Meradeth Houston's Blog, page 43
August 12, 2014
International Potluck Blogfest
Real quick: the wonderful ladies over on Author Tracker have an awesome review of Surrender the Sky up on their blog. Swing by and say hello? :)Lexa Cain, Beth Fred, and Medeia Sharif are hosting the International Potluck Blogfest. Here are the rules:
-Post the lovely graphic in the corner.
-Post a cover to a book you love with a food and/or recipe from the book, a food from the MC's region, or a food you just like! If you have a book, by all means talk about it. If you talk about my book, I will kiss you.
-Link back to Lexa, Beth, and Medeia. All three of us.
-Each book on the graphic and a $10 Amazon gift card will be up for grabs, and there will be lots of ways to enter!!!!!!!!!!!
I love books from all over the place, especially when they talk about food :) Living in Montana has left me seriously in need of some good international treats (which I'm not ashamed to admit I scarfed down like crazy when I visited home). There are a lot of books that make me think of food, but one of my personal favorites is:
The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafron. Barcelona, 1945: A city slowly heals in the aftermath of the Spanish Civil War, and Daniel, an antiquarian book dealer’s son who mourns the loss of his mother, finds solace in a mysterious book entitled The Shadow of the Wind, by one Julián Carax. But when he sets out to find the author’s other works, he makes a shocking discovery: someone has been systematically destroying every copy of every book Carax has written. In fact, Daniel may have the last of Carax’s books in existence. Soon Daniel’s seemingly innocent quest opens a door into one of Barcelona’s darkest secrets--an epic story of murder, madness, and doomed love. (Goodreads)
After living in Barcelona for a while, there were several foods (okay, lots) that I still find myself craving. The top one? Hot chocolate. I love, love hot chocolate, and the best I've ever had is in Spain. Especially with churros. I've been on a hunt to find a good recipe ever since I returned, but nothing has been quite right. The closest I've come is from Foodie with Family. But while the chocolate has that awesome thick consistency, it's not quite *it*. The hunt goes on!
From Foodie with Family!What about you? Which book makes you think of food?
Published on August 12, 2014 03:00
August 8, 2014
Cover Reveal: UNSPEAKABLE by Michelle K. Pickett
There are certain peeps who have seriously made this whole writing gig SO much more fun, and Michelle is definitely tops on my list. Seriously, I doubt I would be still doing this if it weren't for her! (And her Red Bull emails/texts, because they make me laugh!!) And, well, I honestly don't even know where to start gushing for UNSPEAKABLE. I've had the privileged of getting to read it a couple of times, and every time I come away with a little happy sigh, and just utterly loving it. Basically, just READ it. You won't be sorry! Or you can check out my review :) And just look at that cover!!! Holy moley does it rock!!!
COVER REVEAL: UNSPEAKABLE by Michelle K. Pickett
Genre: Mature Young Adult Contemporary Romance (Realistic Fiction)Publisher: Clean Teen PublishingRelease Date: February 10, 2015 Goodreads Book Giveaway
Unspeakableby Michelle K. PickettGiveaway ends September 30, 2014.See the giveaway details at Goodreads.Enter to winWe are excited to share with you the official cover reveal of UNSPEAKABLE by Michelle K. Pickett. UNSPEAKABLE is a young adult contemporary romance that is scheduled to release in February of 2015. Check out more information below and make sure to add it to your TBR List! Summary from Good Reads:
“Breathe. No one will break me. I’m strong. Breathe. Just breathe.”
On the outside, Willow appears to have it all. She’s beautiful, smart, from an influential family, and she dates the most popular guy in school—Jaden. But she would walk away from it all in a second. Willow is tormented by lies and suffocating guilt, not the hearts and flowers people believe her life is full of.
She carries a dark secret. Plagued by nightmares and pain, the secret dominates her life. If she hadn’t walked away. If she had just… but she didn’t. And now she has to live with her choices. But when someone uncovers her family’s past, they use it against her, crushing her spirit little by little. She tells herself she just has to make it to graduation. Then she can leave Middleton, and her secret, far behind.
When Brody transfers to Cassidy High, he turns Willow’s life upside down. He shows her what it feels like to live again, really live. And suddenly, she isn’t satisfied with just surviving until graduation. She wants a normal life—with Brody—and he wants her. But the closer they become, the more it threatens to unravel the secret she’s worked so hard to hide.
Willow finds true love with Brody. Will she let his love save her, or walk away from him to keep her secret safe?ABOUT MICHELLE K. PICKETT:
Michelle is the bestselling author of the young adult novel “PODs.” She was born and raised in Flint, Michigan, but now lives in a sleepy suburb outside Houston with her extremely supportive husband, three school-aged children, a 125 pound “lap dog,” and a very snooty cat.Red Bull or Monster Khaos are her coffee of choice, and she can’t write without peanut butter M&Ms and a hoodie. A hopeful romantic; she loves a swoon-worthy ending that will give her butterflies for days. She writes across genres in the young adult and new adult age groups. She loves to hear from her readers.Michelle signed her new young adult contemporary novel— Unspeakable, with Clean Teen Publishing in 2014. Keep up-to-date on her current and future projects at www.michelle-pickett.com.
