Meradeth Houston's Blog, page 40

Halloween #Giveaway!

The wonderful Rachel Schieffelbein is hosting a really cool giveaway of some wonderful Halloween themed books :) You're definitely going to want to check these out! And included in the bunch? A copy of An Absence of Light. This is the first giveaway with a copy of it, so feel special! :) Be sure to enter below! And don't forget the other giveaway I've got going on here!

One lucky winner will receive a signed paperback of Rachel's YA horror,
FLESH EATING ZOMBIES AND EVIL EX-GIRLFRIENDS,
and an ebook of
BLACK HELLEBORE by Nicole Zoltack,
FATAL and BRUTAL by T.A. Brock,
MOONLESS by Crystal Collier,
AN ABSENCE OF LIGHT by Meradeth Houston,
DAUGHTER OF CHAOS by Jen McConnel,
and PHOBIC by Cortney Pearson. You know you want one of these, right? They're awesome!!

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And if you're feeling really generous, there's a sign up here for my release day fun! :) (Yes, shameless self promotion. I can't help it!)

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VITAMINS AND DEATH by Medeia Sharif

I love it when awesome authors have covers and books to share! Medeia has written some amazing books and it's a pleasure to showcase her most recent cover here! Oh, and don't forget about the giveaway I have running :)

VITAMINS AND DEATH by Medeia Sharif YA Contemporary, Prizm BooksRelease Date December 10, 2014
Deidra Battle wants nothing more than to be invisible. After her mother, a public school teacher, engages in an embarrassing teacher-student affair at Lincoln High, they relocate to a different neighborhood and school. Being her mother’s briefcase, Deidra joins her mother at her new workplace, Hodge High.
Since her mother has reverted to her maiden name and changed her appearance, Deidra thinks no one will figure out they’re the Battles from recent news and that they’re safe. Neither of them is. Hodge brings a fresh set of bullies who discover details about the scandal that changed her life.
Feeling trapped at home with an emotionally abusive, pill-addicted mother and at school with hostile classmates who attempt to assault and blackmail her, Deidra yearns for freedom, even if she has to act out of character and hurt others in the process. Freedom comes at a price.
Find Medeia
Blog   |   Instagram   |   Twitter   |   Add VITAMINS AND DEATH on Goodreads

Cover Reveal Celebration for AN ABSENCE OF LIGHT!

Some of you have probably heard me talking about my next release: An Absence of Light. I'm incredibly excited about it and the release day, October 31st, is right around the corner. Halloween is only too appropriate for this thriller novel and I hope you all enjoy it. I just got my final cover and I'm stoked to get to share it with you all! And because I can't resist, I'm doing a little giveaway: an Amazon gift card (open internationally), and a swag pack of awesomeness (to US residents, because shipping costs a pretty penny I don't have). So are your ready for this? :)

Leah’s always seen the shadow creatures. She thought she was immune to their evil—until now.

She’s walked into a massacre, stolen a BMW, and is running from the law for a crime she didn’t commit. Nineteen-year-old Leah’s life just went from mildly abnormal to totally crazy at lightning speed. But no one will believe that the shadow creatures are framing her for the murder, because she’s the only one that can see them. At least that’s what she thought.

When Leah stumbled across a group who share her ability, she discovers they have something she doesn’t: a way to fight back. When the group offers to teach her how to kill the shadow creatures, Leah jumps at the chance. But something is brewing with the creatures. They’re tracking down the hunters like there’s no tomorrow. Leah suspects that maybe there won’t be, and it’s up to her to make sure tomorrow comes. Because she’ll do anything to stop the shadows, including risking her life—and the life of the one she loves—to keep the world from being lost to darkness forever. (Goodreads)
I've been describing this novel as the X-Files meets Buffythe Vampire Slayer. Except, it's more on the sci-fi side than the paranormal. And it may make you want to leave the lights on. Or keep one of these handy:
This will make a whole lot more sense once you've read it!Actually, part of the fun of the swag pack is that I'm giving away some of these:
They make great shadow weapons...well, so long as Leah has had some time to make modifications :)

Another note: I'll be looking for reviewers SOON, so if you're game let me know in the comments and I'll be emailing :) Hope you enjoy the giveaway, and any and all sharing is massively appreciated!!
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After Reading: Secrets / Outcast (JournalStone's DoubleDown, #5) by John R. Little and Mark Allan Gunnells

The Double Down series continues with two stories that explore the very different realities of Karen Richard’s life. The common prologue springboards two talented authors into alternate realities – two stories, two authors, one book.

