Stephanie Faris's Blog, page 18
December 5, 2016
Mystery Monday: Ray Gricar
It's Monday, which means it's time for:
Every Monday, I'm presenting a new mystery. Some have been solved...some remain unsolved to this day.
Last week's mystery focused on a businessman who disappeared and was eventually found. This week, we look at a very similar story...with one key difference: Ray Gricar's body is still missing.
From 1985 to 2005, Ray served as the district attorney of Centre County, Pennsylvania. He was involved in numerous cases during his time, but in retrospect, the most notable was his decision NOT to prosecute this man during the first round of child sexual abuse allegations in 1998:
But several years before word of Jerry Sandusky's elicit activities came out, Ray vanished. He was last seen on April 15, 2005. That morning, he woke up early and told his live-in girlfriend, Patty Fornicola, that he would be playing hooky from work that day.
Ray's girlfriend, Patty Fornicola
He was still at home when Patty left for work that morning. He called her around 11:30 a.m. to tell her he'd taken his Mini Cooper for a ride. Long drives were a favorite pastime of his.
When Patty returned from work that evening, Ray still wasn't home. Calls to his cell phone went straight to voicemail. After a few hours, she called 911.
The next day, officers found his car in the parking lot of this antique store approximately 55 miles from his home:
The car was locked, his cell phone inside, and there was a strong tobacco odor in the car. Ray was not a smoker and he would never have let anyone smoke in his car, loved ones said. There were cigarette butts on the ground nearby.
Family members made the connection between Ray's death and the death of his brother, Roy, who had committed suicide eleven years earlier by jumping off a bridge into the Great Miami River. Ray's car was found near the Susquehanna River. Did Ray commit suicide?
Just as everyone was settling on that theory, though, more evidence was found. Three months after Ray disappeared, police found his work laptop in the nearby river, but its hard drive was missing. Two months later, the hard drive washed up on the banks 100 yards away. The data on the hard drive was unrecoverable, even by the best minds in the FBI and Secret Service.
Just before his disappearance, though, someone had used Ray's home computer to search the terms "how to fry a hard drive" and "water damage to a notebook computer."
Ray Gricar's office
When Jerry Sandusky was later arrested, the media immediately made the connection to Ray Gricar. The Grand Jury investigation into allegations against Sandusky began in 2008--three years after Ray's disappearance. In 1998, Ray had cited "insufficient evidence" when choosing not to investigate allegations against him. Is it possible someone had a reason to get rid of Ray and his laptop? Could there have been evidence on it?
What do you think happened to Ray Gricar?
Check this out!!! I'll be signing copies of my books for my online friends on December 19th. Order by December 16th, specify what names you'd like them signed to, and Parnassus will ship them directly to you!!! Click here to go to the site. (There are also a ton of other great signed books you can order from there.)
Every Monday, I'm presenting a new mystery. Some have been solved...some remain unsolved to this day.
Last week's mystery focused on a businessman who disappeared and was eventually found. This week, we look at a very similar story...with one key difference: Ray Gricar's body is still missing.
From 1985 to 2005, Ray served as the district attorney of Centre County, Pennsylvania. He was involved in numerous cases during his time, but in retrospect, the most notable was his decision NOT to prosecute this man during the first round of child sexual abuse allegations in 1998:
But several years before word of Jerry Sandusky's elicit activities came out, Ray vanished. He was last seen on April 15, 2005. That morning, he woke up early and told his live-in girlfriend, Patty Fornicola, that he would be playing hooky from work that day.
Ray's girlfriend, Patty FornicolaHe was still at home when Patty left for work that morning. He called her around 11:30 a.m. to tell her he'd taken his Mini Cooper for a ride. Long drives were a favorite pastime of his.
When Patty returned from work that evening, Ray still wasn't home. Calls to his cell phone went straight to voicemail. After a few hours, she called 911.
The next day, officers found his car in the parking lot of this antique store approximately 55 miles from his home:
The car was locked, his cell phone inside, and there was a strong tobacco odor in the car. Ray was not a smoker and he would never have let anyone smoke in his car, loved ones said. There were cigarette butts on the ground nearby.
Family members made the connection between Ray's death and the death of his brother, Roy, who had committed suicide eleven years earlier by jumping off a bridge into the Great Miami River. Ray's car was found near the Susquehanna River. Did Ray commit suicide?
Just as everyone was settling on that theory, though, more evidence was found. Three months after Ray disappeared, police found his work laptop in the nearby river, but its hard drive was missing. Two months later, the hard drive washed up on the banks 100 yards away. The data on the hard drive was unrecoverable, even by the best minds in the FBI and Secret Service.
Just before his disappearance, though, someone had used Ray's home computer to search the terms "how to fry a hard drive" and "water damage to a notebook computer."
