.

The Giveaway:

The fabulous Keary Taylor is giving away a copy of What I Didn't Say to one lucky person.

Open to US only.

Must be 13 or older to enter.

Fill out the rafflecopter to enter. 
Ends 9/13/12

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Confident Reads (6) Review Policies & What Should Be in Them

Hello everyone! Confident Reads is a way to open communication between readers and indie authors.  This  is to help readers feel confident in the books they spend their money on, and for authors to feel confident in the book they publish.  You can find this feature each week (Wednesdays except in September when it will be Tuesdays) discussing a different subject regarding indie books and authors.

Previous Posts:
Week One: State of Publishing Guest Post by Jeff Bennington about the differences in publishing terms.
Approved Read: Indie Author's Guide to the Universe by Jeff Bennington
Week Two: Let's Talk Covers Part One
Approved Read: Exiled by M.R. Merrick
Week Three: Let's Talk Covers Guest Post by M.R. Merrick- The Magic of Art

Week Four: Guest Post with Nikki Jefford Editing 101

Approved Read: Entangled & Duplicity by Nikki Jefford

Week Five: Review Requests (What we, as bloggers, want in a request.)

Approved Read: A Place in This Life by Julie Rieman Duck

Last week we talked about what we want in a review request.  Now we need to talk about what should be in a review policy.  Since I started booking tours and doing book promotions for authors I have read a lot of policies.  And I have a good idea of what should be there.  Now, this is just my opinion and perhaps some authors have a different opinion.  And traditional publicists are probably even more specific.  So this week's post is a bit different then usual, but I think it's important so I decided to do it anyway.  Sorry about it being more of an advice post then a discussion post.

When I am looking up review policies for the purpose of finding reviewers or tour hosts what I want to see has all of this:

• First it needs to exist.  Lots of blogs don't have one.  I don't care how many followers you have,  have a review policy, even if it's just in the About Me section.  
• Have the review policy easy to find and clearly labeled.
• Include your email.  I understand that some want you to read the About Me section to get it, or click to a Contact section.  I get this, but still prefer to not have to search for the email.
• Include what age groups (children's, middle grade, YA, and adult) you read. And if you have a preference for certain ones.
• Include what genre's you enjoy and even what you don't enjoy. This is surprisingly helpful and will help you get less requests in genre's you don't read.
• Include what formats you can accept.  
• If you live outside the US include that as well.  
• If you only accept books published in your country and you live outside the US, it's helpful to let us know this.  
• Say you accept indie, self published and small press books.  Okay, obviously you can say you don't accept them as well.  But if you don't accept them just because you're booked, say so.  When it says you don't accept indie or self published books it sounds like you don't support them.  
• This isn't completely necessary, but if you do (or don't do) author interviews, guest posts, etc, say so. It can be helpful.  There are a surprising amount of blogs out there that don't do them and it always feels awkward getting an email back saying that they don't.  I feel like I should know that already.  
• Tell us a bit about your reviewing.  If you post DNF (did not finish) reviews, if you rate on a scale or don't rate at all, etc.  And if you review everything you get. 
• Include some stats. I'm no expert on this, but I include monthly visitors, absolute unique visitors, feed subscribers, email subscribers, monthly page views, twitter followers and GFC followers.  These are the same stats I send to publishers. 
• Have your name somewhere.  Some people prefer to not have their name on their blog, so sign it with your 'name' you want used.  So many times I have searched and searched for a name to address my email to and it can be very time consuming.  I know people like to be addressed by name, so make it easy to find!
• It's also nice to have is a list of other sites you post reviews on.  This is especially helpful if you have a new blog and few readers because authors find it well worth their time and money to still provide a book for review if they know it will be reviewed other places.
• Last but not least, try to not get too wordy.  This is a lot of info to post, but if it's TOO long it's too easy to skim. 

Authors, do you have anything to add?  Bloggers do you have any comments about what I have listed?  Remember that this is just my opinion and what I have come across while looking for blogs to feature books I'm promoting or have on tour.

Approved Read: This weeks approved indie read is What a Boy Wants by Nyrae Dawn.  I just reviewed this one the other day (HERE) and really enjoyed it! It's another young adult contemporary, but this was a light read that pulled me right out of my reading funk!

