Stephanie Faris's Blog, page 14
March 9, 2017
Cover Reveal: Beep and Bob: Too Much Space by Jonathan Roth
Chapter book have a special place in my heart, as you probably know! It's at that age that children often develop an independent love of reading that carries them into adulthood. Today's cover reveal introduces a new chapter book series that I know an entire generation of kids will love! Beep and Bob is Jonathan Roth's debut book...and it's still so early, it's not even on Amazon yet! But you can scroll down to add it to Goodreads and read more about it. Here's the fun cover!
Blurb:
After failing to purposely fail the admissions exam, nine-year-old Bob finds himself sent to the most prestigious (and hazardous) school in the solar system. Despite such space horrors as infinite darkness, black holes and girls, Bob survives with the help of an even more helpless little alien named Beep.
Add it on Goodreads
Bio:
Jonathan Roth writes and illustrates for kids. Look for BEEP AND BOB, a fun new chapter book series coming in 2018, from Simon and Schuster/Aladdin. Repped by Natalie Lakosil at Bradford Literary.
Links:
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads
My next Piper Morgan book, Piper Morgan Makes a Splash, comes out April 4, 2017. Sign up if you'd like to help out by posting on your blog about it!
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Blurb:
After failing to purposely fail the admissions exam, nine-year-old Bob finds himself sent to the most prestigious (and hazardous) school in the solar system. Despite such space horrors as infinite darkness, black holes and girls, Bob survives with the help of an even more helpless little alien named Beep.
Add it on Goodreads
Bio:
Jonathan Roth writes and illustrates for kids. Look for BEEP AND BOB, a fun new chapter book series coming in 2018, from Simon and Schuster/Aladdin. Repped by Natalie Lakosil at Bradford Literary.
Links:
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads
My next Piper Morgan book, Piper Morgan Makes a Splash, comes out April 4, 2017. Sign up if you'd like to help out by posting on your blog about it!
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March 7, 2017
Introducing Spring Break Mistake by Allison Gutknecht AND Sydney Mackenzie Knocks ‘Em Dead by Cindy Callaghan
Today I get to introduce TWO books on one blog. It's release day for two Aladdin authors: Allison Gutknecht and Cindy Callaghan. Check out the fun covers and read all about them below!
Blurb:
A tween is forced to use her photography skills to track down a missing classmate during a class trip in New York City in this M!X novel from the author of The Bling Queen.
After years of suffering through the most boring spring vacations ever, Avalon Kelly is ready for a week of adventure. On a hash-tagged whim, she entered the PhotoReady app’s spring break getaway contest to NYC—and won!
But right away, this trip of a lifetime isn’t turning out as planned. Avalon’s best friend isn’t one of the PhotoReady winners, which means that not only will Avalon have to venture to the Big Apple by herself, but she’ll be assigned a stranger as a roommate. The perky and talkative Sofia seems pleasant enough, but snooty Kensington—who was placed in Room 609 at the last moment due to a mix-up—is a whole other story.
Just when Avalon is about ready to abandon the trip entirely, one of the fellow contest winners, the cute and mysterious Tate, disappears from the group, and the Room 609 girls must band together, using the clues within their photographs, if they have any hope of tracking him down. Will the hunt for Tate and the view of New York City through her camera lens be enough to convince Avalon to stick it out for the full week?
Buy Links:
Amazon | B&N | IndieBound
Bio:
Allison Gutknecht grew up in Voorhees, New Jersey, with three fewer siblings than Mandy Berr. After graduating from the University of Pennsylvania, she earned her Master’s degree in Children’s Media and Literature from NYU. Allison lives in New York City with her rambunctious toy poodle, Gypsy, and her literate cat, Folly. She is a massive fan of polka dots.
Links:
Website| Facebook | Twitter
Blurb:
West Coast girl Sydney Mackenzie moves to Delaware after her parents inherit a cemetery—and becomes involved in a mystery surrounding the Underground Railroad—in this M!X novel from the author of Lost in London, Lost in Paris, Lost in Rome, and Lost in Ireland.
Sydney Mackenzie is an aspiring actress and average less-than-popular California Girl. So when her parents drop the biggest bombshell ever—they have inherited a cemetery called Lay to Rest, which means a move to boring Delaware—Sydney is NOT happy. And to make matters worse? Their “new” house is actually right on the cemetery grounds—and it isn’t exactly California chic.
But after settling in, Sydney discovers that the creepy old house might have more history than she once thought. And someone—or something—is encouraging her to delve deeper into a decades-old mystery that dates back to the Underground Railroad. Will Sydney’s filmmaking skills and the help of some new friends be enough for her get to the bottom of the mystery of her new home?
