Guest Review: Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo

Welcome to Kari from Kari's Crowded Bookshelf.  Kari's review of Shadow and Bone is the first of what I hope will be many guest reviews that are posted on this blog.  I have so many books on my to read list there is no way I will ever get them all read and reviewed so I am going to be showcasing other people's reviews of books on my to read list.

Some of my guest reviewers have their own blog, some do not.  Most will be featured just once, a couple might become "regulars". (More details about becoming a guest reviewer can be found HERE).

Title: Shadow and Bone
Author: Leigh Bardugo
Series: The Grisha Trilogy #1
Publisher: Henry Holt and Co.
Released: June 5, 2012
Website:  http://www.leighbardugo.com/


Book Summary:

Alina Starkov doesn’t expect much from life. Orphaned by the Border Wars, the one thing she could rely on was her best friend and fellow refugee, Mal. And lately not even that seems certain. Drafted into the army of their war-torn homeland, they’re sent on a dangerous mission into the Fold, a swath of unnatural darkness crawling with monsters who feast on human flesh.
When their convoy is attacked, all seems lost until Alina reveals a dormant power that not even she knew existed. Ripped from everything she knows, she is whisked away to the royal court to be trained as a member of the Grisha, the magical elite led by the mysterious Darkling. He believes she is the answer the people have been waiting for: the one person with the power to destroy the Fold.
Swept up in a world of luxury and illusion, envied as the Darkling’s favorite, Alina struggles to fit into her new life without Mal by her side. But as the threat to the kingdom mounts, Alina uncovers a secret that sets her on a collision course with the most powerful forces in the kingdom. Now only her past can save her . . . and only she can save the future. 

Kari's Review of Shadow and Bone

**5 Stars** 

MY OVERVIEW: Wow. This is the first book in a long time to have gotten a rare 5 star rating from me. I loved it. It was a beautifully woven story.

PROS: Everything. The author did a fantastic job creating a whole world and race of people. I know some people will hate me for saying this, but her world rivals Narnia in just how amazing it is. It was perfectly described and I could picture everything clearly; from the landscapes and buildings, to the people.

All of the characters were written beautifully! I don’t think there was one character that didn’t fit. You really felt what Alina was feeling. 

I really don’t want to go too much more into the Pros because I will start giving everything away. 

CONS: The only thing I wish the author had written was the Darkling’s actual name. It would have been interesting to have found out what it was before he changed it. 

MY FINAL THOUGHTS: This was a book that I really didn’t ever want to put down. I am so excited for the next book and am heartbroken that I have to wait a whole year for it to come out. 

NOTE TO PARENTS: Here is some information on the content of the book, so you can better judge if the book is appropriate for your child.

- LANGUAGE – Honestly, I don’t remember any language. This doesn’t mean that there wasn’t any in there, but that if there was, it was only a handful of times and nothing worse that what is on regular TV.

- SEX – Well, it wouldn’t be a young adult book without a love interest and sexual tension. There is no actual sex in this book though. There is some kissing and in one scene it mentions a hand on a hip and that her skirt is risen up, but nothing happens as they get interrupted. It is also briefly mentioned that Mal can get whatever girl he wants and has “tumbled” before. There is also mention of one of the soldiers getting “touchy” when drunk.

- DRUGS & ALCOHOL – No drugs. Yes there is alcohol. A few of the soldiers get drunk and Alina has some champagne at a party.

- VIOLENCE – The book is set during a war, so yes there is violence. There are creatures attacking and killing people as well as people attacking and killing people. There is one point where a Grisha using “the Cut” slices someone in half. Honestly though, if your child has read The Hunger Games then he/she would be able to handle the violence in this book.

About Kari:

My name is Kari. I am a 26 year old from Groton, Connecticut where I live with my husband, newborn son, and crazed cat.

I am currently a stay-at-home mom and spend my days taking care of my 4 month old, and reading. I am also crafty and, until it was turned into a nursery, had a room dedicated to scrapbooking and card making. I can also sew, cross stitch, crochet and knit. I will also be learning how to do tatting with my sister.

I enjoy reading young adult fantasy and sci-fi books mostly as I feel the stories are a lot better than a lot of the adult books out there. Oh, and yes, I am a sci-fi geek (Star Wars, X-files, Buffy, Supernatural, Stargate, etc. are all favorites of mine).  

If you enjoyed this review please visit Kari's Blog to read more of her reviews:
http://karisbookshelf.blogspot.com/

A Lot Like a Lady: Author Interview with Kim Bowman

Welcome to Author Kim Bowman

Kim lives in the midwest with her husband and two of her four kids. She is an avid horseback rider and reader. She works as an editor and recently decided to try her hand at writing fiction.

