The Truth About Forever by Sarah Dessen

A brief bit from the author's website:

Macy’s summer stretches before her, carefully planned and outlined. She will spend her days sitting at the library information desk. She will spend her evenings studying for the SATs. Spare time will be used to help her obsessive mother prepare for the big opening of the townhouse section of her luxury development. But Macy’s plans don’t anticipate a surprising and chaotic job with Wish Catering, a motley crew of new friends, or … Wes. Tattooed, artistic, anything-but-expected Wes. He doesn’t fit Macy’s life at all–so why does she feel so comfortable with him? So … happy? What is it about him that makes her let down her guard and finally talk about how much she misses her father, who died before her eyes the year before? Sarah Dessen delivers a page-turning novel that carries readers on a roller coaster of denial, grief, comfort, and love as we watch a broken but resilient girl pick up the pieces of her life and fit them back together.

My Take:

I picked this book up towards the end of summer and thought maybe it would be a way to usher the summer out and fall in.  Loved the characters in this book!  Especially those on the more quirky side.  The grief that Macy is carrying around with her every day was so huge, but she didn't see the elephant (of her grief) strapped to her back.  Watching the love between she and Wes develop was wonderful.  It was like a gift that eased the burden of all of that grief and made it all more manageable.  I think so often we go through life thinking we can manage it all, no matter how great the weight.  It was nice to see her grow in the end to realize that it's not so bad to need to lean on someone at times.  I'm giving this one 5 sawoony kisses!  Oh, and tomorrow is my birthday!!  Woo hoo!!

Pretend You Love Me by Julie Anne Peters

Here's a brief bit from the author's webpage:

In this fresh, poignant novel, Mike is struggling to come to terms with her father's suicide and her mother's detachment from the family. Mike (real name: Mary Elizabeth) is gay and likes to pump iron, play softball, and fix plumbing. When a glamorous new girl, Xanadu, arrives in Mike's small Kansas town, Mike falls in love at first sight. Xanadu is everything Mike is not —cool, confident, feminine, sexy.... straight.
Julie Anne Peters has written a heartbreaking yet ultimately hopeful novel that will speak to anyone who has ever fallen in love with someone who can't love them back.
National Book Award finalist Julie Anne Peters has written a compelling novel about coming out, finding love, and discovering your place in the world. Alyssa's story will speak to anyone who has known the joy and pain of first love and the struggle to start over again.

My Take:

I liked this book and always appreciate the fact that there are love stories out there for the LGBT community.  Ms. Peters books are always well written and great stories.  Mike Szabo falls in love with Xanadu, the new girl in town.  I started to find it frustrating that Mike kept trying to force the relationship between she and Xanadu.  I understand how difficult and frustrating it must be to love someone that will never love you back in the way that you would like them to.  The characters were great, very real and I absolutely loved Mike's friend, Jamie.  I would recommend this book and am giving it 4 chaste kisses!

Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi

A short blurb about the book from it's goodreads page:

Juliette hasn’t touched anyone in exactly 264 days.

The last time she did, it was an accident, but The Reestablishment locked her up for murder. No one knows why Juliette’s touch is fatal. As long as she doesn’t hurt anyone else, no one really cares. The world is too busy crumbling to pieces to pay attention to a 17-year-old girl. Diseases are destroying the population, food is hard to find, birds don’t fly anymore, and the clouds are the wrong color.

The Reestablishment said their way was the only way to fix things, so they threw Juliette in a cell. Now so many people are dead that the survivors are whispering war– and The Reestablishment has changed its mind. Maybe Juliette is more than a tortured soul stuffed into a poisonous body. Maybe she’s exactly what they need right now.

Juliette has to make a choice: Be a weapon. Or be a warrior.

My thoughts:

Okay, I read this book awhile back.  I've been terrible about updating this blog.  However, I will say that this book really stuck with me.  I loved it from page one.  My fingers flew to turn the page.  It was suspensful and just a great story all the way around.  There were times that the descriptions got to be a bit much, but I really did love this book.  I can't wait to read the other books in this series.  I'm giving this one 4 1/2 air kisses (since Juliette can't touch anyone).  :)

A Golden Light Anthology's Blog Tour!

