Beauty and the Armageddon

"Dangerous Desires" by Dawn Altieri

2020-02-26T06:00:00.001-07:00

Three years after Emma Sloane's wealthy fiance's mysterious death, she's finally ready to move on and pursue her own dreams. But her plans are derailed when she's attacked outside her New York City apartment in what she thinks is a random violent incident. Then other women who look just like her start turning up dead...

Homicide Detective Jake Quinn is haunted by the one case he couldn't solve. When he's put in charge of a new high-profile murder case, he interviews a victim who escaped a similar attack—and to his shock it's Emma, the former fiancée of his unsolved murder victim.

Neither expects the sparks of attraction between them. But the killer escalates, clearly targeting Emma, and Jake's job is on the line. Can he solve this case before it's too late for both of them?

I wasn't quite the target audience for Dawn Altieri’s Dangerous Desires. I have enjoyed some novels that feature the murder, mystery and a sexy detective/police officer element, but this read confirmed that my reading preference is the type of novels that are more about the humor than the suspense and romance. However, I do not regret reading this novel.

Emma and Jake are very interesting characters with complicated chemistry. The mystery was engaging throughout and the plot felt relevant to life today. There were moments where I felt very nervous, waiting for our heroes to save the day. Overall, this is a very well written book, but the content was a little to intense for my personal preferences. While I favor novels that don’t raise my blood pressure, I definitely see the appeal. Reader’s that enjoy being on the edge of their seat throughout a novel will certainly want to check this book out!

Happy Reading!
-Melly

A lifelong resident of northern New Jersey, Dawn Altieri has been scribbling stories practically since birth. After reaching a milestone birthday (she won't say which one), she figured it was about time she took a shot at writing professionally.

With an overactive imagination and a slightly twisted mind, she enjoys reading dark and dangerous tales almost as much as writing them. When she's not curled up on the sofa with her laptop, her latest story, a box of chocolates and a cup of tea (or a glass of wine, depending on the time of day), she can be found volunteering in the world of animal rescue. To keep a roof over her head, she works in the printing industry as a graphic production artist. She shares her home with her husband and daughter, and a menagerie of rescued fur-babies.

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Book Tour: "Dangerous Desires" by Dawn Altieri

2020-02-26T06:00:00.000-07:00

Dangerous Desires

by Dawn Altieri

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Homicide Detective Jake Quinn is haunted by the one case he couldn't solve. When he's put in charge of a new high-profile murder case, he interviews a victim who escaped a similar attack—and to his shock it's Emma, the former fiancée of his unsolved murder victim.

Neither expects the sparks of attraction between them. But the killer escalates, clearly targeting Emma, and Jake's job is on the line. Can he solve this case before it's too late for both of them?

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"Queen of Babble" series by Meg Cabot

2020-01-31T17:15:00.000-07:00

Lizzie Nichols can't keep a secret to save her life. Now she's graduated from college and is ready to start her new life pursuing her lifelong dream of...refurbishing old wedding dresses? The only thing is, she can't seem to keep her mouth shut long enough not to screw it up...or ruin her relationship with dreamy Jean-Luc. What's a girl with a big mouth, but an equally big heart, to do?

I have a weird relationship with many of Meg Cabot's books that are written for adults. Because I was in my late tween/early teen years, when I first started reading her books, many of her books didn't appeal to me yet. I could relate to the teenage characters in her books, but not to the twenty-somethings. Because of this, there are still several of her books that I have put off reading. In a way, this is nice, because it gives me something to look forward to. I recently powered through the Queen of Babble series. I could not get enough of Lizzie and was a bit bummed that there are only three books in the series. Lizzie is funny and a bit chaotic. You're never quite sure what situation she is going to get into next. Throughout the three novels, we see her relationships, friendships, travels, jobs, and apartments. While these don't seem like the kinds of things that would be funny, Meg Cabot makes them hilarious.

A lot happens over the course of these three books. Lizzie's life turns upside down more than once, from traveling to France, falling in love, and changing careers. While the plots are not heavy, they are fairly compelling and quite fun. I enjoyed my time spent with Lizzie and this is exactly the kind of series that I will want to visit more than once. As a general rule, I don't read many books with heavy content. I like the kind of book that I can pick up at the end of the day and just have fun reading. The Queen of Babble series fits that requirement perfectly. I see this book appealing to fans of Emily Giffin or Sophie Kinsella's Shopaholic series.

Happy Reading!
-Melly

Support Theater Ensemble Arts

2020-01-26T08:00:00.000-07:00

I have been very fortunate to find local theater. While I am by no means an actress, I have fallen in love with working behind the scenes. My first experience with Theater Ensemble Arts was stage managing a production of An Evening of Culture. It was followed a few years later with stage managing (and last minute acting in) Drinking Habits. When the group put on Drinking Habits 2, I reprised my role as Mother Superior. This solidified knowing that I do not enjoy the acting process. But I have since stage managed another production and currently directing my first play. I thoroughly enjoy all of the extra work that needs to be done to put on a production. I have helped with sets, props, and done some light and sound execution. It's amazing to see all the moving parts and just how much time and effort it takes to put on a show. It's so gratifying to be a part of the process.

While I have been excited for every show I have been a part of, I am even more excited for this season. I am directing the first show, a comedy called Four Weddings and an Elvis. The script is hilarious and the cast has been nothing short of fantastic. The second show Sherlock Holmes and the Sinister Trio is also phenomenal (I say this with some bias, because my boyfriend wrote it. How cool is that? My boyfriend wrote a play and it is going to be performed!?). We will finish off the season with A Midsummer Night's Dream which will be performed at an outdoor theater. Overall, it is going to be an amazing season.

The members of the board have been hard at work fundraising, so I am throwing the information out there in case any of my wonderful followers are in position to help us out. Below is the information about being a sponsor and we also take donations. And if you are in the area, come check out the shows (season tickets can be purchased online. Thanks everyone!

Support Local Theater!

-Melly

Keep Tales of Tomorrow/Cosmic Cafe Open Downtown!

