Blog Tour: Abney Kelly and the Yuletide Shenanigans by SamiJo McQuiston

 

Blog Tour: A Roayl Christmas Quandary by Samantha Hastings

A Royal Christmas Quandary
Samantha Hastings
Published by: Swoon Reads
Publication date: October 6th 2020
Genres: Contemporary, Romance, Young Adult

Readers looking for a light, fun read full of holiday mischief will be delighted by Samantha Hastings’ A Royal Christmas Quandary, perfect for fans of A Christmas Prince.

When you spend Christmas in a castle, anything is possible.

1860. Lady Alexandrina Gailey is looking forward to a cozy holiday at Windsor Castle with her best friend, Princess Alice, and her long-time crush, Lord George Worthington. But Drina’s plans are all but dashed when Alice’s parents, Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, declare that Alice must choose one of two royal princes to become engaged to before Christmas.

There’s just one problem: George, a junior member of the Foreign Office, has accidentally misplaced one of the princes.

Together, Drina and George scour the town of Windsor for the missing prince, desperately hoping to deliver him to the royal dinner party with the queen none the wiser. They might just need a royal Christmas miracle to pull it off.

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1) Do you prefer to write individual books or a series?

I’ve only done individual books so far. The romantic storyline is one of my favorite parts of any story and as a reader, I like to see it concluded in one story. 

2) How do you keep inspired to write?

I’ve wanted to be a writer since I saw “Little Women” in the theatre all those years ago. I honestly don’t need any inspiration to keep writing. I can’t seem to help myself! The words pour out of me at a pace that is hard to keep up. Not all the words are “good” so they don’t always end up in a story. 

3) Where do you spend most of your time writing?

I have a desk in my kitchen, so I steal moments throughout the day. Sometimes, I get inspiration about a character or a scene and I make a “note” in my phone. 

4) When you're not writing, what is your favorite thing to do?

Reading. My mom and I went to the library so much growing up that they offered her a job there. She didn’t take it. But I got a Masters Degree in Library Science and then I worked at that library. I have my favorite genres, but really, books are like food: I love variety!

5) If you were offered a month away anyplace in the world just to do your writing, where would it be?

I visited the Isle of Skye in Scotland and I thought it was one of the most beautiful and romantic places. It’s pretty remote, so I think I could get so much writing done there. 

6) If you could do anything other than writing for the rest of your life, what would it be?

I would be a librarian again. I love being a matchmaker between stories and people. 

7) Do you have a favorite drink at your side while you write?

Diet Dr. Pepper. I adore it with all of my heart. I also like to make it “dirty.” My favorite add-ins are coconut syrup, pineapple syrup, and cream for a Diet Dr. Pepper Pina Colada. 

8) If you could co-write a book with any author, who would it be and why?

Jennieke Cohen. I’m in raptures over her book Dangerous Alliance. She’s a very accomplished lady author and a friend. 

9) Do you have a snack you like by your side when you write?

Popcorn. I love it with all of my heart. 

10) What is the one thing you think yourself an "expert" in?

A lady never boasts, but if I had to pick one thing that I enjoy in my own writing, it would be the banter. I love wordplay!

Author Bio:

Samantha Hastings has degrees from Brigham Young University, the University of Reading (Berkshire, England), and the University of North Texas. She met her husband in a turkey sandwich line. They live in Salt Lake City, Utah, where she spends most of her time reading, eating popcorn, and chasing her kids. She is the author of THE LAST WORD, THE INVENTION OF SOPHIE CARTER, and A ROYAL CHRISTMAS QUANDARY.

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Blog Tour: Angelbound Quasi Redux by Christina Bauer

Quasi Redux
Christina Bauer
(Angelbound Origins, #8)
Published by: Monster House Books
Publication date: September 29th 2020
Genres: Fantasy, Paranormal, Young Adult

“Myla is a magnificent heroine, fierce and outspoken, hilarious and mischievous … And did I mention that her demon tail is sentient? Best. Sidekick. Ever.” – The Nocturnal Library

Myla Lewis has her life back. Wife. Mother. Queen. Great Scala. Queen of the Thrax. Yay! Then one day, Myla runs across a supernatural waterfall that makes her igni screech like crazy. Our heroine speaks the fateful words, “Some days, I wish I weren’t the Great Scala.”

