Thursday, February 28, 2013

'Food for a Hungry Ghost' Book Tour Review

Food for a Hungry Ghost

Life was pleasantly normal for Gala Rhyce—that is, until her mom moved the family to Flagler Beach, Florida. Now—despite the palm trees, ocean breezes, and cute surfer guys—Gala is miserable…until she meets Trista. Trista makes a great friend, except for one thing: she's a ghost.

The girls learn to communicate, and through Gala, Trista finds a way to experience the world again. As Gala’s romance with a heartthrob poet begins to bloom, her unlikely friendship with Trista continues—until the ghost wants more than Gala can give, and things start to go horribly wrong.

Filled with horror, romance, and humor, Food for a Hungry Ghost is about friendship, trust, jealousy, and boundaries that get pushed too far.

How much can Gala endure? Will she survive the clutches of the Hungry Ghost?

**My thoughts**

Food for a Hungry Ghost is a fun read. At about 80 pages, it is also a very quick one. 

You feel sorry for Gala, as she is lonely and trying to adjust to life in a completely different environment. She grew up in Wisconsin and has been thrust into life in Florida. Talk about culture shock! All of her friends are back home. Sure, she is starting to meet people in her new town, but it is so hard to do that in the middle of the summer.

Gala's mom professes to be a medium of sorts. It turns out that Gala is able to tune into the spirit world even better, as she is able to channel the ghost of the daughter of their landlords. Trista died in an accident back in the 1980s, but never left her home. Now that she can channel herself through Gala, she feels like she can live again.

I got a kick out of how Trista is so stuck in the 1980s. As she tries to influence Gala's dress and her actions, I was thrown back to my own childhood. Turquoise mascara! But Trista's influence quickly begins to take over. I got annoyed with Gala for not being a stronger person, especially when she still had a choice in her actions. But, that's part of the learning process when growing up!


This story does have a satisfying ending and could stand well on its own. However, it does also leave itself wide open for more similar stories to follow. Even those who don't like cliffhangers should be able to appreciate this book on its own. 

It isn't a ghost story that is going to completely creep you out and make the hairs stand up on the back of your neck. To me, it was more of a paranormal romance about friendship and standing up for yourself, with a little humor thrown in. I will be curious to check out future installments!

Buy on Kindle / Paperback Author's Website


Follow Becky on Facebook / Goodreads / Website

Becky Pourchot is the author of two books: I Look Better in Binary and Food for a Hungry Ghost and had published over one hundred articles ranging in topic from haunted museums to burlesque dancers. Ms. Pourchot grew up in Madison, Wisconsin, but has spent her last year and a half enjoying the sand and surf in Flagler Beach, Florida, where she now lives with her husband, three kids, and a grouchy parrot named Zoey.

FOLLOW THE TOUR


February 20 - Blast http://www.promotionalbooktours.com

February 21
1. http://mommyreadstoomuch.com
2. http://www.dealsharingaunt.blogspot.com

February 22
1. http://takingtimeformommy.com
2. http://www.thestuffofsuccess.com

February 25
1. http://momzunas.blogspot.com/
2. http://www.amamascorneroftheworld.com

February 26
1. http://bibliophilesthoughtsonbooks.blogspot.com/
2.Interview - http://ereadingonthecheap.com

February 27
1. http://www.craftymomof3.com
2. http://nikita-mattes.blogspot.com/

February 28
1. http://andisyoungadult.blogspot.com
2. http://manicmamaof2.wordpress.com
3. http://inspirationsbysimone.blogspot.com

March 1
1. http://mamasgotflair.com
2. http://www.prettyopinionated.com

March 4
1. http://booktester.blogspot.com
2. http://StressedRach.co.uk
3. http://simplyathomemom.com/

Tour prize is a $25 Amazon Giftcard and Food for a Hungry Ghost Bag Fill out the form below to enter:
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Wednesday, February 27, 2013

The Travelers Series by Claudia LeFeve

Haven't read the Travelers Series yet? Now's your chance to get started! 
 
The first three books (Volume 1) in the Travelers Series are now available! Find out what happens when 17 year-old Etta Fleming finds out she's not only from an alternate reality, but is destined to become the future leader of a band of paranormal misfits in order to protect a future reality from destruction.

The fourth book in the series, PARAMETER, will be available late-Spring 2013!


About Parallel - 
Destiny has a way of catching up.

Saddled with powers she doesn't understand, Etta Fleming's world is turned upside-down the day she meets Cooper Everett, the man who transports her to an alternate reality. A reality she was meant to be a part of.

One minute, she's an orphan living at Dominion House for Girls, an institution for delinquent foster kids, then finds herself attending the exclusive Dominion Hall Academy.

Plucked from the only world she's ever known, Etta now has to deal with an aunt she never knew, a boyfriend she doesn't know, and a best friend who can't know.



Read an excerpt:
Ouch!” I whip around and spot a group of girls playing lacrosse. The back of my head continues to throb where the ball made contact. 

Sooo sorry,” a voice calls out followed by hollow laughter. 

I’d recognize that apology anywhere. A tall lithe blonde comes rushing in my direction in order to claim her ball. There’s no doubt in my mind that she’s the one responsible for the pathetic attempt at an apology. Per her usual M.O., she doesn’t sound sorry at all. 

Come on Etta, it’s not worth getting into it with her.” Jaime miraculously appears by my side just in time to grab me by the shoulder. Her attempt is clear: to steer me away from a confrontation. As always, Jaime takes the position of buffer when it comes to me getting into trouble. 

Even though I recognized the voice, I still manage to do a double take at the girl running towards us. “Who is that?” I ask anyway, already knowing the answer. I have a feeling this isn’t going to be the end of me and Lacrosse Barbie and I want to be sure. 

You sure you’re okay? The ball must have hit you harder than I thought. That’s Jenny, duh. You know, her dad’s the Mexican Ambassador? Access to free booze because her family owns and operates Mexia beer? Super bitch from hell? Ring any bells?” Jaime looks at me curiously. “And judging from bump on your head, she must really have it in for you.” 

My eyes narrow as I watch Jenny claim her ball and trot back to her group of giggling friends. The Barbie Brigade is just going to have to watch out. If they think they’re dealing with the same Etta, they’re in for a rude awakening – they have no idea who they’re messing with now. 

Buy links: Amazon \ Barnes & Noble



About Paradox-
Everything is predestined.

Etta is slowly readjusting to life in her new reality, while still recovering from the shock over the news regarding her relationship with Cooper.

While learning more about her role as leader of the Council, she soon discovers that her future is linked to the five extraordinary individuals she must recruit in order to ensure her destiny.

Nothing is as it seems, as rivals become allies and friends become the enemy. 


