Interview: Tricia Rayburn

I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to interview Tricia Rayburn for a blog tour. She's the author of Siren (as well as several other books), a brand new novel which I recently reviewed and loved!

What was the process like for titling the book Siren. Did you think of it? What were other potential titles for the book?

I actually thought of Siren for the title minutes after I came up with the initial story idea; it came before characters, major plot points, and pretty much everything else! I never considered another one, and I was very happy when everyone else (my agent and the lovely folks at Egmont) approved.

What are your thoughts on the cover?

I think the cover’s beautiful and mysterious and spooky all at once. I especially love the finished jacket with the shiny silver eyes and raised title!

How did you go about creating this alternate world in Winter Harbor? Was it based off of a real place, or completely imagined?

I knew right away that I wanted to set Siren somewhere in New England. I chose Maine for its dramatic coastline and eventually decided on Winter Harbor after learning that it earned its name because the harbor never freezes, not even in the middle of winter. (As you know, this characteristic contributes to a key plot development in the book!) But while the town itself is real, places like Betty’s Chowder House are based on other wonderful, small-coastal-town restaurants and spots I’ve visited over the years.

I really loved the dark undertone of the book. It had a creepy and suspenseful feel throughout. What was it like creating that? Are you fan of horror and suspense books or movies?

I’m so happy you enjoyed the dark undertone! Creating it was lots of fun, especially because I’d never written anything like it before. And even though I’ve lost lots of sleep because of them, I do enjoy horror books and movies!

What I'm really dying to know is.... will there be a sequel?

Yes! It’ll be out next summer.

SEQUEL?!?! Heck yes! I cannot wait! Thanks so much to Tricia for stopping by. I highly recommend you check out Siren, which is out now!

Review: I Now Pronounce You Someone Else by Erin McCahan

I recently read I Now Pronounce You Someone Else, by Erin McCahan, for Around the World Tours.

Summary: Seventeen year old Bronwen Oliver is convinced, or maybe just hopes, that she was switched at birth, and that her "real" family is out there somewhere waiting for her. Her mother is all about "image," which Bronwen couldn't care less about, her brother, whom she has nicknamed "Jesus," has become elusive and distant, and her father, the one person she could always depend on, has been dead for several years. When Bronwen starts dating college senior and old family friend, Jared Sondervan, she is smitten, and delighted to be embraced by his "normal" and lovely family. When after a few months he asks her to marry him, she happily accepts and they plan to wed once she finishes college. Plans ensue, and she looks forward to their future together. However, Jared soon decides he'd like to get married now before she starts college and begin their future NOW... Bronwen begins to question whether she wants this or not, and continues to try and disvover who she really is.

My Thoughts: This was a really cute book. It was fun, fresh, and clever. I also thought it was quite unique in that I've never read a modern YA novel before about teen marriage. Bronwen was a very real character, one that many will be able to identify with. Like most young adults, Brownwen struggles with identity and learning who she really is, and also, who she wants to be. The romance between her and Jared developed incredibly quickly, and the two seemed to be in love almost instantly. While this may seem a bit silly, I think this is true of many young relationships, especially when they are new. All in all, I thought this was a cool and interesting concept for a book. It was fun to read, but also touched on some emotional points as well, such as the death of Bronwen's father, family relationships and struggles, and finding oneself.

My Rating: 4/5

Review: The Last Christian by David Gregory

I recently read a futuristic novel, The Last Christian, by David Gregory for a blog tour... and I am quite late on posting... shame on me. I am very sorry. Better late than never, eh?

Summary: The year is 2088 and Christian missionary Abby Caldwell has just escaped from her village in New Guinea after total devastation and death among all of the villagers. A strange infection has killed them all, including her adopted daughter and parents. Upon her foray out of the jungle after many years, she receives a dated message from her grandfather, a renowned neuroscientist, asking her to come back to America and spread the word of Christianity. Religion has completely died out and science has taken over. Silicon brains are now being implemented and promise eternal life to those who opt for the transplant, but with the transplant comes a severance from religion. When she arrives, she teams up with historian, Creighton Daniels, to try and uncover many mysteries: the mysterious death of his father and her grandfather, the loss of religion, and strange infections that are being implanted to kill off populations like Abby's village, and people who seem to know too much about the transplants... Abby may be next...

