Zøe Haslie's Blog, page 6
February 12, 2018
Review: Better Than This, by Tia Souders
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What can keep a dream alive?
Before the car accident that changed everything, Samantha Becker was a happy and loved little girl. Ten years later, Sam, now 18, lives under a dark cloud—largely ignored by an alcoholic mother who never recovered from her loss and ruled by an overbearing father who blames Samantha for the family tragedy. And yet, the troubled teenager has a dream that keeps her going, and an extraordinary musical talent that could take her all the way to Julliard…and far beyond.
Following her heart, however, means defying her father, who has his own plans for his daughter’s future. Then, in the wake of another devastating personal catastrophe, her dream is irreparably shattered, and in her pain and anger, Samantha acts out recklessly. But her salvation could come from a most unlikely trio: a handsome college student, a hopeful little boy…and an older neighbor woman whose caring and secrets will change Sam’s world forever.
My Review
Goodreads Rating: 4*
I just finished reading Tia Souders‘s Better Than This, and… Wow! This has been a tough and emotional book because of the story.
Samantha Becker had it all until that aweful day when so many years ago where her family fell appart. Now, all she has is her gourp of jerky friends (who I ardently hated!), her guitar and her dreams of leaving everyone behind.
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However, destiny has another set of obstacles in hold for her. After another “accident”, Samantha’s dreams are seriously endangered and she will have to work extra hard and defy all the odds to keep playing and compensate for what she is lacking.
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Thankfully, Sam meets Tad, the neighbor’s 12 year-old grandson, and college student and musician Laird 
. Together, they will encourage her not to give up and to keep chasing her dreams at whatever cost.
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And more importantly, Samantha will learn a very important lesson on love, friends and family. And, believe me, she needed it!
All in all, I loved the story, BUT it was really harsh, so be prepared to get sad, angry, annoyed. But also, happy, encouraged and end up with a sense of achievement. The personal growth of Samantha through the book was something worth witnessing.
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There are two things that make me give this book 4*. The first one is a jump in time of 5 months, which I get was necessary, but was unexpected and felt somewhat sudden. The second, was that I felt the ending a bit fast and I still had a few unanswered questions about Sam and some other characters. Other than that, I highly enjoyed this
Some quotes I loved:
“Music was the only thing keeping me sane all these years. And I’ve lost it. No big deal.”
“If there was one thing I’d gleaned over the years, it was this: people are predictable. Rarely did they surprise you. At least in my experience, anyway.”
“The one thing I did know was no one could heal me but me.”
“I have a long record of disappointment when it comes to other people.”
“It’s funny how some of the worst things for you in life were the things you clung to the most.”
February 11, 2018
Interview to Horror Author Joshua Dyer
Hi, lovelies! It’s time for a new interview on the blog and today I’m interviewing a Horror author! So things might get a bit spooky around here! But fear not, fellow readers! Just have a seat and enjoy. Personally, I loved his last answer the most since he talks about the book market and indie authors.
[image error]Welcome to the blog! Briefly introduce yourself and tell us what genre(s) you write.
Hi! ‘m Joshua Dyer. I have been writing for fifteen years now. I have several published works, and I wrote award winning stories for the Los Angeles Times. I write in horror, fantasy, science fiction,
mainstream fiction, and historical fiction. Apart from writing, I love to read, watch movies, cook,
sketch, and play with my kids.
Are you a self-published author or traditionally published? What’s the first book you published?
I’m self-published these days. There wasn’t much that the traditional folks did that I wasn’t already doing on my own. My first novel was “Shaygan”, a fantasy story.
https://www.amazon.com/Joshua-Dyer/e/B0095SQX4K/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1518308456&sr=8-1
3. What’s the first book that had an impact in your life and how?
“Dragons of Autumn Twilight” really inspired me at a young age. Their world building, the memorable characters — it all came together well. I went on to undertake a mentorship with Margaret Weis for a year. She taught me me a lot.
4. If one of your books turned into a movie, which one would it be? Which actors would have the lead roles? Who would direct it?
“Restless” has potential. I could see Samuel L. Jackson in it and Jean Reneau maybe. Other than that, I don’t know. It would be interesting to see what Carpenter could do with it.