Buy Links:
Amazon | B&N | IndieBound
Bio:
Cindy Callaghan is the author of the middle grade novels Just Add Magic, Lost in London, Lucky Me, Lost in Paris, Lost in Rome, and Lost in Ireland, all with Aladdin M!X. Cindy’s first book, the much-loved Just Add Magic, is now a breakout Amazon Original live-action series. Cindy holds an MA and MBA, and has over twenty years of business experience. The Delawarian (by way of Los Angeles (USC)) is a Jersey girl at heart. She lives in Wilmington, and escapes to her PA mountain retreat whenever time will allow.
Links:
Website| Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest
My next Piper Morgan book, Piper Morgan Makes a Splash, comes out April 4, 2017. Sign up if you'd like to help out by posting on your blog about it!
Powered by 123ContactForm | Report abuse
Blurb:
A tween is forced to use her photography skills to track down a missing classmate during a class trip in New York City in this M!X novel from the author of The Bling Queen.
After years of suffering through the most boring spring vacations ever, Avalon Kelly is ready for a week of adventure. On a hash-tagged whim, she entered the PhotoReady app’s spring break getaway contest to NYC—and won!
But right away, this trip of a lifetime isn’t turning out as planned. Avalon’s best friend isn’t one of the PhotoReady winners, which means that not only will Avalon have to venture to the Big Apple by herself, but she’ll be assigned a stranger as a roommate. The perky and talkative Sofia seems pleasant enough, but snooty Kensington—who was placed in Room 609 at the last moment due to a mix-up—is a whole other story.
Just when Avalon is about ready to abandon the trip entirely, one of the fellow contest winners, the cute and mysterious Tate, disappears from the group, and the Room 609 girls must band together, using the clues within their photographs, if they have any hope of tracking him down. Will the hunt for Tate and the view of New York City through her camera lens be enough to convince Avalon to stick it out for the full week?
Buy Links:
Amazon | B&N | IndieBound
Bio:
Allison Gutknecht grew up in Voorhees, New Jersey, with three fewer siblings than Mandy Berr. After graduating from the University of Pennsylvania, she earned her Master’s degree in Children’s Media and Literature from NYU. Allison lives in New York City with her rambunctious toy poodle, Gypsy, and her literate cat, Folly. She is a massive fan of polka dots.
Links:
Website| Facebook | Twitter
Blurb:
West Coast girl Sydney Mackenzie moves to Delaware after her parents inherit a cemetery—and becomes involved in a mystery surrounding the Underground Railroad—in this M!X novel from the author of Lost in London, Lost in Paris, Lost in Rome, and Lost in Ireland.
Sydney Mackenzie is an aspiring actress and average less-than-popular California Girl. So when her parents drop the biggest bombshell ever—they have inherited a cemetery called Lay to Rest, which means a move to boring Delaware—Sydney is NOT happy. And to make matters worse? Their “new” house is actually right on the cemetery grounds—and it isn’t exactly California chic.
But after settling in, Sydney discovers that the creepy old house might have more history than she once thought. And someone—or something—is encouraging her to delve deeper into a decades-old mystery that dates back to the Underground Railroad. Will Sydney’s filmmaking skills and the help of some new friends be enough for her get to the bottom of the mystery of her new home?
Buy Links:
Amazon | B&N | IndieBound
Bio:
Cindy Callaghan is the author of the middle grade novels Just Add Magic, Lost in London, Lucky Me, Lost in Paris, Lost in Rome, and Lost in Ireland, all with Aladdin M!X. Cindy’s first book, the much-loved Just Add Magic, is now a breakout Amazon Original live-action series. Cindy holds an MA and MBA, and has over twenty years of business experience. The Delawarian (by way of Los Angeles (USC)) is a Jersey girl at heart. She lives in Wilmington, and escapes to her PA mountain retreat whenever time will allow.
Links:
Website| Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest
My next Piper Morgan book, Piper Morgan Makes a Splash, comes out April 4, 2017. Sign up if you'd like to help out by posting on your blog about it!
Powered by 123ContactForm | Report abuse
March 6, 2017
Mystery Monday: William Tyrell
It's Monday, which means it's time for another...
For today's mystery, we take you across the globe to Kendall, New South Wales, Australia to look at the disappearance of this three-year-old boy:
William was visiting his grandmother's house on September 12, 2014 with his mom, dad, and five-year-old sister. This photo was snapped just before William's disappearance, while he and his sister were coloring.
Soon after, the kids decided to play outside. Their mom and grandmother watched from the back porch. At some point, the mom decided to go in to make a cup of tea.
The house where William Tyrell was last seen
When the mom came out, William was gone. He ran from the back yard to the front, roaring like a tiger. When he got to the front yard, he went silent. When they went to the front yard to look for him, he was gone.
An extensive search was conducted but after two years, no sign of what happened to William Tyrell has been found. The police recently released information on some cars seen near the house. His mother saw two cars parked across the street that morning, both older models. One was a white station wagon and the other was a dark gray sedan--both were parked across the street with the driver's windows down, and both were unoccupied.