Read an excerpt:

Thank you. Now, back to this Jenny thing. Seriously?” But maybe it isn’t as complicated as I imagine it to be. I mean, logically, I know there are various versions of us running around in other realities, but my confusion lies more with Jenny being my friend. She can’t possibly be. Jaime is my best friend, not the queen bee of bitchdom. Even though Cooper said she’s from a different reality, I have a hard time believing she’s changed. She always manages to remain the same in the two realities I already know her from. 

He rejoins me on the chaise lounge. “There’s not a whole lot of difference between science and destiny when you’re talking about alternate universes. Scientifically speaking, there are multiple universes that play out different scenarios, as you are now well aware, but in every reality, we maintain relationships with the same people. Some people call it fate. We are forever linked, no matter what reality you’re in. In some, we’re friends, in others, foes.” 

So, there’s a Jenny running around who’s my ally in the other world?” Incredible. My biggest nemesis is now a friend and confidant. How the hell does something like this happen? 

Buy links: Amazon \ Barnes & Noble


About Paradigm
 
Take hold of your destiny.

Etta Fleming doesn’t know she was meant to return to her true reality four years ago. After years of being the “orphan girl” in the alternate world she grew up in, she’s finally carved a niche for herself with a great job, a steady boyfriend, and a best friend by her side.

Undeterred by the shift in the timeline, it is up to Cooper Everett and his friends to convince Etta that she is still destined to become their leader, fighting against their post-apocalyptic future.

Will meeting the ghosts of her past convince Etta that she’s part of a grander destiny? Or will her past, present, and future worlds collide?


Read an excerpt:

Etta sighed. She knew her friends came from other realities that didn’t always share the same literature as she had growing-up. “Well, it was worth a shot. Charles Dickens was a legendary writer in my orphan reality. You couldn’t get through school without reading one of his classics.” As an orphan, or rather, when she lived in the reality in which she was lead to believe she was an orphan, she had developed a sort of kinship with the writer. His characters touched her in a way no author could. He would always remain one of her favorites. “I’m thinking a little Christmas Carol is in order,” she said, already scheming. 

But it’s May,” one of the Dyson twins pointed out. “What does any of this have to do with Christmas?”

Yes, I know this, thank you, Chance. In the story by Dickens, Ebenezer Scrooge was visited by three ghosts,” Etta started.

I think you’re thinking of the three wise men who visited Jesus in the manger,” Jenny chimed in. “Is that the Christmas story you’re thinking of?”

No, Jenny, A Christmas Carol. I just said it was a story by Dickens.” She really did love Jenny, but sometimes she could be a bit spacey. “As I was saying, Ebenezer was visited by three ghosts: past, present, and future. If Cooper expects me to believe that he’s not only from the future, but a future in another reality in which I lead the rebellion against Thornberry, he’s going to need to bring in the big guns.” Etta looked around the room to make sure they were all listening. “And by that, I mean you guys.” 


Buy links: Amazon \ Barnes & Noble



About Claudia Lefeve
Claudia Lefeve was born and raised in the Gulf Coast border town of Brownsville, Texas; a curious place where folks see curanderas in lieu of shrinks, tortillas are served at every meal, and even gringos speak Spanish. PARALLEL, the first book in The Travelers series, is her debut YA speculative novel. She currently resides in Northern Virginia with her husband and two pugs.
 
Win 1 of 5 eBooks Sets of the Traveler Series Volume 1 (Parallel, Paradox and Paradigm. eBook Giveaway open Internationally and Paperback open US/Canada. See full contest rules here.
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Tuesday, February 26, 2013

'Never Too Far' by Thomas Christopher Promo Blitz


Young Adult Dystopian / Suspense
Title:
Never Too Far
Author: Thomas Christopher
Date Published: 5/10/12

Synopsis:

A harrowing story of love and survival. In a future of scarce resources, where the possession of gas and diesel is punishable by death, a teenage boy and a pregnant girl must find a way to save their impoverished family. They risk their lives on a terrifying journey to sell stolen fuel on the black market.





Read an excerpt:
Mary surprised Joe by knocking his arms away. She was stronger than she looked. Then she swept her legs off the bed and sprang to her feet. She took two steps and turned to face him as if to prove there was nothing wrong with her. But there was definitely something wrong. She wavered a moment. Her already white face turned ghostly. Her eyelids trembled. She seemed to realize she was becoming faint, and what that meant.

“I’m fine,” she said. “You don’t have to go.”

Joe got ready to catch her in case she fell, but somehow she held herself steady.

“It’s okay,” Joe said. “Just sit down. I will go find some food.”

Joe inched toward her. He was afraid to grab her again because she might try to wrench free once more and really fall. When she coughed, her little shoulders jerk,bred and her round stomach jumped. Her head was drooped low and her hair hung down so he couldn’t see her face at all.

“Come on, lay down,” Joe said.

She didn’t move. Joe stepped toward her, but before he could put his arms around her, she tilted forward and rested the crown of her head against his chest. He slid his arms along the sides of her hard belly and around her waist. Then he shifted her toward the bed again. She moved like a bundle of empty sacks in his arms. He set her gently on the bed before he bent down to lift her feet onto the sheets.

After he sat in the chair, Mary asked him, “What if you don’t come back?”

“That’s not going to happen,” Joe said.

“How do you know?”

“I just know. You have to trust me.”
Buy links: Amazon

Author Bio

Thomas Christopher grew up in Iowa. He received his MFA from Western Michigan University. His short stories have appeared in The Louisville Review and The MacGuffin. He was awarded an Irving S. Gilmore Emerging Artist Grant and was a finalist for the Matthew Clark Prize in Fiction. He lives in Wisconsin with his wife and son.

Visit his website.

Monday, February 25, 2013

Review of 'Fractured Light' by Rachel McClellan

Book Blurb:

Llona Reese is used to living on the run. After the Vykens killed her parents, she knew they would eventually come for her too. But she never felt ready to face them until now. Defying the Auran Council and everything she s been taught, Llona must learn to use her power over light as a weapon if she wants to survive.

**My thoughts**

I signed up to tour the second book in this series, Fractured Soul, and asked if I could also have a copy of this one, so that I could understand the second book. 

This book was a nice change of pace for me. Yes, it's a young adult book about a girl with powers, but it was a little different. There are no witches, vampires, shifters (per se), nor werewolves. Llona is an Aura. Her mother was an Aura. Her father had his own powers. She has grown up knowing about the Light, though she doesn't come into her own with it until she is in her senior year of high school. 

