Mara Valderran's Blog, page 4
April 30, 2023
Movie Review: Scream 6
I used to be into the new horror movies in a big way when I was a teenager. That’s when Wes Craven and Kevin Williamson teamed up and launched what felt like a fresh new take on horror. Wes Craven brought his talent for terror, and Kevin Williamson brought his trademark tongue-in-cheek dialogue with characters who not only acknowledged the tropes of the genre, but embraced them to the point of weaponizing them. The Scream franchise launched this rebirth and I was all in. I even snuck out of Titanic to watch Scream 2 since I wasn’t old enough to buy a ticket. Yes, I even wrote Scream fanfiction and accidentally spoiled the twist for Scream 3 for me.
Cut to *mumblesnumberthatmakesmefeelold* years later, and I’m pretty meh about the horror genre. I’m also more of a weeny. A friend had me watch The Conjuring movies and it was not a pleasant experience.
But Scream has a special nostalgic feeling for me, so when Scream 5 hit theaters, I dragged my husband to see it. I found it to be underwhelming and predictable, so I was pretty disappointed. I was also newly pregnant, so take that review with a grain of salt.
My expectations for Scream 6 weren’t that high. After all, how could it be anything without the OG Final Girl, Sydney Prescott? No Dewey, no Sydney… just Gale carrying the weight of the original trio on her shoulders as she forces her way into the narrative.
When I turned on Scream 6 the other night for my husband and I to watch, I mumbled something about turning on something stupid to watch so he could play his game on his laptop and I could work on my website. Cut to 15 minutes later and both of our laptops are closed and we’re yelling at the screen.
Scream 6 had everything I hoped Scream 5 would have, minus Deputy Dewey and Sydney. It was a roller coaster of intensity with the trademark predictable scares that still leave you jumping out of your seat–just as you would expect if Wes Craven himself had been involved. It lacked the snappy dialogue of Kevin Williamson, but made up for that with all the Easter Eggs in the movie. Seriously. A lot of Easter Eggs. The college experience. The van (RIP Randy - it’s still too soon). The TV. I could list more, and I probably missed quite a few since my husband and I were busy either yelling at the screen for the characters to do something or throwing out our theories as to who was the mastermind. That part was a little predictable, but it wouldn’t be the first time I correctly pointed the finger at the killer in the Scream movies.
If you’re looking for a nostalgic horror movie experience, a good scare, or a thrilling bloodbath (seriously, why always the eyes???), then I’d definitely recommend this movie.
April 28, 2023
Welcome to the Work From Home Mama
Quick introduction: My name is Mara, and I’m a badass. Why am I a self-proclaimed badass? Because I work from home and take care of my baby. And if you’re in the same situation, you’re a badass too. If there’s anything you fellow WFH Parents get from my blog, I hope it is that: You’re a badass.
Being the primary care giver for a baby is hard. Stay at home parents will be quick to correct the notion that they sit around and do nothing. Babies and kids in general keep you busy. Whether it is soothing them during teething or that accursed sleep regression, feeding them, or just interacting with them because they love mommy and daddy and want their attention - there’s rarely a dull moment.
Being the primary caregiver for a baby while working a full time job from home? It’s a juggling act like nothing I’ve ever experienced before. Since COVID, it’s also becoming more common. In the Facebook group I’m in for babies born in the same month, there are enough of us that we have a chat designated for WFH moms. I really appreciate that because so often, it feels like we’re alone on our own island with our little ones. The sense of community is definitely something I crave.
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I’ve been on this WFH parent path since my sweet girl was born last fall. When I first started, I was clueless as to how to do it. Not only am I a work from home mom, but I’m a first time mom as well. All cards on the table: I’m almost 40 and was ready to be that cool aunt with maybe one too many cats before I met my husband two years ago. Now I actually have a cat and a dog along with a new baby and three stepkids. Life has definitely given me whiplash and a steep learning curve.
When I first started this path, I was constantly doing research and looking for other moms like me to see how they managed it. What I found was a lot of articles on working from home or working from home with a baby, but nothing with any real solid tips or tricks to help me through it. I did find some forums with threads where people offered the advice of “getting a nanny or daycare.”
