Cecily Wolfe's Blog: The Start of Something New, page 17
March 1, 2018
Kiss My Luck - Facebook/Blog Hop
Hop on over to the Kiss My Luck anthology cover reveal hop for prizes from today through March 6!
Start here: https://www.facebook.com/KissMyLuckAn...
and my Facebook page is somewhere along the line! This upcoming anthology will raise money to benefit missing and exploited children, so if you enjoy short stories, you'll want to check it out. Here is the Facebook page for the anthology for more details: https://www.facebook.com/KissMyLuckAn...
Start here: https://www.facebook.com/KissMyLuckAn...
and my Facebook page is somewhere along the line! This upcoming anthology will raise money to benefit missing and exploited children, so if you enjoy short stories, you'll want to check it out. Here is the Facebook page for the anthology for more details: https://www.facebook.com/KissMyLuckAn...
February 27, 2018
Tattooed Teardrops - Just 99 Cents!
I absolutely love P.D. Workman's books, and am thrilled that there are sequels to Tattooed Teardrops on the way! Be sure to check out her website for more details:
https://pdworkman.com/sequels-to-tatt...
ALSO -
Tattooed Teardrops is only 99 cents!
https://pdworkman.com/tattooed-teardr...
If you've never read these heart-wrenching YA stories, they are a must for fans of Ellen Hopkins, Jay Asher, and Patricia McCormick. Her website includes reading lists for specific social issue-themed titles, and will keep you reading for months (if not years!) to come.
https://pdworkman.com/sequels-to-tatt...
ALSO -
Tattooed Teardrops is only 99 cents!
https://pdworkman.com/tattooed-teardr...
If you've never read these heart-wrenching YA stories, they are a must for fans of Ellen Hopkins, Jay Asher, and Patricia McCormick. Her website includes reading lists for specific social issue-themed titles, and will keep you reading for months (if not years!) to come.
February 24, 2018
Book Sales & Deals
As February comes to a close (March! then April! then May! then summer!) so will the sale on Reckless Treasure (99 cents), so be sure to snag your copy soon. In case you haven't seen this review of Reckless Treasure (I've only shared it just about everywhere - I love it that much!) I have to quote it in its entirely because it is just that great:
"Wow, ya'll, I think this book is like, the romantic equivalent of Game of Thrones, but no one dies, or that episode of America's Next Top Model where Tyra loses it. WE WERE ALL ROOTING FOR YOU. I got invested in all of these characters, rooting for certain things to happen, only for the author to be like, not today, Satan.
The book is told third person from the point of view of several characters, a lot of them wholly unlikable. A few of them, I really wanted to yank from my kindle and punch in the face myself. In the middle of all these characters, you've got Francesca, Trish, Mitch, and Henry that I was rooting for, even if I had my side eye stink eye on Henry for a little while because I didn't know where his motivations lie. Oh, Mitch, WE WERE ALL ROOTING FOR YOU.
This is kind of like an old fairy tale. A poor princess, evil step mother or mother, the fairy god mother is actually a man, and it's not exactly what you think it is when you start reading. But it was an enjoyable read."
This review made my week.
And . . .
Throne of Grace is STILL FREE. Not sure how long that one will go on (hopefully until Treasure of Hope releases in October!) but who knows? Nearly 5000 readers (!) have already downloaded their copy, and the reviews have been wonderful, so thank you to everyone who has not only downloaded but left such fantastic praise for this sweet story and series.
Just some examples:
"What I enjoyed most about Throne of Grace was its unashamed faith. Sometimes in writing Christian characters or Christian themes, an author will pull back trying to avoid being overt. Ms. Wolfe pulls no punches in that regard and it really works. The story really hinges on the main characters being believably devoted to God as the linchpin of the whole story. The two protagonists, Josie and Arthur, are first drawn to one another because of their mutual faith. It is through this commonality that they are able to see past social stratification, which is an important topic of the book, to regard one another as equals in God's sight and consider exploring a relationship beyond professional partnership. Note I said consider just now, because the focus of the book isn't so much on the budding romance between a man and woman, but their concerted effort to pursue a task God has drawn them both to accomplish. At times, Ms. Wolfe had the option of trying to rationalize away some events, but chose to not do so and turned the reader directly to God as the source. I think that is as bold and needed in literature as life and really works well for Throne of Grace, underscoring the title's significance and the themes of the book."
