Waiting on Wednesday (85)

Waiting for Wednesday was started by Jill at Breaking the Spine.

My pick this week is:

*BE AWARE THIS IS THE SECOND BOOK IN THE SECRET SOCIETY SERIES. SPOILERS ARE PRESENT IN THE SUMMARY*

The Trust by Tom Dolby

Who can you trust when everything is secrets and lies?


It’s a new semester at the Chadwick School, and even with the ankh tattoos that brand them, Phoebe, Nick, Lauren, and Patch are hoping for a fresh start. Each day, however, they are reminded of their membership as new Conscripts in the Society. The secret group that promised to help them achieve their every dream has instead turned their lives into a nightmare.

Exclusive membership lost its luster as the Society revealed its agenda to them, and two of their classmates were found dead. Now they can’t help but wonder: who’s next? While they search for the elusive truth about the Society, the Conscripts are forced to face their darkest fear—that they truly can’t get out.

Will Nick and Phoebe’s new relationship endure this strain? Can Patch and Nick’s longtime friendship survive the truth that will come to light? The deceptions of the group’s leaders, once trusted friends, and family will test these four as they fight to leave the Society behind.

The Trust, Tom Dolby’s sequel to Secret Society, is an alluring glimpse behind the facade of a life of entitlement, where secrets aren’t merely fun—they’re deadly. (Summary/Cover Image taken from Author's website)

I've been dying to read this one since I read the first one back in July of last year, so I'm hoping this one will  be just as great, and from reading the summary I have high hopes it will!

The Trust will be released February 1, 2011!

Winners + Alyx Harvey Contest Info!

Hey, everyone! I hope you're having a great Tuesday! Anyhow, as promised, here are all the winners for the different contests that have ended over the past few weeks.

A Golden Web by Barbara Quick:

Jana

Deception by Lee Nichols:

Sandy

Claire De Lune by Christine Johnson:

Aik
Cindy Woolard
Diane
Katelyn (The Bookshelf Sophisticate)
Katie B

Nice and Mean Blog Tour Contest:

Leslie G

Congrats everyone! I hope you all enjoy whichever book you have won!