Thanks, Asshats. I hadn’t thought of that but feel free to pay for it in today’s economy. /endsarcasticsidenote
That being said, I decided to document my journey. The good the bad, and the ugly crying. The products I’ve tried and the ones I’m hoping to try. No, I don’t get kickbacks for any of these products I give praise to. If I ever get to that point (doubtful but a gal can dream of free stuff falling into her lap), then I’ll slap a disclaimer on there to let you know.
AmazonSince I’m documenting my journey, a bit more of an intro than “I’m a badass” is probably necessary. I’m not the kind of mom who does yoga and drinks smoothies or has healthy habits even close to that. My water bottle says “Drink your effing water” because I need someone to bitch at me to do it or I won’t. I’m not knocking those moms. Hell, I wish I was one of those moms. But instead I am the pajama wearing, soda drinking, still haven’t lost the baby weight, my tangled ponytail takes messy buns to the next level type mom. We live in a two bedroom apartment and somehow make it work while we save for a house. I work full time for an insurance agent who is quite possibly the best boss in existence. And my husband works rotating 12 hour shifts. We don’t have a babysitter. We have wonderful family members who love our little girl immensely and also have lives and jobs of their own. And we cannot afford for either one of us to quit our jobs. That probably won’t stop people from commenting with those suggestions, but might as well try. 🤷🏻♀️
Now let’s get to the good shit, shall we?
June 19, 2017
Paintbrush: Teaser 8
Are you ready to warm your hearts with a romantic read this summer? We're kicking off Ten Weeks of Teasers for the YA contemporary romance Paintbrush by Hannah Bucchin. The book releases 7/11/17, but we've got this sneak peek and more to get you ready!
teaser 8:Josie
But he just nudges his forehead against mine and whispers, “Goodnight, Josie.”“Goodnight, Mitchell,” I whisper back.And then he’s padding across the grass, his steps silent in his mismatched socks, across the lawn, into the darkness. Gone.
Get your copy 7/11!
Amazon - Barnes & Noble - iTunes - Kobo - Goodreads
about the book:
Mitchell Morrison and Josie Sedgwick have spent their whole lives at the Indian Paintbrush Community Village, a commune full of colorful characters tucked in the mountains of North Carolina, and they aren’t particularly close—at least, not anymore. Josie wishes she could spend all of her time at Paintbrush planting tomatoes, hiking the trails, or throwing giant communal birthday parties, while Mitchell can’t wait to escape the bizarre spiritual sharing and noisy community dinners. Luckily for both of them, high school graduation is just around the corner.
But when Mitchell’s mother makes a scandalous announcement that rocks the close-knit Paintbrush community, and Josie’s younger sister starts to make some dangerously bad decisions, the two find themselves leaning on each other for support—and looking at each other in a whole new light. Their childhood friendship blossoms in to something more as they deal with their insane families, but as graduation approaches, so does life in the real world, forcing Josie and Mitchell to figure out what, exactly, their relationship is—and if it can survive their very different plans for the future.about the author:
Hannah Bucchin has spent her life falling in love with beautiful places, both real and fictional. She grew up in charming Bethlehem, PA, went to college in sunny Chapel Hill, NC, spent a summer studying wildlife in Tanzania, volunteered on organic farms across New Zealand, and hiked all over Acadia National Park in Maine. When not writing, reading, or adventuring, she likes to daydream about the dog she’ll adopt someday, listen to music from the sixties, and exchange ridiculous texts with her parents and siblings.
Website Instagram Twitter Facebook Goodreads
teaser 8:Josie
But he just nudges his forehead against mine and whispers, “Goodnight, Josie.”“Goodnight, Mitchell,” I whisper back.And then he’s padding across the grass, his steps silent in his mismatched socks, across the lawn, into the darkness. Gone. Get your copy 7/11!
