Nadette Rae Rodgers's Blog, page 8

Exciting News!

Hi guys,

First of all, I want to seriously thank all of you who read this blog and have read the book! I am so humbled by the kind words of all the young aspiring writers and avid readers. Thank you!

As you know, the second book of The Illusion Trilogy is set to come out very soon (this fall!!!), but I also have some more exciting news for events happening this fall.

Some of you may have noticed this on my “Upcoming Events” page already, but I wanted to officially announce these events in a blog post as well:

Last year I had such a great time meeting you all at the Beaver County Book Fest that I’ve decided to come back this year for the 2017 Book Fest! I would love to meet you all, sign some books, and chat about writing, so be sure to stop by. Also, Echo will have just been released, so I’ll have some copies of the latest Illusion Trilogy book with me hot off the presses! There are a TON of amazing authors attending this event. It is sure to be a fun day! (For more details on this please see my “Upcoming Events” or click here to be directed to the BCBF Official Site.) This event will be SEPTEMBER 9th, 2017.[image error]
Last fall I also attended a lovely event called  Passages & Prose: A Gathering of Authors & Their Books . This is also a really awesome literary event with a lot of very talented local authors! Last year, I was the first teen aged author they have had in the Chit-Chat area signing books and chatting about writing and my story. BUT THIS YEAR, I am so incredibly honored and humbled to announce that I will be one of the MAIN-STAGE Speakers at this year’s event! I was so thrilled when the wonderful ladies who run this event asked me to not only come back to this event, but to speak at it. So, please come out and stop by to chat with the amazing authors attending as well, and come to the main stage at 2:00 pm to hear about my journey as an author and the Illusion Trilogy. (For more details on this please see my “Upcoming Events” or click here to be directed to the Passages & Prose Official Site.) This event will be OCTOBER 7th, 2017. [image error]

Thank you all for the tremendous support all of my readers have shown for Illusion; I cannot wait for you all to read more about Addison’s story in Echo this Fall. Make sure you’re subscribed here to the blog, I’ll have more updates for you soon!

Many thanks and much excitement,

~Nadette

 

Summer Reads: Take the Key and Lock Her Up

Book: Take the Key and Lock Her Up 

Series: Embassy Row (#3)

Author: Ally Carter

My Goodreads Rating: 5 Stars

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Synposis (via Goodreads):
The princess is dead. Long live the princess.

Centuries ago, the royal family of Adria was killed…or so everyone thought.

Now Grace Blakely knows the truth: There was one survivor, and that survivor’s blood runs through her veins. This simple fact could cause a revolution—which is why some people will stop at nothing to keep it from coming to light.

There is only one way for Grace to save herself, save her family, and save the boy she loves. She must outmaneuver her foes, cut through the web of lies that has surrounded her for years, and go back to the source of all her troubles, despite the risk.

If she wins, she will inherit a throne.

And if she loses, she will inherit the fate of all the dead princesses who came before her.

* * *

My Review:

Okay, so, if you’ve been following my blog for a while, you know Ally Carter is my favorite author. I just love her writing style. It’s so relaxed and feels like the main character is having a conversation with you as the reader. But her books are also very thrilling and keep you guessing. I never want to put a Carter book down and wait anxiously for the next books in each series.

Embassy Row is no exception.

In the first 2 books, you follow Grace as she tries to figure out what happened to her mother and why. You find that Adria is a place full of secrets, underground tunnels, secret societies, ancient buildings, and old nursery rhymes that may just hold the keys to the past.

In this series, I have always appreciated seeing the sibling relationship between Grace and her old brother Jamie. I have an older brother, and the way Jamie protects Grace reminded me of how my older brother is always looking out for me. There isn’t always a big focus on siblings in typical YA novels, so I really liked that this series highlights their bond. Family gets you through a lot in life, and it was nice to see that Grace had Jamie to help her through such hard times like losing their mother so young.

“The Scarred Man” is such an intriguing plot line. You find as the series goes on that there is a much deeper story to this character, and he becomes essential to the story. I am always wondering when he will show up next and what hidden past they will uncover with him.

Grace and Alexei. Oh my! I absolutely LOVE these two together. There’s something so sweet about their relationship. Like Jamie, Alexei is always looking out for Grace and trying to protect her. She seems to be really honest and herself around Alexei, which is nice to see. From the beginning of the first book I kept hoping these two characters would somehow end up together! I can’t wait to see more of their relationship as the story continues.