More from Clean Teen Publishing:
Be the first to know about our giveaways, new releases, cover reveals and more! Join our VIP Mailing List!
WWW.CLEANTEENPUBLISHING.COM
COVER REVEAL: UNSPEAKABLE by Michelle K. Pickett
Genre: Mature Young Adult Contemporary Romance (Realistic Fiction)Publisher: Clean Teen PublishingRelease Date: February 10, 2015 Goodreads Book Giveaway
Unspeakableby Michelle K. PickettGiveaway ends September 30, 2014.See the giveaway details at Goodreads.Enter to winWe are excited to share with you the official cover reveal of UNSPEAKABLE by Michelle K. Pickett. UNSPEAKABLE is a young adult contemporary romance that is scheduled to release in February of 2015. Check out more information below and make sure to add it to your TBR List! Summary from Good Reads:
“Breathe. No one will break me. I’m strong. Breathe. Just breathe.”
On the outside, Willow appears to have it all. She’s beautiful, smart, from an influential family, and she dates the most popular guy in school—Jaden. But she would walk away from it all in a second. Willow is tormented by lies and suffocating guilt, not the hearts and flowers people believe her life is full of. She carries a dark secret. Plagued by nightmares and pain, the secret dominates her life. If she hadn’t walked away. If she had just… but she didn’t. And now she has to live with her choices. But when someone uncovers her family’s past, they use it against her, crushing her spirit little by little. She tells herself she just has to make it to graduation. Then she can leave Middleton, and her secret, far behind.
When Brody transfers to Cassidy High, he turns Willow’s life upside down. He shows her what it feels like to live again, really live. And suddenly, she isn’t satisfied with just surviving until graduation. She wants a normal life—with Brody—and he wants her. But the closer they become, the more it threatens to unravel the secret she’s worked so hard to hide.
Willow finds true love with Brody. Will she let his love save her, or walk away from him to keep her secret safe?ABOUT MICHELLE K. PICKETT:
Michelle is the bestselling author of the young adult novel “PODs.” She was born and raised in Flint, Michigan, but now lives in a sleepy suburb outside Houston with her extremely supportive husband, three school-aged children, a 125 pound “lap dog,” and a very snooty cat.Red Bull or Monster Khaos are her coffee of choice, and she can’t write without peanut butter M&Ms and a hoodie. A hopeful romantic; she loves a swoon-worthy ending that will give her butterflies for days. She writes across genres in the young adult and new adult age groups. She loves to hear from her readers.Michelle signed her new young adult contemporary novel— Unspeakable, with Clean Teen Publishing in 2014. Keep up-to-date on her current and future projects at www.michelle-pickett.com.
More from Clean Teen Publishing:
Be the first to know about our giveaways, new releases, cover reveals and more! Join our VIP Mailing List!
WWW.CLEANTEENPUBLISHING.COM
Published on August 08, 2014 04:00
August 6, 2014
Good News, Giveaways, and other Good Things
Ahhhh, doing some serious happy author dancing here today! Why? Oh, because I just signed my contract with Evernight Teen for An Absence of Light, that's why :) It'll be due out in November. This is a completely different novel, with a very different world, and is much creepier. How creepy? Well, this image is on my Pinterest board for the book, just to give you a little taste:
This is the very tentative blurb:
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.
Not enough fun? :) Well, there's this awesome giveaway going on with TONS of prizes, including Surrender the Sky, so go check it out! There's seriously just oodles of awesome!
Soooo, yep! And today's a writing day, so I'm very much hoping to get through the last of this awesome WIP that I utterly can't wait to share with you all!
What's going on in your world? Enjoying summer?
This is the very tentative blurb:
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.
Not enough fun? :) Well, there's this awesome giveaway going on with TONS of prizes, including Surrender the Sky, so go check it out! There's seriously just oodles of awesome!
Soooo, yep! And today's a writing day, so I'm very much hoping to get through the last of this awesome WIP that I utterly can't wait to share with you all!
What's going on in your world? Enjoying summer?
Published on August 06, 2014 09:27
August 4, 2014
After Reading: THE REVELATION OF GABRIEL ADAM by S.L. Duncan
Seventeen-year-old Gabriel Adam is used to relocating a lot. When a mysterious assassin burns his home to the ground, Gabriel’s father reveals the truth of why they are always on the move: Gabriel is one of four archangels, born human and sent to stop Armageddon. Now Gabe must set aside dreams of attending NYU to try to fulfill his newly discovered role.Racing against time, Gabe and his father travel to the English university town of Durham, hoping the last surviving member of an ancient religious sect can guide them. With the assassin in pursuit, Gabe must shoulder the weight of his new life and an impossible destiny as protector of the entire human race. (Goodreads)
Thanks to Medallion Press for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This was an interesting and engaging read. I have to say that my favorite parts were the descriptions of the settings. I loved getting to see some of the fascinating places the characters went, which were described with an awesome eye to detail and drew me into them like I was actually there. The plot felt a little unfocused in places, and while I liked Gabriel, and especially Mika (AKA Michael), there was a bit of disconnect for me in feeling any true identity with them or what they faced. (Okay, that's probably to be expected--they're facing some crazy stuff, but you know what I mean!) I did almost put the book down early on when the trope of "it's just a theory" was thrown around in regards to a prominent scientific theory, because honestly that just bugs me to no end. Figure out the scientific theory before you decide to use that, otherwise I'm going to question all of the research that goes into your book. (Ummm, yeah, a bit of a rant there. I can't help it! It's what I teach for a living.) Anyhow, otherwise, this was an interesting read and I found myself enjoying the fast pace and interesting settings. I'm not sure if there will be more books in the series, but I'd read them!