My Thoughts: I'm not hugely into Christian fiction, because I'm not a Christian, but I decided I'd read this book anyways because the premise was intriguing. I've read a few Christian books in the past that I've really enjoyed, such as The Potluck Club series, which I love. I try not to judge or be bias, based on a book's genre. I'll read anything if the premise sounds interesting enough. Anyways, this book was quite an adventure ride! There was a lot of excitement and thrills to keep this book gripping and readable while it was also intelligent and philosophical. The futuristic aspect was really cool and the world that the author dreamed up was very scary but potentially real. It also made me think and ponder the question... what would I do if given the chance of eternal life? It's a scary question, isn't it? There were a lot of adventure sequences with Abby and her cohorts running from the "bad guys" in these crazy cars that didn't require a human driver, and people getting shot at, etc. There was also a bit of romance too, so I think this book could be widely appealing. All in all, a good read for fans of sci-fi, futuristic, or adventure books, and also those interested in Christian themes. I wasn't a HUGE fan because I'm not really into adventure fiction, sci-fi, or religious fiction, but this was a good, worthwhile read!

The Bottom Line: An intriguing and thought-provoking read with Christian elements. Recommended for sci-fi adventure fans.

My Rating: 3/5

Review: Shoulder Bags and Shootings by Dorothy Howell

I just read a fun book that is part of a new light mystery series called, Shoulder Bags and Shootings, by Dorothy Howell.

Summary: Haley Randolph is a part-time college student/store clerk at Holt's Department Store, which her recently aquired "official boyfriend" is the rich owner of. Life is going great except for a couple of things. She cannot find the must have "Sinful" bag and her nemesis, Tiffany Markham, is found dead in the trunk of the car she is driving. Can she clear her name and find the purse of her dreams?

My Thoughts: When I received this book for review, I found out it is in the third in a series about Haley Randolph. This was a quick, fun, summer read and although some background info from the first two books may have been helpful, it could be read as a stand-alone. Haley is very reminiscent of one of my favorite characters, Stephanie Plum, from Janet Evanovich's series, although Haley's character is not as developed as Stephanie, given that this book is shorter than those. She is a lovable ditz, thrown into a situation that is way over her head. I really enjoyed this book and have already put the first two in this series on hold at the library. Can't wait for them to come in!! I would highly recommend this if you're in the mood for something light to read while sipping your iced tea or lemonade.

My Rating: 3.5/5

Review: This One is Mine by Maria Semple

I have fallen in love with a book... This One is Mine, by Maria Semple. This book is officially a new favorite of mine and will forever stay on my special bookshelf where I keep all my favorites. That's quite an honor around here haha. This book was just SO SO incredible.

Summary: Okay, first, let me say, this is NOT chick-lit, so don't let the cover or the description turn you away or off or anything like that (though I personally love chick-lit). I know this description might sound banal, but believe me, this book is the opposite of anything you'd ever expect it to be, and it's so off-kilter and so unique and unpredictable and strange, bizarre, magical! I have so many words just bursting out of me. So let me try to explain. Violet is married to the ultra-rich and rather famous music exec, David Parry. They have a beautiful home, and an even more beautiful daughter, Dot. Somehow, Violet feels empty inside. She doesn't feel quite right, not like the carefree girl she used to be. Then by chance, she meets Teddy Reyes, a down-on-his luck, hep-c infected, poor bass player. Despite his flaws, his girlfriend, his lack of funds, his dirty demeanor... he exudes sexuality, and steals Violet's heart away instantly. So begins an innocent emotional affair that eventually explodes in passion one night, while Violet continues to neglect her family, home and life, while becoming more and more consumed by Teddy, who doesn't seem to care as much. This tension is so explosive, realistic and crazy!

Running parallel to this story, is also the story of Sally, David's seemingly neurotic sister who is trying desperately to find a man of her own. She meets a shy and sweet sports writer, Jeremy, whom she quickly manipulates into marriage, and oh my, this relationship is SO DAMN STRANGE! Sally is one helluva character, I'll tell you.

My Thoughts: Okay, I know that summary was a lot to take in. There was so much to tell and I could really go on, but instead I'll gush here about my love of this book. I LOVED IT! I have never once encountered such a unique and strange cast of characters in my life! And yet.... I found them to be so endearing. Almost all of them had so many despicable traits about them, but I loved them anyways. Maria Semple did such a great job developing them that they felt so real, and they actually evoked so much sympathy and so many feelings from me, especially Teddy. I loved Teddy, even though he was so incredibly flawed. I also really loved the secondary story of Sally and Jeremy because it was so bizarre! Sally is pretty crazy, and really selfish, in my opinion, but she just cracked me up with her manipulation and antics. This book was fresh, lively, emotional, and unlike anything I have ever read before. I finished it a couple of days ago, and I am STILL thinking about it. Seriously! Just... the tension between Violet and Teddy was so intense and electric and WOW. There are lines that I remember word for word from this book, from only one reading, because the writing was so wonderful, beautiful, and unique. I can't say enough about this book to express how much I loved it. It's not for everyone, but if you are looking for something different and are open-minded, I recommend you RUN to the bookstore and get this book. This book is now an absolute all time favorite of mine and I WILL be re-reading it in the future, which does not happen often.

