The Art of the Story: Author Jennifer Laurens

Showing posts with label Author Jennifer Laurens. Show all posts

Monday, January 30, 2012

Jennifer Laurens Shout Out - Get Heavenly FREE Today!

I love author Jennifer Laurens. I've enjoyed every book of hers that I've read. Her book Heavenly was supposed to be free on the 28th & 29th on Amazon but for some unknown reason it wasn't. It showed up FREE today. So don't miss your chance to get her book Heavenly for FREE, possibly for today only!

Heavenly by Jennifer Laurens

I met someone who changed everything. Matthias. My autistic sister's guardian angel. Honest. Inspiring. Funny. Hot. And immortal. That was the problem. What could I do? I did what any other girl would do-I fell in love with him. Zoe's sister darts in front of cars. Her brother's a pothead. Her parents are so overwhelmed; they don't see Zoe lost in her broken life. Zoe escapes the only way she knows how: partying. Matthias, a guardian sent from Heaven, watches over Zoe's autistic sister. After Zoe is convinced he's legit, angel and lost girl come together in a love that changes destiny. But Heaven on Earth can't last forever.

Also by Jennifer Laurens

Wednesday, June 15, 2011

Book Review: A Season of Eden by Jennifer Laurens

A Season of Eden by Jennifer Laurens:

He's my teacher. I shouldn't be alone with him. But I can't help that he's irresistible. I let the door silently close at my back. He stared at me, and a taut quiet stretched between us. "I like hearing you play," I said, moving toward him. He turned, in sync with my slow approach. He looked up at me but didn't say anything. I rested my clammy hand on the cold, slick body of the baby grand. "May I?" The muscles in his throat shifted, then he swallowed. "Eden." My knees weakened, like a soft tickling kiss had just been blown against the backs of them. "Is it okay?" I asked. His gaze held mine like two hands joined. He understood what I was really asking. "Let me stay," I said. "Please." "You're going to get me in trouble," he said.

I jumped at the chance to read this book simply because of the author, I didn't even read the book summary before accepting this book for review. When I got the book and read the summary I was a little worried. He's my teacher. I shouldn't be alone with him. But I can't help that he's irresistible. Having read Jennifer Lauren before I only hesitated for a minute before starting the book. The subject matter maybe taboo I found myself enjoying this forbidden love story. To put your mind at ease she is 18 and he is 22 which doesn't make a teacher/high school student relationship ethical but at least it's not perverted.

I'm fairly certain I can guess which of my friends will love this story and which ones won't. There is some cool symbolism in the book - think Eden & forbidden fruit. I had many other things I should have done today but this book kept calling me back to it to finish it whenever I tried to put it down.

I can't decide if I love or hate the ending. I'm one for closure and having everything tied up with a nice big bow and we don't get that. Usually this would annoy me to not get the ending I wanted but I was ok with the open ending. However, I'd love to have Jennifer write an epilogue to give me the happily ever after nice big bow I wanted especially if she included another scene involving the piano.

Content: no language, no sex scene, no graphic violence which would mean it would fit the category of a clean read.... however content makes me hesitant to label this "clean". There is talk of sex & hooking up, there is the taboo subject of a high school student involved with her teacher and there is lots of sexual tension and desire and a pretty intense make out scene. So perhaps a clean read for an adult but not for a teenager?

Source: From author as part of a blog tour.

Rating: 4 Stars - Great Book

Blog Tour: Guest Post - A Season of Eden by Jennifer Laurens

Welcome to Author Jennifer Laurens:

Jennifer, aka JM Warwick was born and raised in Southern California and her hometown of Palos Verdes Estates flavors her books: A Season of Eden and An Open Vein. She doesn't limit herself to writing one genre, and was the first to author four romance novels centered around the popular sport of ballroom dancing. Now, she focuses on writing young adult. She has YA novels published under her YA romance name of Jennifer Laurens: Falling for Romeo, Magic Hands, Nailed and the Heavenly series: Heavenly ( 2009) Penitence (2010) and Absolution (2010) A Season of Eden and Overprotected. Two are under her other YA author name: JM Warwick - A Season of Eden and An Open Vein. Jennifer lives in Utah and has 6 children.