Amazon - Barnes & Noble - iTunes - Kobo - Goodreads
about the book:
Mitchell Morrison and Josie Sedgwick have spent their whole lives at the Indian Paintbrush Community Village, a commune full of colorful characters tucked in the mountains of North Carolina, and they aren’t particularly close—at least, not anymore. Josie wishes she could spend all of her time at Paintbrush planting tomatoes, hiking the trails, or throwing giant communal birthday parties, while Mitchell can’t wait to escape the bizarre spiritual sharing and noisy community dinners. Luckily for both of them, high school graduation is just around the corner.But when Mitchell’s mother makes a scandalous announcement that rocks the close-knit Paintbrush community, and Josie’s younger sister starts to make some dangerously bad decisions, the two find themselves leaning on each other for support—and looking at each other in a whole new light. Their childhood friendship blossoms in to something more as they deal with their insane families, but as graduation approaches, so does life in the real world, forcing Josie and Mitchell to figure out what, exactly, their relationship is—and if it can survive their very different plans for the future.about the author:
Hannah Bucchin has spent her life falling in love with beautiful places, both real and fictional. She grew up in charming Bethlehem, PA, went to college in sunny Chapel Hill, NC, spent a summer studying wildlife in Tanzania, volunteered on organic farms across New Zealand, and hiked all over Acadia National Park in Maine. When not writing, reading, or adventuring, she likes to daydream about the dog she’ll adopt someday, listen to music from the sixties, and exchange ridiculous texts with her parents and siblings.Website Instagram Twitter Facebook Goodreads
June 12, 2017
Paintbrush: Teaser 7
Are you ready to warm your hearts with a romantic read this summer? We're kicking off Ten Weeks of Teasers for the YA contemporary romance Paintbrush by Hannah Bucchin. The book releases 7/11/17, but we've got this sneak peek and more to get you ready!
teaser 7:
Mitchell“Shut up, Cord,” I reply automatically. But my brain is turning. Are we just hanging out because Josie thinks I need help? Because she’s watching out for me, after everything that happened with my mom?Maybe this isn’t anything. Maybe she just feels sorry for me.But maybe isn’t enough for me to stop myself from seeing her tonight.
Get your copy 7/11!
Amazon - Barnes & Noble - iTunes - Kobo - Goodreads
about the book:
Mitchell Morrison and Josie Sedgwick have spent their whole lives at the Indian Paintbrush Community Village, a commune full of colorful characters tucked in the mountains of North Carolina, and they aren’t particularly close—at least, not anymore. Josie wishes she could spend all of her time at Paintbrush planting tomatoes, hiking the trails, or throwing giant communal birthday parties, while Mitchell can’t wait to escape the bizarre spiritual sharing and noisy community dinners. Luckily for both of them, high school graduation is just around the corner.
But when Mitchell’s mother makes a scandalous announcement that rocks the close-knit Paintbrush community, and Josie’s younger sister starts to make some dangerously bad decisions, the two find themselves leaning on each other for support—and looking at each other in a whole new light. Their childhood friendship blossoms in to something more as they deal with their insane families, but as graduation approaches, so does life in the real world, forcing Josie and Mitchell to figure out what, exactly, their relationship is—and if it can survive their very different plans for the future.about the author:
Hannah Bucchin has spent her life falling in love with beautiful places, both real and fictional. She grew up in charming Bethlehem, PA, went to college in sunny Chapel Hill, NC, spent a summer studying wildlife in Tanzania, volunteered on organic farms across New Zealand, and hiked all over Acadia National Park in Maine. When not writing, reading, or adventuring, she likes to daydream about the dog she’ll adopt someday, listen to music from the sixties, and exchange ridiculous texts with her parents and siblings.
Website Instagram Twitter Facebook Goodreads
teaser 7:
Mitchell“Shut up, Cord,” I reply automatically. But my brain is turning. Are we just hanging out because Josie thinks I need help? Because she’s watching out for me, after everything that happened with my mom?Maybe this isn’t anything. Maybe she just feels sorry for me.But maybe isn’t enough for me to stop myself from seeing her tonight. Get your copy 7/11!