5. If you could be a book character for a day, who would you be? Why?
I’d be Charlie. You get to travel around with Steinbeck and see America. Good times.
6. As an author, what are the hardest scenes or topics to write about?
Religion is a touchy subject. There’s no great way to write it without upsetting someone in some way.
7. If you had two minutes to speak to all your readers, what would you tell them?
Thank you! Thank you for supporting me when no one else did. You have followed me to Hell and back. You are the reason I write. Take the time and money and support other indie authors. Major markets are stuck on repeat, hoping that reboots will be their saving cash cows. Better stories are out there if you look.
You can stalk Joshua online! He can be found on Facebook and on Amazon.
February 9, 2018
Secret Reading Society: The Book Robin Hoods
Hi, guys, how are you? It’s Friday and I want to introduce you to an amazing group I recently joined: The Book Robin Hood, a society made up of Book Thieves and Storytellers! I know that by now you are pretty much like this:
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But read on, because YOU can join as well! Are you a writer? Are you a reader? Are you a blogger? Are you a book lover?
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Then, check out author’s M.C. Frank coolest community by following this link. You just need to fill in your information, create your profile and get in touch with other members, participate in forums and enjoy hanging out with people who share your same interests
I really hope to see you all there!!
February 8, 2018
Meet YA contemporary author Cindy Hale
Hi, guys! It’s time for a new interview! Ohh, yes! If you missed last one, you can meet Kendra Radke here. This week, we’ll get to know Cindy Hale and her clean romance YA books Read on! She comes bearing bookish gifts!
[image error] Welcome to the blog! Briefly introduce yourself and tell us what genre(s) you write.
Hi there. I’m Cindy Ray Hale, and I write YA Contemporary and New Adult Clean Romance. My books focus a lot of inner growth and coming-of-age struggles. I love acting, film, and theatre so all my books focus on one of those aspects. I’m a big dreamer, and you’ll find that reflected in my books as well. My characters fight hard for their dreams and the struggle is painful and hard. As an author it’s very real. We have so many big dreams and writing about them help me dream even bigger. I hope my books inspire my readers to remember to dream and to never give up on what may seem like the impossible.
Are you a self-published author or traditionally published? What’s the first book you published?
Technically I’m both, but I consider myself a self-published author. When I was 17 I had a magazine publish an article I wrote, but that was so long ago I don’t really count it much. The first book I wrote is Destiny, book one of the Destiny trilogy. I put so much of my heart and soul into that book. I wrote it right during a tough time in my life and it means a lot to me. It changed my life forever.
What’s the first book that had an impact in your life and how?
So many! I used to sit as a kid and page through books, looking at the pictures. I was so excited to finally learn to read and I’d sit and read them to myself over and over. The first series I read was Little House on the Prairie in third grade. Right after that I got into the Babysitter Club books and those probably had the biggest impact on me. I wanted to be grown up like the girls in the books. I couldn’t wait to babysit myself and I remember reading the “about the author” page every time I’d finish another book. That was the first time I remember wanting to be an author. Ann M. Martin was my hero.
If one of your books turned into a movie, which one would it be? Which actors would have the lead roles? Who would direct it?
Ok, I actually take this question really seriously because I’ve felt for years that Destiny would become a movie. My father-in-law is a film producer and I just took over his company, Feature Films For Families, by starting up an online version with streaming. We just launched our brand-new streaming service January 2018. It’s super exciting stuff. My hope is to make enough on the streaming to be able to produce and direct a film version of Destiny. As far as lead roles go… I have no idea. I’d have to hire a casting company and hold auditions. I’ve toyed with the idea of having the cover models cast as themselves in the film, but they may be too old for the roles by the time I actually produce the film.
[image error]If you could be a book character for a day, who would you be? Why?
Elizabeth Bennett from Pride and Prejudice. Who wouldn’t want to spend all day taking walks in the English countryside, playing the piano, living in a gorgeous mansion with maids and cooks to take care of everything? Ahh. It sounds like heaven.
As an author, what are the hardest scenes or topics to write about?
