Guest Post with Allison Winn Scotch, Author of Time of My Life

Today I'd like to welcome author Allison Winn Scotch who stopped by to talk with us about her novel Time of My Life. I asked Allisonwhat she would do differently (or not at all) if she was in main character Jillian's shoes and went seven years back into her past. Here's what she had to say-

Well, for me to go seven years into my past might not be all that interesting – I was married, embarking on a new career as a writer, turning 30 within a year, and I felt pretty content, like I’d ironed out a lot of the kinks of my life. So I think to really give a meatier answer, I’d say that I’d have to go about ten years into my past to really get into the thick of things, to land somewhere in chaos like Jillian did.

So ten years ago, I was 26 and life was pretty discombobulated. My love life was a mess – I was dating a guy whom I loved dearly but who wasn’t really the right fit for me, moved to a new city when the relationship sputtered to a death (though was still lingering via occasional visits and catch-up phone calls); had an ex who wanted me back and whom I really didn’t want to be back with but I was lonely, so what the hell; and was pretty confused about just what I planned to do with my life in general. I’d gotten a great education but wanted to be an actress, but also knew that it wouldn’t be an easy route, but I was chugging along, shooting commercials, doing NYC shows (until I moved to LA), but still somewhat discontent...I don’t know...not lost because I have a decent personal barometer, but...listless, maybe. I wanted my life to come together, I was ready for it to come together, but it...just wasn’t. It wasn’t there yet.

When I think about Jillian, I think that she and I shared this listlessness. Jillian’s life wasn’t a bad one by any stretch, rather she just didn’t feel like it all tied together – there were aspects of it that kept jutting off into places she didn’t anticipated, and this made her deeply unhappy. So in sending her back in time, I gave her the opportunity to see if she had done something differently, if she’d find a greater happiness, GET that bow to wrap up all the aspects of her life neatly. And without giving too much away, Jillian realizes over the course of her journey that it’s about personal responsibility: if there’s any sort of discontentedness in her life, it within her control to fix it. That often times, our problems aren’t about our husbands or our kids or our jobs (though sure, sometimes they are), rather our approach and reaction to these problems in the first place.

Which takes me back to 26-year old me. So there I was, in Los Angeles, recovering from heartbreak, but too scared to close the door on that relationship entirely, enjoying my pursuit of a career as an actress but also feeling like my brain was atrophying a little too without anything much to challenge me. And eventually, with small steps at first and then bigger ones as I got braver, I started to carve out my own responsibility in where my life was going. I began dating other guys – a few fun first dates, then a few more serious ones. I considered whether or not another career could make me just as happy as acting, and when the answer was yes, I took the VERY terrifying leap of testing the waters. I moved back to New York. I gave myself the freedom to screw-up the career and the (other) ex, whom eventually I realized wasn’t for me, no matter how many times he asked me for another chance. I put myself out there: I saw a guy whom I thought was gorgeous at the gym, and I ran into him enough times to screw up the courage to introduce myself. A year later, we were engaged. A year after that, I was steadily freelancing for magazines.

The undercurrent, through all of my various missteps and the path I took toward rectifying them, is that eventually, I learned to accept responsibility. That whatever road I was on WAS OF MY OWN MAKING. And so too was Jillian’s journey. I think it’s really easy to be a bystander in your own life, but then, yes, aren’t you always going to be left asking “What if?” Because if you never take action, then of course you’re going to wonder if you had. That aspect of Jillian’s life really resonated with me, and I think it’s what’s resonated with readers. Not that we want to cash in our husbands or wish we didn’t have children: it’s that the road not taken is always more intriguing when you’re not sure that you did everything in you power not to be on that road in the first place.

So that’s my look back at 10 years ago. Sometimes, sure, I still wonder “what if,” but mostly, I’m content knowing that I made informed choices along the way, and all of those choices have led me to where I am today.

Thank you Allison for stopping by and sharing with us!

Time of My Life by Allison Winn Scotch

Jillian Westfield has the perfect suburban life straight out of the upscale women's magazines that she obsessively reads. She’s got the modern-print rugs of Metropolitan Home, the elegant meals from Gourmet, the clutter-free closets out of Real Simple, and the elaborate Easter egg hunts seen in Parents. With her successful investment banker husband behind the wheel and her cherubic eighteen-month-old in the backseat, hers could be the family in the magazines’ glossy Range Rover ads.

Yet somehow all of the how-to magazine stories in the world can’t seem to fix her faltering marriage, banish the tedium of days spent changing diapers, or stop her from asking, “What if?”

