September 20, 2013 | By: Cynthia Marcano

Purple Moon Blog Tour and Giveaway





Purple Moon
Author - Tessa Emily Hall
350 pages
Time It Took for to Read - 3 Days
Rating - 4.0 out of 5 Stars
Would I Recommend to My Students: Yes
Selena's life isn't turning out to be the fairy tale she imagined as a kid. 

That hope seemed to vanish long ago when her dad kicked her and her mom out of the house. This summer might finally hold the chance of a new beginning for Selena ... but having to live with her snobby cousin in Lake Lure, NC while waiting for her mom to get out of rehab wasn't how Selena was planning on spending her summer. She soon begins to wonder why she committed to give up her "bad habits" for this.

Things don't seem too bad, though. Especially when Selena gains the attention of the cute neighbor next door. But when her best friend back home in Brooklyn desperately needs her, a secret that's been hidden from Selena for years is revealed, and when she becomes a target for one of her cousin's nasty pranks, she finds herself having to face the scars from her past and the memories that come along with them. Will she follow her mom's example in running away, or trust that God still has a fairy tale life written just for her?

Character Sketches







 Character Sketch Contest


Join the fun! Enter the Character Sketch Contest for “Purple Moon” for your chance to win prizes, including an autographed copy of “Purple Moon”.


Contest Details:
Everyone who participates in this contest automatically receives three extra entries for the “Purple Moon” Prize Pack (however, you cannot win the prize pack if you are placed in the contest). Everyone who wants to participate must follow the rules (below) and create a Pinterest board of 5 actors/actresses whom you think should play the above characters if “Purple Moon” were to become a movie.

Contest Rules:
            You must create a board on Pinterest and title it “Purple Moon: Character Cast Contest”.
            You must re-pin the above photo from my Pinterest by clicking here (this is how I will know if you’re participating in the contest).
         If you are NOT on Pinterest, simply send me a list of the actors/actresses by email (christiswrite [at] gmail [dot] com).
           Once you’ve created your Pinterest board, repin a picture of 5 actors/actresses whom you think could play the above roles. Be sure to include the names of the actors/actresses underneath the pictures, as well as which role they could be casted as.
         The deadline is October 24th and the winners will be announced the following day at Inspiring Daring.


Prizes:

1st place: Free autographed copy of “Purple Moon” + PM bookmark + your choice of a PM mug or sketchbook

2nd place: Free autographed Kindle version of “Purple Moon” via AuthorGraph


 About The Author

Tessa Emily Hall is a 19-year-old author of Purple Moon, her YA Christian fiction novel to be published September 2013 by Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas. She is also the editor over the faith department for Temperance Magazine, a column writer for Whole Magazine, a contributing writer for More To Be, as well as the PR for God of Moses Entertainment. Other than writing, Tessa enjoys acting, music, Starbucks, and her Teacup Shih Tzu—who is named Brewer after a character in her book, as well as her love for coffee.


Purple Moon Giveaway

“Purple Moon” Prize Pack! Two people will receive the below prizes--however, I will also be giving away one more prize pack (as well as two signed copies of my book) at my virtual launch party on Sept. 24th. RSVP by clicking here! a Rafflecopter giveaway


