Blog Tour: Waiting for Fitz by Spencer Hyde

Waiting for Fitz by Spencer Hyde

Book Description:

Addie loves nothing more than curling up on the couch with her dog, Duck, and watching The Great British Baking Show with her mom. It’s one of the few things that can help her relax when her OCD kicks into overdrive. She counts everything. All the time. She can’t stop. Rituals and rhythms. It’s exhausting.

When Fitz was diagnosed with schizophrenia, he named the voices in his head after famous country singers. The adolescent psychiatric ward at Seattle Regional Hospital isn’t exactly the ideal place to meet your soul mate, but when Addie meets Fitz, they immediately connect over their shared love of words, appreciate each other’s quick wit, and wish they could both make more sense of their lives.

Fitz is haunted by the voices in his head and often doesn’t know what is real. But he feels if he can convince Addie to help him escape the psych ward and get to San Juan Island, everything will be okay. If not, he risks falling into a downward spiral that may keep him in the hospital indefinitely.

Waiting for Fitz is a story about life and love, forgiveness and courage, and learning what is truly worth waiting for.

Rorie's Review:

This type of story is one that I normally don't read and I wasn't sure what to expect. This is definitely not a fast-paced, action packed story. Instead it reads more like a memoir and is fairly slow paced throughout most of the book. There is a part near the end that had me on the edge of my seat, but after that issue was resolved it went back to being slow paced. I don't think that this is a bad thing for this type of story, just be aware that that is the writing style. 

I learned a bit about mental health challenges by reading this book, and it gave me even more things to think about. I think it would be a good book for teenagers and even adults to read who are either dealing with mental health issues themselves or they know someone who has those challenges. This story does not have a happily-ever-after, all the problems are solved ending, but it is a good, realistic ending. 

This was a well written story and one that I would recommend to others.

Andrea's Review:

I was somewhat nervous about this book because of the unpredictability of mental illness. Was it going to be depressing and have a sad ending? Thankfully it has a happy ending. There is definitely tragedy, and it’s dealing with heavy issues, but Addie’s first person telling and her humor lightened things considerably.

This is the first thing I’ve read by Stephen Hyde. He did a great job of writing from a teen girl’s point of view (which I had been worried about because many don't have the skill to pull that off). The story is well written and engaging. I was able to connect to some of the characters and really felt for many of them.

I loved the support Addie’s mom gave her. It was exactly the opposite experience of at least one of the other characters, so that contrast really made you feel so many emotions. 

The description of the mental hospital was very interesting. I like how normal things seemed in the ward at times, and then Didi would yell out some show title. :) 

I can see myself reading this again, and I recommended it to my teenage daughter (who also liked it and thought Addie's situation was very interesting). Waiting for Fitz is clean with one mild swearword and some brief violence.

Tarah's Review:

I generally roll my eyes when I see a review on a book that says, "poignant", but honestly, this story really was. It was a very touching story, and reading the author's notes and realizing this was, to some extent, his experience, made it even more so. I honestly didn't think the author could pull off writing from a teen girls perspective, but he nailed it on the head.

I loved how Addie would surround herself with words and play with them, and Fitz was right on it with her. The book quotes Tom Stoppard who says, "I don't think writers are sacred, but words are. They deserve respect. If you get the right ones in the right order, you can nudge the world a little." I enjoyed that this book wasn't as depressing as I was expecting it to be, but instead it was filled with hope (mostly, but the non-hopeful times were realistic).

I'm glad we got to see the relationship with Addie and her Mother. I loved that her mom would play Comedy or Tragedy with her and seemed to try really hard to understand her daughter. The love that she showed her was amazing, and it makes me want to be like that with each of my kids.

I already have someone in mind that I think would love this book, even though she normally only reads non-fiction. I also think this would be a great book for a book club to dive into.  

Title: Waiting for Fitz
Author: Spencer Hyde
Publisher: Shadow Mountain
Published: March 2019
ISBN:1629725277
Source: We received copies from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Purchase: Amazon | Deseret Book 

Blog Tour: Beyond by Catina Haverlock & Angela Larkin

Reviews * Giveaway

Beyond by Catina Haverlock & Angela Larkin

Book Description:

“Dangerous. Wrong. She could be so close to finding out who I really am, and I don’t want to think about how badly that could damage her. If I have any conscience,
I’ll turn and run. But I can’t let her go.”

Presley Hale has no idea the guy she just told off in the school parking lot died in a drowning accident four months ago. Why would she? It’s not like she knows she can see the dead. Stunned by Presley’s sixth sense, Landon Blackwood rethinks his planned departure and begins tracking her to find answers to their mysterious connection.

When their complicated relationship turns dangerous, they learn that tampering with the boundaries of death comes with consequences. Can Landon save Presley from the insidious spirits who have marked her for death, or was their love doomed from the beginning?

Andrea's Review:

Ghost stories aren't something I've ever craved. I think that's because I don't like to scare myself, and I have it in my mind that ghost stories are scary. However, I've read several books that involved ghosts and their aim hasn't been horror at all-those I really like. Beyond is that type of ghost story. It is intriguing, and has some great characters that you can't help but root for.