Review: The Dark Unwinding by Sharon Cameron

The Dark Unwinding by Sharon Cameron

Hardcover, 318 pages

Expected publication: Sept 1st, 2012 by Scholastic

Source: Publisher

A spine-tingling tale of steampunk and spies, intrigue and heart-racing romance!

When Katharine Tulman's inheritance is called into question by the rumor that her eccentric uncle is squandering away the family fortune, she is sent to his estate to have him committed to an asylum. But instead of a lunatic, Katharine discovers a genius inventor with his own set of rules, who employs a village of nine hundred people rescued from the workhouses of London.

Katharine is now torn between protecting her own inheritance and preserving the peculiar community she grows to care for deeply. And her choices are made even more complicated by a handsome apprentice, a secretive student, and fears for her own sanity.

As the mysteries of the estate begin to unravel, it is clear that not only is her uncle's world at stake, but also the state of England as Katharine knows it. With twists and turns at every corner, this heart-racing adventure will captivate readers with its intrigue, thrills, and romance.

In less than 24 hours after receiving this book in the mail I had finished it.  It was one I was so excited to read that I immediately picked it up and once I started reading I couldn't seem to stop!   What I thought was interesting is that I didn't know what the book was about.  I didn't read the description or anything.  I know I knew it was historical fiction and that it had steampunk elements, but that's it.  So much of my expectations were riding on the cover alone.  

I absolutely loved the book but I think many will go in with some expectations and will find themselves disappointed.  First of all, this is not really a steampunk story.  Yes, her uncle is a great inventor, but all this really pertains to is a workhouse full of things that we don't really see much of and some winding of clocks.  There are no steamships or anything of that nature.  Some inventions play a bit of a stronger role, but really it did not feel steampunk.  Since I'm a big fan of historical fiction with, or without, steampunk elements, I still loved the story. 

One thing that really stood out for me was the characters.  Katharine has a very strong personality and really stands out on her own.  She's no coward, she stands up for what she thinks and has no problems telling people.  At first I wasn't sure if I would like this about her, but she quickly grew on me.  I loved her, but I also felt that it was a little strange that she had such a bold personality because of her past of living with an overbearing aunt.  I wouldn't say this is really a complaint, it just struck me as a little odd.

Uncle Tully is awesome!  I don't know how much I should say because I don't want to give anything away.  But this brilliant inventor is most definitely different and not only because of his brilliant mind.  Additionally the other more important side characters all stood out very much.  They had strong personality's and were quite well developed.

While I liked the romance in the book it didn't blow me away.  It could have quite easily, but for some reason it just didn't quite reach that point.  I felt like it was very much on the back burner until the very end and so I didn't have enough of those 'moments' with them, to really get a feel for their emotions toward each other.  I knew it was there, I just wanted a bit more.

This book is definitely full of twists and turns.  You never really know what is going on that is making things so strange for Katharine.  She has crazy dreams where she even harms herself.  Things are moved around in the room.  There are strange noises.  Being as it's an old house it's easy to think it's a haunting, but at the same time most everything could be explained away with other things.  To find out you'll have to read the book.  I have to say that I found it to be very suspenseful toward the end as things finally started to come together.  

Sharon Cameron is a brilliant writer.  Her use of words have a beautiful quality to them and the second I started reading I knew that I would devour the book quickly, even if it was just for the writing.  Each scene was beautifully described without being flowery or overdone.  

I definitely recommend this book to anyone who enjoys historical fiction.  If you're afraid to read it because of the steampunk, please do not let that stop you!  

Disclosure: I received this book for review purposes.  All opinions expressed are my own and I was not paid or influenced in any way.

Pushing the Limit's Read-Along Week Five

This fabulous event is hosted by ME Candace Book Blog, Natalia @ Dazzling Reads, The Page Turners, Mary @ The Book Swarm and The Bewitched Bookworms.

This is the final week! And today's questions are brought to you from The Book Swarm.

Schedule:

• July 24 - Intro Post for the Read-A-Long - Linky for Participation!Go HERE if you haven't signed up and to find out all the rules for participation as well as the prize list.
  