My Rating: 5/5 +++!!

Book Extravaganza Winner!

I had a lot of fun this weekend doing the Book Extravaganza. Thank you so much to all who entered and stopped by my blog. To the new followers, I hope you'll stick around and check out my reviews and share in the book love! :) To the old followers, you are the best and I adore you. You are great friends and I am so lucky to have you in my life.

Now on to the winner of My Name is Memory, chosen by random.org, number 36:

ylime1981

Yay - congratulations, Emily! Thanks again everyone! If I don't hear from the winner in 72 hours, I will have to pick a new winner.

Book Extravaganza Giveaway: My Name is Memory by Ann Brashares

Book Extravaganza is a weekend full of giveaways hosted by The Neverending Shelf and Bookworming in the 21st Century. Be sure to stop by their blogs for the full listings of giveaways!

The Giveaway "Deets":
-I am giving away (1) new copy of Ann Brashare's, My Name is Memory.
-The cover it has is the one that is pictured to the right.
-It is the UK version (hence the different cover), and paperback.

The "Fine Print":
-Entries will be taken up through Sunday, midnight. The winner will be selected at random on Monday, July 19th.
-This is open to U.S. only. Sorry, people - broke college student.
-To enter, you must be a current follower, or become one. Just leave a comment below with your e-mail address if it's not visible in your profile.

Thanks for stopping by and good luck! Feel free to look around if you're new to the blog. My main genres of interest are literary fiction, contemporary fiction, women's fiction, suspense, memoir and chick-lit. :)

Goin' On Vacation

I'm going to Gettysburg this week with my family for a little trip. I'll be back Friday and am hoping to get lots of reading done while I'm gone, since Gettysburg isn't the most entertaining place in the world. It'll be nice to get away though, and have a few days off from work! Hope you all have a good week!

Review: Penitence by Jennifer Laurens

I recently read Penitence, by Jennifer Laurens, for Around the World Tours. This is the sequel to Heavenly, which I reviewed here.

Summary: In this stunning sequel to Heavenly, Zoe's true love and guardian angel, Matthias, has disappeared, and in his place, an evil spirit has appeared who is trying to capture her soul and destroy those around her. Her family still faces their normal difficulties with her brother's drug abuse and her sister's autism, and her best friend, Britt hates her now too, since her old boyfriend has fallen in love with Zoe and a relationship has ensued. When Matthias finally returns, will things go back to the way they were, or will the evil spirit destroy them all?

My Thoughts: Wow, what a great sequel! I loved delving back into the story of Zoe and Matthias whose unearthly love first captivated me in Heavenly. If you haven't read Heavenly, I highly recommend you do, and on that note, Penitence is not really a standalone novel. You should certainly read its predecessor first in order to fully understand this one. This story was really gripping with lots of excitement. While the love between Zoe and Matthias is so intriguing, I think it was really cool that the author added a whole new aspect in this book, in that the main storyline was the evil spirit who was essentially stalking Zoe around, trying to capture her soul and force her into evilness (and wait until you find out who he is!). I also thought it was a great twist that she added another love interest into the story, in that Zoe begins dating another guy, but feels conflicted because of her love for Matthias. This book definitely kept me turning the pages, and I'm looking forward to the next one in the series!

The Bottom Line: A really great sequel! Angels, spirits, romance! I think you should check this series out if you're looking for something a little different.

My Rating: 4/5

Review: In a Heartbeat by Loretta Ellsworth

I recently read In a Heartbeat, by Loretta Ellsworth, through Around the World Tours.

Summary: Eagan, a 16 year old figure skater, makes one tiny mistake at her competition, and bangs her head and dies on the spot. With her death comes a new beginning for 14 year old Amelia, who receives Eagan's heart through a transplant, and a shot at a new life, one without illness and restraints with this new, fully functioning heart. After the transplant, Amelia has taken on strange new characteristics - an interest in figure skating, a rocky relationship with her mother - all traits from Eagan. Have these traits somehow carried on to Amelia through Eagan's heart? This story is told from alternating points of view, both Amelia, who is trying to discover who her donor is, and Eagan, from the afterlife, who looks back on her life and memories.

My Thoughts: I thought this book was fascinating! The chapters alternate between the two girls with their two stories running parallel. Eagan narrates from the afterlife, though her story is not linear like Amelia's. Eagan's portion of the story is a reflection of her life, and is scattered with various memories, most of them reflecting on the poor relationship she had with her mother, and her now trying to come to terms with it. Her narration and the setting she is in was really reminiscent of The Lovely Bones. Amelia's story is linear, though, and takes us through the time of the transplant surgery, up through her discovery of the donor family (Eagan's) and their grievances. Both girls suffer from guilt, pain, heartbreak... yet ultimately find love and peace as well. Though this story was quite short, somewhere around 200 pages, I found it to be very well developed, with two very strong lead characters with such distinct voices. Such an interesting topic to read and learn about, don't you think? I'd recommend this one.