Anyone heard of this one? Had a chance to check it out?
Published on August 04, 2014 04:00
July 31, 2014
Spotlight on HOW TO DATE DEAD GUYS by Ann M. Noser
Series: Under The Blood MoonGenre: urban-fantasy, paranormalCategory: new-adultPublisher: Curiosity Quills PressDate of Publication: July 15th, 2014Cover Artist: Alexandria ThompsonDescription:College sophomore Emma Roberts remembers her mother’s sage advice: “don’t sleep around, don’t burp in public, and don’t tell anyone you see ghosts”. But when charming Mike Carlson drowns in the campus river under her watch, Emma’s sheltered life shatters.Blamed for Mike’s death and haunted by nightmares, Emma turns to witchcraft and a mysterious Book of Shadows to bring him back. Under a Blood Moon, she lights candles, draws a pentacle on the campus bridge, and casts a spell. The invoked river rages up against her, but she escapes its fury. As she stumbles back to the dorm, a stranger drags himself from the water and follows her home. And he isn’t the only one.Instead of raising Mike, Emma assists the others she stole back from the dead—a pre-med student who jumped off the bridge, a desperate victim determined to solve his own murder, and a frat boy Emma can’t stand…at first. More comfortable with the dead than the living, Emma delves deeper into the seductive Book of Shadows. Her powers grow, but witchcraft may not be enough to protect her against the vengeful river and the killers that feed it their victims.Inspired by the controversial Smiley Face Murders, HOW TO DATE DEAD GUYS will ignite the secret powers hidden deep within each of us.Purchase here:Amazon US: Amazon UK: Barnes & Noble
My to-do list dictates that I try to cram 48 hours of living into a day instead of the usual 24. I’ve chosen a life filled with animals. I train for marathons with my dog, then go to work as a small animal veterinarian, and finish the day by tripping over my pets as I attempt to convince my two unruly children that YES, it really IS time for bed. But I can’t wait until the house is quiet to write; I have to steal moments throughout the day. Ten minutes here, a half hour there, I live within my imagination.Like all busy American mothers, I multi-task. I work out plot holes during runs. Instead of meditating, I type madly during yoga stretches. I find inspiration in everyday things: a beautiful smile, a heartbreaking song, or a newspaper article on a political theory. For example, a long drive in the dark listening to an NPR program on the SMILEY FACE MURDERS theory made me ask so many questions that I wrote HOW TO DATE DEAD GUYS to answer them to my satisfaction.I’d love to have more time to write (and run, read, and sleep), but until I find Hermione Granger’s time turner, I will juggle real life with the half-written stories in my head. Main characters and plot lines intertwine in my cranium, and I need to let my writing weave the tales on paper so I can find out what happens next.Find Ann Online:Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads .goodreadsGiveawayWidget { color: #555; font-family: georgia, serif; font-weight: normal; text-align: left; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; background: white; } .goodreadsGiveawayWidget img { padding: 0 !important; margin: 0 !important; } .goodreadsGiveawayWidget a { padding: 0 !important; margin: 0; color: #660; text-decoration: none; } .goodreadsGiveawayWidget a:visted { color: #660; text-decoration: none; } .goodreadsGiveawayWidget a:hover { color: #660; text-decoration: underline !important; } .goodreadsGiveawayWidget p { margin: 0 0 .5em !important; padding: 0; } .goodreadsGiveawayWidgetEnterLink { display: block; width: 150px; margin: 10px auto 0 !important; padding: 0px 5px !important; text-align: center; line-height: 1.8em; color: #222; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; border: 1px solid #6A6454; border-radius: 5px; font-family:arial,verdana,helvetica,sans-serif; background-image:url(https://www.goodreads.com/images/layo... background-repeat: repeat-x; background-color:#BBB596; outline: 0; white-space: nowrap; } .goodreadsGiveawayWidgetEnterLink:hover { background-image:url(https://www.goodreads.com/images/layo... color: black; text-decoration: none; cursor: pointer; }
Goodreads Book Giveaway
How To Date Dead Guys by Ann M. Noser Giveaway ends August 14, 2014. See the giveaway details at Goodreads. Enter to win a Rafflecopter giveaway
Published on July 31, 2014 03:00
July 29, 2014
Cover Reveal: FATE AND OTHER COINCIDENCES by Cecilia Robert
I love supporting amazing authors, and Cecilia is such an awesome author and person! Check out her new cover, isn't it hot? :)
Book Title: Fate and Other CoincidencesGenre: Contemporary Romance Cover Designed by Regina Wamba Mae I Design.
Blurb:
Sometimes Mr. Everything is waiting around the corner, holding a glass slipper.