Amazon - Barnes & Noble - iTunes - Kobo - Goodreads
about the book:
Mitchell Morrison and Josie Sedgwick have spent their whole lives at the Indian Paintbrush Community Village, a commune full of colorful characters tucked in the mountains of North Carolina, and they aren’t particularly close—at least, not anymore. Josie wishes she could spend all of her time at Paintbrush planting tomatoes, hiking the trails, or throwing giant communal birthday parties, while Mitchell can’t wait to escape the bizarre spiritual sharing and noisy community dinners. Luckily for both of them, high school graduation is just around the corner.But when Mitchell’s mother makes a scandalous announcement that rocks the close-knit Paintbrush community, and Josie’s younger sister starts to make some dangerously bad decisions, the two find themselves leaning on each other for support—and looking at each other in a whole new light. Their childhood friendship blossoms in to something more as they deal with their insane families, but as graduation approaches, so does life in the real world, forcing Josie and Mitchell to figure out what, exactly, their relationship is—and if it can survive their very different plans for the future.about the author:
Hannah Bucchin has spent her life falling in love with beautiful places, both real and fictional. She grew up in charming Bethlehem, PA, went to college in sunny Chapel Hill, NC, spent a summer studying wildlife in Tanzania, volunteered on organic farms across New Zealand, and hiked all over Acadia National Park in Maine. When not writing, reading, or adventuring, she likes to daydream about the dog she’ll adopt someday, listen to music from the sixties, and exchange ridiculous texts with her parents and siblings.Website Instagram Twitter Facebook Goodreads
June 5, 2017
Paintbrush: Teaser 6
Are you ready to warm your hearts with a romantic read this summer? We're kicking off Ten Weeks of Teasers for the YA contemporary romance Paintbrush by Hannah Bucchin. The book releases 7/11/17, but we've got this sneak peek and more to get you ready!
teaser 6:
JosieAnd I push all thoughts of them out of my mind until the bell rings, and I practically race outside toward Mitchell’s truck. I don’t know what all his stuttering weirdness in the hallway was about, but I intend to find out.I’m not fast enough because he still beats me there. If I raced out of school today, he must have sprinted. He’s fiddling with the radio as I approach the car. But as soon as I pull the passenger door open, he sits up straight.“Josie.” He gazes at me, intense and serious. “We’re going on a mission.”
Get your copy 7/11!
Amazon - Barnes & Noble - iTunes - Kobo - Goodreads
about the book:
Mitchell Morrison and Josie Sedgwick have spent their whole lives at the Indian Paintbrush Community Village, a commune full of colorful characters tucked in the mountains of North Carolina, and they aren’t particularly close—at least, not anymore. Josie wishes she could spend all of her time at Paintbrush planting tomatoes, hiking the trails, or throwing giant communal birthday parties, while Mitchell can’t wait to escape the bizarre spiritual sharing and noisy community dinners. Luckily for both of them, high school graduation is just around the corner.
But when Mitchell’s mother makes a scandalous announcement that rocks the close-knit Paintbrush community, and Josie’s younger sister starts to make some dangerously bad decisions, the two find themselves leaning on each other for support—and looking at each other in a whole new light. Their childhood friendship blossoms in to something more as they deal with their insane families, but as graduation approaches, so does life in the real world, forcing Josie and Mitchell to figure out what, exactly, their relationship is—and if it can survive their very different plans for the future.about the author:
Hannah Bucchin has spent her life falling in love with beautiful places, both real and fictional. She grew up in charming Bethlehem, PA, went to college in sunny Chapel Hill, NC, spent a summer studying wildlife in Tanzania, volunteered on organic farms across New Zealand, and hiked all over Acadia National Park in Maine. When not writing, reading, or adventuring, she likes to daydream about the dog she’ll adopt someday, listen to music from the sixties, and exchange ridiculous texts with her parents and siblings.
Website Instagram Twitter Facebook Goodreads
teaser 6:
JosieAnd I push all thoughts of them out of my mind until the bell rings, and I practically race outside toward Mitchell’s truck. I don’t know what all his stuttering weirdness in the hallway was about, but I intend to find out.I’m not fast enough because he still beats me there. If I raced out of school today, he must have sprinted. He’s fiddling with the radio as I approach the car. But as soon as I pull the passenger door open, he sits up straight.“Josie.” He gazes at me, intense and serious. “We’re going on a mission.”
Get your copy 7/11!