Endings. I’m horrible at them. I’m stuck at 90% of the way through my first draft of Harmony and I can’t seem to finish it. It’s been stuck like this since December.
If you had two minutes to speak to all your readers, what would you tell them?
A huge thank you for reading. I’d want to hear their questions about my books. I’d want to know why they chose to read a book about religious conflict, which is supposedly such a taboo topic. I’d tell them how I came up with the idea for the premise of Destiny. I was once a Mormon girl going to a Baptist school in Tennessee. I was picked on and shunned from most of the cliques. I had a few solid friends. But I never felt like I fit in. A lot of the series is based on true events, but much of it is fictionalized. But religion was always a huge part of my life. And I always imagined that I’d have a romance out in the woods around my parents’ house.
If you want to know more about Cindy and her work, stalk her online 
February 6, 2018
TTT: Eternally TBR
Before starting, I’d like to remind that this fun initiative is hosted by Jana at her cool blog.
Also, in case you missed it, take a look at this YA Valentine’s Special!
This weeks’ topic: Books that have been in your TBR the longest. Although, I will adjust it a bit to select those titles I really, really, reaaaally want to read and never pick up!
Northanger Abbey, by Jane Austen. Shame on me.
My Life Next Door, by Huntley Fitzpatrick. I picked this up twice in the last two years and always end up starting another book [image error]
More Than This, by Patrick Ness: It’s been sitting on my shelves for ever!
4. Summer’s End, by Sally Henson: Honeslty, I just saw the cover and decided I needed to read it!
5. Turtles All The Way Down, by John Green. I think I’m waiting for the “frenesi” to wear down a bit before I finally start reading this one.
6. The Hate you Give, Angie Thomas. Having a lot of best-selling authors recommending this book puts me off from reading it. I can pick my own books, you know?!
7. On the Road, by Jack Kerouac. Always made me curious, never pick it up!
8. They Both Die At The End, by Adam Silvera. I feel very curious about this one.
9. The Bear and the Nightingale, by Katherine Arden. I still haven’t bought it, but I’m really looking forwards to it!
That’s it for me this week, just nine this time! I’ll be looking forwards to seeing your TTTs
February 5, 2018
An Indie YA Valentine’s Special
Hi, lovelies! With Valentine’s day just around the corner, YA Indie authors have come together to bring you some great titles! Just browse through your favorite subgenres and click on the images to find out more about the books
February 1, 2018
#Review Silver Storm, by Cynthia Wright
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Synopsis
Set in 1781, during the Revolutionary War, SILVER STORM is the passionate tale of Andre Raveneau and Devon Lindsay who are thrown together when she stows away on his privateer after the British burn her home in New London, CT. The irresistible Captain Raveneau agrees to take her to Virginia to find her childhood sweetheart, but fate has other plans. Through intrigue, misunderstandings, and swashbuckling sea battles, Devon and Andre are swept away by a love that won’t be denied.
This is the first historical fiction I read this year and I enjoyed every second of it!
I came across this book thanks to Bookbub and I shared it on my FB page, where I usually post great deals or books available for free for a limited period.
As for this book, I was drawn into it since the moment I picked it up. It’s got sweetness, romance, fights, witty talks, lovers quarrels (and very enjoyable ones!), adventures, broken hearts, tragedy, drama, love, rebirth, ships and… PIRATES! All combined into one bad-ass book.
I found the story to be greatly developed, it flows brilliantly. It starts right when Devon is a child and first runs into André Raveneau, whose fate will become attached to hers from that day onwards, even if they don’t know it. As we flip the pages, some years go by, and Devon and André meet again under much different circumstances. And this is when our story begins! Wait, did I say story? I meant, attraction. No, scratch that. Quarrels. Hmm… or is it a combination of both? Oh, boy!
Anyways, after some tragic events, Devon is forced to abandon her home in New London and get abroad of the legendary Black Eagle. Captain André Raveneau promises to deliver her to her fiancé and deep down he knows the sooner he gets rid of the saucy red-hair the better.
Throughout the coming weeks, Devon will learn that sometimes home is not a place. Home can be an ocean, a family that takes you in for a few weeks, a ship… even a person. But deep in her hear she knows that…
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As she falls in love with André Raveneau and accepts that he will never love her back or even give up his life in the sea to be with her on land, Devon decides to make the most of her present and love him with all her heart.