Landon can't quite let go and move on in the afterlife. He's been struggling for months, and just when he's finally decided to proceed, he is seen by Presley. She's a complete stranger, but he can't progress in his journey without finding out why she can see him when no one else can.

Presley is a senior in high school, and her mom just moved her and her autistic brother to a new town. As if her life wasn't hard enough with her unattentive mother, and high needs brother, now she's the new kid for her last year of high school. Most of the students at Truckee High are less than welcoming and Presley has to deal with one mean prank after another. She notices a guy watching her from a distance after a prank, and she can't get him out of her mind. Was he the one who did the prank? Then he disappears, but she sees him here and there, and wants to find out his story.

Beyond was a very enjoyable story that I would read again. I read it quickly, and was captivated by how it would turn out because I was pulling for an impossible relationship to happen. I wanted more at the end, but it left a reader to imagine the best.

Content: A few swear words, mention of teenage drinking, kissing.

Tarah's Review:

Paranormal love stories are always tricky, because...well, one of them is dead. That generally doesn't work so well.  And as a random side note, has anyone noticed that YA novels portrayal of love is generally obsessive? Like, I can't go a minute without seeing you or my life is going to be over? What's with that? I really hope our young women aren't thinking that that is how true love really is. Does that worry anyone else? I mean, it makes for a fun story, but...my mother bear comes out afterward and it makes me a little nervous. My oldest still thinks boys have cooties, so I'm good for a while, but still...OK, I'm getting off my soapbox.

I liked Presley. She was kind and caring and had a good head on her shoulders. The boys in the story left a little to be desired for me. Maybe it's that momma bear coming out, but I didn't really dig the rebellious pranksters and stuff. I liked both Landon and Reese when they were with Presley, but before she moved there they kind of sounded...well...not my type.

I read the story really quickly and was pulled in and left multiple things undone to finish. I will admit that I was really disappointed with the ending. Granted, there aren't many ways a dead person and a living person can find a happily every after, but I felt like there were too many plot holes in the way this ended, and another way would have made me a lot happier. 

Rorie's Review:

Umm...wow...I just don't even know what to say about this book. It was good...like, finish it in a day sort of good...I was kept wondering through the whole story just how this was going to end up. How can a living person and a dead person make a relationship work? There are so many reasons why it can't (and shouldn't) work. So while I loved the connection that Presley and Landon had, I read the whole story knowing that there was no way it could last.

I was hoping that Presley could work things out with Reese. I liked him, even though he was quite the mischief-maker. 

I loved reading about Presley's relationship with her brother, Chase. The love she had for him and the way she knew how to calm him down was so sweet.

To be honest, a good part of the book was kind of depressing. Presley had a rough life, although she was handling it like a champ. I was so happy when she met her new friends. They are the kind of friends everyone needs to have (and the kind I hope I am.)

So, back to the whole dead/alive relationship issue. I have to say, with all the pondering I did, trying to figure out how this book could be a happily ever after type, I was taken by surprise at what ended up happening.

Definitely a well-written story. I think the authors went a little comma-crazy a few times, but that's a very minor issue. This book will go on my "keeper" shelf.

About the Authors:

Catina worked her way through college as a newspaper and television journalist. Itching to stretch her creative muscles, she convinced her university to create a dating game show, which she hosted. After spending most of her adult life in Las Vegas, Catina traded in tumbleweeds for earthquakes and now lives with her husband and four children near San Diego, California. If she’s not home, chances are you can find her at the beach, Disneyland, or In-N-Out.

Angela Larkin spent much of her childhood under a blanket with a flashlight, secretly reading past bedtime. She’s been a gold miner, a pool cleaner, a mannequin dresser, and a teacher. She's lived a true romance: meeting her husband in a case of mistaken identity. They recently moved with their four children from the sparkling city of Las Vegas to the shade of the North Carolina Pines.

Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

Giveaway:

Enter to win one of 5 signed copies of Beyond. Ends 8/3/17. Entrants must have a mailing address in the continental United States. Open only to those who can legally enter. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. The winner will be chosen by Rafflecopter and announced here as well as notified by the entrant's contact information, and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. Copies will be mailed to the winners from the author. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Literary Time Out and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Title: Beyond
Author: Catina Haverlock & Angela Larkin
Publisher: Sweetwater Books, an imprint of Cedar Fort, Inc.
Published: June 2017
ISBN: 1462120261
Source: We received copies from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Purchase:  Amazon | Kindle | Deseret Book | Target

Blog Tour: Shatter by Nikki Trionfo

Shatter by Nikki Trionfo

Book Description:

When a mysterious explosion kills her sister, Salem Jefferson becomes convinced the death was no accident—it was a conspiracy. But no one else at her high school believes her, and all she has so far is one clue. She knows Carrie hired a gang member to protect orchard workers. Problem is, Salem doesn't know who.

To find out, Salem pursues the gang-bangers who rule her town, especially classmate Cordero. As her distrust of Cordero heats up, so do the number of suspects in Carrie's death. Teachers and school officers are orchard owners. They have every reason to stop farm workers from demanding higher wages. With Carrie's killers still out there, Salem's not sure who she can trust. Meanwhile, the people who live on orchards and the people who pick them are drawing lines in the sand.