Didn't win? Well, you can always buy your own copy or enter one of my other contests above. Perhaps your name will be on the winner's list next time! :)

~~~

Also, Walker Book and Alyx Harvey have teamed up for a very awesome contest.

All the info is below:

To get the word out about Alyx Harvey, author of Hearts at Stake and the upcoming Blood Feud (Book 2 - June 22nd) and Out for Blood (Book 3 - December 2010), Bloomsbury/Walker Books are creating a “Get to Know Alyx Harvey” video. In the video, Alyx will give a tour of her haunted farmhouse and maybe answer a question from YOU!

What you need to do: Submit a question for Alyx Harvey along with your name and hometown to kate.lied@bloomsburyusa.com by Monday, July 5th, 2010.

Why?: If your question is chosen, it will be answered by Alyx in the video and your name and hometown will appear as well! Look for the video after September 1st on www.thedrakechronicles.com to see if you are a winner! PLUS everyone who submits a question will receive an exclusive sneak peak of Out for Blood!

I hope some of you submit a question!

~ Lauren

The Ghost and the Goth by Stacey Kade

Summary from Amazon:

After a close encounter with a bus, Alona Dare goes from homecoming queen to Queen of the Dead. She’s stuck as a ghost in the land of the living with no sign of a “big, bright light” to take her to a better place. To make matters worse, the only person who might be able to help her is Will Killian, a total loser. More than anything, Will wishes he didn’t have the rare ability to communicate with the dead, especially the former mean girl of Groundsboro High. He’s not filling out any volunteer forms to help her cross to the other side, though it would bring him some welcome peace and quiet. Can they get over their mutual distrust—and quasi attraction—to work together? Readers of this spirited paranormal comedy won’t want this odd couple ever to part.

Review:

First off I have to say that I love, love, love the cover of this one! Since for one, it reminds me of summer, a season that I wish would just get here already (I'm writing this review in early days of spring); and for two, the two people on the front definitely look like what I imagined Alona and Will to look like, which is cool.

Anyway, getting to the review aspect of this, I'm not really sure to what to say about this one. Since on one side I really enjoyed it, but on the other I've seen stories done before like this and done better. So pretty much I'll say that The Ghost and the Goth was a solid good read, but far from being a rock-your-socks excellent book that you simply can't get enough of. Though, with saying that, The Ghost and the Goth was overall a fun filled and hilarious look at what happens when you mix a ghost and a Goth together!

The characters were ones that took a while to like, but once you got past the first half of the book they kept becoming more and more likable and finally characters that I ended up loving even with the bad sides to them. Alona at first was someone who while was intriguing because of the past she would only tell slight clues about, she was stuck up and full off herself, but as mentioned above, once I got past the negative parts of her character, she become someone that I admired for her snark and her willingness to help Will. Will I pretty much I always liked, but their were still aspects of him that got on my nerves.

At first look the premise of The Ghost and the Goth sounds fabulous and while it was, the execution wasn't nearly up to par as I would've liked it to have been. Since tied together with a slightly awkward beginning that I felt was trying to hard to be cool and a slow pace for the first half, I have to admit I was a wee bit disappointed. Luckily, as I got further in, everything feel into place and made The Ghost and The Goth a pretty decent read, and showed that Stacy Kade has promise!

And the ending! Oh, how I'm dying to read the sequel now!

Overall, The Ghost and the Goth was overall a fun filled and hilarious look at what happens when you mix a ghost and a Goth together! And while The Ghost and the Goth does have some negative points, it's still a read I highly suggest you pick up just because of the mild half, which was great, and the promise that it showed that this series will turn into something brilliant!
 
Grade: B-

The Ghost and the Goth will be released July 6, 2010.

Source: Publicist at Hyperion. Thanks Hallie, you never cease to send me great books!

Forget You by Jennifer Echols

Summary/Cover Image from Publisher's Website:

WHY CAN’T YOU CHOOSE WHAT YOU FORGET . . . AND WHAT YOU REMEMBER?

There’s a lot Zoey would like to forget. Like how her father has knocked up his twenty-four- year old girlfriend. Like Zoey’s fear that the whole town will find out about her mom’s nervous breakdown. Like darkly handsome bad boy Doug taunting her at school. Feeling like her life is about to become a complete mess, Zoey fights back the only way she knows how, using her famous attention to detail to make sure she’s the perfect daughter, the perfect student, and the perfect girlfriend to ultra-popular football player Brandon.

But then Zoey is in a car crash, and the next day there’s one thing she can’t remember at all—the entire night before. Did she go parking with Brandon, like she planned? And if so, why does it seem like Brandon is avoiding her? And why is Doug—of all people— suddenly acting as if something significant happened between the two of them? Zoey dimly remembers Doug pulling her from the wreck, but he keeps referring to what happened that night as if it was more, and it terrifies Zoey to admit how much is a blank to her. Controlled, meticulous Zoey is quickly losing her grip on the all-important details of her life—a life that seems strangely empty of Brandon, and strangely full of Doug.

Review:

Not to pick favorites or anything but Going Too Far was by far one of my favorite books last year, along with The Ex-Games, and since Ms. Echols was behind these spectaculars, it's basically a given to say she was one of my favorite authors last year as well. So when the chance to read Forget You came up, I jumped at, though really who wouldn't? I mean this is Jennifer Echols we're talking about.

And while Forget You proved to be one addicting, emotional, and romantic read, I feel that it didn't even come close to topping or being at the same level of the Jennifer's previous books because of a couple different reasons.

From the first page the reader is thrown into the life of Zoey, a girl who appears to have everything together at the surface but in all sincerity really doesn't. Zoey was a character I had a hard time liking for most of the book, which is something that usually doesn't happen to me and one of the main reasons this went down a grade. I think the main reason for this occurring was the choices Zoey made. I hate to say some of her choices were stupid, though when it came to the accident, her mother, and her relationship with Doug/Brandon they were. For example, for most of the book her excuse for everything Doug related was "Brandon's my boyfriend, so I just can't be with you even though I want to!", which I just found ridiculous, since not only did Brandon only appear once or twice but it was obvious he was using her, so it just caused a lot of frustration on my part. Though, I do admit that when she started getting some more sense, I started liking her a lot more, thankfully. Doug, on the other had, was another story completely. He was always cute, romantic, sensibly, and just all around the perfect male protagonist to be crushing on. And his relationship with Zoey? One word: adorable!

The plot of this was compellable, making this book one I had a hard time putting down for even a second. I loved the idea of how Zoey could not remember a thing from the accident, since it caused a whole lot of tension and intrigue the whole book as I was wondering 'What exactly did happen that night?' Also, it was interesting to see how Zoey dealt with her mother's suicide attempt and how she came to terms with it. And I'm sure it's given to say Ms. Echols writing was fablous since it always is.

In all, while I did have a few problems with Forget You, it's still one romanctic and sweet book with a lot of depth that I higly suggest you pick up. And will I be reading more by Echols even though this one didn't quite hit the spot? Of couse!

Grade: B

Forget You will be released July 20, 2010!

Source: Around The World Tours

In My Mailbox: Week 77

In My Mailbox was started by The Story Siren.

If you hadn't noticed from my lack of commenting on others' blogs and email replying, I was away for the past week on vacation in North Carolina to be exact. (Miss me? ;) I not only had a fantastic time but got a lot of reading done as well, so lookout for a bunch of reviews coming up soon. Anyway, when I got home I had a stack of packages waiting to be opened, which is always great sight, no? :) What was in those packages is below...

For Review:

Cum Laude by Cecily von Ziegesar (Cecily's Gossip Girl/The It Girl series are the perfect guilty pleasures, so I'm hoping this one will be the same. Thanks Hyperion!)

Tyger Tyger (Goblin Wars, #1) by Kersten Hamilton (Surprise book from Clairion Books, and I have to say it was a great one, since I can't wait to read it! Thanks Clairion/Jenny!)

The Ivy by Lauren Kunze and Rina Onur x2 (I somehow got two copies of this, so do you know what that means? GIVEAWAY soon! Thanks HarperTeen!)

Theodosia and the Eyes of Horus (Theodosia Throckmorton, Book #3) by R.L. LaFevers (Another surprise book but this time from Houghton Mifflin Books. I don't think I'll be reading it though (so giveaway possible for this as well) because it's not really my spped and this is book #3 and I haven't read the first two. Thanks HMBC!)

The Basilisk's Lair (Nathaniel Fludd, Beastologist, Book #2) (Another surprise book from Houghton Mifflin Books. Again, I probably won't read it because it's not my speed, and I haven't read the first one, so possibly giveaway for this one as well soon. Thanks HMBC!)

In all, great yet small week, which I'm thankful for because I already have several books for review that I need to read ASAP. Though enough about me, what did you get this week? Anything fab or similar to my stash? Let me know below. :)

Also, contest winners will be posted very soon! Sorry for the delay.

Something Happened by Greg Logsted

Summary/Cover Image from Publisher's Website:

"All around me I see people laughing, joking, and walking around with these huge, goofy smiles plastered on their faces. I've begun to wonder how they do it, and more important, will I ever be able to be like that again?"

Five months after his dad's unexpected death, Billy Romero is still struggling with the loss. Billy's mom spends more time talking to her Bluetooth than to him, and his best friend, Ziggy, just doesn't get it. There's no one who understands how alone Billy feels...except his new English teacher, the young and beautiful Miss Gate.

Miss Gate offers support and friendship, even giving Billy extra help with his writing outside of school. Billy isn't really sure how he feels about spending so much time with his teacher. It's a little weird, but it's also kind of exciting that someone like Miss Gate wants to hang out with him. But the closer they get, the more Billy wonders what kind of friendship this really is....

Review:

Something Happened has been sitting in my TBR pile for ages now, and I'm not really sure why that is, since I always find this subject matter (teachers crossing over the line between right and wrong with a student) to be interesting, and I'm a big fan of Greg's wife's books (Lauren Baratz-Logsted). Though, sadly enough, when I recently did give this book a chance I wasn't impressed, since, in all sincerity, when I think of Something Happened the only word that truly comes to mind is mediocre; not rock-my-socks amazing or I-want-to-burn-this book-bad, just bland, something I can manage reading, since I find it decent enough.

Though, first of, let's start of the parts I did like. One, would be the characters, especially Billy. Billy is someone that my heart truly went out to, since I can only manage how awful it must be to have a dead parent, especially one you were close to, and the feeling that no one you know truly understand what you're going through. Billy's letters to his dad were often my favorite part of this book, because they were poignant in a way that touched me, since in them the reader gets to see Billy without his guard up and how truly lonely, sad, and angry of a kid he is. I also liked the touch of romance Something Happened had between Billy and Amy; it was innocent and cute, perfect for younger spectrum of YA readers, in my opinion; and I liked how Billy reached out to another kid in his grade feeling the loss of someone close to them as well. In addition to this, Something Happened is an easy read and never became boring.

To me, things started to go badly in this novel when Miss Gate came into the picture and tried to pursue a relationship with Billy. It was not that she did this exactly, since this is what the whole book is set up on, but the way it was executed. It was believable, I'll say that, but it took a long time to build up, then was rushed, and given one lackluster, sudden resolution.

And given the short length of this novel, other characters, such as Billy's friends, mother, and therapist, were never fleshed out enough for my liking, along with other plot events that were either rushed or forgotten about. Though, with saying that, I still thought Logsted's writing was well-done in a way that makes me want to try one of his other books sometime.

In all, Something Happened is a novel I would suggest passing up, because it's never close enough to make it truly wroth the reader's time, though if you would still like to read, consider picking it from the library before hand. Who knows? Maybe you'll end up enjoying it a lot; I know others have.

Grade: C-

Something Happened is now out!

Source: Author. Thanks, Greg!

The Poison Diaries by Maryrose Wood

Summary/Cover Image from Publisher's Website:

In the right dose, everything is a poison. Even love . . . Jessamine Luxton has lived all her sixteen years in an isolated cottage near Alnwick Castle, with little company apart from the plants in her garden. Her father, Thomas, a feared and respected apothecary, has taught her much about the incredible powers of plants: that even the most innocent-looking weed can cure -- or kill. When Jessamine begins to fall in love with a mysterious boy who claims to communicate with plants, she is drawn into the dangerous world of the poison garden in a way she never could have imagined ...

Review:

Ever since I first heard about The Poison Diaries I've been looking forward to reading it, since the cover is stunning, even more so in person; the premise seemed to be something new and unique; and the setting seemed like it would be one to provide beautiful descriptions, ones that would make the reader wish they were right there with the characters. Luckily, it was all of those things and more, making this one novel I flew right through and am eagerly awaiting the next additions for.

The Poison Diaries is almost like nothing I read before because of many reasons. For one, the premise blew me away. I loved the idea of a boy being able to communicate with flowers and how each one had their own voice, desires, and were considered either good or poison. And the facts that the poisons had a leader, who could make everything go awry, to the fact that even Jessamine's old, gentle father, had poison, dire poison to be exact, growing in him as well. Adding this to one sweet but forbiddon romance between Weed and Jessamine, The Poison Diaries is one book that I'm sure many will consider to be elegant beauty, just like that of one of those alluring but dangerous flowers in the poison garden.

In addition to the premise, I liked the characters a lot. Jessamine is a simple and sweet girl, one that dreams of a life of friendship and love, and she receives both when the brooding, mysterious, and handsome Weed arrives. I actually enjoyed reading Weed's parts more than Jessamine's because he gave an interesting look into the world of plants, one that never proved to be dull.

The writing of this was never something too extraordiany nor made the story jump of the page, but with the premise and characters I liked, it wasn't the biggest of deals. Lastly, I  had a bit of a problem with the beginnging because it was a bit hard to get into and boring but after the first few chapters it left quite the opposite effect.

In all, Maryrose Wood suceeds in making The Poison Diaries a winner in my eyes, and I'm hoping that come it's July release date many others will agree with that statement.

Grade: B+

The Poison Diaries will be released July 20, 2010.

Source: Publicist at HarperTeen

Book Trailer:

Chasing Brooklyn by Lisa Schroeder

Summary/Cover Image from Publisher's Website:

Restless souls and empty hearts...

Brooklyn can't sleep. Her boyfriend, Lucca, died only a year ago, and now her friend Gabe has just died of an overdose. Every time she closes her eyes, Gabe's ghost is there waiting for her. She has no idea what he wants or why it isn't Lucca visiting her dreams.

Nico can't stop. He's always running, trying to escape the pain of losing his brother, Lucca. But when Lucca's ghost begins leaving messages, telling Nico to help Brooklyn, emotions come crashing to the surface.

As the nightmares escalate and the messages become relentless, Nico reaches out to Brooklyn. But neither of them can admit that they're being haunted. Until they learn to let each other in, not one soul will be able to rest.

Review:

Behind Ellen Hopkin's excellent verse novels, it's given to know that Lisa Schroeder is the person to go to after that for one heart-wrenching, emotional-ridden book that takes your breath away with every page. And Chasing Brooklyn? It was no different, of course. Actually, it was perhaps my favorite Schroeder book to date.

From the first page the reader is thrown into the lives of Nico and Brooklyn one year after the death of Lucca, Nico's brother and best friend and Brooklyn's boyfriend; the guy both always felt would be there forever. Both are dealing with it in there own ways; Brooklyn writes letters to him everyday and attempts to appear okay on the outside, while on the inside a different story is told; Nico, on the other hand, throws himself into training for a triathlon, which is the only time he feels like everything is okay. Soon enough both are thrown together after a string of events, and discover there's more than meets the eye to each.

Through the way Chasing Brooklyn is told, the reader always feels like they are right there with Nico and Brooklyn as they go through each day, since whether it's the verse or Schroeder's writing, there's a way it always manages to feel like Lisa digs in deep to her characters, giving the reader such a personal look into a person. One of the most enjoyable and interesting aspects of Chasing Brooklyn was seeing how Nico and Brooklyn's relationship turned from nothing but a link to a dead person to something a lot more, something that both couldn't live without. Adding to this, it was fun to see a follow up to a past character from Schroeder's I Heart You, You Haunt Me, because it gives the message that no matter what drastic event occurs, there's always a second chance to still go back to normal while still remembering.

The plot of this moved quite fast, and when added with the way Chasing Brooklyn is told, this is one story that can easily be read in one sitting  needs to read in one sitting. Also, I'm not sure about others, but I always love the way Schroeder adds in ghosts to the story and how she makes them come in to play, since it gives this novel something most don't have.

In all, Chasing Brooklyn is one gem of a novel, one that I can't hep but want everyone to pick up, along with Schroeder's previous novels becasue they are just that fantastic.

Grade: B+

Chasing Brooklyn is now out!

Source: 1 ARC Tours

Waiting on Wednesday (83+84)

Waiting on Wednesday was started by Jill at Breaking the Spine.

Since I missed WOW last week I thought I would pick two books this week. So my picks are:

 Enchanted Ivy by Sarah Beth Durst

What Lily Carter wants most in the world is to attend Princeton University just like her grandfather. When she finally visits the campus, Grandpa surprises her: She has been selected to take the top-secret Legacy Test. Passing means automatic acceptance to Princeton. Sweet!

Lily's test is to find the Ivy Key. But what is she looking for? Where does she start? As she searches, Lily is joined by Tye, a cute college boy with orange and black hair who says he's her guard. That's weird. But things get seriously strange when a gargoyle talks to her. He tells her that there are two Princetons—the ordinary one and a magical one—and the Key opens the gate between them. But there are more secrets that surround Lily. Worse secrets.

When Lily enters the magical Princeton, she uncovers old betrayals and new dangers, and a chance at her dream becomes a fight for her life. Soon Lily is caught in a power struggle between two worlds, with her family at its center. In a place where Knights slay monsters, boys are were-tigers, and dragons might be out for blood, Lily will need all of her ingenuity and courage—and a little magic—to unite the worlds and unlock the secrets of her past and her future. (Summer/Cover Image taken from publisher's website.)

I loved Sarah's previous novel, Ice, so I'm hoping that this one will be just as amazing! I mean, seriously, dosen't it sound amazing? I love the idea of two Princetons- a magacial and ordinary!

 

Enchanted Ivy will be released October 12, 2010!
 

Orchards by Kate Thomspon

After a classmate commits suicide, Kana Goldberg—a half-Japanese, half-Jewish American—wonders who is responsible. She and her cliquey friends said some thoughtless things to the girl. Hoping that Kana will reflect on her behavior, her parents pack her off to her mother's ancestral home in Japan for the summer. There Kana spends hours under the hot sun tending to her family's mikan orange groves.

Kana's mixed heritage makes it hard to fit in at first, especially under the critical eye of her traditional grandmother, who has never accepted Kana's father. But as the summer unfolds, Kana gets to know her relatives, Japan, and village culture, and she begins to process the pain and guilt she feels about the tragedy back home. Then news about a friend sends her world spinning out of orbit all over again.

This one sounds interesteting as well! I don't think I ever read a book that takes place in Japan, so I'm looking forward to seeing how the author uses the setting to her benfeit. Plus I adore the cover!

 

Orchards will be released February 22, 2011.

 

So...what are YOU waiting for on this lovely wednesday day? Any of the ones before? Something differnt? Let me know below. :)

Blog Tour: Quick Q and A with Alice Kuipers and Contest!

Alice Kuipers is the award-winning author of Life on The Refrigerator Door and the newly released Lost for Words. Today, she's here on Lauren's Crammed Bookshelf, answering a few of my questions about the book. Also be sure to check out the contest below!