Links:

http://kimbowmanauthor.blogspot.com/ 

https://twitter.com/kimbowmanauthor

Interview:

What is one book everyone should read?  I have two actually - Gerald's Game by Stephen King and Audrey Niffenegger's Her Fearful Symmetry. The raw emotion and complex characters in these books is pure magic. Any other books in the works? Goals for future projects?  Kay Springsteen and I are working on the sequel to A LOT LIKE A LADY right now. We also have a short planned for release later this summer and then the third book in the Lady series by late fall. Then we are independently working on Regency Christmas stories for Astraea Press as well! Just for starters! If a movie was made about your life, who would you want to play the lead role and why? Sandra Bullock because my husband LOVES her! Almost as much as I love Robert Redford (I know he's old - I don't care! LOL!). Who are your favorite authors of all time?  MaryJanice Davidson, Jodi Picoult, Audrey Niffenegger, and Stephen King.

Can you see yourself in any of your characters? 
Not me so much, but I've noticed I tend to have all my male heros be A LOT like my husband. He is truly amazing and I can't think of anyone else I'd like to spend my life with (okay, except Robert Redford).
In A LOT LIKE A LADY we see his very reserved, serious, put-everyone-else's-needs-ahead-of-his-own side. And in the sequel, Something Like a Lady, we'll see his flirty, playful, more romantic side. When we add layers to that via Kay Springsteen's talent, we have some pretty amazing male leads.

What's the craziest writing idea you've had? 

OH, this one is definitely gonna happen so my lips are sealed on giving anything away! Let's just say it will be totally contemporary, totally suspenseful, totally horrorific mixed in with a conspiracy theory that will give you chills. My father has even warned me against doing this story because it's such a wild idea that's so crazy it could just be true! STAY TUNED!!

What's the best advice anyone has ever given you? 
HEHE! My husband: Stop stalking that author (aka MaryJanice Davidson) before you get your butt thrown in jail!! I really don't want to have to drive three hours to bail you out! (See below for full story!) Sadly, I'm not joking!

What movie and/or book are you looking forward to this year? 

Johnny Depp in The Dark Shadow! My three-year-old does a mean Barnubus Collins impression - "They tried to stone my once, my dear. It did not work." HEHEHE! He CRACKS me up!

If you could have a signed copy of any novel what would it be and why? 
LOL! I recently had the honor and pleasure of meeting MaryJanice Davidson at the RT Booklover's Convention in Chicago. I can tell you, I was in heaven! And...I seemed to run into her everywhere I went! Not that I was stalking her or anything, ahem. So at the book fair, I stood in line and got her autograph. She wrote: Kim, so nice to see you. Again and again! MJ  And in the second book: Kim, congrats on the awesomeness of meeting me! MJ  Although my publisher from Astraea Press, Stephanie Taylor, was very afraid she would have to bail me out of jail for stalking MaryJanice...ok, technically bail me and author Rachel Van Dyken out of jail because she was a true friend and stayed by my side!

If someone wrote a book about your life, what would the title be? 

Scheduling Sex. I'm not even joking. I plan to eventually take my journal notes and write a book about our struggle with infertility and the very surprise, miracle birth of our son nine years later (five years after the stop of fertility treatments). We'd been told we had better chance of winning the lottery than conceiving a child. And did we win the lottery in a HUGE way. He's an amazing person!

In your wildest dreams, which author would you love to co-author a book with? 

This is one I can mark off my bucket list! Co-authoring A LOT LIKE A LADY with Kay Springsteen and now working on at least three other books in the series with her is a dream come true! She's amazing and together we've worked some pretty wonderful magic (if I do say so myself!).

  

Coke or Pepsi? 

COKE! There's NO contest!

  

Harry Potter or Twilight? 

There is no contest there either - Harry Potter all the way!

A Lot Like A Lady by Kim Bowman and Kay Springsteen

Ladies’ maid, Juliet Baines has gotten herself into a pickle by agreeing to go to London and taking the place of her mistress and best friend, Annabella Price, stepsister to the Duke of Wyndham. After all, what does a servant know about being a lady? But Juliet soon finds that pretending to be a lady isn’t nearly as hard as guarding her heart against the folly of wanting a man who’s completely out of reach.
Graeme "Grey" Roland Dominick Markwythe, Sixth Duke of Wyndham, approaches his duties as a nobleman with great dedication and meticulous care. And he’s a man who is not easily fooled...except when he tries to convince himself he's not utterly and madly in love with the beautiful imposter who has turned his life upside down. Will society and his responsibilities to his noble status keep him from opening his heart to the woman he loves?

Giveaway Details
1 copy of A Lot Like A Lady
Paperback open to US only, Ebook open Internationally
Ends 8/20/12


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Audiobook Giveaway: Fated by Alyson Noel (Soul Seekers #1)

I was approached by one of my blog readers with an awesome request.