2020-01-25T18:53:00.000-07:00

I am lucky to live in a place with a great downtown. There is lots to see and do, plenty of restaurants, and some interesting shops. Unfortunately there is some necessary construction taking place and some of the businesses are suffering. Once the construction is complete, downtown will be even better, we just have to get through it. My absolute favorite place downtown is the local comic book shop/cafe. I am hoping that with the support of our wonderful community, they will be able to keep their doors open. Even though comics aren't quite my forte, Tales of Tomorrow also has a wonderful selection of reading material for kids, a variety of games (such as Warhammer), an assortment of cosplay materials and so much more. On top of that, the customer service is phenomenal. The Cosmic Cafe offers coffee, teas, Italian sodas and baked goods, all prepared on site. I always feel very welcome here, whether I am just stopping in for a quick treat, or staying to write- our theater group has even read plays here. The atmosphere is wonderful and the staff are amazing. It seems that my town isn't always the best at keeping local establishments open, so I am hoping that this will change for Tales of Tomorrow and The Cosmic Cafe. My town is so lucky to have these wonderful businesses and their staff. If you live in the area and haven't paid them a visit you are missing out. And if you are in the position to donate to them and help them keep their doors open, you will have my undying gratitude.

Cherry Italian Soda prepared by the Cosmic Cafe

Happy Reading (and coffee drinking)!

-Melly

From the Go Fund Me:

Friends and Family: Tales of Tomorrow is the only independently owned comic bookstore in the Four Corners.

We put down stakes here, Downtown, in the heart of Farmington New Mexico. We believed that the Four Corners community would benefit from our location, products, and services we provide.

For two years, we have watched as a community grew within and around Tales of Tomorrow.

Despite our best efforts, our ship of glossy paper dreams is taking on water, and we need you to bail us out.

The very best way to support us is to visit the store or the café. Providing you with comics and coffee fulfills our mission.

If you would like to assist us from afar, please consider giving us a donation.

In return for your faith and funds, we are restructuring the business. Hopefully, this will see us through the next phases of construction.

We value your inclusion in our lives and thank you for allowing us to be a part of yours.

Love,

- Steve, Derek, Joy, Nate, Kim, Heather, and Dakota

Tales of Tomorrow & the Cosmic Café

"Karen's Witch" by Ann M. Martin, Illustrated by Katy Farina

2020-01-24T17:05:00.000-07:00

Karen Brewer lives next door to Mrs. Porter, who wears long robes and has wild gray hair. Mrs. Porter has a black cat named Midnight and always seems to be working in her garden. Karen isn't supposed to spy on her neighbor, but she's determined to prove that Mrs. Porter is a witch named Morbidda Destiny!

Mrs. Porter is getting ready to have a special meeting at her house, and Karen is sure the meeting is for witches. Are they going to cast a spell on Karen? Or will she be brave enough to send them away -- once and for all?

Once upon a time, seven-year-old me went to a garage sale and came upon a box of books: the first 19 books in The Baby-Sitters Little Sisters series and the first Super Special. It took some convincing to get my mom to buy the complete set (and if I recall correctly, the seller wasn’t too keen to break-up the set so if we were going to get them, we had to get them all). In some ways I suspect that she came to realize that this was an amazing purchasing as these were the books that would start my reading obsession. (and what parent doesn’t want their kid to enjoy reading). On the other hand, this purchase was also the beginning of a huge financial investment into the world of Ann M. Martin so she may still have some regrets. Either way, Karen Brewer is the reason I love the written word. I don’t remember how long it took me the finish these 20 books, but I know that before I was done with the second grade, I had finished every BSCLS book available in my personal collection and at the public library. I soon moved onto The Baby-Sitters Club series and have spent almost 25 years with these beloved characters. On occasion, I go through books from my childhood and clear out space by either donating them or exchanging them at the local used book store. But Ann M. Martin’s books are the books that I will never part with.

Nostagia seems to be a huge selling point right now. I tend to get turned off by this (did we really need the 2016 Ghostbusters?). But there is that special place in my heart for any content set in Stoneybrook, Connecticut so I lap up anything released with Martin’s name on it. The graphic novel release of Karen’s Witch is no exception. I think the Little Sister series works better for a re-release than The Baby-Sitters Club. Karen is only six or seven (depending on the book) so technology isn’t as much of a driving force for her books. In the 90s, it was the cool thing to be the kid with your own phone line in your bedroom, so of course Claudia’s personal line was amazing. Now, the concept of four to seven girls gathering three times a week to sit around waiting for a landline to ring is a bit odd. So while I have enjoyed the new graphic novels featuring the BSC, the books haven’t aged quite as well as I would have liked. However, Karen’s universe works really well even now.

Karen Brewer lives most of the time at her mommy’s house and every other weekend at her daddy’s house. A witch lives next door to her daddy’s, or so she believes. Everyone in her family tells her to leave Mrs. Porter alone, but Karen is determined to find out the truth and reveal Morbidda Destiny to the world. She tries to stay up all night to catch Morbidda Destiny flying on a broom, but falls asleep. When she and her best friend, Hannie catch wind of a witches meeting, she becomes even more determined to let all of Stoneybrook know that there is a witch in town.

The graphic novel (illustrated by Katy Farina) hits the same beats as the original book. There isn’t quite as much backstory and character development as I recall, but that seems to be the norm in graphic novels. The style of this book works well with the material and is easy to follow. I would say my only complaint is that some of the characters looked a little different than how they were portrayed in previous BSC books. While this makes sense as they have different artists, I could see this being a tad confusing for readers who aren’t as exposed to the material (kids reading it for the first time, as opposed to those of that grew up with the first run of the material). However, I do see this book appealing to young readers and those little details not being important. My hope is that readers do enjoy this book and reach out for other books by Ann M. Martin. The advantage is that she has written so many books, there isn’t the annoyance that is waiting for a new book to come out and the enjoyment of the material can last. I would recommend this books for girls around six to nine, and especially those that are in the early stages of reading that aren’t quite ready for things such as Dork Diaries or Smile. This book would also be good for families to read together as there is also the lesson behind the story (don’t spy on the neighbors) and can be a good opportunity for family discussion. Either way, this book is worth a read.

Happy Reading!