In John R. Little’s Secrets, Karen Richardson can occasionally stop time. She is free to move around while others are frozen in time. She finds the hidden truths of those around her, including her new friend, Bobby Jersey, who may not be all that he seems. At first it seemed fun, powerful, exhilarating, but in the end Karen’s power may cost her everything she’s ever cared about.
In Mark Allan Gunnells’ Outcast, Karen Richardson is a college freshman dealing with a non-existent social life, a difficult roommate…and the power of telekinesis. As her powers grow, Karen begins to lose control. Her new friend Bobby Jersey offers his assistance. But is he somebody that Karen can trust, or will her abilities destroy everything and everyone she knows and loves. (Goodreads)

This was an interesting read: not something I've ever really encountered before, but I enjoyed it for its uniqueness. The stories both incorporate a similar snippet, which the two authors use to create two worlds and two vastly different stories. Both were interesting and drew me in completely. I did find the second story to be more to my personal taste, and I really loved the ghost aspect to it, along with some twists and turns that were a bit obvious, but still fun. In all, this was a quick read, quite enjoyable, and definitely different! Worth checking out for sure :)

Have you read something like this before? Did you enjoy it?

Spotlight on Margo Sorenson's SPAGHETTI SMILES

I have a special treat today: a guest post by Margo Sorenson, talking about her awesome new book! Doesn't it sounds great? And her story is amazingly inspirational (along with making me want Italian food!). Be sure to say hello in the comments :)


After school, Jake hurries to his Uncle Rocco's crazy, mixed-up Italian restaurant to play with food and dig into a new book!  Whether juggling ravioli, bowling with mozzarella balls, or playing spaghetti pick-up sticks, Jake and his uncle serve up heaping portions of fun. So when the business next door moves out, Jake sets out on a mission to find a new neighbor for his uncle's Italian joint, or else Uncle Rocco will have to close the restaurant, and then there’ll be no more reading together. The joy of learning, the fun of reading with family, and the importance of community all play a part in Jake’s story. Jake and Rocco encourage children to read, laugh, and cook something crazy!  Picture book fun for ages 4-8.
Amazon: Barnes and NobleYou can order this from any bookstore, as well.
Teachers and librarians may want to contact the educational sales manager Jacky Kim at (800) 843-1724 Ext. 319  jkim@pelicanpub.com





SPAGHETTI SMILESBY MARGO SORENSON
When Meredith invited me to write about the inspiration for my latest children's picture book, SPAGHETTI SMILES, I was thrilled and honored.  When I do school author visits, I always get asked where I get my ideas, and it's fun to share the often convoluted and quirky methods we writers use!
The primary inspiration for this book was the question I always tell the students about: "What if?"  Watching and listening to people in many different places can serve as the impetus for a wacky and crazy idea, if you ask yourself, "What if?" about what you see and hear.  
For example, for SPAGHETTI SMILES, one of my ideas was generated by the fact that our daughters used to have sleepover birthday parties in elementary school, and what they loved to do was to have "make-your-own-pizza" parties. The girls would line up in front of all the ingredients and create their own pizzas, some making faces and some making designs. I always wondered, "What if?" the pizzas could rearrange their own faces? The other "What if?" question popped into my head when our favorite Italian restaurant lost its neighbor, a toy store.  The store remained vacant for some time, and I wondered, "What if?" a bank moved in next door? Or a post office? Or a gas station? What if things got mixed up between the restaurant and its new neighbor? What would be some of the wacky things that might happen?
The result – over twenty-two years of drafts, rejections, revisions, submissions, more rejections, and final acceptance (hurray!) – was SPAGHETTI SMILES! So, if you are wondering how to get ideas to write about, just pay attention to what's going on around you, and ask yourself, "What if?"
Oh, and it helps to love cooking Italian food and reading, too! ☺
Meradeth, thank you again – grazie mille – for inviting me to be your guest!

