Katie Hamstead's Blog, page 90

Review: Forget Me Not by Stacey Nash

From Goodreads: Since her mother vanished nine years ago, Anamae and her father have shared a quiet life. But when Anamae discovers a brooch identical to her mother's favorite pendant, she unknowingly invites a slew of trouble into their world. When the brooch and the pendant are worn together they're no longer pretty pieces of jewelry -- they're part of a highly developed technology capable of cloaking the human form. Triggering the jewelry's power attracts the attention of a secret society determined to confiscate the device -- and silence everyone who is aware of its existence. Anamae knows too much, and now she's Enemy Number One. 

She's forced to leave her father behind when she's taken in by a group determined to keep her safe. Here Anamae searches for answers about this hidden world. With her father kidnapped and her own life on the line, Anamae must decide if saving her dad is worth risking her new friends’ lives. No matter what she does, somebody is going to get hurt.

Fiction is Fact. Know the Truth.
My Review:
I read this in it's early stages and loved it! Nash brings a secret world to life with these amazing characters. Mae finds herself thrust into a world she doesn't understand and somehow finds herself in great danger. Meanwhile, her best friend, Will,(who I LOVE) stands by her, even though his life is in danger too.
There are plenty of twists and turns and secrets being discovered which only seem to raise more questions. I'd definitely recommend this book to anyone who enjoys action, intrigue and romance.

Get it now on Amazon.

Cover Reveal: A Whispered Darkness by Vanessa Barger

I totally missed this one in my inbox, so it's a little late! Sorry!
Welcome to the Cover Reveal forA Whispered Darkness by Vanessa Bargerpresented by Month9Books!Be sure to enter the giveaway found at the end of the post!

When a soul breaks, it isn’t pretty. The pieces are sharp; they cut and bite and rend at flesh. They seek blood, want vengeance. They congeal, become something more than they were, something dark and beautiful and terrible.

A Whispered Darkness by Vanessa Barger
Publication Date: August 26, 2014
Publisher: Month9Books

She’s a middle grade and young adult author, represented by Jennifer Mishler and Frances Black of Literary Counsel. She teaches high school technology education in rural Virginia and is the slave to one cat, Molly. She spends all her free time writing. She’s a member of the SCBWI (Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators). When not writing, she’s reading, and an avid movie fan. She also loves long walks on the beach discussing Shakespeare while sipping large fruity drinks with little umbrellas.

Connect with the Author: Website | Twitter | Facebook | GoodreadsComplete the Rafflecopter below for a chance to win!a Rafflecopter giveaway

I Need Post Ideas

So I want to start writing posts, for you guys who actually read my blog. My question is, what would you like me to talk about? It can be anything at all. Leave your suggestions in the comments below.

Thanks!
Katie

Character Interview: Megan Bartlow From Shattered Secrets by Krystal Wade

A few days ago I showed you the new covers to Krystal Wade's Wilde Trilogy. Today I have her talking about her new release, Shattered Secrets, and interviewing one of the characters for you.
Krystal: So, Megan, what’s it like to be friends with someone as long as you have and then find out she’s not even human?
Megan, folding her hands in her lap and glancing down: It’s very sad. The whole thing. Can we talk about something else?
Krystal: Well, your best friend is kind of the point of this interview. Why is it sad? Don’t you think it’s kind of cool what Abby can do?
Megan: Cool? Yes. Absolutely. She’s incredible, as are all the people—excuse me, WHATEVERs—around her. But Abby has been through a lot. She’s lost a lot. And I can’t seem to stop worrying about her.
Krystal: But it’s over now. Everyone is finding their place in a new, safe environment. In the place they’re supposed to be. Are you having issues moving on? Is this because of everything you’ve left behind?
Megan: Maybe.
Krystal: Do you miss your parents?
Megan huffs: I miss the idea of my parents, but I’d never want to go back to them. And that’s just the problem. I don’t belong with my best friend anymore, or her “new, safe environment”. What if I mess up? What if they kick me out of the cool human emotion influencing club?
Krystal: I never thought of it that way. That’s a lot to take in. I doubt they’d force you out, though. Someone in charge has to know how neglected you were.
Megan: Sure they do. But what if they think I’m a threat to Abby or her safety? They keep her on lockdown pretty much. If anything happens to her before she ever has kids? Well, I’d hate to think of what they’d do to me.
Krystal: Wow, so, umm, that was fairly heavy, Megan. And here I thought this interview would be fun. You’re normally so bubbly.
Megan: You try going through all this crap. Tell me how bubbly you are!
Krystal: Fair point. I guess people will have to read Shattered Secrets to see what put you in such a bad mood. Umm, I’ll keep you in my thoughts and prayers, okay?
Megan: Whatever helps you sleep at night.
And we’re out. I think Megan might need some Xanax. Or some sort of vacation. What do you think?