Llona's parents are both dead. Her mother was murdered and her father was killed in a car accident. She lives with her Uncle Jake. Whenever she doesn't feel safe, the two of them move somewhere else. She is also shy, because of her powers. She knows that when the moon is in its full cycle, she is extremely powerful and filled with energy. As the moon fades back to a new moon, she loses her powers and become significantly weaker. This doesn't make her very popular with the other kids, especially her basketball team. It's safer and easier for her to just keep to herself.

But then she gives in to cultivating friendships with other kids and finds that she can be happier. In fact, her almost best friend May is harboring some of her own powers. Her math teacher, Mr. Steele, is a beautiful sight to behold. Matt gets her involved in book club. And then there is Christian. 

Ah, Christian. He seems to be interested, but then doesn't. He watches out for her and takes good care of her. He also holds the answers to so many secrets about her self, her true heritage, and what the future may hold for her. They work well together and even he finds out somethings he doesn't know.

This book captivated me, holding my attention all the way through, and it flowed nicely. I am glad that I have the second book on hand, instead of having to wait a year for it!

  Buy links: Hardcover Kindle

'Grounded' by G.P. Ching Book Blast!

GroundedGrounded

"All my life I've worked to be simple, but I can't pretend anymore. Nothing about me is simple."

In the year 2050, a secret government study nicknamed Operation Source Code injects eight volunteers with a retrovirus. The goal? To abate the energy crisis by reprogramming human DNA to power personal electronic devices. The experiment works but with disastrous consequences.

Seventeen years later, Lydia Troyer is far from concerned with the energy crisis. Growing up in the isolated community of Hemlock Hollow, life hasn't changed much since 1698 when her Amish ancestors came to America. She milks her cow by hand, makes fresh bread every morning, and hopes to be courted by Jeremiah, the boy who's been her best friend since she could walk.

But when Lydia's father has a stroke and is taken to the outside world for medical treatment, Lydia and Jeremiah leave Hemlock Hollow. An ordinary light switch thrusts Lydia into a new world where energy is a coveted commodity and her own personal history makes her the most sought-after weapon on the planet.

Purchase Grounded on Amazon | Nook | iTunes | Kobo

Author GP ChingAbout Author G.P. Ching

G.P Ching is the author of The Soulkeepers Series, The Grounded Trilogy, and a variety of short fiction. She specializes in cross-genre paranormal stories, loves old cemeteries, and enjoys a good ghost tour. She lives in central Illinois with her husband, two children, and one very demanding guinea pig. Learn more about G.P. at http://www.gpching.com and more about The Soulkeepers Series at http://www.thesoulkeepersseries.com.





Follow G.P. Ching Website | Facebook | Twitter

"I am seriously impressed with how the author took the simplistic Amish life and combined it with a futuristic, almost dystopian story line as seamlessly as she did. I highly recommend it." Crafty Cauldron

"I am also a sucker for Amish stories, and love the idea of the new paranormal/supernatural/dystopian twists using them. This book is electric. You are pulled into Lydia's story and keep on reading, trying to find out what happens next.I tried to figure out what I would do if I were in her situation. I am impressed by the strength she is able to find within herself." Andi's Young Adult blog

"I never know what to think when I start reading a book by a new author. But this one was electrifying!!! his book had me on the edge of my seat all the way to the last page. " Taking Time for Mommy

"It begins with the perfect bang, and lights up your mind in ways you may not have thought. As much as it is dystopian it is speculative, and I am all for challenging the minds of the human race." Literary Sweet

"The characters were so well written that I felt like I knew them. Lydia stayed true to who she was and her personality even when she had to make decisions that were not at all what an Amish would have ever imagine anyone would have to make." Delphina Reads too Much

Tour Prize - $100 Amazon, Barnes and Noble, or Apple Giftcard fill out the form below to enter!
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'Grounded' by G.P. Ching Book Tour & Review

Book blurb

"All my life I've worked to be simple, but I can't pretend anymore. Nothing about me is simple."

In the year 2050, a secret government study nicknamed Operation Source Code injects eight volunteers with a retrovirus. The goal? To abate the energy crisis by reprogramming human DNA to power personal electronic devices. The experiment works but with disastrous consequences.

Seventeen years later, Lydia Troyer is far from concerned with the energy crisis. Growing up in the isolated community of Hemlock Hollow, life hasn't changed much since 1698 when her Amish ancestors came to America. She milks her cow by hand, makes fresh bread every morning, and hopes to be courted by Jeremiah, the boy who's been her best friend since she could walk.

But when Lydia's father has a stroke and is taken to the outside world for medical treatment, Lydia and Jeremiah leave Hemlock Hollow. An ordinary light switch thrusts Lydia into a new world where energy is a coveted commodity and her own personal history makes her the most sought-after weapon on the planet.

My thoughts

G. P. Ching is best known, thus far, for the Soulkeepers series. 'Grounded' is the first book in an exciting new trilogy. While dystopian books are not always for me, I was drawn to this one because the main character, Lydia, is being brought up in an Amish community. I love the idea that the Amish will still be practicing their ways in the year 2067. I am also a sucker for Amish stories, and love the idea of the new paranormal/supernatural/dystopian twists using them.

Lydia was rescued as a baby and was whisked away to the Amish preservation, never knowing what she really was. After her father takes ill, she and Jeremiah, her best friend and expected future suitor, go ahead with their Rumspringa plans. As soon as they get there, though, Lydia's true gift is accidentally revealed, and she is swept into a new world and is running for her life. She finds a new connection with Korwin, one who is just like her, which literally tugs at her heart. The connection with him, as well as everything happening in this Englisch world, causes her to struggle with her upbringing and what needs to be done. It is a situation I do not envy.

This book is electric. You are pulled into Lydia's story and keep on reading, trying to find out what happens next.I tried to figure out what I would do if I were in her situation. I am impressed by the strength she is able to find within herself.

The story comes to a comfortable ending, as opposed to one of those cliffhangers that trilogy authors seem to be so fond of creating. It leaves an opening for a sequel, because while it is a comfortable ending, you just know their story isn't finished. I look forward to finding out what happens in the rest of the series. I am also more eager now to check out some of her other books.

 
Buy links: Paperback \ Kindle

'Player' Book Tour & Review

Player

Joshua Hanover had it all. He was handsome, rich, athletic, and had always been popular with the ladies. Yet, until he gets paired up with his beautiful but shy lab partner, Rosa, he never allowed himself to fall in love. As the chemistry between them grows, Josh realizes that his player days have come to end. But it seems his change of heart has come too late. Not only is Rosa leery of his bad boy reputation, he has four vindictive ex-girlfriends who are on a rampage. At first he doesn’t take their threats seriously, but then his tires are slashed, someone tries to poison him, and one of the girls turns up dead. Josh doesn’t know who to trust, but one thing is certain. It definitely isn’t worth the price he’s paying to be a player.  

