Lauren Oliver Philippines Book Signing Event!

I know it's really late but I've been hold up with all the school stuff so I'm going to post this now and tell you about my experience in meeting Lauren Oliver, the New York Times Bestselling Author of Before I Fall.

Hmm how do I start this...

The moment National Bookstore announced that they'll be bringing Lauren Oliver in the Philippines for a Book Signing I was literally excited! I've read Delirium last year when it was released and I love it, like really really love it and now that the second book (Pandemonium) is released and the author is going to have a signing here I was excited to meet her!

(taken from National Bookstore Facebook Page)

The signing was held at Powerbooks Greenbelt 4 and can I just say how jam packed the event is? here's a picture courtesy of National Bookstore.

(taken from National Bookstore Facebook Page)

The event started a little bit late but we were there early because we didn't want to get late for the registration which started at 1pm. It was worth the wait, I even got to meet Kai @ Amaterasu Reads, Precious @ Fragments of Life, Louisse @ The Soul Sisters and Dea @ Teen Readers Diary.

( Me, Precious, Kai and Dea)

The event started and Lauren answers some questions regarding Delirium, Pandemonium, Before I Fall, Liesl and Po and a future book! I really wished that National Bookstore would upload the video of the Interview but until now I haven't seen any... though Kai @ Amaterasu Reads did some live tweeting of the event so here are some of her tweets!

If you cannot be inspired by the world you live in, then you're not paying attention. - @OliverBooks
— Kai A (@amaterasureads) March 25, 2012

Write as much as you can until it becomes a habit. - @OliverBooks
— Kai A (@amaterasureads) March 25, 2012

You cannot be a good writer if you're not a good reader. -@OliverBooks
— Kai A (@amaterasureads) March 25, 2012

Lauren's new YA realistic fic book is called 'Panic', w/c is like Before I Fall on the wrong side of the tracks! #LaurenOliverBookSigning
— Kai A (@amaterasureads) March 25, 2012

Crowd laughed. Alex will never be played by Justin Bieber! #LaurenOliverBookSigning
— Kai A (@amaterasureads) March 25, 2012

Requiem will be told in 2 points of view. Lena and someone else! I wonder who... #LaurenOliverBookSigning
— Kai A (@amaterasureads) March 25, 2012

Now tell me you're not excited with Panic? and for some additional info Lauren said that on the way to the signing she was reading the script for Delirium! So are we expecting some casting news soon? Well I hope so...

(Lauren signing books c/o Jayjay)

The event was really great and had so much fun, it was a first time experience and I definitely had a great time. Big Thanks to National Bookstore and Powerbooks for organizing this event! I do hope you get to bring Cassandra Clare next or even Suzanne Collins! haha well we can all hope!

Lauren left a little message for her Filipino fans!

I do hope she comes back for Requiem!

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[Cover Reveal] Water by Shauna Granger

Today I reveal you the Cover of the Third Book of The Elemental Series by Shauna Granger.

Cover was designed by Stephanie Mooney.

SYNOPSIS

Shayna's first surfing session of the summer is interrupted by the screams of a mother who has lost her little boy in the water. Without regard to her own safety, Shayna swims out, rescues the boy, but must escape the clutches of something far worse than she could have ever imagined – mermaids.

Compelled to answer the sirens' call, the boys of Shayna's town are drawn to the sea, but when they return are afflicted by an unknown illness, a sickness which is draining them of their life force. Unable to tell anyone about the mermaids, Shayna and her friends are forced to solve the mystery before it's too late, and in doing so, Shayna will finally have to face the full force of her powers. Whether she’s ready or not, she will have to face her true nature.

This is a YA Urban Fantasy by Shuna Granger! If you haven't checked the series out make sure you do!

 

The Book Blog Tour will run July 23-27, 2012. Review blogs that fit the age group and genre interested in participating in the tour may sign-up here.

WHERE TO FIND THE AUTHOR

Shauna Granger's Blog

Facebook: Shauna Granger

Twitter: @dyingechoes

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[Blog Tour] Pure by Jennifer L. Armentrout #PureTourJLA

 

Today is a very exciting day! I'm posting Seth's Point of view on Half Blood where he sees Alex for the first time! Now if you've read Half Blood I'm sure you'll be excited to read this! Without further a do I bring you Seth's POV!