"This is a beautiful Christian historical romance with so much more substance throughout the book. I loved it! I cannot wait to start the next book in the series. "
"Enjoyed this book so much. Found it encouraging, as they face hardships and difficulties in a godly manner. Especially like the leading male character, such a caring and attentive guy. Love his integrity, his grit, his devotion and courage to address opposition and judgement from others. A great lesson on judging, as well."
"This is a great love story. Moving, uplifting and filled with golden nuggets for the heart, this is one of the best Christian love stories I’ve read in some time."
"I was captivated with the story from the first line."
I love reading this great comments as I work on book three in this series - Sarah and Sam's story is the darkest of the three, and it's some tough going, but I promise another happy ending and of course, the Davenport baby. I get soooo many emails/messages about THE DAVENPORT BABY. I think he or she is the most popular character in this series and he or she has yet to be born.
Thank you so much for reading, and have a fantastic weekend!
"Wow, ya'll, I think this book is like, the romantic equivalent of Game of Thrones, but no one dies, or that episode of America's Next Top Model where Tyra loses it. WE WERE ALL ROOTING FOR YOU. I got invested in all of these characters, rooting for certain things to happen, only for the author to be like, not today, Satan.
The book is told third person from the point of view of several characters, a lot of them wholly unlikable. A few of them, I really wanted to yank from my kindle and punch in the face myself. In the middle of all these characters, you've got Francesca, Trish, Mitch, and Henry that I was rooting for, even if I had my side eye stink eye on Henry for a little while because I didn't know where his motivations lie. Oh, Mitch, WE WERE ALL ROOTING FOR YOU.
This is kind of like an old fairy tale. A poor princess, evil step mother or mother, the fairy god mother is actually a man, and it's not exactly what you think it is when you start reading. But it was an enjoyable read."
This review made my week.
And . . .
Throne of Grace is STILL FREE. Not sure how long that one will go on (hopefully until Treasure of Hope releases in October!) but who knows? Nearly 5000 readers (!) have already downloaded their copy, and the reviews have been wonderful, so thank you to everyone who has not only downloaded but left such fantastic praise for this sweet story and series.
Just some examples:
"What I enjoyed most about Throne of Grace was its unashamed faith. Sometimes in writing Christian characters or Christian themes, an author will pull back trying to avoid being overt. Ms. Wolfe pulls no punches in that regard and it really works. The story really hinges on the main characters being believably devoted to God as the linchpin of the whole story. The two protagonists, Josie and Arthur, are first drawn to one another because of their mutual faith. It is through this commonality that they are able to see past social stratification, which is an important topic of the book, to regard one another as equals in God's sight and consider exploring a relationship beyond professional partnership. Note I said consider just now, because the focus of the book isn't so much on the budding romance between a man and woman, but their concerted effort to pursue a task God has drawn them both to accomplish. At times, Ms. Wolfe had the option of trying to rationalize away some events, but chose to not do so and turned the reader directly to God as the source. I think that is as bold and needed in literature as life and really works well for Throne of Grace, underscoring the title's significance and the themes of the book."
"This is a beautiful Christian historical romance with so much more substance throughout the book. I loved it! I cannot wait to start the next book in the series. "
"Enjoyed this book so much. Found it encouraging, as they face hardships and difficulties in a godly manner. Especially like the leading male character, such a caring and attentive guy. Love his integrity, his grit, his devotion and courage to address opposition and judgement from others. A great lesson on judging, as well."
"This is a great love story. Moving, uplifting and filled with golden nuggets for the heart, this is one of the best Christian love stories I’ve read in some time."
"I was captivated with the story from the first line."
I love reading this great comments as I work on book three in this series - Sarah and Sam's story is the darkest of the three, and it's some tough going, but I promise another happy ending and of course, the Davenport baby. I get soooo many emails/messages about THE DAVENPORT BABY. I think he or she is the most popular character in this series and he or she has yet to be born.
Thank you so much for reading, and have a fantastic weekend!
February 21, 2018
Rafflecopter - Ideas?
Happy Wednesday!
I haven't had a Rafflecopter in awhile, and am looking at ideas as to what everyone would like to see being given away.
Books? Gift cards? Swag?
What would YOU enter to win?
Thank you in advance for your input!
I haven't had a Rafflecopter in awhile, and am looking at ideas as to what everyone would like to see being given away.