~~~

In your opinion, what are the top three reasons why teens or even adults should consider buying Lost for Words the next time they see it in stores or online?

Wow, this is a hard question! Not because I don't love the book, but because it means I have to try and market it which is way outside of my experience! But, okay, I'll try:

Lost For Words talks about real family dynamics in the face of real tragedy. Reason One To Read It: It's vivid and true.

It's a book for anyone who sometimes doesn't know what to say. It's about the space between words and experience. It's about being lost and being found. Reason Two To Read It: It's about things that matter to you.

It's a great story about a great character (I love her!) who you as a reader will root for as she stumbles through the drama of her life. Reason Three To Read It: You'll want to know what happens to Sophie as soon as you open the first page.

Lost for Words is told from the viewpoint of Sophie, so can you tell us about her? Also, if you could offer her any advice what would you say?

Although Sophie insists that she's fine, she's feeling shaky and sick and is overwhelmed by memories of a day she'd rather forget. She is vulnerable yet tough; strong yet damaged; brave yet frightened. My advice to her at the beginning of the novel would be that it's okay not to be alright. That there's nothing wrong with being vulnerable and fightened sometimes - especially after what she's been through.

Lost for Words is written in diary format, so what made you choose to tell the story in that way?

Lost For Words was a hard story to write. I struggled to find the right way to tell it. I wanted the novel to be in fragments, like Sophie herself, but it was my editor who said, why don't you date the fragments? I was freed up when she said that - a diary is the perfect way to get to the heart of a character. It made sense to me.

What were you like when you were Sophie's age? Were you similar to Sophie in any ways?

There are elements about Sophie that remind me of myself. Her interest in poetry, her attraction to the wrong guy, her frustration with her mother are all things I went through. But Sophie has to deal with something way outside of my experience and so any similarities between us are made different because of what Sophie is going through. She's much braver than me.

Do you have a favourite line or scene from Lost for Words? If so, would you mind sharing or telling us about it?

I have lots of favourite lines and scenes from the novel, but one of my favourite scenes is the party at Abigails where Dan appears out of the shadows upstairs. He's wrong in every way for Sophie, but she can't help herself because when she's with him, she forgets. It's the worst way to deal with her problems, but that doesn't mean it wasn't fun to write.

~~

Thanks, Alice! I'm really looking forward to reading Lost for Words. To find out more about Alice and her books, be sure to check out her website and her author page at HarperCollins.

Now, the part you've all been waiting for... the contest!

HarperCollins has been amazing enough to offer up THREE copies of Lost for Words for me to giveaway.

To enter, please fill out the following form, and as with any contest, there are rules. Here they are:

~ Must be 13 or older to enter.
~ Open to participants with a United States mailing address only. Also, no P.O. Boxes, please.  (international readers can enter if they have a friend in the States who can accept their prizes by mail).
~ Don't comment below to enter or you will not be entered!
~ This contest will close on July 5 with the winner being announced July 6 or 7.

Firelight by Sophie Jordan

Summary/Cover Image from Publisher's Website:

A hidden truth.

Mortal enemies.

Doomed love.

Marked as special at an early age, Jacinda knows her every move is watched. But she longs for freedom to make her own choices. When she breaks the most sacred tenet among her kind, she nearly pays with her life. Until a beautiful stranger saves her. A stranger who was sent to hunt those like her. For Jacinda is a draki—a descendant of dragons whose greatest defense is her secret ability to shift into human form.

Forced to flee into the mortal world with her family, Jacinda struggles to adapt to her new surroundings. The only bright light is Will. Gorgeous, elusive Will who stirs her inner draki to life. Although she is irresistibly drawn to him, Jacinda knows Will's dark secret: He and his family are hunters. She should avoid him at all costs. But her inner draki is slowly slipping away—if it dies she will be left as a human forever. She'll do anything to prevent that. Even if it means getting closer to her most dangerous enemy.

Mythical powers and breathtaking romance ignite in this story of a girl who defies all expectations and whose love crosses an ancient divide.

Review:

I've been dying to read Firelight for what seems like forever, since the cover was stunning with a capital S and the premise seemed to be nothing but intriguing and unique. I mean dragons? I'm there for sure. Thankfully, Firelight proved to be one book that was basically the definition of un-put-a-down-able!

Firelight goes far and beyond to please readers with several different aspects, varying from a sweet romance to actions scenes that were always able to pack a punch to interesting dragon lore to likable and strong characters.

Jacinda, Firelight's main character, is a girl who's facing quite a decent amount of dilemmas. She's leaving the place she's called home her whole life to go to a desert, a place that is the exact opposite of what a draki like her should live in; she's learning disturbing and scary secrets about her parents and the people she always considered to be her family; and she's falling for Will, a guy who's no good for her but still makes her feel alive in ways she hasn't felt in a long time. This all left for Jacinda's life to be a complicated mess yet an addicting blast to read about. I'm sure it's a given to say I liked Jacinda from the start, since that's how it usually is between me and main characters. Jacinda was spunky, strong, and just all around great person, even though she did tend to make some idiotic yet understandable decisions at times. I loved reading about her about her relationship with Will, (who was yet another hot and sweet addition to the great male characters of YA) because it had the Romeo and Juliet type feel I adore.
 
Further more, the plot of this made the story addicting as implied before. I enjoyed the dragon/draki aspect since it was something not only fresh and new but wonderfully executed. Lastly, Jordan's writing was also a key point, though it did feel a bit awkward at the beginning.
 
In all, Firelight is a great beginning to a series that I'm sure will be a favorite of mine given more books and time, and a book that you should definitely be adding to your must-reads list for Fall 2010, since I'm sure you'll love it! Though, word of warning, the ending of it will have you eager to read the next addition ASAP!
 
Grade: A+ 

Firelight will be relesased September 7, 2010!

Source: Around The World Tour

Zen and Xander Undone by Amy Kathleen Ryan

Summary/Cover Image from Publisher's Website:

Zen and Xander are sisters—truly, madly, deeply sisters, and this is their last summer together.

Zen is the "good" girl with a black belt in karate and a newfound penchant for kicking heads. Xander is a wild scientific genius with a self-destructive streak a light-year long. They have three things in common: they’re brown-eyed blondes, they’ve noticed the boy next door has turned into a hottie, and they miss their mom, who died almost a year ago.
 
These sisters are surviving just fine—except Zen keeps getting into fights that are harder and harder to finish, while Xander spirals into a vortex of late-night parties, scary men, and drugs. What’s worse, Xander has scholarships to the most coveted universities in the country, but she’s about to ruin everything. Should Zen keep trying to protect Xander, or finally let her go?

Review:
 
I've been looking forward to reading Zen and Xander Undone for quite a while, so when I finally did receive a copy I was jumping-up-and-down ecstatic, which never is exactly a pretty picture. ;)  Sadly, while there are good parts to Zen and Xander Undone, it left me feeling utterly disappointed at the end.
 