            Bored out of my ever-loving mind, I stared at the backs of the Council Guards and wondered for what was probably the thousandth time, how in the world did I end up in this speck of island. I was the Apollyon, not a damn babysitter, but here I was, guarding the prissiest Minister I’d ever seen.

            If the man flicked his wrist at a Guard one more time, I was going to break it.  

            I had no idea why I’d been summoned to do this.

            There were daimons to hunt down and kill. Pures to monitor and make sure they were behaving. Girls to chase…

            But I was stuck on an island about the size of my foot. The ocean smelled of seagulls and feet. There were way too many mortals close by and classes weren’t even in session. Pickings would be slim, if nonexistent…

            Minister Lucian halted. Like a domino effect, all those Guards came to abrupt stop, confused by why they weren’t heading into the main Covenant building. Their gazes bounced off one another like distressed little hamsters.

            I didn’t even fight the grin.

            “Seth?” Minster Lucian looked at me over his shoulder. “You will join me in the Dean’s office.”

            Doing my best to feigned interest, I nodded and wondered if I’d get to hit something in the Dean’s office or if they’d be showing a movie…

            There was a pause and something shone in the Minister’s obsidian gaze. “My stepdaughter will be there…”

            Is she hot? That’s what I wanted to ask.

            “She can be a bit… incorrigible, but you may find her of interest,” he said, then turned and started walking.

            If she was hot and down for some fun, then I’d probably find her of interest, but as I watched the Minister and his Guards head into the Covenant, I wondered if this was some kind of twisted Match.com? If so, I was not going to be happy about that.

            Muttering under my breath, I followed them into the large building. The Covenants may look different from the outside, but they all looked the same from inside. Statues of gods, a lot of pures that looked like brooms were stuck where the sun didn’t shine, servants, and a slew of half-bloods.

            But the moment one foot stepped inside the cool building and the shadow of the Muses fell over me, unease blossomed in my stomach. Something… something wasn’t right here. I couldn’t quite place what it was, but I knew.

            At once, the marks of the Apollyon started to tingle. Power hummed over my skin, sudden and inexplicable. Tiny hairs on my arms rose as the marks started to prick and burn, not painfully but different…The cord snapped alive in me, in the center of my being. Akasha flared to the tips of my fingers and for the first time I thought I’d lose control and zap some hapless half gawking at me. And they were staring, because they knew, just like the pures did, what I was.

            Something… someone was different.

            I knew it in my core.

            My eyes skipped over the identical faces—all of them awed, of course—as I followed behind the caravan of self-importance. There was a tall bronze-haired boy and another that was blond beside him. I almost skipped over her—almost.

            She stood beside the blond, shorter than the rest of the halfs lined up. Abnormally short for a half-blood—barely five and half feet if I had to guess, and her long, brown hair was pulled back in a ponytail except for one strand that had slipped free.

            This girl—this half-blood was trying not to look at me, doing everything in her power to deny the urge, but she couldn’t deny it. None of them could.

            Her chin lifted and our eyes locked.

            I was caught off guard, as if I should know her somehow—did know her, but I didn’t, because I remember that face anywhere. What she lacked in height, she surely made up for in the looks department.

            She was beautiful in odd way.  Like one of those poisonous exotic flowers.

            Round face with high cheekbones, eyes wide set and incredibly large and lips… yeah, she had great lips. 

            Then she sucked in a harsh gasp, her skin visibly paling.

            At first I didn’t understand why and then I felt them—the marks of Apollyon bleeding across my skin, itching down my arms, and then spreading like wildfire. They tingled as they swirled, making signs of all-powerful words.

            Gods. That had never happened before. I didn’t know why they were going crazy, but it was such a raw and primitive reaction and there was nothing I could do to stop them. And it had something to do with this girl. What, I didn’t know, but they were reacting to her.

            For an instant, I almost thought she saw them, but that was impossible. No one other than the Apollyon could see the marks and there were only one Apollyon per generation.

            When I passed her by, I let out the breath I hadn’t realized I was holding. What the hell just happened? I fought the urge to look over my shoulder as we left the lobby. It was harder than I imagined and that more than ticked me off.

            She was just a girl—a half-blood.

            And I was the Apollyon.

            My eyes lifted from the back of the Guards and met the Minister’s. He smiled in a secretive way, and I knew that moment, that the unease I had felt when I first entered the lobby had something to do with the Minister… and something to do with the girl waiting back in the lobby.