Ray Gricar's officeWhen Jerry Sandusky was later arrested, the media immediately made the connection to Ray Gricar. The Grand Jury investigation into allegations against Sandusky began in 2008--three years after Ray's disappearance. In 1998, Ray had cited "insufficient evidence" when choosing not to investigate allegations against him. Is it possible someone had a reason to get rid of Ray and his laptop? Could there have been evidence on it?
What do you think happened to Ray Gricar?
Check this out!!! I'll be signing copies of my books for my online friends on December 19th. Order by December 16th, specify what names you'd like them signed to, and Parnassus will ship them directly to you!!! Click here to go to the site. (There are also a ton of other great signed books you can order from there.)
November 30, 2016
Unique Christmas Tree Ideas
Chances are, by now you already have your Christmas tree up and fully decorated. This year, it seemed like everyone but me had their tree up November 1st.
I remember being excited the first time I could pick out a Christmas tree all by myself. The tree in my apartment looked a lot like this:
Mostly, I like unique Christmas trees. When they were the "in" thing, we had a fiber optic tree, which was awesome because it seemed to shimmer.
In recent years, upside-down trees were popular with people who liked something different.
But if you really want to be adventurous, you can reimagine the concept of a Christmas tree altogether. Here are a few ideas to get you started.
This tree is made from books:
So is this one:
You can use all those spare hub cabs in your garage to make a tree:
Or just drink a lot of wine:
If you like Christmas villages, this one's for you:
Here's one for the nerd in your life:
And another one:
There's also one for fashionistas:
And shoe lovers:
Basically, these trees show that there's no limit to the many ways you can decorate your house for the season.
What's your favorite type of Christmas tree?
I remember being excited the first time I could pick out a Christmas tree all by myself. The tree in my apartment looked a lot like this:
Mostly, I like unique Christmas trees. When they were the "in" thing, we had a fiber optic tree, which was awesome because it seemed to shimmer.
In recent years, upside-down trees were popular with people who liked something different.
But if you really want to be adventurous, you can reimagine the concept of a Christmas tree altogether. Here are a few ideas to get you started.
This tree is made from books:
So is this one:
You can use all those spare hub cabs in your garage to make a tree:
Or just drink a lot of wine:
If you like Christmas villages, this one's for you:
Here's one for the nerd in your life:
And another one:
There's also one for fashionistas:
And shoe lovers:
Basically, these trees show that there's no limit to the many ways you can decorate your house for the season.
What's your favorite type of Christmas tree?
November 29, 2016
Introducing the Charming Life of Izzy Malone By Jenny Lundquist
I'm so excited to bring you today's new release. Jenny Lundquist's first two Aladdin books came out right after I sold my first one to them. I was reading her books while writing and editing mine! So I can't wait to read her third book as an official fellow author. This her latest. Scroll down to read all about it!
Blurb:
Izzy Malone, a spunky girl who wants to be part of an elite rowing club, must first attend a very unique charm school in this first novel of a brand-new duology from the author of Seeing Cinderella and Plastic Polly.
Izzy Malone isn’t your typical sixth grader. She wears camouflage combat boots and tie dye skirts; the Big Dipper and Orion are her two best friends; and she’d rather climb trees or shoot hoops than talk about boys and makeup. And after only a month of middle school she’s already set the record for the most trips to the Principal’s office.
The only time Izzy feels at peace is when she’s on the open water, and more than anything else, she wants to become a member of the Dandelion Paddlers, her school’s competitive rowing club. But thanks to those multiple trips to the Principal’s office, Izzy’s parents force her to enroll in Mrs. Whippie’s Charm School, a home-study course in manners and etiquette, or they won’t let her race in the Dandelion Falls annual pumpkin regatta—where Izzy hopes to prove to the Dandelion Paddlers she is more than qualified to be on their team.
When Mrs. Whippie’s first letter arrives it’s way different from what Izzy was expecting. Tucked inside the letter is a shiny gold bracelet and an envelope charm. Izzy must earn her first charm by writing someone a nice note, and once she does more tasks will be assigned.
Izzy manages to complete some of the tasks—and to her surprise, she actually finds herself enjoying the course. But when one of her attempts at doing something good is misinterpreted, she fears her chances at passing the course—and becoming a Paddler—are slipping away. With some unexpected friends there to support her, can Izzy manage to earn her charms and stay true to herself?
Buy Links:
Amazon | B&N | IndieBound
Bio:
Jenny Lundquist grew up in Huntington Beach, California, wearing glasses and wishing they had magic powers. They didn't, but they did help her earn a degree in intercultural studies at Biola University. Jenny has painted an orphanage in Mexico, taught English at a university in Russia, and hopes one day to write a book at a café in Paris. Jenny and her husband live in northern California with their two sons and Rambo, the world's whiniest cat.