Character Interview with Josh from A Season of Eden:

What did you really think of Mr. Christian's choir class?
Three words. I. Hate. Singing.

If you were choosing the songs for the spring concert what would you have chosen?
I dunno, man, but something that kicked some ass, you know? That ROCKED, not this elevator booze.

Did you ever suspect anything was going on between Eden & James?
Hell, yeah. She was all over him with her eyes, you know?

Do you think Matt ever felt anything for Brielle or was he just trying to hurt Eden?
Brielle was a rebound, no doubt about it. She's a cool girl and all, but everybody knows she's not Eden.

A Season of Eden by Jennifer Laurens:

He's my teacher. I shouldn't be alone with him. But I can't help that he's irresistible. I let the door silently close at my back. He stared at me, and a taut quiet stretched between us. "I like hearing you play," I said, moving toward him. He turned, in sync with my slow approach. He looked up at me but didn't say anything. I rested my clammy hand on the cold, slick body of the baby grand. "May I?" The muscles in his throat shifted, then he swallowed. "Eden." My knees weakened, like a soft tickling kiss had just been blown against the backs of them. "Is it okay?" I asked. His gaze held mine like two hands joined. He understood what I was really asking. "Let me stay," I said. "Please." "You're going to get me in trouble," he said.

Monday, April 4, 2011

Blog Tour: Author Interview: Overprotected by Jennifer Laurens

Welcome to Author Jennifer Laurens:

Bio:

I've written since junior high school. An only child, I grew up writing big stories about big families. I also write YA under the name of JM Warwick. My hometown of Palos Verdes, California figures in much of my work, as does my current home of Pleasant Grove, Utah and other favorite places. I love to travel.

They say "write what you know" and I do. I am a mother, I have six children, five cats and a huge doberman/dane dog. I have a supportive husband and we've been married 25 years. Our lives, though challenging with a handicapped child who has autism, are centered in our family.

My life experiences have worked into all of my novels. Some more heavily than others, but parts of me are in each story. I love stories rich in family drama, where family members overcome obstacles through love and miracles.

http://www.jenniferlaurens.com/

Interview:

Skittles or M&Ms?
M&Ms

Tell us your most rewarding experience since being published.
Selling the Heavenly series to Russia, Indonesia. Turkey and Brazil all by myself.

If you could jump in to a book, and live in that world.. which would it be?
Ashlyn's in Overprotected. I love New York, love the old, gorgeous townhouses there and would devour Colin.

What is your dream cast for your book?
I think the book would be an excellent vehicle for Taylor Swift, for obvious musical ability and marketability.
For Colin? Yikes. Paul Wesley? My original pick is too old now...lol.

Please tell us in one sentence only, why we should read your book.
You've never seen a bodyguard story like it.

Is there a song you could list as the theme song for your book or any of your characters?
YES! Christina Aguilera's Stronger Than Ever. But the playlist ( in its entirety ) is on the overprotectedbook. blogspot.com

Nickname?
Lenti

You have won one million dollars what is the first thing that you would buy?
LOL: Income property. I'm very practical.

Overprotected by Jennifer Laurens:

Ashlyn: A lonely society princess living in New York City.

Daddy hired you to be my bodyguard.

Colin: Childhood enemy, now her protector.

Daddy thought I’d be safe. He thought I’d never fall in love. He thought he could keep me forever.

Charles: obsessed with keeping her safe, keeping her his, he hires the one person he knows she could never fall in love with: Colin.

Daddy was wrong.

For all the Teen Book Scene Tour Stops please visit:
http://theteenbookscene.weebly.com/overprotected-tour-details.html

Monday, December 6, 2010

#BIR2010 - Book Giveaway: Heavenly, Penitence or Absolution by Jennifer Laurens + Tote + Interview Open Internationally

Welcome back Author Jennifer Laurens!
Last month I reviewed Heavenly & did an Interview with Jennifer. I'm thrilled that she agreed to do another interview & giveaway on my blog (and on all the other BIR2010 Blogs).

