Konstanz Silverbow's Blog, page 25

Awakening Foster Kelly ~ A Book Review

If only a pile of wayward curls and the inability to stay on her feet were seventeen year-old Foster Kelly’s most pressing concerns. Unfortunately, stubborn hair and clumsiness are just the tip of it. At the age of five when Foster is told, “You don’t belong here,” it was only a mistake, but the result is one broken heart. These four carelessly spoken words have shaped and shadowed Foster, and now—a senior at Shorecliffs High-school—she seeks the wallflower’s existence, denying herself the most casual of friendships, much too afraid that someone will see what she believes is certain: she does not belong anywhere—or with anyone. 

This reality would continue to suit her just fine; however . . . Love has a long-standing history of undoing broken hearts.

Like a comet, an unexpected arrival knocks Foster out of the crowded, starry sky, sending her directly into the limelight. Exposed and afraid, she will attempt to regain anonymity; but it isn’t so easy now that someone is watching. He pursues this shy enigma, confronting Foster’s deepest fears head-on, and in the process falls wholly and completely in love with her. But there is something he is not saying . . . a secret capable of certain ruin. Either he will break her heart once and for all, or he will heal it.

In the end, though, it is Foster who must decide if she is worth mending.
~ Goodreads ~ Amazon ~ B&N ~ 
CARA ROSALIE OLSEN resides in sunny Southern California, where she lives with her very patient husband, Michael, and their spoiled pooch, Annabella. A product of a relatively normal childhood - whatever that means - Olsen recalls "Life had this relentlessly boorish way of reminding me I was wonky and unapproved. Regardless of status or gene pool, there is nothing simple or easy about growing up. Life doesn't play favorites or carry biases; it's the pits for everyone. But rather than constantly falling into the pit, often I chose to climb down willingly, lining the bottom with a soft place to land. That place is where I became a reader, and today, a writer." 
Throughout high school Olsen struggled with subjects Math and Science, but excelled at the arts, written and performed, often finding a kindred spirit in those teaching Creative Writing and English Literature. What began with an ardency for language soon developed into a burgeoning desire to create. This yearning took shape in the form of poetry and short story fiction, both of which have been featured in print and online publications. Olsen's debut novel, Awakening Foster Kelly is the result of a four-year project born on a whim and sustained by its characters' tenacity and their refusal to give the author a minute to herself. "In the beginning, getting them to talk was like trying to light a wet match. So, we had several long, sometimes combative conversations. I told them that unless they started holding up their end of the deal, I would have no choice but to fill in the blanks with whatever scraps came to mind. It wasn't very long before I started showing up to find that everyone was already seated and waiting for me. We talked. I drank coffee. It was bliss." 
These days Olsen considers herself incredibly blessed to be able to do what she loves most. However . . . if she wasn’t a full-time writer, she would have liked to join the cast of Saturday Night Live, or, taken over as CEO of Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory. 
 ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Website ~ Goodreads ~ 
~ My Review ~  
Awakening Foster Kelly . . . never before have I been so utterly confused by a book. But don’t let that scare you away. Hear me out. You see, I didn't truly know what to expect of this book. I thought I might be getting one thing and instead I got another thing entirely.
Many scenes had me so enthralled I couldn't put the book down. And other parts had me shaking my head, confused as to what happened and why the scene changed so suddenly. It was a constant battle – do I continue reading or do I give up and mark the book off as a DNF?
Alas, let me tell you how completely entranced I was by this book by the end. There was so much detail and sometimes that was actually a bad thing – at least in the moment. I truly was confused for large sections of the book but just as I was about to give up, something exciting would happen. And by the end of the book? Everything just fell into place - everything makes sense. 
In many ways I connected with Foster. I understand where she was coming from and could see and even understand why she reacted the way she did. And that kept me reading even when I wanted to give up on this book. Something small that would pique my interest a little more. So I continued. And wow! What a journey. All the detail? The crazy journey this book takes you on? Well I would deem it very worth it by the end of the book. Without spoilers, let me warn you: You might very hate the ending. But then again, you might just love it.
At first I was hurt by the turn of events. So completely taken aback by what I was reading – terrified that one chapter could have ruined the entire story for me. But by the time I reached the last page I realized this very well may be one of the best books I've ever read.
This book most definitely is not for everyone. And in fact, if you are looking for a light read with a cute love story with a predictable happily ever after, don’t read this book. But if you’re up for an adventure, a challenge, if you’re up for something completely, utterly, crazily different in the worst and best way possible, read Awakening Foster Kelly. 