 Purple Moon Blog Tour Stops


Wednesday, September 18th: Purple Moon Blog Tour Launch: The Story Behind the Story: Christ is Write
Thursday, September 19th: 5 Facts about Purple Moon: Kim Vandel
Friday, September 20th: Character Sketches + Character Cast Contest: Who YA Reading?
Monday, September 23rd: Behind the Scenes: Why I Chose Lake Lure: Words to Dreams
Tuesday, September 24th: Release Day! Selena’s Diary Entry + Creative Photo Contest: Writing for Young Adults
Wednesday, September 25th: Austin’s Diary Entry: Amy’s Book Blog
Thursday, September 26th: Q & A: Notebook Sisters
 Friday, September 27th: Purple Moon Playlist: Ashley Carr  
Monday, September 30th: Purple Moon Excerpt: Wooden Swings: Heather Brice   
Tuesday, October 1st: Dealing With Anxiety—The Spiritual IV: The Destiny of One  
Wednesday, October 2nd: Q & A: Saved by Grace
Thursday, October 3rd: Behind the Scenes: Name Meanings: Labor Not In Vain
Friday, October 4th: Is It Okay To Be An Introvert?: Alex Inks It  
Monday, October 7th: Story Behind the Cover Art: Candy Apple Books
Tuesday, October 8th: Purple Moon Excerpt: Cherishing the Sunrise: Author Casey Bond
Wednesday, October 9th: Q & A: Writing While the Rice Boils
Thursday, October 10th: Behind the Scenes: Christian Human Videos: Writing in Wonderland  
Friday, October 11th: Teenage Substance Abuse: Emily Rachelle  
Monday, October 14th: Behind the Scenes: Lake Lure Academy of the Arts: Worthy 2 Read
Tuesday, October 15th: My Middle & High School Experience: Hello Highlights  
Wednesday, October 16th: Purple Moon Excerpt: Meatless Turkey Sandwich: Diane Estrella  
Thursday, October 17th: Body Image Laurel’s Leaves
Friday, October 18th: Behind the Scenes: Brewer’s Coffee: A Splash of Ink
Monday, October 21st: Purple Moon Excerpt: Farkle at the Park: Sierra’s Book List
Tuesday, October 22nd: Teenage Dating: Tell The World
Wednesday, October 23rd: Q & A: The YA Book Stack
 Thursday, October 24th: How Much of My Personal Life Did I Put Into “Purple Moon”?: Read For Your Future
Friday, October 25th: Fairy tales & Happy Endings + Contest Winners!: Inspiring Daring


Disclaimer: This book was provided by the author. The opinion of this book is my own and I was not paid or compensated for for my review.
August 30, 2013 | By: Cynthia Marcano

Blog Tour: Daughter of Light by Morgan Busse


Daughter of Light
Author - Morgan Busse
450 pages
Time It Took for to Read - 3 Days
Rating - 4.25 out of 5 Stars
Would I Recommend to My Students:Yes

What if with one touch you could see inside the soul?
Rowen Mar finds a strange mark on her hand, and she is banished from her village as a witch. She covers the mark with a leather glove and seeks sanctuary in the White City. She lives in fear that if she touches another person, the power inside her will trigger again, a terrifying power that allows her to see the darkness inside the human heart . . .

But the mark is a summons, and those called cannot hide forever. For the salvation of her people lies within her hand.


What if with one touch you could see inside the soul?
Rowen Mar finds a strange mark on her hand, and she is banished from her village as a witch. She covers the mark with a leather glove and seeks sanctuary in the White City. She lives in fear that if she touches another person, the power inside her will trigger again, a terrifying power that allows her to see the darkness inside the human heart . . .
But the mark is a summons, and those called cannot hide forever. For the salvation of her people lies within her hand.
- See more at: http://www.jillwilliamson.com/novel-teen/team-novel-teen-blog-tour-info/#sthash.CHO8gZR6.dpuf

What I Loved...

Caleb Tala - I can't put my finger on why I love the assassin. Its quite morbid but I would get super excited when I read the chapters from his POV.  Let me clear...I don't like the assassinations, but I love the character.

The forbidden love story between Rowen and Lore and the next possible love story between two others characters. I am super excited about that possible love story, but I am getting ahead of myself...lol.

What I Liked...

The book was full of mystery and "I wonder what will happen next" moments that I really liked. I love suspense.

I like the different POVs from chapter and chapter. It was wonderful to read the POV of the different characters of the same event. I think this was crucial in getting us to also understand The Word's POV.

Other...

As you may all know, I am a stickler for book covers. I am just one of those type of readers and this book's cover did not do it for me. This book is a really really good book and I probably wouldn't buy based off of the cover alone and that would have been a great loss for me as a reader. I am sooo looking forward to the next book no matter the cover.

 When I first started reading this book, I found myself trying to make logic of it using my traditional Christian views and quickly realized that I was diminishing the book's storyline and then allowed the author to just lead the story. I enjoyed it much more once I let go off my close minded thinking and allowed my mind to just take in what I was reading.

Morgan Busse did a great job with this book and I think I am going to enjoy what is to come even more, although I don't know how...lol. Yes I do...more Caleb Tala!