Links:
Website| Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Goodreads
Blurb:
Izzy Malone, a spunky girl who wants to be part of an elite rowing club, must first attend a very unique charm school in this first novel of a brand-new duology from the author of Seeing Cinderella and Plastic Polly.
Izzy Malone isn’t your typical sixth grader. She wears camouflage combat boots and tie dye skirts; the Big Dipper and Orion are her two best friends; and she’d rather climb trees or shoot hoops than talk about boys and makeup. And after only a month of middle school she’s already set the record for the most trips to the Principal’s office.
The only time Izzy feels at peace is when she’s on the open water, and more than anything else, she wants to become a member of the Dandelion Paddlers, her school’s competitive rowing club. But thanks to those multiple trips to the Principal’s office, Izzy’s parents force her to enroll in Mrs. Whippie’s Charm School, a home-study course in manners and etiquette, or they won’t let her race in the Dandelion Falls annual pumpkin regatta—where Izzy hopes to prove to the Dandelion Paddlers she is more than qualified to be on their team.
When Mrs. Whippie’s first letter arrives it’s way different from what Izzy was expecting. Tucked inside the letter is a shiny gold bracelet and an envelope charm. Izzy must earn her first charm by writing someone a nice note, and once she does more tasks will be assigned.
Izzy manages to complete some of the tasks—and to her surprise, she actually finds herself enjoying the course. But when one of her attempts at doing something good is misinterpreted, she fears her chances at passing the course—and becoming a Paddler—are slipping away. With some unexpected friends there to support her, can Izzy manage to earn her charms and stay true to herself?
Buy Links:
Amazon | B&N | IndieBound
Bio:Jenny Lundquist grew up in Huntington Beach, California, wearing glasses and wishing they had magic powers. They didn't, but they did help her earn a degree in intercultural studies at Biola University. Jenny has painted an orphanage in Mexico, taught English at a university in Russia, and hopes one day to write a book at a café in Paris. Jenny and her husband live in northern California with their two sons and Rambo, the world's whiniest cat.
Links:
Website| Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Goodreads
November 28, 2016
Mystery Monday: John Glasgow
It's Monday, which means it's time for:
Every Monday, I'm presenting a new mystery. Some have been solved...some remain unsolved to this day.
Today's mystery fascinates me because it involves a normal family man. 45-year-old John Glasgow was a respected accountant in the construction industry. He was the top accountant at CDI Construction in Little Rock, Arkansas.
John and his wife, Melinda
CDI was undergoing an audit by one of the company's owners, Dillard's. The audit put so much stress on John, he took a ski trip to Colorado. His brother noticed he seemed uncharacteristically depressed. However, a quick talk seemed to cheer him right up.
He returned home and worked nonstop, trying to catch up on the other work that had fallen behind during the audit. He worked the entire weekend of January 27th and had a great dinner with friends on Sunday evening.
On Monday, January 28, 2008, his wife woke up to find he wasn't in the house. She went to work, assuming he'd simply left the house before her. That afternoon, John's co-worker called to say he hadn't shown up for work that day.
A neighbor said he saw his car pull out of the driveway at 5:15 a.m. That was unusually early for him to go to work.
They found a list of important numbers by the phone, including the combination to their home safe. It had been set out on the counter where it could be easily seen. The handwriting was confirmed to be John's.
Image credit: Investigation Discovery
They traced John's cell phone and found on that date, it traveled from his house to Conway County, Arkansas. Soon after, John's car was found at the top of nearby Petit Jean Mountain, in the parking lot of Mather Lodge. It was unlocked. His laptop, credit cards, and cell phone were in the car.
Mather Lodge
They searched the nearby trails for years and found nothing...until 2015. Police confirmed they'd found bone fragments they had identified as John Glasgow's in a remote part of the nearby mountains. While the remains were only a mile from the car, getting to them involved steep trails and almost insurmountable boulders.
There were no signs of trauma to the skull, nor were bullet fragments found. That doesn't rule out foul play, but it still leaves quite a few questions. Why was John Glasgow in the woods--was he on a simple hike when something happened? He was known to "walk it off" when he was stressed. Or did he meet someone at the lodge who forced him into the woods? Was it suicide or murder?
What do you think happened to John Glasgow?
Every Monday, I'm presenting a new mystery. Some have been solved...some remain unsolved to this day.
Today's mystery fascinates me because it involves a normal family man. 45-year-old John Glasgow was a respected accountant in the construction industry. He was the top accountant at CDI Construction in Little Rock, Arkansas.
John and his wife, MelindaCDI was undergoing an audit by one of the company's owners, Dillard's. The audit put so much stress on John, he took a ski trip to Colorado. His brother noticed he seemed uncharacteristically depressed. However, a quick talk seemed to cheer him right up.