Inteview:
Which actors would you want to play the main protagonists in your book?
Zac Efron would make a fabulous Matthias.

What do you do when you are in-between books?
Read. Ponder my next project.

Where is your favorite place to read/write?
My "office" is the dining room table. This way I can still be mom, wife, cook, cleaner AND writer.
What was your favorite book when you were a child/teen?
Loved many, but Time at the Top by edward ormandroyd is a fav. So is Lord of the Flies.

Is there a song you could list as the theme song for your book or any of your characters?
Gravity by Sara Barielles

What is your favorite quote?
No other success can compensate for failure in the home.

You have won one million dollars what is the first thing that you would buy?
I'd redecorate my house. It needs it.

What do you do in your free time?
Spend time with my children, husband and grandchild.

If someone wrote a book about your life, what would the title be?
She Lived Happily Ever After.

What is your guilty pleasure?
Anything mocha.

Giveaway Details:Ok International Followers this giveaway includes you!

Jennifer Laurens author of the Heavenly Series is willing to ship Internationally. Let's hear it for Jennifer.

2 books in the Heavenly Series were released in 2010 - Penitence & Absolution.

Jennifer is offering your choice of any one of the 3 books in the series: Heavenly, Penitence or Absolution. She's also throwing in a Heavenly Tote!

Heavenly
By: Jennifer Laurens
Published By: Grove Creek Publishing
Website: http://heavenlythebook.com/

Penitence:

Seeing good and evil spirits is a gift Zoe guards with her life.

Despite her guardian angel’s disappearance, Zoe forces herself to accept that she still has a purpose—but how does she carry the weight of her brother’s drug abuse, the hardship of living with an autistic sister, and a best friend who’s obsessed with a guy who only wants Zoe?

She’s never felt more alone.

When a mysterious spirit appears, Zoe thinks she has a new guardian angel. Instead, her brother’s addiction worsens, her parents are on the brink of separation, and her best friend tries to kill her. The spirit she thinks is her new guardian isn’t there to protect her: he’s out to destroy her family and seize Zoe’s soul. . . for Hell.

Will Matthias’ return mean that he is Zoe’s guardian angel again? Or is their love the reason the jaws of Hell now gape open?

Absolution:

Zoe’s secret is out. And the powers of Hell are ravenous to claim her soul. Her brother, Luke, knows her secret: that she sees both good and evil spirits. Her boyfriend knows. At least Matthias is her guardian angel again. But now Hell’s most ruthless leader will stop at nothing to have her soul.

Albert, Matthias’ father, is relentless in his hunger for Zoe. He wants to destroy Matthias and will use Zoe to do so.

The battle between Heaven and Hell tests everything Zoe has. As she witnesses everyone important in her life suffering, she’s brought to the ultimate choice: will she sacrifice her soul to save the ones she loves?

Jennifer has offered up one copy of one of her books on all blog. Choice of Heavenly, Penitence or Absolution. Both Penitence and Absolution were released in 2010 so feature at least one of those in your post.

Giveaway Details:
Your Choice of either Heavenly, Penitence or Absolution + a Heavenly Tote.
Giveaway is open Internationally.
To enter you must be a blog follower.
Ends 12/16/10.

If you have not yet done so please fill out the BIR2010 Address Form if you plan to enter multiple giveaways.

Comments are appreciated but to enter you must fill out this form:

This Giveaway is now closed

Tuesday, November 2, 2010

Interview & Book Giveaway: Author Jennifer Laurens

Welcome to Author Jennifer Laurens. I'm thrilled to have Jennifer here to do a short interview and then she is giving away 5 copies of her book Heavenly

BIO:

I've written since junior high school. An only child, I grew up writing big stories about big families. I also write YA under the name of JM Warwick. My hometown of Palos Verdes, California figures in much of my work, as does my current home of Pleasant Grove, Utah and other favorite places. I love to travel.

They say "write what you know" and I do. I am a mother, I have six children, five cats and a huge doberman/dane dog. I have a supportive husband and we've been married 25 years. Our lives, though challenging with a handicapped child who has autism, are centered in our family.