After being shamelessly dumped via voicemail and losing a bid to work for one of the most prestigious magazines in the country, Michaela Bennett tries living life on the edge. But then she meets Ayden Black, a kilt-wearing, pierced, wild card and everything changes. He makes her want to buy all the bassinets and booties in the world, calling her dream of settling down with Mr. Right to the surface. But she's been down that road before, and she's not about to tumble down it again. She's tired of waiting for Mr. Everything to sweep her off her feet. This time, she's going to throw caution to the wind and go for Mr. Fun. But what happens when Mr. Fun becomes Mr. Everything?
Ayden Black has been in love with Michaela for as long as he can remember. There's only one problem: she doesn't know he exists. So when a fateful, drunken encounter suddenly puts him on her radar, he's ready. He just has to sharpen his flirting skills first. Juggling a failing company, and a coveted new job, his life is in turmoil. But there's one thing he knows for sure: Michaela may be the only person that can help him save his business, and he's not about to let her slip through his fingers. True love couldn't have better timing.
Add on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18744688-fate-and-other-coincidences?from_search=true
About the author:
I enjoy writing stories about people finding love in the most unexpected places, coupled with adventurous journeys, whether it's urban, fantasy, sci-fi, contemporary or paranormal romance. There's always a happy ever after, no matter how long it takes to get there. When I'm not working in my full time job, I don my supermom cape, or in most cases find myself trapped between the pages of a book in search for a hero who'll make me swoon with just a look or a word. My favourite form of therapy is knitting. Best. Therapy. Ever.
Where to find the author:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CeciliaRobertBooksNAAdult
Blog: http://cecereadandwrite.blogspot.com
Follow the story on Pinterest board: http://www.pinterest.com/ceciliarobert/fate-and-other-coincidences-wip/
Book Title: Fate and Other CoincidencesGenre: Contemporary Romance Cover Designed by Regina Wamba Mae I Design.
Blurb:
Sometimes Mr. Everything is waiting around the corner, holding a glass slipper.
After being shamelessly dumped via voicemail and losing a bid to work for one of the most prestigious magazines in the country, Michaela Bennett tries living life on the edge. But then she meets Ayden Black, a kilt-wearing, pierced, wild card and everything changes. He makes her want to buy all the bassinets and booties in the world, calling her dream of settling down with Mr. Right to the surface. But she's been down that road before, and she's not about to tumble down it again. She's tired of waiting for Mr. Everything to sweep her off her feet. This time, she's going to throw caution to the wind and go for Mr. Fun. But what happens when Mr. Fun becomes Mr. Everything?
Ayden Black has been in love with Michaela for as long as he can remember. There's only one problem: she doesn't know he exists. So when a fateful, drunken encounter suddenly puts him on her radar, he's ready. He just has to sharpen his flirting skills first. Juggling a failing company, and a coveted new job, his life is in turmoil. But there's one thing he knows for sure: Michaela may be the only person that can help him save his business, and he's not about to let her slip through his fingers. True love couldn't have better timing.
Add on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18744688-fate-and-other-coincidences?from_search=true
About the author:
I enjoy writing stories about people finding love in the most unexpected places, coupled with adventurous journeys, whether it's urban, fantasy, sci-fi, contemporary or paranormal romance. There's always a happy ever after, no matter how long it takes to get there. When I'm not working in my full time job, I don my supermom cape, or in most cases find myself trapped between the pages of a book in search for a hero who'll make me swoon with just a look or a word. My favourite form of therapy is knitting. Best. Therapy. Ever.
Where to find the author:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CeciliaRobertBooksNAAdult
Blog: http://cecereadandwrite.blogspot.com
Follow the story on Pinterest board: http://www.pinterest.com/ceciliarobert/fate-and-other-coincidences-wip/
Published on July 29, 2014 04:00
July 25, 2014
Guest Post by Heidi Garrett: What Happens When We Die?
I have a special treat today! Heidi and I are swapping blogs and she always has the best ideas when it comes to something fun to write about :) Today we're talking about what happens when you die--and how that fits into our books. Interesting, right? I'm hanging out over on her blog, so come say hi, and be sure to check out her post (and definitely her upcoming release!).
What Happens When We Die?
What happens when we die? Where do we go? We ask these questions because we have such a strong sense that something essential survives the death of our physical bodies. Whatever it is, the accumulated experience and wisdom of a life lived seems hard-won and valuable. Surely, it’s not just tossed into a cosmic landfill to disintegrate into nothingness over light years. Most of us hope not.
Like many, I’ve long believed that our soul, our spirit, whatever you want to call that non-physical part The Teachings of Don Juan—books I’ve never read—a seed was planted within me which has since blossomed. After he shared with me Don Juan’s Yaqui belief about life after death, I came to this:of our selves which seems determined to believe in its enduring existence, survives. However, in a discussion I had with my husband many years ago about the Carlos Castaneda books,
By the time we draw our last breath, our identities have either evolved enough as individuals to survive the assault of physical death, thus we move on to the next plane of existence. Or our identities have not evolved enough as individuals to survive the assault of physical death, and our essence is reabsorbed into whatever primordial substance births souls in the first place. Our individuality and whatever knowledge we’ve gained in our walk on this planet is subsumed by the collective consciousness/pool of soul goo to be drawn from again at some point in the future. However, next time we won’t be the same discrete individual we were, we’ll be a scoop of something all mixed together, and when we’re born again, we’ll have another chance to establish our identities and move on to the next plane of existence. If we fail to meet the threshold again, back to the pool of soul goo… I suspect the threshold is some sort of energy level cohesive enough to survive… well, death.