After being kidnapped, hogtied, and stuffed in the trunk of a car, seventeen-year-old Abigail Nichols' boy problems seem unimportant.
She couldn't be more wrong.
The boy who saves her holds her heart. But Derick Crawford also holds secrets.
Magical beings who guide human emotions are fighting an invisible war dating back to the dawn of time, and Abigail's one of them. The more she learns of her heritage, the less she wants to know. Armed with a very old, very massive book to teach them about their history, Abigail and Derick run away to a place where they think they can be safe and happy, only to have their troubles secretly hitch a ride.
Her history book is in a sharing mood, and it tells her to keep a secret of her own. But has she put her trust in the wrong place? And will the world survive if she has?
Amazon - Barnes & Noble - Books-a-Million - Kobo - Goodreads


Krystal Wade is happily married to the love of her life (don’t gag) and raising three beautiful children in the gorgeous state of Virginia. They live just outside Washington, D.C., and every day she wakes up to find herself stuck in traffic trying to get there.


The horrid commute gives Krystal plenty of time to zone out and think about her characters in full, brilliant details (she’s a safe driver; don’t worry). Stories give her a way to forget about the sometimes smelly strangers sitting next to her on the fifty mile trek into town (she picks up hitchhikers every day. True story. Check out www.slug-lines.com if you don’t believe this).
Krystal has been a part of organized hitchhiking for nearly fifteen years, but that’s just one small aspect of her oh-so-large life. When she’s not working, commuting, or chasing after her three children (four if you count the man), you can usually find Krystal outside talking to her chickens like they’re the cutest things in the world (they are), or training her amazing dogs how to herd said chickens (which they love), or curled up on the sofa with a good book (why can’t that be 100% of the time?).
www.krystal-wade.comCheck out Krystal's Other books:

Cover Reveal: Destruction by Sharon Bayliss

Author Sharon Bayliss is thrilled to share the cover for Destruction (Book One of The December People Series), a family drama about dark wizards living in Houston.

Message from Sharon Bayliss:

"The butterfly will show up on the cover of all four books in the series, as a symbol of redemption, hope, and re-birth. Despite the dark themes in the series, I believe that the most important themes of the series are hopeful ones, such as love, family, and triumph against adversity, which is why the butterfly is in the center.

The broken glass surrounding the butterfly rather obviously symbolizes the concept of destruction, which is also a central theme. The title Destruction refers to the fact that dark magic is inherently destructive, but also refers to how a person can be destroyed, in body or soul.

One thing I was sure of, I wanted the word, Destruction, to be in "pretty" letters. I loved the contrast of having a dark and violent word look beautiful. This also fits the theme, as I wish to show the beauty in darkness and destruction, and the good in people who are supposed to be evil."

Here is the blurb for Destruction, coming out 4/14/14:

David Vandergraff wants to be a good man. He goes to church every Sunday, keeps his lawn trim and green, and loves his wife and kids more than anything. Unfortunately, being a dark wizard isn't a choice.

Eleven years ago, David's secret second family went missing. When his two lost children are finally found, he learns they suffered years of unthinkable abuse. Ready to make things right, David brings the kids home even though it could mean losing the wife he can’t imagine living without.

Keeping his life together becomes harder when the new children claim to be dark wizards. David believes they use this fantasy to cope with their trauma. Until, David's wife admits a secret of her own—she is a dark wizard too, as is David, and all of their children.

Now, David must parent two hurting children from a dark world he doesn’t understand and keep his family from falling apart. All while dealing with the realization that everyone he loves, including himself, may be evil.