ABOUT THE BOOK

PURE BY JENNIFER L. ARMENTROUT

There is need. And then there is Fate...

Being destined to become some kind of supernatural electrical outlet isn't exactly awesome--especially when Alexandria's "other half" is everywhere she goes. Seth's in her training room, outside her classes, and keeps showing up in her bedroom--so not cool. Their connection does have some benefits, like staving off her nightmares of the tragic showdown with her mother, but it has no effect on what Alex feels for the forbidden, pure-blooded Aiden. Or what he will do--and sacrifice--for her.

When daimons infiltrate the Covenants and attack students, the gods send furies--lesser gods determined to eradicate any threat to the Covenants and to the gods, and that includes the Apollyon... and Alex. And if that and hordes of aether-sucking monsters didn't blow bad enough, a mysterious threat seems willing to do anything to neutralize Seth, even if that means forcing Alex into servitude... or killing her.

When the gods are involved, some decisions can never, ever be undone.

So what can you say about Seth's POV? Tell us about it in the comments!

If you want to know more about Jennifer Armentrout's works you can visit her in the following sites:

Official Website | Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

Thank you Valerie @ Stuck In Books for including us in the tour.
You can see the full list of participants here!

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The Hunger Games Advance Premiere!

Before I start telling you about this wonderful experience, I would like to thanks the sponsor of this event mainly JackTV and National Book Store. This even won't be possible without them so Thank You so much!

Tuesday when National Book Store posted a Twitter contest to win two passes for The Hunger Games Advance Premiere. The instructions were simple you just need to tweet this sentence "#NBSHGtix I want to watch The Hunger Games by @NBSalert." and tag along some of your twitter friends. I was excited to join when I did, I owned it for sure! I just want to say sorry for those I spammed on Twitter! I intended to win, thank goodness I didn't get bombarded with angry tweets. I'm sure you guys would understand! It's The Hunger Games tickets at stake!

When the winner was announced I was jumping with joy cause I won! and so I won two tickets for the premiere which led me and my classmate to Glorietta to watch the premiere! (which was an adventure since I believe its our first time going there)

See how ecstatic we are when we claimed the tickets!

While claiming the tickets I believe I saw where Lauren Oliver will be doing her Private Lunch Party!

They were preparing the venue already yay!

The premiere starts at 7:30PM but we got there early to claim the tickets, we stroll around Glorietta and did more picture taking :)

See how jam-packed the lines are!

My reaction after watching the movie? 

I was completely freakin out... I cannot breath! I was absolutely satisfied with the whole movie. Gary Ross's direction was really great. I just have some problems with the camera movement at first but it didn't hinder me in liking the whole movie. I love the book and this movie adaptation nailed it. Kudos to the whole Lionsgate team for bringing this book alive in the big screen. I love the fact that it stayed loyal to the book, meaning that it was close to the book I didn't quite see any difference actually but it was delivered perfectly!

Jennifer Lawrence as Katniss Everdeen was phenomenal, she did an awesome job portraying Girl on Fire! She was fierce she captured every emotion that was needed for the part. I have to be honest I doubted her skills if she could pull off the role but I was stunned after watching her play Katniss.

This might sound horrible but don't hate me for this... I don't like Liam Hemsworth being Gale! I guess we all have different Gale in our minds while reading the book and to be honest Liam Hemsworth was not in my list while reading The Hunger Games. But like everybody is saying it was played well despise the fact that it was a minor role. I think I did hear some audience saying "His expressions were all the same" which I totally agree since he has a minimum exposure. I believe he still have many things to improve in terms of acting but movie wise it was played well. The movie can't go on without a Gale and I believe that the casting director see Gale in him thats why he got the role.

Josh Hutcherson as Peeta Mellark was an superb, I also have some reservations for him but after watching the movie I just fell in love with him. He was a charmer, and was perfect to be Peeta! He did it well along with Jennifer Lawrence. Their rapport on screen is undeniably good, I was happy with their team-up. It was a surprise since it's my first time seeing Hutcherson in a movie since I haven't seen any of his works.

Great characters cannot go on without great casts, The Tributes, President Snow, Seneca Crane, Cinna, Effie! It was a blast, the movie has got to be the movie event of the year. If  you haven't read the book I believe the movie will satisfy you. If you are one of the people who has read the book and is contemplating to watch the movie I say you don't! The movie adaptation stick to the original plot. If you haven't watch it I say you do.