Then one morning Jillian wakes up seven years in the past. Before her daughter was born. Before she married Henry. Suddenly she’s back in her post–grad school Ikea-furnished Manhattan apartment. She’s back in her fast-paced job with the advertising agency. And she’s still with Jackson, the ex-boyfriend and star of her what-if fantasies.

Armed with twenty-twenty hindsight, she’s free to choose all over again. She can use the zippy ad campaigns from her future to wow the clients and bosses in her present. She can reconnect with the mother who abandoned her so many years before. She can fix the fights at every juncture that doomed her relationship with Jackson. Or can she?

With each new choice setting off a trajectory of unforeseen consequences, Jillian soon realizes that getting to happily ever after is more complicated than changing the lines in her part of the script. Happiness, it turns out, isn’t an either-or proposition. As she closes in on all the things she thought she wanted, Jillian must confront the greatest what-if of all: What if the problem was never Henry or Jackson, but her?

Sharp, funny, and heartwarming, Time of My Life will appeal to anyone who has ever wanted to redo the past and will leave readers pondering, “Do we get the reality we deserve?”

Read my review HERE.

Allison Winn Scotch is the author of the novels, Time of My Life (Random House/Shaye Areheart, October 2008) and The Department of Lost and Found (HarperCollins/Morrow, May 2007). She is also a frequent contributor to numerous national magazines including Parents, Woman's Day, Women's Health, Redbook, Self and American Way.
Visit Allison at her Official Website & Blog

Waiting on Wednesday: The Secret of Ka by Christopher Pike

THE SECRET OF KA
BY
CHRISTOPHER PIKE
September 13th 2010 by Harcourt Children's Books

One minute Sara's bored on vacation in Istanbul. The next, she's unearthed a flying carpet that cleverly drags her to the mysterious Island of the Djinn—or genies. By her side is Amesh, a hot boy she's starting to love but doesn't yet trust. When Amesh learns the secret of invoking djinn, he loses control. He swears he'll call upon only one djinn and make one wish. The plan sounds safe enough. But neither Sara nor Amesh are any match for the formidable monster that that swells before them. It hypnotizes Amesh, compelling him to steal Sara’s flying carpet—the ancient Carpet of Ka—and leave her stranded.

Discovering the Carpet of Ka has sparked a new path for Sara, one that will lead her to battle creatures even deadlier than djinn. In this fight, Sara can save mankind, herself, or the boy she loves. Who will she be forced to sacrifice?

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event spotlighting upcoming releases we are highly anticipating. It is hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine.

U.K. Bookish Photos

Just got back from a trip - we spent the week in Edinburgh Scotland and ventured out to Loch Ness & the Highlands. It was FANTASTIC! Edinburgh is a city with a grisly history- went on tours hearing about the notorious grave robbers/murderers Burke & Hare, the man who was the inspiration behind Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde- Deacon Brody and Maggie Dickson - the inspiration behind Nearly Headless Nick for Harry Potter...I could go on and on!



One of the most fun things we did was go on an underground ghost hunting tour of the Edinburgh Vaults. It was at 10pm and spooky. The terrain underground was uneven and it was dark, damp and creepy. The last one out of a vault had to blow out the one candle illuminating each space--NOBODY wanted to do that. You know what happens--the one who lags behind always winds up in trouble in the movies!


Me in front of the Writer's Museum. Edinburgh is home to many famous writers such as: Robert Louis Stevenson (Treasure Island, Dr.Jekyll and Mr. Hide), Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (Sherlock Holmes), Sir Walter Scott (Ivanhoe, Rob Roy, etc)- just to name a few!

J.K. Rowling lived on the 2nd floor of this building in Edinburgh and wrote much of the first few Harry Potter books from this window.


This cafe is touted as being the "Birthplace of Harry Potter" (though one tour guide told us it's not true). But the story is that it was cheaper for her to sit in the cafe, buying coffee every few hours rather than have to pay to heat her flat.



Alnwick Castle is the second largest inhabited castle in England after Windsor Castle, and has been home of the Earls and Dukes of Northumberland since 1309. It has featured in many film and television productions over the years, and was seen recently in 'Elizabeth', 'Robin Hood - Prince of Thieves' and 'Robin of Sherwood'. The castle grounds are used as the location for some of Hogwarts' exteriors. The scene where Harry and his classmates have their first flying lesson with broomsticks is an example of one.



This is another picture at Alnwick Castle- the archways reminded me of the movies when you see Hogwarts students walking to class- am I right?

This was taken from outside the school that supposedly inspired J.K. Rowling for Hogwarts. It's located outside a cemetery reported to be haunted. They told us in the cemetery you can find graves with names of characters such as Hermione Granger and Tom Riddle.