Amazon - Barnes & Noble - iTunes - Kobo - Goodreads
about the book:
Mitchell Morrison and Josie Sedgwick have spent their whole lives at the Indian Paintbrush Community Village, a commune full of colorful characters tucked in the mountains of North Carolina, and they aren’t particularly close—at least, not anymore. Josie wishes she could spend all of her time at Paintbrush planting tomatoes, hiking the trails, or throwing giant communal birthday parties, while Mitchell can’t wait to escape the bizarre spiritual sharing and noisy community dinners. Luckily for both of them, high school graduation is just around the corner.But when Mitchell’s mother makes a scandalous announcement that rocks the close-knit Paintbrush community, and Josie’s younger sister starts to make some dangerously bad decisions, the two find themselves leaning on each other for support—and looking at each other in a whole new light. Their childhood friendship blossoms in to something more as they deal with their insane families, but as graduation approaches, so does life in the real world, forcing Josie and Mitchell to figure out what, exactly, their relationship is—and if it can survive their very different plans for the future.about the author:
Hannah Bucchin has spent her life falling in love with beautiful places, both real and fictional. She grew up in charming Bethlehem, PA, went to college in sunny Chapel Hill, NC, spent a summer studying wildlife in Tanzania, volunteered on organic farms across New Zealand, and hiked all over Acadia National Park in Maine. When not writing, reading, or adventuring, she likes to daydream about the dog she’ll adopt someday, listen to music from the sixties, and exchange ridiculous texts with her parents and siblings.Website Instagram Twitter Facebook Goodreads
June 1, 2017
ConCarolinas, Here I Come!
I can hardly believe it, but ConCarolinas is this weekend! I'll be there signing books alongside Tori Rigby, selling Blaze Publishing's books, and talking about writing and the publishing world on some panels. I've included my schedule below, so if you are in the Charlotte area, be sure to stop by and say hi!
There are some really amazing panels lined up, and some I'm really sad I won't be able to attend. I went last year as an attentee and had a wonderful time. I spent way too much money on books, but my shelves are full and happy! I met some inspiring authors, like David B Coe, Kalayna Price, Beth Revis, Faith Hunter, Darin Kennedy, and so many others. I look forward to meeting even more this year and talking about everything to do with publishing with them. And I look forward to meeting you! We'll have some awesome Blaze swag, and Tori and I both have some fun items to give away too. Can't wait!
May 29, 2017
Paintbrush: Teaser 5
Are you ready to warm your hearts with a romantic read this summer? We're kicking off Ten Weeks of Teasers for the YA contemporary romance Paintbrush by Hannah Bucchin. The book releases 7/11/17, but we've got this sneak peek and more to get you ready!
teaser 5:
Mitchell
I take a deep breath, and I tell the truth. “I don’t want to go home yet. And I don’t want to be alone.” And I don’t want this day to end, I think. But that I don’t say. I don’t know what’s happening right now between Josie and me, what’s been happening these last few days. All I know is that today, which should have been totally miserable and awful, was actually kind of beautiful and good. And I know that Josie is the reason why.
Get your copy 7/11!
Amazon - Barnes & Noble - iTunes - Kobo - Goodreads
about the book:
Mitchell Morrison and Josie Sedgwick have spent their whole lives at the Indian Paintbrush Community Village, a commune full of colorful characters tucked in the mountains of North Carolina, and they aren’t particularly close—at least, not anymore. Josie wishes she could spend all of her time at Paintbrush planting tomatoes, hiking the trails, or throwing giant communal birthday parties, while Mitchell can’t wait to escape the bizarre spiritual sharing and noisy community dinners. Luckily for both of them, high school graduation is just around the corner.
But when Mitchell’s mother makes a scandalous announcement that rocks the close-knit Paintbrush community, and Josie’s younger sister starts to make some dangerously bad decisions, the two find themselves leaning on each other for support—and looking at each other in a whole new light. Their childhood friendship blossoms in to something more as they deal with their insane families, but as graduation approaches, so does life in the real world, forcing Josie and Mitchell to figure out what, exactly, their relationship is—and if it can survive their very different plans for the future.about the author:
Hannah Bucchin has spent her life falling in love with beautiful places, both real and fictional. She grew up in charming Bethlehem, PA, went to college in sunny Chapel Hill, NC, spent a summer studying wildlife in Tanzania, volunteered on organic farms across New Zealand, and hiked all over Acadia National Park in Maine. When not writing, reading, or adventuring, she likes to daydream about the dog she’ll adopt someday, listen to music from the sixties, and exchange ridiculous texts with her parents and siblings.