Happy Hunger Games and may the odds be forever in your favor!

It was a great experience watching the Advance Premiere and this won't be possible without National Book Store~  Thank you very much! 

Our next event would be Lauren Oliver's Signing, happening this Sunday @ Powerbooks Greenbelt 4. If you're a Filipino Book Blogger/Reader who's going to the signing see you there!

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[Review] Mayfair Moon by J.A. Redmerski

Mayfair Moon
by J.A. Redmerski
Publication Date: February 6, 2012
Published by:
Source: from Author
Summary:

After a nightmarish encounter with a werewolf, seventeen-year-old Adria Dawson loses her sister, but gains the love of a mysterious young man and his legendary family.

Strange and tragic things begin to happen in the small town of Hallowell, Maine: residents come down with an unexplainable ‘illness’ and some disappear. In the midst of everything, Isaac Mayfair is adamant about keeping Adria safe, even from her sister whom he has warned her to stay away from.

As unspeakable secrets unfold all around Adria, impossible choices become hers to bear. Ultimately, no matter what path she takes, her life and the lives of those she loves will be in peril. As she learns about the werewolf world she also learns why her place in it will change the destinies of many.

REVIEW

Mayfair Moon has left me at awe and raising my eye brows at times. But it’s safe to say that I enjoyed it to the fullest.

I hope I’m not spoiling you but this book is about werewolves, which I think is very obvious on the title and especially the synopsis. I don’t usually read the synopsis of a book I’m reading; I think it tends to spoil the readers sometimes. As for this book, the synopsis is just a giveaway.

Why do I suggest that you read Mayfair Moon?

First, it’s about werewolves.
Here you go Team Jacob! Well not exactly. But I think Isaac can pass the standard. I have a little kiss quote for you to decide.

“Isaac took me possessively into a kiss.
He enveloped in his arms, his lips pressed against mine so devotedly that it made me mad for him. The warmth of his arms, the smell of his skin, the taste of him; combined, it sent me over the edge. I pressed myself even further against his chest, my lips becoming heavier upon his own the longer he held me there. It was like a dream and I never wanted to wake up from it.”

Second, the appealing story!
The story is unique; as far as the story goes I think it made justice to the whole werewolf thing and stuff. I rarely read any werewolf book so don’t judge me. The story appealed mostly because the plot was really interesting. I love the twist and turn of the story.

Third would be the characters.
Adria the main character of the story is straight forward and cares for who she love. She has a strong personality, much more if her family is at stake. I basically love her character because she has a trait that I think everyone should have. Isaac, the swoon worthy wolf boy! Love me some Isaac please! I think I’ve said enough.

If it’s so great why give 5 stars?
I tried to shrug it off but I think the inner fan girl of the author is showing. I did read some of actors/tv series reference. The likes of Ian Somerhalder, Taylor Kitsch, Supernatural and Jared Padalecki which I think the author likes? There were vague moments that I didn’t quite understand. There were too many characters! I can’t count how many a wolf pack may be but having them all introduced in one scene is really like a head-spin for me. If you read this quote I guess you’d understand.

““Including Isaac,” she said, “eight… no nine! I forgot about Daisy, Xavier’s twin sister. She’s usually up in her room and not down there with the drama.”
I looked at her questioningly
…
This is all so much to take in at once.”

There was a twilight feel while introducing the Mayfairs. I mean you transfer to a new place, new life, new school and new friends and then suddenly a mysterious family comes by. This is Bella choosing Jacob. One fourth of the book, the plot are still unclear. The plot is slow moving but the story sounds really interesting so I kept on reading. But there are parts of the book where you just skim.

Overall this book is really good. If you love werewolves, this book is for you! I was really amazed by how the story was told and I suggest that you read it. Are you a fan of werewolf themed books? If you do then this book won’t be a disappointment. If you don’t then I think it’s safe to start with Mayfair Moon!

RATINGS

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

I'm a Contemporary Fantasy and YA writer - author of THE MAYFAIR MOON and DIRTY EDEN. I'm a mother, werewolf & zombie fanatic, book addict and a happy hermit obsessed with the Universe. Oh, and AMC's "The Walking Dead".

I started my first novel at the age of thirteen and have been writing something ever since. Generally, I love characters in life and on paper. I pay attention to people, especially those whose personalities make them different from the rest of us: the drug addict roaming the Laundromat that talks to himself, the young, inattentive mother in the park with the meanest kid on the playground - (the entire cast of 'Swamp People') - characters fascinate me and I hope that it shows in my literary work.