The only way for Salem to learn the truth is to slip behind those enemy lines.

The only way to survive is to find a way back out.

Andrea's Review:

Shatter is an enjoyable story that I read quickly. It kept me on my toes, which I appreciate for suspense novels (if you aren't going back and forth on who the bad guy is the whole suspense part is a little lacking).

The flashbacks/jumping around in time made things a little confusing at first. They were very important to the story but the first few times it just confused me.

The discussion questions at the end were thought provoking. The story really has some deep issues, and an angle that I haven't really read before concerning gang members.

The ending was a bit underwhelming. After the big thing that happens it seemed like there should be a lot more happening (at least legally) than just talking about riding home.

As a debut novel I think it was a strong effort. The story was engaging, but could have used some tightening up.

Tarah's Review:

For a suspense novel I really approve of the cover. It looks a little freaky and a little mysterious. After you read the novel, the words at the top of the cover confuse me a little bit, but it is what it is.

Salem is an interesting character. She's trying to figure out who she is without her sister that she relied so much on. And when we meet her it is right after her sisters death, so her emotions are very high. I think because of this, because she didn't really know who she was, I had a hard time really getting to know her. The flashbacks at the beginning of the book were also really confusing. The information in them is important, but it messed with the flow of the story.

Congrats to the author for her debut novel. It's kind of a big deal :)

Rorie's Review:

I'm usually up for a good suspense, who-done-it style book (as long as it's not too scary, my imagination tends to get the best of me.) The description of this book had all the makings of a good murder mystery, but the story just never really came together for me. 

The first half of the book goes back and forth between present and past so frequently, it's almost enough to make you dizzy. I had a hard time concentrating on the storyline because it switched so much. Thankfully, that went away after the first half of the book and the story did flow a bit better after that.

I never felt like you got to know any of the characters in depth very well, and that's a really important part of a book for me. I find it hard to relate to the characters at all if I don't know them. The whole story just didn't quite do it for me. The author is very promising though, and I plan on reading more of her books as they are published.

Tour Schedule:

• May 9: The Food Charlatan || Queen of the Clan || Getting Your Read On || Head Over Books
• May 10: Mel’s Shelves || My Book a Day || Five Take Flight
• May 11: Keven Nielsen || YA and Wine
• May 12: Cinnamon Cindy’s Book Blog
• May 13: Brookie Cowles || Literary Time Out
• May 14: Book Love
• May 15: Novel-ties || Katie’s Clean Book Collection || Kindle and Me
• May 16: Tana Lovett || EmmyMom || Author Jodi Woody
• May 17: Book Worm Wednesday || Cindy M. Hogan
• May 18: Min Reads & Reviews || Bookworm Lisa || Delicious Book Reads
• May 19: Been Writing || Why Not? Because I Said So
• May 20: Singing Librarian Books
• May 21: Blooming with Books || Inklings and Notions
• May 22: Rockin Book Reviews || Book Dreaming || Author Tracker
• May 23: Writing Worm Blog || Wishful Endings || Sweetly Made (Just for You)

Title: Shatter
Author: Nikki Trionfo
Publisher: Sweetwater Books
Published: May 2017
ISBN: 146212013X
Source: We received copies from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Purchase: Amazon | Kindle | Books & Things

Audiobook Blog Tour: Beyond the Rising Tide by Sarah Beard

Review * Giveaway

Beyond the Rising Tide by Sarah Beard

Audiobook Description:

Kai met Avery only once--in the moment he died saving her life. Now when he's not using his new healing powers to help people, he watches helplessly as Avery's life is unraveled by his death. To help her, he risks everything by breaking the rules, dangerously blurring the barriers between life and death.

 

Review:

I loved this book when I read it back in June (you can read my book review here). I also loved the new cover when I saw it, and I was very excited when I heard that it was out as an audiobook. At the same time I was a little nervous about listening to it because I worried that the voices might ruin the story. However, I'm extremely happy to report that the performance is very well done! The voices were perfect. I was once again pulled into this touching story, and I am so happy to have this in my Audible library so I can listen to it again and again (audiobooks are my favorite companion for long drives and cleaning my house).

If you are looking for a clean YA audiobook that will take you on an emotional ride (with a happy ending), be sure to check out Beyond the Rising Tide.

Praise for the Book:

“Vividly imagined, this novel is the perfect mix of modern love story and literary fiction. One brimming with genuine emotion that had me re-reading passages simply because they were too beautifully written to experience just once.” --Julie N. Ford, author of With No Regrets

“This book is not only an engaging and satisfying supernatural romance, but also a beautiful story about life, death, and the gray places in between.” --E.B. Wheeler, author of The Haunting of Springett Hall

"This is one of those stories that stays with you long after the closing scene. It was beautifully imagined and vividly written and I absolutely loved it!” --Teresa Richards, author of Emerald Bound

Author Sarah Beard had just released the Audiobook of Beyond the Rising Tide.

You can listen to a sample of the book HERE.