 

Chamberton Publishing Proudly Presents

A Golden Light Anthology 5 Book Collection!

Thank you so much for hosting me on A Golden Light Anthology's Blog Tour! I'm so glad to be here and present to all of you our brand new releases! A Golden Light Anthology 5 Book Collection has been such a special project and I'm thrilled to be able to introduce the books to all of you.

A 5 book collections means that there is a book for just about every taste, too - from science fiction and fantasy to historical fiction, a young adult anthology, a children's anthology, and our Christian anthology. All are filled with some of the most talented authors around.  I'm sure you'll agree that A Golden Light Anthology series is something special.

Without further ado - the books!

*Don't miss the giveaway at the end of this post!*

A little about the books -

Gaslight: A Golden Light Anthology~

From the very first story by award winning author J.S. Dunn, to the last story in the anthology, readers will be swept away to various time periods with an array of characters - from ancient seafaring towns to the Ottoman Empire and everywhere in between. You'll find stories about World War I, The Civil War, and even a fantastic steampunk story - all wrapped up in Gaslight: A Golden Light Anthology.

Gaslight is an eclectic array of historical short stories that includes historical, historical romance, historical fantasy, and so much more!

I have to add that the authors contributing to this anthology are without a doubt some of the best writers of historical fiction out there. Yes, I may be biased, but I believe it's true. I think you'll agree, though, and once you read their stories in Gaslight I'd like to encourage you to check out their other books. You won't be disappointed.

Limelight: A Golden Light Anthology features tales of new worlds and old worlds and worlds yet to be. These stories twist and turn with adventure, intrigue, and wonder. This anthology of short stories brings science fiction and fantasy out of the shadows and into the limelight.

Authors Edward W. Robertson, John Grover, James S. Dorr, Ela Lond, Sergio Palumbo, Larissa Hinton, Jessica B. Zeidler, Katy Huth Jones, Alexandra Baker, Catriel Ceballos, Domyelle Rhyse, and Bill Blume spin tales of old and new, of fantasy or alternate realities. These stories wrap around the future, the unknown, and the fantastic. You may be surprised at where they’ll lead…

Take my hand and step into the light with Limelight: A Golden Light Anthology.

Spotlight: A Golden Light Anthology features young adult stories of hope. Themes of rejection and forgiveness, of loss and triumph, of loneliness and friendships, of struggles and determination, of betrayal and overcoming, lace each story.

Authors Deborah Prum, Sarah Meira Rosenberg, T.K. Richardson, Alexandra Singer, Tucker Cummings, Lynda Lee Schab, Jason Hinz, Carmen Tudor, and Lisa Marie Lopez offer stories grounded in reality or sprinkled with fantasy, but feature main characters that face real issues – issues that are often hidden in the darkness.

Step out of the shadows and into the light with Spotlight: A Golden Light Anthology.


  

Nightlight: A Golden Light Anthology 

Do you remember those nights when you switched on your nightlight or flashlight and read books under the covers?

How about those memories of your mom, dad, or grandma reading your favorite story over and over again?

Yes, the sweet events of childhood that stay with us forever...

Nightlight: A Golden Light Anthology wishes to create these memories for the children of today. Filled with colorful images and stories that are both exciting and sweet, this anthology of children's bedtime stories is sure to leave a lasting impression. 

Stories of fairies and wizards, of summer camp and family vacations, and stories of family and friends fill this children's book. Imagine spending that extra few minutes reading to your child right before they drift off to sleep. Or letting them read Nightlight themselves while you listen to them.

The memories you share together will last a lifetime, encourage literacy, a love of reading, and most importantly you'll set aside that special time at the end of the day - when work and play are done - to just be together.

That's how I envision children reading Nightlight and that was the intention compiling this children's anthology. The stories, and the authors contributing to this ebook, are hands down some of the very best.

