Blog Tour: Guest Post - Moonglass by Jessi Kirby

Welcome to author Jessi Kirby

Bio:

I grew up in Mammoth Lakes, CA where stunning scenery and a few very special teachers inspired me to write. As soon as I graduated high school, I made for the beach and eventually ended up in Orange County with a happy little family and a job as an English teacher.
And then by luck, or coincidence, or some cosmic force, things lined up for me to take a shot at my dream. I moved to a little gem of a beach called Crystal Cove, which is the setting for MOONGLASS; I had the opportunity to go from working as a full-time English teacher to working as a part-time librarian; and...I was about to turn 30. Long story short: after deciding to go for it and putting in a lot of hard work, I finished MOONGLASS, which is my first novel.

Into The Past…

I’ve always loved books, always been a reader. So going into the past to think about the books I would’ve recommended at different ages is such a pleasure. There are so, so many, but these are the ones that stick out in my memory. The best thing is, I’d still recommend them!

Age 6: Anything by Roald Dahl. I adored his twisty sense of humor, wild imagination, and the way my mom read them to me. A few of my faves—James and the Giant Peach, The Witches, The Twits.

Age 11: Just as Long as We’re Together, by Judy Blume, which so perfectly captures girls’ friendships and all their intricacies, Sweet Valley High, Babysitter’s Club, The Nancy Drew Files…all total girl books.

Age 16: In high school I was more interested in horror-type stories. I devoured all of the Interview with a Vampire books the same way Twilight fans do theirs. I also remember heading to the bookstore any time I knew Christopher Pike had a new one coming out. Remember Me was my favorite of his. I also made my way through my mom’s collection of Stephen King books, which literally made me sleep with the light on. And then there was Siddartha—definitely not horror, but my favorite of the books I read in English. I adored it and decided I should be a Buddhist for a little while.

Age 20: White Oleander by Janet Fitch—stunningly gorgeous writing and my original inspiration for Moonglass, Jack Kerouac’s On the Road and Dharma Bums—my idealized idea of the life of a writer, The Awakening by Kate Chopin and The Second Sex by Simone de Beauvoir—English major/feminist that I was.

Ironically, now that I’m in my thirties, I pretty much only read YA. And it’s not because I don’t want to grow up or anything. Not really. But YA books hold a special place in my heart. They take this time in life that is so poignant and intense, so beautiful and unsure, and put you right back in the midst of it all. And oh, how I love that!

Moonglass by Jessi Kirby:

From Jessi Kirby, a debut novel about confronting the past in order to move ahead.

I read once that water is a symbol for emotions. And for a while now, I've thought maybe my mother drowned in both.

Anna's life is upended when her father accepts a job transfer the summer before her junior year. It's bad enough that she has to leave her friends and her life behind, but her dad is moving them to the beach where her parents first met and fell in love- a place awash in memories that Anna would just as soon leave under the surface.
While life on the beach is pretty great, with ocean views and one adorable lifeguard in particular, there are also family secrets that were buried along the shore years ago. And the ebb and flow of the ocean's tide means that nothing- not the sea glass that she collects on the sand and not the truths behind Anna's mother's death- stays buried forever.

Giveaway Winners

Congratulations to the Winner of
Adventures in Nowhere



The winner was selected using Random.org
Diana A.

Congratulations to the Winner of
A Trail of Ink




The winner was selected using Random.org
Emily H.

Winners have been notified. Thanks to all who entered.

Blog Tour Part 1 - Book Giveaway: Flavors by Emily Sue Harvey

Flavors by Emily Sue Harvey:

Emily Sue Harvey’s first novel, Song of Renewal, was praised by New York Times bestselling author Jill Marie Landis as “an uplifting, heartwarming story,” by bestselling author Kay Allenbaugh as a work that will “linger in the memory long after readers put it aside,” and by Coffee Time Romance as “a must-read book for anyone doing a little soul searching.” New York Times bestselling author Steve Berry said, “It captures your attention, and whets your appetite for more,” while Peeking between the Pages called it “quite simply a beautiful book.”