**My thoughts**

This book kept me glued to my Kindle the entire time I was reading it. I had to force myself to put it down. It has all the drama that makes for a fun teen read. Josh is a total player and Hell hath no fury as a woman scorned. I admit that I did figure out "Whodunit" for several of the horrible situations well before they were revealed, but I was temporarily thrown a few times. 

I was very disappointed in all of the adults in the story. Time after time, these teens went to adults looking for help and instead they were accused of horrible things and not believed at all. A part of me found it hard to believe that these kids would be ignored with their pleas for help. Then again, it could happen. That's just not in my personal nature.

I recommend this book for anyone who loves Mean Girls, Pretty Little Liars, and any other book or movie that features snarky, bitchy teens doing whatever it takes for the ultimate revenge. It's dramatically delicious. 

Follow the author Website | Facebook | Twitter | GoodReads | Pinterest
 

Buy on Amazon / Smashwords

 

Laura “Luna” DeLuca lives at the beautiful Jersey shore with her husband and four children. She loves writing in the young adult genre because it keeps her young at heart. In addition to writing fiction, Laura is also the sole author of a popular review blog called New Age Mama. She is an active member of her local pagan community, and has been studying Wicca for close to eight years. Her current works include Destiny, Destiny Unveiled, Phantom, Morrigan and Player.  







February 19- Blast

February 20 -
1. http://mommyreadstoomuch.com
2. http://nikita-mattes.blogspot.com

February 21-
1. http://livingatthewhiteheadszoo.blogspot.com
2. http://takingtimeformommy.com

February 22 -
1. Jennifer http://simplyathomemom.com/
2. Interview http://ereadingonthecheap.com

February 25 -
1. Review: http://andisyoungadult.blogspot.com
2. Review: http://mamasgotflair.com

February 26-
1.Review: http://www.craftymomof3.com
2. Guest Post - http://mamivalsbooks.blogspot.com

February 27 -
1. Review: http://tiffanytalksbooks.com/
2. Excerpt: http://museunleashed.com/


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Sunday, February 24, 2013

Review of 'The Sidekick Chronicles' by Stacey Rourke

Book Blurb:

Celeste isn't the only member of the Garrett family whose life changed when destiny called. Every sidekick has their tale and in this Gryphon Series short the spotlight is turned on Kendall, Grams and even Gabe. Get an inside look at the hilarious stress that goes along with being a...sidekick.

Sidekicks...ya can't live with 'em and you'd probably die horribly without 'em.

**My thoughts**

I've had this for quite some time and have actually read it a couple of times. It is very short, but it is a novella. It is a compliment to the Gryphon series by Stacey Rourke, that was given to us as a gift to hold us over while we wait for 'Sacrifice' to finally come out. I actually have an eARC of 'Sacrifice' that I am reading right now, which is what reminded me to read and review this book.

It's always fun to get to know the other characters in a series, especially when one in particular is always telling the story. The main series is told in first person by Celeste. We get a glimpse of the others through their words and actions. And of course, the Garrett family is full of sarcasm and sharp wit that will make you snort while you read.

Kendall shares a story about her homecoming dance, that you won't want to miss. It explains some changes in relationship lineups, as well as including a fun demon fight. It also takes up almost half of the book. Gran lets us know how she really feels about Gabe's girlfriend Alaina. Gabe's story probably has the most lasting implications. If you haven't read it, I am not telling you what happens! It's a major game-changer, yet to be expected.

Can you get away with not reading this novella? Yeah, I guess so. The events are glossed over in the beginning of Sacrifice, so that you know what is going on. But why would you want to deny yourself of this treat? The price is right and it is fun.


Check it out for yourself on Amazon: http://amzn.to/RTQLNz

Interview with Kfir Luzzatto, author of 'An Italian Obsession'


Today I would like to welcome Kfir Luzzato to the blog. He is here to tell us more about himself and his book 'An Italian Obsession.' Thanks for stopping by!

What was the inspiration behind 'An Italian Obsession'?

I travel quite often to Italy, but when I visit my native Milan it is usually for work. It so happened that on one of those visits I managed to get a full afternoon to myself; it was a wonderful spring day and I decided to walk around the streets of my youth. That walk evoked many memories and I realized that I had the material for a strong book, right there in my head. I started working on “An Italian Obsession” on the same day.

Which characters spoke to you the most during the writing process?

I always maintain "a dialogue" with my characters, throughout the writing process, and develop a relationship with each one of them. Although the book follows Roberto, the main character, I was more fascinated with Alex (Alessandra), who is the real driving force behind all the events in the book. She exhibited a multi-faceted personality and an approach to life that was at the same time simple, on the superficial and daily level, and complex deeper down. That seems to be a constant trait of my female characters.

What kind of research did you have to do for 'An Italian Obsession'?

Since I grew up in Milan, more or less during the period in which the story takes place, I had all the atmosphere and general facts at my fingertips. Nevertheless, a surprising amount of research went into this book, to make sure that all historic facts checked out and were properly aligned on the time line.

What other projects do you have in the works?

I am putting the finishing touches to a new thriller, titled "ExtraLife, Inc.", which is planned for release in mid-2013. I am also working on the first chapters of a new action thriller (title TBA), which I plan to complete by the end of the year.

When did you know you wanted to be a writer?

As long as I remember myself I have always wanted to write. I actually wrote a short story when I was 12 years old. The plot was strong but, being honest with myself, I realized that the result stunk, so I hid it deep in my drawer and moved on. Then life got in the way and it took me some 30 years to sit down and do it again.

What are you reading right now?

I just got started on Umberto Eco's "The Prague Cemetery", which promises to be a great read.

If you could travel in a Time Machine would you go back to the past or into the future?

I am fascinated by the past and want to be unfettered when fantasizing (on paper) about the future, so it will definitely have to be the past.

What do you love the most about living in Israel?

Israel is the most amazing country, because its people are amazing, and that's what makes living here so great in spite of all the difficulties. The country is beautiful too, of course, but the people . . .

Would you ever want to move back to Italy or live in America?

I love Italy and have strong feelings for America (see: "Why I Can’t Help Caring For America"), but Israel is home. I would like to be able to spend more time each year both in Italy and in America, though.

What is something readers may be surprised to learn about you?

While I am now generally perceived as being a regular, serious person, I did have my wild years during which I regularly tried to get myself killed riding motorbikes and climbing mountains. Eventually I settled down, however, which shows that you can let it out of your system and put it behind you.

Anything else you would like to add?

In my nightmares I dream of a near-future time when people have stopped reading. Luckily, the advent of digital technology has done exactly the opposite and made books more accessible. To me being able to reach an audience is a privilege not to be taken lightly, and that's why I make sure that my books deliver entertainment value, along with the ideas that compelled me to write them.