Overall, this book was a very good, very exciting read with twists and turns and more secrets and answers. I keep saying this, but the Embassy Row series just keeps getting better! Each book builds on Grace’s story and Adria’s history, and the endings keep you praying there’ll be another installment to this thrilling series.

I can’t wait to read more Ally Carter books!

5 Stars! As always with this YA author, highly recommend this book! Want to read it? Buy it on Amazon today! 

Have you read this book? What did you think? Let me know in the comments.

Happy Reading!

~Nadette

Happy 4th of July!

Happy Fourth of July to all my readers out there celebrating today!

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For today’s post, I thought I’d list my 4 favorite summer books that remind me of the 4th of July somehow.

Sixteenth Summer by Michelle Dalton — in this book they go watch the fireworks together and it is really cute! (Buy on Amazon here)
The Lucky One by Nicholas Sparks — This book features a main character recently back from service in the military. On days like today, we need to remember the soldiers who fight for our country. So thank you, veterans and current military members, for all that you do so that we can celebrate the 4th of July and our independence! (Buy on Amazon here)
  The Selection by Kiera Cass — The main character in this book series is named “America” and it takes place in a distant time where America is no longer a country, but this character’s parents chose that name because she is a strong-willed character. So I thought that book was a good pick for this list because it reminds me that we have to appreciate and value our country for it’s strength and independence now.  (Buy on Amazon here)
 Four by Veronica Roth — This collection of Divergent stories from Four’s perspective gives readers a glimpse into another side of the story. And of course, the character’s nickname is “Four”, so I had to make that my 4th book in my list for 4th of July books. (Buy on Amazon)

I hope you all have a wonderful, and very safe, 4th of July!

What summer books are you currently reading? Do they have a 4th of July scene in them?

Happy Reading & Happy Fourth!

~Nadette Rae

 

 

 

Hello, Summer!

[image error]from my instagram

Good morning, all!

I hope you are enjoying this beautiful, sunny day! I know I am!

It’s officially summer now! How exciting! So I thought I’d include this little summer-y post for you all.

Dreaming of… summer!
Summer

“To dream about summer represents growth, knowledge, high productivity, tolerance and maturity. You are expanding your realm of understanding. It is important to keep your hope alive.” 

Sunshine

“To dream of sunshine indicates that you are experiencing some sort of emotional or situational breakthrough. The dream is offering you reassurance that you are headed on the right track.”

Picnic

“To dream that you are at a picnic signifies a joyful and tranquil domestic life. You prefer the simpler things in life.”

Ice Cream

“To see or eat ice cream in your dream denotes good luck, pleasure, success in love and satisfaction with your life. You need to savor the moment and enjoy it. Alternatively, the dream may suggest that you need to cool off and not let your temper get out of hand. On the other hand, the ice cream may be a pun on “I scream”. Perhaps there is something that you need to let out.”

Beach

“To see the beach in your dream symbolizes the meeting between your two states of mind. The sand is symbolic of the rational and mental processes while the water signifies the irrational, unsteady, and emotional aspects of yourself. It is a place of transition between the physical/material and the spiritual.”

Fireworks

“To see fireworks in your dream symbolizes enthusiasm, creativity, and talent. It may also indicate that you are showing off and making a spectacle of yourself.Alternatively, fireworks represents release of some pent up or repressed feelings.”

Swimming Pool

“To see a swimming pool in your dream symbolizes relaxation, calmness, luxury and ease. You need to take a break. Alternatively, a swimming pool suggests that you need to acknowledge and understand your feelings. It is time to dive in and deal with those emotions.”

Boat

“To dream that you are in or see a boat signifies your ability to cope with and express your emotions. Pay particular attention to the condition and state of the waters, whether it is calm or violent, clear or murky, etc. Are you “smooth sailing”? Alternatively, you may be ready to confront your subconscious and unknown aspects of yourself. The dream could be telling you not to rock the boat and to stay out of harm’s way.”

Palm Tree

“To see a palm tree in your dream represents tranquility, high aspirations, fame, victory, hopes, and longevity. It also symbolizes paradise and leisure. Perhaps you need to take time for a vacation and relaxation.”

Barbecue

“To dream of a barbecue refers to a minor issue or transformation occurring in your waking life.”