He returned home and worked nonstop, trying to catch up on the other work that had fallen behind during the audit. He worked the entire weekend of January 27th and had a great dinner with friends on Sunday evening.
On Monday, January 28, 2008, his wife woke up to find he wasn't in the house. She went to work, assuming he'd simply left the house before her. That afternoon, John's co-worker called to say he hadn't shown up for work that day.
A neighbor said he saw his car pull out of the driveway at 5:15 a.m. That was unusually early for him to go to work.
They found a list of important numbers by the phone, including the combination to their home safe. It had been set out on the counter where it could be easily seen. The handwriting was confirmed to be John's.
Image credit: Investigation DiscoveryThey traced John's cell phone and found on that date, it traveled from his house to Conway County, Arkansas. Soon after, John's car was found at the top of nearby Petit Jean Mountain, in the parking lot of Mather Lodge. It was unlocked. His laptop, credit cards, and cell phone were in the car.
Mather LodgeThey searched the nearby trails for years and found nothing...until 2015. Police confirmed they'd found bone fragments they had identified as John Glasgow's in a remote part of the nearby mountains. While the remains were only a mile from the car, getting to them involved steep trails and almost insurmountable boulders.
There were no signs of trauma to the skull, nor were bullet fragments found. That doesn't rule out foul play, but it still leaves quite a few questions. Why was John Glasgow in the woods--was he on a simple hike when something happened? He was known to "walk it off" when he was stressed. Or did he meet someone at the lodge who forced him into the woods? Was it suicide or murder?
What do you think happened to John Glasgow?
November 25, 2016
Best Books of November
It's once again time to tell you about the best books I read this month. Here are my favorite November reads!
I couldn't wait to read the first book on my list this month, since it's from one of my favorite authors. Gail Nall writes both young adult and middle grade and, since the book starts out in Nashville, I could totally relate to her latest:
The idea of traveling around the country in an RV sounds amazing to most of us. Not to the lead character in Out of Tune, though. All Maya wants is to audition for a show called Dueling Duets with her secret crush, Jack. But her fixation on getting home almost makes her miss out on all of the great things about her new life, including a cute boy named Remy and a "frenemy" named Shiver. Gail does a fantastic job of conveying the angst a preteen feels when she's stuck with her family while missing out on so much back at home. You can't help but feel as though you've been on the adventure alongside Maya!
My next read this month includes another familiar author for my blog readers. Meradeth Houston is a super-smart writer who weaves her scientific fascinations into her books. This month I read this anthology that includes a story from her:
Ghosts of Fire is an anthology of ten supernatural stories. I read Meradeth's story, The Cost of Greatness, on Election Day, which made its theme of a newly-elected President who wants to get rid of a group of people who were "different" especially eerie. What I liked most about this anthology, though, was the diversity in story types. There's something for everyone here. Word of warning: don't read Demon in the Basement late at night when you're home alone! Very, very scary.
You can't spend much time online without seeing Crystal Collier's book somewhere. This woman is a marketing master! But after reading her latest book, I can say she's an even better novelist.
Timeless is the third in a trilogy of books about Alexia, the Maiden of Time. If you haven't read the first two, I recommend starting with book #1 and going all the way through. You'll want to know the backstory on these characters, even though you can read this one without reading the others. I was drawn into this story of a pregnant, time traveling, kick-butt heroine. Crystal knows how to draw the suspense out to keep you reading all the way to the end. I found myself whipping through the book in record time because I couldn't wait to see what happened next!
Joylene Nowell Butler is a relatively new friend, which means I get to discover her books for the first time! Her latest book is a murder mystery, which just happens to be one of my favorite genres!
In Matowak: Woman Who Cries, a woman suddenly finds her husband dead of a gunshot wound in their kitchen. Because he's the retired Minister of National Defense, the list of suspects is long...and it includes his grieving widow, Sally. She has lost so much, you can't help but feel for her while at the same time wondering if she really did have something to do with it. If you are one of the many people (like me!) who like police procedurals, this is a book you'll LOVE.
Full confession, I'm a little behind on the next read. I'm always looking for that book everyone's talking about this year, but somehow I missed this one. Apparently, I just need to follow Reese Witherspoon's production company because, like Gone Girl, she snatched the film rights up to this book almost as soon as it shot to the top of the New York Times Bestseller list!!!
Ruth Ware is the author of The Woman in Cabin 10, a new release I saw on the shelves while signing books at Barnes & Noble. After reading that book, I noticed in the reviews that everyone said her first book was better, so I had to track it down and read it. In a Dark, Dark Wood sounds like a simple premise. A group of women (and one man) gathers at a cabin in the woods for a "hen party." (British term for "bachelorette party.") How could that be suspenseful? You know from the start somehow our main character ends up injured, in the hospital, unable to remember what happened during this seemingly harmless weekend. If you haven't read this book and you love suspense, read it as soon as possible!