Thanks for your time!

Author Bio:

Kfir was born and raised in Italy, and moved to Israel as a teenager. He acquired the love for the English language from his father, a former U.S. soldier and WWII veteran, a voracious reader and a prolific writer. Kfir has a PhD in chemical engineering and works as a patent attorney. He lives in Omer, Israel, with his full-time partner, Esther, their four children, Michal, Lilach, Tamar and Yonatan, and the dog Elvis.

Novels: Crossing the Meadow (2003); The Odyssey Gene (2006); The Evelyn Project (2012); Have Book – Will Travel (2012 – with Yonatan Luzzatto); An Italian Obsession (2012).

Short Story Collections: His Darker Side (2002-2011); His Lighter Side (2002-2011).

Non-Fiction: The World of Patents (2002)

Contact links:

Website: www.kfirluzzatto.com.

Blog: on the website

Twitter: @KfirLuzzatto.

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/kfir.luzzatto.

LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/pub/kfir-luzzatto/23/659/981

Young Adult/Historical/General Fiction
Title:
An Italian Obsession
Author: Kfir Luzzatto
Date Published: 9/3/12

In the lax atmosphere of middle-class post-war Italy, sex and drugs are easy to come by. Roberto tries to find his own balance, but a crush he had for Alessandra in elementary school is reignited and the course of his life is changed forever.

It's the 1970’s, a time of political upheaval driven by disillusioned young people. Roberto is caught up in the times. He makes a new start, but his past catches up with him. Finding himself accused of a crime, he must defend himself even when he isn’t sure he committed it. A vivid snapshot of European post-war society, this novel is viewed through the eyes of a young adult coming of age.

Buy links: Amazon \ Barnes & Noble \ Smashwords

Saturday, February 23, 2013

'Desert Flower' by Angela Scott Book Tour & Review


Upper YA - Women's Fiction
Date Published: 1/21/2013

Bodies have a canny way of finding Samantha Jean Haggert—the first, the dead body of her mama; the second, a naked man in the middle of the Arizona desert. For Sam, dealing with one dead body in her lifetime is more than unfair. Two is downright cruel.

Seven years after running from West Virginia, Sam's now a young woman of nineteen, trying to put the pieces of her life together with the help of her family—Jacob, Boone, and Laura. But the naked man in the desert spirals her world out of control, resurrecting past hurts and revealing old secrets. It also pits against one another the two men who vie for her heart: Carson, her friend, her first kiss, and the one man who knows everything about her past and loves her despite it; and Turner, the stranger who knows nothing, but who excites and frustrates her all at once.

When bad choices made as a child lead to more bad choices as a young adult, Sam finds herself at a crossroads, forced to face her demons head-on if she plans to have any future at all—with Carson, with Turner, or with anyone. But fixing the wrongs of the past takes time, and learning to forgive one's self is damn near impossible.

Visit old friends in this harrowing sequel to Desert Rice, in which award-winning author Angela Scott brings back the characters so many readers have loved.

Read an excerpt:
I catapulted myself at Carson the moment he walked in the door—a wild, crazy woman. My fists pummeled his chest. He just stood there and accepted my onslaught of violence.

"You shouldn't have left me alone with her! You said you'd only be gone an hour!"

"Sam, I tried to hurry—"

I pushed him and then pushed him again. "You should have taken her with you!"

He dropped his armload of groceries on the floor and the broken eggs seeped through the brown paper bag. He took hold of me and shook me violently by the shoulders, as if that would snap me out of my insanity, but it only infuriated me further.

"Let go of me!"

"Not until you calm down!"

I struggled to free myself from his grasp, but Carson pinned me to the wall and held me there.

"Get your hands off me!" But he wouldn't release me.

"Knock it off, Sam! Settle down."

"Settle down! You left me here with her! You said she would sleep, but she didn't. She wouldn't stop crying. I didn't know what to do!"

"Maybe if you held her more and faked some interest in your own baby, then maybe you would!"

He released his hands from me as though I were poisonous, shook his head, and knelt to pick up the spilled groceries. Distaste and disappointment coated his face. He didn't like me any better than I liked myself.

"Hannah deserves better than this," he mumbled, something we both agreed on.

I lowered myself to the floor in a heap and wrapped my arms around my legs. "I'm sorry." Tears fell down my face. "I didn't know what to do. She just wouldn't stop crying. I'm sorry!"

His hands froze midway in their pursuit to clean up the mess at his feet, and he looked at me, really looked at me. "Where's the baby, Sam?"

**My Thoughts**

Desert Rice was one of the best books I read back in 2012. I knew a sequel was coming, so I couldn't wait to jump aboard this blog tour when it came to be. Sam's story had come to a satisfying close, but I still wanted to know that she was going to be okay. I worried about her, and what the lasting effects of all of her trauma would be.

Sam has come a long way in the past several years. But she still has a long way to go. She has never been able to come to terms with her rape and her mother's death. I honestly don't know how anyone could. She thinks that she is doing much better, but a chance encounter with a naked man in the desert serves to change her life even more. It also adds to all of the confusion that she already has in her life. Reading the book, I honestly wasn't sure which way I wanted her to go for a while.

In addition to her confusion between Carson and Turner, decisions that she made in her past have come back to bite her in the behind. She made decisions on her brother's behalf that she had no right to make. He finds out the truth, thus causing another rift in her life. Without giving away what happens, she encounters yet another severely traumatic event that contributes to another downward spiral. It's hard to know if she is ever going to come out of it.

Yet again, Sam has pulled at my heartstrings. I want to leap into the pages and find a way to protect her and to help her. But now she is an adult who needs to come to terms with a lot of things. I want to push her, the way that her parents push her, to guide her to finally fixing herself.

I know that Angela Scott has said that she thought this was going to be the end of the story. She ends it in a way that leaves a lot open to interpretation regarding the truth. It could go either way. At the same time, it could also be a way of leaving the story open for a third book. I wouldn't be opposed to reading even more about Sam. Just sayin'!


Buy links: Amazon \ Barnes & Noble \ iTunes


Author Bio:

I hear voices. Tiny fictional people sit on my shoulders and whisper their stories in my ear. Instead of medicating myself, I decided to pick up a pen, write down everything those voices tell me, and turn it into a book. I’m not crazy. I’m an author. For the most part, I write contemporary Young Adult novels. However, through a writing exercise that spiraled out of control, I found myself writing about zombies terrorizing the Wild Wild West—and loving it. My zombies don’t sparkle, and they definitely don’t cuddle. At least, I wouldn’t suggest it.