Scotts' View, a spectacular view over the countryside to the Eildon Hills which was a favorite spot of Sir Walter Scott. Some of his best known works are Ivanhoe, Rob Roy and Red Gauntlet.

This has been my favorite castle so far- Bamburgh Castle. I could do a whole post about this castle but here's one ghost story to share with you-



Bamburgh castle has also retained the services of some ghosts. One of the most famous is that of the “Pink Lady”. She was a Northumbrian Princess whose father, disapproving of the boy his daughter loved, sent her suitor overseas for seven years. He made sure that the couple could not exchange messages and hoped that their passion would cool. The King eventually lied to his daughter and told her that her intended had married someone else abroad. He asked the castle seamstress to make his daughter a fine new dress in her favorite color – pink. The distraught girl donned her new dress and, climbing the stairway to the highest battlements, flung herself into eternity. She crashed to her death on the rocks below. Shortly after her love returned, he was heartbroken by what had happened, although the legend does not record what fate befell him next.

Well that's it for now...next trip is to Dublin in a couple of weeks. If you are a fanatic of Karen Marie Moning's Fever series like I am, you will know how excited I am to go on this trip--perhaps I can find Barrons Books & Baubles!

Contest: Winner's Choice: Book 1, 2 or 3 of The Darkest Powers Series by Kelley Armstrong

THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED

Have you been wanting to try The Darkest Powers series by Kelley Armstrong? Already a fan just dying to read book 2 or 3? Well here is your chance. The winner of this contest will get their choice of Book 1 (The Summoning), Book 2 (The Awakening) OR Book 3 (The Reckoning).

TO ENTER:
COMMENT on this post, letting me know what book you want to win

BONUS ENTRIES:
+1 Link/post about this contest on any social network of your choice.

END DATE:

May 10th 2010 & Open to all U.S. & Canadian Residents
**International Readers who have a U.S. or Canadian resident the book could be sent to, may enter

Interview with Kelley Armstrong, Author of The Reckoning (Darkest Powers Series)

Today I am thrilled to be interviewing Kelley Armstrong, author of the wildly popular Young Adult paranormal series, Darkest Powers. Kelley stopped by to talk about the final installment in the trilogy, The Reckoning- Let's get started!

The Reckoning, the third installment in the Darkest Powers trilogy was recently released this month. Can you share with us any teasers regarding this conclusion to the YA urban fantasy series?

Well, one problem with a trilogy is that the further along it gets, the harder it is to write a summary without giving away serious spoilers for those who haven’t read the first books. I will promise that the kids are not nearly as safe as they hoped they were at the end of The Awakening (really, what fun would that be?) And I promise that all the questions readers have asked will be answered, including the romantic one.

As a necromancer, Chloe Saunders is able to raise the dead by summoning their spirits and slamming them back into their dead bodies. If you could have any supernatural power of one of the Edison group teens, which one would you choose and why?

I would love to be a werewolf because I think it would be amazing to experience life—temporarily!--in a different form. The secondary characteristics would be cool, too, but those "extras" also make it hard for werewolves to blend, so if I was being very practical, I'd go with spell-casters. Their powers take work to learn, but overall they have fewer drawbacks. Necromancy would fall a lot further down my list. Too many complications, which makes it great to write about, but not nearly so great to experience.

If the Darkest Powers series was to be made into a movie, do you have certain actors you envision in the lead roles or do you think unknowns would be best suited to play them?

I’m horrible at the “fantasy casting game.” I learned that with my adult series when readers started asking who I’d envision in the roles. When I was having a trailer done for The Awakening, they wanted to know actors who resembled the characters, and I had to ask readers for their thoughts! With mainly teenage characters, I’d be okay with having known actors in the roles because, by that age, most aren’t known enough to be typecast, and I know studios prefer names. If I had my choice, though, I’d go with unknowns.

On your website, you’ve been offering online novellas (free serialized short stories or fiction collections) for your Otherworld series. What made you decide to start the novellas and what sort of response have you gotten from fans in regards to them?

These days, authors are expected to have a website before their first novel comes out. When I started (which was only 2001) that was rare, so I didn’t launch mine until my second novel was released in 2003. When I did, I was advised to think of ways to get readers coming back between books. One idea I came up with was the online novella (or e-serial.) It worked better than I ever expected. After 5 years of them, though, I decided that was enough online material for the adult series for a while. But I did love doing them, so when I started the YA, I decided to write at least one for it. It’s been going very well, and I’m hoping to do more.