I won a Fated (by Alyson Noel) Audiobook, listened to it once and enjoyed it so much I would like to pass it on to someone else.  I know you host giveaways for other people and wanted to see if you would host this giveaway for me.

Please let me know if you would be interested and what you need from me! 

Thanks!

How awesome is that! Of course I'm happy to host a giveaway for this generous anonymous individual!

Fated

The first book in a magnificent new series about a girl who can navigate between the worlds of the living and the dead by #1 New York Times bestselling author Alyson Noël.
Lately strange things have been happening to Daire Santos. Animals follow her, crows mock her, and glowing people appear out of nowhere. Worried that Daire is having a nervous breakdown, her mother packs her off to stay in the dusty plains of Enchantment, New Mexico with a grandmother she’s never met.
There she crosses paths with Dace, a gorgeous guy with unearthly blue eyes who she’s encountered before...but only in her dreams. And she’ll get to know her grandmother—a woman who recognizes Daire’s bizarre episodes for what they are. A call to her true destiny as a Soul Seeker, one who can navigate between the worlds of the living and the dead. Her grandmother immediately begins teaching her to harness her powers—but it’s an art that must be mastered quickly. Because Dace’s brother is an evil shape-shifter who’s out to steal her powers. Now Daire must embrace her fate as a Soul Seeker and find out if Dace is one guy she’s meant to be with...or if he’s allied with the enemy she’s destined to destroy.

Giveaway Details:
1 gently used, once listened to, audiobook of Fated
US only 
This is an anonymous donation and the giver is not responsible for prize lost in the mail.

To this wonderful person who said:

I am so excited to be able to share what I won with people who will enjoy it as much as I did!   Thanks for your help!

THANK YOU!!

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Author Interview & Book Giveaway: Lucy & Cecee's How to Survive (and Thrive) in Middle School

Welcome to Author Kimberly Dana

Featured on NBC's More at Midday, Kimberly Dana is an award-winning author and teacher whose middle school students give her much insight into the world of "tweendom." She is published by the National Council of Teachers of English and the recipient of several writing honors from Writers Digest and the Pacific Northwest Writers Association. Other affiliations include the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators and EPIC, the Electronic Publishing Industry Coalition, where she serves as a judge for the annual eBook competition. Kimberly’s most recent books include her YA thriller, Cheerage Fearage and the delightful picture book, Pretty Dolls, voted Best Children's Book of the Year by Reader Views. 

LINKS:

http://www.lucyandcecee.com/

http://www.kimberlydana.com/

https://twitter.com/daisygal

http://kimberlydana.blogspot.com/

INTEVIEW:  

If you could invite any 5 people to dinner who would you choose?
Dr. Seuss, Judy Blume, Harper Lee, Truman Capote, and Shel Silverstein

If you could have any superpower what would you choose?
The powers of persuasion in any given situation would prove useful.

What is your favorite flavor of ice cream?
Ben and Jerry’s Coffee Heath Bar. I’ve been known to polish off a pint in one sitting.

Pet Peeves?
Alarm clocks, rudeness, and unfriendly people.

Please tell us in one sentence only, why we should read your book.
Lucy and CeCee’s How to Survive (and Thrive) in Middle School portrays the ups and downs of middle school tweenhood with humor and authenticity.

What was your favorite book when you were a child/teen?
I devoured Judy Blume. I think I read Are You There God? It’s Me Margaret over thirty times.

What's one piece of advice you would give aspiring authors?
Along with persistence, my advice would be to establish a daily writing routine and stick to it!

If you could be one of the Greek Gods, which would it be and why?
Athena, Goddess of Wisdom, of course.

If you could live anywhere in the world where would it be?
New York City

When you were little, what did you want to be when you "grew up"?
I wanted to be an actress or a cruise director. 

Hidden talent?
I can pick up things with my toes.

How did you celebrate the sale of your first book?
My husband took me out for Mexican.

What is your guilty pleasure?
See question number 3.

Favorite places to travel?
The islands

Favorite music?
I dig anything from the 70’s, especially rock and disco.

Favorite smell?
My shih tzu after a bath.

Write a Haiku about your book
Lucy and CeCee
Are Middle School experts
Laughing through it all.

Regular or Diet?
Regular. Diets in any form should be avoided.

Cats or Dog?
Shih tzus!

What is something people would be surprised to know about you?
I can synchronize swim.