A HUGE thank you to Cara for asking me to read and review this book. If not for that request, I wouldn't have ever enjoyed the epicness of this book! 
And I assure you that receiving a free copy of the book in trade for a review did not in anyway change my opinions on this book. In fact, I love it so much I am now purchasing it in Paperback! 

A tour for Crayons ~ SIGN-UPS!

 This is Evie, my five year old niece. She wants to go to Disneyworld. So she devised a plan to get there - sell Crayons. You can check out her store HERE.
And here's the thing - I'm all about living your dreams! So to help spread the word about my niece's little business, I'm putting together a blog tour! The tour will run February 10th through the 24th. All posts will be pre-written and sent to you plus you'll get two sets of crayons. One to giveaway and one to keep! <3 
Evie the Crayon Creator Blog Tour information & rules: 
1.      Each blog participant will receive two (2) packages of crayons. One to keep and enjoy as  a thank you and 1 to give away on their blog. The blog giveaway may include ANYTHING else you want to give away but MUST include the crayons. 2.      Each rafflecopter or giveaway entry method MUST include the following three OPTIONAL entries: (1) Like Evie the Crayon Creator on Facebook. (2) Follow Evie on Etsy. (3) Follow Evie’s Blog anyway you want. Each giveaway can have any other entries the blogger decides up to 30 possible entries per person (total of 30 possible points). Mandatory entries are up to the blogger. 3.      Each blog participating can offer a maximum of 30 entries per person divided anyway they want. Example 30 entries each worth 1 point. 3 entries each worth 10 points, 5 entries each worth 6 points. Etc. But no more than 30 entries per person can exist. (this is so we can accurately calculate who had the most entries). 4.      The blogger with the MOST entries at the end of the blog hop will receive a $20.00 Amazon Gift Card (electronic code, not a physical card) as a thank you! 5.      Bloggers must provide the name of the winner for the grand winner’s list on Evie’s blog.6.      The Text above as the Blog Hop post must be posted. 7.      Please link to the rest of the blog hop, although not required would be much appreciated. 
Sign up HERE! 

Missing Royal Q & A!

Genre: YA Fantasy
Series: Finding Gold, Book One
Publication Date: March 25th 2014 

One princess destroyed the world. One princess must save it. 

When she was little she wished to be a princess. Now as a teenager she just wishes she fit in. But Shanice doesn't feel like she belongs, she never has.

When her parents tell her she is the last known princess from another world, it all makes sense. A world full of magic in place of technology. One where she is more than just royalty, she is their last chance to stop the one who is bent on destroying it. Mendina. 

But she can't do it alone, first she must find the other missing royals. In her quest, Shanice will be forced to choose between the course prophecy set for her, and the one that leads to the man her heart belongs to.

~ Q & A ~ 
I have received LOTS of questions about Missing Royal in the past few days and thought I should clear some things up. 

Q: Is/Will Missing Royal be available for pre-order on Amazon? 
A: No. However the paperback copy (regular and special edition) are available for pre-order through my Etsy store. 

Q: Will the Special Edition be available (on Amazon) as an e-book?
A: No. The Special Edition copy is ONLY available in paperback. There will only ever be 100 copies in existence and they will only be available for purchasing through me.

Q: What does the Special Edition include that the regular edition doesn't?
A: 1. The original map, drawn 4(ish) years ago.
2. Multiple sketches including: dragons, scenes from the book, and Shanice's sword.
3. Extra scenes.
4. A Preview to The Enchanted Rose (Finding Gold, Book Two) - including the book's cover.

Q: If I pre-order a paperback copy when will it ship?
A: All pre-orders for Missing Royal will ship a litter more than one week before the release date.

If you have any questions please don't hesitate to ask! I am so excited for this book! We're  onto the final stages of edits!


Pre-order the special edition HERE!   Pre-order the regular edition HERE! 


Add to your Goodreads TBR list HERE! 

First Impression COVER REVEAL!

Title: First ImpressionAuthor: Pauline CreedenGenre: YA Urban Fantasy/Paranormal Mystery Expected Release Date: March 31, 2014 Designed by: http://www.alchemybookcovers.com/</ a>Reveal Host: Lady Amber's Tours</ span>Synopsis: First Impression: A Shadow Maven ParanormalChira Kelly thought she didn’t need anyone…until she met Ben.Because of one ugly rumor, Chira lives as an outcast at her school. Which is fine with her, because she works better alone. Always has, always will. And at least she has her one and only true friend, Tasha. When Tasha insists that they join a group to visit a possibly haunted abandoned old schoolhouse, she's wary, but joins her friend. Because of that decision, their lives are in jeopardy as a malevolent spirit targets the group. Tragedies and accidents pick them off one by one, and Chira finds herself drawn to the one person who can see the truth. But can he protect her? Goodreads link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20618864- first-impression