About the Author:

Sarah Beard is the author of YA novels Porcelain Keys and Beyond the Rising Tide. She earned a degree in communications from the University of Utah and is currently pursuing an MFA in writing from VCFA. When she's not writing, she referees wrestling matches between her three boys and listens to audiobooks while folding self-replicating piles of laundry. She is a breast cancer survivor, a baker of sweets, a seeker of good love stories, a composer of melancholy music, and a traveler who wishes her travel budget was much bigger. She lives with her husband and children in the shadow of the beautiful Wasatch Mountains.

Website | Twitter | Facebook

Blog Tour Giveaway:

$25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash

Ends 10/31/16

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Title: Beyond the Rising Tide
Author: Sarah Beard
Publisher: Cedar Fort, Inc.
Audiobook Released: August 2016
ISBN: 1462118747
Source: I received the audiobook via the tour host in exchange for an honest review.

Purchase: Amazon | Kindle | Audible

Book Review: Resist by Ilima Todd

Resist by Ilima Todd

Book Description:

Having been rescued, Remade, and returned to Freedom, Theron must now face a life without Nine. Though he's chosen to be a healer, he uses all the vices Freedom affords to try and dull the pain of losing Nine. But he can't find the peace he so desperately needs. Until he meets Catcher, a man who shows him the dark truths behind Freedom's Batcher program. From him, Theron learns what it means to be a leader and a father. When he falls in love with a captured rebel named Pua, Theron must choose: Freedom and its easy pleasures, or a life that is truly free but full of hardships and decisions.

Andrea's Review: 

I was wondering if I'd need to re-read Remake before reading Resist. I didn't have time, and I wasn't really lost, but I do think it would have been good to read it again. I think you could read Resist on its own but it wouldn't mean nearly as much.

I liked that this is told from Theron's POV. He is a great character. He's very smart and compassionate. The feelings were a little tricky at times to distinguish, since most books only focus on romantic love and not familial love.

This is deep in some ways. Family is so important and it's hard to imagine a society where everyone can be remade however they want. In some ways that's seeming to be more prevalent in our society, but to have had their hormones suppressed so they couldn't even have the feelings that are God given is just messed up.

I loved Theron's enlightenment about family and how he was able to quickly realize what was missing.

I was sad that this is just a second book and not the conclusion. It was well written and intriguing, but I'm sad it's over and not resolved. It was a bit tough to read about the power hungry, evil people who were masking true freedom and happiness.

Rorie's Review:

I read Remake quite a while ago, and really liked it, so I was very excited to have the chance to read Resist. I do wish I would have re-read the last few chapters of Remake first though, because I couldn't remember what happened between Nine and Theron, which left me pretty confused until it finally came back to me.

This was one of those "drop everything and just read" books. I know I've mentioned this a bunch of times before, but I really enjoy dystopian stories. I can't remember if we were told in the first book where the story takes place, but I appreciate that the location was put into this book. It drives me crazy when I can't figure out where the story takes place.

Definitely a good, engaging story, and one that I wasn't ready for it to end. I am anxiously awaiting the release of the third book in this series.


Title: Resist
Author: Ilima Todd
Publisher: Shadow Mountain
Published: July 2016
ISBN: 1629721042
Source: We received copies from the publisher in exchange for honest reviews. 

Purchase: Amazon | Deseret Book

Blog Tour: Beyond the Rising Tide by Sarah Beard

Review * Giveaway

Beyond the Rising Tide by Sarah Beard

Book Description:

Kai was seventeen when he died saving Avery’s life, though he didn’t really have much to live for. After spending half his life being shipped around to different families, the only place he felt at home was on a street corner with his guitar. Now, it’s been six months since his death. Six months adapting to a new kind of existence where instead of making music, he uses his new healing powers to save lives. But in his off hours, he watches helplessly as Avery’s life is unraveled by his death.

Avery doesn’t know that it was Kai who saved her life in the ocean, because her rescuer’s body was never found. Wracked with guilt, the ocean she once loved is now her tormentor. As her surfboards collect dust in the garage, the weight of her grief destroys her relationships and stretches her to a breaking point.

Always willing to break rules for those he loves, Kai steals a ring that temporarily gives his body substance. With limited time, he does all he can to restore her life to the way it was before his tragic death, but Kai’s half-baked plans rarely turn out the way he thinks they will.

Review:

Wow, this story pulled me in right from the beginning! I knew I shouldn't have started reading it so late at night. If I hadn't had to work the next morning I would have read it straight through. As it was I read it during my morning treadmill workout and finished reading as soon as I got home from work.

I was really curious about how things would work out. I wanted Kai and Avery to be together but I just didn't see how it could work given that he was dead.

It was a very creative story with touching moments (yes, tears were shed). I have read both of Sarah Beard's published books, and they are full of emotion. You can't help but become invested in the story and the characters. She is such a talented author, and I hope she continues writing.

Beyond the Rising Tide is a clean, fast read. If you love books that are very engaging, and books that have a roller coaster of emotions, do not miss this.

