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Wednesday, February 27, 2013

Blue Sky Review!

I was fortunate enough to receive an ARC of "Blue Sky" by Melissa Lemon. You know her, she's the brilliant one who wrote "Cinder and Ella" and "Snow Whyte and the Queen of Mayhem". :)

In keeping with the tradition of her writing amazing books, she decided to write ANOTHER great book! Here's the plot synopsis to give you an idea of the story before we jump in fully!



Synopsis:

Sunny is bereaving the sudden death of her parents. Lewis is a homeless runaway seeking shelter in Sunny's basement from an early winter storm. When they unexpectedly meet, Sunny wants nothing more than to kill him. After a bizarre hostage situation and a poker game, Sunny realizes that Lewis isn't out to hurt her. Their initial distaste turns to friendship and love, but Sunny isn't keen on starting a relationship with a man she knows so little about. Lewis is loyal, and his patience paramount. Sunny is hesitant but her love runs deep and true. They are separated unwillingly, and must struggle and face overwhelming odds to find each other again.

 


Bio:

Melissa has had many imaginary friends (and enemies) since she was a child. Her vivid imagination had her writing stories and jotting down book ideas for years until she finally sat down and finished a novel. She is married to an awesome man and the proud mother of three children. Music is also an important part of her life and she shares time with her music students teaching them piano, cello or guitar. Melissa is a graduate of the University of Utah and currently resides in the Salt Lake area.




My review: 


I definitely feel very fortunate that Melissa let me read this copy before the book was released. It's a story about two people who are lost and feeling alone. They both come to each other through odd circumstances but instead of ignoring the great potential for growth and love that could come from accepting each other, they actually give the odd situation a chance. I loved this book, I loved the story, and most of all I loved the dynamic characters that Melissa created and the way she was able to so vividly paint a picture of their lives that really touched me. I definitely recommend this book! Another great one from Melissa Lemon!







And here are some links!
Melissa's website
Add "Blue Sky" on Goodreads

Wednesday, February 20, 2013

The revolution is coming. What side are you on?

So I've noticed something as of late. All right so I've been noticing something for quite some time. It's an unsettling trend in our society that's becoming stronger and stronger every day. I felt like we were being brainwashed for something but I just couldn't figure out what it was.

Until now.

It didn't seem like the pattern really made any sense until I found the final missing piece to the puzzle.

I guess I should start at the beginning shouldn't I? Or at least, the beginning for me (sadly I've found out that this brainwashing started long ago but has taken off as of late!)


So look at the evidence, listen to my argument, and choose a side.


Exhibit A. Vampires:


We've got Edward from "Twilight" which I'm sure you're all familiar with.


And there's the "True Blood" books with it's humor and hunky guys... half of whom are vampires








And there's even the more juvinile (to make sure we start the brainwashing young) "The Littlest Vampire".





Now for Exhibit B. Werewolves:


Of course there's Jacob.



There's Alcide.


And to appeal to a young female audience (spoiler alert) there's Carolyn.



Still with me?


Now we have Exhibit C. Zombies:


The lovable "R" can't really be held accountable for being part of the brainwashing scheme... he's just too likable. But still, I must include him in the list.


I've never seen "The Walking Dead" but I'm sure some people you love get turned into zombies and are then, zombies you feel bad for.




Really the list goes on and I could spend all day on this. But these three peices of evidence aren't really conclusive for some unknown revolution. Want to know the REAL thing that tipped the scales and clued me in to the uprising happening right under our noses?


THIS GUY!



That's right. As the little girl says on "Poltergeist", They're here! Or back I should say. Who let this happen? Who released the Furby again! Didn't we learn from our mistakes last time guys or have you forgotten the Furby uprising only years ago?


Why do you think it is that we're making all of these books and movies about monsters that you just have to love? Why do we suddenly all love monsters?


 Like this!




What is this? Now their brainwashing kids as well?


Do you know what's really going on here? The Furby's have planned their uprising and so they've had to make sure humans love monsters so that when the Furby's take over, we'll all think, "Oh how cute! They're killing everyone! What little monsters".

I'll admit, I am not innocent in the monster love. I just can't help but love the evil A.I. GLaDOS.


But really people. Get a hold of yourself. We must fight back!

And so I ask you now. What side will you choose? Because when it comes to the Furby uprising, you can't be a fence sitter.

Until next time,

Shannen

Tuesday, February 12, 2013

Chasing June cover reveal Take 2!

So it was very kindly pointed out to me that there was a certain issue with my last cover for "Chasing June" that required me to change it. At first I was a bit sad BUT then I found a cover I loved a million times more so it ended up being a blessing in disguise! So that's always good right?


Anyway, without further ado, here is the REAL cover for "Chasing June".


Sorry for the confusion.

Enjoy!




What do you think of this one? I think I love it a lot more :)


Until next time!


<3 p="">
Shannen





Thursday, February 7, 2013

Rapunzel Untangled review!