I hope you'll get a copy, switch on the nightlight, and read it with your child.

Lamplight: A Golden Light Anthology is filled with stories and poems of faith. From the very first selection by author Seth D. Clarke to the final poem titled Benediction by David Andrews, this Christian anthology reaches in and touches the heart, inspires faith, and is filled with hope.

  We live in a tumultuous world. The evening news is filled with more bad than good. War, hunger, and loss seem to be the headlines and sometimes (or daily) we need that little bit of something that is good, that sees the darkness around us and shines a heavenly light on life.

And that's exactly what Lamplight does - it shines a light of faith and hope. The stories and poems in this anthology are real, are touching, are beautifully written, and fill that darkness with a ray of sunshine. They're not fluffy or preachy, but rather these stories and poems are uplifting.

The scripture that really inspired this anthology - "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light for my path."

***

We hope you'll check them out!


Find our titles on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, iPad, Copia,
Sony Reader, Kobo, and everywhere ebooks are sold. 

 

About Chamberton Publishing - 

Committed to excellence in book publishing, Chamberton believes the pillars of a society are founded on great literature and that each book leaves an indelible stepping stone for the future. We are currently focusing on publishing anthologies in a wide array of genres. Find our titles on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and everywhere books and ebooks are sold. Sign up for our newsletter to be notified of new releases!

Get to know the authors - 

For a complete list of authors in A Golden Light Anthology we invite you to visit our website. You may find even more of their books that are just right for you! 




 




a Rafflecopter giveaway

Shield the Heart by TK Richardson

Here's a little bit from the author, TK's website: 

Lilly’s gift of reading the heart seemed like a curse, but when she discovered her gift was linked to an old, Russian prophecy it changed everything. What she never questioned, though, was her own heart.

When the prophecy pulls Lilly back to Russia and demands to be fulfilled she is torn between love and loyalty. She must make the most difficult decision of her life and choose between the two. But Lilly’s decision is farther reaching than even she is willing to acknowledge. It stretches from East to West - from the past to the future.

Lilly discovers there’s more to the old prophecy than she realized and enemy forces are bent on stopping it from unfolding.

One thing is certain - there will be casualties. And sparing those closest to her may be impossible. While Seth attempts to shield Lilly from the truth, Nikolai reveals secrets that could change everything.

As Lilly falls into the arms of Russia she must decide: will love or loyalty reign? And can she live with the consequences? Two sides compete for Lilly’s heart and she must find the answers she needs before her enemies find her.

My Take

This is the second in the series.  I fell for the characters in the first book Return the Heart and have continued my love affair with them through the second book as well.  In this story Lilly and her friends spend almost all of the book in Russia.  Lilly discovers secrets about her heritage and the prophecy that sets so many questions in motion. 

More action, more romance and an ancient prophecy lie within the pages of Shield the Heart.  This book was wonderful and I can't wait to read the final book in the series.  I'm giving this little gem 4 1/2 heartfelt kisses!

So Shelly by Ty Roth

Here's a bit from the author's webpage: 
High school junior John Keats was never a close friend of schoolmate and literary prodigy Gordon Byron. At his best and worst, Keats was a distant, envious admirer of Gordon's talents, fame, and "player" lifestyle. That changes when their mutual friend, Shelly, mysteriously drowns. After stealing Shelly's ashes, the boys set a course for the small Lake Erie Island where Shelly's body had washed ashore and to where, according to Gordon, she wished to be returned. As they navigate obstacles and resist temptations during their odyssey, Keats and Gordon glue together the shattered pieces of Shelly's and their own pasts while attempting to make sense of her premature end.
Outrageous, poignant and in subtle homage to Lord Byron's classic Don Juan, SO SHELLY captures the indomitable spirit of Romanticism while confronting contemporary issues of sexuality, dysfunctional families, suicide, poverty, racism, alcohol and drug use, the hidden costs of popularity and fame, and friendship and while exploring themes of death, dying, grief, abandonment, abuse, and belonging.