Book Trailer:


Praise for the Beyond the Rising Tide:

“Vividly imagined, this novel is the perfect mix of modern love story and literary fiction. One brimming with genuine emotion that had me re-reading passages simply because they were too beautifully written to experience just once.” --Julie N. Ford, author of With No Regrets

“This book is not only an engaging and satisfying supernatural romance, but also a beautiful story about life, death, and the gray places in between.” --E.B. Wheeler, author of The Haunting of Springett Hall

"This is one of those stories that stays with you long after the closing scene. It was beautifully imagined and vividly written and I absolutely loved it!” --Teresa Richards, author of Emerald Bound

About the Author:

Sarah Beard is the author of YA novels Porcelain Keys and Beyond the Rising Tide. She earned a degree in communications from the University of Utah and is currently pursuing an MFA in writing from VCFA. When she's not writing, she referees wrestling matches between her three boys and listens to audiobooks while folding self-replicating piles of laundry. She is a breast cancer survivor, a baker of sweets, a seeker of good love stories, a composer of melancholy music, and a traveler who wishes her travel budget was much bigger. She lives with her husband and children in the shadow of the beautiful Wasatch Mountains.

Website | Facebook | Twitter

Blog Tour Schedule:

June 14: Singing Librarian Books | Emmy Mom | Compass Book Ratings
June 15: Katie’s Clean Book Collection | Cindy Bennett
Sweetly Made | Sorcery in the Bookshelves
June 16: Rockin’ Book Reviews | Geo Librarian
June 17: Heidi Reads | Kindle and Me
June 18: Fire and Ice
June 19: Inklings and Notions
June 20: My Book a Day
June 21: Bookworm Lisa | Min Reads and Reviews | LDS Women’s Book Review
June 22: Robyn Echols Books | Fantasy World | The Write Path
June 23: Wishful Endings | Getting Your Read On | Batch of Books
June 24: Mylissa’s Reviews and Book Thoughts | Maybe Books Will Be Our Always
June 25: Charmed Haven Book Reviews | Just Commonly
June 26: Paranormal and Romantic Suspense Reviews
June 27: Literary Time Out | Book by Book
June 28: That Artsy Reader Girl | The Real Housewives of Riverton
June 29: Mel’s Shelves
June 30: Books Are Sanity | Fictionally | Read Headed Book Lady

Tour Giveaway:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Title: Beyond the Rising Tide
Author: Sarah Beard
Publisher: Cedar Fort, Inc.
Published: June 2014
ISBN: 1462118747
Source: I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for a review.

Purchase: Amazon | Kindle | Barnes & Noble

Blog Tour: Silence by Deborah Lytton

 Silence by Deborah Lytton

Book Description:

Stella was born to sing. Someday Broadway. Even though she is only a sophomore at a new high school, her voice has given her the status as a cool kid. But then a tragic accident renders her deaf. She cannot hear herself sing not to mention speak. She cannot hear anything. Silence. What happens when everything you have dreamed of and hoped for is shattered in a single moment?

Enter Hayden, the boy with blonde curls who stutters. He is treated like an outcast because he is not normal. And, yet, Stella feels an attraction to him that she cannot explain. As Hayden reaches out to help Stella discover a world without sound his own tragic past warns him to keep a distance. But their connection is undeniable. Can the boy who stutters and the girl who is deaf find a happily-ever-after?

SILENCE is a story of friendship and hope with a lesson that sometimes it takes a tragedy to help us find beauty and love in unexpected places.

Review:

I really enjoy a good YA. For the most part, I feel like they'll be safe (content-wise), and enjoyable and entertaining. I was happy to find that Silence met (and exceeded) my expectations. I loved the characters and was immediately drawn into the story. Stella's situation (even before her accident) tugged at my heartstrings. Hayden was amazing. Not many kids his age would reach out like he did, but their situations were a perfect combination to help each other.

The story was very emotional. Even though it caused physical pain (my head hurt from all the crying), I'm really happy I had the chance to read this ARC. I don't know that I would have picked it up just based on the cover. If you feel the same, you really should look past that and dive into the story. It is worth the read.

Silence is clean and an engaging story with an excellent message that who we are is much more important than what we are. It also has good messages about forgiveness and serving others. I will definitely read more by Deborah Lytton.  

About the Author:

Deborah Lytton is an established writer who began her work life as an actress at the age of six. She graduated from UCLA and Pepperdine University with a degree in law before becoming a writer. She lives in California with her two daughters and is an active blogger and member of SCBWI.

Website | Facebook | Twitter

Title: Silence
Author: Deborah Lytton
Publisher: Shadow Mountain
Published: March 2015
ISBN: 1609079450
Source: I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for a review.
 

Purchase: Amazon | Deseret Book

Blog Tour: Hotwire by Cindy M. Hogan

 

Hotwire by Cindy M. Hogan

Book Description:

Division spy Christy Hadden can't wait for her latest assignment posing as a student at a prestigious New York City academy and car thief extraordinaire. The best part of the mission is her attractive handler, Jeremy, and her new team. The worst part? The sociopath masquerading as the academy's most popular guy. But soon she realizes the car thieves are much more than they seem. Her simple spying mission becomes more dangerous than anyone imagined. If the organization discovers her true identity, they won't hesitate to kill her, and if she fails, others will suffer the same fate. Young Adults, teens and adults will love this exciting suspenseful adventure with a dash of romance. You won't want to put it down

Amazon * Barnes & Noble * Kobo

iTunes * Smashwords

Review:

A few years ago I read Watched by Cindy Hogan. I don't remember a lot about it, but I thought enough of it to review Hotwire. It turns out that the main character is the same character in Watched.