-Melly

2019 Top Ten

2019-12-23T14:57:00.001-07:00

Christmas Shopaholic by Sophie Kinsella
No Judgements by Meg Cabot
After I Do by Taylor Jenkins Reid
The Good Neighbor by Maxwell King
Forever Interrupted by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Guts Raina Telgemeier
Front Desk by Kelly Yang
When in Doubt, Add Butter by Beth Harbison
Reaching for the Moon by Katherine Johnson
The Wedding Date by Jasmine Guillory

Most of my reading this year was purely for fun. Sadly I don’t have as much time to read as I used to, and I have even less time for reviewing, but I did manage to hit 105 books. Looking through my books read, there was a high number of books that didn’t really spark for me (and many that I didn’t even finish). Perhaps I am becoming picky. However, each of these books resonated with me and I had a wonderful time reading them and spending time with the characters.

And on the best note, Christmas Shopaholic was the best Shopaholic book we’ve had in a few years, so I was over the moon and am already ready to read it again!

Merry Christmas, Happy New Year and (most importantly), Happy Reading!

See you in 2020!

-Melly

" Prairie Fires: The American Dreams of Laura Ingalls Wilder" by Caroline Fraser

2019-09-12T18:00:00.000-06:00

Millions of readers of Little House on the Prairie believe they know Laura Ingalls―the pioneer girl who survived blizzards and near-starvation on the Great Plains, and the woman who wrote the famous autobiographical books. But the true saga of her life has never been fully told. Now, drawing on unpublished manuscripts, letters, diaries, and land and financial records, Caroline Fraser―the editor of the Library of America edition of the Little House series―masterfully fills in the gaps in Wilder’s biography. Revealing the grown-up story behind the most influential childhood epic of pioneer life, she also chronicles Wilder's tumultuous relationship with her journalist daughter, Rose Wilder Lane, setting the record straight regarding charges of ghostwriting that have swirled around the books.

The Little House books, for all the hardships they describe, are paeans to the pioneer spirit, portraying it as triumphant against all odds. But Wilder’s real life was harder and grittier than that, a story of relentless struggle, rootlessness, and poverty. It was only in her sixties, after losing nearly everything in the Great Depression, that she turned to children’s books, recasting her hardscrabble childhood as a celebratory vision of homesteading―and achieving fame and fortune in the process, in one of the most astonishing rags-to-riches episodes in American letters.

Spanning nearly a century of epochal change, from the Indian Wars to the Dust Bowl, Wilder’s dramatic life provides a unique perspective on American history and our national mythology of self-reliance. With fresh insights and new discoveries, Prairie Fires reveals the complex woman whose classic stories grip us to this day.

I think it's been well established that I am quite the Laura Ingalls Wilder fan. I just finished re-reading the series again a few months ago and that always revs up my desire to visit each of the places Wilder resided (someday, it's going to happen). This book had been on my list for quite some time and while it was an enjoyable read, I'm not certain it will make it onto my read again list.

First off, this is a heft of a book. I read Prairie Fires on the Libby app and would be reading for quite some time only to discover that I had only made 1 or 2% progress. While this was a bit daunting, I did find the material overall quite interesting, but I can see why others would not. This book goes heavy into the history of the Ingalls family, starting with events before Laura's birth. Additionally, it spends a great deal of time talking about events of the era, not just what was immediately surrounding Laura and her family. This theme runs throughout the book. Personally, I liked this element. As Laura's life spanned from covered wagon to the very beginning of the space race, I felt like those extra details helped give me some perspective. That said, these passages made this book very long. Additionally, quite a bit of this book focuses on Laura's daughter, Rose Wilder Lane. Again, I could see where this would get tiresome for casual readers, but I did find the in depth research interesting (and have also decided that I am not very fond of Rose, but that doesn't effect the quality of this book).

The amount of information presented in the book is enormous. It's clear that Caroline Fraser put a tremendous amount of time into researching Laura and her family. Overall, the writing style isn't nearly as engaging and inviting as so many other pieces about Wilder, but I'm okay with that. Though she presented her family's life to be full of happy endings in her novels, there were many moments in Laura Ingalls Wilder's life that lacked joy. As we all know, much of this was omitted from the Little House series and they were written for children so it makes sense to have the stories reworked to be more cohesive and a bit happier. However, Fraser dug deep and gives details about the Ingall's time in Burr Oak and the struggles brushed over in The First Four Years. I especially appreciated the focus on Wilder's life between leaving De Smet and writing the series, it seems that this era is usually glossed over in other biographies, especially those aimed at younger readers. I also appreciated that she didn't gloss over Rose's existence. While I am not her biggest fan, we wouldn't have The Little House had it not been for Rose. In some ways, I feel that this is the most honest biography I have read as it does acknowledge Rose's influence on her mother's writing.

Personally, I don't feel like this book is going to appeal to anyone who isn't deeply interested in learning more about the life of Laura Ingalls Wilder. The details are a bit too much and the writing a bit too dry. But for those looking for the in depth story behind The Little House books, this book may be of some enjoyment. I have zero regrets in choosing this book and loved that I learned some new things. However, I also wouldn't be surprised if other's decided that this book just wasn't for them.

Happy Reading!

-Melly

"The Tattooist of Auschwitz: A Novel" by Heather Morris

2019-01-06T08:00:00.000-07:00

In April 1942, Lale Sokolov, a Slovakian Jew, is forcibly transported to the concentration camps at Auschwitz-Birkenau. When his captors discover that he speaks several languages, he is put to work as a Tätowierer (the German word for tattooist), tasked with permanently marking his fellow prisoners.

Imprisoned for over two and a half years, Lale witnesses horrific atrocities and barbarism—but also incredible acts of bravery and compassion. Risking his own life, he uses his privileged position to exchange jewels and money from murdered Jews for food to keep his fellow prisoners alive.

One day in July 1942, Lale, prisoner 32407, comforts a trembling young woman waiting in line to have the number 34902 tattooed onto her arm. Her name is Gita, and in that first encounter, Lale vows to somehow survive the camp and marry her.