Now, in Flavors, this master storyteller of the human heart sweeps us along with twelve-year-old Sadie Ann Melton as she enters a life-altering season. The summer of 1950 will change everything for her. For in that summer, she will embark on an odyssey at once heartbreakingly tender and crushingly brutal. At times, she will experience more darkness than she has ever witnessed before. At others, she will thrill to lightness and joy she never imagined. By summer’s end, the Melton women in Sadie’s journey – loving her, coaxing her, and commanding her – will help shape her into the woman she becomes. And they will expose Sadie to all of the flavors of life as she savors the world that she brings into being.

Filled with charm, wisdom, and the smorgasbord of emotions that comes with the first steps into adulthood, Flavors once again proves Emily Sue Harvey’s unique ability to touch our souls with her unforgettable stories.



I've got a few more pages of this book to read so my review won't be posted until I get home this evening.

Giveaway Details:
1 copy of Flavors
Open to US only
Ends 5/15/11

To enter just leave a comment on this post. Make sure there is a way for me to contact you.

Blog Tour: Book Review - Crazy Daze of Motherhood by Jane Still

A mother's day is filled with all kinds of emergencies, from bumps and bruises to hospital stays. Find the perfect way to recover from your own family's little emergencies with Jane Isfeld Still's latest book on the hilarious daily challenges of a mother in the fray. You're sure to laugh and cry as you celebrate the joys of motherhood.

Crazy Daze of Motherhood is a humorous little book that I'm sure every mother could relate to. Author Jane Still made me laugh many times while reading her crazy adventures of life as a mother. Well worth the time to read, this book will put a smile on your face and help you remember that although motherhood can be crazy at times you can find much joy and humor in the experience.

This would make a great gift book for Mother's Day.

Blog Tour Contest:

Jane is having a fun contest in conjunction with her blog tour. 

You can win a fun prize from Jane to help celebrate the release of her book.  Just go to her blog at http://www.janeisfeldstill.blogspot.com and become a follower, and then leave her a comment and tell her that you're a new follower.  You could win: 

1. Mother's Daze basket, soap, chocolate, lotion, decorative candles, and recipe cards

2. Box of blank cards with a smattering of Canadian chocolate

3. Chocolate

Content: Clean

Rating: 4 Stars

Source: From Author for Review

Book Giveaway & Author Interview: The Guardians of the HIdden Scepter by Frank L. Cole

Welcome to Author Frank L. Cole
Bio:

Frank is the bestselling author of the Hashbrown Winters series. His books have been featured and reviewed online, in several major newspapers, and on television. Aside from writing, Frank's favorite thing about being an author is getting to meet with his creative and enthusiastic young fans. He draws some of his best inspiration from talking to them.

Frank currently lives in Salt Lake City, Utah, with his wife and three children.

http://guardiansofthehiddenscepter.com/

http://franklewiscole.blogspot.com/

http://www.facebook.com/guardiansofthehiddenscepter

Interview:
If you could travel in a Time Machine would you go back to the past or into the future?
Oh boy, definitely the past. What if I travel into the future and there is no future? Deep...

What is one book everyone should read?
Hatchet by Gary Paulsen.

Night owl, or early bird?
Night Owl

One food you would never eat?
Peas. Tiny green pods of poison!

Tell us your most rewarding experience since being published.
Visiting schools and having the kids rush up to me after to sign their hands. They're the coolest little people in the world!

What's one piece of advice you would give aspiring authors?
Keep writing! Don't give up! Persistence in the writing world truly pays off.

If you could be one of the Greek Gods, which would it be and why?
I think Poseidon. I love the ocean, but it gives me the willies. Now, if I ruled the ocean... no more willies.

What is your favorite Quote?
"I'm making this up as I go." - Indiana Jones

When you were little, what did you want to be when you "grew up"?
Tall. Didn't pan out though. *sigh*

If a movie was made about your life, who would you want to play the lead role and why?
It would probably be the guy that played Vinnie on the television show "Doogie Howser." Allegedly, I look just like him.

How did you know you should become an author?
I've been writing since I was a kid. I used to go to my friends house to play video games and I'd sneak into the office to start typing out stories on their computer. It just always clicked with me.