Also, a BIG congratulations to the winners of a free signed copy of Piper Morgan to the Rescue (listed below). I chose three because everyone was SO awesome this time!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
I couldn't wait to read the first book on my list this month, since it's from one of my favorite authors. Gail Nall writes both young adult and middle grade and, since the book starts out in Nashville, I could totally relate to her latest:
The idea of traveling around the country in an RV sounds amazing to most of us. Not to the lead character in Out of Tune, though. All Maya wants is to audition for a show called Dueling Duets with her secret crush, Jack. But her fixation on getting home almost makes her miss out on all of the great things about her new life, including a cute boy named Remy and a "frenemy" named Shiver. Gail does a fantastic job of conveying the angst a preteen feels when she's stuck with her family while missing out on so much back at home. You can't help but feel as though you've been on the adventure alongside Maya!
My next read this month includes another familiar author for my blog readers. Meradeth Houston is a super-smart writer who weaves her scientific fascinations into her books. This month I read this anthology that includes a story from her:
Ghosts of Fire is an anthology of ten supernatural stories. I read Meradeth's story, The Cost of Greatness, on Election Day, which made its theme of a newly-elected President who wants to get rid of a group of people who were "different" especially eerie. What I liked most about this anthology, though, was the diversity in story types. There's something for everyone here. Word of warning: don't read Demon in the Basement late at night when you're home alone! Very, very scary.
You can't spend much time online without seeing Crystal Collier's book somewhere. This woman is a marketing master! But after reading her latest book, I can say she's an even better novelist.
Timeless is the third in a trilogy of books about Alexia, the Maiden of Time. If you haven't read the first two, I recommend starting with book #1 and going all the way through. You'll want to know the backstory on these characters, even though you can read this one without reading the others. I was drawn into this story of a pregnant, time traveling, kick-butt heroine. Crystal knows how to draw the suspense out to keep you reading all the way to the end. I found myself whipping through the book in record time because I couldn't wait to see what happened next!
Joylene Nowell Butler is a relatively new friend, which means I get to discover her books for the first time! Her latest book is a murder mystery, which just happens to be one of my favorite genres!
In Matowak: Woman Who Cries, a woman suddenly finds her husband dead of a gunshot wound in their kitchen. Because he's the retired Minister of National Defense, the list of suspects is long...and it includes his grieving widow, Sally. She has lost so much, you can't help but feel for her while at the same time wondering if she really did have something to do with it. If you are one of the many people (like me!) who like police procedurals, this is a book you'll LOVE.
Full confession, I'm a little behind on the next read. I'm always looking for that book everyone's talking about this year, but somehow I missed this one. Apparently, I just need to follow Reese Witherspoon's production company because, like Gone Girl, she snatched the film rights up to this book almost as soon as it shot to the top of the New York Times Bestseller list!!!
Ruth Ware is the author of The Woman in Cabin 10, a new release I saw on the shelves while signing books at Barnes & Noble. After reading that book, I noticed in the reviews that everyone said her first book was better, so I had to track it down and read it. In a Dark, Dark Wood sounds like a simple premise. A group of women (and one man) gathers at a cabin in the woods for a "hen party." (British term for "bachelorette party.") How could that be suspenseful? You know from the start somehow our main character ends up injured, in the hospital, unable to remember what happened during this seemingly harmless weekend. If you haven't read this book and you love suspense, read it as soon as possible!
Also, a BIG congratulations to the winners of a free signed copy of Piper Morgan to the Rescue (listed below). I chose three because everyone was SO awesome this time!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
November 23, 2016
Cover Reveal: Best.Night.Ever by Seven Great Authors!
If you've been reading my blog for a while, you know I love my fellow Aladdin authors. We get to write fun, girly stories...plus our books have the best covers!
So when I had the opportunity to work with six of my favorite Aladdin authors, I couldn't pass it up! For the past year, seven of us have been working on a book about a school dance from seven different perspectives. And...get this: I wrote the boy character!
My fellow writers on this project included Jen Malone (who also edited) and Gail Nall:
Plus Dee Romito (right, with Gail):
Ronni Arno (left, with Jen):
Alison Cherry (left, with Jen):
And Rachele Alpine, who we all can't wait to meet!
Together, we created Best.Night.Ever: A Story Told from Seven Points of View. (Release date: August 15, 2017.) This is the cover:
Here's a little more about it. And be sure to enter to enter the giveaway below to win a free copy of middle grade novels from all seven of us!
Blurb:
Love Actually meets Adventures in Babysitting in this hilarious novel written by seven authors about seven classmates who are preparing for a crazy night at their middle school dance.