Website Instagram Twitter Facebook Goodreads
teaser 5:
MitchellI take a deep breath, and I tell the truth. “I don’t want to go home yet. And I don’t want to be alone.” And I don’t want this day to end, I think. But that I don’t say. I don’t know what’s happening right now between Josie and me, what’s been happening these last few days. All I know is that today, which should have been totally miserable and awful, was actually kind of beautiful and good. And I know that Josie is the reason why.
Get your copy 7/11!
Amazon - Barnes & Noble - iTunes - Kobo - Goodreads
about the book:
Mitchell Morrison and Josie Sedgwick have spent their whole lives at the Indian Paintbrush Community Village, a commune full of colorful characters tucked in the mountains of North Carolina, and they aren’t particularly close—at least, not anymore. Josie wishes she could spend all of her time at Paintbrush planting tomatoes, hiking the trails, or throwing giant communal birthday parties, while Mitchell can’t wait to escape the bizarre spiritual sharing and noisy community dinners. Luckily for both of them, high school graduation is just around the corner.But when Mitchell’s mother makes a scandalous announcement that rocks the close-knit Paintbrush community, and Josie’s younger sister starts to make some dangerously bad decisions, the two find themselves leaning on each other for support—and looking at each other in a whole new light. Their childhood friendship blossoms in to something more as they deal with their insane families, but as graduation approaches, so does life in the real world, forcing Josie and Mitchell to figure out what, exactly, their relationship is—and if it can survive their very different plans for the future.about the author:
Hannah Bucchin has spent her life falling in love with beautiful places, both real and fictional. She grew up in charming Bethlehem, PA, went to college in sunny Chapel Hill, NC, spent a summer studying wildlife in Tanzania, volunteered on organic farms across New Zealand, and hiked all over Acadia National Park in Maine. When not writing, reading, or adventuring, she likes to daydream about the dog she’ll adopt someday, listen to music from the sixties, and exchange ridiculous texts with her parents and siblings.Website Instagram Twitter Facebook Goodreads
May 22, 2017
Paintbrush: Teaser 4
Are you ready to warm your hearts with a romantic read this summer? We're kicking off Ten Weeks of Teasers for the YA contemporary romance Paintbrush by Hannah Bucchin. The book releases 7/11/17, but we've got this sneak peek and more to get you ready!
teaser 4:
Josie I turn my gaze from the view in front of me to him. “You notice that much about my family?” He trails his fingers over the ground. “It’s been twelve years since you all moved here. After twelve years, you start to notice some things.”
Get your copy 7/11!
Amazon - Barnes & Noble - iTunes - Kobo - Goodreads
about the book:
Mitchell Morrison and Josie Sedgwick have spent their whole lives at the Indian Paintbrush Community Village, a commune full of colorful characters tucked in the mountains of North Carolina, and they aren’t particularly close—at least, not anymore. Josie wishes she could spend all of her time at Paintbrush planting tomatoes, hiking the trails, or throwing giant communal birthday parties, while Mitchell can’t wait to escape the bizarre spiritual sharing and noisy community dinners. Luckily for both of them, high school graduation is just around the corner.
But when Mitchell’s mother makes a scandalous announcement that rocks the close-knit Paintbrush community, and Josie’s younger sister starts to make some dangerously bad decisions, the two find themselves leaning on each other for support—and looking at each other in a whole new light. Their childhood friendship blossoms in to something more as they deal with their insane families, but as graduation approaches, so does life in the real world, forcing Josie and Mitchell to figure out what, exactly, their relationship is—and if it can survive their very different plans for the future.about the author:
Hannah Bucchin has spent her life falling in love with beautiful places, both real and fictional. She grew up in charming Bethlehem, PA, went to college in sunny Chapel Hill, NC, spent a summer studying wildlife in Tanzania, volunteered on organic farms across New Zealand, and hiked all over Acadia National Park in Maine. When not writing, reading, or adventuring, she likes to daydream about the dog she’ll adopt someday, listen to music from the sixties, and exchange ridiculous texts with her parents and siblings.