Hammock

“To see a hammock in your dream implies that you need to take some time out for pleasure and leisurely activity. You need to relax!”

Have you had any summer-related dreams? Are you dreaming of summer days?

Sweet Dreams and Happy Summer to all!

~Nadette Rae

*all dream interpretations found on Dream Moods.com

 

ECHO Cover Revealed!

Hi all,

In my previous post I announced that the cover of my upcoming novel, the second installment of The Illusion Trilogy, Echo, would be revealed this week.

So… here is the first look at the book cover:

[image error]Cover Photo: Nadette Rae Rodgers

I am SO happy with how this one came out! It was exactly the idea I have had in my head for months.

Illusion had the pop of blue in it, and for Echo, I added a pop of red/ burgundy. The first book cover was depicting Addison, covered by a mask with her eyes wide open. This was meant to symbolize her eyes being “opened” to the dream world, yet the mask was “masking” her true life from her friends and family, hiding her dreams from the rest of the world and wondering who was behind the mask in her nightmares. I also included a mask because of the masquerade homecoming dance at the end of the book.

For this cover, however, I wanted it to show her Aunt Carrie, who plays a major role in book two. The aunt was alluded to in book one (and I have gotten many emails and comments asking about who she is and “what’s up with that Aunt Carrie?”), and Echo will answer a lot of those questions! So I really wanted Carrie to be the character depicted on the front. I also wanted her to be sleeping/dreaming, but without a mask because things are a little clearer in this book– there are most questions answered and more of her past as a dreamer is revealed.

Well, I hope you all like the cover! I can’t wait for you to read the book soon! I can’t believe it is almost here.

Thanks to everyone for their support and excitement about this upcoming release!

Always follow your dreams,

~Nadette Rae

My Top Ten Book Covers + Exciting “Echo” News!

Good evening, lovelies!

Today I’m sharing my favorite book covers with you all!

   The Selection series by Kiera Cass – I would be lying if I said I didn’t buy the first book just for the cover…The colors are so beautiful, and the dresses are incredible. I also like the crown on each cover above the title, and the little phrases at the top that almost count down the selection competition.




  The Matched series by Ally Condie – I love the way the simple covers tell the story as the series goes on.




  Distant Waves by Suzanne Weyn- This cover is so incredible! I love it so much.  There’s just something so beautiful, yet kind of eerie, about it. Whoever came up with this cover idea did an amazing job! [image error]
  The Midnight Dance  by Nikki Katz-So I haven’t read this yet, but this cover came up on my Pinterest feed and I cannot stop looking at it. It is such a great cover, fits the title! I literally love everything about this cover and can’t wait to read it! The clock is her skirt! How cool is that?[image error]
  Twilight by Stephanie Meyer- I’ve always really liked the first Twilight book’s cover. I like it’s simplicity. The font is great too! [image error]
 The Fault in Our Stars by John Green- I think this cover is so fun and suits the characters in the book and the overall writing style. [image error]
Heist Society series by Ally Carter- These covers are great because in her sunglasses you can see what she has to steal in each book. So clever!




  The Boys of Summer by Jessica Brody- Again, I would be lying if I didn’t tell you that my friends and I all bought this book last summer because of the cover. LOL But I also really liked the colors and the simplicity of this cover. It felt summer-y and fit the book really well, I thought. [image error]
 Saint Anything by Sarah Dessen- The simple carousel and the dark colors. I love it all. Once you read the book, the cover and title have so much more meaning too. I got the hardback, and under the dust jacket, the actual cover was such a pretty blue color, so I loved that part of the cover as well. [image error]
Girls in the Moon by Janet McNalley- First, I love the colors on this cover, and second, I love every little detail on it. The more I read the book, the more I notice about the cover. So well done![image error]

*all cover images found on Goodreads.com

And now! For the reason I am writing a post about book covers….

The cover for “Echo” (Book Two of The Illusion Trilogy) will be revealed at the end of this week!

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Be sure to check back here, subscribe, and also follow my Instagram so you can see the cover right when it comes out!

Happy Reading!

~Nadette

P.S. What is your favorite book cover? Why is it your favorite?

Summer Reads: Everything, Everything

Book: Everything, Everything 

Author: Nicola Yoon

My Goodreads Rating: 4 Stars

[image error]@Nadetterae
Synopsis (via Goodreads):
My disease is as rare as it is famous. Basically, I’m allergic to the world. I don’t leave my house, have not left my house in seventeen years. The only people I ever see are my mom and my nurse, Carla.