The waterfall grants her wish.

A moment later, Myla is back at Purgatory High. No husband. No child. No powers beyond her old quasi days. And without Myla around as the Great Scala, all quasis now live under Armageddon’s rule. That sucks. Hard. So Myla sneaks into Antrum—she simply must find Lincoln and figure this out. Once she arrives, two problems arise.

First, her husband doesn’t know her. At all.

Second, Lincoln is married to someone else.

Fuuuuuuu…

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1) When you started writing, did you know how many books your series would have?
I always outline my books to a minimum of five books out. Once I get into it, I may write past that or do spin-offs.

2) How do you keep inspired to write new material in the same world?
I mostly think about he main character and how I’d challenge them in new ways. Basically, I’m super mean to my characters and it grows out from there!

3) Where do you spend most of your time writing?
In these days of COVID, I write on the orange couch in my house, often with my son seated beside me.

4) When you're not writing, what is your favorite thing to do?
I like listening to lectures, watching true crime stuff and reading young adult books.

5) If you were offered a month away anyplace in the world just to do your writing, where would it be?
A nice hotel with room service! If I go somewhere glamorous, I’d be tempted to stop writing and start exploring!

6) If you could do anything other than writing for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Wow, I have no idea. Art maybe?

7) Do you have a favorite drink at your side while you write?
Mocha coffee. Yum!

8) If you could co-write a book with any author, who would it be and why?
Honestly? I really don’t play well with others. I like writing what I want and when I want!

9) Do you have a snack you like by your side when you write?
Not really. More often, I just make another mocha.

10) What is the one thing you think yourself an "expert" in?
I’ve become a defacto expert on the brain systems that drive autism. It was something I had to do in order to help my special needs son. He’s worth it!

Author Bio:

Christina Bauer knows how to tell stories about kick-ass women. In her best selling Angelbound series, the heroine is a part-demon girl who loves to fight in Purgatory’s Arena and falls in love with a part-angel prince. This young adult best seller has driven more than 500,000 ebook downloads and 9,000 reviews on Goodreads and retailers. The first three books in the series are now available as audiobooks on Audible and iTunes.
Bauer has also told the story of the Women’s March on Washington by leading PR efforts for the Massachusetts Chapter. Her pre-event press release—the only one sent out on a major wire service—resulted in more than 19,000 global impressions and redistribution by over 350 different media entities including the Associated Press.

Christina graduated from Syracuse University’s Newhouse School with BA’s in English along with Television, Radio, and Film Production. She lives in Newton, MA with her husband, son, and semi-insane golden retriever, Ruby.

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Book Blast: Intro Laconic by W.H. Rose

Intro: Laconic
W.H. Rose
Publication date: September 22nd 2020
Genres: Contemporary, Romance, Young Adult

Taein Kim, affectionately known as “Blondie”, is an incredibly talented young man and leader of the rookie K-Pop group Eclipse. Tae has his whole life and career in front of him, but it comes to a screeching halt when a standard meet and greet leads to him finding his soulmate, a foreign girl named after the goddess of love.

Venus Woods is the young heiress of the largest tech corporation in Southeastern America. Her life revolves around meaningless events and empty white walls, devoid of color and purpose. She never thought she would meet her favorite idol group, Eclipse, let alone form the incredibly rare soulmate bond with their leader. As if that’s not life-changing enough, her absent mother is determined to have the two married, using her daughter as a bargaining chip.

Separated by lifestyle, culture, and language, the teens have wall after wall between them. None of it stops the blossom of love that blooms in their hearts when they lock eyes under the cover of a thunderstorm.