Award-winning author Margo Sorenson spent her childhood devouring books and Italian food. Born in Washington, DC, and raised in Spain and Italy, Sorenson received her BA in history from the University of California. With almost two decades of teaching experience and a national Milken Educator Award, she is very familiar with the imaginations and educational needs of young people. Sorenson enjoys visiting her grandchildren, watching sports, and hearing from her many readers. She lives with her husband in La Quinta, California.You can find Margo on the web at www.margosorenson.com, on Twitter as @ipapaverison, on Pinterest, on Goodreads, on LibraryThing, and on Jacketflap.

After Reading: IRIS BRAVE by Ali B.

Iris Brave isn't as courageous as her name suggests. That's about to change. Iris doesn't take risks. Heights make her dizzy and she prefers to swim in the shallow end... with nose plugs. On a summer visit to her grandpa's farm, a mysterious stranger shadows Iris, leaving her cryptic messages. When this outsider turns out be a phantom from her family's past, Iris sheds her timid ways to uncover the truth and protect the family she loves. Along the way Iris discovers family secrets and enigmatic figures that lead her to question everything she's ever thought was real. (Goodreads)

I don't tend to read a ton of MG, but this was a seriously fun read and makes me think that I should be enjoying this genre more. Iris is a sweet girl and very identifiable. She's quite mature for her age, and at times I had a hard time picturing her as just 11, but that's certainly not something I'd count against the story. (And who knows, I haven't been around a lot of 11 year old girls lately--I have a whole lot more nephews!) Anyhow, the story was a slow build of suspense that worked really well for me. The characters were all quite well drawn and the story kept me engrossed. The ending left me quite glad that I have the second book all ready to go! :) Final word: definitely something to check out for those fans of middle grade fiction!

Cover Reveal for THE PROPHESY by Erin Rhew

It is my pleasure to share with you all today Erin Rhew's re-release cover, and her awesome series! The new covers are all kinds of pretty! (Also, on another note, come catch me on Jeanz Book Read and Review where I have an interview going on today!)

Growing up on a small farm in the kingdom of Vanguard, seventeen-year-old Layla Givens lives a deceptively tranquil existence. But her carefully constructed life quickly falls apart when she’s abducted by a religious zealot who proclaims her The Fulfillment of an ancient peace prophecy and whisks her away to marry her greatest enemy.

Wilhelm, Prince of the Ethereals, is reluctant to meet his new bride. He's grown up believing Vanguards are evil, an enemy to fight and fear...not love. Can he set aside his prejudices and work alongside Layla to bring lasting peace after centuries of war?

Nash, a loner who has never fit in, carries a huge secret, one big enough to destroy both kingdoms. When he accidently meets Layla, he’s no longer content to live in the shadows, but he must resist his growing attraction—for her safety and for the longevity of the two kingdoms.

When Nash's secret is revealed, a firestorm sweeps through both realms, with Layla at the center. Now she must choose between duty and desire while the fate of two nations hangs in the balance.
The book re-releases October 11th, but I know it's available now on Amazon!
Be sure to catch Erin (she's super nice!) on her website for all the details and her blog, or on twitter, or facebook!
The second book in the series is also up for preorder, so check that out too!
With King Jesper dead and Prince Wilhelm mortally wounded, Halfling prince, Nash, and the Fulfilment, Layla, assume the throne of Etherea. They must contend with a new Prophecy Candidate who asserts her position, and Layla is surprised to find her fate intertwined with this challenger. Facing a myriad of choices, Nash and Layla’s decisions affect not only their own futures but that of two kingdoms. 
Unbeknownst to the Ethereals or the Vanguards, a slumbering menace stirs in the south, awakened after centuries of slumber. The mysterious Outlanders, a force shadowed in mystery, sit poised to tip the balance of power, sending ripples of fear throughout both warring kingdoms. 
Elder Werrick proved a formidable foe, but Layla may yet meet her match in the monstrous Outlander queen. This mistress of the dark’s plans, rooted in revenge and ancient lore, now threaten the livelihood of all three kingdoms. 
Racing against time, Layla travels to the Borderlands—home of the Voltons and Ecclesiastics—to discover as much as she can about the war, the First Ones, and the prophecy itself. Lives teeter in the balance, kingdoms sit on the cusp of ruin, and a beast, greater than any she’s ever faced before, plots a catastrophic attack.
Have you had a chance to read Erin's series??