I like this way of seeing things because it keeps me centered in my life here. To me that’s important: To be here now. The truth is, no matter how much I contemplate the after life, it’s really all a crap shoot. It may or may not exist. But today does. And I do believe that the universe is about expanding consciousness, and I do believe the intelligence/life force that animates the universe is interactive, thus the one thing I’m pretty sure about is this: The best thing I can do about any tomorrow, including a dead tomorrow, is live the most joyful and conscious today that I can manage.
In the end, I like to keep things simple.
This skeletal belief system I’ve sketched out here is the foundation for the cosmology in my Daughter of Light series. However, Umbra, the series antagonist, was born from an imbalance that occurred when the human population exploded. Now the souls of humans whose consciousness has evolved too much to be reabsorbed into the pool of soul goo, but not enough to make that leap to the next dimension, split into ember and ash. The ember is reborn in the enchanted world as the vital muannai, wingless dark faeries who populate northern Faerie, and the ash drifts into the Void, beyond the Parallel of Shadows. This ash has aggregated into the incorporeal but discrete entity which calls itself Umbra, the darkest part of the shadow.
Now, Umbra seeks to incarnate. Since he is the most toxic residue of the human psyche no one really wants him to. Half Faerie is scheduled for a July 31st release.
Genre: Fairy Tale Fantasy
Find on Goodreads!
ABOUT Half Faerie:
Melia is an eighteen-year-old half-faerie, half-mortal who longs to fly like the full-blood faeries. She also yearns for a life that’s truly her own, which might prove more difficult than sprouting wings. Her faerie mother practices black magic and her mortal father plots to bring war to the enchanted world. No matter how she tries to distance herself from them, Melia can’t seem to escape their long shadow. After the half-faerie is accused of acting as her father’s spy, her best friend advises a trip to the Illustrator, a mysterious woman who paints intricate body art. The woman marks Melia’s forehead with a plain blotch. She claims it will call a green-eyed stranger from distant lands to the half-faerie’s side. Spooked rather than comforted, Melia dismisses the woman’s words. Rather, she travels to the mortal world to confront her father.
The fallout from her visit destroys what's left of their already fractured family. Melia’s mother is unforgiving. The punishment she metes out will leave her middle daughter torn between guilt and ecstasy, challenge the bonds between three sisters, and complicate Melia's relationship with the green-eyed stranger. The half-faerie is sucked deeper into the vortex of her family’s dark history when the youngest sister pursues their parents' damning legacy. Melia and the green-eyed stranger must stop her—or risk the rise of Faerie’s darkest queen.
Daughter of Light is a spinoff of the 14th century French fairy tale, Melusine. A high fantasy with fairy tale elements, it's great for readers who enjoy fairy tales retold. The variety of female characters, layered story, and intriguing cosmology make it a great read for young adult and older readers.
Heidi Garrett was born in Texas, and now she lives in Eastern Washington State with her husband. Garrett is the author of the contemporary fairy tale novella collection, Once Upon a Time Today. In these stand-alone retellings of popular and obscure fairy tales, adult characters navigate the deep woods of the modern landscape to find their Happily Ever Afters. She’s also the author of the Daughter of Light series, a fantasy about a young half-faerie, half-mortal searching for her place in the Whole.
Find Heidi here: www.heidigwrites.blogspot.comwww.facebook.com/heidigwriteswww.facebook.com/FrostingandBeans
What Happens When We Die?
What happens when we die? Where do we go? We ask these questions because we have such a strong sense that something essential survives the death of our physical bodies. Whatever it is, the accumulated experience and wisdom of a life lived seems hard-won and valuable. Surely, it’s not just tossed into a cosmic landfill to disintegrate into nothingness over light years. Most of us hope not.
Like many, I’ve long believed that our soul, our spirit, whatever you want to call that non-physical part The Teachings of Don Juan—books I’ve never read—a seed was planted within me which has since blossomed. After he shared with me Don Juan’s Yaqui belief about life after death, I came to this:of our selves which seems determined to believe in its enduring existence, survives. However, in a discussion I had with my husband many years ago about the Carlos Castaneda books, By the time we draw our last breath, our identities have either evolved enough as individuals to survive the assault of physical death, thus we move on to the next plane of existence. Or our identities have not evolved enough as individuals to survive the assault of physical death, and our essence is reabsorbed into whatever primordial substance births souls in the first place. Our individuality and whatever knowledge we’ve gained in our walk on this planet is subsumed by the collective consciousness/pool of soul goo to be drawn from again at some point in the future. However, next time we won’t be the same discrete individual we were, we’ll be a scoop of something all mixed together, and when we’re born again, we’ll have another chance to establish our identities and move on to the next plane of existence. If we fail to meet the threshold again, back to the pool of soul goo… I suspect the threshold is some sort of energy level cohesive enough to survive… well, death.
I like this way of seeing things because it keeps me centered in my life here. To me that’s important: To be here now. The truth is, no matter how much I contemplate the after life, it’s really all a crap shoot. It may or may not exist. But today does. And I do believe that the universe is about expanding consciousness, and I do believe the intelligence/life force that animates the universe is interactive, thus the one thing I’m pretty sure about is this: The best thing I can do about any tomorrow, including a dead tomorrow, is live the most joyful and conscious today that I can manage.
