Fool For Books Giveaway!

Hello there! Time for another Giveaway Hop! So what am I giving away? How about three signed first editions of Suzanne Collins The Hunger Game Series? Yeah? You like that? What if I said I was giving away exclusive casting information about the two male leads of the upcoming film franchise? You say it's too good to be true?! Yeah, you're right it is... April Fools!!!!! Hah.

So what can you win really? Absolution by Jennifer Laurens.

How do you enter?

Become a Follower, one.

Extra entry: Enter to win 100 Dollars through the Blooming Books Giveaway Hop! (Through Midnight April 1st.) [This Contest is Now Closed, though you can still enter to win Absolution by being a GFC follower and leaving a comment below!]

Leave your GFC name and your e-mail address in the comments below.

See my Policy Page for details on International Shipping and Privacy Information.

Interview with Author Jennifer Laurens

Today the talented Jennifer Laurens has stopped by with answers to some of my burning questions on Overprotected, printing with a small press and Freedom. 

GC: Freedom, or the lack-there-of, is a big theme in your newest book, Overprotected, and many teens Ashlyn's age suffer from feeling closed in, even without a body guard hot on their heels, do you think your teen years lent themselves to the story? 

JL: Definitely. Like Ashlyn, I was an only child. My mom was pretty protective. In fact, many times I wanted to be out with my friends but was made to feel like I "shouldn't" go because my mom didn't want me to either be in any danger, or leave her alone.It was difficult to not feel resentment. At that age, you're testing yourself, feeling out boundaries. You're supposed to. 

GC: What was the biggest thing you have gained freedom from as an author? 

JL: Being an indie author. I have control over the creative process from beginning to final product. ( at least artistically )

GC: Was Overprotected always a love story, or did it evolve as Colin and Ashlyn's characters got closer and closer?  

JL: It was always a love story. I was fascinated with the idea of a love triangle featuring a father, daughter, love interest. No love is stronger than a parents' love, and you pit that against two lovers and you get a wonderful, fiery love triangle.

GC: What has the experience been like, printing with a small press? Would you recommend it? 

JL: I'd definitely recommend it. I tried publishing the traditional route. I had two NY agents, spent 3 years going around and around. One thing I learned by being an only child is: if you want something done, do it yourself.

GC: Which of your characters do you think is most like you?

 

JL: Ashlyn. Not only in her only child status, but in her naivete, her inexperience with boys, her loyalty to her parents fighting with her need to be independent. All of those characteristics were a part of my life.

GC: I see you are the mommy of six kiddos, what is writing like amid the wonderful chaos? Do your kids love reading your books as you write them? 

JL: I've been writing for 10 years. When my youngest finally went off to kindergarten I started full time. I've written from 9-5 most every day since. They've learned to give me the time I need, and I've learned to temper what borders on an obsession. My girls love my books - they're the reason I started writing YA romances. My boys - none of them have read my work.

GC: What is next for you as an author? 

JL: I'm working on another YA love story with paranormal elements. It's a story, like Overprotected, that I wrote years ago as a women's romance that I'm re-writing for a YA audience. Like all of my stories, it also has pieces of my life in it. 

GC: Thank you, Jennifer, for stopping by! 

Overprotected (ARC)

Overprotected 

Author:Jennifer Laurens 

Publisher: Grove Creek Publishing 

Pages: 243

Read Time: One Sitting 

Rating (1-5): 5

Tag Words: Contemporary fiction, Body guards, rich girl, NYC living, falling in love, kidnapping, best friends, living a sheltered life, marriage falling apart, Freedom

My Summary:

Ashlyn wants nothing more than to be free, to walk down the streets by herself, without a body guard hovering just a foot behind. 

When her father, Charles, hires her former neighborhood bully, Colin, to watch her every move Ashlyn knows her heart won’t be able to take it, what she doesn’t know is why. 

He was hired to protect her, not to steal her heart away.

My Review:

I have been hearing great things about this author, Jennifer Laurens, and after reading her latest book, Overprotected, I can see why. Laurens writing is engaging, interesting and provoking. She used a wonderful balance of emotion and physical action to lay the seam work for Overprotected and I was glued to my seat until I finished. 

The characters had such awesome development and depth in every way possible, I was thoroughly impressed by how in-the-moment I was alongside Ashlyn and Colin.