• July 31 - Bewitched Bookworms Pages 7-84 ends with a Noah Chapter
• Aug 7th - The Page Turners Pages 85 - 162 - ends with a Noah Chapter
• Aug 14th - Candace Book Blog Pages 163 - 239 - ends with a Noah Chapter
• Aug 21th - Dazzling Reads Pages 240 - 316 - ends with a Echo chapter
• Aug 28th - The Book Swarm Pages 317 - 392

 Don't forget to join us on Twitter tonight at 9pm EST (or 8pm CST or whatever that equates to in YOUR timezone *wink*)!  Katie will be there to answer your questions, squee with you over how swoon-worthy Echo and Noah are and maybe torment us with cryptic hints for what's to come and commiserate with how long we'll have to wait to hear Beth's story.  Just follow the hashtag, #PTLChat, and join in with Katie in a fun hour of discussing all things Pushing The Limits!!

1. By finally returning to her art, Echo is working through her issues and taking control of her life. While she’s not ever going to return to her previous “normal”, she uses her art as a way to work her way to a place where she’s more comfortable with herself. How do you deal with the issues and stresses of your life?

Reading and blogging.  Though sometimes blogging can cause stress too and I guess that's when I go read again. ;)  I also love to just sit out in the woods.  I don't do it real often cause we live in town, but when I do I realize all over again how relaxing it is.

2. Once Noah gives his brothers and their soon-to-be adoptive parents a happy ending, he decides to get his own by winning Echo back. Why does he think stealing her file is the best way to do it? Any other (better) suggestions for the poor boy?

I didn't really understand this part and why he thought it was the thing to do.  I feel like I should understand though.  I guess he did it because he had his happy ending (sort of) and feels he needs to do something for her.   I wish he had just gone to her instead though.

3. Echo finally uncovers the terrible truth of what her mother did to her. Now that we know the truth, do you think Echo’s father did the right thing by covering up the incident and keeping it from her? How do you think he should have handled it?

NO!  He should have told her his part in it.  She would have reacted much better if he had.

4. Mrs. Collins plays an integral role in helping Echo and Noah find a new normal and happiness in their lives. Tell us about someone in your life who helped you, someone who changed your life, was there for you, or offered help/comfort when you most needed it (or when you didn’t know you needed it).

When I was a new adult and newly moved out of my parents house I got involved with a guy who wasn't at all good for me.  I was with him for a few years but for about 9 months of that time, toward the end of it, I found a friend who really helped me.  I worked at a gas station and he came in every day and just sat and talked with me while I worked.  Because the guy I was with had found a way to ruin all my friendships and relationship with my family I didn't really have anyone I talked with and this guy was really there for me.  In the end he helped me get away from the guy I was with and I'll be forever thankful for that.  He ended up dying in a car accident shortly after I left but I'll never forget him.  He had a very strong impact in my life and I honestly think I would likely be dead if he hadn't saved me from several bad situations.  He never judged me, he just stood by my side when I needed him.

5. Another major truth is revealed when Echo’s father finally opens up to his daughter and tells her about her mother and how his relationship with Ashley evolved. Knowing this, how do you feel about Ashley now? And what did you think when you learned the name of the baby?

I feel kind of bad for her.  I mean she doesn't really grasp things too well, but I think she means well.  

6. Echo and Noah ride off into the sunset together. *happy sigh* If you had the chance, who would you ride off with and where would you go?

I'd ride off into the sunset with my husband of course!  We've talked about when we retire and maybe traveling the US staying where we want for however long we wish.  Of course I want to visit countries all over the world so maybe we can travel all over Europe for a few years too.   Danny, we're coming to visit you! ;)

Cornerstone Read-Along Sign-Ups!

Hello everyone!  September is soon upon us and with it comes the Cornerstone read-along!  Every Wednesday in September we'll have discussions about Cornerstone by Misty Provencher.  This is a book I really can't recommend highly enough.  It's such a creative story with a fabulous romance and and I hope you'll all join in!  In addition we'll have a fabulous giveaway provided by Misty herself!

This Read-Along is hosted by Candace at Candace's Book Blog,  Heather at Buried in Books, Heidi at Rainy Day Ramblings and Heather at The Flyleaf Review.