 Please take the time to read reviews from the other blog tour participants!


Disclaimer: This book was provided by the author through Team Novel Group. The opinion of this book is my own and I was not paid or compensated for for my review.
August 15, 2013 | By: Cynthia Marcano

ACReview: Traces of Mercy by Michael Landon Jr.


Traces of Mercy
Author - Michael Landon Jr.
352 pages
Time It Took for to Read - 2 Days
Rating - 3 out of 5 Stars
Would I Recommend to My Students: No
At the war’s end, a young woman suffers an accident that leaves her unconscious and alone. Waking with amnesia, she takes the name Mercy and wants more than anything to find out the truth of her past. But then a handsome stranger arrives, who may hold the key to everything she has forgotten. What he knows could devastate her future, and even end her life. Written by two proven storytellers, Traces of Mercy is perfect for anyone who loves historical fiction, prairie-based tales, or just a good romance.

What I Loved...

Nothing.

What I Liked...

The end had potential and I am hoping that the next book can make up for this book. Towards the end it picked up and I will read the next one just out of curiosity.

Other... 

I rated this book a generous 3 stars because of the ending. I have to say that I do not like the main character Mercy. It is hard to like a book if you just don't like the main character. 

The military Sgt,  is about the only bright light in this book and it's no coincidence that when he becomes a staple in the story (the end) that the book gets interesting.

This eBook was provided by NetGalley. My review of this book is my own opinion and I have received no compensation in exchange.

Disclaimer: This book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley. The opinion of this book, is my own and I was not paid or compensated for for my review.
August 11, 2013 | By: Cynthia Marcano

ACR: The Miner's Lady by Tracie Peterson


The Miner's Lady
Author -Tracie Peterson
350 pages
Time It Took for to Read - 2 Days
Rating - 5 out of 5 Stars
Would I Recommend to My Students:Yes
When Chantel Panetta's younger sister claims to be in love with Orlando Vittorio, Chantel knows there is no hope. The Panettas and Vittorios have been sworn enemies for decades, and young love cannot heal the deep wounds between the two iron-mining families. Yet, unable to resist Isabella's pleas, Chantel agrees to help her sister spend time with Orlando...only to have a run-in with Dante, Orlando's brother. The older, more handsome one.

Chantel can't deny the attraction that flares when she's with Dante. But when a tragedy occurs at the mine, is there any hope that the hatred that has simmered between these two families might be resolved? Or will Chantel's hope for love be buried amidst decades of misunderstanding?

What I Loved...

The story overall is just great. It entails everything I love in a historical romance genre. Tracie Peterson did a great job making me feel like I was walking in the muddy streets or feeling the cold against my flesh. I alos love the cover.

What I Liked...

I really liked the brothers Dante and Orlando. I could totally picture them and hear them in my head. I also liked the Panetta Family dynamic. They seemed like a genuine family and a family that I would know.

Other...

I know I haven't given much detail in my review and that is mainly because I really do like this book alot and I don't want to give anything way. I highly recommend!!!

Disclaimer: This book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley. The opinion of this book, is my own and I was not paid or compensated for for my review.
August 3, 2013 | By: Cynthia Marcano

Review: Trouble In Store by Carol Cox


Trouble In Store
Author - Carol Cox
350 pages
Time It Took for to Read - 2 Days
Rating - 4 out of 5 Stars
Would I Recommend to My Students: Yes
Fired from her most recent governess position, Melanie Ross must embrace her last resort: the Arizona mercantile she inherited from her cousin. But Caleb Nelson is positive he inherited the mercantile, and he's not about to let some obstinate woman with newfangled ideas mess up all he's worked for. He's determined to get Melanie married off as soon as possible, and luckily there are plenty of single men in town quite interested in taking her off his hands.
The problem is, Caleb soon realizes he doesn't want her to marry up with any of them. He's drawn to Melanie more every day, and he has to admit some of her ideas for the store unexpectedly offer positive results.

But someone doesn't want the store to succeed, and what used to be just threatening words has escalated into deliberate destruction and lurkers in the night. When a body shows up on the mercantile steps--and the man obviously didn't die from natural causes--things really get dangerous. Can Melanie and Caleb's business--and romance--survive the trouble that's about to come their way?