Hotwire reminded me of Ally Carter's Gallagher Girls series initially, but moved on and was more mature/intense.

Christy is really mature for 19. I was surprised by how intense the violence got. It wasn't over the top, just more than I anticipated for a book I thought teens would probably read.

Parts were exciting and funny. Other parts intense and sad.

The very young undercover agent was interesting. It was hard to believe a girl so young could be in a situation like this, but it was a good read.  

Praise for Hotwire:

This book will take you on a crazy ride that you won't want to get off of to eat, sleep or anything else! ~Cathy Jeppson Hogan

Cleverly created characters with detail, who are both relatable and grounded. ~ the bookstalker

It’s a thriller that reminded me of a mix between Gone in 60 Seconds and the Gallagher Girls books ~Canda Mortensen    

About the Author:

Cindy M. Hogan graduated with a BA in education and is inspired by the unpredictable teenagers she teaches. More than anything she loves the time she has with her own teenage daughters and wishes she could freeze them at this fun age. If she's not reading or writing, you'll find her snuggled up with the love of her life watching a great movie or planning their next party. Most of all, she loves to laugh. She is the bestselling and award winning author of the Watched trilogy, a YA suspense series with a dash of romance. She has since branched off to write a mystery, Gravediggers, that won Best YA novel of 2013, a contemporary romance, Confessions of a 16-Year-Old Virgin Lips, and two in a spy series, Adrenaline Rush and Hotwire.

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Tour Schedule

 

Blog Tour Giveaway:

$25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Ends 12/26/14 Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

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Blog Tour: Remake by Ilima Todd

*Review*

Remake by Ilima Todd

Book Description:

Nine is the ninth female born in her batch of ten females and ten males. By design, her life in Freedom Province is without complications or consequences. However, such freedom comes with a price. The Prime Maker is determined to keep that price a secret from the new batches of citizens that are born, nurtured, and raised androgynously.

But Nine isn’t like every other batcher. She harbors indecision and worries about her upcoming Remake Day—her seventeenth birthday, the age when batchers fly to the Remake facility and have the freedom to choose who and what they’ll be.

When Nine discovers the truth about life outside of Freedom Province, including the secret plan of the Prime Maker, she is pulled between two worlds and two lives. Her decisions will test her courage, her heart, and her beliefs. Who can she trust? Who does she love? And most importantly, who will she decide to be?

Review:

Remake by Ilima Todd is a very intriguing story. The way of life depicted in this futuristic setting was insane! I had a hard time with the idea of gender not meaning anything-in fact, the idea sort of had me hung up for awhile. But, there is so much more to the story.

I really enjoyed following Nine on her journey. Experiencing so many things for the first time was almost magical. I love how her character developed, and what came to really matter to her. Especially the true idea of freedom, and the huge importance of family-something that was foreign to her being raised in Freedom Province.

The ending was well done. Of course, I wanted more, but it didn't leave me totally hanging, and I felt like it set up the next book quite well.

Ilima Todd did an excellent job with this debut novel. She's definitely an author to watch for.

About the Author: 

Ilima Todd was born and raised on the north shore of Oahu and currently resides in the Rocky Mountains. She never wanted to be a writer even though she loves books and reading. She earned a degree in physics instead. But the characters in her head refused to be ignored, and now she spends her time writing science fiction for teens. When she is not writing, Ilima loves to spend time with her husband and four children.

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Tour Giveaway:

Publisher Shadow Mountain has four signed copies of Remake up for grabs. Enter using the Rafflecopter form below.

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Title: Remake
Author: Ilima Todd
Publisher: Shadow Mountain
Published: October 2014
ISBN: 1609079248
Source: I received an advanced reader's edition from the publisher in exchange for a review.

Purchase: Amazon | Kindle | Barnes & Noble

Blog Tour: A Tale of Light and Shadow by Jacob Gowans

*Review*

A Tale of Light and Shadow by Jacob Gowans

Book Description:
 
Enter Atolas, a world where swords and daggers both extend life and end it; where magic is feared by all but a few; where feuds and friendships influence kingdoms and courtships. Henry and Isabelle have secretly sworn to marry despite his lowly station. Though Henry is but a carpenter, his devotion drives him to commit an unthinkable act that may cost both of them their lives. Unknown to either, a dark prophecy has set in motion events which will affect not only them, but the thrones of rulers throughout all of Atolas by eclipsing the world in shadow. But all is not lost while hope remains in the guise of an unlikely hero and the strength of friendship.

Rorie's Review:

Wait, what? It's over? Nooooo! When does the next book come out? 

Those are the main questions I was left with after finishing this book. It took me a chapter or two to really get into the story, but it wasn't too long before I was completely engrossed in it.

The author really didn't go into the prophecy or the use of magic very much in this book. I hope that in the next book (books?) he will get into it a lot more.