Schedule:

• September 5th- Candace's Book Blog- Chapters 1-5, pages 1-44
• September 12th- Buried in Books- Chapters 6-10, pages 45-111
• September 19th- Rainy Day Ramblings- Chapters 11-16, pages 112-194
• September 26th- The Flyleaf Review- Chapters 17-21, pages 195-219

Each week you will find the following week's questions on each of our blogs.  This enables you to prepare your post ahead of time and jump around to each participating blog to discuss those questions.  There will be a linky provided each week on the host blogs for you to link up your blog so we can visit you!

The Giveaway:

Misty is providing one lucky participant with a signed copy of Cornerstone and an ebook of Keystone.  Each week you enter into the linky you are entered for this prize.  The Keystone tour is also running the month of September and this tour is filled with EPIC goodness, including some massive giveaway's!  So be sure to check that out as well.

The first weeks questions, to go up September 5th are:

1.)  Right away we learn a bit about the fact that Nalena has to buy massive amounts of paper for her mom and that her mother is a bit of a paper hoarder.  What was your initial reaction to this?  Do you think there might be more to her mothers paper obsession?  What do you think it is that she's writing down, is she really just a crazy lady that has a compulsion to create characters and plot details?

2.)  We meet Garrett.  Okay, breathe for a moment... Now we meet him and we see him through Nali's eyes and she's very wary at first, despite his good looks (or because of it).  But he seems so genuine, and he says he understands her mothers paper hoarding.  And then he saves her from the crazy person in the woods.  And then makes her hand and arm feel better. What are your thoughts about Garrett so far?

3.) We meet Cora and Nali describes her as a bit of a fair-weather friend.  Only showing up when it's convenient and never really being a true friend.  Have you ever had a fair-weather friend?  How did it make you feel?

4.) Nali is teased and called The Waste at school because of her mothers paper hoarding.  She's constantly made fun of and put down.  Do you think you would be brave enough to stand up for yourself?  And if you were to see someone being teased would you jump in and stand up for them?

5.)  When Regina is picking on Nali in class she suddenly feels these rings go around her body and then seems to step outside of it.  Later when she's attacked she seems to have a sort of super speed that helps her dodge blows.  Do you have any idea what might be going on?  If you could have any ability what ability what you choose?

Want to sign up?  Link up your blog or where you'll be answering the questions and grab the image at the top of the blog (feel free to link it to a host) & we'll see you next week!

Review: What a Boy Wants by Nyrae Dawn

What a Boy Wants by Nyrae Dawn

Ebook, 142 pages.

Published: April 6th, 2012

Source: Purchased

Courtesy of watching his mom’s relationships, Sebastian Hawkins knows what girls need to do to get a guy. He has what he considers a PHD in hooking up. When he needs extra cash for a car, Sebastian starts up an online venture as The Hook-up Doctor, to anonymously help girls land the guy of their dreams. Of course, his services don’t offer a happily-ever-after guarantee. He’s seen firsthand getting together never means staying together.

And then he falls in love…

With the last girl he would expect…

Totally not in his game plan.

Suddenly, Sebastian finds himself muddled in the game he’s always prided himself on. He can’t even pick up girls at parties anymore! Why would anyone want to be in love when it turns you into a stuttering, screwed-up, mess with really lame stalker tendencies? Stalking? Totally not his gig.

But the Hook-up Doctor won’t let himself go down easily. He’s always known how to give a girl what she wants and now it’s time to figure out what a boy wants… and he definitely plans on getting it.

I bought this book awhile back after seeing quite a few great reviews of it.  But it was more recently that I saw the review on Bewitched Bookworms that I decided I was going to squeeze it in.  It just sounded so light and fun and a contemporary that would possibly take me out of my reading funk.  And it totally did!  It was a super fast read with characters that I absolutely adored!

Sebastian was so easy to picture and imagine.  He was a guy that wasn't perfect and even had me 'yelling' at him a few times, but he was still so darn likable!  He was a guy not afraid to hug his mom and while he pushed his feeling and emotions aside at times, once he accepted them he wasn't embarrassed to let it show.   He was honestly a character that I really enjoyed reading about.  Now, I really enjoyed him and his personality, he was a blast to read about, but at one point I could have slugged him for a decision he made (well, a few) and that is actually the reason I think I knocked it down one star.  It's just infuriating when characters make decisions like that.  BUT, I kind of 'get' why he did it too.  Still too infuriating for me though.