I live on the benches of the beautiful Wasatch Mountains with two lovely children, one teenager, and a very patient husband. I graduated from Utah State University with a B.A. degree in English, not because of my love for the written word, but because it was the only major that didn’t require math. I can’t spell, and grammar is my arch nemesis. But they gave me the degree, and there are no take backs.

As a child, I never sucked on a pacifier; I chewed on a pencil. I’ve been writing that long. It has only been the past few years that I’ve pursued it professionally, forged relationships with other like-minded individuals, and determined to make a career out of it.

You can subscribe and follow me on my website, where I blog obsessively about my writing process and post updates on my current works. I’m also on Twitter and Facebook, but be forewarned, I tweet and post more than a normal person.

Website: www.angelascottauthor.com

Twitter: @whimsywriting

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AngelaScottWriter

Interview with Angela Scott, author of 'Desert Flower'


Today I would like to welcome author Angela Scott back to the blog. I have been a huge fan of hers since I first read 'Desert Rice.' I also really liked her Zombie West series. Now, she is back to talk about 'Desert Flower,' the sequel to 'Desert Rice.' Thank you so much for stopping by!

What was the inspiration behind 'Desert Rice' and 'Desert Flower'? 

I don't know that I was so much inspired to write either of these two stories as I was forced to write these stories. I know that sounds totally weird, but I don't know how else to explain it. The character of Sam sat on my shoulder and whispered her story into my ear. I had never planned to write this kind of story, it just happened, bit by bit as she told me about her life and her past. As soon as I finished writing Desert Rice, she took hold of me again and begged me to write more of her life. That's how Desert Flower came to be. But I'm so glad Sam chose me to write her stories.

Will there be more books in this series?

When I finished writing Desert Flower I swore that would be the last book. She's an emotionally hard character to write about and it's tough. But...I've had several ideas come to me lately for a third book. A few readers have begged for another one, so who knows. Maybe there will be.

Which character spoke to you the most during the writing process?

Sam! Oh my gosh! She took hold of me and wouldn't let me go. I'd be folding laundry and she'd be right there doing everything in her power to get me back to my computer and back to writing her story. I think both books were written in less than a years worth of time because she refused to fade into the background.

Did you have to do any research for this series?

I did. I had to do research about the time period which is set in the late 80's early 90's. The research that was fun to do was when I went to a veterinarian office and asked several questions to see if certain things were even possible. (Sorry for the vagueness, but I don't want to give anything away). My local vet was wonderful in answering my questions. 


What other works do you have in progress?

Right now I'm in the process of writing the 3rd book in The Zombie West Series. It will most likely come out this Fall unless I can manage to write it quickly in the next month or two and get it ready to publish this Summer. Most likely the Fall. 

What are the best and worst parts about being a writer?

The best part of being a writer is when someone reads my book, gets it, and then lets me know how much they enjoyed my work. That is the greatest feeling. The worst is when I'm right in the middle of writer's block. When the ideas just won't come and my story is sitting at a stand still. 

What is one of the greatest moments you have had with a fan?

One of the best moments I had was when a fan write to me to tell me she bought one of my books but didn't get a chance to read it yet since her elderly father took hold of it and wouldn't put it down. He loved it. This older man loved my zombie western book, which surprised me since the story is written more for teenage girls. Her letter was hilarious and totally made my day. Zombies aren't just for young adults, even grandpas love it! :) 

You love your social media. I enjoy reading your posts. How do you fight the temptation to sit on Facebook all day instead of writing?

What do you mean not sit and do Facebook all day? I feel as though that's all I do :) I love Facebook and connecting with other writers and my fans. But yes, it can pull me in and then before I know it, my day is gone. I have to keep reminding myself that I have deadlines and my books won't write themselves. Sometimes I even tell my social media peeps to chastise me if they see me goofing around and not writing. That works great.

What are some of your favorite books and authors?

I really enjoyed the Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins. The next two books in her series, not as much, but they were still pretty good. I devoured them all. Some of my favorites have been Snow Child by Eowyn Ivey and Molokai by Alan Brennert. I also LOVED The Sex Lives of Cannibals which is a true account by J. Maarten Troost. You want a good laugh? Then read that one. So funny. 


Zombie Apocalypse! What do you do? 

Me? Well, I would most likely cry a lot and rock myself while huddling in a fetal position. I won't make it longer than 10 minutes as a human in a zombie infested world. But on the bright side...I will make one kickass zombie. I'm pretty sure I'll be awesome at it :) 


What is something readers may be surprised to learn about you?

Hmm...I'm pretty much an open book (ha,ha...pun intended). I guess some might not be aware that I talk in my sleep ALL THE TIME. It drives my poor husband nuts, but it just goes to show that my mind refuses to shut down even for a moment. 

Anything else you wish to add?

I just want to let my readers know how much I adore and appreciate them. Writing is a hard and sometimes lonely road. But to get a message or an email from a reader who enjoyed what I wrote, it makes it all worth while. I love my readers and I truly hope they know that :)

Author Bio:

I hear voices. Tiny fictional people sit on my shoulders and whisper their stories in my ear. Instead of medicating myself, I decided to pick up a pen, write down everything those voices tell me, and turn it into a book. I’m not crazy. I’m an author. For the most part, I write contemporary Young Adult novels. However, through a writing exercise that spiraled out of control, I found myself writing about zombies terrorizing the Wild Wild West—and loving it. My zombies don’t sparkle, and they definitely don’t cuddle. At least, I wouldn’t suggest it.

I live on the benches of the beautiful Wasatch Mountains with two lovely children, one teenager, and a very patient husband. I graduated from Utah State University with a B.A. degree in English, not because of my love for the written word, but because it was the only major that didn’t require math. I can’t spell, and grammar is my arch nemesis. But they gave me the degree, and there are no take backs.

As a child, I never sucked on a pacifier; I chewed on a pencil. I’ve been writing that long. It has only been the past few years that I’ve pursued it professionally, forged relationships with other like-minded individuals, and determined to make a career out of it.

You can subscribe and follow me on my website, where I blog obsessively about my writing process and post updates on my current works. I’m also on Twitter and Facebook, but be forewarned, I tweet and post more than a normal person.

Website: www.angelascottauthor.com

Twitter: @whimsywriting

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AngelaScottWriter

Check out 'Desert Flower' and all of Angela Scott's books on Amazon.

Friday, February 22, 2013

Interview with Charity Santiago, author of 'Return'


Today, I would like to welcome author Charity Santiago to the blog, and to thank her for taking some time to let us get to know her a little bit better.


Q: What was the inspiration behind 'Return'?