When I'm reading books, I usually try to figure out how it's going to end before I get to the ending. This time, the ending caught me completely off-guard. I would have never expected it to happen the way it did. It is really hard to write reviews without giving any spoilers away, by the way. :)

I am anxiously awaiting the next book so I can find out what is happening with Henry, Isabelle and the rest of their group. I hope that we find out more about why Maggie dislikes Ruther so much.

This is a good, clean read, something that will entertain young adults, adults and I think my 9-year-old would even enjoy it.

About the Author:

Jacob Gowans was raised in Papillion, Nebraska, graduated with a bachelor’s degree in theater studies, and then moved to Cleveland, Ohio, where he graduated from dental school at Case Western Reserve University. Jacob and his wife and three children live in Arizona where he works as a dentist for the Indian Health Services. A Tale of Light and Shadow is his first published book.

Website

Title: A Tale of Light and Shadow
Author: Jacob Gowans
Publisher: Shadow Mountain
Published: September 2014
ISBN: 1609078721
Source: I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for a review.

Purchase: Amazon | Kindle | Deseret Book

Blog Tour: Son of War, Daughter of Chaos by Janette Rallison

 

Blog Tour Schedule

Son of War, Daughter of Chaos by Janette Rallison

Book Description:

Aislynn is accustomed to watching for the enemy. Her parents instructed her from the time she was young to look for the signs: people with greater than normal strength, eyes that can glow green, and have the ability to jump long distances. Over the years, Aislynn has come to view her parents’ fears as quirks—things that get in the way of having a normal high school life. When Aislynn’s mother dies under suspicious conditions, her father doubles his restrictions. But all his precautions can’t stop the boy with glowing green eyes from finding Aislynn. She realizes too late she’s been drafted into an ancient Egyptian war, whether she’s prepared or not.
  

AMAZON

Review:

I love Janette Rallison's books. She's an excellent author, and the humor she includes in all of her books, along with excellent characters, really makes for an enjoyable read. Although I'm not into Mythology I thought Son of War, Daughter of Chaos was really good. I did find myself skimming on some detailed parts about mythology, but that is just me being an impatient reader and nothing against the story itself. 

Son of War, Daughter of Chaos has such an interesting family dynamic. I loved the protective nature of Aislynn's older brother, and even though her dad was quirky, I thought he was great too. Although, those were my feelings more toward the beginning of the book. When the truth came out I was a little conflicted about how to feel about them. That is part of what made the book so enjoyable for me. My feelings morphed with the story, but through it all Aislynn was strong and determined.

The adventure was fun to follow, and the bits of young romance were great too. This was a quick and clean read, and I definitely want a sequel! It has a good ending, but it's not over.

Excerpt:

An Egyptian tomb is only a good place to die if you happen to be the pharaoh for whom it was built. And maybe not even then. I didn’t intend to room with any of the deceased, which meant the sooner I got out of this place the better.

My flashlight swept over the figures on the mural in front of me. A feeling of danger and expectation clung to everything here, as thick as the dust. On the mural, a warrior with bright green eyes stared back at me. Horusian glowing eyes. I could almost see the smugness in his expression, an expression that said he was coming for me. Or at least his kind were.

Behind me, something creaked. Footsteps.

About the Author:

Janette Rallison is old. Don’t ask how old, because it isn’t polite. Let’s just say she’s older than she’d like to be and leave it at that. Janette lives in Chandler, Arizona with her husband, five children and enough cats to classify her as “an eccentric cat lady.” She did not do this on purpose. (The cats, that is; she had the children on purpose.) Every single one of the felines showed up on its own and refuses to leave. Not even the family’s fearless little Westie dog can drive them off. Since Janette has five children and deadlines to write books, she doesn’t have much time left over for hobbies. But since this is the internet and you can’t actually check up to see if anything on this site is true, let’s just say she enjoys dancing, scuba diving, horse back riding and long talks with Orlando Bloom. (Well, I never said he answers back.)

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Blog Tour Giveaway:

$25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash
Ends 8/24/14
Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the publisher. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.  
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Title: Son of War, Daughter of Chaos
Author: Janette Rallison
Publisher: 
Published: July 2014
ASIN: B00LHFO9V8
Source: I received an eCopy from the Author in exchange for a review. 

Blog Tour: Porcelain Keys by Sarah Beard

Review * Giveaway

Tour Schedule

Porcelain Keys by Sarah Beard

Book Description: 

Aria's life is full of secrets--secrets about her mother's death, her father's cruelty, and her dream to go to Juilliard. When Aria meets Thomas, he draws out her secrets, captures her heart, and gives her the courage to defy her father. But when tragedy strikes and Thomas disappears, Aria is left alone to transform her broken heart's melody into something beautiful. 

Porcelain Keys is a captivating love story that will resonate long after the last page is turned.

Review:

I was really impressed with Sarah Beard's debut novel, Porcelain Keys. It pulled me in immediately, and had some very likable characters.

There are some intense issues, but I really appreciated Beard's ability to get the reader emotionally involved without being depressing. Even in the most difficult parts of the story I felt like there was hope.