In the end, I like to keep things simple.
This skeletal belief system I’ve sketched out here is the foundation for the cosmology in my Daughter of Light series. However, Umbra, the series antagonist, was born from an imbalance that occurred when the human population exploded. Now the souls of humans whose consciousness has evolved too much to be reabsorbed into the pool of soul goo, but not enough to make that leap to the next dimension, split into ember and ash. The ember is reborn in the enchanted world as the vital muannai, wingless dark faeries who populate northern Faerie, and the ash drifts into the Void, beyond the Parallel of Shadows. This ash has aggregated into the incorporeal but discrete entity which calls itself Umbra, the darkest part of the shadow.
Now, Umbra seeks to incarnate. Since he is the most toxic residue of the human psyche no one really wants him to. Half Faerie is scheduled for a July 31st release.
Genre: Fairy Tale FantasyFind on Goodreads!
ABOUT Half Faerie:
Melia is an eighteen-year-old half-faerie, half-mortal who longs to fly like the full-blood faeries. She also yearns for a life that’s truly her own, which might prove more difficult than sprouting wings. Her faerie mother practices black magic and her mortal father plots to bring war to the enchanted world. No matter how she tries to distance herself from them, Melia can’t seem to escape their long shadow. After the half-faerie is accused of acting as her father’s spy, her best friend advises a trip to the Illustrator, a mysterious woman who paints intricate body art. The woman marks Melia’s forehead with a plain blotch. She claims it will call a green-eyed stranger from distant lands to the half-faerie’s side. Spooked rather than comforted, Melia dismisses the woman’s words. Rather, she travels to the mortal world to confront her father.
The fallout from her visit destroys what's left of their already fractured family. Melia’s mother is unforgiving. The punishment she metes out will leave her middle daughter torn between guilt and ecstasy, challenge the bonds between three sisters, and complicate Melia's relationship with the green-eyed stranger. The half-faerie is sucked deeper into the vortex of her family’s dark history when the youngest sister pursues their parents' damning legacy. Melia and the green-eyed stranger must stop her—or risk the rise of Faerie’s darkest queen.
Daughter of Light is a spinoff of the 14th century French fairy tale, Melusine. A high fantasy with fairy tale elements, it's great for readers who enjoy fairy tales retold. The variety of female characters, layered story, and intriguing cosmology make it a great read for young adult and older readers.
Heidi Garrett was born in Texas, and now she lives in Eastern Washington State with her husband. Garrett is the author of the contemporary fairy tale novella collection, Once Upon a Time Today. In these stand-alone retellings of popular and obscure fairy tales, adult characters navigate the deep woods of the modern landscape to find their Happily Ever Afters. She’s also the author of the Daughter of Light series, a fantasy about a young half-faerie, half-mortal searching for her place in the Whole.Find Heidi here: www.heidigwrites.blogspot.comwww.facebook.com/heidigwriteswww.facebook.com/FrostingandBeans
Published on July 25, 2014 04:00
July 22, 2014
After Reading: TEX AND THE GOD SQUAD by Stuart R. West
Richard “Tex” McKenna's graduating high school. It’s a shame he doesn't have a clue what comes next. There's no time to think now, either. Being a male witch makes Tex a ginormous supernatural trouble magnet. There's an angry witch in pursuit and a maniac in a Grim Reaper's costume on the loose. Why did the cheerleader really kill herself? Is the heinous Clarendon Baptist Church a front for something more sinister? Elspeth’s back, too, trouble trailing on her booted heels. If Tex and his friends don't figure it out soon, Tex won't have to worry about life after high school. (Goodreads)I've reviewed the first two books in this series, Tex the Witch Boy , and Tex and the Gangs of Suburbia .
I've immensely enjoyed West's series of Tex and his band of friends as they traveled through high school and navigated some seriously crazy situations. This last book was an entertaining and full of the twists, turns, and great characters that I've come to expect. I still completely adore Olivia, Tex's girlfriend, and the two of them were still the hilarious and cute couple. The situations they get into during their senior year are more serious and definitely make the reader think about the real-life corollaries of what's being portrayed by some of the antics of the church and their beliefs. That, and dealing with the issues that Tex has to face in terms of what to do with his future, coupled with his witch responsibilities, were a perfect mix. I was quite sad to reach the end of the book, but it was a satisfying ending and I know I have Elspeth, the Living Dead Girl to go read next :)
Have you had a chance to read any of Stuart's series?
Published on July 22, 2014 03:00
July 18, 2014
Spotlight on Margo Dill's CAUGHT BETWEEN TWO CURSES
Looking for the Summer Reads Scavenger Hunt? Go here! :)
All-Star Game and Break CONTEST and BOOK SALE
Busch Stadium by Phil www.flickr.comIt's the middle of July. Baseball fans everywhere know that means it's time for the All-Star Game and short break from regularly scheduled baseball games across the United States. For non-loving baseball peeps, you can just keep on enjoying your summer as you have been: curled up with your favorite book, sipping cold lemonade, and relaxing by the pool. However you want to celebrate this week, please also join in the fun with young adult author Margo L. Dill as she holds a contest and book sale!