What I Loved...

Funny, suspenseful, romantic and thrilling. That's a lot to incorporate into one book but Carol Cox does so wonderfully.

I love the heroine Melanie. She is too much! She is well written.

What I Liked...

All of the other characters are so well written. I hate when I find myself disliking one the characters that I should normally  like (Amazingly it happens more than I care to admit), but I didn't find that with Trouble In Store. All of the characters are appealing, even the not so nice ones!

The mystery plot was great and Carol had me guessing all the way to the end.

Other...

I liked the book well enough but admit that I am sucker for a boatload of swoon and while I did get some, I just wanted more. Believe me that there is probably enough for most, but that is what I LOVE LOVE LOVE and could probably never get enough. Having said that, if Carol would have added as much swoon worthy tidbits as I prefer, the book wouldn't be published yet. I can't complain too much because the suspense and thrills kept me going through the book well enough.

Disclaimer: This book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley. The opinion of this book, is my own and I was not paid or compensated for for my review.
August 2, 2013 | By: Cynthia Marcano

ACReview: Into The Whirlwind by Elizabeth Camden


Into The Whirlwind
Author - Elizabeth Camden
384 pages
Time It Took for to Read - 1 Day
Rating - 5 out of 5 Stars
Would I Recommend to My Students: Yes
After her father's death, Mollie Knox takes over his watchmaking company and uses her head for business to solidify the good name of the 57th Illinois Watch Company. Her future looks bright until the night her beloved city is destroyed in the legendary Great Chicago Fire. With her world crumbling around her, Molly must do whatever it takes to save her company in the aftermath of the devastating fire.

Zack Kazmarek is an influential attorney with powerful ties to the political, mercantile, and ethnic roots of Chicago. His only weakness is Mollie Knox, a woman who has always been just beyond his reach. However, all bets are off after the fire destroys Chicago, and Mollie is in desperate need of assistance. Just as Zack finally begins to pursue the woman he loves, competition arises in the form of a hero from her past who can provide the help she needs to rise from the ashes.

While Mollie struggles to rebuild, the two men battle for her heart. One has always loved her, but the other has the power to save her. In the race to rebuild the city, can she survive with her business and her heart intact?

What I Loved...

Zack. I love the depth of his emotions! Very swoon worthy. I love history and the inclusion of actual history (Chicago Fire) took this book to another level for me. Elizabeth Camden did an excellent job making me feel like I was right in the thick of it.

What I Liked...


They way I unexpectedly cried, laughed, got nervous, angry and felt butterflies in my tummy. The story and characters crept into my heart and I felt like I was right there with them.

The cover of the book is really nice and fitting.

Other...

I felt the Christianity in this book was way, way in the background. I am not complaining or praising. I just thought I'd mention it for those who like the Christianity to be more present in a book.

Disclaimer: This book was provided by the publisher through Bethany House. The opinion of this book, is my own and I was not paid or compensated for for my review.

July 18, 2013 | By: Cynthia Marcano

Review: King by R.J. Larson


King
Author - R.J. Larson
348 pages
Time It Took for to Read - 3 Days
Rating - 4 out of 5 Stars
Would I Recommend to My Students: Yep
Akabe of Siphra is certain his people are insane.

Why have they made him a king?

What, in the name of peacetime boredom do kings do?

Frustrated by a lengthy silence from his Creator, the Infinite, Akabe decides to prove himself as king by undertaking a monumental task, his own lifelong dream: Rebuild the Infinite’s temple in Siphra.

But Akabe’s impulsive decision sweeps him into a storm of controversy. The Infinite’s enemies join forces in Siphra, and beyond, conspiring to destroy the emerging temple—and to kill their king and his mysterious new queen.

What I Loved...


While 90% of the books I read are Christian related in some way, I rarely find one that speaks directly to me individually. This book  absolutely did that for me. I found myself wanting to just be closer to God and allow Him to lead me even more in my life like many of the characters. Awesome job by the author.
Akabe's character is so easy to relate to.  How many of are probably doing what we think is right but not following God's will for our lives. It made the story so much more real for me.