My only issue is relatively nit-picky and silly, but I was unsatisfied by the couples settling their childhood disputes. Colin sounds like he really affected Ash when she was a youngster and I know that if my Colin Brennan showed up I would not feel swept off my feet, in fact, I would probably give him one of these: 

I will be picking up another Laurens very soon! 

Notes on the Names: 

Fiona, Felicity, Fiore and Adair; these names swept me right off my feet! 

Thoughts on the Cover:

I do not like the cover.

The idea is great, having the BG and the model, who does look very much like Ashlyn, behind him, barely peeking over, but the editing leaves something to be desired. The models are very blurry and out of focus, almost as if the pixels had been stretched too far and the highlighter yellow (Yellow?!) brick blends too much with Ash’s hair. This cover is far better: 

Parental Book Review *spoilers*

Sexual Content: 

Moderate. 

Kissing with a longing tone. Dreams of very sensual kissing.

Stuart is in love with Ashlyn and appraises her in a sexual manner; there is a reference to the hour he spends in his bedroom alone, not napping. 

Language: 

Minor/Mild

H- 4

D- 7

Violence:

Moderate/Heavy

Ashlyn is kidnapped by Stuart, tied up and escapes using self defense when he attacks her.

Fiona, Ash’s mother, puts her hand through the glass of a gun cabinet and there is major blood. 

Other Notables: 

A seedy club scene that includes sexual dancing, drugs and the like. 

Daily Dose (16) Just Smile, Darling, Smile!

Daily Dose!

As much as I love a good YA read, or a fabulous name, this blog represents my love for photography. That is why I love Holly over at Good Golly Miss Holly, well, there are many reasons and I rec her blog to the moon and back, but her new meme is wonderful and I am glad to participate.

I think this is the best way to “get to know me.”

The best way to know someone is to know what they find beauty in. You’ll see snow, fireworks, foxes and polar bears. Books, of course, kisses and true love captured on film. I may be too pretentious for my own good, but there will be a deep and moving quote or two. Come with me to Paris, Capri and New York City. Who knows when I will be the one behind the camera, but I assure you, it’s one of the best places to find me.

How MPB’s DD works: I will never post pictures best classified as “porn.” I will not post quotes with filthy language and I am not going to be making political statements. However, you may see skin, just not anatomy, sarcasm is widely acceptable and God will be mentioned in a Holy light. I hope that none of that makes you uncomfortable. The first picture shown every week will be the theme. I hope the story is easy to understand and fun to look at.

All pictures are from the most amazing (addictive) site called We <3 It.

Smile, though your heart is breaking, smile even when it’s aching…

IMM (26) In My Attic

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme created by Kristi, The Story Siren, who is beautiful and wonderful and has amazing books!

This week, in a very special In My Mailbox, I got some old books (cloth bound! Eeep!) from my Great Aunties, and my grandmama’s attic! So In My Attic, I found-

Southern Belle by Mary Craig Sinclair

Angelique by Gertrude Crownfield (Have any of you ever seen Dark Shadows?)

A Little Girl of Long Ago by Eliza Orne White (Do you see that cover?!)

Rebecca by Daphne Du Maurier (Rebecca is one of my all time favorite books, and this is a near first edition! I started squeking and jumping when I found this! Cue a happy dance!)

Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte (Another old, old classic! I’ve never read it and now I get to read this copy, it’s so exciting! Then I think I’ll read Jane by April Lindner, though I don’t have a copy yet…hmm…)

Too Many Women by Maysie Greig

The Sea Gull by Kathleen Norris

Swallows and Amazons by Arthur Ransom (The inscription reads- to the six for whom it was written in exchange for a pair of slippers.)

Roget’s College Thesaurus (this is my mum’s copy and she wrote her name in it when she was my age, so amazing!)

Let me know the greatest book you’ve found in an antique store, or in an attic, magazine’s would count too, I would love to discover a Vouge from some distant year.

Happy Reading!

Blessings,

Gabrielle Carolina

And as for Contests...