In addition to writing the Darkest Powers Trilogy, you are also a best-selling author in the adult market. What about writing a YA series attracted you and in your opinion, is it more challenging to write fiction geared toward teens than it is to write for adults?

I had an idea inspired by my second adult novel, but it was about supernaturals just coming into their powers. In my world, that happens at puberty, which wouldn't work in a series with adult characters! That idea was in the back of my mind as I began getting emails from readers I considered a little too young to be reading my other series. Put all that together and I decided it was time to try writing my YA idea.

The biggest challenge was that I'm a whole lot older than my main character. As a teen, I hated it when adults tried to write in a teen voice and it was painfully obvious that they were on the wrong side of thirty. Having a daughter in the right age group made that easier--I had a living subject to study and a built-in focus group.

Rather than primarily limiting yourself to a single type of supernatural creature your novels have incorporated many different types of characters, including, but not limited to witches, demons, werewolves and ghosts. Out of all your characters, are there certain ones that are the most difficult to write for, and conversely, the least difficult?

The easiest are definitely the werewolves, because that’s where I started and that’s where I spent years writing and rewriting the first book, working through the mythology I was creating for them. Likewise, the ones I’ve written the least are the toughest. For example, I’ve done very little with shamans. Because I don’t have a shaman main character, I don’t have the type as well-defined as the others, which means I shy away from writing them even as secondary characters, which only makes the situation worse—I’ll never get comfortable with them if I don’t write more of them!

In addition to writing novels, you’ve contributed stories to various anthologies-the latest being your offering in The Eternal Kiss: 13 Vampire Tales of Blood and Desire. Your story in this novel is about Kat, a teenage girl on the run with her vampire foster mother Marguerite. Any chance that this story could become a full length novel?

Kat is getting more stories, but they’re short stories right now. Without giving too much away for readers who haven’t read that anthology, her “supernatural type” is very popular, and I’m being asked for short stories about that type. I decided to do them about a recurring character (Kat) who will likely make her way into the book series, because she is part of the Edison Group experiments. She might get her own novel or she might just appear as a secondary character.

If you could inhabit the life of one literary character and dive into their world for just one day, who would you choose and why?

Hmm. This won’t be a terribly original answer, but I’d have to pick one of Jane Austen’s characters—any character. It’s a fictional universe that I’ve entered many times as a reader and I’d love to step in and see what it was like to live it.

On your website it says that The Reckoning will be “the last in the initial Chloe trilogy. Book 4 in the "series" will move to different teens in the same world, subjects of another Edison Group experiment.” At this point in time, is there anything new you can tell us regarding Book 4? Also, do you have any plans to embark on another YA series in the future?

The first trilogy was about Project Genesis, which tweaked the existing supernatural types. The second trilogy will be about Project Phoenix. I haven’t said much about it, but I’ll give a bit of a spoiler here—the name symbolizes rebirth and in my adult series (which is set in the same universe) there are supernatural types that have become extinct. That might suggest what the Edison Group was experimenting with

I don’t have any plans right now for a new YA series. With the second trilogy, I’m expanding on the universe for this one—bringing in new characters and new situations—with plans to merge the two, so that should keep me busy for a while.

Thank you so much for taking the time to answer my questions Kelley!

About the Author: Kelley Armstrong lives in rural Ontario, Canada, with her family and far too many pets. She is the author of the bestselling Women of the Otherworld series; the highly acclaimed Darkest Power young adult series and two adventure novels about a hitwoman, Exit Strategy and Made to be Broken. For further information visit her Official Website.

If you are a fan of the series, or have been wanting to check it out, be sure to check back tomorrow for your chance to win a copy of Book 1, 2 or 3!

Waiting on Wednesday: Nightshade (Nightshade #1) by Andrea Cremer

NIGHTSHADE (NIGHTSHADE #1) BY ANDREA CREMER
October 19th 2010 by Philomel/Penguin

While other teenage girls daydream about boys, Calla Tor imagines ripping out her enemies’ throats. And she wouldn’t have it any other way. Calla was born a warrior and on her eighteenth-birthday she’ll become the alpha female of the next generation of Guardian wolves. But Calla’s predestined path veers off course the moment she saves the life of a wayward hiker, a boy her own age. This human boy’s secret will turn the young pack's world upside down and forever alter the outcome of the centuries-old Witches' War that surrounds them all.

To learn more, visit the author's Official Website
Purchase from Amazon.com

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event spotlighting upcoming releases we are highly anticipating. It is hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine.