Goodreads / Amazon

—

EXCERPT:

Rain pelts down on me and quickly soaks through the pathetically thin hospital gown I’d woken up in. I hardly notice. The cold seems nearly nonexistent and I can barely see a foot in front of my face, the heavy rain turning everything into a blur. Regardless, I trudge on, trusting my feet to take me where I need to go. Lightning strikes again and briefly illuminates a small gazebo. I walk in that direction and step under it, my sight restored. Rain hangs off my lashes, falling like tears as I blink, taking in my surroundings. Lightning strikes once more, allowing me to see the figure propped against one of the gazebo’s columns. He sits with one knee pulled under his chin and stares out into the storm, seeming not to notice my presence. At this angle and under this poor lighting I am unable to tell much about him, his wet hair covering much of the side of his face. Hesitantly, I sit next to him, unsupported by a column. I study the boy’s back, attempting to figure out why he would be outside during the middle of a storm. That thought leads me to wonder why I myself am here. But I just felt this pull . . . 

Author Bio:

W. H. Rose is an emerging author who just released her debut novel, Mythomania, in January of 2020. Her life's passion is storytelling. Rose has always entertained those around her with her ability to create moving and impactful tales and is proud to share her first novel at the young age of eighteen. She lives in Georgia with her loving family and pet rabbit, Soba.

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Press Release: The War With Grandpa

 ROBERT KIMMEL SMITH’S CLASSIC NOVEL

THE WAR WITH GRANDPA

IS NOW A MAJOR MOTION PICTURE

 

Yearling Books is pleased to publish a movie tie-in edition of Robert Kimmel Smith’s THE WAR WITH GRANDPA (Ages 8–12 | On sale September 29, 2020) to time with the October 9 theatrical release. This laugh-out-loud story about a boy who leaps into battle when he’s forced to share a room with his grandfather stars Robert De Niro, Uma Thurman, Christopher Walken, Jane Seymour, Rob Riggle, Cheech Marin, and Oakes Fegley and makes for perfect movie viewing for the entire family.

 

Peter is thrilled that Grandpa Jack is coming to live with his family. That is, until Grandpa Jack moves right into Peter’s room. Like any grandson, he loves his grandpa, but . . . he wants his room back. Now Peter has no choice: he declares war!

 

With the help of his friends, Peter begins to devise outrageous plots to make Grandpa surrender the room. But even though the pranks escalate, Grandpa Jack is tougher than he looks. Rather than give in, Grandpa Jack plans to get even. They used to be such great pals, but now Peter is wondering . . . has their war gone too far?

 

The movie tie-in edition of THE WAR WITH GRANDPA features cover art from the film and includes the original illustrations by artist Richard Lauter. First published in 1984, this classic story is sure to gain a completely new readership following the release of this family-friendly film.

 

Look for the new companion novel The War with Grandma, coming summer 2021!

 

ROBERT KIMMEL SMITH was the award-winning author of popular children’s titles including Chocolate Fever; The War with Grandpa and its companion novel, The War with Grandma; Bobby Baseball; Jelly Belly, Mostly Michael; and The Squeaky Wheel.

 

Media Contact

Kathy Dunn, Executive Publicist

kdunn@penguinrandomhouse.com 

 

 

Yearling is an imprint of Random House Children’s Books, the world’s largest English-language children’s trade book publisher. Random House Children’s Books is a division of Random House LLC, a Penguin Random House Company.

 

 

THE WAR WITH GRANDPA MOVIE TIE-IN EDITION

by Robert Kimmel Smith

Yearling| Ages 8–12 | 160 pages

DG: 978-0-525-64455-2 | $6.99 U.S. / $9.50 Can.

EL: 978-0-307-54902-0 | $6.99 U.S. / $7.99 Can.