Who are your favorite authors of all time?
J K Rowling, Stephen King

Can you see yourself in any of your characters?
Yes, definitely Trendon. And from the Hashbrown Winters series, I'd have to say Whiz Peterson.

Hidden talent?
I can twist my left hand all the way around... like a bread tie.

What was your favorite children's book?
The Tailypo by Joann Galdone. Scared me to death.

Nickname?
Franl.

How do you react to a bad review?
I usually say words in a made up language very loudly.

If you were a super hero what would your kryptonite be?
Peas. Tiny green pods of poison! (Deja vu)

If someone wrote a book about your life, what would the title be?
The Flyswatter Journal.

What's your favorite season/weather?
I love tornado season in the south. When the wind starts blowing and the sky is all dark and creepy and you're the only idiot standing out in the middle of the street looking for a funnel cloud.

Write a Haiku about your book
One lonely mountain,
Unknown by sinister men,
Holds a dark secret.

The Guardians of the Hidden Scepter by Frank L. Cole

Amber never dreamed her archaeology class would turn into a top secret mission that would take her across the globe, but when her teacher goes missing, Amber realizes it's up to her to protect the Hidden Scepter or risk unleashing an ancient power too terrifying to imagine. This guaranteed page-turner from the bestselling author of the Hashbrown Winters series is perfect for the adventurer in your family


Giveaway:
1 copy of The Guardians of the Hidden Specter
Open to US only
Ends 5/15

Book Giveaway: Life Choices by Judi Moreo

Life Choices by Judi Moreo & Friends:
If you have ever had a dream that you wanted to pursue but didn’t have the courage, if you’ve ever wanted to do something that you didn’t think you could do, if you have ever wanted to go somewhere but didn’t believe it was possible… READ THIS BOOK. Twenty-six authors share with you how they pursued their passions and made their dreams become reality.

About Author Judi Moreo:
A speaker of both substance and style, Judi combines her wealth of knowledge and expertise with the inspiration of a motivational speaker and the humor of an entertainer to bring you a program guaranteed to enrich the lives of all who hear her.

Her latest book is Life Choices: Pursuing Your Passion.

You can visit her website at http://www.judimoreo.com/

For all the Pump Up YourBook tour stops please visit THIS SITE.






Book Giveaway:
1 copy of Life Choices: Pursuing Your Passion
Open to US & Canada
Ends 5/13

Hoppy Easter Eggstravaganza Book Giveaway

Welcome to the Hoppy Easter Eggstravaganza Giveaway Hop hosted here on I Am A Reader, Not A Writer. A huge thanks to Yara @ Once Upon a Twilight for helping co-host this hop and creating the awesome Hop Graphic!

This Giveaway Hop runs from Wednesday, April 20th to Monday, April 25th.  There are over 200 blogs signed up to host a giveaway so I'm going to keep my giveaway simple so you can move on to the next blog.

Giveaway: $10 in Books

I'm offering a $10 Amazon gift card:


OR
Up to $10 in books from the Book Depository:


To enter this giveaway please follow this blog via Google Friends Connect and fill out the form below.
 
If you follow this blog another way: goodreads, twitter, facebook, networked blogs or via an email subscription you will get another (+1) extra entry for each way your follow.  Up to 5 extra entries.

Last day to enter is April 25th at midnight.

To enter my giveaway simply fill out this form:



There are 200+ Blogs each signed up to host a giveaway.  All blogs should have a giveaway up by Wednesay morning so you may want to wait until then to start entering them.  If you come across a blog that does not have a giveaway posted by Wednesday morning please email me the blogs name & number on the linky list and I will remove them. toobusyreading(at)gmail.com

Blog Tour: Author Interview: Reunion by Jeff Bennington

Welcome to Author Jeff Bennington.

Bio:

I live in Central Indiana with my wife, four children and two stray cats. I obsess over details, dream strange dreams and teach a creative writing course for a homeschool co-op. Look for my upcoming paranormal thriller, Act of Vengeance, coming in late 2011.