A vivid, harrowing, and ultimately hopeful re-creation of Lale Sokolov's experiences as the man who tattooed the arms of thousands of prisoners with what would become one of the most potent symbols of the Holocaust, The Tattooist of Auschwitz is also a testament to the endurance of love and humanity under the darkest possible conditions

I have read a lot on the holocaust. The majority of what I have read is non-fiction, and the majority of that is memoirs. However, many of the fiction pieces I have read are just as memorable and almost as gut wrenching as pieces written by people who lived through the experience. Naturally, when I came across The Tattooist of Auschwitz, it caught my attention. I knew nothing going in other than the the title, so at first I didn't realize that it was based on the true accounts of Lale Sokolo. I'm sad to say that I wasn't very impressed with this particular book.

The story at the heart of the novel is fascinating. I did my own research on the real people in this novel and the history behind the novel is nothing short of amazing. Lale was an incredibly courageous man and his love for Gita is so inspiring. Their lives after the novel were also interesting. So why didn't this novel appeal to me? I think the first thing that bothered me was the writing. The novel is written in first person, which didn't work for me. I wondered if the technique was chosen so that it didn't feel like a piece of history but instead like the reader was really there in the moment. Whatever the reason, it was somewhat annoying to read. Additionally, I felt like the writing itself was rather bland. Morris does a good job of hitting all of the correct beats that one would expect to find in a book that takes place at Auschwitz, but I never really felt terror like I expect when dealing with such subjects. I felt like I was moving from one moment to the next, but in a way that wasn't compelling. I liked that the story got started almost immediately, with almost not build up, but it still felt rather boring throughout it's entirety. I also struggled because scenes transitioned at odd times without much warning. The last thing that bothered me, was that this book is a novel. Heather Morris describes meeting with Sokolo before writing the book. I can't help but wonder what liberties were taken that made this book be listed as a work of fiction. Perhaps I would have enjoyed it more if it weren't fictionalized.

I suppose it should be noted that I watched Schindler's List for the first time the night before I read this novel. Perhaps the bar was unfairly raised. Maybe, I was subconsciously expecting more than could be delivered in a novel. Whatever, the reason, this book wasn't for me. I'm glad I read it because I was able to learn the captivating history of several people, I just wish that I had come across these people in a different context.

Happy Reading!

-Melly

Blog Tour: "Paper Girl" by Cindy R. Wilson

2018-12-11T06:00:00.000-07:00

Paper Girl
by Cindy R. Wilson
Genre: YA Contemporary Fiction
Release date: December 4th 2018
Entangled Teen

Summary:

I haven’t left my house in over a year. My doctor says it’s social anxiety, but I know the only things that are safe are made of paper. My room is paper. My world is paper. Everything outside is fire. All it would take is one spark for me to burst into flames. So I stay inside. Where nothing can touch me.

Then my mom hires a tutor. Jackson. This boy I had a crush on before the world became too terrifying to live in. Jackson’s life is the complete opposite of mine, and I can tell he’s got secrets of his own. But he makes me feel things. Makes me want to try again. Makes me want to be brave. I can almost taste the outside world. But so many things could go wrong, and all it takes is one spark for everything I love to disappear...

About the Author

Cindy lives at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, and loves using Colorado towns and cities as inspiration for settings in her stories. She's the mother of three girls, who provide plenty of fodder for her YA novels. Cindy writes speculative fiction and YA fiction, filled with a healthy dose of romance. You'll often find her hiking or listening to any number of playlists while she comes up with her next story idea.

Author Links:

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Book Tour: "Illusions" by Madeline J. Reynolds

2018-11-14T00:00:00.000-07:00

Illusions

by Madeline J. Reynolds

Genre: YA Fantasy/Historical Victorian

Release Date: November 6th 2018

Entangled Teen

Summary:

Dear Thomas,

I know you're angry. It's true, I was sent to expose your mentor as a fraud illusionist, and instead I have put your secret in jeopardy. I fear I have even put your life in jeopardy. For that I can only beg your forgiveness. I've fallen for you. You know I have. And I never wanted to create a rift between us, but if it means protecting you from those who wish you dead—I'll do it. I'll do anything to keep you safe, whatever the sacrifice. Please forgive me for all I've done and what I'm about to do next. I promise, it's one magic trick no one will ever see coming.

Love,

Saverio

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About the Author

Madeline J. Reynolds is a YA fantasy author living in Chicago. Originally from Minneapolis, she has a background in journalism and has always loved storytelling in its various forms. When not writing, she can be found exploring the city, eating Thai food, or lost in an epic Lord of the Rings marathon.

Author Links:

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Book Tour: "Poohsticks Bridge" by The Birch Twins

2018-10-26T06:00:00.000-06:00

Poohsticks Bridge

by The Birch Twins

Genre: Romantic Fiction

Beginning as a childhood game, Poohsticks Bridge tells the sweet story of a friendship between two children that, through the years, blossoms into adult love with an unbreakable bond and faith in one another. John and Melissa are tested throughout their lives by hardships, pain, and separation, yet their love and determination to live life together to its fullest never falters. In today’s culture of having everything, this couple shows us how a few, simple things can lead to a satisfying and fulfilling life.

Poignant in the extreme, you’ll want to keep the tissues nearby. These two will make you laugh, cry, and fall in love … with life and with them.

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I write under the name “The Birch Twins.” Helen, my twin, didn’t live to see life, and so I write for her. I’m a full time poverty stricken doll artist who took to writing as I seemed to spend more time writing out little back stories for the characters I created. My first book The Life of LOL was written in five weeks, and was about gangsters, grifters and drifters. Lots of cartoon slapstick violence mixed with a serious message.

Poohsticks Bridge, the new novel, shows my twin’s voice at is strongest as it tells the story of a little boy who begins to grow up lonely and alone, until he meets a little girl. It’s a glimpse of a life that Helen and I could have had together. She writes through me, I can feel her presence and hear her voice. Her tone is often wistful, low on movement, mature and often quiet, while I am brash and loud and full of silly car chases and boyhood dreams of rockets to the moon. We have the perfect writing partnership.

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YA Discovery Contest

2018-10-10T06:00:00.000-06:00

THE ANNUAL
YA DISCOVERY CONTEST
BEGINS
NOVEMBER 1ST!!

No query? No pitch? No problem!

Get in front of top YA Editors and Agents
with only the first 250 words of your YA novel!

Serendipity Literary Agency is hosting our 2018 Young Adult Novel Discovery Contest.