Zen and Xander Undone tells the tale of two sisters who are best friends. Xander is the wild and wickedly smart one, though ever since the death of their mother, she's been on a downward spiral to the life of partying too hard with alcohol, drugs, and sex, much to the dismay of Zen and their other best friend, Adam. Zen, on the other hand, is dealing with the death of their mother quietly, taking up karate to relax and talking to her mother in her head.
 
Don't get me wrong, the characters were decent and somewhat likable, but one of the reasons for me feeling disappointed about this novel was the characters. I never really felt emotionally connected or even  a strong liking to either Zen and Xander, since I felt that their tale was a clichéd one that never really brought anything new to the table. Though, I really did like two of the secondary characters in this novel. Those two? Paul, Zen's love interested who was way too wise and cool for his age, and Adam, Xander's love interest who was sweet. Sadly, neither really had too many big moments.
 
The plot was entertaining and had dry humor to it that I enjoyed, but as said before it never really brought anything new to the table. Though it still was a good enough read for a rainy day in the summer. One of my favorite parts of the plot was the add-on of the mystery revolving Zen and Xander's mother's younger years. I felt it was paced well and the resolution to it well done.
 
I also liked how the author addressed the subject of grieving in this, showing that everyone has their own methods of it, and that you should never really judge one's over the other, since to that person that's the only way there is to help.
 
In all, Zen and Xander Undone is an okay novel that did have it's moments, though not one I really suggest you running how to purchase. Instead maybe you should pick it up at the library. But who knows, maybe you'll see the light in it I didn't. And the only question remaining: Will I be reading more by Amy Kathleen Ryan? Well, I do have another one of her books in my TBR pile so probably.
 
Grade: C-
 
Zen and Xander Undone is now out.

Source: Publisher. Thanks Houghton Mifflin Court!

In My Mailbox: Week 76

In My Mailbox was started by The Story Siren.

For Review:

Grace by Elizabeth Scott (A surprise from Penguin. All I'll say- I'm so excited, I'm so excited, I'm so excited! ;)

The White Horse Trick by Kate Thompson

The Replacement by Brenna Yovanoff (Another awesome surprise from Penguin!)

Virals by Kathy Reichs (Again, a surprise from Penugin, and I'm looking forward to reading it as well.)

Sapphique (Incarceron, #2) (Surprise from Penguin. I haven't read the first one yet (though I do own it), so I'm looking forward to reading both this summer.)

Of Witches and Warlocks by Lacey Weatherford

The Demon Kiss by Lacey Weatherford

Dark Flame (The Immortals, #4) by Alyson Noel

Heart of a Samurai by Margi Preus

From Contest:

Taken by Storm by Angela Morrison (It's SIGNED! :)

From Library:

God is in the Pancakes by Robin Epstein (Really looking forward to this one! I've heerd nothing but great things!)

Change of Heart by Shari Maurer (Same goes for this!)

Tours:

Chasing Brooklyn by Lisa Schroeder (Not pictured.)

Forget You by Jennifer Echols (A really great book! Plus, my review of Going Too Far is quoted in it!)

SEE^ :)

Overall: Another great mail week! I'm looking forward to reading them all!

Sea Change by Aimee Friedman

Summary/Cover Image from Publisher's Website:

16-year-old Miranda Merchant is great at science...and not so great with boys. After major drama with her boyfriend and (now ex) best friend, she's happy to spend the summer on small, mysterious Selkie Island, helping her mother sort out her late grandmother's estate.

There, Miranda finds new friends and an island with a mysterious, mystical history, presenting her with facts her logical, scientific mind can't make sense of. She also meets Leo, who challenges everything she thought she knew about boys, friendship...and reality.

Is Leo hiding something? Or is he something that she never could have imagined?

Review:

Going into Sea Change, I wasn't too sure what to expect, since the reviews I've read about this could easily be described as iffy and my previous experience with Friedman's work left much to be desired. Though, I finally decided what the heck and gave it the try it deserved, and I have to say I'm so glad I did!

Sure, Sea Change isn't going to be described as the finest peace of literature out there, but it was fun and cute, two things that make for the perfect summer read, in my opinion, and you can never have enough of those, now can you?

From the first page you are thrown into the world of Selkie Island, a place where merman are suspected to roam and where the rich and average Selkie citizen are divided Outsider style. I loved Friedman's descriptions of Selkie because there was never a moment where it didn't seem like a beautiful place, one where I would love to visit if it were real, especially if I could find someone as great as Leo there!

Miranda was a main character who was smart (I loved the fact that her science abilities made an interesting little side to the story), tough, and sweet. I could easily understand her feelings over the dilemmas she faced back in New York and relate to them because who hasn't felt betrayal from a friend and/or boyfriend before? Also, I loved seeing her understand the importance of second chances through this and other situations.

Adding to this, her relationship with Leo was sweet and one of my favorite parts of the book, but I have to admit, I wanted more substance to it, along with a better resolution. I also enjoyed reading about the other relationships Miranda had in Sea Change, varying from the complicated one with her mother to her friendship with CeeCee, anther key player in making this the cute summer read it was.

Though, as with most reads, I did have a few problems with Sea Change, including the one with Leo and Miranda as mentioned above. Another was the fact some of this book lacked the key development that would have made it even better to lack of resolution at the end. Though, overall, not the biggest problems of problems, but they still manged to annoy me at times.

In all, I can understand why some reviewers didn't think this was Friedman's greatest novel yet, though I still enjoyed it for what it's meant to be, in my opinion. And that is? A light summery type read that moves you to a different place, one that I'm sure you won't be able to get enough of!

Grade: B+

Sea Change is now out, and in paperback I may add!

Source: Chelsy at Big Honco Media. Thanks, Chelsy!

Vintage Veronica by Erica S. Perl

Summary/Cover Image from Publisher's Website:

Veronica Walsh is 15, fashion-minded, fat, and friendless. Her summer job in the Consignment Corner section (Employees Only!) of a vintage clothing store is a dream come true. There Veronica can spend her days separating the one-of-a-kind gem garments from the Dollar-a-Pound duds, without having to deal with people. But when two outrageous yet charismatic salesgirls befriend her and urge her to spy on and follow the mysterious and awkward stock boy Veronica has nicknamed the Nail, Veronica’s summer takes a turn for the weird. Suddenly, what began as a prank turns into something else entirely. Which means Veronica may have to come out of hiding and follow something even riskier for the first time: her heart.

Review:

Don't you just love it when a book surprises you in such a way that it blows you away? I know I do, so I was so glad when I discovered this was the case for Vintage Veronica, Erica S. Perl's debut novel.

Vintage Veronica has a lot going for it, in my opinion, since it contains funny, adorable, and relatable main characters, a setting that's catchy, leaving it to be a place that not only Erica brought to life with her writing but one I would love to visit if was real, and a plot that ended up surprising me in more than one aspect, a trait I wasn't expecting to find in this.