Some authors that inspire me are Neil Gaiman, Cormac McCarthy, David Moody, Philippa Gregory, Max Brooks, Anne Rice, J.K. Rowling, Richard Matheson, William R. Forstchen, Carrie Ryan, Stephenie Meyer and Lisa Smedman.

Also, almost more than anything I love nature and this beautiful planet that I live on. I just wish everyone else did too....

Official Website | Twitter | Goodreads

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[Blog Tour] Until Next Time by Amy Lignor

A Bestseller Always Begins with a Best Friend!

There are thousands of books out there on writing techniques, character building and ‘how-to’ guides covering everything that should come out of your imagination. After being an editor in this industry for around twenty years, and a writer for the same, I have to tell you the one ‘solid’ piece of advice that should be given is that all of this comes from YOU. YOUR characters, YOUR plot - this is YOUR work of art, so nothing you do is actually wrong. I can ‘feel’ the shaking heads right now. But I’m not talking about grammar, margin width, spacing, paragraphs, or POV’s; I am talking about the core, the gist of what YOU are trying to say.

With The Write Companion I have received books that are not grammatically correct. I have seen many where the quotation marks are nonexistent and even where the POV’s change so rapidly you wonder who on earth is speaking at the time, BUT the characters were so intriguing that the book, itself, was an A+. It just needed to go through that ‘cleaning up’ process. And even Stephen King goes through that after all these years, so I wouldn’t get overly upset about it. That’s what the editorial world is for.

To me, characters are the most important facet of a book. I love the hideous, bone-chilling bad guy, or the sweet princess who’s about to become the warrior princess because of the battles she’s up against. I love the strong, independent women like J.D. Robb’s, Eve Dallas, and I also love the wit and charm of Sherlock Holmes. Why? Because these characters have a voice. They literally jump off the page and become a reader’s new ‘best friend.’

YOU are the tale-teller. YOU are the person who must ‘live’ with the characters you create, and any reader who picks up that book is going to know if YOU care about them. I knew that Jane Austen loved Mr. Darcy. That was a man who was sincerely a pain in the proverbial corset, yet he was also masking the deepest love that a man could hold for a woman. Was he based on someone? Perhaps. Or, he could’ve been one of those amazing characters that was imbedded in Austen’s imagination who she wanted to be real. Either way, the reader knew that Austen cared so much for him and Pride and Prejudice that it’s still being heralded (and copied) in 2012.

I know that Harry Potter is J.K. Rowling’s friend and confidant. She wanted a hero and the YA world needed one - Harry Potter was it. Why has it become the biggest seller of all time? Simple. The reader felt all of the emotions that the author had for her characters. They could ‘see’ the castles, dragons, giants - and the world of Hogwarts became a place we wanted to go.

As an author, when your mind begins that formulation of a friend, hero, heroine, or bad guy - you are the one telling their story to the world. Character development is finding each and very facet of the people you love, despise and honor, and this is your mission when you sit in front of that computer. Of course the plot is necessary, and you must follow the rules and make sure everything is ‘clean’ before it heads out to those agents. But when you’re alone and it’s just you and your Mr. Darcy or Harry Potter, that is YOUR time. It’s all up to you to find a way to show the reader how much you care about these people. And trust me, when you gift the world with that new best friend, the response from readers will be absolutely phenomenal!

Until Next Time, Everybody.
Amy

ABOUT THE BOOK

Until Next Time: The Angel Chronicles, Book 1 Summary

How does a girl choose between the one who steals her heart and the one who owns her soul?

Matt and Emily were created for a specific job. Raised and trained as the ultimate angel/warrior team, they are sent down to save, defend, judge and forgive, depending on the 'life' they've been assigned. What they don't realize is that the power of human emotions, such as love, anger, passion and fear can take over even the best of souls, causing them to make mistakes and follow paths that lead to confusion and heartache.

When the reason for their training is finally revealed, the angel/warrior team find themselves thrust into a world they know nothing about. Matt takes over the life of Daniel, a young man with a great deal of baggage. Emily becomes Liz, a girl living in a remote village who relies on nothing more than her own strength to survive. A violent storm erupts one night, and framed in the window of Liz's establishment is a frightening face. Let in by the soul of a Good Samaritan, the two visitors bring with them a past full of secrets that could literally change an angel's path and a warrior's plans.