Books? Gift cards? Swag?
What would YOU enter to win?
Thank you in advance for your input!
February 20, 2018
Reclaiming Shilo Snow by Mary Weber
Welcome to the Scavenger Hunt Tour for
Reclaiming Shilo Snow
by Mary Weber, in collaboration with Thomas Nelson & Zondervan Fiction and JustRead Publicity Tours!
***SCAVENGER HUNT CLUE: BEGIN***
My review:
An absolutely incredible, heart-stopping end to this thrilling story. I love these characters, especially Sofi (I named one of my main characters in my upcoming YA after her!), and how their relationships evolve with the story and the pressures of everything that falls on their shoulders. This is not just an entertaining science fiction story, however - it is a serious look at how vulnerable people are used by others for profit, whether it is for money, experimentation, or other uses. No one should be deprived of their freedom, no matter how old, or young, or alone or suffering they are. Human trafficking is a growing problem in our world, and Weber brings this problem to light. I wish this story kept going, because I am going to miss these characters so much!
ABOUT THE BOOK
Title:
Reclaiming Shilo Snow
Series: Evaporation of Sofi Snow, Book 2 Author: Mary Weber
Publisher: Thomas Nelson Fiction
Release Date: March 6, 2018
Genre: Young Adult Sci-Fi/Fantasy
She was far more capable than Earth’s leaders had accounted for—and they had no idea what she’d do next.
Known as a brilliant mind that could hack humanity’s darkest secrets, seventeen-year-old Sofi Snow is the most wanted teenager alive. She found her way to the icy, technologically brilliant planet of Delon to find Shilo, the brother everyone but Sofi believes is dead.
But as she and Ambassador Miguel partner to find her brother and warn those on Earth of Delon’s dark designs on humanity, Sofi’s memories threaten to overtake her, distorting everything she holds true. She knows the Delonese kept her in a dark, deceptive place . . . and destroyed a portion of her life. Now, the more they discover of Sofi’s past, the more Sofi feels herself unraveling—as each new revelation has her questioning the very existence of reality.
In this harrowing sequel to The Evaporation of Sofi Snow, Sofi and Miguel must trust each other and discover the secrets locked inside Sofi’s mind as the line between what’s real and what they imagine begins to slip away . . . threatening to take humanity with it.
PREORDER NOW!
ABOUT MARY WEBER
Mary Weber is the award-winning HarperCollins author of the bestselling young adult Storm Siren Trilogy, and The Evaporation of Sofi Snow series. An avid school and conference speaker, Mary's passion is helping others find their voice amid a world that often feels too loud. When she's not plotting adventures involving tough girls who frequently take over the world, Mary sings 80's hairband songs to her three muggle children, and ogles her husband who looks strikingly like Wolverine. They live in California which is perfect for stalking L.A. bands and the ocean. She gets nerdy at @maryweber.com, FACEBOOK @MaryWeberAuthor, INSTAGRAM @MaryWeberAuthor, and GOODREADS.
<
SCAVENGER HUNT RULES
1. Be sure to stop at every stop to get the word/phrase as part of the hunt. You should find the phrase within the caption of their social media post or their blog post. Once you get the full phrase, enter it in the Rafflecopter entry form below.
2. The tour landing page (this page) with the tour schedule and the Grand Prize entry form will be posted here and on JustRead Publicity Tour's Campaign page.
3. Stops will be posted no later than 6 PM EST on February 20, 2018. The Tour-Wide, Grand Prize Giveaway will be opened through 11:59 PM EST on February 24, 2018. Individual stops' giveaways will be at the discretion of the hosts.
4. Have fun and be sure to check out this series! It's AWESOME!
TOUR SCHEDULE
Facebook:
Jessica Curtis
All of a Kind Mom
Christen Krumm
Instagram:
Bookishly_Vintage
Adriana Raygoza
Read.Write.Coffee
The Fabled Fork
My So Called Chaos
Dauntless Booky
Book_Dragon17
MissDanaBlack
Booking_Belle
Stephanie H. Warner
Fiction Fare
Denzy.Rose
AmberAfterGlowReads
Nugglove67
xlittlebookwormx
Book Briefs
Staybookish
Dragon.Elf
Ramblings of a Reader
V.Joy Palmer
PopTheButterfly
Blogs:
Carina Books Blog
Quills & Inkblotts
Rebecca Waddell Books
Fiction Aficionado
LilBookLovers
Melony Teague
A Baker's Perspective
Fly Leaf Chronicles Blog
Reading is My SuperPower
Books and Waffles
Caffeinated Fiction
Remembrancy
The Start of Something New
Book by Book
Scattered Scribblings
Blooming with Books
Worthy2Read
Twitter:
Savings in Seconds
Thorn & Vine
GRAND PRIZE GIVEAWAY
One U.S. winner will win: (1) Hardcover Copy of Evaporation of Sofi Snow, (1) Signed ARC of Reclaiming Shilo Snow, (1)With Music the World Evaporates Drawstring Backpack, (1) The Evaporation of Sofi Snow Earbuds.