It was a very sweet romance with no insta-love and was a super fast story that can easily be devoured in one sitting.  I most definitely recommend you pick this one up, I'm pretty sure that you will love it!  I look forward to picking up the companion novel, What a Boy Needs.

This one qualifies for the YA Contemporary Challenge 2012.

Saturday Situation- Link Up Your Reviews & Giveaways

Saturday Situation is hosted by both Lori at Pure Imagination and myself. It's a linky for you to link your book related Giveaways and Reviews (and whatever neglected posts you may have). You'll find the same linky's at Pure Imagination, so don't enter them twice!
Keep in mind that you can add your links through the entire week.
You can find this post again by clicking the button on the right side of my blog. I'll try to keep it up to date to go to the newest Saturday Situation post.

Review: A Place In This Life by Julie Rieman Duck

A Place in This Life by Julie Rieman Duck

268 pages

Published: April 17th, 2012 by Julie Rieman Duck

Source: Author

For Natalie Miller, it’s just another family vacation. For someone else, it’s the opportunity he’s been waiting for.

With only a single peck from a guy named Frank, Natalie’s anything but experienced with boys. But when Todd pops out of the water, says hi, and tells Natalie he has leukemia, all of that changes.

She’s never had attention like this from a boy, let alone one who’s a real charmer with sex on the brain and the experience to match. Drawn to Todd like a magnet, Natalie gives him her friendship, her love, and her body. Even when she’s tempted by gorgeous, healthy schoolmate Alex, Natalie’s desire to love and care for Todd pushes her to see how far love can go in spite of the potential for death of the relationship — and death of the one she loves.

This was one of the most emotional books I have read in a long time.  It deals with so much.  First love, cancer, growing up... It was all very well woven together and felt very realistic to me.  It brought me back to my teenage years and going through my first love(s).  And so much of what Natalie goes through with Todd is very similar to what I've gone through, except without the cancer.

First of all, Natalie is a pretty naive 17 year old.  Maybe naive isn't the right word, just inexperienced.  She seems to know what's going on in the world with other teens, she just hasn't experienced much romantically herself.  When Todd pays attention to her she practically basks in it.  She's desperate for something to change and to grow up a bit.  But Todd has cancer, and while this is a concern of course, it's his cavalier attitude about sex and his somewhat obsession with it that has Natalie a bit worried.  She does surprisingly well on her own, holding back his advances, but he's very persistent.  I have to say that I had a lot of mixed feelings with Todd and I actually think that's a very good thing.  I think that's what the author had in mind.  First of all, his persistent and constant sexual innuendo is grating and made me not care for him much, but as we saw that he really does care for Natalie I liked him a bit more.  And on top of that we see him suffer as Natalie brings him to treatments and stays by his side through some rough times.  I guess I could say that I pitied him.  He really had to go through a lot and he really only had Natalie.

Now at the same time Natalie has gotten to know Alex, who is her locker mate and a very cute guy.  She's had some temptations and mixed feelings.  At first I was annoyed with her behavior to sort of string each guy along, but keep reading because you'll see how this gets straightened out.  It's something I didn't love, but with how much I did love the book, that was minor. 

Family ends up being pretty important in the story.  It's not that there's anything big, but her parents are present.  They stand by Natalie as she goes through everything.  They offer encouraging words and advice but never push her too hard to do any certain thing.  They hold her hand when she's down and really losing focus on life and they are the kind of parents that every child should have.  At the same time they weren't perfect, which made them more realistic.

This book wasn't perfect, but when I finished it I realized that this was one that really makes you think, makes you feel.  And all the little things here and there that I didn't love were put on the back burner and were quite minor to me compared to how much I loved it.  

Also, I have to put out a warning that this is for mature YA readers.  There is sex and while it's not romance book sex, it is somewhat descriptive. 

Disclosure: I received this book for review purposes.  All opinions are my own and I was not paid or influenced in any way.

Review: Erasing Time by C.J. Hill

Erasing Time by C.J. Hill

Hardcover, 368 pages

Expected publication: August 28th, 2012 by Katherine Tegan Books (Harper)

Source: Gift

In this high-action and romantic futuristic adventure, there is no escape from the future for two contemporary girls pulled out of their own time.