But then one day, a moving truck arrives next door. I look out my window, and I see him. He’s tall, lean and wearing all black—black T-shirt, black jeans, black sneakers, and a black knit cap that covers his hair completely. He catches me looking and stares at me. I stare right back. His name is Olly.

Maybe we can’t predict the future, but we can predict some things. For example, I am certainly going to fall in love with Olly. It’s almost certainly going to be a disaster.

* * *

My Thoughts:

This book was everything! I read it in less than 24 hours, and it was really good. The plot was very unique and the love story was just so sweet and exciting. I can’t wait to see the movie adaptation!

First, Olly and Maddy are SUPER cute together! Just everything about the two of them made me smile. It was kind of sweet to read the parts where she felt awkward and didn’t know what to say to him because I think that’s something all teenagers feel around the person they like early on. For Maddy, this is the first boy — and one of the first people in general!– she has ever really interacted with, so I really appreciated the “realness” of their relationship and getting to know each other. It was sweet.

Summer Reads: Girls in the Moon

Book: Girls in the Moon

Author: Janet McNally

My Goodreads Rating: 5 stars

[image error]Follow Nadette on Instagram: @nadetterae
Synopsis (via Goodreads):
An exquisitely told, authentic YA debut about family secrets, the shadow of fame, and finding your own way.

Everyone in Phoebe Ferris’s life tells a different version of the truth. Her mother, Meg, ex–rock star and professional question evader, shares only the end of the story—the post-fame calm that Phoebe’s always known. Her sister, Luna, indie-rock darling of Brooklyn, preaches a stormy truth of her own making, selectively ignoring the facts she doesn’t like. And her father, Kieran, the cofounder of Meg’s beloved band, hasn’t said anything at all since he stopped calling three years ago.

But Phoebe, a budding poet in search of an identity to call her own, is tired of half-truths and vague explanations. When she visits Luna in New York, she’s determined to find out how she fits in to this family of storytellers, and to maybe even continue her own tale—the one with the musician boy she’s been secretly writing for months. Told in alternating chapters, Phoebe’s first adventure flows as the story of Meg and Kieran’s romance ebbs, leaving behind only a time-worn, precious pearl of truth about her family’s past—and leaving Phoebe to take a leap into her own unknown future.

* * *

My mom got me a three-month subscription to Book of the Month Club for Christmas this past year (I know right? Best. Gift. Ever.) For my first selection, the month of January, I chose this book, Girls in the Moon. And let me tell you, I am SO glad I did!

From the very first few pages I was hooked on Phoebe’s story. The writing style of this book was so realistic. I felt like the story was happening to me; I was so wrapped up in this amazing page-turner of a book!

I loved how this book showed so many aspects of Phoebe’s life. I feel like some love stories today just focus on the love triangle or the couple and almost forgets about the outside world. But not Girls in the Moon. This book beautifully highlights Phoebe’s relationship with her sister, Luna; it was realistic and truthful. Their relationships with there parents, who were famous musicians, are also portrayed in the book in a very realistic light. You can feel the struggle Phoebe is facing in whether or not to reach out to her estranged father or not and trying to learn more about her parents’ days as rock stars.

I really enjoyed the plot-line with her friend Tessa. It was interesting because little bits and pieces would get revealed throughout the story, and even though Phoebe and Tessa were not speaking at the time, it was still clear how much a best friend impacts your life. I thought Tessa and Phoebe’s friendship and past added a great dimension to Phoebe as a character and let us see more about her and her life outside of the Ferris family drama.

Archer. I really liked Archer with Phoebe! The chapters with him in them just made me so happy. I didn’t really like the whole hiding-their-relationship-from-Luna-and-the-band-thing and the blow-up that occurs because of that. But I understand why that all was in the story-line and because Archer was in Luna’s band, it was kind of necessary. But all in all, I really did like Archer and Phoebe together. I really like that she writes poetry/ song lyrics and he plays the music. I just think they brought out the best in each other.

The chapters from Meg’s were so good! I really liked seeing that because I’m trying to work other perspectives into my upcoming novel, Echo, so it was great to read a book where the point-of-view shifts were done so well! Adding other perspectives gives you the other side of the story and in this case, it really rounded out the plot and gave the reader insight into the Ferris family. It was an excellent idea to add Meg’s voice!