What I Liked...


Barth Siymont. I could totally see him "flirting" with the ladies at court. While he was used like most children are in movies and books, to soften up scenes and add some humor,  I found him funny and liking his character. I hope to see him in a future book. =)

Other...


I liked most characters in the book except Queen whatshername. I can't even remember her name...that's how much I liked her. SPOILER ALERT...I found myself wishing she would somehow get killed when she ran off from her imprisonment. She annoyed me to no end and I absolutely couldn't stand that Akabe married her. SPOILER END

The word Infinite as it related to God bothered me. I just didn't like it. It almost felt like idol worship. They described my God and I know that is who Infinite was, but I just couldn't get into it.

While I liked Akabe well enough (he reminded me a little of King David) I felt like Ela and Kien's story was dominate and was written more powerfully. By the end of the book I was more interested in their storyline and wished I had read Prophet and Judge before this book.

I would recommend this book to my students that enjoy books like Robin Hood and Knight inspired books.

Disclaimer: This book was provided by the publisher Bethany House. The opinion of this book, is my own and I was not paid or compensated for for my review.
June 19, 2013 | By: Cynthia Marcano

Review: Undeniably Yours


Undeniably Yours
Author - Becky Wade
380 pages
Time It Took for to Read - 3 Days
Rating - 4 out of 5 Stars
Would I Recommend to My Students:Maybe
When Meg Cole’s father dies unexpectedly, she becomes the majority shareholder of his oil company and the single inheritor of his fortune. Though Meg is soft-spoken and tenderhearted–more interested in art than in oil–she’s forced to return home to Texas and to Whispering Creek Ranch to take up the reins of her father’s empire.

The last thing she has the patience or the sanity to deal with? Her father’s thoroughbred racehorse farm. She gives its manager, Bo Porter, six months to close the place down.

Bo’s determined to resent the woman who’s decided to rob him of his dream. But instead of anger, Meg evokes within him a profound desire to protect. The more time he spends with her, the more he longs to overcome every obstacle that separates them–her wealth, his unworthiness, her family’s outrage–and earn the right to love her.

But just when Meg begins to realize that Bo might be the one thing on the ranch worth keeping, their fragile bond is viciously broken by a force from Meg’s past. Can their love–and their belief that God can work through every circumstance–survive?

What I Loved...

Lots of swoon-worthy bits!! I love feeling the torture of love just outside your grasp and this book provides it.

What I Liked...

Bo is a dream and is a good leading male character.

Other...

 I couldn't help but think of the show Dallas when I read this book. That's not a good or bad, unless you love or hate the show! Either way, it is a good book and its worth a read if you love a book for its romance.

If you like guys fights and heroes, than this is definitely a book for you.

Disclaimer: This book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley. The opinion of this book, is my own and I was not paid or compensated for for my review.
May 28, 2013 | By: Cynthia Marcano

Top Ten Freebie! Best Character Names - May 28th



Top Ten Freebie! May 28th
Best Character Names



1. Bilbo Baggins - Best name ever!
2. Huckleberry Finn - My daughter just asked me "What is a Hucklberry Finn?"
3. Willy Wonka - As a teenager/YA I cracked up thinking about the name
4. Captain Frederick Wentworth - I love the name Wentworth. It makes me feel so British.
5. Eliza Doolittle - It's just fun to say.
6.Romeo - His last name isn't even needed for everyone to know I am referring to Romeo Montague
7. Ebenezer Scrooge - my revised version - Ebenezer "Old Geezer" Scrooge
8. Anna Karenina - Na na na na na na na na Hey Hey Hey. Goodbye!
9. Hamlet - reminds me of breakfast.
10. Hester Prynne - she sounds like the EXACT opposite of who she was.
May 27, 2013 | By: Cynthia Marcano

Captives by Jill Williamson Blog Tour


 
Captives
Author - Jill Williamson
415 pages
Time It Took for to Read - 3 Days
Rating - 5 out of 5 Stars
Would I Recommend to My Students: Absolutely!!!