Lucy & Cecee's How to Survive (and Thrive) in Middle School by Kimberly Dana

Time to put the freak-out on pause because outgoing, boy-crazy LucyPringle and shy, studious, bespectacled CeCee Cruz have the goods on how to make middle school the best three years ever! Lucy and CeCee-the official self-proclaimed Madison Heights Middle School experts on how to deal with haters, hormones, and hot lunch dilemmas-are ready to demystify swirlie urban legends and dish about academic and social topics. They're keeping it real, lacing diary entries with their own daily escapades regarding skater slacker boyfriend crushes, BFF shopping trips to the mall, and BEE (Bitter Eternal Enemies) text wars. The two seventh graders swear to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth . . . so help them Good Fairy of Popularity. In this handbook, two girls who have already survived boyfriends, sleepovers, nerd crushes, detentions, and runaway pimples share helpful hints and lingo lessons that will help tweens not only survive, but thrive while navigating through all the gory glory of middle school. Check out Lucy and CeCee's official website at lucyandcecee.com. Winner of Editor's Choice, Rising Star, and San Francisco Book Festival - Honorable Mention Awards.

Giveaway Details
Signed copy of Lucy & Cecee's How to Survive (and Thrive) in Middle School
Open to US only
Ends 8/20/12

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Author Interview & Giveaway: Concilium by Michelle Pickett

Welcome to Author Michelle Pickett

Michelle has been an avid reader since a young child. She began writing for personal enjoyment in college, where she graduated Summa Cum Laude with a degree in accounting. Deciding sitting in a cubical all day was her form of cruel and unusual punishment, she decided to do what she really wanted to—share her passion for reading and writing with others.

She wrote her debut novel Concilium in 2010. The sequel, Concilium: The Departure soon followed. Both will be published by Muse It Up Publishing with scheduled released dates of July 27th and November 2012 respectively. Her Debut young adult novel, PODs, will be published by Spencer Hill Press and is scheduled for release in paperback June 4th, 2013.

Michelle was born and raised in Michigan. She now resides in a small community outside Houston, Texas with her husband, four children, a 125-pound lap dog, a very grumpy cockatiel and a cat that thinks she's queen.

Michelle writes adult and young adult Sci/Fi and urban fantasy romance.

INTERVIEW
What is your favorite flavor of ice cream?

Moose tracks.  Peanut butter cups and swirls of chocolate...yum.

If you could meet one person who has died who would you choose?

My Grandfather. I’ve been told we were great buddies, almost inseparable, but he died when I was very young and I  don’t have any memories of him.

Night owl, or early bird?

Night owl definitely.

One food you would never eat?

Liver. Just the thought of it makes me gag.

Pet Peeves?

People who put others down to make themselves feel superior.  And bad table manners.

Skittles or M&Ms?

Peanut butter M&Ms.

Any other books in the works? Goals for future projects?

The sequel to Concilium releases in November.  My mom told me she liked it better than Concilium.  I also have a young adult novel, PODs, releasing through Spencer Hill Press in June 2013.

Tell us your most rewarding experience since being published.

My son asking his teacher if I could come to his school on career day.

What's one piece of advice you would give aspiring authors?

Never give up, but be open to change.

What is your favorite Quote?

Some people drink from the fountain of knowledge, others gargle.

What's the best advice anyone has ever given you?

If it’s worth having, it’s worth working hard for.  My dad told me that and I think it applies to just about anything in life.

What was your favorite children's book?

Where the Red Fern Grows.  I still read it.

Nickname?

Mac.

Favorite smell?

My kid's after their bath.

Coke or Pepsi?

Coke!

City or Country?

Country, but I live near Houston--the fourth largest city in the US.  Go figure.

Favorite quote from a movie?

I'm your huckleberry ~ Val Kilmer from Wyatt Earp.

Concilium

A tale of deadly creatures and forbidden romance.
Leslee hit a strange animal with her car.  Now she’s marked for death.

It was a simple car accident – the animal didn’t even die – but it drew the attention of the Cruor Imbibo. Driven by their insatiable need to feed, the secret society of Imbibo has devoured the dregs of civilization  for centuries.  Afraid Leslee will expose them, and put an end to their meal ticket, the Imbibo want her dead.
The Concilium is Leslee's only protection. Guardian of the ancient secret and the protector of humans, the Concilium fights to control the Imbibo and end their feeding frenzy. Miller works for the Concilium. Keeping Leslee alive is his next assignment.
Now Leslee is on the run, and the only thing between her flesh and the snapping jaws of the Imbibo is Miller. He and Leslee quickly form a bond, but will falling in love make Miller’s job more difficult? Because if he fails, Leslee will be next on the Imbibo menu.

Blog Tour Give away:
1) Concilium E-Book
2) $10 Amazon Gift Card

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Author Interview & Ebook Giveaway: Human Instincts by Ioana Visan

Welcome to Author Ioana Visan

Ioana Visan has always dreamed about reaching the stars, but since she can't, she writes about it. Her stories have been published in several Romanian anthologies and magazines. Her English debut came with the short story "Unhinged Reality" published by Every Day Fiction. "Human Instincts" is her first novella in English and she also has a story included in the upcoming "Evolution 2" anthology published by Evolved Publishing. She is currently working on a fantasy trilogy.