The Bottom Line: Really interesting stuff here with great character development. A great YA read that isn't just fluff. This has substance.

My Rating: 4/5

If You Lived Here, You'd Be Home Now by Claire LaZebnik

Last week I read If You Lived Here, You'd Be Home Now, by Claire LaZebnik, for Crazy Book Tours. It will be released on September 27th 2010. Now, down to the real business... I. LOVED. THIS. BOOK! As always, elaboration of this is in the "My Thoughts" section. :)

Summary: Smart-ass, single, tattooed, 25 year old Rickie never thought she'd still be living at home with her parents, in her old bedroom, but she is. She doesn't have a job or a college degree, her mom still drives her nuts, and now, she has a first grade son, Noah, with a whole slew of problems, both medically and emotionally. She loves him to death, but he is a handful to deal with, as is her controlling mother, who Rickie rarely feels a connection with. Throw in a heartbroken sister, a cheating brother in law, and you have dysfunctional family to a T. When Noah comes home from his fancy, snobby school one day crying about his gym teacher, Andrew Fulton, Rickie fully anticipates stomping into the school and encountering a big bad jock who indeed picks on her needy son. What she finds instead is a kindhearted man who may just change all of her perceptions on family, love, and life.

My Thoughts: This book reminded me of why I love reading so much! Seriously! All of last week, I would rush home from work so that I could delve back into the story, after thinking about it during my whole shift. It was just one of "those" books for me, and you book people know what I'm talking about! One of "those" books that you stay up late reading (I know I did!), that you think about, and read for hours on end. I was just SO drawn into this story and felt so involved in it. The characters were so realistically drawn out and I was SAD to see their stories end. Rickie was really funny and a total wise-ass. She was negative, sarcastic, and snarky, but I could totally understand why. Despite her many flaws, I liked her a lot, and found myself rooting for her and her son, Noah.

This book also had a lot of heart and spoke volumes on family and familial relationships, especially dysfunctional, or "unique" ones. Noah was a very needy child, and though the family often grew frustrated with him, their love was unwavering. Rickie's sister was also dealing with a separation and had also moved in with Rickie and their parents for a time. It was heartrending to see her sadness over being away from her children and feeling betrayed by her husband. At the same time, the family grew stronger and was supportive of her needs. Rickie and her mother had a very dysfunctional relationship throughout as well, and it was painful to watch, but at the same time, we were able to hang onto some hope.

Gahhh! I could go on... but I won't. I'll just say, I think you ought to read this book. I already ordered, and received, one of Claire LaZebnik's other novels, Knitting Under the Influence, and I am really looking forward to reading it (B&N - $1.99!). This book just spoke volumes to me. It was so realistic and full of compassion and truth.

The Bottom Line: Seriously? Just read it. One of my favorites of the year.

My Rating: 5/5 - "An Amazing book"

Review: The Line by Teri Hall

I recently read The Line, by Teri Hall, for Around The World tours, which is the first in a new young adult futuristic series.

Summary: Young Rachel and her mother live near The Line, an invisible barrier that cannot be crossed. On the other side is Away, where it is said that strange people and animals live, ever since it was barricaded off many years ago by the government. No one is allowed to cross, they physically are unable to, and if they tried, they would get into huge trouble by the government who is now extremely controlling and manipulative. Rachel never concerns herself with Away much until one day she receives a strange recording from Away, a person, begging for help...

My Thoughts: I was pretty pumped to read this book. The concept sounded so intriguing, not necessarily original, but certainly not overdone. I thought the book was interesting, and I LIKED it, but I didn't love it. I enjoyed reading this story and discovering the mysteries surrounding Away and its inhabitants. It was an interesting change of pace, and quite different from my normal book choice, with a pretty cool idea.

On the other hand, I felt a slight disconnect from the characters, and I think that stems from the length of the novel, which was fairly short. I find myself repeating this quite often when reading YA: that I find the novel to be too short and not developed enough for my taste. Now, sometimes a short novel can be developed really strongly, but that's quite hard to accomplish. I thought the character that was developed the best was actually Ms. Moore, the mysterious old woman whose property Rachel and her mother lived on. I would have expected this to be Rachel. Sometimes, the dialogue was unrealistic as well. Anyways, I thought Ms. Moore was a great character and her story was a really interesting addition to this novel.

All in all, it was worth the read if you're looking for something different, particularly a futuristic read.

My Rating: 3/5 - "A Good Book"