In simple language, Pauline Creeden creates worlds that are both familiar and strange, often pulling the veil between dimensions. She becomes the main character in each of her stories, and because she has ADD, she will get bored if she pretends to be one person for too long. Pauline is a horse trainer from Virginia, but writing is her therapy. Her books have hit #1 on the Amazon Bestseller List and </ span>Armored Hearts won the 2013 Book Junkie’s Choice Award in Historical Fiction. First Impression: A Shadow Maven Paranormal</ i> is her first mystery. It’s a dark urban fantasy and will be released March 31, 2014. [image error] Links: Website: http:// paulinecreeden.comFacebook: http:// facebook.com/PaulineCreedenTwitter: http://twitter.com/ P_Creeden

Goodreads: http:// goodreads.com/PCreedenExcerpt:

 (Please note that the Excerpt is from the Unedited ARC and may change a bit before the finished book is released) Ben pulls open the office door and stands to the side to allow me to go first. The hallway that was empty only a short while ago is now full of kids and their incessant conversations. With a shrug, I eye his class schedule quickly. Except for second and sixth period, we have exactly the same schedule. He’s in all of the advanced classes, too. Only he has gym for second period, and Latin for sixth – opposite of my schedule, except I take French. Piece of cake. I glance up at him again, and his eyes meet mine. My breath hitches. Something in his intense gaze makes me feel like he’s measuring me. And there’s something strange about his eyes. They’re brown, but I can tell he has colored contacts. Why would anyone color their eyes brown?</ span>Something about the way he’s looking at me makes my heart flutter. A sniffle escapes me before I can stop it. Ugh. I clear my throat and start in the direction of first period. “Follow me.”</ o:p>We elbow our way down the freshman hall toward the second floor, but before we start up I point down the way. “Do you know what your locker number is?” Ben nods and pushes his backpack up on his shoulder further. I wait for a second and then smile. “What is it?” “706.” He has a slight accent and his voice is deeper than I expect. I suppress a shiver at the jolt that the musical timbre of his voice sends through my body. I’m resonating like a tuning fork. I really want him to speak again with every fiber of my being. What’s with me? “Uh…okay.” I swallow, trying to regain composure. And take him to the general area of the locker. “Here it is.” He looks at it, nods, and returns his gaze to me. “I know you don’t have any books to put in it, but do you want to try out the combination?” He lifts one shoulder in a shrug and spins the combo quickly through the three numbers. I purposefully look around so he knows I’m not peeking. He opens the locker wide, nods toward me and then closes it again. “Great. We have first period over here.” “You and I have the same first period?” My body vibrates again, and I blink hard. So glad my back was to him so he couldn’t see the effect his voice has on me. I swallow and face him. “Actually, yeah. Our schedules are very similar. It’s a smallish school so there’s only a few tracks that juniors can be on.”He nods, and his eyes are half lidded as if he’s bored already. I lead him toward our class room. “We don’t really have assigned seats, so you can pretty much sit anywhere you want. I’ll show you to the gym at the end of class. I have French next, but it’s not too far from there.”  I lead him to the front of the class, and my friend, Tasha Brown gives me a wan smile and raises her eyebrows, looking back and forth between me and Ben. She mouths, Who’s that?</ i>I roll my eyes and put up one finger toward her to let her know I’ll tell her in a minute. Then I turn to the teacher. I hand him the schedule from the office. “Hi, Mr. Scott. This is Ben Oscuro, a transfer.” Mr. Scott sets down the Mountain Dew he was drinking and offers Ben a wide grin. He puts a hand out for him to shake. Ben hesitates but takes the hand in what looks like a firm grip. Mr. Scott shakes his hand afterward. “That’s some grip you’ve got there.” He laughs and leans down to the bottom drawer of his desk and hands Ben a Geography text book.With a nod, I return to Tasha and squeeze into the desk next to hers. Because I’m at Jackson Hall partially on scholarship and partially on my father’s insurance money, I’m somewhat of a social pariah. My only real friend is Tasha, a pariah herself, being one of the few African-American kids in the school. Still she tends to be more popular than me, because at least her family does have money. And then there’s that rumor… “So who is the new hottie?” Tasha hops up and down in her seat. I shake my head at her. “You are one big hormone, you know that? Sure, he’s cute, but is there any guy in the room you don’t consider a hottie?” Tasha scans the room, considering for a moment with her hand on her chin and a very serious expression on her face. Her hair is in the typical pigtail braids she usually uses to play up the uniform. She has on no sweater, and her shirt is one size too small, causing the buttons at the front to bow and expose part of her red bra. Finally she returns her gaze to me. “There’s only one guy in here that doesn’t rank hottie.” “Really? Who?” She leans in conspiratorially and whispers, “Mr. Scott.” I nearly choke on a laugh as I eye the middle aged, balding teacher at the front of the room. But I have to admit, Jackson Hall is a prep school. And no one can afford to make their children look their best more than the wealthy. I guess if I take my father’s words to heart, it’s better to be the poor kid in the rich kids’ school…than the other way around. Right? Tasha’s smile returns and I follow her gaze to figure out why. Ben Oscuro walks down the aisle between us and takes the desk right behind mine. The hairs on the back of my neck stand on end. I close my eyes and take a deep breath. He smells like pine and mint, and it reminds me of the outdoors. When I open them again, Tasha’s smile has grown impossibly wider. She leans towards me and whispers, “What was that you said about hormones again?” I shove my elbow toward her but she dodges me with a giggle.