I've read in other reviews that some found Veronica  hard to relate to, but I found it to be the opposite case between me and her, since I felt that her issues were universal. Because who hasn't felt a lack of trust towards others? Or have been hurt badly with past friendships? Or felt they can never live up to the mold their parent(s) want them to fit? I know I can relate to a least one of those, and I have feeling many others can as well. Further more, her relationship with Len, called Dead Boy Walking or The Nail, was something I really enjoyed about Vintage Veronica. Since not only was it another one of those cutesy type romances but he, along with Bill (a character who surprised me), taught her some valuable life lessons, one's that she truly needed to hear. Lastily, I liked how her friendships with the floorines, Ginger and Zoe, explored (somewhat)  toxic friendships and how even while you may think someone may be perfect, in all truth, they probably aren't, far from it actually.

The plot of this was fun as well. I always adored seeing the bits and bolts of how a vintage clothing store runs and the crazy world that ensues inside of it all, along with Veronica's friendship/romantic relationship with the infamous Len. Also, as I've mentioned before, the setting of this one was nearly my favorite part of the book, and I have to say I'm majorly impressed of Erica for being able to describe and pull it off so efficiently.

Though I did have a couple problem with Vintage Veronica. One was the constant use of the f world, among other words in that genre. For the most part, I have no problem with swearing in YA books if it's done tastefully and doesn't feel awkward, but for this one it felt out of place to the point were I always winced when the f-bomb was dropped. Also, I felt the ending of this book was a wrapped up a little too quickly and nicely. But overall? Not the biggest of problems.

In all, Vintage Veronica proves to be a load of fun with some substance mixed in as well. So my suggestion to all of my readers out there? Read it because I'm sure you'll love it as much as I did!

Grade: A-

Vintage Veronica is now out! To find out more about it, head over to Erica's website.

Source: Publicist at Random House. Thanks Elizabeth!

Giveaway: Sea Change by Aimee Friedman + Handmade Bamboo Beach Mat!

Thanks to Scholastic, I have ONE copy of Sea Change to giveaway, as well as a handmade bamboo beach mat.

Here's the summary:

Sixteen-year-old Miranda Merchant is great at science...and not so great with boys. After major drama with her (now ex) boyfriend, she's happy to be spending the summer on small, mysterious Selkie Island, helping her mother sort out her late grandmother's estate.

On the lush, beautiful island, Miranda finds new friends and a community with a mystical history, presenting her with facts her logical, scientific mind can't make sense of. She also meets Leo, who challenges everything she thought she knew about boys, romance...and reality.

Is Leo hiding something? Or is he something that she never could have imagined?

To find out more about the book, head over to it's page on Thispoint.com and to find out more about Aimee Friedman, head over to her website.

To enter, please fill out the following form.

And as with any contest, there are rules, so here they are...

~ Must be 13 or older to enter.
~ Open to participants with a United States mailing address only (international readers can enter if they have a friend in the States who can accept their prizes by mail).
~ Don't comment below to enter or you will not be entered!
~ This contest will close on July 5 with the winner being announced July 6 or 7.



*Copy for this giveaway, as well as one for me to keep, were provided by Big Honcho Media*

Giveaway: SIGNED copy of Salvaged by Stefne Miller

You've seen my review, you've seen my interview with Stefne, so now it's time for you to win YOUR own SIGNED copy of this amazing book! And since I love this novel and all of my readers out there, this contest is open INTERNATIOANLLY! :)

Here's the summary, in cause you have no clue what it is about:

'My body was being torn apart, and my stomach felt as if it exploded. The pain was excruciating, and I was aware that I was dying... 'Mom?' My vision was murky, but I could see her face. It was bloody, and her eyes were large and full of fear. Her voice calmed. 'Get out of the car, Attie.' Her words sounded crisp and clear. I looked into the backseat in search of Melody and found her lying covered in blood in a twisted heap on the floor. I turned my attention back to my mother and out of the corner of my eye saw fire. 'Get out, Attie!' 'Mom?' Everything went dark.' Attie Reed should have died in the wreck that stole the lives of her mother and best friend. But her life was spared. Why? When Attie moves to Oklahoma to stay with the Bennetts for the summer, she hopes she has left her nightmares behind. But her battle is far from over, and Riley Bennett steps forward to help her fight the nighttime monsters. As the battle wears on, Riley begins fighting monsters of his own: his feelings for Attie. And Attie realizes she must begin to face the monsters of the night herself if she wants to conquer them for good. Can Attie's life be Salvaged?

To enter, please fill out the form below.

Though as with anything, there are still rules:

~ Must be 13 or older to enter.
~ Open to participants world wide.  
~ To enter please fill out the form. Don't comment below to enter or you will not be entered! 
~ This contest will close on July 6 with the winner being announced shortly after.

GOOD LUCK!



Side Note: Stefne has been awesome enough to set up a special deal for my readers out there. That deal? Well, she's offering up copies of Salvaged  for $14.99 ($3 less than Amazon, B&N, etc). They will be personalized, signed copies and come directly from her. To cash in on this awesome deal, head over here.