My life experiences have worked into all of my novels. Some more heavily than others, but parts of me are in each story. I love stories rich in family drama, where family members overcome obstacles through love and miracles.

Jennifer is the author of 6 young adult novels: Heavenly, Penitence, Absolution, Falling for Romeo, Nailed & Magic Hands.
Her next novel Overprotected will be released in February 2011.

INTERVIEW:

What is the last movie you saw?
The Social Network LOVED IT.

What is your favorite thing to eat for breakfast?
Protien Shake.

How many books do you read a week/month?
I'm lucky to read three a year. If I have time, I write.

What's your favorite music genre? Favorite artist? Song?
Indie Pop. Sara Barielles.

Is there anything you need in order to write? (ie Chocolate, quiet, music)
Soundtrack to each book. Have to have one.

Night owl, or early bird?
Early bird.

Pet Peeves?
Late people.

Favortie Cartoon?
Pepe le Pew

If you could choose only one time period and place to live, when and where would you live and why?
Victorian Era. But only if I was rich and in NYC. I love the clothes.

What are your favorite comfort foods?
Indian.

How do you react to a bad review?
I don't read reviews.

How would you describe the target audience for your book?
Heavenly is a crossover YA novel.

To learn more about Jennifer & her books please visit her BLOG.

Heavenly by Jennifer Laurens:
I met someone who changed everything. Matthias. My autistic sister's guardian angel. Honest. Inspiring. Funny. Hot. And immortal. That was the problem. What could I do? I did what any other girl would do-I fell in love with him. Zoe's sister darts in front of cars. Her brother's a pothead. Her parents are so overwhelmed; they don't see Zoe lost in her broken life. Zoe escapes the only way she knows how: partying. Matthias, a guardian sent from Heaven, watches over Zoe's autistic sister. After Zoe is convinced he's legit, angel and lost girl come together in a love that changes destiny. But Heaven on Earth can't last forever.

GIVEAWAY DETAILS:
5 Followers of this blog will win a copy of Heavenly by Jennifer Laurens.
Giveaway ends 11/28/10.
Giveaway is open Internationally.

Optional Extra Entries:
+1 Follow Jennifer on Twitter
+1 Follow Jennifer's Blog
+1 Follow Jennifer on Facebook

To Enter Fill Out This Form:
This giveaway is now closed.

Book Review: Heavenly by Jennifer Laurens

I met someone who changed everything. Matthias. My autistic sister's guardian angel. Honest. Inspiring. Funny. Hot. And immortal. That was the problem. What could I do? I did what any other girl would do-I fell in love with him. Zoe's sister darts in front of cars. Her brother's a pothead. Her parents are so overwhelmed; they don't see Zoe lost in her broken life. Zoe escapes the only way she knows how: partying. Matthias, a guardian sent from Heaven, watches over Zoe's autistic sister. After Zoe is convinced he's legit, angel and lost girl come together in a love that changes destiny. But Heaven on Earth can't last forever.

I must admit I thoroughly enjoyed reading Heavenly. Although classified as fantasy, Jennifer Lauren's version of "guardian angels" is a version I can believe actually exist.

Zoe start off as a very self centered character who enjoys partying and hooking up with guys as a way to escape her life at home. Through the course of the novel she is transformed and grows into a very different character than she was in the beginning. We see her relationship with her family develop and see her start to make better choices.

The depiction of life and the feeling of those who live with an autistic child seemed like a very realistic portrayal.

Matthias is a great character. Who wouldn't love a guardian angel such as he. I was drawn into this story and was surprised by the ending and then the twist with the glimpse into the first page of the second book in the series, Penitence.

Penitence is one book that is going to the top of my wishlist!

Content: The main character escapes by partying and hooking up with guys, her brother is using drugs. There are a few scenes that take place at a party and a couple conversations between friends that I can't classify as "clean" but there is nothing graphic or descriptive. A realistic portrayal of real life situations that teenagers might find themselves. This coming of age story is written in a way that does not glorify the bad choice or actions. There were a couple of the most mild of expletives.

Rating: 4.5 Stars

Source: I won this book in a giveaway.