 

Blog Tour: Where Angels Can't Follow by Jessi Kallison

 

Book Blast: Eternal Curse by Kara Leigh MIller

Eternal Curse
Kara Leigh Miller
(The Cursed Series, #1)
Publication date: September 15th 2020
Genres: Paranormal, Romance, Young Adult

After pulling the plug on her mother’s life support, seventeen-year-old Chloe Madison moves to live with relatives she hardly knows. Her new hometown in the Adirondack Mountains is barely more than a pinpoint on the map, but it’s shrouded in deadly secrets and strange family legends. Chloe is determined to keep her head down, finish high school, and get the heck out of there. Until she meets the enigmatic Trent Halstead. Something intriguing hides beneath his quiet self-assurance and hero hair. Maybe there’s something—or someone—worth sticking around for after all.

But when a rash of unsolved murders leaves two of Chloe’s classmates dead, she begins to suffer from disturbing hallucinations that build to the horrifying image of Trent as a murderous vampire. With nowhere else to go, she’s stuck in a town she hates, surrounded by people she can’t trust, and she’s pretty sure she’s going to be lunch.

If all that isn’t bad enough, Trent is hiding a lethal secret, besides the whole immortal bloodsucker thing. He’s the not-so-proud owner of an ancient, family curse—no Halstead will ever know true love—and he’s desperate to find a way to break the curse. Could Chloe be the key to his happiness or just another secret Trent wished he never unlocked?

Goodreads / Amazon

—

EXCERPT:

He hopped out of the truck and was around to my side with the door open before I even had my seatbelt unhooked.

“Everything all right?” He tucked his cell phone into his pocket, concern blanketing his face.

“Yeah. Why?”

“You were frowning pretty intently.”

“Oh.” It was sweet how he was so worried. “Guess the heat is getting to me,” I said with a faint smile. The temperature must have jumped twenty degrees while we were at Trent’s house.

Trent put his hand on my forehead like he was checking me for a fever. The stark contrast of his cool hand against my heated skin made me shiver.

“You are pretty hot.” He winked.

I laughed. “That’s a horrible line.”

He raised a brow and lightly dragged his fingers down the side of my face, stopping to cup my cheek, making the hairs on my arms stand on edge. I looked into his crystal-clear eyes and held my breath. His mouth was so close, and I wanted nothing more than to feel his lips on mine. Why wouldn’t he just kiss me already?

“Do you trust me?” His voice was soft, almost hesitant.

“Yes.”

It amazed me how quickly and easily I said that—and how much I meant it. I barely knew him, but deep down in the darkest corners of my soul, I knew he would never hurt me. I didn’t know how I knew that, but I did.

Slowly, Trent closed the distance between us. His lips pressed against mine, featherlight and much too quick. In the split second when our lips connected, I was hit with a wave of intense longing that had my knees shaking. And then in the next moment, he straightened and moved away from me.

Trent cleared his throat and rubbed the back of his neck. “Sorry.”

Author Bio:

Kara Leigh Miller is a full-time wife; stay-at-home mom to 4 kids, 3 pit bulls, and 6 cats; writer, and the Editorial Director at Anaiah Press. When she’s not herding her family, she’s working out, reading, or binge watching Netflix. She's previously published two adult Christian romantic suspense books that are no longer in publication. Though she’s published a young adult Christian romance (Perfectly Imperfect), Eternal Curse is her first foray into the secular young adult market.

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Book Blast: The Girl and the Raven and The Girl and the Gargoyle by Pauline Gruber

 

 

Blog Tour: Defy The Sun (The Offering Series #2) by Jessika Fleck @jessikafleck

Defy the Sun
Jessika Fleck
(The Offering Series, #2)
Published by: Swoon Reads
Publication date: March 10th 2020
Genres: Dystopian, Fantasy, Young Adult