Do you have a young adult novel—or a YA novel idea—tucked away for a rainy day? Have you been putting off pitching your idea simply because you’re not sure how to pitch an agent? No problem! All you have to do is submit the first 250 words of your novel and you can win exposure to editors and a critique of your manuscript by one of New York’s TOP literary agents, Regina Brooks.

Regina Brooks is the CEO of Serendipity Literary Agency and the author of the award-winning book Writing Great Books For Young Adults, now available in its second edition.

—NOVEMBER IS NaNoWriMo—
In honor of National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo.org)—an international event where aspiring novelists are encouraged to write an entire novel in 30 days—this contest is meant to encourage the aspiring YA author to get started on that novel by offering an incentive for completing the first 250 words.

You too can join one of the many contest finalists who have gone on to get a top tier agent and an amazing publishing deal!

Testimonial

“I never had much luck with query letters. Writing about my book was harder than writing the book itself! So, when I saw the Discovery Contest, I jumped at the chance to let my book speak for itself. I was thrilled when I won…but not as thrilled as I was when I was offered representation. Getting my agent was just the start: what followed was invaluable revisions and development that transformed my book from a great story into an unforgettable journey. Shortly afterward, The Whitecoat’s Daughter was sold at auction, and is now due for publication with HarperCollins in 2018. We’re beginning work on foreign rights and talks with film agents and it’s hard to believe that all this started with winning a contest. I always said I just needed someone to read the book—not a query letter: the book—and it turned out I was right. The Discovery Contest gave me the chance I needed, and I will always be grateful.”

—Olivia Cole, “The Whitecoat’s Daughter”
(retitled "A Conspiracy of Stars")

(Garnered a two-book deal at auction with Katherine Tegen Books)

So… Enter To Win November 1st!!

Great Prizes

The Grand Prize Winner will have the opportunity to receive a full manuscript critique from YA literary agent Regina Brooks, plus a collection of gourmet teas from Possibiliteas.co!

The Top Five Entrants (including the Grand Prize Winner) will receive a 15-minute, one-on-one pitch session with Regina Brooks, one of New York's premier literary agents for young adult books. They will also receive commentary on their submissions from editors at HarperCollins, Little, Brown, Macmillan, Skyhorse, Simon and Schuster, Abrams Books, Penguin Random House, Disney, and James Patterson’s new imprint, JIMMY Patterson.

First 50 Entrants receive a copy of Writing Great Books for Young Adults by Regina Brooks.

Here's How It Works

Entering the contest is easy and the rules are simple. Entries are to be submitted via the contest website at serendipitylit.com/contest. Valid entries shall include the title and ONLY the first 250 words of your manuscript.

One entry per person; anyone age 14+ can apply. There is a $15 entry fee. Open to the U.S. and Canada (void where prohibited). Entries for the YA Novel Discovery Contest will be accepted from 12:01 am (ET) November 1st, 2018 until 11:59 pm November 30th, 2018 (ET).

YA literary agent Regina Brooks and her team will read all of the entries and determine the top 20 submissions. These submissions will then be read by editors at from some of the top publishing houses, who will be announced as we get closer to the contest. These judges will whittle the top 20 down to five winners, including a Grand Prize Winner.

So… Enter To Win November 1st!!

"Cars, Coffee, and a Slightly Used Casket" by K. C. Hilton

2018-10-09T10:00:00.000-06:00

Our favorite car dealer is back, kicking ass and taking names, and she's just as fabulous as ever.

Julia Karr is a used car lot owner and she isn't expecting an invitation to the popularity pool. Her business is drowning with past due accounts, difficult customers and crazy repossessions. In order to get the vacation of her dreams, Julia makes a deal with her husband.

After catching a burglar, tackling a customer, and looking down the barrel of a gun, it's clear to this feisty car dealer that her vacation may be harder to achieve than she thought. Daily chaos drives Julia to eat more chocolate, buy more wine, and prepare for the afterlife. She could blame it on the contractor, the cheap casket, or a naked friend, but she'd rather blame it on the car lot.

Julia Karr is at it again. It's always one crazy thing after another when it comes to her and her used car lot. This time around, she catches a would-be burglar stuck in her office window, is remodeling her kitchen and making plans for what will happen once she's no longer living (it helps that the local mortician makes amazing cookies). You just never know what will happen when Julia is around.

I enjoyed Cars, Coffee, and a Slightly Used Casket far more than the first book (it's advertised that you can read these as stand alones, but I don't recommend it. Read Cars, Coffee and a Badass Ninja Toilet first). While several of the chapters were semi episodic, this book had an overall plot from start to finish which appears to be a necessity in my reading. Several characters had and arc this time as well. I also liked that there was more character development and overall more characters. I'm still not in love with the made up names for characters (Julia's husband is Romeo for instance) nor with some of the pun humor (not my taste), but as I am now used to that being the style, it didn't bother me as much this time around. The one thing that really bothered me was the reference to Janet Evanoich's Stephanie Plum series, but I know that I just don't like those kind of references in books.

Overall, this was a fun read. I wasn't certain if I would like this book as the first one wasn't quite my cup of tea (or coffee), but I always feel the need to finish a series once I start. I am glad that I kept reading. It really felt like K.C. Hilton had found her niche with Julia's character and this book was so much stronger than the first. I never felt like I was waiting for the action to get started. I'm very curious to see where this series goes (assuming there are more books coming, I'm not privy to that information). Readers that enjoy zany characters in hilarious and unbelievable situations, will likely enjoy reading this book.

Happy Reading!

-Melly

"Cars, Coffee, and a Badass Ninja Toilet" by K.C. Hilton

2018-10-09T08:30:00.000-06:00

Julia Karr owns and runs the used car lot next to her house. Every day is busy and most of the customers are a little bit crazy. She encounters everything from people taking trucks for "test drives" so that they can move furniture, customers insisting on talking to her husband so they can buy a car, snakes, and redoing her bathroom (hence the toilet). She's been doing this long enough, that most encounters don't take her by surprise anymore, but they will surprise the reader. This novel is certainly zany!