My Take

Admittedly, it took me a while to get around to reading this book.  For that, I'm profoundly sorry.  But I can say that I really, really loved this book.  I can't count the number of times that I laughed out loud while reading it.  The author, Ty Roth, deftly mixes humor amongst the darker themes for a great balance.  Keats is a funny fellow.  He's a great narrator with keen observations.  As the story of the three unfolds, the characters take shape.  Gordon is the most colorful of the three and his character demands to stand out.  He craves attention constantly.  Keats is a pallid sidekick who pines for Shelly, but feels too inadequate in Gordon's wake to ever speak up.  Shelly has her own unrequited love, only it's directed towards Gordon.  We get to know her better as the story of their past gets revealed.  Keats deep self examination throughout the book gives him more shape and as he evolves becomes quite endearing.

This was a lovely book and the info given at the end regarding the actual Keats, Byron and Shelley was extremely interesting.  I thought that since I knew little of Keats, Byron and Shelley that may get in the way of enjoying this book.  Not in the slightest though.  It was a wonderful story with a very contemporary message about living in the now and being present in every moment.  Something we can all use a little reminder about from time to time.  I'm giving this one 5 shiny kisses!!

Brother/Sister by Sean Olin

First, let me say sorry for taking ages to post reviews here lately.  I've been busy with life's happenings though, and I appreciate everyone understanding that. :)  You're all the greatest!
Here's a quick bit about Brother/Sister by Sean Olin from it's goodreads page: Will and Asheley have a troubled past. Their father left them when they were little, and their mother has just been carted off to an alcohol treatment center. Now, they have the house to themselves, and an endless California summer stretching out before them. Through alternating perspectives, they tell the story of how and why their lives spun violently out of control - right up to the impossibly shocking conclusion you'll have to read for yourself to believe.
My Take

Will and Asheley are close siblings.  Their lives have been in the shambles pretty much from the start and things are only getting worse.  This book really makes you think about how one wrong choice ignites others and can set someone in a tailspin.  That being said, there was a fair amount of mental illness in this book as well.  Very rarely does someone escape a traumatic upbringing completely unscathed.  This is as much about the heartbreaking events as well as the undoing of these characters (heartbreaking in its own right) as anything else.
I thought it was well written and gripping.  While somewhat disturbing in the events that take place, it's gritty reality at the same time.  I'll give this one 4 shattered stars.

Shield the Heart Blog Tour Stop

I'm thrilled to be a stop on T.K. Richardson's blog tour.  T.K. is always a pleasure to interact with and she's one great writer.  I loved Return the Heart and can't wait to read and post my review of Shield the Heart.  Stay tuned for the review.  Take it away T.K.!

Hi Lisa, thanks for hosting this stop on the blog tour for Shield the Heart!

The theme for this blog tour is a little different and I hope all of you will enjoy it. It’s titled ‘A Russian Tour’ because each day during the blog tour we’ll explore the Russian cities and historical sites that are the backdrop for my new YA novel Shield the Heart.

Sometimes the setting of a novel is so interesting and unique that it deserves a closer look, and that’s why I thought this blog tour would be so much fun. ‘A Russian Tour’ will give my readers a chance to get a better view of where everything in Shield the Heart takes place.

After all, these are the places that have inspired me, and I hope they inspire all of you, too.

Today on our itinerary we’re visiting Kozelsk, Russia!

To follow along each day and visit some of the places found in Shield the Heart, be sure to follow the blog tour.

Okay, onto our destination!

Козе́льск

The past 2 days on the blog tour we’ve visited 2 well known cities: St. Petersburg and Moscow. But today we’re stopping in a city you may not know much about - Kozelsk.

Hmm… what can I say without giving away too much about how this city ties into the story? Well, what I can tell you is that when Lilly winds up here everything changes, or becomes more focused for her. She knows the importance of this place and she is awestruck.

Although Lilly doesn’t spend much time here, she loves it – from the quaint scenery to the people – Kozelsk is someplace she’s naturally drawn to. Located far from St. Petersburg and Moscow, Kozelsk is situated on the Zhizdra River and is much smaller in population.