Book Review: Brightly Woven by Alexandra Bracken

BRIGHTLY WOVEN BY ALEXANDRA BRACKEN
Reading level: Young Adult
Hardcover: 368 pages
Publisher: EgmontUSA (March 23, 2010)

When Wayland North brings rain to a region that's been dry for over ten years, he's promised anything he'd like as a reward. He chooses the village elder's daughter, sixteen-year-old Sydelle Mirabel, who is a skilled weaver and has an unusual knack for repairing his magical cloaks. Though Sydelle has dreamt of escaping her home, she's hurt that her parents relinquish her so freely and finds herself awed and afraid of the slightly ragtag wizard who is unlike any of the men of magic in the tales she's heard. Still, she is drawn to this mysterious man who is fiercely protective of her and so reluctant to share his own past.

The pair rushes toward the capital, intent to stop an imminent war, pursued by Reuel Dorwan (a dark wizard who has taken a keen interest in Sydelle) and plagued by unusually wild weather. But the sudden earthquakes and freak snowstorms may not be a coincidence. As Sydelle discovers North's dark secret and the reason for his interest in her and learns to master her own mysterious power, it becomes increasingly clear that the fate of the kingdom rests in her fingertips. She will either be a savior, weaving together the frayed bonds between Saldorra and Auster, or the disastrous force that destroys both kingdoms forever.

BRIGHTLY WOVEN revolves around Sydelle, a talented weaver and North, the handsome wizard who chances upon her dusty village. Long removed from the politics of the wizard kingdom, the townsfolk care only about the drought plaguing the dry, cracked earth of their city. When North miraculously brings the rain, Sydelle's grateful father offers him anything he wants. Unfortunately for Sydelle, he chooses her and she is forced to leave town with him. What adventures await? Well you'll have to find that out for yourself!

A passionate wizard, a willful heroine and the tension of a kingdom on the brink of war...what more could you ask for? BRIGHTLY WOVEN was a fresh and fun debut novel from Alexandra Bracken. Sydelle was a strong protagonist that I admired. I loved how capable she was and how she didn’t fall apart or swoon over North too much (something I can't stand in books). Her relationship with North was subtle, always tugging at you to keep on reading, but never detracting from the focus of the story too much. I found it fascinating how North used magical cloaks - for me, that was an imaginative touch to the storyline.

Fans of Tamora Pierce and Kristin Cashore will definitely want to check out this gem of a book with adventure, danger and the magic of faraway lands!

Order Brightly Woven HERE.

Alexandra Bracken wrote Brightly Woven as a birthday present for a friend, and the story grew and flourished during a year of unpredictable, wild weather. A native of Arizona, she is a recent graduate of the College of William and Mary, where she majored in History and English. She now lives in New York City.
Alexandra Bracken's Official Website & Blog

Book Review: Wish by Alexandra Bullen

WISH BY ALEXANDRA BULLEN

Reading level: Young Adult
Hardcover: 336 pages
Publisher: Point (January 12, 2010)
Language: English

For broken-hearted Olivia Larsen, nothing can change the fact that her twin sister, Violet, is gone... until a mysterious, beautiful gown arrives on her doorstep. The dress doesn't just look magical; it is magical. It has the power to grant her one wish, and the only thing Olivia wants is her sister back.

With Violet again by her side, both girls get a second chance at life. And as the sisters soon discover, they have two more dresses-and two more wishes left. But magic can't solve everything, and Olivia is forced to confront her ghosts to learn how to laugh, love, and live again.

In a breathtaking debut from Alexandra Bullen, WISH asks the question: If you could have anything, what would you wish for?

WISH is about a young girl named Olivia who receives a magical gown with the power to grant her one wish. For Olivia, choosing a wish is easy- she wants her dead twin sister Violet back. With Violet at her side, Olivia feels as if she has a second chance at life again. But getting what you wish for doesn’t always solve all your problems and magic can only take you so far.

With a fun mix of romance, friendship and magic, WISH will appeal to younger teens and fans of modern fairy tales with a twist. I was drawn to the idea of a timid girl given a new chance at life and in that aspect WISH did not disappoint. I loved how the book went beyond the fairytale premise by exploring relationships and delving into honest depictions of love and loss.

While very slow to start, once I got into the novel, I found myself enjoying it and rooting for Olivia as if she was my own friend. In the beginning her overwhelming insecurities and grief made her character somewhat bland to me, but as the novel unfolded I found her growth genuine and thought provoking. I also enjoyed the contrast between Violet’s personality and Olivia’s. The way the two girls interacted and played off one another was touching and endeared their characters even more to me.