I grew up in Saginaw Michigan, moved to Aurora, Ohio in 78' and finally settled in Central Indiana where I met my wife and graduated from Indiana University. I'm an occasional runner, life long drummer, and household handyman. Over the years, I've done everything from working on an assembly line, installing HVAC units, teaching Sunday school, to running my own business. But through it all, I've always loved to write.

http://www.jeffbennington.com


Interview:

How would you describe the target audience for your book?
I think the target audience for my book, would be anyone who enjoys thrillers, supernatural thrillers or suspense. If you’re in love with vampires and zombies, this might not be your thing….but then again, it could be, because REUNION is a mixed genre. It covers the thriller, horror, romance, supernatural, and suspenseful ghost genres.

What is your favorite flavor of ice cream?
It’s a toss-up between cookie dough and mint-chocolate chip.

If you could meet one person who has died who would you choose?
I’d like to spend more time with my grandpa Bennington. He died when I was young. Everyone used to call him Bookstore Grandpa. I remember how nice he was to everyone and I loved the smell of his pipe.

What is your favorite thing to eat for breakfast?
Biscuits and gravy.

Night owl, or early bird?
Night owl without a doubt. I work nights: Two days on, two days off, etc. I have the worst schedule known to man. I love it.

Please tell us in one sentence only, why we should read your book.
You should read REUNION because it will consume your emotions, but leave you fully satisfied, like finishing a marathon.

Any other books in the works? Goals for future projects?
I’m working on a book called Federal Underground, but it’s so secret that the NSA has got my MS in a red file and they are outside my front door watching as we speak.

My next goal is to get Act of Vengeance edited and ready for publication before Christmas.

Tell us your most rewarding experience since being published.
The most enjoyable experience since I’ve been published has been reading the reviews that REUNION has received. This book is really impacting my readers, most of which have been reviewers/book bloggers and that makes my work very rewarding.

If you could jump in to a book, and live in that world… which would it be?
The fourth Kind. I’d really like to know how much of that was real.

What is your dream cast for your book?
If money was no object??
Tanner: Owen Wilson
Maria: Salma Hayek
Lana: Reese Witherspoon (as a brunette)
Noah: Clive Owen
Kate: Kate Winslet
Nick: Russell Crowe
Bryan: Timothy David Olyphant
David: ???

Is there a song you could list as the theme song for your book or any of your characters?
No. But I did write the lyrics inside the book that goes along with Metallica’s “Sandman” melody.

What's one piece of advice you would give aspiring authors?
Write a lot. Read a lot. Work hard at learning the craft, with humility and thick skin.

When you were little, what did you want to be when you "grew up"?
I always struggled with that one, but there was a time when I wanted to be a stuntman.

If a movie was made about your life, who would you want to play the lead role and why?
Leonardo DiCaprio, because he has a big smile and I was always a big smiler. Also, he can play a serious and goofy role…I’m both.

How did you know you should become an author?
When I finally decided to investigate writing as a hobby, it immediately clicked with me. I always enjoyed writing but never thought of it as who I am or something to do for fun. When I wrote my first non-fiction and then fiction, I fell in love.

Can you see yourself in any of your characters?
Yes. There is a lot of me in Tanner.

What's the craziest writing idea you've had?
I don’t know if you’d call it crazy, but I want to do a compilation of short stories based on my favorite songs from the eighties!

What's the best advice anyone has ever given you?
A couple years back, two reviewers said I had “Poor writing skills.” Those words changed me, sending me on a quest to have ninja writing skills.

Hidden talent?
I’ve been playing drums for 30 years.

Favorite Food?
Surf-n-Turf. Lobster & Fillet

How do you react to a bad review?
Cry. No actually, I don’t do that any more. I take it in and try to figure out what I can do to fix it. I don’t look at bad reviews as a bad thing, because they are the only ones who will tell you what your weaknesses are.

Thanks for the interview and opportunity to share my life with your readers.

As part of the Blog Tour for his book Reunion Jeff is giving away a Kindle.
CLICK HERE for details on how to enter.

Synopsis:
David Ray killed eight students and then turned the gun on himself. He thought the shooting and suicide would fix his world. It didn't. The massacre threw Tanner Khan and the other survivors into chaos.