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Blog Tour: Forget Me Not by Stacey Nash

Today I have Will, from Stacey Nash's novel; Forget Me Not on the blog answering questions.
How long have you known Mae? Can you tell us about the first time you met?For eight years; since I was ten. The first time I met her wasn’t long after my family moved. School had just gone back after the summer vacation, but Emalee and I hadn’t started yet because we’d just moved and mom was still sorting the school thing out. I was in the yard and heard noise coming from over the fence, so I peeked over the top and there she was. Head sunk in her hands, sniffling. I called out and she looked up then told me to go away. I didn’t, I climbed over the fence and sat beside her on the back porch. That was the day her mom disappeared.
Were you always friends or did you have to get past the boy/girl germs first?Right from that first day we’ve been friends. There was never any akwardness
Tell us about your family.They’re great. Dad lets me spend time down at the shop with him. He’s taught me a lot about cars, motors, and stuff. Mom’s mom. Just the one sibling; Emalee’s still a kid, but she’s a good kid. Not too annoying, you know. 
Describe the kind of person you see yourself as.
Loyal, honest. I guess I’m someone who sticks by his friends and always does the right thing.
If you could freeze one moment in time, when would it be?That moment hasn’t happened yet, but it will. *grins*What's your...Favorite ice cream? Vanilla.Dream job? Mechanic. But I’d love to work on rebuilding old cars, like a classics remodeler or something. That would be cool.  Ultimate getaway? Tricky question. A long road trip—somewhere pretty—where I could just cruise along on the motorbike.Greatest strength? Umm, my loyalty or maybe my strength. *flexes arms* Yeah, definitely by strength.Greatest vice? Mae, of course.
Last of all, tell us about the role you play in Forget Me Not.
The role I play? This isn’t some movie we’re talking about, it’s my life and what the heck is Forget Me Not?
Ah, sorry, I mean all this craziness with Mae’s pendant and the Collective.
If Mae’s going to fight, my place is beside her. There’s really not much else to say.

Blurb: Since her mother vanished nine years ago, Anamae and her father have shared a quiet life. But when Anamae discovers a brooch identical to her mother's favorite pendant, she unknowingly invites a slew of trouble into their world. When the brooch and the pendant are worn together they're no longer pretty pieces of jewelry -- they're part of a highly developed technology capable of cloaking the human form. Triggering the jewelry's power attracts the attention of a secret society determined to confiscate the device -- and silence everyone who is aware of its existence. Anamae knows too much, and now she's Enemy Number One.

She's forced to leave her father behind when she's taken in by a group determined to keep her safe. Here Anamae searches for answers about this hidden world. With her father kidnapped and her own life on the line, Anamae must decide if saving her dad is worth risking her new friends’ lives. No matter what she does, somebody is going to get hurt.

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18130928-forget-me-not?from_search=true
What Others Had to Say:
"I certainly won't be forgetting Nash's debut, FORGET ME NOT! A vividly fast-paced tale with adventure, secrets, and kissing!" -Kimberly P. Chase, Author of THE APOLLO ACADEMY.


Buy Links:Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Forget-Me-Not-Stacy-Nashq-ebook/dp/B00IK07FOQ/ref=pd_rhf_dp_p_imgnr_2 Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/forget-me-not-stacy-nash/1118715581?ean=2940148119388

About the Author:

Stacey grew up in the Hunter Valley of New South Wales. It is an area nestled between mountains and vineyards. Full of history and culture, it provides wonderful writing inspiration. After dabbling with poetry during her teen years, Stacey stopped writing until after university when she was married with young children. Now she loves nothing more than spending her days with her children and writing when inspiration strikes.
Social Media Links:
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Goodreads
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Guest Post: Characters with Jolene Perry

For me, a book almost ALWAYS starts with the characters. It’s my favorite thing :-DSo I thought I'd share what I loved about writing my people from The Summer I Found You
3 things I loved about writing Kate:
In ways she’s totally clueless. She’s a senior in high school with an older sister, a doctor for a father, and very little struggle in her life aside from her diabetes, which she handles horribly for most of the book.
Kate’s blurts of honesty were created when I wanted a contrast for Aidan and how the family never mentioned his obvious issue. It ended up being a lot of fun.
She’s scattered. She has a best friend and a sister, both of who are in need of help that she doesn’t really see right away. She’s falling for this guy but planning for college and trying to pretend she’s not sick… Scattered. Like almost every other high school senior I know.