From murder to redemption, this angel/warrior team must find a way to keep the faith they have in each other in a world that's ripping them apart.

AVAILABLE IN: KINDLE, NOOK, IBOOKSTORE, SMASHWORDS, PDF

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Amy Lignor began her career at Grey House Publishing in northwest Connecticut where she was the Editor-in-Chief of numerous educational and business directories.

Now she is a published author of several works of fiction. The Billy the Kid historical The Heart of a Legend; the thriller, Mind Made; and the adventure novel, Tallent & Lowery 13.

She is also the owner of The Write Companion, a company that offers help and support to writers through a full range of editorial services from proofreading and copyediting to ghostwriting and research. As the daughter of a research librarian, she is also an active book reviewer.

Currently, she lives with her daughter, mother and a rambunctious German Shepherd named Reuben, in the beautiful state of New Mexico.

Official Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Blog

Angel Chronicles Website | Angel Chronicles Facebook | Until Next Time Goodreads

Tribute Books

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Facebook Blog Tour Page

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Open for Advertisement!

WE ARE NOW OPEN FOR ADVERTISEMENT!

VIA

I recently got accepted on blogads and we are now offering advertisement!

Currently offering Premium and Sidebar ads. I hope you could consider buying an ad because it can help us for throwing future giveaways for you!

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Amazon Bargains #5

I got some Amazon Bargains for you again guys! This one is EPIC! We have City of Fallen Angels and Clockwork Angel 60% off and some other titles including with 60% off on their prices!












We got some Vampire Academy Books with 60% off! now if y our a fan of the series you may want to check out these Hardcover Bargains! and did I say that we have Vampire Academy Signature Edition? YES we do!

Visit my Amazon Store for more Bargains Books

here

Visit Amazon's Book of the Month Site

We are in partner with Amazon Associates, by purchasing via the button links above you are helping me throw future International Giveaways FOR YOU!

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[Cover Reveal] Quintana of Charyn by Melina Marchetta

SQUEEEEEE! NOW LOOK AT THIS BEAUTIFUL COVER!

The third book in the world of Lumatere. Set three weeks after the ending of Froi of the Exiles.

This is beyond words! January when I first started the Lumatere Chronicles Series and I was just literally speechless by it! No I haven't done any review Finnikin of the Rock, because of the fact that it was beyond words on how beautifully written the book is. I have yet to read the second book  Froi of Exiles but I'm really excited to read and know what happens next! and with the cover reveal of the third book it just made me super excited! Finnikin of the Rock is my first book ever read by multi-awarded writer Melina Marchetta, If you haven't read anything by her, you are definitely missing a lot! The book hits Australian shelves this October.

Are you a Marchetta Fan? What do you think of the cover? Have you read the series? Have you read anything by Melina Marchetta?

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[Orangeberry Book Tours] Past Lives #1: Rachel by Stephanie Abbott

What are your best and worst memories from adolescence?

By Rachel Macready

Okay, jumping right in:

Age 12: Won a $100 prize for my watercolor of a Victorian lady. Even as a kid I was always sketching vintage-style images, steampunk devices and weird panoramas. I guess long before the car crash that changed everything, my subconscious was stealing trips back to my past life as Cassandra Masters.

Age 14: A week before summer vacation, I started hearing voices. Just rustling whispers, mostly. I Googled “hearing voices” and the result scared me silly. So I didn’t tell anyone, I just kept to myself, hiding out in my room as they got louder and louder. Then Mom and Dad had one of their knock-down drag-out fights. Either they didn’t realize all that screaming carried through the walls, or after God knows how many cocktails, they didn’t care. Dad said, “You think I want to stay?”  And Mom said, “Then take Rachel and go!  You can both drop dead for all I care!”

As the saying goes, hindsight is 20/20. Now I know my telepathy was manifesting; I wasn’t going nuts, just developing a sixth sense. And when I overheard that argument, I reached out instinctively for the first time. Instantly I knew Dad was bluffing; he wanted to stay married, he just wanted things to change. I also knew Mom meant every word.  

When I woke the next morning, I wasn’t hearing voices anymore. The whole episode felt like a bad dream. Later I convinced myself the stuff about sensing my parents’ emotional states was just teen hysteria. But now I know it was real. And the trauma of that first telepathic contact almost left me dormant and powerless for life.