If you happen to run into this one, and you enjoy the genre, make sure to pick it up! You’re sure to be off on a sea of adventures, love, mistrust and war-related events!
February, do you come here often? ;)
Hello, everyone! How are you? Yesterday I didn’t have the time to make this Wrap up post, so I’ll do it today. January has been a great month for the blog, and I’m counting of February being quite decent as well! Thank you all for being there, blogging, reading, writing, and just being part of the readers community! Just remember that you have to stay, because…
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…and I really like you all and don’t want to hate you! Let’s go through what happened in January!
Blog Development:
The blog has grown from three pages to eight in just thirty days! I invite you all to navigate them: Home, About Zoe, Services, FAQ, Reviews, My Books, Blog, Contact Zoe!
Publising:
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As some of you already know, I published my first novel “Just For a While”, which you can add on Goodreads. I am super duper excited about it and I’m looking forwards for promoting it and having a bunch of people reviewing it So, if you are up to the task, drop me a line
January 31, 2018
WWW Wednesday
WWW is hosted at Sam’s blog. It’s a fun way to describe what you’ve been reading, what you’re reading and what you’ll be reading next! ^^
What are you currently reading?
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Silver Storm, by Cynthia Wright.
This is a book I’ll be reviewing soon because I’m half way through it and I love it. I am only reading it because I’ll be translating it, but it’s fun, full of adventure, witty dialogues and I just can’t put it down!
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Beter Than This, by Tia Souders
I started this book two days ago and I’m loving it so far. It’s a bit harsh from time to time, but so far the story is drawing me in
You can win this book! Find out more here ^^
What did you read?
[image error] The Triplet’s Curse, Hope’s Story, by Marsha Black.
A great YA fantasy book by an indie author.
How can I not love it?! Don’t miss the review!
[image error] Beauty and the Beast, by KM Shea
The first retelling I’ve ever read and I loved it fervently!
What are you reading next?
I’m not sure, but these are my three options, in that order:
January 30, 2018
TTT I Can’t Believe I Read That!
Hi, guys, it’s Tuesday and that means another cool Top Ten! This week is very fun because I’m gonna be including books I hated, books I loved, books that took me out of my comfort zone and books that made an unexpected impact in my life (or at least in my emotions!). Read more about TTT here.
Now, let’s get started!!
The Reader, by Berhard Shrink. I found this book abandoned in a hostel in Denmark and I gave it a go knowing it would break my heart. I brought it home.
Harry Potter (the whole series!), by J. K. Rowling. This was my first “big” read, as in no pictures, full text. Absolutely loved it.
Forbidden, by Tabitha Suzuma. What was I thinking?! I trully hated this one. I just gave it a go because everyone was talking about it. Worst.Decition.Ever!
4. Fifty Shades of Grey, EL James. Truth be told, I only read half of it and it was to make fun of it. When the laughter turned into tears of how bad it was, I dropped it.
5. The Vampire Diaries, L. J. Smith. Once upon a time, I loved vampires. And I got carried away and bought this book. I hated it. The end.
6. Wonder, by R. J. Palacio. Could this possibly be any more sweet?! I laughed, I cried. I loved it
7. Wuthering Heights, Emily Brontë. Two things surprise me about this book. First, the fact that I was able to read through the long and boring introduction. Secondly, the bad-ass story “hidden” in the book. It turned into my favorite classic.
8. The Fault in Our Stars, by John Green. I knew I would cry. A lot. And I still read it. And I still enjoyed it. So there you go.
9. The Little Prince, by Antoine de Sain-Exupéry. Growing up, my mom would try to force me to read this and I hated it. Grown-up me read it and it became one of her favorite books on earth. It’s so full of metaphores and rich in simple lessons that you can’t avoid the beauty of it.
10. Nothing but Velvet, by Kat Martin. This was the first historical romance I ever read. The genre became a guilty pleassure for me. Thanks, miss Kat Martin!
That’s all for me! I’ll be stopping by at a bunch of TTT-blogs today, so let’s keep in touch =)