Links:
Website: http://ioanavisan.zxq.net/
Blog: http://weirdvision2001.blogspot.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/weirdvision
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorIoanaVisan

Interview:

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

The future. You can learn about the past from books, but you can never be sure about the future.

If you were stranded on a desert island what 3 things would you want with you?

Not three things, three people: a cook, a maid, and a carpenter.

What is one book everyone should read?

There is no such thing.

If you could meet one person who has died who would you choose?

My late grandfather who I never met.

What is your favorite thing to eat for breakfast?

Cake. Preferably homemade.

Please tell us in one sentence only, why we should read your book.

Human Instincts is an apocalyptic novella who will take you on a wild ride to a gritty world full of dangers, but also with a bit of hope.

Any other books in the works? Goals for future projects? 

I'm working on a were-creatures story collection and a vampire novella to keep my readers happy until my fantasy trilogy is ready.

Tell us your most rewarding experience since being published.

Being invited to participate to various writing projects by people whom I respect.

What was your favorite book when you were a child/teen? 

Any big hardcover book that I could keep my drawings in.

When you were little, what did you want to be when you "grew up"?

A circus gymnast. I liked the sparkling outfits.

How did you know you should become an author?

I didn't, I just liked to write, and then it sort of happened.

Can you see yourself in any of your characters?

Almost every story has at least one character that has a piece of me.

How do you react to a bad review?

I don't.

Which authors have influenced you most how?

Science fiction classics I've read as a child.

If someone wrote a book about your life, what would the title be?

"What No One Knew" or "The Secret Behind The Veil"

Human Instincts: An Apocalyptic Novella

Dr. Deanna Nichols is a geneticist searching for a cure to save the world. After the war nearly destroyed it by releasing an aggressive virus, it was the vaccine that killed the humanity’s chances for progress and survival. Deanna feels guilty because she has participated in creating the vaccine, and General Mackenzie never lets her forget that.
Their luck changes when they are contacted by the convicts held in a secret military prison hidden in the arctic desert. The C deviance criminals are willing to negotiate and provide unaffected DNA samples in exchange for supplies and a visit paid by the doctor herself. Suddenly there’s hope, so Deanna embarks on a dangerous journey to a grittier reality than she had expected. 
Could a woman alone save the world?

Giveaway Details
Ebook copy of Human Instincts
Ends 8/19/12


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Author Interview & Book Giveaway: Flying the Dragon by Natalie Dias Lorenzi

Welcome to Author Natalie Dias Lorenzi

Natalie Dias Lorenzi is a teacher, librarian, mother, wife and traveler. She has lived in seven US states, Germany, Italy and Japan, and traveled to more places than she can count (and she can count pretty high). Like Skye and Hiroshi, the main characters in her debut middle grade novel Flying the Dragon, Natalie knows what it's like to make a complete fool of herself in another language. That said, she highly recommends the technique of throwing yourself into a new language, even if you're not ready.

Links:
Website: http://natalielorenzi.com/
Blog: http://bibliolinks.wordpress.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/NatalieLorenzi
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Flying-the-Dragon-by-Natalie-Dias-Lorenzi/282036541848682

Interview:

When you were little, what did you want to be when you "grew up"?

In 4^th grade, I had the world’s all-time best teacher, Mrs. Smith, at Bitburg Elementary School on an Air Force base in Germany. She read aloud to us every afternoon, which was my favorite part of the day. Learning was fun in her class, and I wanted to grow up and make learning fun for other kids, too.  I became a classroom teacher, then specialized in English language acquisition. I’m now almost finished with the coursework I need for my LMS (library media specialist) endorsement so that I can become a full-time school librarian. At the moment I’m a half-time ESL teacher and a half-time librarian at an elementary school.

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

I would definitely go back to the past. I love the television show Who Do You Think You Are?, where genealogists help celebrities trace their family histories. I’d love to go back and meet my ancestors, especially one of my grandmother’s aunts who was a missionary doctor in China in the early 1900s. Her history in our family is a bit fuzzy, and I’d love to meet her and find out her story!

If you were stranded on a desert island what 3 things would you want with you? Okay, so the romantic version would include a book, a hammock, and a fruity drink. The realistic answer? A satellite phone—fully charged with a tracking device so someone would know where I am, sunscreen, and a bug-proof, critter-proof tent with air conditioning and a fully-stocked fridge and bathroom!

What's one piece of advice you would give aspiring authors?