.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/layout/gr_button4_hover.gif); color: black; text-decoration: none; cursor: pointer; }
Goodreads Book Giveaway First Impression by Pauline Creeden Giveaway ends April 30, 2014. See the giveaway details at Goodreads. Enter to win

My Soul For You by Airicka Phoeniz ~ COVER REVEAL

You are cordially invited to have your heart’s desire come true.
For Kaitlin Claremont this is a very tall order. What wouldn't an orphan girl living over of her aunt’s shop wish for? But when her one night of magic and passion in the arms of a man that is as out of her reach as he is gorgeous turns into curdling screams and dead bodies, Katie quickly realizes that her wish came with strings, a debt she must repay or die. But can she take a life to save her own or can she find those responsible and stop them before it’s too late?
Kaleb O’Reilly has one goal, finish his internship, get his credits and graduate. His freedom can’t start until he does. But nothing prepares him for the brown-eyed beauty he just can’t seem to get out of his head no matter how many times he tells himself she’s off-limits. Kaleb can’t deny he wants her in a way that very much complicates everything. But what happens when the hunger wins and everyone he loves becomes a pawn to a deadly game? Can he turn his back on Katie to save his family or will he fight to save the girl?
Time is running out. Will they kill or be killed? 
~ Purchase Links ~ 
Coming Soon.
About the author ~ 
Best-Selling author Airicka Phoenix lives in rainy British Columbia with her beautiful family. When she's not pounding away at the keyboard, she can be found reading, shining her collection of daggers or chilling with her kids. 

She is the author of the Touch Saga, The Sons of Judgment Saga, The Lost Girl Series, Betraying Innocence and Games of Fire.

Airicka also writes adult paranormal & contemporary romance under her alter ego, Morgana Phoenix. Her first novel, Capture Me, will be out 2014.

For more about Airicka, visit her website at: http://airickaphoenix.com/Author/

Missing Royal ARC Giveaway!!!

That quote? You know about a man's finest hour? The one about lying on the battlefield, victorious? Yeah that's how I feel right now. Why? Well because last night at 2am I finished Missing Royal. Now, that might not seem significant. I mean, I wrote four books last year alone. 
But this book is different. This is the book where it all started, the book I learned to write with, this book has been in the works for eight years. EIGHT! And last night I finished the final draft! 
Yeah, I definietly feel victorious! That moment, writing the end, closing that book knowing I will never re-write it again, that was my victorious moment. And though exhausted (come on, it was 2 in the morning!) I lied down in bed and cried the happiest tears of my life! 
And now, its time to celebrate!! YEP! After writing and re-writing and editing and revising and writing this book for eight years I am giving away ONE *ARC!!! 
*Advanced Readers Copy
Fill out the rafflecopter below! :) 



a Rafflecopter giveaway

Believe when it's beyond reason to believe.

My dad gave me this.  And I LOVE it!  And you know what the little plaque says? 

Believe when it's beyond reason to believe. 
I love it! There is so much power behind those few words. 
So no matter what the world tells you, no matter how much doubt tells you to give up, believe.  Believe even when it's beyond reason.  

Help a little girl's dream come true!

Meet Evie . . . 

My 5 year old niece. And she's started her own crayon business (with a little help of course)! 