In this electrifying YA dystopian sequel to Beware the Night, Veda is captured and leveraged against her best friend, who fights for the opposing force.
Civil war has come to the island of Bellona. Veda Adeline believes in the Night. She’s joined the underground revolutionaries, led by Dorian Winters, and they’re determined to overthrow the ruling Imperi and find justice for her people.
Nico Denali, Veda’s childhood friend and maybe-something-more, is one of those ruling Imperi, and he’s just been named heir to the most powerful man above ground.
As the war intensifies, Veda and Nico are leveraged against each other: Veda is above as a hostage of the Imperi and Nico is below, taken by the Night. There’s no way Dorian is letting such a valuable hostage go.
The island will burn unless Veda and Nico can come together to rip everything apart. But Nico and Dorian will never trust each other, and Veda’s heart might be the biggest casualty.
Praise for Defy the Sun
“Jessika Fleck’s duology is a lyrical adventure with a twisting vein of romance throughout. I was both enchanted and haunted till the very end!” —Erin Beaty, author of the Traitor’s Trilogy
Beware the Night
“Jessika Fleck delights with a new fantasy novel set in a world where the Sun reigns supreme and the Night is your enemy—literally. Brims with secrets, betrayal, and a genuinely believable love triangle!” —Pintip Dunn, New York Times bestselling author of the Forget Tomorrow series

1.  What inspired you to start writing?

I actually always viewed writing, other than poetry, as academic work because that had been my experience in school—writing papers and reports. However, some years ago, as a new mom with two young kids and very much starved for a creative outlet, writing sort of found me and I was instantly hooked.

2.  How long have you been writing?

About thirteen years.

3.  Have you always wanted to be a writer?

Not at all. As a child, I legit wanted to either be Cindi Lauper or one of the The Goonies. I went through several study changes in college (from art to business to health), but ended up with a degree in social studies. Like I mentioned, writing just sort of found me and it’s been pure magic ever since.

4.  What advice would you give a new writer, someone just starting out?

I think one of the best things you can do is find a community of other writers who are at a similar place in their experience, goals, and desires. I’m not sure where I’d be without the support and help of my critique partners and beta readers. Also, try not to take rejection too personally because, even as a published author, it’s part of this profession and it’s also a very subjective business. Lastly, KEEP WRITING. You’ll only grow in your craft.

5.  How do you handle writer’s block?

Honestly, deadlines help. A lot. 😉 But when I find myself stuck I listen to music, take a walk or a hike, cuddle with my dog (Opal—you’ll find lots of pics of her on my Insta feed), do something else creative like make novel aesthetics or create playlists, or brainstorm in notebooks. This is another area where that invaluable critique partner is key: mine has gotten me out of some really difficult writing/character/plot blocks.

6.  What, in your opinion, are the most important elements of good writing?

Voice is definitely number one. Each character has a unique voice all their own; one that not only draws you into their world but at the same time tells the reader so much with very little backstory. Next would be pacing—it’s a tough aspect to balance but so important. And finally, setting. I believe the setting should be a character in and of itself.

7.  What comes first, the plot or characters?

Definitely the characters. Characters present themselves to me from the get go of a story—it’s usually how I first come up with my book ideas. I’ll get a vision or sort of a glimpse of a first line or scene and then everything unravels and evolves from there.

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AUTHOR BIO:

Jessika Fleck is an author, unapologetic coffee drinker, and knitter — she sincerely hopes to one day discover a way to do all three at once. Until then, she continues collecting vintage typewriters and hourglasses, dreaming of an Ireland getaway, and convincing her husband they NEED more kittens. Her YA debut, THE CASTAWAYS (Entangled TEEN), is now available. Her next YA novel, BEWARE THE NIGHT (Swoon Reads/Macmillan) releases March 12, 2019. More at www.jessikafleck.com

Author links:

https://www.jessikafleck.com/

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/15452326.Jessika_Fleck

https://www.facebook.com/JessikaFleck/

https://twitter.com/jessikafleck

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Blog Tour: The Resistance by T.H. Hernandez @TheresaHernandz

The Resistance
T.H. Hernandez
(The Union Series, #5)
Publication date: February 25th 2020
Genres: Dystopian, Young Adult