That depends on which stage of their career they are in. For someone just starting out, join SCBWI (www.scbwi.org) and get to know other writers at conferences and in online communities like the one author Verla Kay has created (http://www.verlakay.com/boards/). For someone who already has already written something, my next piece of advice would be to join a critique group and sign up for manuscript critiques at conference. My critique group has been together for about 7 years, and I can’t imagine going on this journey without them. For someone who has been writing for awhile and has started to get “positive rejections” (personalized notes from agents and editors, invitations to sub again, etc.), my advice is to be patient and KEEP writing. Patience is not one of my own virtues, so I know how hard it is to be in a business that seems to move at a glacial pace. But when I feel like a manuscript just isn’t clicking, I leave it alone, start something new, and come back to it later. It’s tempting to call it “as finished as it will ever be,” as sometimes it is. But try to discern if that’s really true, or if you just want to get it out there in Sub World. If it’s the latter, put it aside for a bit (a month or more, if you can stand it) and then come back to it. I can guarantee that you’ll see it differently once you’ve had some distance.

If you could live anywhere in the world where would it be?

I've lived in many places, both as a kid and later as an adult. My dad was in the Air Force when I was growing up, so I’ve lived in Maine, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Texas, Arizona, Oregon, Virginia and Germany. Once I graduated from college, I thought I would stay put in Virginia, but it wasn’t long before the travel bug bit. The summer after my first year of teaching, I backpacked around Europe, and the following summer I went on a 7-week trip across the United States. They were both amazing experiences, and I decided that, instead of waiting each summer to travel, I’d like to live somewhere where it felt like I was traveling every day. So I got a job teaching Kindergarten at the International School of Trieste in Italy, where I met my future husband. When my two-year contract was up, I went to Japan where I taught first grade for more two years before returning to the States.

Two kids and six years later, my husband and I decided to move back to Italy for two years so that our daughters could learn Italian, get to know their Italian relatives, and I could stay home with our girls. When our son was born, two years morphed into five years, and we didn’t return to the States until 2008.

Even after all of the traveling I’ve done, I’m living right where I want to—in Virginia near my family during the school year, and in Italy near my husband’s family in the summers. I still love to travel—the two continents I’ve never been to are Australia and Antarctica. But being near family is the best place for us to live for now.

Can you see yourself in any of your characters?

There are definitely elements of myself in both Hiroshi and Skye. Hiroshi is completely out of his element when he moves from Japan to Virginia. He doesn’t know the culture or the language, and feels totally out of place. When I was his age (in 5^th grade), we moved from an Air Force base in Germany to San Antonio, Texas. While I didn’t struggle with the language, like Hiroshi does, I was definitely out of place culturally. These were the pre-Internet days, so those of us who lived on the base in Germany were pretty out of touch with what was happening back in the US. When I moved, I had no idea what the latest songs, TV shows and movies were, and I was pretty miserable for the first few months of that school year.

Like Skye in her Saturday Japanese class, I felt like I was expected to know the culture, when I actually I was clueless. When I moved to Italy and Japan as an adult, I had a taste of the bewilderment that Hiroshi and Skye felt with English and Japanese, respectively. Not being able to express yourself is frustrating and humbling, but at least my days were spent teaching at international schools where the staff and most of the students spoke English. I can’t imagine how hard it must be for my ESL students to sit through an entire day of school and only understand a few words!

If you had 24 hours alone how would you spend it?

This probably won’t sound very surprising, but I would definitely spend a good chunk of the day writing. As a full-time teacher/librarian, wife and mother, I don’t get big blocks of writing time very often. I would go someplace beautiful and peaceful, like the beach or the mountains, where I could think and walk and work on stories!

In your wildest dreams, which author would you love to co-author a book with?

The chapters in Flying the Dragon alternate by viewpoints, Hiroshi’s and Skye’s. As a result, the reader sees elements of Hiroshi and Skye that would have stayed hidden if the story had been told from only one of their points of view. For example, when Hiroshi has a cold, he shows up at school with a white cloth mask that covers his nose and mouth, as is done in Japan. The mask wouldn’t even warrant a mention if Hiroshi had been telling that part of the story. But to Skye, it’s a source of embarrassment.

I’d love to co-author a book with an author who was raised in a culture that’s different from my own. That culture might be right here in the US; our country has numerous cultures within its borders. Linda Sue Park, Sherman Alexie, and Mitali Perkins come to mind.  All three of them are such talented writers, and it would be an honor

If you could jump in to a book, and live in that world, which would it be?

I’d love to jump into the world of the Penderwicks and stay in the summer estate of Arundel in Massachusetts. Although the girls frequently seem to find themselves in heaps of trouble there, the place seems so lovely—peaceful and beautiful.

What is something people would be surprised to know about you?

I went skydiving when I was in my 20s. I’m glad I did it once, but wouldn’t want to do it again! 

Flying the Dragon

American-born Skye knows very little of her Japanese heritage. Her father taught her to speak the language, but when their estranged Japanese family, including Skye's grandfather, suddenly move to the United States, Skye must be prepared to give up her All-Star soccer dreams to take Japanese lessons and to help her cousin, Hiroshi adapt to a new school. Hiroshi, likewise, must give up his home and his hopes of winning the rokkaku kite-fighting championship with Grandfather. Faced with language barriers, culture clashes and cousin rivalry, Skye and Hiroshi have a rocky start. But a greater shared loss brings them together. They learn to communicate, not only through language, but through a common heritage and sense of family honor. At the rokkaku contest at the annual Washington Cherry Blossom Festival, Hiroshi and Skye must work as a team in order to compete with the best.