This is a clean read, and I'd definitely read more from this author.

About the Author:

SARAH BEARD is the author of Porcelain Keys, a YA contemporary romance. She has a degree in communications from the University of Utah and splits her time between writing and raising three energetic boys. She is a cancer survivor and a hopeless romantic. She enjoys reading and composing music, and lives with her husband and children in Salt Lake City, Utah.

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Tour Giveaway:

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Title: Porcelain Keys
Author: Sarah Beard
Publisher: Sweetwater Books, an imprint of Cedar Fort Inc.
Published: February 2014
ISBN: 1462113966
Source: I received an eCopy from the author in exchange for a review.

Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Spotlight: Magic Within by Sara Fitzgerald

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Magic Within by Sara Fitzgerald

Book Description:

Nancy, a purple-haired witch, has never fit in with the kids in town. She has always felt something was deeply wrong with her. When Josh, her best friend, is attacked by a werewolf, Nancy seeks a potion to save him from the werewolf curse within him. But Josh’s fate--werewolf or human--is his to decide, when the potion is injected during his transition at the full of the moon.

Nancy, too, must make a choice. Her mother, her best friend, and a steadfast young man all see the magic within her. Can she finally accept who she is and give love a chance?

About Author Sara Fitzgerald:

Sara lives with her husband and seven-year-old daughter in Salt Lake City. She loves romance, intrigue, writing and exploring the city with her family. Her two favorite parts of the day are reading bedtime stories with her daughter and hanging out with her husband.

Author Website

Giveaway:

Author Sara Fitzgerald is offering one eCopy of Magic Within to a Literary Time Out follower. Entering is easy, just use the Rafflecopter form below by February 12, 2014. Good luck and happy reading!

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Title: Magic Within
Author: Sara Fitzgerald
Publisher: Champagne Books
Published: February 2014
ASIN: B00I7DYJ0Y

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Blog Tour: Echo in Time by CJ Hill

Review * Giveaway

Tour Schedule

Book Summary: 

Echo in Time delivers on "the possibility of an equally thrilling sequel" (Kirkus Reviews) to Erasing Time.

After being pulled 400 years into the future, twins Taylor and Sheridan have found some refuge from the government of Traventon, which used the dangerous Time Strainer to yank the girls from the past. Yet the threat of the dangerous technology still looms. Taylor and an ally, Joseph, are selected to go on a mission to destroy the time machine and weapon. But their actions before they do may have major consequences for the future and the past.

Action-packed and romantic, this futuristic sequel to Erasing Time is perfect for fans of dystopian and sci-fi novels such as The Maze Runner by James Dashner, Across the Universe by Beth Revis, and Matched by Ally Condie.

Review:

I read Erasing Time just over a year ago, and was a little worried that I'd be lost reading book two so much later. However, the author did a great job of recapping over the first few chapters. 

I don't considered myself a sci-fi fan, but I've really liked this series. The time travel idea, and the crazy future depicted are intriguing. There is a lot of action in Echo in Time and the different personalities of the main characters kept their mission exciting. There were also several twists and turns that I didn't see coming that added to the excitement.

A couple of times I thought parts of the story had some great symbolism. I loved the sacrifices that were made, and the love for a wayward child. Tears came to my eyes at least once.

Although I imagine this series is going to continue, the ending of Echo in Time was satisfying-no cliffhanger that has me frustrated that there's not another book out yet.

This is a great YA series, with lots of action and a touch of romance. As always, CJ Hill writes a clean and entertaining story.

About C.J. Hill: 

CJ Hill is a pen name for a YA author who is best known for writing romantic comedies. (Slayers will be her 18th published book.) Her writing has shifted away from the romantic comedy genre, so her editor thought a pen name would be a good idea. (New books will include: dangerous dragons, time travel to dystopian worlds, and flesh-eating beetles.) Since the publisher refused to let her have the pseudonym : The Artist Formerly Referred to as Princess, she chose a name to honor her mother. CJ Hill was her mother's pen name, or at least it would have been if her mother had published. Her mother wrote a few children's books and a middle grade novel but was taken by cancer before she had fully learned the craft.

Most writers' first novels aren't publishable. CJ Junior's first novel wasn't, but somehow was published anyway. Now, even though it is out of print, it remains forever available on Amazon, where it taunts her with its badness. This was another good reason to use a pen name.

CJ Hill has five children, three of whom like her on any given day depending on who is in trouble. She has lived in Arizona for the last half of her life, but is still in desert denial and hopes that one day her garden will grow silver bells and cockle shells or maybe just tomatoes.

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Giveaway:

Author C.J. Hill is offering a hardcover copy of Erasing Time (Book 1) to one lucky Literary Time Out follower (U.S. Only). To enter, use the Rafflecopter form below by January 12th.


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Title: Echo in Time (Erasing Time #2)

Author: C.J. Hill  (Pseudonym), Janette Rallison 

Paperback, 400 pages

Expected publication: December 23rd 2013

Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books

ISBN: 0062123963 
Source: I received an advanced reader copy from the publisher in exchange for a review. 

Purchase: Amazon | Kindle | Barnes & Noble