3 things I loved about writing Aidan:
My husband served in the military and he served overseas, so Aidan's story hit close to home.
I love that Aidan faces some things head-on. He doesn’t want people to ignore his lack of an arm, and at the same time, talking to his old Army friends is really hard for him.
Aidan’s determination was fun but also hard to write. I remember working through this scene where he wants to do his Army PT test (Physical training) and when he gets to the push-ups, he just can’t. I sat and cried at this very simple, simple thing.

As far as writing them together -
They both had things they tried to avoid.Aidan tried to avoid the "feeling" things, which Kate took head on.And Kate tried to ignore the facts, which Aidan took head on.
They were perfect opposites - or opposite in a way that compliments - at least... that's what I TRIED to do ;-)
Thanks so much for letting me be totally indulgent today and share my people. After writing and editing and editing and editing...they really, really do feel real to me.
What's a character that has really stuck with you long after you read the book?
~ Jolene
www.jolenebperry.com
AMAZON BARNES
"All they have in common is that they're less than perfect. And all they're looking for is the perfect distraction."

Blog Tour: Playing Pretend by Juliana Haygert

 Synopsis:



As the Governor’s daughter, Charlotte McClain is an expert in playing pretend. High society, the men her mother shoves in her direction and a Pre-Law major are all a part of her perfect pretense. But when she pretends to be a nobody during Spring Break, she meets someone who rocks her world.

Mason Rowell knows heartbreak and Spring Break don’t mesh well, so he allows the mysterious Charlotte to seduce him. What should have been a fling, results in something deeper. After Spring Break has long since passed, he moves to Washington to pursue his graduate degree, but what he never expected to find living among the rich and pompous, was the girl who gave him the strength to change and the desire to start anew.

When the guy Charlotte can’t forget goes from a sensual memory to temptation in the flesh, her facade is put to the test. If she surrenders to his charms, she risks ruining her mother’s perfect career and master plan. Playing pretend is what Charlotte does best, but how long can she pretend she doesn't love the man who made her proud of her true self?

**A light, sexy NA Contemporary Romance (17+)**Goodreads

  Playing Pretend release event organized by Grapevine Book Tours.

Welcome, Juliana! Your newest NA Contemporary Romance, Playing Pretend, releases this week! How are you feeling?Yay! I’m excited and very nervous!And scared. I’m scared because my readers might think they are in for a book in the same style of Breaking the Reins and this isn’t true. Playing Pretend is VERY different from Breaking the Reins. Playing Pretend is light and sweet and cute, while Breaking the Reins is deep and emotional and heartbreaking.Even so, I hope readers enjoy Playing Pretend :)
• Summarize Playing Pretend in one sentence.In a game of playing pretend, girl falls for the wrong boy during spring break.
• Describe the romance—what can the reader’s expect?Playing Pretend is a sweet, smexy book. With lots of sexual tension, and a tiny bit graphic. Just a tiny bit ;)
• What inspired the idea behind the book?Well, to be honest, I saw a publisher asking for a sweet spring romance, short novella length a couple of years ago. It didn’t specify anything about spring break, but that’s what came in my mind so I wrote it at once. However, I didn’t send it out. I found it too short, and the end felt rushed, so I decided to hold on to it so some day when I had more time (I was working on another book at the time) I would rework and extend it.
Fast forward to mid 2013, an urge to go back to that story hit me hard, so I picked it up again.
• What was the most challenging part of writing it?To me writing is never the problem. What I actually have to force myself  to do is to revise. I know it’s a VERY IMPORTANT and necessary evil, so I do it, but ugh, if I could, I would skip it.
• What did you most enjoy while writing the book?The sweet moments between Charlotte and Mason :)
• Your favorite line (or scene) from Playing Pretend:“I cupped her cheek and kissed her. I was upset, yes, but nothing could keep me away from her during these last few hours. I wanted her. I needed her. And I showed her just how much when I deepened the kiss, threatening to break unspoken social rules of how to behave in public.”
• Are you currently writing another book?Yes, I’m writing Breaking Fences, which is a companion novel to Breaking the Reins. And when that’s out with my editor, I’ll work on The Everlasting Circle, book 3 of The Everlast Trilogy.
• Besides writing, what other artistic talents do you have?None.
Actually, dancing. I was a ballerina for a long time and won a few competitions here and there – until I ruptured two tendons on my foot and can’t use pointe shoes anymore :(
• Best piece of advice you would give aspiring authors:Only one? Can I give a few? LolKnow all the rules very well before breaking them. Never give up and never stop learning. Oh, and be humble, always!