Thanks for joining the hunt!
***SCAVENGER HUNT CLUE: BEGIN***
My review:
An absolutely incredible, heart-stopping end to this thrilling story. I love these characters, especially Sofi (I named one of my main characters in my upcoming YA after her!), and how their relationships evolve with the story and the pressures of everything that falls on their shoulders. This is not just an entertaining science fiction story, however - it is a serious look at how vulnerable people are used by others for profit, whether it is for money, experimentation, or other uses. No one should be deprived of their freedom, no matter how old, or young, or alone or suffering they are. Human trafficking is a growing problem in our world, and Weber brings this problem to light. I wish this story kept going, because I am going to miss these characters so much!
ABOUT THE BOOK
Title:
Reclaiming Shilo Snow
Series: Evaporation of Sofi Snow, Book 2 Author: Mary Weber
Publisher: Thomas Nelson Fiction
Release Date: March 6, 2018
Genre: Young Adult Sci-Fi/Fantasy
She was far more capable than Earth’s leaders had accounted for—and they had no idea what she’d do next.
Known as a brilliant mind that could hack humanity’s darkest secrets, seventeen-year-old Sofi Snow is the most wanted teenager alive. She found her way to the icy, technologically brilliant planet of Delon to find Shilo, the brother everyone but Sofi believes is dead.
But as she and Ambassador Miguel partner to find her brother and warn those on Earth of Delon’s dark designs on humanity, Sofi’s memories threaten to overtake her, distorting everything she holds true. She knows the Delonese kept her in a dark, deceptive place . . . and destroyed a portion of her life. Now, the more they discover of Sofi’s past, the more Sofi feels herself unraveling—as each new revelation has her questioning the very existence of reality.
In this harrowing sequel to The Evaporation of Sofi Snow, Sofi and Miguel must trust each other and discover the secrets locked inside Sofi’s mind as the line between what’s real and what they imagine begins to slip away . . . threatening to take humanity with it.
PREORDER NOW!
ABOUT MARY WEBER
Mary Weber is the award-winning HarperCollins author of the bestselling young adult Storm Siren Trilogy, and The Evaporation of Sofi Snow series. An avid school and conference speaker, Mary's passion is helping others find their voice amid a world that often feels too loud. When she's not plotting adventures involving tough girls who frequently take over the world, Mary sings 80's hairband songs to her three muggle children, and ogles her husband who looks strikingly like Wolverine. They live in California which is perfect for stalking L.A. bands and the ocean. She gets nerdy at @maryweber.com, FACEBOOK @MaryWeberAuthor, INSTAGRAM @MaryWeberAuthor, and GOODREADS.
<
SCAVENGER HUNT RULES
1. Be sure to stop at every stop to get the word/phrase as part of the hunt. You should find the phrase within the caption of their social media post or their blog post. Once you get the full phrase, enter it in the Rafflecopter entry form below.
2. The tour landing page (this page) with the tour schedule and the Grand Prize entry form will be posted here and on JustRead Publicity Tour's Campaign page.
3. Stops will be posted no later than 6 PM EST on February 20, 2018. The Tour-Wide, Grand Prize Giveaway will be opened through 11:59 PM EST on February 24, 2018. Individual stops' giveaways will be at the discretion of the hosts.