Age 15:  After a summer of rebelling and pushing the envelope as much as I could (sneak-drinking, “borrowing” my dad’s car, slipping into a nightclub and getting my butt tossed out) I met a girl at a party and made out with her until we were both too breathless and scared to continue.

Age 18:  My cousin and best friend Brannon tried to commit suicide. Well, she didn’t try very hard. She took a bunch of pills, washed them down with Budweiser and called me right after. I made it to her house in five minutes flat and she was already puking it all up. Not that anyone was there to see, or care. Her dad had just died. Her mom split years before. Nobody there but Brannon, feeling like a freak because of her own gifts – clairvoyance and precognition. We stayed up all night talking, and what might have been one of my worst memories slowly turned to one of the best. Who I am today was influenced by many factors. My past life as Cassandra Masters. My parents. A love of adrenaline highs and skating on the edge. But that scare with Brannon taught me that nothing influences me more, or matters more, than my friends.

 

Who is Rachel Macready? She is the main character in Stephanie Abbott’s latest novella, Past Lives #1 Rachel. A near-fatal car crash unlocks memories from Rachel’s past life, dredging up secrets taken to the grave. And even as Rachel discovers the hidden power that is her birthright, she finds herself drawn to the reincarnates of two very different men. In that past life, both loved her. One might even have loved her to death... 

 

About the author - Stephanie Abbott is the face behind the popular pseudonym, S.A. Reid. Well-known for her “real and likeable characters”, she also writes  paranormal fiction (a new series titled Past Lives is currently being penned), fantasy, and sci-fi. Additionally, she also pens cozy mysteries as Emma Jameson.

Buy Now @ Amazon 

Genre - Science Fiction & Fantasy / Mystery
Rating - PG13
More details about the author & the book
View the trailer for this book

Connect with Stephanie Abbott on Twitter
Website http://stephanieabbottbooks.com/

Check out where this author will be talking about her latest release!

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[Blog Tour] The Weeping by O'dell Hutchison Review + Character Interview

The Weeping
by O'dell Hutchison
Publication Date: March 6, 2012
Published  by: H,C & B Publishing
Source: Jodie of HCB Publishing
Summary:

Twenty years ago, Catherine Whitley was the victim of a horrible crime. Betrayed by her friends, including the boy she loved, she was left to die when the Rock Harbor Opera House caught fire, taking a disturbing secret with her to her grave.

Seventeen-year-old Heath Ingram was driving the night his Jeep careened off the road, killing three of his closest friends. Once a popular, outgoing athlete, Heath now suffers from severe depression and crippling anxiety. His parents decide to send him to stay with his uncle in Rock Harbor, Oregon for the summer, praying that by getting away he will be able to put this awful tragedy behind him.

When Heath starts working at the newly renovated Rock Harbor Opera House, he meets Molly, a young dancer who awakens in him a desire to start over and move on. But, when he begins having visions of a half-burned girl in a white dress, he starts to think he may be slipping even further over the edge.

As the apparent hauntings become more intense, Heath begins to fear for his safety. With the help of his friend Josie, Heath discovers an unsettling secret that ties the mysterious girl to both their families. When two of their friends die unexpectedly, Josie and Heath realize that something, or someone, is after the children of those who wronged Catherine, and they are next.

REVIEW

The Weeping by O'Dell Hutchison is a very surprising read, I never thought I would like this book to be honest because the prologue didn’t do much justice for me but then when I started reading the first chapter it’s a done deal. I think O’dell has this perspective to haunt his readers and I just want to say that it was delivered completely! I was utterly scared which doesn’t normally happens to me while reading a book. The book was written in a male’s POV and I find it good, I think Hutchison did a great job writing it. The transition of the book was also a great plus, it’s not slow and not that fast. I find it passive that I think every reader will enjoy. In terms of the story, oh man I just love it! It has the twist and turns that you won’t be expecting or rather it was gradually plotted that you won’t even guess it until it hits you at the very end. The writing style for me was just fluid, it has the consistency that I’m looking for in a book. But one thing I just notice that the author uses the word “stumble” in a repetitive way which I find annoying.