When twins Sheridan and Taylor wake up 400 years in the future, they find a changed world: domed cities, no animals, and a language that’s so different, it barely sounds like English. And the worst news: They can’t go back home.

The twenty-fifth-century government transported the girls to their city hoping to find a famous scientist to help perfect a devastating new weapon. The moblike Dakine fights against the government, and somehow Taylor and Sheridan find themselves in the middle. The only way to elude them all is to trust Echo, a guy with secrets of his own. The trio must put their faith in the unknown to make a harrowing escape into the wilds beyond the city.

Full of adrenaline-injected chases and heartbreaking confessions, Erasing Time explores the strength of the bonds between twins, the risks and rewards of trust, and the hard road to finding the courage to fight for what you believe in.

I went into this book only knowing it was sci fi.  I liked not really knowing what it was about because it allowed me to be surprised with every twist and turn.  But when I read that description it makes me even more excited about this book because it's so accurate and true.  

The girls are from now and are pulled into the future 400 years.  Imagine how much our language has changed, how sayings have died out and how much things are just so different.  I really enjoyed this bit. The twins didn't need a secret twin language, they could just talk in figures of speech and no one knew what they were saying.  This was awesome and hilarious.  Now the only ones who even understand Sheridan and Taylor are Echo and his father who are wordsmiths.  They've studied history, particularly our century.  So they know the language.  Or dialect, really.  They also have loads of questions.  They have really misinterpreted a lot of stuff and it's pretty funny to hear the things they've always thought.  

I really enjoyed the characters in the book a lot.  Taylor was a bit hard to warm up to, but Sheridan and Echo are the ones who we get the story from.  It's not in first person, but yet from their POV.  And they were great characters.  I also really loved Echo's father who has so much enthusiasm for history and can't seem to soak up enough information that the girls have to share.  Though sometimes they just have plain old fun with them and tell them totally ridiculous things.

The sci fi elements weren't confusing or over my head.  I suppose there was some science'y stuff I didn't understand, but it was so brief it wasn't really an issue.  And I could picture this future so clearly and it brought up so many things about our own society and the direction it may be taking.  Or could take.  And it's scary stuff.  

The book is a bit slower paced until closer to the end.  At times I grew frustrated because the lack of communication and it felt like things weren't getting anywhere.  I just wanted everyone to talk and figure it out rather then refusing to trust anyone.  I also felt like the romance moved a bit fast.  I mean, they could have had time to develop feelings first.  However it didn't really have an insta love feel either because there's not any undying love, it's still just attraction, but the kissing starts early.

Overall this was a really enjoyable read.  It had funny, it had romantic and it had intense action.  It's also a clean read as there's no bad language, no drug use, no sex and the violence is minimal.  The end of the book had a good closing, but could be open for more.  I don't know for sure if it's a planned series, but it felt that way to me as there's so much more to happen.

I received this book as a gift from someone who got it from ALA.  All opinions expressed are my own and I was not paid or influenced in any way.

Confident Reads (5): Review Requests

Hello everyone! Confident Reads is a way to open communication between readers and indie authors.  This  is to help readers feel confident in the books they spend their money on, and for authors to feel confident in the book they publish.  You can find this feature each week (Wednesdays except in September when it will be Tuesdays) discussing a different subject regarding indie books and authors.

Previous Posts:
Week One: State of Publishing Guest Post by Jeff Bennington about the differences in publishing terms.
Approved Read: Indie Author's Guide to the Universe by Jeff Bennington
Week Two: Let's Talk Covers Part One
Approved Read: Exiled by M.R. Merrick
Week Three: Let's Talk Covers Guest Post by M.R. Merrick- The Magic of Art

Week Four: Guest Post with Nikki Jefford Editing 101

Approved Read: Entangled & Duplicity by Nikki Jefford

This week I want to talk about review requests.  Or even promotion requests in general.  Whether it's asking for a review or a tour post of some sort, some bloggers have very specific expectations when it comes to the request.  Since I started booking tours I have started reading a lot of review policy's.  I have found some to be very specific.  Some even say that they won't consider the book unless it's done exactly the way they say.  Personally I don't think I would bother with that blogger.  But that's my opinion.