Lynnfield Middle School is prepped and ready for a dance to remember, including an awesome performance from Heart Grenade, the all-girl band who recently won a Battle of the Bands contest. Seven classmates—Carmen, Genevieve, Tess, Ryan, Ellie, Ashlyn, and Jade—intend to make the most of the night…or at least the five of them who are able to attend do. The other two would sacrifice almost anything to be there.
One thing’s for sure—this entire crew is in for one epic night! Rachele Alpine, Ronni Arno, Alison Cherry, Stephanie Faris, Jen Malone, Gail Nall, and Dee Romito have created a charming, hilarious, and relatable novel that’s perfect for anyone who can’t wait to dance the night away.
Buy Links:
Amazon | B&N
a Rafflecopter giveaway
So when I had the opportunity to work with six of my favorite Aladdin authors, I couldn't pass it up! For the past year, seven of us have been working on a book about a school dance from seven different perspectives. And...get this: I wrote the boy character!
My fellow writers on this project included Jen Malone (who also edited) and Gail Nall:
Plus Dee Romito (right, with Gail):
Ronni Arno (left, with Jen):
Alison Cherry (left, with Jen):
And Rachele Alpine, who we all can't wait to meet!
Together, we created Best.Night.Ever: A Story Told from Seven Points of View. (Release date: August 15, 2017.) This is the cover:
Here's a little more about it. And be sure to enter to enter the giveaway below to win a free copy of middle grade novels from all seven of us!
Blurb:
Love Actually meets Adventures in Babysitting in this hilarious novel written by seven authors about seven classmates who are preparing for a crazy night at their middle school dance.
Lynnfield Middle School is prepped and ready for a dance to remember, including an awesome performance from Heart Grenade, the all-girl band who recently won a Battle of the Bands contest. Seven classmates—Carmen, Genevieve, Tess, Ryan, Ellie, Ashlyn, and Jade—intend to make the most of the night…or at least the five of them who are able to attend do. The other two would sacrifice almost anything to be there.
One thing’s for sure—this entire crew is in for one epic night! Rachele Alpine, Ronni Arno, Alison Cherry, Stephanie Faris, Jen Malone, Gail Nall, and Dee Romito have created a charming, hilarious, and relatable novel that’s perfect for anyone who can’t wait to dance the night away.
Buy Links:
Amazon | B&N
a Rafflecopter giveaway
November 22, 2016
Introducing Catalyst by Kristin Smith
I'm so excited about Kristin Smith's new book, I actually tried to buy it two weeks ago. The good news is, I was able to buy it yesterday, but it'll take a little longer for me to share my review of it! Here's Kristin's new release...it's book one in an exciting new series.
Blurb:
In a crumbling, futuristic Las Vegas where the wealthy choose the characteristics of their children like ordering off a drive-thru menu, seventeen-year-old Sienna Preston doesn't fit in. As a normal girl surrounded by genetically modified teenagers, all of her imperfections are on display. But after the death of her father, everything she's ever known and loved changes in an instant.
With little skills to help provide for her family, Sienna clings to the two things that come easily—lying and stealing. But not all thief-for-hire assignments go as planned. When a covert exchange of a stolen computer chip is intercepted, she becomes entangled with a corrupt government official who uses her thieving past as leverage, her mother as collateral, and the genetically modified poster boy she's falling for as bait.
In order to rescue her mother, there may only be one option—joining forces with the Fringe, an extremist group, and their young leader who's too hot to be bad. Problem is, these revolutionaries aren't what they seem, and the secrets they're hiding could be more dangerous than Sienna is prepared for. In the end, she must be willing to risk everything to save the one thing that matters most.
Buy Links:
Amazon | B&N | IndieBound
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| Newsletter Signup | Blog | Facebook | Twitter
Blurb:
In a crumbling, futuristic Las Vegas where the wealthy choose the characteristics of their children like ordering off a drive-thru menu, seventeen-year-old Sienna Preston doesn't fit in. As a normal girl surrounded by genetically modified teenagers, all of her imperfections are on display. But after the death of her father, everything she's ever known and loved changes in an instant.
With little skills to help provide for her family, Sienna clings to the two things that come easily—lying and stealing. But not all thief-for-hire assignments go as planned. When a covert exchange of a stolen computer chip is intercepted, she becomes entangled with a corrupt government official who uses her thieving past as leverage, her mother as collateral, and the genetically modified poster boy she's falling for as bait.
In order to rescue her mother, there may only be one option—joining forces with the Fringe, an extremist group, and their young leader who's too hot to be bad. Problem is, these revolutionaries aren't what they seem, and the secrets they're hiding could be more dangerous than Sienna is prepared for. In the end, she must be willing to risk everything to save the one thing that matters most.