Heath the protagonist is what I can say a very disturbed person at the start but gradually became the character that he is. The story opens up with Heath having mental problems. He just went through a traumatic experience which caused him to be limp and have anxiety attacks. He blames himself for the death of his friends. He went to Rock Harbor to have a breath of fresh air, his parents thinking that it might help him recover. He joined the helps his Uncle Vic to open the opera house but little did he know it is being haunted by Catherine Whitley. He started to hear voices that only he can hear; he dreams of a woman and sleepwalks at night. He didn’t know that Catherine was connected to his father and thus Catherine haunting him for this. The story unfolds with Heath wanting to know what his connection with Catherine is and what his father has to do with Catherine’s death. All the supporting character seems very likeable and contributed to make the whole story. I just found “Jag” very annoying which I think the author made justice since to this very annoying character.

Cover wise it looks good… but I don’t think I’ll buy this book at first glance. I do look at the cover of the book when I buy them so far I’m not really into this cover though after reading the book I think I knew the inspiration behind it.

Overall the book was a just a big surprise with the twist and turns that will hit you right when it was revealed. If you have the taste for mystery I dearly recommend you this book. You are in for a good fright on this book. The author made it clear that he intends his reader to be scared right on the very beginning and he did an awesome job doing it. I was just kind of disappointed with the end. You know that thing when a story climaxed and you want a good ending? Well I was left hanging! I really wanted more but I guess it’s the ending that the author wanted. I suggest this for you to read because it was a great read, it was thoroughly enjoyable. Make sure to read it because it’s worth the shot.

RATINGS

BOOK TRAILER

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

O'Dell Hutchison was born in a small rural town in Idaho. After attending college in the Pacific northwest, he found his way to the Houston area in 1997. He currently lives in Katy, TX with his dog, Gia. By day, he is a Business Systems Analyst. In his free time, he tries (and fails) to work out regularly and eat healthy. He also acts and directs at various theaters around Houston.

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INTERVIEW WITH MOLLY

Hi Molly! Thank you for dropping by here at We Fancy Books and allowing us to do an Interview with you.

Hi there. This is kind of cool, I’ve never been interviewed before. Thanks for having me!

First off, how are you doing today?

I’m really tired right now. I’m in rehearsals for Chicago. We open in a few days, and we’ve been rehearsing eight to ten hours a day. It’s crazy.

Can you give us a little background about you?

Well, let’s see. I’m from Portland, OR. My parents died when I was a sophomore, so I live with my grandmother. I just graduated high school, and I plan to attend Oregon State in the fall.

How is it going with you and Heath lately?

It’s okay. *blushing*

Wait, how did you know about that? Did Patrice say something? I swear that girl can’t keep her mouth shut. I’m going to have to talk to her about this. Heath’s cool. He seems like a nice guy. Do you like him? If so what qualities do you like about him?

Describe Heath in Three words.

Kind

Broken

Hopeful

What do you think Heath feels about you?

I honestly don’t know. I’ve only known him a week or so. We’ve hung out a few times. I want to think there’s an interest there; I’m just not sure. He’s kind of detached, ya know?

What made you realize that you love to be on stage?

I was in a production of Oliver when I was eight. I played one of the orphans. It was so much fun. Singing. Dancing. I loved it so much my mom put me in dance and singing lessons.

Who or What inspired you to be a dancer?

My mom and dad used to take me to New York every year around Thanksgiving and we would see tons of Broadway shows. I knew after seeing the first show that I wanted to be on stage.

If you’re given a chance to work with Heath on a Play, what do you think is the perfect role for him and you? What story or play would it be?

Well, I tend to gravitate toward musicals, though I have done quite a few straight plays. Vic, Heath’s uncle, is the owner of the theater I’m working at this summer and he’s asked me to audition for the next show which is Our Town. It’s a classic. I’m hoping to be cast as Emily. I’d love for Heath to audition and play George, but he refuses. He says he doesn’t act. (He’s a sports guy). I think it would be awesome to play Mimi in RENT and for Heath to play Roger. I don’t know if he can sing, though.

I heard that Rock Harbor Theater is hunted by the ghost of Catherine. Do you believe in ghosts?

Ya know, I’d heard that a girl died there when the old Rock Harbor Opera House burned down. I just figured all of the talk about a ghost was just a rumor. I mean, it’s been twenty years. But, last night something happened that totally changed my mind. There’s definitely something there.

Is there anything you like to add? Please do invite our readers to read The Weeping.

Thank you so much for having me. This was tons of fun. I hope everyone checks out The Weeping when it comes out on March 6! It’s a heck of a ride.

Bye!

I received a review copy from HCB Publishing for a blog tour and it has affected my review in any way.

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