Overall, WISH is a heart warming story with a unique premise. What girl wouldn’t love the idea of magical dresses with wish granting abilities? When you read this novel, you can’t help but wonder – what would you wish for?

Purchase Wish HERE.


Wish Official Website

Alexandra Bullen has been a playwright, waitress, barista, gardener, script reader, yoga instructor, and personal assistant. She grew up in Massachusetts, went to college in New York City, and lives most of the year on Martha's Vineyard (except when she's visiting San Francisco). WISH is her first novel.

Alexandra Bullen's blog.

Waiting on Wednesday: Raised by Wolves by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

RAISED BY WOLVES
BY
JENNIFER LYNN BARNES
June 8th 2010 by EgmontUSA

PACK LIFE IS ABOUT ORDER, BUT BRYN IS ABOUT TO PUSH ALL THE LIMITS, WITH HAIR-RAISING RESULTS.

At the age of four, Bryn watched a rabid werewolf brutally murder her parents. Alone in the world, she was rescued and taken in by Callum, the alpha of his pack. Now fifteen, Bryn's been raised as a human among werewolves, adhering to pack rule (mostly). Little fazes her.

But the pack's been keeping a secret, and when Bryn goes exploring against Callum's orders, she finds Chase, a newly turned teen Were locked in a cage. Terrifying memories of the attack on her mom and dad come flooding back. Bryn needs answers, and she needs Chase to get them. Suddenly, all allegiances to the pack no longer matter. It's Bryn and Chase against the werewolf world, whatever the consequences.

An exciting new paranormal adventure, with a heroine who rivals Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Raised By Wolves will leave you howling for more.
Check out at Amazon.com

About the Author:

Jennifer Lynn Barnes was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma. She has been a competitive cheerleader, a volleyball player, a dancer, a debutante, a primate-cognition researcher, a teen model, a comic-book geek, and a lemur aficionado. She's been writing for as long as she can remember, and wrote her first novel, Golden, when she was nineteen.

Jen graduated from Yale University with a degree in cognitive science 2006, and spent a year doing autism research at the University of Cambridge. She is currently continuing her graduate studies at Yale.
Author's Website.

(If you are into books about werewolves--doesn't this sound GREAT? And what about that cover? So awesome! Ok, what are you waiting on? Any good books that have escaped my notice?)

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event spotlighting upcoming releases we are highly anticipating. It is hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine.

Guest Blog: Kay Cassidy, Author of The Cinderella Society

Today I'd like to extend a warm welcome to Kay Cassidy, author of The Cinderella Society. Kay stopped by to talk about Jess Parker. Jess is a teenager who becomes part of the Cindy's, a secret society of girls I would've liked to have belonged to in high school! Without further ado, take it away Kay---

Why Kay Cassidy is like Jess Parker from The Cinderella Society

If I had to choose a character from The Cinderella Society that I'm most like, it would probably be the heroine, Jess Parker. I didn't set out to create Jess to be a teenaged me—and she's definitely not because I was, sadly, never invited to join a cool secret society like The Cinderella Society—but I do think I'm probably the most like Jess of all the Sisters in the society.

For one thing, Jess is pretty idealistic. She's not overly naïve, she just genuinely believes that people can make a difference in the world. We may not all be able to cure cancer or create lasting world peace, but can we offer a shoulder to someone who needs it or our time to a worthy cause? You bet we can. Jess is the quintessential volunteer girl. I wasn't quite that volunteer driven as a teen, but I am much more so now. (Okay, she still beats the volunteerism pants off me, but I try.)

Jess is also a cheerleader but knows that the popular cheerleader is a stereotype. I can so relate to that. I cheered through junior high, high school and part of college, but I definitely never considered myself an It girl. I hung out with my cheerleader friends, mostly non-partying, honor roll students who spent Friday nights after football and basketball games at the midnight movies. (Driving around in my friend Lisa's car and yelling profound things to fellow moviegoers in the parking lot like "Guess what? Chicken butt!" But I digress.)

Jess and I both share one last thing in common: a tendency to overanalyze. ;-) It's hard coming into your own, whether you're a teen or an adult (and lots of adults are still getting comfortable in their own skin). Second guessing every little thing you do/think/say is definitely something Jess and I both do when we get stressed out. Though I will say I'm getting better about it after writing The Cinderella Society. Because now I share their mantra: "No Wicked chatter!" :-)



What a girl to do when the glass slipper fits, but she doesn't want to wear it anymore?

Sixteen year old Jess Parker has always been an outsider. So when she receives an invitation to join The Cinderella Society, a secret society of the most popular girls in school, it's like something out of a fairy tale. Swept up by the Cindys' magical world of makeovers, and catching the eye of her Prince Charming, Jess feels like she's finally found her chance to fit in.