I chose to review Cars, Coffee, and a Badass Ninja Toilet because it sounded funny (it seems like there isn't a huge market for humorous books, but I love them) and because it was compared to Janet Evanovich's Stephanie Plum series. Now don't get me wrong, this book was funny, but don't go into it expecting Julia Karr to be another Stephanie Plum. The story is not plot driven. Each chapter is very episodic, perfect for the reader who doesn't have the time to commit to a long novel. It's very easy to pause between chapters. It's mostly the day to day goings of Julia as she runs the car lot (and drinks a lot of coffee). I wasn't disappointed by this book, but it wasn't exactly what I was expecting. This book is good for those that work in a setting where you deal with customers and have those "is this really happening" moments. Julia deals with this every day so she is quick on her feet and always ready with a comeback. K. C. Hilton has created a quirky character who is rather memorable.

I don't know how to categorize this novel other than humor. There is no real conflict and each chapter is more or less it's own story. The only reoccurring characters are Julia and her husband, with a few side characters who are mostly just referred to. I'm not used to books like this, but in a way it was enjoyable. Sometimes, I don't like books with a lot of end-of-chapter cliff hangers. Sometimes I know that I have to deal with responsibilities outside of reading and tell myself I need to stop reading at the end of a chapter. It was very easy to do so with this book. It is a light read, good for vacation or when you aren't in the mood for something intense. It's also great if you are looking for something that will make you chuckle. And if you enjoy this one, make sure you check out the sequel: Cars, Coffee, and a Slightly Used Casket.

Happy Reading!
-Melly

Book Tour and Giveaway: "Cars, Coffee, and a Slightly Used Casket" by K.C. Hilton

2018-10-09T08:00:00.000-06:00

Cars, Coffee, and a Slightly Used Casket

Julia Karr Book 2

by K.C. Hilton

Genre: Humor, Satire

**Recipient of the 2018 Readers' Favorite Finalist Award!**

Our favorite car dealer is back, kicking ass and taking names, and she's just as fabulous as ever.

Julia Karr is a used car lot owner and she isn't expecting an invitation to the popularity pool. Her business is drowning with past due accounts, difficult customers and crazy repossessions. In order to get the vacation of her dreams, Julia makes a deal with her husband.

After catching a burglar, tackling a customer, and looking down the barrel of a gun, it's clear to this feisty car dealer that her vacation may be harder to achieve than she thought. Daily chaos drives Julia to eat more chocolate, buy more wine, and prepare for the afterlife. She could blame it on the contractor, the cheap casket, or a naked friend, but she'd rather blame it on the car lot.

Author C.J. Anaya -- Julia Karr is the Stephanie Plum of car dealers.

Can easily be read as a standalone!

Goodreads * Amazon

Cars, Coffee, and a Badass Ninja Toilet

Julia Karr Book 1

If you deal with customers day after day who drive you insane, give you reasons to drink alcohol, or make you want to quit your job, this book is definitely for you.

A chaotic and hilarious portrait of a used car lot owner, Julia Karr. Her feisty attitude and fearless approach to managing a business, how it affects her home life and dealings with customers will have you scratching your head about humanity.

Author C.J. Anaya -- Julia Karr is the Stephanie Plum of car dealers.

Cars, Coffee, and a Badass Ninja Toilet (Julia Karr Series) by K.C. Hilton is a great addition to books with strong female lead characters who work hard, love their family, deal with outrageous people on a daily basis and try to live a normal life.

Can easily be read as a standalone!

Goodreads * Amazon

K.C. is a wife, mother and manages the family business. K.C.’s husband refers to her as Hobbit size and claims that she is “nuttier than a fruit cake.”

She owns a complete set of pink tools, believes in aliens and secretly wants to become a badass ninja. In her spare time, she can be found daydreaming about leaving work early to eat chocolate and drink wine. Sometimes her dreams come true.

Website * Facebook * Twitter * Pinterest * Amazon * Goodreads

Follow the tour HERE for exclusive content and a giveaway!

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"The Kiss Quotient" by Helen Hoang

2018-10-01T06:00:00.000-06:00

Stella Lane thinks math is the only thing that unites the universe. She comes up with algorithms to predict customer purchases--a job that has given her more money than she knows what to do with, and way less experience in the dating department than the average thirty-year-old.

It doesn't help that Stella has Asperger's and French kissing reminds her of a shark getting its teeth cleaned by pilot fish. Her conclusion: she needs lots of practice--with a professional. Which is why she hires escort Michael Phan. The Vietnamese and Swedish stunner can't afford to turn down Stella's offer, and agrees to help her check off all the boxes on her lesson plan--from foreplay to more-than-missionary position...

Before long, Stella not only learns to appreciate his kisses, but to crave all the other things he's making her feel. Soon, their no-nonsense partnership starts making a strange kind of sense. And the pattern that emerges will convince Stella that love is the best kind of logic...

Stella has Asperger's and is aware that it has affected her personal life. She is happy with her work and her routine, but her mother wants more for her. She hasn't enjoyed the dating process, but decides to give it another try. She ends up signing up for an escort service. Through this, she meets Michael. She asks him to give her lessons, so that she can someday be someone's girlfriend. Michael is a hard worker. He has taken a job escorting so that he can pay the bills. Over the course of the novel, we find out just how much he has sacrificed and why these bills are so important. As expected, the two fall in love, but neither tells the other. Things begin to fall apart, as each one falls deeper and deeper in love, but assumes that other doesn't have the same feelings.

I am torn on The Kiss Quotient. I loved the premise of the plot. I liked that the initial set-up was unconventional. I loved seeing Stella and Michael fall for each other. I loved seeing how their lives evolved because they met each other. I thought that their dynamic was very interesting. I enjoyed the overall story. What got to me was all of the sex in this book. It felt like there were too many and they just got longer and longer. To me, it almost felt like this was the nerdier version of Fifty Shades of Grey. By the last few scenes, I was skipping ahead because it had gotten boring and I was desperate for plot. Usually I don't have a problem with these sort of scenes, but I guess I just wasn't expecting them with this particular novel. For that reason, I rated this book a 3 out of 5. If those particular chapters were shorter, or just not as frequent, I would have enjoyed this book a lot more.