Website Instagram Twitter Facebook Goodreads
teaser 4:
Josie I turn my gaze from the view in front of me to him. “You notice that much about my family?” He trails his fingers over the ground. “It’s been twelve years since you all moved here. After twelve years, you start to notice some things.” Get your copy 7/11!
Amazon - Barnes & Noble - iTunes - Kobo - Goodreads
about the book:
Mitchell Morrison and Josie Sedgwick have spent their whole lives at the Indian Paintbrush Community Village, a commune full of colorful characters tucked in the mountains of North Carolina, and they aren’t particularly close—at least, not anymore. Josie wishes she could spend all of her time at Paintbrush planting tomatoes, hiking the trails, or throwing giant communal birthday parties, while Mitchell can’t wait to escape the bizarre spiritual sharing and noisy community dinners. Luckily for both of them, high school graduation is just around the corner.But when Mitchell’s mother makes a scandalous announcement that rocks the close-knit Paintbrush community, and Josie’s younger sister starts to make some dangerously bad decisions, the two find themselves leaning on each other for support—and looking at each other in a whole new light. Their childhood friendship blossoms in to something more as they deal with their insane families, but as graduation approaches, so does life in the real world, forcing Josie and Mitchell to figure out what, exactly, their relationship is—and if it can survive their very different plans for the future.about the author:
Hannah Bucchin has spent her life falling in love with beautiful places, both real and fictional. She grew up in charming Bethlehem, PA, went to college in sunny Chapel Hill, NC, spent a summer studying wildlife in Tanzania, volunteered on organic farms across New Zealand, and hiked all over Acadia National Park in Maine. When not writing, reading, or adventuring, she likes to daydream about the dog she’ll adopt someday, listen to music from the sixties, and exchange ridiculous texts with her parents and siblings.Website Instagram Twitter Facebook Goodreads
May 15, 2017
Paintbrush: Teaser 3
Are you ready to warm your hearts with a romantic read this summer? We're kicking off Ten Weeks of Teasers for the YA contemporary romance Paintbrush by Hannah Bucchin. The book releases 7/11/17, but we've got this sneak peek and more to get you ready!
teaser 3:
Mitchell
She breezes past me, striding up the rocky mountain path at a surprisingly fast pace. “You can’t lie to me, Mitchell Morrison. I know you too well.”
I quicken my pace to match hers, following her dark bobbing ponytail up the mountain, and it occurs to me that she might be right.
Get your copy 7/11!
Amazon - Barnes & Noble - iTunes - Kobo - Goodreads
about the book:
Mitchell Morrison and Josie Sedgwick have spent their whole lives at the Indian Paintbrush Community Village, a commune full of colorful characters tucked in the mountains of North Carolina, and they aren’t particularly close—at least, not anymore. Josie wishes she could spend all of her time at Paintbrush planting tomatoes, hiking the trails, or throwing giant communal birthday parties, while Mitchell can’t wait to escape the bizarre spiritual sharing and noisy community dinners. Luckily for both of them, high school graduation is just around the corner.
But when Mitchell’s mother makes a scandalous announcement that rocks the close-knit Paintbrush community, and Josie’s younger sister starts to make some dangerously bad decisions, the two find themselves leaning on each other for support—and looking at each other in a whole new light. Their childhood friendship blossoms in to something more as they deal with their insane families, but as graduation approaches, so does life in the real world, forcing Josie and Mitchell to figure out what, exactly, their relationship is—and if it can survive their very different plans for the future.about the author:
Hannah Bucchin has spent her life falling in love with beautiful places, both real and fictional. She grew up in charming Bethlehem, PA, went to college in sunny Chapel Hill, NC, spent a summer studying wildlife in Tanzania, volunteered on organic farms across New Zealand, and hiked all over Acadia National Park in Maine. When not writing, reading, or adventuring, she likes to daydream about the dog she’ll adopt someday, listen to music from the sixties, and exchange ridiculous texts with her parents and siblings.
Website Instagram Twitter Facebook Goodreads
teaser 3:
MitchellShe breezes past me, striding up the rocky mountain path at a surprisingly fast pace. “You can’t lie to me, Mitchell Morrison. I know you too well.”
I quicken my pace to match hers, following her dark bobbing ponytail up the mountain, and it occurs to me that she might be right.