Quick Qs and As with Stefne Miller

Today, I have a very special guest here on Lauren's Crammed Bookshelf. That guest? Well, no one other then Stefne Miller, author of the INCREDIBLE Salvaged, a book that's a must-read in my opinion.

~~~

In your opinion what are the top three reasons why teens, or even adults, should consider buying Salvaged when they see it online or in stores?

It’s different than a lot of books out there. It gives readers a different perspective of "mainstream" romance, one that mothers and daughters can share together and people from all ages can enjoy.

It helps show teenage girls that they can respect themselves and still be loved, and gives them a model of what a worthy guy acts like.

It “freakin’ rocks” – or so my best friend Tammy says. LOL!

The main characters in Salvaged are Attie and Riley, so can you tell us a little bit about each? Also, if you could offer them any advice what would you say?

Attie is a witty, independent, strong-willed, imaginative and passionate character. While she has a lot of struggles, she has a good head on her shoulders.

Riley is a charming, compassionate, protective and respectful boy. He knows what he believes and he doesn’t sway from it.

What advice would I give them? Don’t allow the choices of those around you or the circumstances you find yourselves in to negatively affect your lives. Stay firm in your convictions. Enjoy each other but don’t make each other the center of your universe.

Salvaged is told in the alternating perspective’s of Attie and Riley, so what made you decide do that? Also out of the two, did one’s story come easy to you then the other’s?

I started writing Salvaged about the time that the movie Twilight came out. I rushed and read all the books so that I could read them before the movie and I also made sure to read Midnight Sun from Stephanie Meyers website. I loved getting Edward’s perspective on the relationship. I felt like understanding his thoughts made him a more interesting character and certainly even more swoon worthy! So, when it came time to write Salvaged, I wanted to make it very personal and therefore it needed to be first person but I also wanted to get into the male mind – so, I chose to go back and forth in the POV’s. Originally, almost the entire first half of the book was written with each scene from both perspectives. Obviously, I couldn’t keep it that way or the book would’ve been 600 pages so I picked the best POV for a given scene based on which information I thought was more important. For example – the opening scene. I loved Riley’s perspective on Attie’s arrival, but it gave too much away about how he felt about her. I didn’t want it to come out quite so soon.

I would say both POV’s came rather easily for me. If I had difficulty writing from a “male mind”, I would consult with my husband. He gave me a lot of insight into what males think and the struggles they face.

In Salvaged Attie has the ability to talk to Jesus, which leaves me to wonder what made you decide to have her be able to speak to him so freely?

Attie’s conversations with Jesus are based a lot on how I talk to him (although I don’t see him standing in the room or audibly hear him speak back). My “prayers” aren’t formal or beautiful, they’re conversations. For me, it’s about relationship. In my very humble opinion, he knows everything anyway, so we might as well lay it all out there.

What made you decide to have Salvaged take place in Oklahoma?

I’m an “Army Brat” who moved around my entire life. Oklahoma was where we came to visit for the summers. I wanted to pay homage to the only place that I’ve ever truly been able to call “home”. It’s also where I now live with my family. Guthrie is a real town just a few minutes north of me. Johnnies is a real restaurant in El Reno, OK where they serve amazing “fried” burgers and conies. The river they float is visited by just about every person in the state at least once during their lifetime and a Sonic can be found on every street corner. Oh, and OU vs. OSU is huge here! The two sides can barely stand each other!

If Salvaged had a theme song, what would it be?

“You’re Not Alone” by Meredith Andrews is the song that Attie sings in the end. If you haven’t heard it – you’ve got to look it up on iTunes! It fits perfectly and when I heard it for the first time (after I was almost finished the book), I was shocked at how right on it was. Another song that fits is “I Will Not Be Moved” by Natalie Grant. It makes me think of Attie.

A “fan” of Salvaged put together a playlist of songs for me. They are songs that she felt fit perfectly with the book. It can be found on the Salvaged and Stefne Miller fan pages on Facebook under the discussion tabs. I listen to it all the time and I would agree with each choice – she did a great job picking the songs.

Do you have a favorite scene or line in Salvaged? If so, can you share it with us or tell a little about it?

So hard to choose!!

Favorite scene: When Attie and Riley have their first “knee to knee” talk. I loved writing the scene. I enjoyed the way they struggled through trying to communicate but managed to make it through no matter how uncomfortable it was. That scene makes me laugh every time I read it.

Favorite line: “I was near and no more monsters would come for her tonight.” I think it sums up who Riley is and what makes him so special. He’s protective and sweet and that line says it all. (I use it in book two – but won’t tell you how)

Is there a specific message you hope readers take from Salvaged?

There are so many messages wrapped into that book that it even surprises me! There’s the spiritual message that Jesus wants an intimate relationship with us. Not based on rules or doctrine – but a relationship. There’s the message that girls are a prize to be won and they should be treated accordingly. No girl should put up with or accept a boy who won’t respect her, her beliefs, her boundaries, etc. It’s a matter of waiting to find the right one. It’s about realizing that nobody is perfect and we all have struggles and issues that we have to deal with. I think every person that reads the book comes away with their own message – that’s one of the things I love about it.

How does it feel knowing that Salvaged is now out in stores and online?

It’s the strangest feeling ever! Before Salvaged, other than keeping a blog throughout the adoption of our son, I’d never written anything. I didn’t even keep a journal, and honestly never even thought about being a writer or wanted to be a writer. I knew I had an active imagination but I just thought I was slightly “off” and I spent a lot of time in la-la land (of course that could still be debated). So now when I realize that out of nowhere I wrote a book and its out there and people are reading it and responding to, it almost feels like it isn’t real at all. But it’s also exciting. The response the book is receiving has been so positive that I can’t help but be thrilled. I’m honored that out of everyone God could have used, he chose me to tell this particular story.

By the way – my children are completely unimpressed! LOL!

What were you like as a teenager? Were you similar to Attie or Riley in any ways?

I was a normal girl with average looks. I was a cheerleader but I wasn’t necessarily popular and I didn’t belong to any specific group. I certainly never captured a boy’s attention the way Attie does, but she and I are a lot alike in other ways. I moved the summer before my senior year. I flew ahead and tried out for the cheer squad and made it, like she did. (A lot of my experiences are in book 2) Her personality is a lot like mine. Her faith is a lot like mine. I knew who I was and who I wasn’t; so I wasn’t easily swayed by other people. I was (and still am) a HUGE OU football fan. My similarity with Riley is the stable, supportive, close-knit family. Our family was very much that way while I was growing up.

If you could live in any book besides your own for a day, which one would you pick?

Pride and Prejudice (or anything by Jane Austen).

What’s your typical day like?

I’m married and a mom to three boys, ages 14, 12, and 11. I worked in politics and ministry for most of my adult years but now I’m a full time mom/writer. I get the boys up and off to school and then I sit down and write or do book marketing stuff. I’m the worst homemaker ever. I hate doing laundry and would rather sit behind my desk and live in the make believe worlds that I create than sweep or dust or go to the grocery store. I also occupy my time by keeping up on Facebook. I LOVE Facebook – if you aren’t my friend – you need to be! LOL! Look me up!

Since Salvaged was just released on May 18th, I spend a lot of time sitting around trying to find ways to get the word out about the book. It’s a lot more difficult than I ever would have imagined but I enjoy it.

What’s up next for you book wise?

I just finished the sequel to Salvaged; it’s titled Rise. Now I just sit back and see if Salvaged sells enough copies to make the publisher want to go ahead and release the sequel. (Keep your fingers crossed!)

I am 1/3 of the way through a 3rd book which has no relation to Salvaged and I’ve also started a 4th. I can’t decide which one to concentrate on next. As of right now, the characters from book four are really occupying my time so I may dabble in it a bit and see where it takes me.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

One little piece of insider info: Most of the friends in the book (Tammy, Anne, Jennifer, Tess and Chase) are my real life friends. The characters are completely based on them and most of the names are real. I just made them (a lot) younger in the book!

I’d like to say thank you for this opportunity. I hope that everyone enjoys the book!

~~~

Thanks, Stefne!

To find out more about Stefne, as well as Salvaged and where you can buy your own copy, head over to her website!

Side Note: Stefne has been awesome enough to set up a special deal for my readers out there. That deal? Well, she's offering up copies of Salvaged  for $14.99 ($3 less than Amazon, B&N, etc). They will be personalized, signed copies and come directly from her. To cash in on this awesome deal, head over here.

Salvaged by Stefne Miller

Summary/Cover Image from Publisher's Website:

My body was being torn apart, and my stomach felt as if it exploded. The pain was excruciating, and I was aware that I was dying...

'Mom?' My vision was murky, but I could see her face. It was bloody, and her eyes were large and full of fear.

Her voice calmed. 'Get out of the car, Attie.' Her words sounded crisp and clear.

I looked into the backseat in search of Melody and found her lying covered in blood in a twisted heap on the floor. I turned my attention back to my mother and out of the corner of my eye saw fire.

'Get out, Attie!'

'Mom?'

Everything went dark.


Attie Reed should have died in the wreck that stole the lives of her mother and best friend. But her life was spared. Why?

When Attie moves to Oklahoma to stay with the Bennetts for the summer, she hopes she has left her nightmares behind. But her battle is far from over, and Riley Bennett steps forward to help her fight the nighttime monsters. As the battle wears on, Riley begins fighting monsters of his own: his feelings for Attie. And Attie realizes she must begin to face the monsters of the night herself if she wants to conquer them for good.

Can Attie's life be Salvaged?