As for the main plot, I enjoyed myself. I didn't feel that the story was groundbreaking by any means. It followed the same beats as many romances, but was still a great experience. I loved the characters, because they felt like characters I have never met before. I don't recall reading any books aimed at adults that featured an autistic character, and certainly none that were the main character. I also liked that Helen Hoang incorporated things about Michael's culture into the story as well. I felt that not only was the book a fun read, I learned some things too (and really wanted some Vietnamese food). I also really appreciated that it was Stella was in the successful role and that Michael was the one who was struggling through life. It was nice to see a reversal of the stereotype. As a whole, I recommend this book, but know that if you aren't a fan of steamier novels, this one may not be for you.

Happy Reading!

-Melly

Library Card Sign-up Month! Why YOU Should Have a Library Card

2018-09-30T06:00:00.000-06:00

As today is the last day of Library Card Sign-up Month, I wanted to share some of the reasons I feel that it is so important to have a library card and to use your library. I'm aware of the very controversial opinion piece put out by Forbes, about why Amazon would replace libraries. Unlike many, I didn't get angry, I just laughed because I know it's going to take something even more amazing than Amazon (and I love Amazon) to replace all that libraries have to offer.

Books, Books, Books!

So, obviously, my favorite thing about libraries are the books. I love reading and there isn't anything quite as magical as a space filled with books. I love that I can check out anything I want, whenever I want and it's free. If I really enjoy a book, then I can seek out buying a copy, but if I didn't enjoy the book, I am not out anything. I love browsing the shelves to find authors that I've never read. I love book displays. I just love books. And libraries have a little bit of everything- stories for me, stories for children, cookbooks, history, poetry, how-to...the list goes on forever!

Libby

On top of physical books, I love ebooks. My library cards (yes, cards. I have three cards for three different libraries in my state) are connected to Libby app and I literally can check out books at any time of the day. There is nothing worse than finishing an amazing book and realizing the library is closed. With Libby, the library of books is never closed! And they are still free to check out! Plus, because they are on my phone (my chosen devise) I can read where ever I am- in line at the grocery store, while waiting at the drive through, on my lunch break- any time! Seriously, if you aren't using this service, you're crazy.

Newspapers and Magazines

I know it's not as common for people to have subscriptions to newspapers anymore. I really appreciate that I can access my local (and surrounding area) newspapers at the library. Sure, it's not as convenient as getting it delivered to my doorstop, but it is cheaper. I also like that if there is an issue of a magazine that I am interested in, I can go read the article, without having to pay for an entire magazine.

Computers, Internet, and WiFi

We live in an age, where the majority of people either have a computer at home or a smart device. But not everyone has access to these devices. Libraries are a great resource for those that can't afford a computer or internet. In addition, many libraries offer free WiFi as well (my library requires that you have a library card to offer these services. What a great deal!) On top of that, libraries often have the ability to print from the computer and make copies. It may not be free, but it's probably cheaper than your local office supply store.

Movies and CDs

I heavily utilize my library's media collection. Yes, I have Netflix and Hulu, but not everything I want to watch is on these site. Additionally, sometimes I come across a DVD that I had no idea existed, but looks fascinating. It's so easy to check out a free movie! The same goes with streaming music. I don't have a fancy car that allows me to have an endless supply of music, so I still check out CDs quite often to listen to when I am driving. And on the note of driving...

Audio Books

Again, my car isn't fancy, so I check out a lot of books on CD to use in the car. It really makes drives go by so much quicker. I also utilize the audio book feature on the Libby App. I've started listening to audio books when I clean, and it makes the process far less painful. I get caught up in the story so I'm not focused on how boring cleaning can be. And, because I want to keep listening, I stay motivated longer- my house has never been cleaner!

Free Online Databases

This is a service that I personally don't utilize as often as I should. My library offers a wide variety of databases. Some are great for research, some show how to repair cars or things around the house. Some can teach you a new language or information on genealogy. It blows my mind as to how much information is available to me, and all for free with my library card!

Free Programs- for all ages!

Because I have a toddler, we utilize the programs geared for his age. But there is so much more than that. My library offers programs for all age groups. Babies, toddlers, afterschool, teens, adults- everyone! There are storytimes, movies, book groups, authors, musicians...I can go on and on. They've even done programs for the Pokemon Go crowd. And again, it is all free!

A Location

This one is probably a little weird, but bear with me. Libraries are a great location. Sure, they may not be a great place for a loud and rambunctious activity, but if you need a place to hang out with friends, try your library. Most libraries offer various seating so if you want to get together and play board games or work on a project together, it's likely okay. Some libraries offer separate study places if you need a quiet area to work. Some libraries have coffee shops. I love writing at my library because it's peaceful, but not dead quiet. I also love that when I am stuck, I can people watch. Another thing that I love about my library, it that it has a very nice outdoor space. It's wonderful to sit under a tree and read or even hang out with friends. Also, I mentioned to Pokemon events above, my library has two stops and two gyms, so it's a great location for that too!

It's Free!

Okay, I know that not all libraries are free. I am very lucky that my library is. But even if your library isn't completely free, I feel that it is a worthwhile investment. And unlike many locations, you can still use the location without paying anything (and not risk being kicked out because of it).

Happy Reading!

-Melly

Book Tour: "Links" by Lisa Becker

2018-09-29T06:00:00.000-06:00

Links

by Lisa Becker

Genre: Contemporary Romance

"Witty, heartfelt and emotionally satisfying. Everything I want in a second chance romance! Once I picked it up I couldn't put it down!" #1 New York Times bestselling author Rachel Van Dyken

In high school, Charlotte Windham went through a typical ugly duckling phase - glasses and all, while harboring a crush on Garrett Stephens, the school's athletic heartthrob. Fifteen years later, Charlotte and Garrett have a chance encounter at a Los Angeles restaurant. However, this time around, Charlotte has leveled the playing field. She’s a bestselling novelist and no longer “Glasses,” the humiliating nickname Garrett gave her. She’s a catch and, thanks to corrective eye surgery, it’s not just her eyes that see better…so does her heart! Garrett hasn’t fared poorly either, transforming from teen heartbreaker to adult lothario and is now a successful professional golfer suffering from a possible career-ending injury. Can Charlotte forgive Garrett for his past ways, and more recent Don Juan lifestyle? And, can Garrett change his ways for a second chance with Charlotte, who may just be perfect for him?