Twenty years later, Tanner and his fellow classmates reluctantly agree to hold a reunion to lay the past to rest. Although they suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, they come back to their hometown and reunite in the defunct school building. Old flames are rekindled, fears are ignited, and their lives are about to explode in a whirlwind of memories, haunted by the spirit of David Ray.

Once they're inside the school, they discover that a dark entity has joined them. It has come to collect a debt, long overdue, and someone has to pay. Will Tanner and his classmates overcome their fears, putting the pieces of their lives back together, or will they be consumed by their worst nightmare?

REUNION is a supernatural thriller that digs deep into the world of school shootings, bullying, and the long-term effects post-traumatic stress disorder. This multi-genre thriller has, at times, elements of the supernatural, horror, romance, and certainly suspense, without disregard for the trauma that many survivors deal with the rest of their lives.

Book Review: How to Be God's Little Princess by Sheila Walsh

How to Be God's Little Princess: Royal Tips for Manners, Etiquette, and True Beauty by Sheila Walsh:

A fun guide book for God's little princesses.


What does it take to be a princess? Sheila Walsh has some important answers to share for every little girl. This trendy design features black & white line art and a two-color pink and black interior. The art will tie to each how-to topic in the book-how to make the best pink cookies, how to wear a tiara, how to earn money at home, how to care for a royal dog, how to be respectful, how to use good manners, how to help Mom, how to follow Jesus, how to act like a princess when things go terribly wrong, and many more.

What a cute book!  The idea of manners and etiquette seems to be lost in today's world.  This book is aimed at about 8-11 year olds and is filled with a wide variety of information.  With everything from Internet Safety to planning a party, from meal time etiquette to being a good friend, from modesty to using time wisely...  There is a little bit of everything found within the pages of this book.

There are fun illustrations and quizzes that teach valuable lessons.  This is a book that is sure to be a hit with tween age girls.  Obviously you can tell by the title that this book is aimed at a Christian audience.  There are scriptures on the first page of each chapter with the overall message being:

"You are God's beautiful, incredible princess - a crowning jewel in His kingdom"

My review copy of this book will definitely be finding its way into my daughter's Easter Basket.



Content: Clean

Rating: 5 Stars

Source: For Review as part of a blog tour

Book Giveaway: How to Be God's Little Princess by Sheila Walsh

How to Be God's Little Princess by Sheila Walsh:

A fun guide book for God's little princesses.

What does it take to be a princess? Sheila Walsh has some important answers to share for every little girl. This trendy design features black & white line art and a two-color pink and black interior. The art will tie to each how-to topic in the book-how to make the best pink cookies, how to wear a tiara, how to earn money at home, how to care for a royal dog, how to be respectful, how to use good manners, how to help Mom, how to follow Jesus, how to act like a princess when things go terribly wrong, and many more.

About the Author:
About Sheila: Sheila Walsh is the creator of the award-winning Gigi, God's Little Princess® brand which has sold over 1.5 million units. Sheila is also a powerful communicator, Bible teacher, and best-selling author with more than 4 million books sold. As a featured speaker with Women of Faith®, Sheila has reached more than 3.5 million women by artistically combining honesty, vulnerability, and humor with God's Word.

Author of the best-selling memoir Honestly and the Gold Medallion nominee for The Heartache No One Sees, Sheila's most recent release, The Shelter of God's Promises, has also been turned into a DVD curriculum and in-depth Bible study. The Gigi, God's Little Princess book and video series has won the National Retailer's Choice Award twice and is the most popular Christian brand for young girls in the United States. Sheila co-hosted The 700 Club and her own show Heart to Heart with Sheila Walsh. She is currently completing her Masters in Theology.

Sheila is giving away a Kindle! 

To Enter please visit the blog tour site for details: 

http://litfusegroup.com/blogtours/text/13229189

Giveaway Details:
I have 1 copy of How to Be God's Little Princess to giveaway.
Open to US only
Ends 5/12/11

To Enter just leave a comment on this post.  Make sure there is a way for me to contact you.

Book Review: God So Loved the World by Eric D. Huntsman

"There would be no Christmas if there had not been Easter," taught President Gordon B. Hinckley. "The babe Jesus of Bethlehem would be but another baby without the redeeming Christ of Gethsemane and Calvary, and the triumphant fact of the Resurrection."