When eighteen-year-old Levi returned from Denver City with his latest scavenged finds, he never imagined he’d find his village of Glenrock decimated, loved ones killed, and many—including his fiancée, Jem–taken captive. Levi is determined to rescue what remains of his people, even if it means entering the Safe Lands, a walled city that seems anything but safe.
Omar knows he betrayed his brother by sending him away, but helping the enforcers was necessary. Living off the land and clinging to an outdated religion holds his village back. The Safe Land has protected people since the plague decimated the world generations ago … and its rulers have promised power and wealth beyond Omar’s dreams.
Meanwhile, their brother Mason has been granted a position inside the Safe Lands, and may be able to use his captivity to save not only his people, but also find a cure for the virus that threatens everyone inside the Safe Lands.
Can Mason uncover the truth hidden behind the Safe Land’s façade before it’s too late?

About The Author

Jill Williamson is an author of all things weird. She grew up in Alaska with no electricity, an outhouse, and a lot of mosquitoes. Her Blood of Kings trilogy won two Christy Awards, and she recently released Captives, a dystopian teen novel from Zonderkidz. Jill lives in Oregon with her husband and two children and a whole lot of deer.

What I Loved...

The inspiration for this book is great and opened my mind to dig deeper into the lives and people that shaped the bible. It is clever! I felt like a Captive.

I loved Mason! I felt myself drawn most to him.

The book is a great mix of adventure, hilarity, love and suspense.

Jordan! He was a riot. I warmed up to him once in the Safe Lands.

What I Liked...

The creativity of the Sim Art and other technology. 

The small details like the slang...it helped me feel like I was there.

While some may think that the use of vapor and promiscuity may have seemed surprising, I didn't. We live in that world now and it would only make sense that the future would hold more of the same but in a "new" way. Again very creative.

Other...

I don't like Ciddah. There! I said it. I just can't help it. 

I am not a Dystopian reader usually, BUT Jill has opened up my mind to branch out in my reading selections. I love how this book idea was derived from a bible study and am looking into using this book for my bible study class.






Check out other reviews for Captives


DISCLAIMER: A free ebook was given through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. My opinion is my own and I have not been compensated for my opinion in any way.
May 13, 2013 | By: Cynthia Marcano

The Revised Life of Ellie Sweet Review and Giveaway

eBook Giveaway


  
The Revised Life of Ellie Sweet
Author - Stephanie Morrill
250 pages
Time It Took for to Read - 1 Days
Rating - 5 out of 5 Stars
Would I Recommend to My Students: YES!!!
Ellie Sweet is a lot of things—good girl, novelist, silent adorer of the new boy at school, Palmer. But when “outcast” gets added to the list, she decides it’s time to take reality into her own hands … and tweak it as needed.
In the pages of her book, she’s Lady Gabrielle, favorite of the medieval Italian court. Her once-friends are reduced to catty ladies-in-waiting, and the too-charming Palmer—who in real life never spares her a second word—gets to be nothing more than a rake wracked by unrequited love for her. She even has a perfect real-life villain in the brooding Chase, who hails from the wrong side of town.
But just when she’s getting along great in her fictional world, the real one throws her a few curves. With Chase pursuing her, Palmer wanting to date her—but in secret—and the details of her manuscript going public, Ellie suddenly receives more attention than she ever really wanted. And when her former-friends discover what she’s been writing, they’re determined to teach Ellie a lesson about the severe consequences of using her pen as her sword.


What I Liked...

I found myself going back and forth between Chase and Palmer. BUT I have to be truthful to myself. I like Chase, but I can't deny that I feel bad for him too. Palmer is jerk BUT I like him...alot. I found myself routing for him at the end. But then again, I always find myself rooting for the underdog (which he was at the end).


Other...

I didn't care too much for the Mommy and daughter shopping spree. I liked that she ended up comfortable in her original entire. While I can't say that I necessarily agree with her choice of dating boys who don't share her beliefs and I am hoping thatStephanie is setting us up for a wonderful resolution to this.

All in all, I give this book 5 stars. I really loved it! My NEW favorite book of 2013 thus far.

A Rafflecopter Giveaway



DISCLAIMER: This eBook was provided for free in exchange for an honest review. The review is my own opinion and I was not compensated for my opinion.