Win 100 Dollars to the bookstore of your choice (International)

Win one of three Digital Copies of In the Storm by Karen Metcalf (International)

Win a copy of Sean Griswold's Head by Lindsey Leavitt (USA only, see Policy Page)

Win a signed copy of Forget-Her-Nots by Amy Brecount White; Runners up receive signed bookmarks with a message from the author! (USA only, see Policy Page)

So Much Closer (ARC)

So Much Closer

Author: Susane Colasanti

Publisher: Viking (An Imprint of Penguin)

Pages: 241

Read Time: One Day

Rating (1-5): 4

Tag Words: New York City, Soul mates, true love, moving, college, learning disabilities, divorce, leaving home, moving forward

My Summary:

Scott is Brooke’s soul mate, only he doesn’t know it yet. She’s sure she can convince him by moving to the same city he is, New York City!

My Review:

This is my third Colasanti and I finally “get” it.

I can now see the authors appeal and that these characters are very relatable.  Colasanti’s writing as improved leaps and bounds and I really enjoyed the story; I think it’s truthful, without being in-your-face and invasive. The characters are real, but still retain the Teenager-Stereotype Colasanti has basically trademarked. I think fans of this author will be overjoyed by this newest edition to her collection!

I am still not completely sold, simply because these are just not the characters I can connect with on a deeper level. I still enjoyed the read and flew through it!

Notes on the Names:

Meh. Boring. Rhiannon did make an appearance, however, and that jazzed things up in the name department, however.

Thoughts on the Cover:

I can’t decide who the dude on the cover is... he’s too beefy to be John, but Scott has blond hair. Conundrum.

Also, don’t we all want this girls butt?!

Parental Book Review *spoilers*

Sexual Content:

Mild.

Kissing without much detail.

Language:

Mild.

Bas***d- 1
B- 1
A- 1

Violence:

None.

Other Notables:

Divorce with parents who cheated.

Anxious Hearts

Anxious Hearts

Author: Tucker Shaw

Publisher: Amulet

Pages: 242

Read Time: 1 Day

Rating (1-5): 3.5

Tag Words: True love, soul mates, historical fiction, dual perspective chapters, literary references, Evangeline by Longfellow, death, slavery, weddings

My Summary:

Told in part by the modern Eva, and the historical Gabriel, Anxious Hearts is the story based in Longfellow’s poem, Evangeline and the legend of two tragically fated lovers. 

My Review:

This book has so many technical errors, and honestly, I am shocked I still love it as much as I do. I’m going to get into those bits in a minute, but I want to start off by saying that though I love the romanticized writing style, and am very into tragedy, I am not recommending this book to anyone who would rather go contemporary, or anyone who likes their love stories to be more rational and less fantastical.

Shaw had quite the task on his hands. He had to write a modern telling of the Evangeline poem, written by Longfellow, that was first based in a legend, surrounded by true history that most people never read about in a school textbook. It was because this time in history is so untold that I was surprised how little effort Shaw went into setting the stage of where the reader was, the landscape the reader was looking at, and who the adversary’s were of the people in the 'village.' Honestly, for a while I considered that I was reading about a fantasy land because nothing rang a bell for me and Shaw didn’t lend a hand. 

I am also confused by the ending, and without spoiling I want to ask- are they reincarnated soul mates, or is Gabriel a fiction writer? This question goes unanswered, and I suppose it’s up to the reader to decide.

I had a few other tiny problems, like the fact that we never get to know Gabe, or Evangeline, only Gabriel and Eva, so sometimes the story is a bit obscure and the plot points slightly dramatic and open-ended. The style of narration slipped between first person (Eva) and third person (Gabriel). And of course the fact that Gabe barely says ten words in the entire Eva plot really makes me wonder how she could have fallen so. 

I do still love the story, which is completely characterized by a tragic love story. The characters only exist to share the devotion of one another, the plot is only useful to drive them apart and the writing style appeals to lovers of clean romance. Well done on that front. 

Notes on the Names: I picked up the book for the names- 

Gabriel and Evangeline, both favorites! Evangeline has been on my name list since I was nine and Gabriel is the male version of my name and I love it as a middle name for my son. Obviously the names are widely appealing and fit in with the romantic tone of the novel.

Thoughts on the Cover: This is an AMAZING cover. It has a front and a back. On the front you see Evangeline and on the back Eva. I am in love with the designers work and can only hope my cover would ever look so lovely and ingenious. 

Parental Book Review *spoilers*

Sexual Content: 

Mild

It is implied that each couple, past and present, share one night together, but it is not described and barely confirmed. 

Language: 

None.

Violence: 

The men of Cadia are taken hostage and Gabriel makes a long trek to find Evangeline again, only to die.