Buy Links:
Amazon | B&N | IndieBound
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| Newsletter Signup | Blog | Facebook | Twitter
November 21, 2016
Mystery Monday: Holly Bobo
It's Monday, which means it's time for:
Every Monday, I'm presenting a new mystery. Some have been solved...some remain unsolved to this day.
Today's mystery hits a little close to home. It happened in Darden, Tennessee, just a couple of hours from my house. It received national coverage because, well, the victim looked like this:
Is it fair that beautiful young women get more media coverage when they suddenly disappear? Not really. Still, the story of Holly Bobo would be haunting even if she weren't so beautiful.
Holly was a 20-year-old college student preparing for her nursing exams in a town with a population of 396. Which is the average number of people in the produce section of my grocery store at any given time. Holly had a boyfriend:
On the morning of April 13, 2011, Holly awoke at 4:30 a.m. to study for an exam. Around 7:30, she spoke to her ^^boyfriend^^, who was hunting at her grandmother's farm. Her parents had already left for work, but her brother Clint was still asleep in the house.
At 7:40 a.m., a neighbor heard a scream coming from the general direction of the property. That neighbor's mom called Holly's mom, expressing concern. Holly's mom:
At 7:50, Clint was awakened by the family dogs barking. He says he looked out and saw two people kneeling in the garage. One was Holly and, at the time, he assumed the other was her boyfriend, Drew. He said Holly was visibly upset and the only words he could make out were, "No, why?"
Soon after this, Holly's mom called Clint and told him that was not Drew. She suggested he get his gun and shoot the person speaking to Holly. Clint's response? "You want me to shoot Drew?"
Frustrated, Holly's mom hung up and dialed 911. Meanwhile, Clint stood watching while Holly was led into the woods by a man in camouflage clothing. Clint ran outside and found a pool of blood near Holly's car. The blood was later confirmed to be Holly's.
More than three painful years later, Holly's remains were finally found in the woods a few miles from her home. Three men were prosecuted for her murder, with two remaining in jail. One, Zach Adams, appears to be the primary subject, due in part to some very incriminating Facebook posts he made after her abduction:
The "Who am I looking for?" post was just after the reward went up for Holly. However, the below post went up just minutes after Holly was last seen:
The evidence against Zachary Adams and the other suspects is still a mystery. The case drags on and on for reasons unknown. Most recently, the judge said the earliest a trial could begin in the case is April of 2017. Nobody really knows what the police know. Some think the brother is involved somehow. But I would assume the police cleared him right away.
Meanwhile, this dude sits in jail...
...while a family is heartbroken.
Do you think Zachary killed Holly? Or is someone else to blame?
Every Monday, I'm presenting a new mystery. Some have been solved...some remain unsolved to this day.
Today's mystery hits a little close to home. It happened in Darden, Tennessee, just a couple of hours from my house. It received national coverage because, well, the victim looked like this:
Is it fair that beautiful young women get more media coverage when they suddenly disappear? Not really. Still, the story of Holly Bobo would be haunting even if she weren't so beautiful.
Holly was a 20-year-old college student preparing for her nursing exams in a town with a population of 396. Which is the average number of people in the produce section of my grocery store at any given time. Holly had a boyfriend:
On the morning of April 13, 2011, Holly awoke at 4:30 a.m. to study for an exam. Around 7:30, she spoke to her ^^boyfriend^^, who was hunting at her grandmother's farm. Her parents had already left for work, but her brother Clint was still asleep in the house.
At 7:40 a.m., a neighbor heard a scream coming from the general direction of the property. That neighbor's mom called Holly's mom, expressing concern. Holly's mom:
At 7:50, Clint was awakened by the family dogs barking. He says he looked out and saw two people kneeling in the garage. One was Holly and, at the time, he assumed the other was her boyfriend, Drew. He said Holly was visibly upset and the only words he could make out were, "No, why?"
Soon after this, Holly's mom called Clint and told him that was not Drew. She suggested he get his gun and shoot the person speaking to Holly. Clint's response? "You want me to shoot Drew?"
Frustrated, Holly's mom hung up and dialed 911. Meanwhile, Clint stood watching while Holly was led into the woods by a man in camouflage clothing. Clint ran outside and found a pool of blood near Holly's car. The blood was later confirmed to be Holly's.
More than three painful years later, Holly's remains were finally found in the woods a few miles from her home. Three men were prosecuted for her murder, with two remaining in jail. One, Zach Adams, appears to be the primary subject, due in part to some very incriminating Facebook posts he made after her abduction:
The "Who am I looking for?" post was just after the reward went up for Holly. However, the below post went up just minutes after Holly was last seen:
The evidence against Zachary Adams and the other suspects is still a mystery. The case drags on and on for reasons unknown. Most recently, the judge said the earliest a trial could begin in the case is April of 2017. Nobody really knows what the police know. Some think the brother is involved somehow. But I would assume the police cleared him right away.