FLASH Q&A:• Current obsession: Kpop. I love me some South Korean singers/dancers :)• Last thing you Googled: stock photos for Breaking Fences cover.• You’re stressed. What’s the first thing you do or reach for?  I reach for anything that plays music—my iphone, ipad, ipod, laptop, etc–turn it on and let my mind wander through things I like or through ideas I’m excited about.• You write best with music and coffee during/while my kid is at school (and) in your home office, wearing yoga pants.• Inspiration hits, but you're not home or near your computer. I reach into my purse and grab my notepad and pen.• Favorite writing resource: blogs—I follow a bunch on bloglovin—fellow authors, and a closed NA group on facebook ;)• Guilty pleasure: hm, eating too much chocolate? lol• Automatic buy-list author(s): Richelle Mead, Jennifer L. Armentrout, Sarra Cannon, Alyssa Rose Ivy …
• Character you wish was real so you could meet: only one? Damn. My own Micah from The Everlast Trilogy, then ;)


Author bio: While Juliana Haygert dreams of being Wonder Woman, Buffy, or a blood elf shadow priest, she settles for the less exciting—but equally gratifying—life of a wife, mother, and author. Thousands of miles away from her former home in Brazil, she now resides in Connecticut and spends her days writing about kick-ass heroines and the heroes who drive them crazy.

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Review: Snow on the Tulips by Liz Tolsma

From Goodreads: In a time of unprecedented darkness and fear, Cornelia must decide if saving a stranger’s life is worth risking her own.

In the twilight of the Nazi occupation of The Netherlands, the Germans have taken everything Cornelia had to give, even what was most precious to her. Now Gerrit Laninga—a man who puts God and country above all else—arrives at her house, needing help. She is terrified for herself and terrified for her family, but most of all, terrified of the pain she might feel again if she allows herself to love Gerrit. Her hope is to be free from her paralyzing fear.

Gerrit is a known and hunted Dutch Resistance member. When he comes to Cornelia’s home for shelter, he’s drawn to her strength and kindness. When he asks her to contact the local Resistance on his behalf, she refuses. Gerrit is determined to find a way to continue his underground work without putting Cornelia or her family in harm’s way.

When things start to unravel and Gerrit’s life depends on her actions, she must summon her courage and learn to depend on the perfect love that drives out all fear. But will her new love be snatched away before it has a chance to bloom?

***I received this from NetGallley for an honest review***

This novel mostly follows Cornelia and Gerrit. To begin with we have an awesome action scene as we watch Gerrit be taken to his execution, but somehow, he survives. Soon, Cornelia's brother, Johan, who hides away so as not to be taken to fight, finds Gerrit, injured and struggling to hide, and brings him home.
This story begins and ends really well. Action, tension, excitement. But for me, the middle lagged. Cornelia's sister and her husband seemed to be dead weight for me, and when events unfolded, I didn't feel the way I wanted to feel. I can't really say much without spoilers on that.
I also struggled to feel the passion between Cornelia and Gerrit. I felt like they were telling me they loved one another, but I just didn't feel it.
All up, it's a good story, an interesting perspective on WWII. But I can't give it a higher rank because it didn't grab me and keep me reading and the characters didn't make me love them.
3 Stars.

Wilde Trilogy gets a Makeover!

The Wilde Trilogy, a wildly popular series by Krystal Wade, has been given a makeover with these new covers! I love them myself, what do you think?