Other Notables: 

A very clean romance!

Blooming Books Giveaway

Welcome to the Blooming Books Giveaway! A multi-blog giveaway hosted by Enna Isilee of Squeaky Books and me!

March 20th marked the first day of spring for those of us in the northnern hemisphere, and we want to celebrate. I, along with nine other blogs, have joined in to give you the chance to win $100 to Borders, Barnes and Noble, or Amazon.com!

Here's how it works, each of the participating blogs will hold a "Blooming Books Giveaway" post, and you enter however that blog wants you to. Some blogs may offer a prize, but what you're really entering for is the chance to win a nomination spot. Each blog will choose a 1st place nominee, and a 2nd place nominee. The ten 1st place nominees will be entered to win the $100 gift card, and the ten 2nd place nominees will be entered to win a $30 gift card. Make sense? And since this is just an e-mailed gift card, it is open internationally!

Here's how you can enter my giveaway, scroll down to see the list of other blogs and enter at their sites too! If you win more than one nomination, then you have an even GREATER chance of winning that $100!

RULES:

• Must be 13 years old or older
  
  
• Open internationally
• You must be follower of my blog to enter. Fill out the form for extra chances at winning my nomination! 
  
  If I reach 750 followers by April 1st I will be giving a twenty-five dollar Napster Music gift card to one lucky follower! Leave a comment with your GFC name to enter this second contest. 
  
  

Additional Details:

• Giveaway runs March 22nd-April 1st
  
  
• Nominees announced April 2nd
  
  
• Winner announced April 4th on Squeaky Books

Check out all the participating blogs!

The Elliot Review	Squeaky Books
That Hapa Chick	Bibliognome
Pensive Bookeaters	The Mod Podge Bookshelf
Lisa’s World of Books	Fade Into Fantasy
See Scoot Read	Awesomesauce Bookclub

Contest Craze: Re-pair-ing Fractured Couples

Today, in honor of Contest Craze, I am participating in a really, really, really cool mini-Challenge, hosted by A Good Addiction.

I am suppose to take two characters from two books and unite them in Holy Literary. Hence the Punful title. ;)

So who shall I choose? I don't want to rip apart a perfectly good couple; even if I am madly in love with Ash, still a bit infatuated with Edward and know I will probably marry a man like Peeta, that doesn't mean I am not sold out on the idea that Meghan, Bella and Katniss really are their other halves, you know?

So let's start with a tragic heroine, a girl so very deserving of true love, but one for whom bad decisions have befallen right to tragic endings. Ruby Jacinski, from Christine Fletcher's Ten Cents a Dance is a perfect example.

Fiery, passionate, struggling and hard after years working to save her family from poverty, Ruby has the weight of the world on her shoulders, she needs someone who can take her somewhere else... while in the same time period... or is he?

I am pairing her with Henry from Heather Davis's The Clearing. Henry is a true gentleman, and use to helping heal girls after their previous experiences with bad boys. He will cool Ruby's fire so that she can spread a slow, effective burn and help change the world, instead of burning herself out. Henry deserves a love story that will span centuries...

I, as a blogger, reader and general fan of all things Ten Cents and Clearing, do pronounce on this day that this couple shall be joined in Holy Literary from this day forth, forever and ever, as long as the authors approve.

Daily Dose (15) Beauty

Daily Dose!

As much as I love a good YA read, or a fabulous name, this blog represents my love for photography. That is why I love Holly over at Good Golly Miss Holly, well, there are many reasons and I rec her blog to the moon and back, but her new meme is wonderful and I am glad to participate.

I think this is the best way to “get to know me.”

The best way to know someone is to know what they find beauty in. You’ll see snow, fireworks, foxes and polar bears. Books, of course, kisses and true love captured on film. I may be too pretentious for my own good, but there will be a deep and moving quote or two. Come with me to Paris, Capri and New York City. Who knows when I will be the one behind the camera, but I assure you, it’s one of the best places to find me.

How MPB’s DD works: I will never post pictures best classified as “porn.” I will not post quotes with filthy language and I am not going to be making political statements. However, you may see skin, just not anatomy, sarcasm is widely acceptable and God will be mentioned in a Holy light. I hope that none of that makes you uncomfortable. The first picture shown every week will be the theme. I hope the story is easy to understand and fun to look at.

All pictures are from the most amazing (addictive) site called We <3 It.