Then the Wickeds--led by Jess's arch-enemy--begin targeting innocent girls in their war against the Cindys, and Jess discovers there's more to being a Cindy than reinventing yourself on the outside. She has unknowingly become part of a centuries-old battle of good vs. evil, and now the Cindys in charge need Jess for a mission that could change everything.

Overwhelmed, Jess wonders if The Cinderella Society made a mistake in choosing her. Is it a coincidence her new boyfriend doesn't want to be seen with her in public? And is this glamorous, secret life even what she wants, or will she risk her own happy ending to live up to the expectations of her new sisters?

About the Author:

Kay Cassidy is the author of teen fiction she wishes was based on her real life. She is the founder of the national Great Scavenger Hunt ContestTM reading program for kids and teens and the host of the inspirational Living Your FiveTM web project. In her free time, she enjoys yoga, movies, music, and reading. Lots and lots of reading. She hopes her debut YA novel, THE CINDERELLA SOCIETY (April 13, 2010 - Egmont), will help girls embrace their inner Cindy.

Book Review: The Splendor Falls by Rosemary Clement-Moore

THE SPLENDOR FALLS BY ROSEMARY CLEMENT-MOORE

Reading level: Young Adult

Hardcover: 528 Pages

Publisher: Delacorte Books for Young Readers (September 8, 2009)

Sylvie Davis is a ballerina who can’t dance. A broken leg ended her career, but Sylvie’s pain runs deeper. What broke her heart was her father’s death, and what’s breaking her spirit is her mother’s remarriage—a union that’s only driven an even deeper wedge into their already tenuous relationship.

Uprooting her from her Manhattan apartment and shipping her to Alabama is her mother’s solution for Sylvie’s unhappiness. Her father’s cousin is restoring a family home in a town rich with her family’s history. And that’s where things start to get shady. As it turns out, her family has a lot more history than Sylvie ever knew. More unnerving, though, are the two guys that she can’t stop thinking about. Shawn Maddox, the resident golden boy, seems to be perfect in every way. But Rhys—a handsome, mysterious foreign guest of her cousin’s—has a hold on her that she doesn’t quite understand.

Then she starts seeing things. Sylvie’s lost nearly everything—is she starting to lose her mind as well?

When a freak accident leaves her unable to dance, Sylvie Davis’ dreams are shattered. Things go from bad to worse when she is shipped off to the Alabama home of a distant cousin she's never even met. To complicate matters further, Sylvie begins to see strange apparitions soon after arriving. After she has lost so much, is she about to lose her sanity too?

When I began The Splendor Falls, I expected a gripping, spine tingling thriller. But it’s not that kind of book. It’s more of a slow, steady read that takes the reader on a journey rich in mystery, history and romance. Though extremely slow to build, I thought the different plot elements all blended into a mixture interesting enough to keep me holding on for more. I enjoyed how many supernatural mysteries were mixed in with the town's folklore. Clues along the way hinted toward the deep, exciting secrets within Sylvie’s family. This really drew me into the novel. I could tell a large amount of research went into The Splendor Falls, and the back story was well explained and fascinating.

Of the two guys who became a focus in Sylvie’s life, Rhys, the handsome and elusive British guest of her cousin, was by far my favorite. Trying to figure out just how much he knew or was hiding definitely kept me turning the pages. I wanted him and Sylvie to get together very badly. Gigi, Sylvie’s dog had so much personality I saw her as a real character.

Readers who enjoy a little romance with mystery should appreciate Sylvie’s strong, witty character and the mysteries of The Splendor Falls.

Buy at Amazon, Borders, Barnes & Noble, Books-a-Million, Indiebound

I’ve been writing stories all my life, even when I should have been doing other things, like studying Algebra. My first paying job was as Chuck E. Cheese. I worked in theatre for years, and now I’m writing full time, which is my dream job, because I get to work in my pajamas and take a break every afternoon to play Guitar Hero.

To learn more about the author visit her Official Website & Blog.

Waiting on Wednesday: Halo by Alexandra Adornetto

Halo

by Alexandra Adornetto

Publication Date: September 14, 2010 (St. Martin's Press)

Nothing much happens in Tallow Beach. But when three mysterious teens enroll in the local high school, everything changes. Nobody knows the truth: that they are angels on a mission to save a world on the brink of destruction. When Beth, the youngest, falls for her classmate Xavier, she faces a frightening decision: will she defy the laws of Heaven by loving him? Things come to a head when the angels realize that they are not they only supernatural power in Tallow Beach. The unscrupulous Jack Thorn sees Beth as the easiest target to further his own dark ambitions. The angels and Xavier must use their powers to overcome darkness - but will Beth survive the battle?