Artist's rendering of the cars across the street
Approximately an hour and a half before his disappearance, a green or gray sedan was seen slowly driving past the house as William and his sister rode their bikes in the driveway. The car did a U-turn in a neighbor's driveway and left.
At 10:30, around the time of his disappearance, a four-wheel drive was seen leaving his street. A few minutes later, witnesses saw it speeding down a nearby street.
An odd factoid about this case: the parents have insisted on remaining anonymous. They say it's to protect his siblings, who they don't want to become known as being related to the missing child. It's an odd choice, though, and it's piqued the public's curiosity. Were their children all adopted and revealing their identity might bring that to light? Are they public figures? This is all the public has seen of them:
Image source: The Daily Telegraph
Hundreds of people have been questioned in the case, including known pedophiles and a friend of William's grandmother. The disappearance may never be solved, but it is one of the most high-profile cases in Australia's history.
What do you think happened to William Tyrell?
My next Piper Morgan book, Piper Morgan Makes a Splash, comes out April 4, 2017. Sign up if you'd like to help out by posting on your blog about it!
Powered by 123ContactForm | Report abuse
For today's mystery, we take you across the globe to Kendall, New South Wales, Australia to look at the disappearance of this three-year-old boy:
William was visiting his grandmother's house on September 12, 2014 with his mom, dad, and five-year-old sister. This photo was snapped just before William's disappearance, while he and his sister were coloring.
Soon after, the kids decided to play outside. Their mom and grandmother watched from the back porch. At some point, the mom decided to go in to make a cup of tea.
The house where William Tyrell was last seen
When the mom came out, William was gone. He ran from the back yard to the front, roaring like a tiger. When he got to the front yard, he went silent. When they went to the front yard to look for him, he was gone.
An extensive search was conducted but after two years, no sign of what happened to William Tyrell has been found. The police recently released information on some cars seen near the house. His mother saw two cars parked across the street that morning, both older models. One was a white station wagon and the other was a dark gray sedan--both were parked across the street with the driver's windows down, and both were unoccupied.
Artist's rendering of the cars across the street
Approximately an hour and a half before his disappearance, a green or gray sedan was seen slowly driving past the house as William and his sister rode their bikes in the driveway. The car did a U-turn in a neighbor's driveway and left.
At 10:30, around the time of his disappearance, a four-wheel drive was seen leaving his street. A few minutes later, witnesses saw it speeding down a nearby street.
An odd factoid about this case: the parents have insisted on remaining anonymous. They say it's to protect his siblings, who they don't want to become known as being related to the missing child. It's an odd choice, though, and it's piqued the public's curiosity. Were their children all adopted and revealing their identity might bring that to light? Are they public figures? This is all the public has seen of them:
Image source: The Daily Telegraph
Hundreds of people have been questioned in the case, including known pedophiles and a friend of William's grandmother. The disappearance may never be solved, but it is one of the most high-profile cases in Australia's history.
What do you think happened to William Tyrell?
My next Piper Morgan book, Piper Morgan Makes a Splash, comes out April 4, 2017. Sign up if you'd like to help out by posting on your blog about it!
Powered by 123ContactForm | Report abuse
March 3, 2017
Cover Reveal: Forgotten by Kristin Smith
I love covers. I especially love getting to see brand new covers. Today, I'm helping Kristin Smith share her latest book cover with the world! Scroll down to read all about it, pre-order your copy, and enter her giveaway.
Blurb:
The epic tale of Sienna Preston continues in this second installment of the exhilarating Deception Game series.
Seventeen-year-old Sienna is no stranger to heartache and loss. But this time, it's different; someone―or something―has tampered with a loved one's memories, and she's determined to get answers.
The trail leads her to the glittering skyscrapers and modern luxuries of Rubex, the Capital of Pacifica, where she infiltrates the government's Agency for Intelligence and Genetics. But answers are not always easy to come by, especially when her own memories may have been altered. Luckily, Zane Ryder is there to help her put the pieces back together, his devotion and concern muddying the waters between friendship and something more.
When Sienna gets too close to uncovering dark Agency secrets, she's framed for the murder of a prominent government official, sending her on the run. Sienna's heart may be torn about who she loves, but none of that really matters anymore―because the only thing that awaits her now is a death sentence.
Pre-Order
Bio:
Kristin Smith writes young adult contemporary and science fiction novels. When she’s not writing, you can find her dreaming about the beach, beating her boys at Just Dance, or belting out karaoke (from the comfort of her own home). Kristin currently resides in the middle-of-nowhere North Carolina with her husband and five incredibly loud but extremely cute boys. To read more about her obsession with YA novels or her addiction to chocolate, you can visit her at kristinsmithbooks.com.
Links:
Website | Goodreads | Facebook | Twitter | Blog | Instagram
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Blurb:
The epic tale of Sienna Preston continues in this second installment of the exhilarating Deception Game series.