Joint Interview with Characters from Mary Waibel's QUEST OF THE HART and COLORS LIKE MEMORIES

I have a treat today, one that I hope you all enjoy! In case you've missed the fact that recently COLORS LIKE MEMORIES was included in a 4-book package, you can check out the details below :) And one of the other authors, the awesome Mary Waibel, and I thought it might be kind of fun to let our main characters get to know one another a little. So, here's Julia chatting with Arabella!
Julia and Arabella, wandering the aisles of a bookstore, manage to bump into one another: Oh! I’m so sorry! I don’t know how I didn’t see you there. I’m Julia, by the way. You are?
Arabella flips her long, black hair over her shoulder and glares: Not someone who talks to peasants.  [She pauses and studies Julia a moment, as if sensing there’s something special about her.] Although, you’re not a peasant are you? No, I can see you’re not. My name is Arabella, but you can call me Princess or Your Highness. (she taps a finger on her lips). Now, what are you? And don’t try and play the innocent here. I can tell there’s something magical about you.
Julia, going a little pale at the thought of someone guessing her secret: I’m not terribly sure I know what you mean. Magical? I certainly don’t use magic. Whatever makes you ask that?
Arabella: I can feel your magic. Well, maybe magic isn’t the right word, but there is something otherwordly about you. Darn princess powers. If only they would work the way they were supposed to, but no, I have to be the only princess whose powers didn’t develop. (she glares at the girl). As princess of this realm I demand you tell me who and what you are.
Julia, taking a step back and glancing around: I’m not looking for any trouble. If you’re going to insist on information though, maybe we can find a place a bit more private? (The two walk out the back, finding their way to someplace quiet where there’s less of a risk of others overhearing what they shouldn’t.) The fact that you can sense anything about me is more than a little disturbing. Again, this isn’t something I normally--or ever--tell anyone, much less a mortal. But I’m here, working for someone, trying to help them. I was sent to make sure they don’t take their own life.
Arabella smirks: Let me guess. You’re here to protect that dimwitted Deirdre. The little fool can’t handle the fact that I want her to help me kill my brother, can she? No, I knew she and her sister were going to be trouble, but you? What kind of magic will you yield to keep her from taking her life?
Julia, laughing: I wish I had some magic to make that happen! Instead, I have to find some way to convince them, and work with them, rather than just make some spell or potion. It would be so much easier if I could wave a wand or something. Can you do that? Do you have any kind of magic?
Arabella sighed: No, all my magic comes from potions. The magic I should have had never appeared, or if it did, I don’t remember it, and it has since vanished. Besides, I have all the magic I need right here. (She holds up a dagger with an extremely sharp point that glints in the sunlight.) This will ensure I take my rightful place on the throne, instead of my incompetent brother and his wife-to-be.
Julia: You really can’t be serious. Your own brother? You’re going to kill him? I don’t think I can let you do that.
Arabella: I’m deadly serious. He’s stood in my way far too long. (She eyes Julia) So, what do I need to do to keep you out of this? Deirdre is your assignment, isn’t she?
Julia: She may be. I should probably be going now. But don’t think I’ve forgotten what you said. I’ll be watching you, Arabella.
Arabella: I’m afraid I can’t let you leave just yet, Julia. No one is going to ruin my future, not even a peasant like you. I will extract an oath that you will not interfere in my plans, and I will not interfere with your assignment. Do you so swear?
Julia, rolling her eyes: Fine. I’ll swear. For whatever it’s worth to you, mortal. But don’t think this is over. There are plenty of other Sary around, whether you recognize them or not.
Read Julia and Arabella’s stories in this special release:
PRODIGIES OF YA I available now at iBooks
4 YA novels in 1: Quest of the Hart by Mary Waibel...A reverse Sleeping Beauty tale where the princess goes on the quest to save the prince.
Colors Like Memories by Meradeth Houston...Julia has a secret: she killed the guy she loved. It was an accident—sort of.
Tex, the Witch Boy by Stuart R. West...Someone is killing the bullies of Clearwell High...what's your average teenage boy witch to do?

Nightmares by Donna McDunn...Emily must accept her gift of clairvoyance and remember her past, when a psychopath returns to kill again.