Giveaway Details 
1 copy of Flying the Dragon
Open to US only
Ends 8/19/12


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Blog Tour: Author Interview Besotted by Jacqueline Gardner

Welcome back Author Jacqueline Gardner

Jacqueline Gardner works as a Story Editor for the production company Labragirl Pictures. Her love of storytelling began at an early age when she would make up stories with her grandmother before bedtime. In early 2010, she completed her first novel and has been stuck on writing ever since. She resides in Colorado and loves hiking, writing, fantasy fiction, and all things cupcake.

Links:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/Writer_Jacque
Website: http://www.jacquelinegardner.com/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/authorjacquelinegardner

Interview:
Any other books in the works? Goals for future projects? 

Right now I'm co-writing something with my awesome critique partner.  It's a young adult fantasy involving Norse mythology.

What movie and/or book are you looking forward to this year?

J.K. Rowling's new book!

How do you react to a bad review?

I smile and move on.  I'm just happy I have readers that love the series!

If you could be one of the Greek Gods, which would it be and why?

Poseidon, a female version!  I love the ocean.

What's your favorite season/weather?

Fall is my favorite season.  I love the colors, the weather, and the food.

Night owl, or early bird?

Definitely a night owl.

One food you would never eat?

Asparagus.  It's one of the few foods that makes me gag.

Nickname?
My little sister calls me Peanut Butter.

Favorite Candy?
Red Vines

City or Country?
Country

Harry Potter or Twilight?
Harry Potter!

Besotted

After narrowly escaping the serial killer out to steal her soul, Bridget dreams of a drama-free Junior year at Hartfield Manor.  But going to school with other teenage mind-readers is beyond complicated.  The headmaster greets Bridget with an alarming warning, the Coven is plotting something sinister, and Bridget's caught the eye of the hottest guy at Hartfield.  Suddenly one psychotic soul-sucker doesn't seem like such a big deal. 
And then there's her ex-boyfriend Terrence.  Bars aren't enough to keep him away.

Book Bonanza: Gallagher's Hope by MK McClintock (Get a Free Copy Today)

Gallagher's Hope


She sought a new beginning.

He sought what he didn’t know was missing.

Together they would discover hope in unlikely places.

Isabelle Rousseu must escape New Orleans and the memory of her family’s tragic loss. With her younger brother in tow, she accepts a position as the new schoolteacher in Briarwood, Montana. Desperate to keep what’s left of her family together, Isabelle joins her life with a stranger only to discover that trust and hope go hand in hand. 

Gabriel Gallagher lived each day as it came believing he had everything he could possibly want...until a determined woman and her brother arrive with a little luggage and a lot of secrets.

 It will take a drastic choice to protect her and give them both hope for the future.

Get your copies for free Today!



Enter to win a $25 Amazon Gift Card Here: http://mkmcclintock.blogspot.com/2012/08/book-bonanza-kick-off-for-gallaghers.html

Guest Post + 3 Book Giveaway: Sweet Magnolias Trilogy by Sherryl Woods

Welcome back Author Sherryl Woods

Sherryl Woods, New York Times and USA TODAY Bestselling Author, has written more than 100 romance and mystery novels. After graduating from the School of Journalism at Ohio State University, she spent more than ten years as a journalist and also spent some time coordinating a motivational program at the University of Miami-Jackson Memorial Medical Center. Aside from reading and writing, Sherryl also enjoys gardening, tennis, theater, ballet and baseball. Currently she divides her time between Key Biscayne, Florida and Colonial Beach, Virginia, the small, river-front town where she spent her childhood summers.

LINKS:
Website: http://www.sherrylwoods.com/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Sherryl-Woods/157107747648506

Guest Post:

Whether you're a longtime reader of my Sweet Magnolias series or just discovering it with the latest trilogy -- Midnight Promises (July, MIRA Books), Catching Fireflies (August, MIRA Books) and Where Azaleas Bloom (September, MIRA Books) -- you probably know that these books are about the deep bonds of women, whether lifelong friends or newly-acquainted.

The original Sweet Magnolias -- Maddie, Helen and Dana Sue -- were childhood friends who stuck by each other through thick and thin, but over the course of the series, just like all of us in real life, they've welcomed newcomers to the fold. They've even become multi-generational as their daughters and even a few local seniors have been included in their famed margarita nights.

For someone like me, who grew up in a suburb of Washington, DC where military families and, therefore, friends came and went, friendships have always been vitally important in my life. I hang onto the people I love for dear life, keeping in touch despite time and distance.