4. Have fun and be sure to check out this series! It's AWESOME!
TOUR SCHEDULE
Facebook:
Jessica Curtis
All of a Kind Mom
Christen Krumm
Instagram:
Bookishly_Vintage
Adriana Raygoza
Read.Write.Coffee
The Fabled Fork
My So Called Chaos
Dauntless Booky
Book_Dragon17
MissDanaBlack
Booking_Belle
Stephanie H. Warner
Fiction Fare
Denzy.Rose
AmberAfterGlowReads
Nugglove67
xlittlebookwormx
Book Briefs
Staybookish
Dragon.Elf
Ramblings of a Reader
V.Joy Palmer
PopTheButterfly
Blogs:
Carina Books Blog
Quills & Inkblotts
Rebecca Waddell Books
Fiction Aficionado
LilBookLovers
Melony Teague
A Baker's Perspective
Fly Leaf Chronicles Blog
Reading is My SuperPower
Books and Waffles
Caffeinated Fiction
Remembrancy
The Start of Something New
Book by Book
Scattered Scribblings
Blooming with Books
Worthy2Read
Twitter:
Savings in Seconds
Thorn & Vine
GRAND PRIZE GIVEAWAY
One U.S. winner will win: (1) Hardcover Copy of Evaporation of Sofi Snow, (1) Signed ARC of Reclaiming Shilo Snow, (1)With Music the World Evaporates Drawstring Backpack, (1) The Evaporation of Sofi Snow Earbuds.
Thanks for joining the hunt!
February 19, 2018
FREE Book!
Did you know that Throne of Grace is still FREE for all e-book platforms?
Whether you have a Kindle, Nook, or read on your computer or phone (or other device) you can get the first book in my Cliff Walk Courtships series for FREE.
Over 4000 readers have downloaded it since the beginning of the month (WOW!) and I'm not sure how long it will be free, so be sure to grab it while it is!
Thank you so much to everyone who has read and reviewed Throne of Grace, as well as the sequel, Crown of Beauty. I can't wait to share the conclusion of the story later this year in Treasure of Hope.
Readers continue to ask if Josie and Arthur appear in books two and three - yes! They are very important to the continuing story, and some of you know how big my crush on Arthur is. It is serious business! He is devoted to Josie, so I am out of luck.
Stay tuned for details on the Davenport baby as well, who will absolutely make an appearance before the story is over.
February 11, 2018
February Freebie, 99 Cent Deal, and Book News!
I hope you are all enjoying the weekend! It is very cold and snowy up here by Lake Erie (ice!) but I am keeping warm with work on my 2018 releases, including The Competition. The details of this story have been kept under wraps for months, but were finally released this past week:
And you may have noticed that the first book in my Cliff Walk Courtships series, Throne of Grace, is FREE. Over 3000 (!) readers have downloaded their copy in the past ten days - don't miss the chance to get yours for FREE.
Last but not least - Reckless Treasure is only 99 cents this month. This is a sort of anti-Valentine's Day gift to readers, and if you've read Reckless Treasure, you know exactly what I mean. Warning: if you're looking for that Cliff Walk Courtships happy ending, you won't find it here. Unless . . . well, I guess that depends on your idea of a happy ending.
Oh, that wasn't last - I think I need more coffee - if you are a member of my street team over on Facebook, stay tuned for a LOT of giveaways on Valentine's Day. Charms, earrings, a necklace, and 7 books (not mine, but physical books, some ARCs) will be up for grabs. If you aren't a member, you can join here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/13117...
I hope to see you there!
Have a wonderful Sunday!
And you may have noticed that the first book in my Cliff Walk Courtships series, Throne of Grace, is FREE. Over 3000 (!) readers have downloaded their copy in the past ten days - don't miss the chance to get yours for FREE.
Last but not least - Reckless Treasure is only 99 cents this month. This is a sort of anti-Valentine's Day gift to readers, and if you've read Reckless Treasure, you know exactly what I mean. Warning: if you're looking for that Cliff Walk Courtships happy ending, you won't find it here. Unless . . . well, I guess that depends on your idea of a happy ending.
Oh, that wasn't last - I think I need more coffee - if you are a member of my street team over on Facebook, stay tuned for a LOT of giveaways on Valentine's Day. Charms, earrings, a necklace, and 7 books (not mine, but physical books, some ARCs) will be up for grabs. If you aren't a member, you can join here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/13117...
I hope to see you there!
Have a wonderful Sunday!
February 2, 2018
Throne of Grace is FREE on All Platforms!
Did you know that Throne of Grace is FREE
FREE
FREE
YES
FREE
through all retailers?
Happy Valentine's Day!