Why during All-Star Game Week?
Great question! Margo's young adult novel, Caught Between Two Curses (Rocking Horse Publishing, March 2014), is the story of 17-year-old Julie Nigelson, who is cursed. So is her entire family. And it’s not just any-old-regular curse, either—it’s strangely connected to the famous “Curse of the Billy Goat” on the Chicago Cubs, hence the All-Star baseball week celebration.
Julie must figure out this mystery while her uncle lies in a coma and her entire love life is in ruins: her boyfriend Gus is pressuring her to have sex, while her best friend Matt is growing more attractive to her all the time. Somehow, Julie must figure out how to save her uncle, her family’s future, and her own love life—and time is running out!
What have people been saying about Margo's book?
Here are a few lines from a couple reviews on Amazon.com:
"This book is one of the best I have read in a long time. Once I opened it up I could not stop until I was finished." ~Janet Cannon
"A baseball mystery and a contemporary, heartfelt romance, CAUGHT BETWEEN TWO CURSES is sure to score big with the young teen audience!" ~Cathy C. Hall
"I definitely recommend this to young adults, but really any adult because it's a story that keeps you interested and will stay with you long after you finish." ~Amie Merz
Read more reviews here: http://www.amazon.com/Caught-Between-Curses-Margo-Dill-ebook/product-reviews/B00J8UWR4K/
Okay, so what is the contest and the sale???
photo by DonkeyHotey flickr.comHere's the part you've been waiting for. First the sale:
The Kindle ebook is...99 cents July 14/15, $1.99 July 16/17, $2.99 July 18/19, and back to $3.99 July 20.
The print copy is for sale ON MARGO'S WEBSITE (http://margodill.com/blog/books/) and is $5.00 off the cover price, so only $6.95 ( $3.00 for shipping and handling). She will autograph it and gift wrap if it's a gift, plus include a bookmark for free. More details at the link above. (The print version is also on sale for $10.76 (10 % savings) on Amazon.com.)
If you are an Amazon Prime Member, you can check out the e-BOOK for free at anytime!
The contest: Go to the Rafflecopter form below this post--all you need to enter is your name and e-mail, which is how I contact you if you win one of the prizes. Do at least one of the tasks below and then click on the entry button to enter the contest. You can do as many tasks as you want! If you are confused or have any questions, please feel free to e-mail Margo at margo (at) margodill.com. Tasks range from leaving a review of Caught Between Two Curses to announcing the contest and sale on a social media page to uploading a photo of you in baseball gear. See below for more.
Margo L. DillThe prizes:
One winner with a United States mailing address will win a $25 gift card to either Applebee's, TGI Fridays, Starbucks, Panera Bread, or Olive Garden (winner's choice). One runner-up winner will receive a free 3000-word critique from Margo (Editor 911)--this can be anywhere in the world as long as the document is in English. The contest goes from July 14 to July 20. Winners will be announced on July 21!
What are you waiting for? So, join in the fun and while you're entering the contest or buying a sale copy of Caught Between Two Curses, join in a rousing rendition of "Take me out to the ballgame. Take me out with the crowd. Buy me some peanuts and cracker jacks. I don't care if I ever get back. . ."
a Rafflecopter giveaway
All-Star Game and Break CONTEST and BOOK SALE
Busch Stadium by Phil www.flickr.comIt's the middle of July. Baseball fans everywhere know that means it's time for the All-Star Game and short break from regularly scheduled baseball games across the United States. For non-loving baseball peeps, you can just keep on enjoying your summer as you have been: curled up with your favorite book, sipping cold lemonade, and relaxing by the pool. However you want to celebrate this week, please also join in the fun with young adult author Margo L. Dill as she holds a contest and book sale! Why during All-Star Game Week?
Great question! Margo's young adult novel, Caught Between Two Curses (Rocking Horse Publishing, March 2014), is the story of 17-year-old Julie Nigelson, who is cursed. So is her entire family. And it’s not just any-old-regular curse, either—it’s strangely connected to the famous “Curse of the Billy Goat” on the Chicago Cubs, hence the All-Star baseball week celebration. Julie must figure out this mystery while her uncle lies in a coma and her entire love life is in ruins: her boyfriend Gus is pressuring her to have sex, while her best friend Matt is growing more attractive to her all the time. Somehow, Julie must figure out how to save her uncle, her family’s future, and her own love life—and time is running out!
What have people been saying about Margo's book?
Here are a few lines from a couple reviews on Amazon.com:
"This book is one of the best I have read in a long time. Once I opened it up I could not stop until I was finished." ~Janet Cannon
"A baseball mystery and a contemporary, heartfelt romance, CAUGHT BETWEEN TWO CURSES is sure to score big with the young teen audience!" ~Cathy C. Hall
"I definitely recommend this to young adults, but really any adult because it's a story that keeps you interested and will stay with you long after you finish." ~Amie Merz
Read more reviews here: http://www.amazon.com/Caught-Between-Curses-Margo-Dill-ebook/product-reviews/B00J8UWR4K/
Okay, so what is the contest and the sale???
photo by DonkeyHotey flickr.comHere's the part you've been waiting for. First the sale: The Kindle ebook is...99 cents July 14/15, $1.99 July 16/17, $2.99 July 18/19, and back to $3.99 July 20.