After the Union is invaded by the Uprising, life for Evan and her friends becomes even more dire. If they have any hopes of saving the world they know, they’re going to need help. And it looks like there may be someone already out there trying to accomplish the same thing.
Now living in an encampment in the Ruins, life is hard for most Unis in the Resistance. For Cyrus and the other Ruins survivors, it’s just more of the same.
While they train for their ultimate mission, tragedy strikes, upending everything once again. Complicating their plans, someone in their midst is working against them. Evan, Cyrus, and the rest of the Resistance need to locate reinforcements to help them bring down the Uprising while rooting out the traitor. With trust at an all-time low, no one is above suspicion as danger walks among them.

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Guest Post:

“I see you love Comic Cons. How has attending these Cons helped you with writing your series? Is there anyone in particular at these Cons you have discussed bookish stuff with that has helped you?” – rec 350+ words

Comic-Con is the king of all cons and I happen to be fortunate enough to live in San Diego. Even so, getting tickets to this prized event is tougher than having a tooth extracted without Novocain. I’ve still managed to get inside and hob nob with my fellow nerds. The last time I was on the convention floor, I was less than five feet from Stan Lee only months before he passed away.

In the years I don’t have passes, we still attend the outside experience. There is a lot to see and do for the sad pass-less people, from television and movie-themed exhibits, to scavenger hunts, and set walkthroughs. In 2019, they had the set from Brooklyn Nine-Nine and in 2018, it was Elinore’s house from The Good Place. There used to be panels at the ballpark you could attend even without at pass, but those have been sadly absent in the past few years. Even so, without being able to get into the convention center itself, you can surround yourself with throngs of people dressed like their favorite characters, partake in a variety of interactive exhibits, and win prizes, all while getting a minimum of 20,000 steps in.

Numerous authors hang out on the outside, handing out bookmarks or postcards featuring their latest releases. I’ve found more than a few good reads this way. And while the Comic-Con experience had nothing to do with The Union series, it inspired me to write SUPERHERO HIGH, about the teenage offspring of the nation’s superheroes who are all relocated to San Diego when the government’s Genetically Enhanced Asset (GEA) program ends. I wrote a scene where they all attempt to attend Comic-Con, not realizing they needed passes and lamenting about how wannabe superheroes can get inside, while they are forced to remain outside with the unenhanced riffraff.

Comic-Con is overwhelming. And that’s an understatement. It’s bodies, and merch, and panels and lots and lots of long lines to wait in, never knowing if you’ll get into the panel you’re waiting for. Which is why, no matter how exciting it is, I find more inspiration at the smaller cons. I have attended Geek Girl Con in Seattle with my daughter a few times. This much scaled-back con is still attended by the nerdiest of nerds who love all things pop culture, but from a kick-ass female perspective. I was able to get into all the panels I wanted without much of a wait.

My favorite panel was a group of teen authors discussing their love of writing and reading from their works. These talented kids inspired me in ways I never anticipated. I found myself talking with them long after the panel ended about our shared passion of reading and writing. The speakers at the smaller cons are easier to talk to than the big ones. And for that, I highly recommend people who are con-minded to seek these out.

But just like there is only one Super Bowl, there is only one Comic-Con, so if you ever have the chance to attend, take it. Just for the all-consuming experience.

Author Bio:
With flawed strong characters, characters you can relate to, New York Times & USA Today Bestselling Author Lorhainne Eckhart writes the kind of books she wants to read. She is frequently a Top 100 bestselling author in multiple genres, and her second book ever published, The Forgotten Child, is no exception. With close to 900 reviews on Amazon, translated into German and French, this book was such a hit that the long running Friessen Family series was born. Now with over sixty titles and multiple series under her belt her big family romance series are loved by fans worldwide. A recipient of the 2013, 2015 and 2016 Readers' Favorite Award for Suspense and Romance, Lorhainne lives on the sunny west-coast Gulf Island of Salt Spring Island, is the mother of three, her oldest has autism and she is an advocate for never giving up on your dreams.

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