With this deeper understanding given by a modern prophet, Latter-day Saints have an increased opportunity during the period from Palm Sunday to Easter morning to reflect upon the last days of our Lord's earthly ministry.


In God So Loved the World: The Final Days of the Savior's Life, author Eric D. Huntsman takes us on a scriptural journey through the last week of our Savior's mortal life, culminating in His atoning sacrifice and joyous resurrection. The author, by drawing on his wide knowledge of historical context, cultural background, and biblical insights, increases our understanding of these momentous events and helps us draw closer to the Savior. Full-color fine-art paintings, photographs, maps, music, and topics for personal reflection are included to enhance our commemoration of Easter week.


Brother Huntsman writes, "Each year has its rhythms with the passage of summer to fall, winter, and at last, again, spring. Holidays are part of that rhythm, helping us remember realities greater than mere seasons, and Easter, together with Christmas, can anchor each year securely in the promises of Jesus Christ."


This beautiful volume suggests meaningful ways for Latter-day Saints to refocus their Easter celebrations on the culminating events of the Savior's ministry. Whether used as a personal or family study guide or as a model for a devotional celebration of Easter week, God So Loved the World is a must-have addition to the library of every Latter-day Saint.


Contents:
Preface
Acknowledgments
Rediscovering Easter
Palm Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Good Friday
Saturday
Easter Sunday
Choosing Easter
Appendix: The Gospels as Sources, a Chronology, and Symbolism
Jesus in the Four Gospels
Jesus during His Last Week
Jesus as the Anointed One
Notes
Sources
Index


Last year the week before Easter I read a book called A Christ-Centered Easter. It gave activities to do with your kids each day of the week leading up to Easter to help bring the focus of Easter back to Christ.

God So Loved the World is a book along the sames lines only it is much more in depth. It takes a detailed look at the life of Christ the week leading up to his death and resurrection. Centered around the accounts of Christ's life from the Gospels it is filled with pictures, quotes, songs, and scriptures to help us understand what transpired during the Christ's final week.

This is a beautiful book I would recommend to anyone seeking a better understanding of the Holy Week that culminates on Easter morning.  There is much out there about putting Christ back in to Christmas.  This book helps bring the focus of Easter back to where it should be... on Christ's atonement, death and Resurrection.



Rating: 5 Stars

Source: From Publisher

Blog Tour: Author Interview with Book Line Answers - I'm Not Her by Janet Gurtler

Welcome to author Janet Gurtler. 

Bio:

Janet lives near the Canadian Rockies with her husband and son and the sweet memories of a little dog named Meeko. She does not live in an Igloo or play hockey, but she does love maple syrup and says “eh” a lot.

Janet is here doing an author Interview with Book Line Answers - which means Janet had to find answers to my interview questions from lines in the book I'm Not Her. 

Janet's Blog: http://janetgurtler.blogspot.com/
For all the Teen Book Scene Tour Stops please visit THIS SITE.

Book Line Interview:
If you were a superhero what would your name be?
Superman much?

What's your favourite food?
Prize winning chocolate cake

What is your favorite Quote?
“I guess sometimes things happen for a reason, right?”

How do you react to a bad review?
”I want sedatives too, handfuls actually but no one is going to hand any to me.” “I squirm but force myself to keep quiet.”

What do you do in your free time?
I’m book binging.

Okay. This was really HARD! Lots of fun, but really hard!!!

I'm Not Her by Janet Gurtler:

“For the first time in my life, I didn’t feel envy…”

Tess is the exact opposite of her beautiful, athletic sister. And that’s okay. Kristina is the sporty one, Tess is the smart one, and they each have their place. Until Kristina is diagnosed with cancer. Suddenly Tess is the center of the popular crowd, everyone eager for updates. There are senior boys flirting with her. Yet the smiles of her picture-perfect family are cracking and her sister could be dying. Now Tess has to fill a new role: the strong one. Because if she doesn’t hold it together, who will?

Janet Gurtler tests the bonds of sisterhood in this moving debut that readers of Jodi Picoult and Sarah Dessen will savor.