Oh and the names! I loved that all of the names had to do with the moon! Luna, Phoebe! It was really cute.

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A great first novel from McNally! Highly recommend this book to all my readers. I really hope McNally writes more novels in the future because I will definitely read them all!

Have you read this book? Are you a member of the Book of the Month club? Let me know in the comments!

Happy Reading!

~Nadette

Click here to purchase Girls in the Moon on Amazon.

Happy Mother’s Day! (+surprise!)

Wishing a very, very happy Mother’s Day to all the beautiful mother’s out there!

I hope any Moms reading this today have a wonderful day full of love and laughter. And for any children reading this, I hope you have a great day with your mom.

I’m so blessed to have such an amazing mom in my life to support me and teach me to follow my dreams in life! I don’t think I ever would have published a novel without her behind me, encouraging me, every step of the way. So thank you, Mom, for everything you do for me! Happy Mother’s Day! You deserve the best, today and always. ❤

 

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Recently, in this review of Illusion, the reviewer talked about the mother-daughter bond highlighted in my book, saying:

“Additionally, this book also emphasizes familial relationships in a positive light, which is also unique for young adult novels. Addison’s parents are active throughout the novel and even play a significant role in the plot. It was truly special being able to see the mother-daughter bond illuminated in this book.”

I really wanted to create a story that showed all aspects of the character’s lives, especially her relationship with her family. Book two will highlight family bonds even more, as Addison learns more and more about her family’s history. But for book one, I wanted to show a strong mother-daughter bond with Addison and her mom. I am blessed to have a relationship like that with my mother, so I really wanted to stem from that in this book. So I was really happy that the reviewer commented on that aspect and noticed the family bonds Addison has.

So if you’re looking for a story featuring the mother-daughter bond, be sure to read Illusion this Mother’s Day!

* * *

To celebrate Mother’s Day, Illusion is FREE to download today only on the Kindle (or on any smartphone or tablet with the Kindle App).

Click here to download Illusion for free!

If you’re a mom, download your free copy today and take some time to yourself to relax and unwind and just sit and read a book!

If you’re someone who is in need of a last minute gift idea or you know your mom is an avid reader, give her Illusion this Mother’s Day and thank her for helping you follow your dreams!

Click here to get ILLUSION for FREE today only! 

Happy Mother’s Day everyone!

Love always,

Nadette

Friday Five: Top 5 Books I really want to Read this Summer!

Hey guys!

So it is now officially summer vacation and I am SO excited to plop my butt down on a beach and READ! It will be so nice to finally read a book not assigned for homework!

I thought I’d share my Top 5 books I can’t wait to read this summer! My TBR pile has wayyyy more than just 5 books, but these are the ones I’ve been waiting all year to read. If you have any other suggestions for me, leave a comment below! I’m always looking for new summery-books to read.

I’ll be reviewing each of these after I read them, so make sure you subscribe to the blog to see when the reviews come up.

5. All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr

I really want to read this book because I have heard so many good things about it. I feel like it’s just one of those stories that sticks with you after you read it. And, I mean, part of it is in Paris so I really want to read it!

4.  The Shack by W. Paul Young

I recently saw the movie for this and oh my goodness! It was incredible! My mom and brother both read the book first and said the movie was pretty true to the book, so I’m guessing the book will be incredible as well! I know it’s kind of a “wintery” book, but I really want to read it over my break when I can just sit and enjoy it.

3.  Marlena by Julie Buntin

I got this book as one of my Book of the Month Club picks earlier in the year but haven’t had the time to read it yet. I have heard really good things about it though, and it sounds very interesting!

2.  Angels Burning by Tawni O’Dell

I recently bought this book on Amazon. After hearing O’Dell’s other book, Back Roads is about to become a movie (So exciting!), I decided I wanted to read some of her other books too! So I’m really excited to read this one!

1. Everything, Everything by Nicola Yoon

Everyone, everyone is talking about this book right now! My goal is to finish it before the movie comes out (because I prefer to read the book first), so hopefully I can read this one and then see the movie because the movie looks SO good.

So there ya have it! My Friday Top 5 books TBR this summer!

What are you reading this summer break?

Happy Reading!

~Nadette Rae