Kozelsk is also the place where Optina Monastery is located which has been visited by great writers and people of renown for centuries. (We’ll visit Optina Monastery on the blog tour!) With its ancient ties to the past Kozelsk plays a significant role in Shield the Heart. Although I did take artistic liberty with some scenery and distances, I loved my research of this city.

Character quote~

“For some reason, Lilly, we have to go. There’s a reason everyone is trying to keep us away from here and I think we need to find out just what that reason is.”

~Claire, Shield the Heart

I hope you’ve enjoyed this mini tour of Kozelsk. Be sure to follow us to our next destination. Tomorrow on the blog tour we’ll visit Kostroma, Russia!  http://eveningfades.blogspot.com/p/shield-heart-blog-tour.html

Lisa, thanks again for hosting me on the blog tour. I hope you and your blog followers enjoy my new release!

One Gift, One Prophecy, One Choice

Shield the Heart

 (Note: This book is part of a series. Book #1 Return the Heart. Book #2 Shield the Heart.)

What if the battle was in your heart?

Lilly’s gift of reading the heart seemed like a curse, but when she discovered her gift was linked to an old, Russian prophecy it changed everything. What she never questioned, though, was her own heart.

When the prophecy pulls Lilly back to Russia and demands to be fulfilled she is torn between love and loyalty. She must make the most difficult decision of her life and choose between the two. But Lilly’s decision is farther reaching than even she is willing to acknowledge. It stretches from East to West - from the past to the future.

Lilly discovers there’s more to the old prophecy than she realized and enemy forces are bent on stopping it from unfolding.

One thing is certain - there will be casualties. And sparing those closest to her may be impossible. While Seth attempts to shield Lilly from the truth, Nikolai reveals secrets that could change everything.

As Lilly falls into the arms of Russia she must decide: will love or loyalty reign? And can she live with the consequences? Two sides compete for Lilly’s heart and she must find the answers she needs before her enemies find her.

Shield the Heart, by T.K. Richardson, is the riveting second book in the series and takes Lilly deeper into Russia’s mysterious past… and her future.

Available in paperback and ebook

*For a chance to win a Kindle Fire and a signed copy of Shield the Heart, check out my contest! http://eveningfades.blogspot.com/p/kindle-fire-contest.html

About the author~

T.K. Richardson is the author of YA books Return the Heart, Shield the Heart, Simmer: Recipes for the Teen Palate, and Love, Me: Anthology of Short Stories. She is the founder of Partners In Print.org, a program that donates books to children in the foster care system. She also runs The Writers Resource Directory, a great site for writers filled with publishing and writing links, tips and advice. Her next books: Courtship and the Kremlin, Swan Song, and Dovetail are due out later this year.  Find out more at http://tkrichardson.com

Silence by Becca Fitzpatrick

Here's a little blurb from the author's page: The noise between Patch and Nora is gone. They've overcome the secrets riddled in Patch's dark past...bridged two irreconcilable worlds...faced heart-wrenching tests of betrayal, loyalty and trust...and all for a love that will transcend the boundary between heaven and earth. Armed with nothing but their absolute faith in one another, Patch and Nora enter a desperate fight to stop a villain who holds the power to shatter everything they've worked for—and their love—forever.

My Take

I've been on this kick lately to catch-up on reading in the trilogies or other sagas that I started. This is the third in the Hush, Hush saga. I remember not being overly thrilled with Crescendo, so I will admit I started this book with a kind of attitude. Before I knew it the pages were turning fast. I couldn't seem to put it down. Ms. Fitzpatrick is great at ending each chapter with a cliff hanger that kept me reading at a fevered pace.

There was only a minor detail that I felt was a little unrealistic. Other than that, I loved this book. I'm looking forward to reading the 4th installment in the saga, which is slated for release sometime this year. Yay!! With all that said, I'm giving this one 4 1/2 angelic kisses!!