Meanwhile, this dude sits in jail...
...while a family is heartbroken.
Do you think Zachary killed Holly? Or is someone else to blame?
November 18, 2016
Piper Morgan to the Rescue Release Party: Final Day!
All week I've been celebrating the launch of the latest Piper Morgan, the third in my chapter book series:
My incredible blogging friends have been celebrating right along with me. Be sure to follow these great bloggers if you aren't already.
Today's tour hosts are...
Ayla Hashway
CD Gallant-King
Elizabeth Seckman
Rhonda Gilmour
Sandra Cox
Tamara Narayan
The Really Real Housewives
And a special shout out to my Twitter host for today:
Michelle Wallace
a Rafflecopter giveaway
(Comments off--please comment on the blogs posted above!)
My incredible blogging friends have been celebrating right along with me. Be sure to follow these great bloggers if you aren't already.
Today's tour hosts are...
Ayla Hashway
CD Gallant-King
Elizabeth Seckman
Rhonda Gilmour
Sandra Cox
Tamara Narayan
The Really Real Housewives
And a special shout out to my Twitter host for today:
Michelle Wallace
a Rafflecopter giveaway
(Comments off--please comment on the blogs posted above!)
November 17, 2016
Introducing Fading into the Shadows by Kelly Hashway
Today I'm taking a break from my book release party to celebrate an important event. Kelly Hashway, a blogger/author I consider a friend, has a beautiful new cover. I think this one is my favorite of all of hers so far! I've already added it to my calendar because I can't wait to read this one.
Here it is! Be sure to scroll down to read all about it. Release date: January 16, 2017.
Blurb:
When sixteen-year-old Ella Andrews’s best friend, Avery, goes missing, she’ll do anything to get him back—starting with punching the no-brain cop who couldn’t care less about the disappearance.
Ella’s convinced Avery’s been kidnapped, and she tries everything to find him—even following a strange shadow to another world where the constellations are real-life figures in the sky. But three star groups have fallen and are destroying the world.
The fallen constellations are not the only enemy. Melanie, the princess of Stellaris, is forcing Ella, Avery, and an army of other kids kidnapped from their world to fight the rogue constellations, even as the land is draining away their life. The longer they stay, the more they fade into substanceless shadows—a fate worse than death.
Bio:
Kelly Hashway grew up reading R.L. Stein’s Fear Street novels and writing stories of her own, so it was no surprise to her family when she majored in English and later obtained a masters degree in English Secondary Education from East Stroudsburg University. After teaching middle school language arts for seven years, Hashway went back to school and focused specifically on writing. She is now the author of three young adult series, one middle grade series, and several picture books. She also writes contemporary romance under the pen name Ashelyn Drake. When she isn’t writing, Hashway works as a freelance editor for small presses as well as for her own list of clients. In her spare time, she enjoys running, traveling, and volunteering with the PTO. Hashway currently resides in Pennsylvania with her husband, daughter, and two pets.
Hashway is represented by Sarah Negovetich of Corvisiero Literary Agency.
Links:
Website | Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Amazon
Here it is! Be sure to scroll down to read all about it. Release date: January 16, 2017.
Blurb:
When sixteen-year-old Ella Andrews’s best friend, Avery, goes missing, she’ll do anything to get him back—starting with punching the no-brain cop who couldn’t care less about the disappearance.
Ella’s convinced Avery’s been kidnapped, and she tries everything to find him—even following a strange shadow to another world where the constellations are real-life figures in the sky. But three star groups have fallen and are destroying the world.
The fallen constellations are not the only enemy. Melanie, the princess of Stellaris, is forcing Ella, Avery, and an army of other kids kidnapped from their world to fight the rogue constellations, even as the land is draining away their life. The longer they stay, the more they fade into substanceless shadows—a fate worse than death.
Bio:
Kelly Hashway grew up reading R.L. Stein’s Fear Street novels and writing stories of her own, so it was no surprise to her family when she majored in English and later obtained a masters degree in English Secondary Education from East Stroudsburg University. After teaching middle school language arts for seven years, Hashway went back to school and focused specifically on writing. She is now the author of three young adult series, one middle grade series, and several picture books. She also writes contemporary romance under the pen name Ashelyn Drake. When she isn’t writing, Hashway works as a freelance editor for small presses as well as for her own list of clients. In her spare time, she enjoys running, traveling, and volunteering with the PTO. Hashway currently resides in Pennsylvania with her husband, daughter, and two pets.Hashway is represented by Sarah Negovetich of Corvisiero Literary Agency.
Links:
Website | Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Amazon