If you get a copy, please let me know what you think. Leave a review here or where you download it - even a few words with a rating is wonderful. Help this series reach new readers, especially as book three, Treasure of Hope, will be available this fall. I am working on it now, and I can't wait to share the third and final Davenport story with you -
YES
for those of you who have asked, Josie and Arthur's baby will arrive, and will of course, have a name. I might just have a contest where readers can guess his or her name to win a set of all three books, signed, in paperback.
I just came up with that now - but it sounds fun, doesn't it? You all know how I love to give things away so why not?
Stay tuned for details closer to Treasure of Hope's release date (October).
Thank you for reading!
FREE
FREE
YES
FREE
through all retailers?
Happy Valentine's Day!
If you get a copy, please let me know what you think. Leave a review here or where you download it - even a few words with a rating is wonderful. Help this series reach new readers, especially as book three, Treasure of Hope, will be available this fall. I am working on it now, and I can't wait to share the third and final Davenport story with you -
YES
for those of you who have asked, Josie and Arthur's baby will arrive, and will of course, have a name. I might just have a contest where readers can guess his or her name to win a set of all three books, signed, in paperback.
I just came up with that now - but it sounds fun, doesn't it? You all know how I love to give things away so why not?
Stay tuned for details closer to Treasure of Hope's release date (October).
Thank you for reading!
January 30, 2018
Say You'll Remember Me by Katie McGarry - Release Day!
From critically acclaimed author Katie McGarry, comes SAY YOU’LL REMEMBER ME —a story of two people from different worlds pushing themselves, and each other, to get what they deserve!
SAY YOU’LL REMEMBER ME is now available at all fine book retailers. Grab your copy today!
SAY YOU’LL REMEMBER ME Synopsis:
"Doesn't matter who did it. Not anymore. I did the time. It's over."
When Drix was convicted of a crime--one he didn't commit--he thought his life was over. But opportunity came with the Second Chance Program, the governor's newest pet project to get delinquents off the streets, rehabilitated and back into society. Drix knows this is his chance to get his life back on track, even if it means being paraded in front of reporters for a while.
Elle knows she lives a life of privilege. As the governor's daughter, she can open doors with her name alone. But the expectations and pressure to be someone she isn't may be too much to handle. She wants to follow her own path, whatever that means.
When Drix and Elle meet, their connection is immediate, but so are their problems. Drix is not the type of boy Elle's parents have in mind for her, and Elle is not the kind of girl who can understand Drix's messy life.
But sometimes love can breach all barriers.
Fighting against a society that can't imagine them together, Drix and Elle must push themselves--Drix to confront the truth of the robbery, and Elle to assert her independence--and each other to finally get what they deserve.
Grab your copy of SAY YOU’LL REMEMBER ME here!
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | iBooks | Google Play | BAM | Kobo
Add it to your Goodreads Now!
EXCERPT:
Hendrix
“Everyone says you have a blank slate.” My brother Axle sits beside me on the ground, arms resting on his bent knees, and he stares at the bonfire I built with my own two hands with only flint and sticks. It’s one of the many tricks I learned over the last three months. That and how to survive on my own in the middle of nowhere.
Trees and bears I can handle. It’s not knowing who I can trust, now that I’m home, that’s the problem. Axle knows this. It’s why he’s next to me as our friends and family walk around the backyard for the impromptu “Welcome Home” party I told Axle I didn’t want.
Someone in this yard is the reason why I spent a year away from home for a crime I didn’t commit.
My neck tenses, and I roll it in an attempt to release the anger. It took me close to eight months to find some Zen, and it has taken less than thirty minutes for some of the old underlying rage that followed me around like a black thunderhead to return.
Across from us, two girls I used to go to school with are roasting marshmallows. They’re waiting for me to talk to them. That’s who I was before: the smooth talker, the guy who made girls laugh and caused them to light up with a few specially chosen words. The right smile dropped at the right time, and panties would be shed. But I don’t feel up for conversation and I don’t feel like manipulating anyone anymore.
Crazy—I used to thrive when surrounded by people. The more, the better. But after being in juvenile detention for seven months and spending three in the wilderness taking part in an Outward Bound program for troubled teens, I’m more at ease by myself in front of a fire.
“They’ve all confirmed you’re walking out of all this with sealed records,” Axle continues.
Hel’s leaving out the part of how those records only remain sealed if I uphold my end of the plea deal—the agreement I made with the district attorney after I was arrested. I agreed to plead guilty, and the DA didn’t charge me as an adult and send me to hard-core prison. Considering we had no money for a lawyer to help prove my innocence, the deal sounded like the better of two bad options.