Dinosaur Set - $2.85 - Sold HERE. Heart Set - $2.85 - Sold HERE! 
A message from Evie:
The first crayons I made were just a homework project with my mom. I wanted a dino birthday party and my mom said she would help me make decorations. We made dino art to put up on the walls, dino invitations and dino favors. The favors were little dinosaur crayons that my mom helped me poor into a mold. After the birthday party some of my friends wanted more. So we made more... and more... and more... and then my mom helped me put them with dinosaur books in my grandpa's shop. I sold so many that I picked a few new shapes to make and we ordered molds for those shapes too. Now I sale them on my mom's website (Etsy store) that we share. Now my mom helps me cut the papers and I take the papers off the crayons, melt them, and put them into the molds (with a little help from mom or dad). I get half the money I make to spend on things I want, right now I am saving for Disneyworld. The other half goes into my college fund for when I'm a grown up. If you have broken crayons you want to let me use I would be really happy to recycle them (that's a big word mom taught me) into new shapes to make kids happy everywhere! You can send them to my grandpa's shop the address is on the Contact Us page, or if you want crayons for your kids or projects you can send me a request or buy some off the store my mom and I share HERE! 
Help a little girl get to Disney World and save for college! 
Don't forget to follow Evie's blog HERE! 

Tour: Witch Fall by Amber Argyle ~ Excerpt

All things fall.

Even Witches.

Supreme in their dominion over seasons, storms, and sea, the Witches have forgotten the unmatched destructiveness of mankind. And among the weapons men seek are the magical songs of the Witches.

Lilette is one of the few who see the decadence and decay weakening the Witches. As an outsider amid her own kind, can she help them survive the coming war?
 ~ Goodreads ~ Amazon ~ B&N ~ 
 ~ About the author ~ 

Amber Argyle is the author of Witch Song and Fairy Queen trilogies. She grew up with three brothers on a cattle ranch in the Rocky Mountains. She spent hours riding horses, roaming the mountains, and playing in her family’s creepy barn. This environment fueled her imagination for writing high fantasy. She has worked as a short order cook, janitor, and staff member in a mental institution. All of which has given her great insight into the human condition and has made for some unique characters. She received her bachelor’s degree in English and Physical Education from Utah State University. She currently resides in Utah with her husband and three small children. ~ Website ~ Goodreads ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ 
~ Excerpt ~ 
Han looked at her, his eyes as dark and depthless as the deepest part of the ocean. His gaze shifted to her mouth and she could have sworn she felt the pressure of his gaze on her lips. She moved forward a fraction, until there was nothing between them but sunlight. Then there was nothing between them at all. His lips were on hers, not claiming, not possessing, simply wanting. Needing.
Lilette had never known how full of need he was. How dark and empty the spaces in his soul must be. He drank her in like she was light and hope and he’d been a starving man all his life.
For Lilette, it was like his touch let her shine. Like she’d been shattered into a thousand specks of light and he brought her together—made her whole.
With a shudder that shook to his core, Han pulled away from her. He rested his forehead against hers, his breath ragged and his lips red. “Lilette.”
She closed her eyes as he said her name. Said it like he was cupping a bird in his hands and he’d set it free. She inhaled the breath that had carried her name. “Han.”
“It’s like no matter how hard I try, you’re all I can see.”
She held her hands together to keep them from trembling and betraying her. “Where does that leave us?”“I don’t know.” Han closed his eyes and breathed her in. “You’re leaving for Haven. I’m going to stay here as an ambassador for Harshen.”
She nodded. “I’m glad.” She trusted no one else with this.Han hesitated, and then kissed her briefly. “Be well, little dragon.” He turned and walked walking away.
Lilette watching him, waiting for him to move out of sight before she allowed her legs to go soft. Let herself sink into the loam. She didn’t cry. She just waited for the aching to fade enough to get to her feet and keep moving.
Get Witch Song (Book One) FREE!!    

More by Kimberly Hart ~ Cover Reveal

More ~ A Poetry Collection by Kimberly Hart ~ Release date – May 2014
Cover design by Airicka’s Mystical Creations
The debut poetry collection of Kimberly Hart. 
Words from a woman that is more than just a mom, more than just a lover, more than just a friend.  Poems that capture the complexity of the heart, giving you a glimpse into the intricate inner musings of someone longing and searching for something more.  Love & Life.  Hope & Loss.  Light & Dark.  Raw & Gritty.
Do you want more?
Warning: This work contains subject matter that is adult in nature.  Intended to be read by those 18 and older. 

Find Kimberly on FB:  https://www.facebook.com/KimberlyHartWritesEmail Kimberly at kimberlyhartwrites@gmail.com
Find Airicka’s Mystical Creations on FB:  https://www.facebook.com/pages/Airickas-Mystical-Creations

Add “more.” on GoodReads:  https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18875477-more?ac=1