Review:

I can't even begin to describe just how much I adored Salvaged, and I'm worried even more so that when the words do come, they won't even begin to give it the justice it deserves. Though, I will try my best.

Salvaged is a book that deals with a lot. Death, romance, overcoming fears, finding faith when you have hit rock bottom... name it and you'll probably find it somewhere tangled in, and while romance is a huge portion of this novel and pretty much my favorite, I think the main idea of Salvaged is finding faith and developing a relationship with God/Jesus/whoever you believe in, which I liked because it was never too preachy, but left for the reader to take in their own way.

Attie is someone who has dealt with a lot in the last year. She's lost her best friend and mom in a car crash, that should have have most likely taken her life as well; her father can't even begin to look at her because there's still too much pain; she has begun to talk to Jesus daily; she has feelings for Riley, her dead best friend's brother, and he may have the same for her, but she has no clue what to do.

Attie is a character that when I say I adored her I truly did. She was funny, bright, and so much more positive then I would've been in her position. Her relationship with Jesus put a unique spin on this novel and always felt a bit reminiscent of one of my old favorite shows titled Joan of Arcadia, where the girl talked to god and did tasks he gave her. And this review wouldn't be complete if I didn't talk about Attie's romance with the lovely Riley Bennett. Their romance was basically the definition of cute and sweet put together, since that's just how they were with each other. Though I won't say anymore besides the fact that I want a Riley, since I want future readers to come up with their own thought on the relationship.

The plot of this always kept the book moving, and when tied together with Ms. Miller's fabulous prose, proved to be a nearly spectacular story, that nearly had no flaws.

In all, Salvaged is one of the cutest books I've read in a long time, and one that I highly, highly urge you to pick up, because I'm sure you'll love it just as much as I did. And Ms. Miller? Well, she's one author to keep an eye on, because if Salvaged is any indication, we're in for quite a treat with future ones!

Grade: A+

Salvaged is now out!

Source: Author- Thanks Stefne!

Side Note: Stefne has been awesome enough to set up a special deal for my readers out there. That deal? Well, she's offering up copies of Salvaged  for $14.99 ($3 less than Amazon, B&N, etc). They will be personalized, signed copies and come directly from her. To cash in on this awesome deal, head over here.

Quick Q and A's with Jen Calonita

Jen Calonita is the author of Secrets of My Hollywood Life series, as well as two standalones, the later, Reality Check, is now out! And today, I have an interview with Jen to post here!

~~

In your opinion, what are the top three reasons why teens (or even adults!) should pick up Reality Check come June fourteenth?

It's fun! Seriously, summer is in the air and Reality Check is nice, breezy beach reading with mean girl drama and TV dish. It's the kind of thing I love to read myself.

Describe your main character Charlie in one sentence. If you could offer her any type of advice, what would you say?

Charlie is the friend you want in your corner. If I could shake her by the shoulders during this book, I would tell her to listen to her gut, trust her instincts and remember that friendships change. Some grow stronger and some fade, but you learn something from all of them.

Reality Check deals with one girl, along with her three best friends, getting the chance of a lifetime, a reality TV Show, which leaves to me to wonder if you would say yes or no if someone offered you your own reality TV show. Why or why not?

I would say no right away! Seriously I don't think I'm meant to live a life in front of a camera. I think it would change me too much, make me worry about what I say and how I say it and just make me question my every move. Some people are great at it--like the Kardashians. The rest of us are not cut out for the changes fame brings.

Reality Check (Now Out!)

Did you write Reality Check in chronological order, or did you write certain scenes or events, then go back and fill in the blanks?

I actually did write the story in order. I had a very clear picture of how I wanted the story to begin and I actually knew the last line of the book before I wrote a single word. That doesn't always happen--trust me! But for this book the idea came to me and the story was one that unfolded in front of me.

Out of all the girls (Charlie, Hallie, Keiran, and Charlie) which one were you most like as a teenager?

Hmm....I'll tell you who I wasn't first: Hallie and Brooke! I didn't have the guts to be mean to anyone, and I never had Hallie's ease with boys. I was probably more of a mix of Keiran and Charlie. I was definitely the planner in my group. I was always coming up with some new Friday night outing or planning a girls' night. I actually still do that with my friends now!

I absolutely love the concept for the cover of Reality Check, which leaves me to wonder what you thought when you first heard about it.

Thank you! I love, love, love this cover too! The design folks at Poppy are incredible and I loved the idea of the girls envisioned as dolls. The idea works perfectly with a story about reality TV and how your TV persona can sometimes make you feel like a puppet or a doll on a string.

How did the title Reality Check come to be?

I pitched that title when I pitched the book. It just made sense to me: the idea that being on a reality show could be a real reality check for these four girls who didn't know what they were in for.

Is there a specific message you hopes teens take from your books?

I think a big theme in my books is learning who you are and where you fit in your world. I hope teens see that and it helps them come up with a clearer picture for themselves. I wish I knew who I was when I was sixteen!

When you set out to write a story do you the know the ending from the get-go or does it evolve over time?

I always know the ending, sometimes know the beginning and fret over the middle the entire time I'm writing!

Secrets of My Hollywood Life (Now Out!)

I read in your biography on your website that you used to be a Senior Entertainment Editor for Teen People which leaves me to wonder what that experience was like. Also is it one of the reasons that you tend to write stories (Secrets of My Hollywood Life series, Reality Check, exc.) dealing with the different sides of fame?

My time as an entertainment editor definitely played a part in shaping Secrets and Reality Check. Every author is different, but for me, I say it's important to write what you know, and what I knew when when I started Secrets was about young Hollywood. Now I'm branching out from Hollywood with a new series that I've just started, but Hollywood will always be my first love. I just adore Kaitlin's world.

What is your typical day like?

It depends on the day! I have two boys under six so most days I have a sitter come in so I can write for several hours at a time. The rest of my day is spent with the boys so there are many discussions involving Star Wars and Mickey Mouse in our house!

What are three things random facts about you?

I love Disney World. If I could kick Cinderella out of her castle, I would seriously move my family in. I love scrapbooking and sometimes go on actual scrapbooking weekends where I scrap for twelve hours at a time with friends. I'm a TV junkie. I could find something to watch any night of the week and I usually do, but my heart belongs to Glee, Grey's Anatomy, 90210 and Gossip Girl, which I TiVo.

I love Disney World, too, and yay for a Glee mention! I love that show! What’s up next for you book-wise?

I just finished the final Secrets, There is No Place Like Home, which will be out next March. I think fans of the series will be very satisfied with the conclusion. I know I am. I get weepy just thinking about Kaitlin's story ending, but I love the way it ends. I also just started an as-yet-untitled new four-book series that will come out next year. It's about two polar opposite cousins who live under the same roof and have to find a way to get along. For me, it's a story about family and where you fit into one. I love the two main girls and am having a great time mapping out their story.

Your new series sounds great! I can't wait to read it. Is there anything else you would like to add?

Lauren, you've asked such great questions that I can't think of anything I could possibly add! I will say that if you're a fan of any of my books, you can always find out what's next and what I'm up to at my website (http://www.jencalonitaonline.com/)

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Thanks so much Jen! I'm really looking forward to reading your previous and future novels! :)