The print copy is for sale ON MARGO'S WEBSITE (http://margodill.com/blog/books/) and is $5.00 off the cover price, so only $6.95 ( $3.00 for shipping and handling). She will autograph it and gift wrap if it's a gift, plus include a bookmark for free. More details at the link above. (The print version is also on sale for $10.76 (10 % savings) on Amazon.com.)
If you are an Amazon Prime Member, you can check out the e-BOOK for free at anytime!
The contest: Go to the Rafflecopter form below this post--all you need to enter is your name and e-mail, which is how I contact you if you win one of the prizes. Do at least one of the tasks below and then click on the entry button to enter the contest. You can do as many tasks as you want! If you are confused or have any questions, please feel free to e-mail Margo at margo (at) margodill.com. Tasks range from leaving a review of Caught Between Two Curses to announcing the contest and sale on a social media page to uploading a photo of you in baseball gear. See below for more.
Margo L. DillThe prizes:One winner with a United States mailing address will win a $25 gift card to either Applebee's, TGI Fridays, Starbucks, Panera Bread, or Olive Garden (winner's choice). One runner-up winner will receive a free 3000-word critique from Margo (Editor 911)--this can be anywhere in the world as long as the document is in English. The contest goes from July 14 to July 20. Winners will be announced on July 21!
What are you waiting for? So, join in the fun and while you're entering the contest or buying a sale copy of Caught Between Two Curses, join in a rousing rendition of "Take me out to the ballgame. Take me out with the crowd. Buy me some peanuts and cracker jacks. I don't care if I ever get back. . ."
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Published on July 18, 2014 03:00
July 16, 2014
Summer Reads Scavenger Hunt & Giveaway! #SRScavHunt
Today I have some serious fun for you! This scavenger hunt it all about awesome summer reads and all kinds of fun authors are participating. And there's an awesome giveaway going on, too :) Including signed copies of my books!
The details: The Summer Reads Scavenger Hunt will run from TODAY until midnight on SUNDAY (19th July). To enter to winFORTY signed paperbacks by a wide range of authors PLUS $30 worth of Amazon Gift Cards, simply hop around ALL participating stops, collect all of the highlighted numbers, add them together, and then go enter the requested details along with your calculated answer in the ENTRY FORM. You can find more information on how the stop works HERE. All stops will direct you to the next place to hop across to. And don’t worry if you get lost, because the entire list of participating authors can be found HERE.
So, here's my 5 favorite places to read during the summer:
Hello, the beach! Of course!!The lake :) (hmm, there's a bit of a water trend here...) Flathead Lake in Montana is utterly beautiful and I love driving up there.The patio at my house. Love curling up in the sun with something good to read.Outside at the Starbucks--weather permitting!My bed. Because what's summer without sleeping in a little? ;)
(A few photos of my favorite summer haunts!)I'm lucky enough to be hosting a giveaway for an awesome signed copy of Crossroads: A Demos City Novel by Jonathan Lister! Enter in the rafflecopter below to check it out :)
And check out his book at Amazon: Barnes & Noble: Kobo!
And for the amazing overall giveaway? My magic number is 2 (two)!
The next stop on the hunt is S.J. Pajonas, so go check out her blog: http://www.spajonas.com/blog
Or, if you have all of your numbers and are ready to enter, then hop across to the Summer Reads Scavenger Hunt Entry Form.
And if you want to win some awesome swag from yours truly, go to Lisa Swallow's blog :)
What's up for grabs here! Enter below :)
a Rafflecopter giveaway
The details: The Summer Reads Scavenger Hunt will run from TODAY until midnight on SUNDAY (19th July). To enter to winFORTY signed paperbacks by a wide range of authors PLUS $30 worth of Amazon Gift Cards, simply hop around ALL participating stops, collect all of the highlighted numbers, add them together, and then go enter the requested details along with your calculated answer in the ENTRY FORM. You can find more information on how the stop works HERE. All stops will direct you to the next place to hop across to. And don’t worry if you get lost, because the entire list of participating authors can be found HERE.
So, here's my 5 favorite places to read during the summer:
Hello, the beach! Of course!!The lake :) (hmm, there's a bit of a water trend here...) Flathead Lake in Montana is utterly beautiful and I love driving up there.The patio at my house. Love curling up in the sun with something good to read.Outside at the Starbucks--weather permitting!My bed. Because what's summer without sleeping in a little? ;)
(A few photos of my favorite summer haunts!)I'm lucky enough to be hosting a giveaway for an awesome signed copy of Crossroads: A Demos City Novel by Jonathan Lister! Enter in the rafflecopter below to check it out :)And check out his book at Amazon: Barnes & Noble: Kobo!
And for the amazing overall giveaway? My magic number is 2 (two)!
The next stop on the hunt is S.J. Pajonas, so go check out her blog: http://www.spajonas.com/blog
Or, if you have all of your numbers and are ready to enter, then hop across to the Summer Reads Scavenger Hunt Entry Form.
And if you want to win some awesome swag from yours truly, go to Lisa Swallow's blog :)
What's up for grabs here! Enter below :)a Rafflecopter giveaway
Published on July 16, 2014 09:00