Seventeen-year-old Sienna is no stranger to heartache and loss. But this time, it's different; someone―or something―has tampered with a loved one's memories, and she's determined to get answers.
The trail leads her to the glittering skyscrapers and modern luxuries of Rubex, the Capital of Pacifica, where she infiltrates the government's Agency for Intelligence and Genetics. But answers are not always easy to come by, especially when her own memories may have been altered. Luckily, Zane Ryder is there to help her put the pieces back together, his devotion and concern muddying the waters between friendship and something more.
When Sienna gets too close to uncovering dark Agency secrets, she's framed for the murder of a prominent government official, sending her on the run. Sienna's heart may be torn about who she loves, but none of that really matters anymore―because the only thing that awaits her now is a death sentence.
Pre-Order
Bio:
Kristin Smith writes young adult contemporary and science fiction novels. When she’s not writing, you can find her dreaming about the beach, beating her boys at Just Dance, or belting out karaoke (from the comfort of her own home). Kristin currently resides in the middle-of-nowhere North Carolina with her husband and five incredibly loud but extremely cute boys. To read more about her obsession with YA novels or her addiction to chocolate, you can visit her at kristinsmithbooks.com.Links:
Website | Goodreads | Facebook | Twitter | Blog | Instagram
a Rafflecopter giveaway
March 1, 2017
IWSG: Reworking Old Stories
It's the first Wednesday of the month, which means hundreds of us will be posting about our insecurities. If you haven't yet, join in. You'll be glad you did!
Each month we have a question. This month's question is:
Have you ever pulled out a really old story and reworked it? Did it work out?
I started writing in 1995. Needless to say, I have more than a few unpublished manuscripts. I lost the romance manuscripts years ago, and that's probably for the best.
I do have 22 manuscripts on my computer--before you gasp, most are partials (three chapters and a synopsis). Most have either been rejected by my agent or publisher. Will those rejected books ever see the light of day?
Why do I say that? Because I know me. IF someday I decide to put the idea into action, I'm probably going to want to start over. Same idea, different approach.
Do I regret the time I spent writing those books that will never be read? Nope. Nothing we write is ever wasted. With ever word, we get stronger and more confident. So I look at those unpublished manuscripts as my "training." A master's degree, of sorts, that I'm still trying to earn!
Have you ever reworked an old story?
My next Piper Morgan book, Piper Morgan Makes a Splash, comes out April 4, 2017. Sign up if you'd like to help out by posting on your blog about it!
Powered by 123ContactForm | Report abuse
Each month we have a question. This month's question is:
Have you ever pulled out a really old story and reworked it? Did it work out?
I started writing in 1995. Needless to say, I have more than a few unpublished manuscripts. I lost the romance manuscripts years ago, and that's probably for the best.
I do have 22 manuscripts on my computer--before you gasp, most are partials (three chapters and a synopsis). Most have either been rejected by my agent or publisher. Will those rejected books ever see the light of day?
Why do I say that? Because I know me. IF someday I decide to put the idea into action, I'm probably going to want to start over. Same idea, different approach.
Do I regret the time I spent writing those books that will never be read? Nope. Nothing we write is ever wasted. With ever word, we get stronger and more confident. So I look at those unpublished manuscripts as my "training." A master's degree, of sorts, that I'm still trying to earn!
Have you ever reworked an old story?
My next Piper Morgan book, Piper Morgan Makes a Splash, comes out April 4, 2017. Sign up if you'd like to help out by posting on your blog about it!
Powered by 123ContactForm | Report abuse
February 28, 2017
Cover Reveal: Still Me...After All These Years: 24 Writers Reflect on Aging
Karen Walker. LD Masterson. Patricia Stoltey. Susan Swidersky. Linda Hoye. Valerie Capps. If any of those names sound familiar, you're probably active in the blogging community. These authors and 18 others are all part of a new, exciting book jam-packed with great stories about aging. And that awesome book is now available for pre-order! Check out the cover...and scroll down to read all about it and see the full author list.
Blurb:
Poignant...Humorous...Brutally Honest!
A collection of personal reflections guaranteed to keep you inspired and entertained on that journey we all travel together: The Journey of Aging
With a blend of grace, dignity, warmth and humor, women and men from 60 to 90 and from all walks of life candidly share the blessings and pitfalls of aging – from keeping dreams alive and keeping sex lives active to dealing with retirement, loss of independence and a growing sense of mortality.
A BOOK ABOUT LIVING EVERY MOMENT OF LIFE!
Buy:
Amazon
Author List:
Holly GlisterKaren WalkerMark David GersonKathleen MessmerKaren NorstadE.V. LegtersLD MastersonFran FischerPat GarciaPatricia StolteyMatt NymanSusan SwiderskiLinda HoyeClara AlexanderMary ClarkAaron GordonEllie GordonValerie Capps WaltonMaureen PolikoffJan Castle WalkerJill PlamanWendy BrownMaryFrank Sanborn
Karla Rosie Harper
Blurb:
Poignant...Humorous...Brutally Honest!