Get your copy 7/11!
Amazon - Barnes & Noble - iTunes - Kobo - Goodreads
about the book:
Mitchell Morrison and Josie Sedgwick have spent their whole lives at the Indian Paintbrush Community Village, a commune full of colorful characters tucked in the mountains of North Carolina, and they aren’t particularly close—at least, not anymore. Josie wishes she could spend all of her time at Paintbrush planting tomatoes, hiking the trails, or throwing giant communal birthday parties, while Mitchell can’t wait to escape the bizarre spiritual sharing and noisy community dinners. Luckily for both of them, high school graduation is just around the corner.But when Mitchell’s mother makes a scandalous announcement that rocks the close-knit Paintbrush community, and Josie’s younger sister starts to make some dangerously bad decisions, the two find themselves leaning on each other for support—and looking at each other in a whole new light. Their childhood friendship blossoms in to something more as they deal with their insane families, but as graduation approaches, so does life in the real world, forcing Josie and Mitchell to figure out what, exactly, their relationship is—and if it can survive their very different plans for the future.about the author:
Hannah Bucchin has spent her life falling in love with beautiful places, both real and fictional. She grew up in charming Bethlehem, PA, went to college in sunny Chapel Hill, NC, spent a summer studying wildlife in Tanzania, volunteered on organic farms across New Zealand, and hiked all over Acadia National Park in Maine. When not writing, reading, or adventuring, she likes to daydream about the dog she’ll adopt someday, listen to music from the sixties, and exchange ridiculous texts with her parents and siblings.Website Instagram Twitter Facebook Goodreads
May 8, 2017
The Unseen Release Day
The #roadtripwithpeterpan might have ended, but the journeys of The Unseen are officially beginning! The book releases today. Still separated from their families, Crescenzo DiLegno and his two best friends fight for their sanity and their lives in war-torn Wonderland. Meanwhile, their families and friends find themselves imprisoned at the mercy of a former ally.
listen to the first chapter:
about the book:
Crescenzo and his friends may have survived their confounding journey to the enchanted realms of Florindale, but now they find themselves fighting for their sanity and lives while stuck on the other side of the very mirror they set out to destroy.
With their families trapped by a former ally with a crippling fear of the queen, Enzo, Rosana, and Zack must play a deadly game in Wonderland, where shadows are on the move, kings are at war, and one of them wants Rosana dead.
As darkness hovers over the world, the friends must lean on each other and stop the King of Hearts from following through on Avoria’s orders: Break them.Get your copy now!Amazon - Barnes & Noble - iTunes - Kobo - Goodreadsabout the author:
When Jacob Devlin was four years old, he would lounge around in Batman pajamas and make semi-autobiographical picture books about an adventurous python named Jake the Snake. Eventually, he traded his favorite blue crayon for a black pen, and he never put it down. When not reading or writing, Jacob loves practicing his Italian, watching stand-up comedy, going deaf at rock concerts, and geeking out at comic book conventions. He does most of these things in southern Arizona.Website - Instagram - Twitter - Facebook - Goodreads - YouTube
listen to the first chapter:
about the book:
Crescenzo and his friends may have survived their confounding journey to the enchanted realms of Florindale, but now they find themselves fighting for their sanity and lives while stuck on the other side of the very mirror they set out to destroy.
With their families trapped by a former ally with a crippling fear of the queen, Enzo, Rosana, and Zack must play a deadly game in Wonderland, where shadows are on the move, kings are at war, and one of them wants Rosana dead.
As darkness hovers over the world, the friends must lean on each other and stop the King of Hearts from following through on Avoria’s orders: Break them.Get your copy now!Amazon - Barnes & Noble - iTunes - Kobo - Goodreadsabout the author:
When Jacob Devlin was four years old, he would lounge around in Batman pajamas and make semi-autobiographical picture books about an adventurous python named Jake the Snake. Eventually, he traded his favorite blue crayon for a black pen, and he never put it down. When not reading or writing, Jacob loves practicing his Italian, watching stand-up comedy, going deaf at rock concerts, and geeking out at comic book conventions. He does most of these things in southern Arizona.Website - Instagram - Twitter - Facebook - Goodreads - YouTube