“You’re getting a massive second chance,” Axle says.
It was rotten luck that got me into this mess, but it happened at the right time. Our governor was searching for screwed-up teens to use for his pilot program. Someone high up in the world thought I stood a chance at turning my life around, but that second chance comes with a price. A price my brother is currently breaking down for me.
“This is a good thing. A blank slate. Not many people get one of those.”
Blank slate. That’s what I’m scared of. I may not have liked parts of the person I was before I was arrested, but at least I knew who I was. This blank slate, this chance to create someone new, scares me. This is a new type of pressure. At least I had a good excuse for being a delinquent before. Now, if I mess up, it’s because I’m truly broke.
The fire crackles then pops, and embers rise into the late May night. My younger sister laughs at the other end of the narrow yard near the aging shotgun house, and the sound is like an eight-eight beat with a high hat cymbal. It’s welcomed, and it’s the first time this feels like home.
She’s sixteen now, grown up faster than I’d prefer, and she’s one of the four people I love more than my own life. She’s also the only reason I’m still out here instead of holed up in my room. According to Axle, it was Holiday’s idea to set up the party.
Old Christmas lights are strung from one towering oak tree to the next, zigzagging green, red and blue across the yard. Most people brought their own chairs and a dish to share. My first meal as a free man and it’s hamburgers, hot dogs and potato salad. I don’t have the heart to tell her I would have given my left ball for a slice of thick crust pizza.
“She missed you,” Axle says, catching my train of sight.
“I missed her, too.” Those are my first words since we pulled in the driveway. I used to be the life of the party, but that was before, and as I said, I don’t know who I am anymore, so for now, I’m quiet.
“I missed you,” he says in such a low tone I barely catch it. “We weren’t the same without you.”
I take a deep breath because I’m not sure any of us will be the same again.
Order your copy of SAY YOU'LL REMEMBER ME, register and you will receive AND THEY ALL LIVED HAPPILY EVER AFTER, a novella that features your favorite Pushing the Limits and Thunder Road characters!
From the Pushing the Limits series, Noah, Beth, Isaiah, West and Logan are all grown up. Catch up with your favorite characters as one of them finally says, I do.
Pigpen, Eli and Addison from the Thunder Road series: Three separate personalities who still needed to find love...and still had someone important to meet.
This is a limited time offer! So hurry! Registration ends on February 3, 2018! You must register your order to receive AND THEY ALL LIVED HAPPILY EVER AFTER.
https://a.pgtb.me/4tLZSM
About Katie McGarry:
Katie McGarry was a teenager during the age of grunge and boy bands and remembers those years as the best and worst of her life. She is a lover of music, happy endings, reality television, and is a secret University of Kentucky basketball fan.
Katie is the author of full length YA novels, PUSHING THE LIMITS, DARE YOU TO, CRASH INTO YOU, TAKE ME ON, BREAKING THE RULES, and NOWHERE BUT HERE and the e-novellas, CROSSING THE LINE and RED AT NIGHT. Her debut YA novel, PUSHING THE LIMITS was a 2012 Goodreads Choice Finalist for YA Fiction, a RT Magazine's 2012 Reviewer's Choice Awards Nominee for Young Adult Contemporary Novel, a double Rita Finalist, and a 2013 YALSA Top Ten Teen Pick. DARE YOU TO was also a Goodreads Choice Finalist for YA Fiction and won RT Magazine’s Reviewer’s Choice Best Book Award for Young Adult Contemporary fiction in 2013.
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January 27, 2018
Love a Book? Leave a Review!
I hope your weekend is off to a great start!
If you have a few moments, would you take the time to leave a review here on Goodreads or any retail sites, like Amazon or Barnes & Noble? Not just for my books, but any that you have read.
When you leave a review, you help an author reach more readers, and readers find new authors to love.
I really appreciate your reviews, comments, and support, and look forward to sharing some new giveaways in February, so stay tuned!
If you have a few moments, would you take the time to leave a review here on Goodreads or any retail sites, like Amazon or Barnes & Noble? Not just for my books, but any that you have read.
When you leave a review, you help an author reach more readers, and readers find new authors to love.
I really appreciate your reviews, comments, and support, and look forward to sharing some new giveaways in February, so stay tuned!