A collection of personal reflections guaranteed to keep you inspired and entertained on that journey we all travel together: The Journey of Aging
With a blend of grace, dignity, warmth and humor, women and men from 60 to 90 and from all walks of life candidly share the blessings and pitfalls of aging – from keeping dreams alive and keeping sex lives active to dealing with retirement, loss of independence and a growing sense of mortality.
A BOOK ABOUT LIVING EVERY MOMENT OF LIFE!
Buy:
Amazon
Author List:
Holly GlisterKaren WalkerMark David GersonKathleen MessmerKaren NorstadE.V. LegtersLD MastersonFran FischerPat GarciaPatricia StolteyMatt NymanSusan SwiderskiLinda HoyeClara AlexanderMary ClarkAaron GordonEllie GordonValerie Capps WaltonMaureen PolikoffJan Castle WalkerJill PlamanWendy BrownMaryFrank Sanborn
Karla Rosie Harper
February 27, 2017
Mystery Monday: Brandon Lawson
It's Monday, which means it's time for another...
There's no shortage of mysterious roadside disappearances in this country's history. In fact, if you want to get abducted by aliens, I'm starting to think your best bet is to just stand by your car at the side of the road.
Brandon Lawson was a 26-year-old father of four who lived in San Angelo, Texas with his girlfriend. On the night of August 9, 2013, he left his home just before midnight after he and his girlfriend got into a fight.
Approximately 45 minutes later, he called his brother to say he'd run out of gas. He then called 9-1-1. The recording of the call has been widely distributed and analyzed...it's very difficult to interpret in places, but here's a sample:
Brandon: Yes, I'm in the middle of the field ...(inaudible)...right here, goin' towards Abiline, on both sides........my truck ran out of gas... there's one car here...(inaudible). Please hurry.
9-1-1 Emergency: Ok. Now. Run that by me.....?
Full transcript here.
Audio here:
When Brandon's brother arrived, his truck was there but he was nowhere to be found. His keys and cell phone were missing, as well.
He had an outstanding felony warrant at the time he disappeared, but he was the one who called 911 and asked for them to send the police. Could he have somehow gotten afraid that he'd be arrested and taken off? Or an even better question...what could have spooked him so badly that he'd call and ask for the police when he knew he had an outstanding warrant?
What do you think happened to Brandon Lawson?
There's no shortage of mysterious roadside disappearances in this country's history. In fact, if you want to get abducted by aliens, I'm starting to think your best bet is to just stand by your car at the side of the road.
Brandon Lawson was a 26-year-old father of four who lived in San Angelo, Texas with his girlfriend. On the night of August 9, 2013, he left his home just before midnight after he and his girlfriend got into a fight.
Approximately 45 minutes later, he called his brother to say he'd run out of gas. He then called 9-1-1. The recording of the call has been widely distributed and analyzed...it's very difficult to interpret in places, but here's a sample:
Brandon: Yes, I'm in the middle of the field ...(inaudible)...right here, goin' towards Abiline, on both sides........my truck ran out of gas... there's one car here...(inaudible). Please hurry.
9-1-1 Emergency: Ok. Now. Run that by me.....?
Full transcript here.
Audio here:
When Brandon's brother arrived, his truck was there but he was nowhere to be found. His keys and cell phone were missing, as well.
He had an outstanding felony warrant at the time he disappeared, but he was the one who called 911 and asked for them to send the police. Could he have somehow gotten afraid that he'd be arrested and taken off? Or an even better question...what could have spooked him so badly that he'd call and ask for the police when he knew he had an outstanding warrant?
What do you think happened to Brandon Lawson?
February 24, 2017
Best Books of February
It's the last Friday of the month, which means it's time to tell you all about the great books I read this month.
The first book I read this month was from one of my favorite Aladdin M!x authors, Rachele Alpine. When you look at this cover, you can't help but get excited about looking beyond it to see the story inside.
You Throw Like a Girl tackles the pressure young girls feel to fit a certain "type." Gabby has a mom who was a former beauty queen and a dad who was a local baseball legend. Gabby gravitated toward her father's pastime, taking up softball. But when her dad leaves the country and she heads to her grandmother's house for the summer, she finds herself pushed into the pageant world while also pretending to be a boy to get onto the only youth softball team in town. I had so much fun reading this book, but I also think it has a great message for young girls who might not be sure where they fit in the whole tomboy vs. girly-girl scheme of things.
Next up is a book by an author I always enjoy hanging out with at various author events. Rae Ann Parker is a fellow Nashvillian and an all-around great person. She's also a mega-talented author. I had the opportunity to get an autographed copy of her first book and I couldn't wait to read it!