After Reading: GODLAND by Stuart R. West

An embittered farmer. A New York corporate raider. Two teenage high school girls. A failed small business owner. Past and present collide, secrets are revealed. These disparate people gather at a desolate Kansas farm for a hellish night not everyone will survive.
Godland is a dark psychological suspense horror thiller. A Midwestern nightmare. Farm noir. (Goodreads)

Ready to get in the Halloween spirit? This is definitely the book for you!

Get ready for a hair-raising, leave-the-lights-on read! I had the privilege of reading West's book early and I honestly couldn't put it down. Mainly because I had to make sure the creepy guys didn't get away...and end up in my yard or something. West does a wonderful job bringing together an eclectic mix of characters caught in a horrific situation that will definitely give you chills. I loved how all of the stories intertwined with one another as the book progressed, and I'm sure you'll find yourself praying that Godland doesn't really exist.

What about you? Do you enjoy scary books? Or Halloween?

Book Launch Blitz for PRIVATE INTERNSHIP by Kitsy Clare and a #Giveaway

A quick note before the awesome launch: there's a giveaway going on for Surrender the Sky over on the YAPodcasts site, along with a podcast of yours truly. Low entries thus far--so swing by and enter!

Sugar’s not so sweet and secrets can be deadly … especially with matters of the heart

Sienna’s bestie, Harper warned her not to intern for famous bad boy artist, Casper Mason. After all, he just fired Harper who helped Sienna get the interview. But the moment Sienna sees Casper—or Caz—sweaty and practically shirtless and swinging from chains while he works on his sculpture, she’s hooked. He’s the richest, hottest artist in New York, and he lives in the fabulous Williamsburg Sugar Factory. But he’s also an incorrigible game-player, who seems to relish challenging Sienna’s loyalty with a string of unsettling tests.

She knows she should get away fast. But by the time Sienna sneaks into his locked storage room and begins to unearth his dark and terrifying secret, she’s fallen way too hard for the handsome, charismatic Caz.


Amazon: All Romance Ebooks: B&N: Kobo

Book reviewers are saying:

"Beautiful. Amazing. A fantastic read that left me wanting more." -XoXo Book Blog

"A juicy read full of passion and magnetic chemistry that will have you hooked from beginning to end." -From the Purple Matter Book Blog

Buy Links:Private Internship at Amazon: Kitsy’s books at B&N: Kitsy’s books at All Romance ebooks
Model Position (first in series) is on sale at Amazon!
Author Bio:

Kitsy Clare hails from Philly and lives in New York. A romantic at heart, she loves to write about the sexy intrigue of the city, and particularly of the art world. She knows it well, having shown her paintings here before turning to writing. The Art of Love series includes Model Position (novella) and Private Internship. Kitsy also writes YA as Catherine Stine. Her futuristic thriller, Ruby’s Fire was a YA finalist in the Next Generation Indie book awards. Fireseed One, its companion novel, was a finalist in YA and SF in the USA News International Book Awards, and an Indie Reader notable. Her YA horror, Dorianna, launches on Oct. 24 with Evernight Teen.

Social Media links:

Kitsy Clare on Facebook: Subscribe to Kitsy’s newsletter: Twitter: Pinterest: Blog: Website

Excerpt:It’s blessedly warmer in here and I realize this warehouse is so enormous he’s only heated the renovated parts. In two of the corners Caz has deposited huge piles of sugar packets—ones tediously counted by spurned interns? My attention is drawn to the larger of the piles. Its packets are shifting ever so slightly. Ah! The jig’s up; Caz is hiding under it. Sugary mosh pit here I come! I tiptoe forward, ever so slowly and pounce, landing with a shockingly loud crunch. Burrowing down into the packets, my hand hits a leathery cowboy boot. I grip onto the top lip for all its worth. “Tag!” I shriek. “Gotcha.”Caz explodes upward, like a giant cake surprise, his hair all at wild angles. Grabbing me by the waist he pulls me down. We wrestle like kids, sending packets flying in all directions. He’s stronger than me, so it’s not long before his corded arms circle around me and pin me there, some big kid winning one over on his little brother or sister.
But Caz is not like a big brother, not at all. Not sure what we are now, as he gazes at me with his deep brown eyes, animated, sparkly and questioning. Wide, as if he’s seeing me clearly for the very first time. “You’re fun,” he whispers, his sculptural, perfect mouth so near mine. a Rafflecopter giveaway