A: I first got the idea for 'Return' years ago, when I was caught outside during a storm. It was the middle of summer in Arizona- also known as monsoon season- and I was filling up my horse's water trough when it began raining. I stood there, watching raindrops drip from the brim of my baseball cap, and I was suddenly struck by how completely the storm had isolated me from the rest of the world. The melancholy feeling that came with being alone in the rain inspired the first chapter of 'Return,' and I tried to maintain that sense of loneliness and independence in the main character, Ashlyn, throughout the entire trilogy. Once I had the first draft of the opening chapter written, I started fleshing out an actual plot. Originally I was writing the story solely for my own entertainment, with no intention of publication, and as a result nothing was off-limits in my world. My husband likes to joke that I took everything I liked in fiction and threw it in one big pot to create the plot for 'Return.' He may be right. Where else are you going to find vampires, assassins, magic, shape-shifters, Angels and ninjas, all in one story? 

Q: A ninja isn't the kind of character we have been seeing lately in books. Why a ninja?

A: I wanted to write a heroine who was strong and capable without any kind of supernatural advantage. Ashlyn uses magic, but she can still deliver a beat-down with her bare hands. She has also managed to stay off the grid for the past three years, despite being a famous member of FLD, the rebel group who saved the sun. I knew she'd have to be pretty sneaky to pull that off! Once I knew she was a martial artist and had stealthy qualities, making her a ninja was pretty much a given.

Q: If you could have any kind of superpower or paranormal power, what would you choose?

A: In all honesty, if I could get my hands on the reveal stane from 'Return,' that would be superpower enough for me. I am constantly losing my keys, my phone and my wallet. I would love to have a special magic that could lead me straight to what I'm looking for.

Q: If you could be a character in any book, who would you be?

A: I would be Anne Elliott from Jane Austen's 'Persuasion.' There are so many things I love about that story, and that character in particular. There are actually a few similarities between Anne Elliott and Ashlyn, the heroine in 'Return.' They both walked away from their destiny, and they both regret it now, but neither of them are sure if they deserve a second chance. I love that Anne Elliott has such a quiet, self-contained strength about her. She's human and she has made mistakes, but she bears the burden of her past with grace and dignity.

Q: Your son had severe respiratory issues, which put him in the hospital, and led to you discovering the KDP program. How is he doing now?

A: He is doing fabulously- thanks so much for asking! About six months after his very frightening stay in the hospital, I resigned from my full-time job in the insurance/financial services industry and became a stay-at-home mom. His health has improved tremendously since then. He is now an active, adventurous two-year-old, and he warms my heart every day with his grit, courage and determination. He does face many struggles on a daily basis as a result of his biological mother's drug use during her pregnancy. Asthma is just one of those struggles. We are hoping and praying that as he grows older, his asthma will become easier to manage.

Q: You are pursuing a degree in education. What age and in what area are you interested in teaching? 

A: Initially I wanted to teach high school English, but living in a small town, my options for certification programs are somewhat limited! I'm hoping to teach older elementary students- fourth, fifth, or sixth grade, preferably. When I finish my degree and become certified, I'll be able to teach all elementary school subjects, but in a perfect world, I'd love to find a position teaching sixth grade English or Language Arts. Because this is such a small community, though, I have to be open-minded about my prospects. I'd be just as happy to teach first or second grade. 

Q: Why do you want to be a teacher?

There are so many reasons! I had a wake-up call when my son was in the hospital in 2011. I took a week off from work to stay with him- he was in the hospital for four days, and even after he was released, he was too ill to return to daycare, and required breathing treatments with a nebulizer every two hours. I couldn't believe it when my boss called me into her office and told me that for future incidents, I would need to find someone else to take care of my son, because she didn't want me taking leave from work when he was sick. At that point I realized that I'd spent years toiling in an industry I didn't believe in- an industry that didn't believe in me and didn't care about my personal life, even when my son was gravely ill. All they cared about was whether or not I was making money. 

Several months later, I resigned my job to stay home with my son and began soul-searching, trying to figure out what I wanted to do with my life. My first passion is writing, and obviously I'd love nothing more than to write books for a living. But if that doesn't pan out, then I definitely want a career that makes a positive difference in people's lives. Being a teacher would offer so many opportunities to change students' lives. I want a student to come into my classroom unsure of their abilities, and walk out with new confidence. Regardless of what grade I end up teaching, I'm most looking forward to sharing my love of writing with my students and getting them involved in the National Novel Writing Month Young Writers Program.

Q: What other kind of writing projects do you currently have in the works?

Now that the Lady of Toryn trilogy- of which 'Return' is the first installment- is complete, I'm working on a new paranormal romance series revolving around vampires and werewolves in modern-day North Dakota. The first book is called 'Blood Lust,' and it's about Eve, a 17-year-old girl who makes an unexpected romantic connection with a sexy, mysterious vampire named Jericho shortly before she is bitten by a werewolf. Eve's initiation into the werewolf pack obviously has an impact on her relationship with Jericho, and struggling to fit in to this new supernatural world isn't easy for her, either. 'Blood Lust' is coming out on April 12, 2013.

My other project right now is a new young adult fantasy trilogy set in Kresmir, the same world from 'Return.' Ashlyn and the rest of FLD will return to battle a new mystical foe. The new trilogy is called 'Battle for Cosmea,' and its first book, 'Stane of Nine Thousand,' has a projected release date of July 30, 2013.

Q: What is something readers may be surprised to learn about you?

A: I'm a total geek, and my husband is, too! We attend Phoenix Comicon every year, and last year I attended Dragon*Con in Atlanta, GA. I was able to attend a panel hosted by Laurell K. Hamilton and Sherrilyn Kenyon, among other prominent female fantasy authors. My dream someday is to have a booth at Phoenix Comicon where I can offer my books for sale, and maybe host a panel or two of my own.

Q: Anything else you would like to share?

A: Thanks so much for being such a gracious tour host. I appreciate you taking the time to listen to my rambling!
 
Author Bio
In February 2011, Charity Santiago's 7-month old son was admitted to the hospital with severe respiratory issues. While Charity stayed at his bedside, she kept them both entertained by downloading several books on her new Kindle and reading them out loud. It was during this time that Charity learned about Kindle's self-publishing program, and realized that she had an opportunity to share her writings with the world.

Charity is a native of southeastern Arizona, and a writer since childhood. She wrote her first manuscript, Guinea Pig Code!, at age nine. When she’s not writing books, Charity spends her time wrangling children, watching Sylvester Stallone movies and pursuing a degree in Education.


 
Title: Return
Author: Charity Santiago
Genre: YA Fantasy

For the last three years, eighteen-year-old Ashlyn Li has been running from her destiny. A free-spirited ninja, Ashlyn would rather loot an abandoned city or challenge a fiend to battle than assume leadership of Toryn, her father's kingdom. However, when a series of attacks reunites Ashlyn with the friends who helped her save the sun three years ago, she discovers that her kingdom is at war and her father has presumed her dead.