The Devil's Backbone takes us down the Natchez Trace, a 440-mile road that runs through Mississippi and Tennessee. The main character, David, is on the trip with his father as part of a learning type of punishment after David takes the blame for something his friend did. During the trip, David makes a friend who happens to be the ghost of a boy who died hundreds of years ago. The history of the area is carefully woven into the story, keeping it interesting and entertaining while also helping the reader learn. A great read for tweens, teens, AND adults!
Next up this month is a bestseller. Like every bestseller I read these days, it was a recommendation from Stephen King. (Tip: if you follow him on Twitter, he drops occasional recommendations in between complaints about our President.)
Behind Her Eyes is one of those "I don't know what's going on but I know something bad is going to happen, so I'm going to read the next 400 pages to find out" kind of psychological thrillers. In other words, every book that's a huge hit these days. Which, as it turns out, is my kind of book because I can't get enough! On the surface, it's a love triangle between a husband, a wife, and his mistress--only his wife and his mistress are BFFs. Everyone's talking about "the ending" of this book but it's really that this book is just super-twisty. And I can't tell you more without killing the fun of that. So I'll just say, if you like Gone Girl-Six Years twisty novels, this is the book for you.
This month I also read Patricia Josephine's latest book, which you probably read all about if you spent any time in the blogosphere!
Abducted Life tells the story of a couple who survived an alien abduction but must now deal with the aftermath. Without giving too much away, that aftermath is something that keeps the two of them apart despite the fact that they seem very much in love. That part of the story is heart-wrenching, but Patricia sets up characters you can't help but cheer on as they battle even more adversity.
My next book is something that is likely to help all my writer friends out there. If you have trouble coming up with blog topics or writing exercises, give Tyrean Martinson's latest book a try.
5 . . . 4 . . . 3 . . . 2 . . . 1 . . . Write!: 25 Speculative Fiction Writing Prompts is written specifically for speculative fiction writers. There are 25 writing prompts, each with its own unique theme. Some of the prompts are just book titles and some are much longer premises. Honestly, I wanted to read most of the stories, so if any of you want to tackle some of these, be sure to do so on your blog so we can enjoy the results!
What was the best book you read this month?
The first book I read this month was from one of my favorite Aladdin M!x authors, Rachele Alpine. When you look at this cover, you can't help but get excited about looking beyond it to see the story inside.
You Throw Like a Girl tackles the pressure young girls feel to fit a certain "type." Gabby has a mom who was a former beauty queen and a dad who was a local baseball legend. Gabby gravitated toward her father's pastime, taking up softball. But when her dad leaves the country and she heads to her grandmother's house for the summer, she finds herself pushed into the pageant world while also pretending to be a boy to get onto the only youth softball team in town. I had so much fun reading this book, but I also think it has a great message for young girls who might not be sure where they fit in the whole tomboy vs. girly-girl scheme of things.
Next up is a book by an author I always enjoy hanging out with at various author events. Rae Ann Parker is a fellow Nashvillian and an all-around great person. She's also a mega-talented author. I had the opportunity to get an autographed copy of her first book and I couldn't wait to read it!
The Devil's Backbone takes us down the Natchez Trace, a 440-mile road that runs through Mississippi and Tennessee. The main character, David, is on the trip with his father as part of a learning type of punishment after David takes the blame for something his friend did. During the trip, David makes a friend who happens to be the ghost of a boy who died hundreds of years ago. The history of the area is carefully woven into the story, keeping it interesting and entertaining while also helping the reader learn. A great read for tweens, teens, AND adults!
Next up this month is a bestseller. Like every bestseller I read these days, it was a recommendation from Stephen King. (Tip: if you follow him on Twitter, he drops occasional recommendations in between complaints about our President.)
Behind Her Eyes is one of those "I don't know what's going on but I know something bad is going to happen, so I'm going to read the next 400 pages to find out" kind of psychological thrillers. In other words, every book that's a huge hit these days. Which, as it turns out, is my kind of book because I can't get enough! On the surface, it's a love triangle between a husband, a wife, and his mistress--only his wife and his mistress are BFFs. Everyone's talking about "the ending" of this book but it's really that this book is just super-twisty. And I can't tell you more without killing the fun of that. So I'll just say, if you like Gone Girl-Six Years twisty novels, this is the book for you.
This month I also read Patricia Josephine's latest book, which you probably read all about if you spent any time in the blogosphere!
Abducted Life tells the story of a couple who survived an alien abduction but must now deal with the aftermath. Without giving too much away, that aftermath is something that keeps the two of them apart despite the fact that they seem very much in love. That part of the story is heart-wrenching, but Patricia sets up characters you can't help but cheer on as they battle even more adversity.
My next book is something that is likely to help all my writer friends out there. If you have trouble coming up with blog topics or writing exercises, give Tyrean Martinson's latest book a try.