Lately, though, I've been through a period when the loss of dear friends has been more permanent. I have to say it's come as a disconcerting shock to realize that I'm now at an age when I'm more likely to lose someone to death than a cross-country move.

This is a transition we all must face eventually. As a minister friend points out to me, the cycle of life is inevitable. That doesn't mean we have to like it, but we do have to learn to deal with the grief and move on. And it's at times like these that the friends left behind mean more than ever. They provide support and comfort and much-needed laughter amid the tears.

Over the years I've been around many people who've lived well into their 80s and 90s. One thing they've all agreed on is that outliving their contemporaries is tough. From them, I've learned to make a decided effort to include a lot of younger people in my circle of friends, just as the Sweet Magnolias have done in these books. It's something you might want to consider as well.

Because as our lives inevitably change, as people come and go whatever the reason, friendships matter more than ever. I hope your circle of friends is large, that it includes young and old, and that you remember each and every day how those you love enrich your life. In other words, I wish you your own group of Sweet Magnolias!

Midnight Promises

When Elliott Cruz first courted struggling single mom Karen Ames, it it was a romance worthy of any Sweet Magnolia fantasy. The sexy personal trainer made it his mission to restore Karen's strength--physical and emotional--and to charm her children.Now, a few years into the marriage, colliding dreams threaten to tear a few years into the marriage, colliding dreams threaten to tear them them apart. Elliott's desire to finance the business opportunity of a lifetime with their hard-earned "baby money" stirs Karen's deep-rooted financial insecurities. It's the discovery that their brother-in-law is cheating on Elliott's sister--and thinks it's justified--that puts their irreconcilable differences into perspective. Will their own loving fidelity be a bond so strong they can triumph against all odds?

Catching Fireflies


When bullying threatens to destroy a teen's life, painful memories resurface for dedicated high school teacher Laura Reed and pediatrician J.C. Fullerton. With the support of the Sweet Magnolias, they bring the town together to ensure that a promising student's future isn?t ruined. And to establish once and for all that bullying has no place in Serenity, South Carolina. Both J.C.'s and Laura's passion for the cause is deeply personal, and their growing feelings for each other are just as strong. But with so many secret hurts to overcome, can these two vulnerable lovers find the strength to believe in happily ever after? 

Where Azaleas Bloom


"New York Times" and "USA TODAY" bestselling author Sherryl Woods explores the healing power of a love strong enough to join two wounded families Single mom Lynn Morrow is determined to put food on the table for her son and daughter. Her soon-to-be-ex-husband has failed to meet his obligations time and again-but it turns out that Ed is struggling with his own demons.

Enter contractor Mitch Franklin, an unlikely knight in shining armor. A widower with two grieving sons, Mitch once admired Lynn from afar. Now he sees in her not only the sweet girl who got away, but a woman desperately in need of support. While rushing to the rescue of Lynn and her children comes naturally, he's also wise enough to encourage Lynn to find her own way...hopefully straight into his arms.






Giveaway Details 
1 winner will receive a copy of Midnight Promises, Catching Fireflies and Where Azaleas Bloom in addition to a Laura Ashley Gardening apron.
Open to US only
Ends 8/19/12


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August's 100 Kindle Ebooks for $3.99 or Less

Every month Amazon offers 100 ebooks for $3.99 or less. August has brought some great books. Here are just a few of them!





August's 100 Kindle Books for $3.99 or Less


You can check out all of this months deals HERE.

Remember - Anytime you visit Amazon.com use an affiliate link to get there. Any purchase you make from a link on my site generates a small kickback. You need not purchase the item I'm featuring. Anything you purchase through my affiliate link generates a small kickback. So whether you are shopping for books, movies, clothes, games, electronics, music, food or anything of the myriad of other things amazon sells use my affiliate link to shop. It costs you nothing extra and is an easy way to support this site.

You can do this by using MY DIRECT AFFILIATE LINK-
http://www.amazon.com/?tag=iaarnaw-20

Are You Looking For Books to Review?

I wish I could say yes to every author who approaches me to review their book. Unfortunately there are not enough hours in the day to read as much as I want and with the number of review request I receive I'm falling further behind everyday!

When I can't accept a book I like to provide the author or publisher with a list of bloggers who are accepting books for review.

If you'd like to be included on the spreadsheet that will be given to authors/publishers looking for book reviewers just fill out the form below. They can check out your site to see if it's a good fit for their book and contact you. Please be aware that I simply send them the entire spreadsheet and allow them to choose who might be a good fit for them.  If you are approached by someone who has obviously not read your review policy feel free to ignore their request.

This is a new updated spreadsheet. If you filled out the spreadsheet from a couple months ago please update your information on this one.

If you are an author or publisher and would like to view this list just send me an email.

Thanks!!