Check out Halo on Amazon.com

When I saw this cover, I immediately wanted it. Isn't it beautiful?

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event spotlighting upcoming releases we are highly anticipating. It is hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine.

Interview with Lindsey Leavitt, Author of Princess for Hire

I'd like to extend a warm welcome to Lindsey Leavitt, author of the novel Princess for Hire. Lindsey stopped by to talk about her debut novel, which released in March. Let's get started!

Your debut novel, Princess for Hire is about Desi Bascomb, an ordinary girl with extraordinary powers. Desi has just about the greatest job ever- the chance to substitute for real princesses. Can you share with us a little teaser snippet to tantalize readers?

OK. But only because you said tantalize and that’s one of the best words ever. In this scene, Desi enters the Façade Agency for the first time.

…And then the door clicked open, revealing the real reception area. And… wow.

I’d never been in a fairy tale castle, but I imagined it must look something like this. Tall stain glass windows cast a rainbow of sunshine on the gold-inlay floors. The cathedral ceiling was covered in silver stars carved into a midnight sky. A monstrous chandelier reached down, radiating a warm glow on the front reception area. The whole place exuded majesty. Centuries of it.

“But… it’s a tower! The building was boxy and all glass… you couldn’t even fit this room on the whole floor—”

“Desi. I have magic powder that morphs your physical appearance. I travel in a bubble. And you might not have noticed, but my hair is consistently fabulous. There are few limits to what we can do.”

After a truly horrific day involving a groundhog costume and public humiliation, Desi makes a wish on an enchanted “wishing tank” in the back room of the pet store she works at. When you were Desi’s age, what would you have asked for if you could’ve made a wish like she did?You mean after peace on earth?

Oh man, it would probably have been something selfish and lame like becoming the best softball player ever or having every guy I meet like me (although after reading about a girl with a similar curse/gift in the charming HOW TO DITCH YOUR FAIRY by Justine Larbalestier, I’d reconsider that).Now that I’m older and wise, I’d be far more realistic. A forever-flowing chocolate fountain sounds about right

If Princess for Hire was to be made into a movie, who do you think would make a great Desi?

My new favorite TV show is Modern Family and I LOVE Ariel Winter, who plays the smart, snarky Alex.

Plus, she’s young enough that the movie could be in production for awhile and she’d still be a teenager.

Desi discovered that subbing for a princess involved more than waving at cameras while wearing tiaras. Which of her subbing assignments do you think you would’ve had the hardest time dealing with?

Desi has to perform an Amazon tribal dance. Notice the word DANCE. I would have totally gotten fired from that job. I took dance for about eight years as a kid and I was awful—the girl they stuck in the back corner during recitals. So yeah, I’d take addressing an international crisis over busting a move any day.

In your own experience, what is the best job you’ve ever had and what is the worst?

I’m currently living the life—mommy writer. It’s tough to juggle (Literally. I’m holding my baby and typing one-handed right now. Skillz!), but I’m so lucky to be doing the two things I love most.

Worst Job: I worked as a Physical Therapy Technician for a few weeks in college. The people I worked with were great (and my boss was my future father-in-law) BUT I had to give massages. Which may sound fancy, but sometimes people had hairy backs or weird moles or funky smells or… yeah. Not my thing.

What is the most surprising thing you’ve learned since becoming a published author?

I was surprised how much work goes into a book after the sale. I knew there would be revision, but I don’t think I totally understood the meaning of that word until I went through it. And I thank the Publishing Gods that I had an editor who really pushed me with this book.

You have a three book deal for Princess for Hire. Can you talk a little more about the next series installment, as well as any other projects you have in the works?

There really isn’t much I can say without giving much away on the first book. Um, the series follows Desi as she continues to balance her home and work life. Later books will be less episodic and focus more on the connections Desi makes.
Vague? Yep. I’m a tease of an author.

I also have a YA contemporary coming out with Bloomsbury in early 2011 called SEAN GRISWOLD’S HEAD. It’s about a girl who has one part of her life crash and builds it back up through her relationship with a boy in her class. And, um, his head.

Thank you Lindsey for taking the time to stop by!

Lindsey Leavitt grew up in Las Vegas and now lives in Alabama with her husband and two small daughters. Although she has been a substitute teacher and a homecoming princess, she has never been a substitute princess. Yet. She’s still scanning the Want Ads…

Visit Lindsey Leavitt's Official Website and Blog