5 . . . 4 . . . 3 . . . 2 . . . 1 . . . Write!: 25 Speculative Fiction Writing Prompts is written specifically for speculative fiction writers. There are 25 writing prompts, each with its own unique theme. Some of the prompts are just book titles and some are much longer premises. Honestly, I wanted to read most of the stories, so if any of you want to tackle some of these, be sure to do so on your blog so we can enjoy the results!
What was the best book you read this month?
February 20, 2017
Mystery Monday: Diane Schuler
It's Monday, which means it's time for another...
***Warning: Today's mystery involves the deaths of children.***
Today's story starts and ends on the same day: July 26, 2009. It began at 9:30 a.m., when Diane Schuler left the campground where she'd spent a relaxing weekend. In the van with her were her two children, ages 2 and 5, and her brother's three daughters, ages 5, 7, and 8.
Her husband, Daniel, left the campground around the same time. The drive home should have taken only 35 minutes. She drove a 2003 red Ford Windstar, which looked something like this:
Soon after leaving the campground, Diane stopped at McDonald's for breakfast. The cashier at McDonald's recalled Diane and said everything seemed normal. The police confiscated video footage with a timestamp that verified she was inside the restaurant around 10:00 a.m. They confirmed there were no obvious signs anything was wrong in the footage.
At 10:46, Diane was caught on surveillance video at a nearby Sonoco. She parked at a pump and went inside.
Image credit: There's Something Wrong with Aunt Diane
Although there's no audio on the footage, the clerk said she asked for pain reliever after not being able to find it in the aisles. There were no indications anything was wrong in the Sonoco footage, either.
Image credit: There's Something Wrong with Aunt Diane
Soon after she left the station, drivers reported seeing her driving aggressively. She was tailgating, honking at other drivers, and weaving in and out of lanes. At approximately 11:45, a driver reported seeing her at the side of the road. She appeared to be sick.
Diane and one of her nieces
Around 1 p.m., Diane called her brother (and the father of the three girls in the car with her) to say they were delayed. He later said she didn't sound like herself. He spoke to one of his daughters, who said, "There's something wrong with Aunt Diane." She said her aunt was having trouble seeing and speaking incoherently.
Diane's nieces
All further calls went to voicemail. Her phone was later found on a barrier. For reasons unknown, she stopped and set it on a guardrail just after the Tapan Zee Bridge tolls. Soon after, she got off the highway, veering from the route that would have taken her home.
Tappan Zee Tolls
At 1:33 p.m., 911 began getting calls about a van going the wrong way on the exit ramp. The van traveled 1.7 miles on that ramp before colliding with a Chevy Trailblazer. Diane was reported as driving as though nobody else was on the road, staring straight head without flinching as cars honked, flashed their lights, and drove off the road to avoid hitting her. The occupants of the Trailblazer (81-year-old Michael Bastardi, his 49-year-old son Guy, and their friend, 74-year-old Dan Longo) were killed. Everyone in Diane's vehicle was killed except her son. He suffered injuries but he recovered.
Diane's blood alcohol level was found to be 0.19. At the scene of the accident, witnesses confiscated a large, smashed, empty bottle of Vodka.
The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.08. At 0.19, a person is said to be impaired in the following ways:
In addition to the blood alcohol level, approximately six grams of alcohol were found in her stomach that had not yet been absorbed into her blood. She also had THC in her bloodstream and doctors said she could have smoked marijuana as recently as 15 minutes before the accident.
Diane's husband still insists drinking and smoking marijuana is not like her. He questions the autopsy results and believes she suffered some sort of stroke, despite the autopsy showing no signs of that. Whatever happened, though, Diane Schuler's decisions that day led to the deaths of four children and three adults. This photo of the children was taken at camp the day before the accident.
What do you think was going on with Diane Schuler on July 26, 2009?
***Warning: Today's mystery involves the deaths of children.***
Today's story starts and ends on the same day: July 26, 2009. It began at 9:30 a.m., when Diane Schuler left the campground where she'd spent a relaxing weekend. In the van with her were her two children, ages 2 and 5, and her brother's three daughters, ages 5, 7, and 8.
Her husband, Daniel, left the campground around the same time. The drive home should have taken only 35 minutes. She drove a 2003 red Ford Windstar, which looked something like this:
Soon after leaving the campground, Diane stopped at McDonald's for breakfast. The cashier at McDonald's recalled Diane and said everything seemed normal. The police confiscated video footage with a timestamp that verified she was inside the restaurant around 10:00 a.m. They confirmed there were no obvious signs anything was wrong in the footage.
At 10:46, Diane was caught on surveillance video at a nearby Sonoco. She parked at a pump and went inside.
Image credit: There's Something Wrong with Aunt Diane
Although there's no audio on the footage, the clerk said she asked for pain reliever after not being able to find it in the aisles. There were no indications anything was wrong in the Sonoco footage, either.