When you are going through hundreds of blogs, trying to find the ones that read the genre you write, accept indie/self published books, have room in their schedule and so on and so forth, that really narrows the field.  Trust me.  It's frustrating.  I get what the authors are going through.  Because they need to be very careful about how they word their requests and what they include in the request otherwise the reviewer/blogger is either going to ignore them or possibly even tear them a new one (I really hope this doesn't happen, but some of those review policy's are terrifying!).  And rewording every single request is extremely time consuming.

As a blogger I'm not real specific in what I need in a request.  There are a few things I want to know and these are:

• Title
• Author
• Description
• Cover
• I want it addressed to me
• I want to know that they read my review policy

Now, if the author wants a review done within a certain time period I need to know that.  But most are just happy to get a review and will take it when you're able.
 
Some bloggers don't like it when authors get friendly and personal.  I don't mind it, but it needs to be kept short.  I don't mind knowing an author is a best selling author or an award winning author and it does help me in making my decision.  There are so many books in the world and so many requests coming my way I need things to stand out.  But rattling on about how they started writing and their whole history isn't necessary.  I recently (ish) got a review request and it was certainly one that got my attention but it also evoked some mixed feelings.  He gave me permission to share it with you all.
 

You and I had an imaginary conversation the other day and I took the liberty to transcribe our little chat.

First, I would like to set the scene. You were sitting on a red velvet throne. You had a toy poodle in your lap. No, scratch that. It was a very small Burmese mountain dog. I was in my usual tattered hand-me-downs and I was nervously clutching my felt cap like the Cowardly Lion clutches his tail.

The conversation was short and to the point. It went like this:

YOU:   Did you bring me a tart? I begin no conversation without a tart.

ME:      Yes, mistress. A raspberry tart. From Walgreens…I hope you are pleased.

YOU:   I am less than pleased, but that is my natural constitution. It is a curse.

ME:      Yes, mistress.

YOU:   State your business.

ME:      It’s my children, Mistress Candace. They’ve had nothing but Coco Puffs since Tuesday. The generic kind, not the name brand variety. I told them…if I could just get my book reviewed…

YOU:   Enough. I saw this coming a league away! This is an affront! A tart from Walgreens, indeed…

ME:      But, this is not just any book! Well, it sort of is…

YOU:   Did you observe the enormous trash pile on your way past the sentry this morning? It is no ordinary mountain of detritus. It is comprised of self-published debut books, like yours, and first generation Kindles, which I find personally repugnant.

ME:      I understand. I wouldn’t call it “self published”…more like “independently published”…

YOU:   Regardless. I plan to burn them all at dawn. Right here in the royal fireplace! The castle is so cold and chilly when one is queen…

ME:      Um, back to the book. It’s called “Mechanical Town.” Middle grade. But with cross-over appeal.

YOU:   I prefer YA. I read middle grade books to my cats, and that is a better use than they deserve! Do you have more tarts?

ME:      It has robots. And boogers. Boys love it!

YOU:   I’m sure they do. And they love anything green from the back of the freezer. What is your point?

ME:      It’s just that…I’m sure that with a kind word or two from your blog…

YOU:   I do not blog, young man! I put pen to paper. And each tear-stained, dribble of ink bears the weight of empire!

ME:      Right. Well, that’s all I had to say. It’s on Amazon. It’s free this Saturday, July 21^st. I guess I’ll be going now…

YOU:   Indeed you will. And what will I have the guards call you as they hoist your innards onto the nearest, rusty petard?

ME:      Jim Collette, ma’m.

YOU:   I wish you a gnat’s smidgen of luck. You will need it. And leave the tarts. The whole box.

No charge for the transcript. I recommend filing it away under GREAT AUTHORS I HAVE KNOWN AND FOUND AMUSING.

Thank you, humbly.

Jim Collette

Now, what do you think?  I actually almost didn't read it because I thought it was one of those porn spam emails that show up sometimes.  I just had a teaser of the first bit in my inbox.  But I opened it and read on and then found myself chuckling.  And although I didn't accept the book, the letter is definitely stuck in my head and is memorable.  And memorable is good.  At least sometimes.

Stamp of Approval: This weeks indie title with my stamp of approval is A Place in This Life by Julie Rieman Duck.  My review hasn't gone up, but be sure to watch for it.  This was one very emotionally charged book! 

For the comments:

So what do you think should be in a request letter?