 Hey guys! I was lucky enough to get an ARC from the lovely Cindy Bennett (Blog can be found here) of her newest book "Rapunzel Untangled" and now I'm even luckier to be participating in her blog hop! So sit back, relax, read my review, check out the other blog stops, and enter the giveaway contest for a copy of the book!




 




Here's the book blurb from the publisher:
Fab Fane Fannigan: Are you saying you live at GOTHEL MANSION??? The Gothel Mansion?

RG: My mother calls it Gothel Manor, so maybe that’s different?

Fab Fane Flannigan: No, Rapunzel, there’s only one that I know of. It has to be the same. Are you telling me the truth here?

RG: Yes, of course. Is it weird that I live here?

Fab Fane Flannigan: No, not weird, just . . . never mind. So you live in the tower?

RG: Uh, the tower? I don’t know. Is it a tower?

Fab Fane Flannigan: Yes, it is. I know where it is. I’ll be there Friday at 8.

Rapunzel sensed the difference in his tone. Something wasn’t right.

Fab Fane Flannigan: Rapunzel, promise me one thing.

RG: Okay.

Fab Fane Flannigan: Don’t Google your house.
 


Rapunzel is not your average teenager. For one thing, she has a serious illness that keeps her inside the mysterious Gothel Mansion. And for another, her hair is 15 feet long. Not to mention that she’s also the key to ultimately saving the world from certain destruction.

But then she meets a boy named Fane, who changes all she has ever known, and she decides to risk everything familiar to find out who she really is.

Filled with romance, adventure, and mystery, Rapunzel Untangled is one story you won’t want to put down. Discover the true meaning of love and friendship in this modern twist to the classic fairytale.


My review:
I received a copy of this book from Cindy Bennett a while back to do an endorsement for the back cover. I really didn't know what to expect when I picked it up. I knew it was a retelling of a fairytale and I knew I sure love the Rapunzel story so I figured it would be a light fun read and an overall enjoyable experience. Uh, hello? Complete understatement! This book was fabulous. I don't know what I expected but it totally went above and beyond my expectations. It was a modern retelling of the Rapunzel story and it seems like that wouldn't really throw you for a loop but there are so many twists and turns in this book that I wasn't expecting. It had romance (which I'm a sucker for), adventure, humor, and suspense. It was like reading the best of fifteen different genres all rolled into one perfect little Young Adult package! The characters were sweet and endearing, Rapunzel was charming and easy to like, and I may or may not have a slight crush on Fane now. Just don't tell anyone.  I loved Cindy's use of technology to really update this fairytale. It made it very different from any "typical fairytale retelling". It was fresh and very original. I give this book five stars! It's totally worth the read and you'll fall in love with the characters straight away! 





A Girl Trapped in a Mansion . . .



A Mysterious Old Woman . . .



The Boy Who Will Change Everything . . .








Rapunzel Untangled by Cindy C Bennett


Fab
Fane Fannigan:
Are you saying you live at GOTHEL MANSION??? The
Gothel Mansion?


RG:
My mother calls it Gothel Manor, so maybe that’s different?



Fab Fane
Flannigan:
No, Rapunzel, there’s only one that I know of. It has to be the same. Are you telling me the truth here?



RG:
Yes, of course. Is it weird that I live here?



Fab Fane
Flannigan:
No, not weird, just . . . never mind. So you live in the tower?



RG:
Uh, the tower? I don’t know. Is it a tower?



Fab Fane
Flannigan:
Yes, it is. I know where it is. I’ll be there Friday at 8.



Rapunzel sensed
the difference in his tone. Something wasn’t right.




Fab Fane
Flannigan:
Rapunzel, promise me one thing.



RG: Okay.




Fab
Fane Flannigan:
Don’t Google your house.


Rapunzel is
not your average teenager. For one thing, she has a serious illness that keeps
her inside the mysterious Gothel Mansion. And for another, her hair is 15 feet
long. Not to mention that she’s also the key to ultimately saving the world from
certain destruction.




But then she meets a boy
named Fane,
who changes all she has ever known, and she decides to risk everything familiar to find out who she
really is.





Filled with romance,
adventure, and mystery,
Rapunzel Untangled
is one story you won’t want to put down. Discover the true meaning of love and
friendship in this modern twist to the classic fairytale.



Rapunzel Untangled from Sweetwater Books February 12, 2013. Available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or at a bookstore near you!



Join the giveaway below for your chance to win one of many great prizes, including a Nook and an MP3 Player! (Domestic only. For international giveaway click here.) Nothing required to win other than signing in.




About the Author


  

Cindy C Bennett was born and raised in beautiful Salt Lake City, growing up in the shadows of the majestic Rocky Mountains. She and her husband - who happens to be her high-school sweetheart - raised two sons and two daughters. She's now blessed with two daughters-in-law as well. She developed a love of writing in high school when a teacher introduced her to the joys of escaping reality for ten minutes each day in writing.



When she's not writing, reading, or answering emails (notice there's no mention of cleaning, cooking, or anything remotely domestic), she can often be found riding her Harley through the beautiful canyons near her home. (Yes, she rides a Harley.)








You can find Cindy at:  Blog    Facebook    Twitter    Goodreads









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