Image credit: There's Something Wrong with Aunt Diane
Soon after she left the station, drivers reported seeing her driving aggressively. She was tailgating, honking at other drivers, and weaving in and out of lanes. At approximately 11:45, a driver reported seeing her at the side of the road. She appeared to be sick.
Diane and one of her nieces
Around 1 p.m., Diane called her brother (and the father of the three girls in the car with her) to say they were delayed. He later said she didn't sound like herself. He spoke to one of his daughters, who said, "There's something wrong with Aunt Diane." She said her aunt was having trouble seeing and speaking incoherently.
Diane's niecesAll further calls went to voicemail. Her phone was later found on a barrier. For reasons unknown, she stopped and set it on a guardrail just after the Tapan Zee Bridge tolls. Soon after, she got off the highway, veering from the route that would have taken her home.
Tappan Zee Tolls
At 1:33 p.m., 911 began getting calls about a van going the wrong way on the exit ramp. The van traveled 1.7 miles on that ramp before colliding with a Chevy Trailblazer. Diane was reported as driving as though nobody else was on the road, staring straight head without flinching as cars honked, flashed their lights, and drove off the road to avoid hitting her. The occupants of the Trailblazer (81-year-old Michael Bastardi, his 49-year-old son Guy, and their friend, 74-year-old Dan Longo) were killed. Everyone in Diane's vehicle was killed except her son. He suffered injuries but he recovered.
Diane's blood alcohol level was found to be 0.19. At the scene of the accident, witnesses confiscated a large, smashed, empty bottle of Vodka.
The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.08. At 0.19, a person is said to be impaired in the following ways:
In addition to the blood alcohol level, approximately six grams of alcohol were found in her stomach that had not yet been absorbed into her blood. She also had THC in her bloodstream and doctors said she could have smoked marijuana as recently as 15 minutes before the accident.
Diane's husband still insists drinking and smoking marijuana is not like her. He questions the autopsy results and believes she suffered some sort of stroke, despite the autopsy showing no signs of that. Whatever happened, though, Diane Schuler's decisions that day led to the deaths of four children and three adults. This photo of the children was taken at camp the day before the accident.
What do you think was going on with Diane Schuler on July 26, 2009?
February 18, 2017
Cover Reveal: Girl Without a Face by Medeia Sharif
Today I'm participating in the cover reveal for an author we all miss out here in the blogosphere. Medeia Sharif may have closed her blog, but she's still writing like mad! Here's her brand new cover. Scroll down to read all about the book!
Blurb:
Destiny awakes with amnesia. She had been driving on a wet road, about to leave flowers at a memorial marker of a deceased classmate, when she almost met that same fate.
Her mother, Mildred, is restrictive. She doesn’t want Destiny to have her cellphone, which a nurse sneaks into her room. It’s useless since Destiny doesn’t have the passcode. After her hospital stay, she enters her mother’s overbearing household. Mildred becomes physically abusive, and Destiny fights back.
When Mildred is away, Destiny leaves with her neighbor, Gabriel, whom she’s developing feelings for, and they drive around to jog her memory. She’s positive she crashed near a memorial marker. When they find the marker in question, and when she remembers her phone’s passcode, her identity is questionable and Mildred is even crazier than she at first thought. Destiny is eager to escape Mildred’s household and find out who she really is.
Add it on Goodreads.
Bio:
Medeia Sharif was born in New York City and presently calls Miami her home. She received her master’s degree in psychology from Florida Atlantic University. Published through various presses, she writes middle grade and young adult short stories and novels. In addition to being a writer, she’s a public school teacher.
Links:
Website| Twitter | Goodreads | Instagram | Amazon
Blurb:
Destiny awakes with amnesia. She had been driving on a wet road, about to leave flowers at a memorial marker of a deceased classmate, when she almost met that same fate.
Her mother, Mildred, is restrictive. She doesn’t want Destiny to have her cellphone, which a nurse sneaks into her room. It’s useless since Destiny doesn’t have the passcode. After her hospital stay, she enters her mother’s overbearing household. Mildred becomes physically abusive, and Destiny fights back.
When Mildred is away, Destiny leaves with her neighbor, Gabriel, whom she’s developing feelings for, and they drive around to jog her memory. She’s positive she crashed near a memorial marker. When they find the marker in question, and when she remembers her phone’s passcode, her identity is questionable and Mildred is even crazier than she at first thought. Destiny is eager to escape Mildred’s household and find out who she really is.
Add it on Goodreads.
Bio:
Medeia Sharif was born in New York City and presently calls Miami her home. She received her master’s degree in psychology from Florida Atlantic University. Published through various presses, she writes middle grade and young adult short stories and novels. In addition to being a writer, she’s a public school teacher.Links:
Website| Twitter | Goodreads | Instagram | Amazon