Suddenly Ashlyn is faced with not only fulfilling her birthright, but also making sense of her feelings towards two very different men- Drake Lockhart, the enigmatic vampire who captured her heart three years ago, and Vargo, the charismatic assassin who was once Ashlyn's sworn enemy.

Will Ashlyn ascend the pagoda and become Lady of Toryn?


Read an excerpt:

“You must be frustrated out of your mind."

"No," he said immediately. "I was there too. It hasn't been that long."

"I feel so heavy all the time," Ashlyn said. "It's like I can't breathe sometimes. Like I can't even move."

"Weight of the world," Skye replied. "It's a burden all leaders have to deal with."

"I'm not a natural-born leader."

"Leaders aren't born, Ash. They're made." He shook his head when she spoke again, stopping her mid-sentence with the gesture. "I wasn't a leader. I was just following Jax around, trying to help out where I could. And after he was…gone…I knew I had to step up because there was no one else.”

He stopped halfway across the bridge to the lab, and leaned against the railing, his expression grave. Ashlyn turned to face him and mimicked his relaxed pose, trying to look nonchalant.

Skye turned his face towards the rising sun, the first rays lighting his handsome features with a strange, tormented beauty. The illumination lasted for only a moment before clouds obscured the sunrise, and they were plunged into grayness again.

"The burden of saving the sun was bad enough," Skye said slowly, "but then to be pretending to be something I wasn't, constantly worried that people would find out I had no idea what I was doing…I almost snapped a couple of times. Stuck inside my mind and trapped by my own lies and insecurities. Tortured by my own failure."

Ashlyn stayed silent as it began to rain. Skye pushed away from the railing and started walking, and she followed quietly. In the back of her mind a little voice was asking why, what with Drake's speech and Restlyn's epiphany and Skye's current revelation, she wasn't having any clarifying moments of her own. Life just wasn't fair sometimes.

Amazon buy link: http://amzn.to/15zMwO6

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Thursday, February 21, 2013

'Saving Casey' by Liza O'Connor Book Tour & Review

Title: Saving Casey
Author: Liza O'Connor
Genre: YA, Suspense, Coming of Age, Sweet Romance,
Publisher: Decadent Publishing
Format: Ebook
Length: 63,700 words

Book Description:

Having been diagnosed with cancer, Cass Goldman decides to opt out of any futile medical care and end her life. While she has some thoughts on afterlife, she never expects to reincarnate into the body of a seventeen-year-old girl named Casey Davidson.

When she awakens in a hospital, Cass discovers two disturbing facts: One, she is now inside the body of a troubled teenager, and two, the former owner of this body committed suicide, but only Cass knows that. Everyone else believes Casey has survived, but suffered a complete memory loss. Cass has two choices: to take on Casey’s life and turn it around, or to confess the truth about her reincarnation and end up in a mental asylum. Given this second chance to life, Cass decides to take on the future life of Casey—the frightening ghoul-faced teen with short, black, spiky hair.

Every person around Cass has an ulterior motive and discovering the truth of Old Casey’s life is more complicated than the “new math” she is forced to learn in school. In addition, Cass has to contend with raging teenage hormones and the prior crimes of Old Casey, which she might not remember, but everyone else certainly does. However, her biggest frustration concerns her feelings for her father’s rugged security specialist who sees her only as a teenager and doesn’t want to explore the mutual attraction between them.

Will her second chance at life prove to be worth the struggles she has to overcome?

Excerpt:
Upon settling down on the toilet, Cass noticed the floor to ceiling mirror facing her and screamed at the sight of the creature within it. Short black hair spouted about its head, black circles surrounded both eyes and fell like triangular knives down the cheeks. Black lips, stretched in horror as if in a nightmare. Pulling up her pants, she moved closer to the mirror.
She was a ghoul, an honest to God ghoul!
The door crashed open and her father stared at her, fear and panic clear in his eyes.
She touched her face. “Please tell me these aren’t permanent.”
His panic remained a second longer as her words filtered into his brain and then he pulled her into his arms. “Don’t worry, we will get them removed—if you want to…”
“If? Oh, I definitely want them removed,” she said.
How can I turn around my life if I look like the walking dead from a low-grade monster movie?


**My thoughts**

This book really grabbed my attention from the beginning and I had a hard time putting it down. 80 year-old Cass feels like she has lived her life and doesn't want to have that life dragged out with chemotherapy and lots of pain. She takes the "easy way out" and commits suicide. Only, she wakes up in the body of a seventeen year-old who had tried to do the same thing. She quickly realizes that she is now Casey and has to conform to being this girl. Of course, she cannot remember anything that happened to her before, because those are Casey's memories. An amnesia claim serves her well and she quickly strives to show everyone that she has changed. She is determined to save this young girl.

Cass does a lot of research about Casey, which is easy via the Internet, because of the family's socialite status. What she finds out is horrifying. While she is in the middle of the research, I am a little surprised that she didn't take a side trip quickly to look up her former self. I think I would have definitely been grabbed by Casey's story, but a small part of me would have been a little curious about what happened after my former self had passed away. I kept waiting for her to do that, and then quickly get back to the task at hand. Perhaps that would have been too much of a rabbit trail, depending on how it was done.

The lengths that some people will go to in order to cover up something as horrible as what had happened to Casey astonishes me. Yes, this is a fiction story, but people do this in real life, too. I felt bad for Cass as she tries to sort it all out and tries to figure out whom she can trust. I seemed to get upset with the proper people all the way through. My gut didn't quite pick up on all of the bad guys, though, or at least their roles.

I really liked this book. I don't often say it, but I would even love to see this play out on the big screen. I think it could make for a good movie. But you would have to promise to read the book first. :-)

Purchase: Bonobookstore | Amazon | B&N |

About the Author:

I live in Denville, NJ with my dog, Jess. We hike in fabulous woods every day, rain or shine, sleet or snow. Having an adventurous nature, I learned to fly small cessnas in NJ, hang-glide in New Zealand, kayak in Pennsylvania, ski in New York, scuba dive with great white sharks in Australia, dig up dinosaur bones in Montana, sky dive in Indiana, and raft a class four river in Tasmania. I’m an avid gardener, amateur photographer, and dabbler in watercolors and graphic arts. Yet through my entire life, my first love has and always will be writing novels. I love to create interesting characters, set them loose, and scribe what happens.

Website/Blog | Twitter @Liza0Connor | Facebook | Facebook Author Page |

Decadent Publishing


For more information about Decadent Publishing authors, books, and their submissions guidelines, visit www.decadentpublishing.com.
Decadent Publishing is current accepting submissions in all sub-genres of romance, including their ongoing series.

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