Goodreads * Amazon

Lisa Becker is a romance writer who spends her time like she spends her money - on books and margaritas. In addition to Clutch: a novel, she is the author of the Click trilogy, a contemporary romance series about online dating and Links, a standalone, second chance romance readers. As Lisa’s grandmother used to say, “For every chair, there’s a tush.” Lisa is now happily married to a wonderful man she met online and lives in Manhattan Beach, California with him and their two daughters. So, if it happened for her, there’s hope for anyone! You can share your love stories with her at www.lisawbecker.com.

Website * Facebook * Twitter * Instagram * Amazon * Goodreads

Follow the tour HERE for exclusive excerpts, guest posts and a giveaway!

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Chapter One

Garrett

Present Day

Damn! I’m late...again. You’d think with nothing to do, I’d get my act together enough to be on time for a family lunch. I fell asleep on the couch after my rigorous night’s activities with Dani, spelled with a heart over the “i.”

She’s a Laker girl. It took me three weeks, and a dinner reservation at Genevieve, to convince her to go out with me, but it was worth the effort. She was insatiable in bed and her flexibility was a total turn on. Without much sleep last night, it’s no wonder I passed out on the couch after my morning workout.

I rush past the valet and glance at the incoming call on my cell phone thinking it’s Mom checking on my arrival status. It’s not Mom. It’s only been a few hours since I slipped out of Dani’s bed before she woke up this morning and she’s already calling me for the second time today. I let it go to voicemail again and figure she’ll get the hint. Then again, she likely won’t. Dani with a heart over the “i” isn’t the brightest bulb in the marquee.

As I race to the restaurant, I scowl knowing Mom’s going to have my head. Actually, she’s probably used to it by now. I’m surprised they don’t give me fake arrival times knowing I’m always ten minutes behind.

I rush through the revolving door of the restaurant, through the bar, and smack into a woman. She brushes against my bum shoulder and the pain burns right through me. Minding the manners Mom hammered into me from a young age, I mutter, “Sorry,” when I’m honestly not. I look down and notice something familiar about her.

“Hi, Garrett,” she says, sharing a small smile. “It’s been a long time. How are you?”

“Um. I’m fine.” My brows furrow as I wrack my brain trying to figure out who the hell this woman is. She’s short, about five two and roughly my age. I glance down and notice full, round breasts, slightly wide hips and thick thighs. Not my usual type, so I’m pretty sure I haven’t slept with her. At least I don’t have to worry about that embarrassing scene. She’s got chocolate brown eyes, looking at me with warmth. “And...how are you?” Shaking my head I am still trying to place her.

“I’m doing well,” she replies, her smile growing.

“I’m glad to hear that,” I say, trying to be polite and end this awkward reunion that clearly has me clueless.

“Well...I guess I should go.” She turns back and waves to a woman sitting in a far booth of the restaurant. On further inspection, she’s waved to Lindsay, my sister, who of course made it to our family lunch on time. Seated with her are my parents, with Mom frowning at me and shaking her head. Like she didn’t expect I would be late. Marcus isn’t here yet either. Guess the twin thing really does run deep.

“You know Lindsay?” I ask her.

“Uh, yeah,” she says, with a small chuckle and a noticeable hint of sarcasm.

“My parents?”

“Of course.” She shakes her head slightly like it’s hitting her I have no damn clue who she is. Then she confirms my suspicions and just lays it on the line. “You don’t know who I am, do you?” Her eyes are alight with humor.

“Umm. I’m afraid you have me at a disadvantage,” I splutter, rubbing my hand behind my neck – my tell – before flashing her my most charming, dimpled smile. Before she can respond, a lady in her mid-sixties with salt and pepper hair wearing an outfit appropriate for someone twenty years younger – but this is LA after all – walks over.

“Pardon the interruption,” she begins. “I would just be kicking myself if I got home and didn’t take advantage of telling you what a big fan I am.”

“Oh, thank you,” I say, turning on the faux charm I reserve for situations such as this.

“My husband and I loved your book.” The lady turns fully toward this mystery woman. “I wish I had it with me for you to sign. Maybe I could get your autograph on something else?” I cock my head to the side and watch Mystery Woman. She turns back toward the elderly lady and smiles sincerely.

“Sure. I’d be happy to sign something.”

The lady reaches into her oversized zebra-print bag and produces a pen and small notepad. She hands them to Mystery Woman and turns to me, smiling.

“Who should I make this out to?” asks Mystery Woman.

“Donna and Frank. Your dear friends, Donna and Frank.”

“My... dear... friends... Donna... and... Frank,” Mystery Woman murmurs aloud as she writes. Watching her autograph the paper, I can’t help the grin spreading across my face. Once she finishes, Donna reads through the note, her eyes widening with delight.

“Thank you, Charley,” she says.

“My pleasure,” replies Charley – Charley? – who looks tickled.

“Charley?” I rack my brain to no avail.

“Yes,” replies Donna with pride. “You are standing with the brilliant novelist Charley Windham.” She turns back to Charley before walking away. “Thank you again, dear.”

“Charley Windham?”

“Uh-huh,” responds Charley, giving me a look like I should piece it together.

“Charley Windham. Why does that name sound so familiar?” I rub my hand on the back of my neck while Charley looks at me with amusement. “Wait, you’re Charley Windham? Who wrote The Crossing Guard?” Charley shakes her head and laughs.

“That’s me.” She’s unable to control the wide smile spreading across her face.

“Yes. Now I know. I read your book. In fact, everyone on the tour read it. You couldn’t walk around a locker room or airport terminal without seeing someone with it in their hands.”

“That’s nice to hear.” She grins at me with her head tilted, nodding it slightly up and down, giving me the impression she’s waiting for me to say more.

“That explains who you are, and I get you would know who I am, but how do you know my family?”

“That is the question of the moment, isn’t it?” She smiles smugly.

“You’re enjoying this, aren’t you?”

“Immensely.” She is grinning unabashedly.

I look back over at my parents and sister and see my brother Marcus walk in through the restaurant’s back entrance. After a quick exchange, Lindsay points to where Charley and I are standing. Marcus waves to Charley and she waves back.

“Oh, you know my ugly as shit brother too?”

“Ugly as shit? You’re identical twins,” she laughs.

“Nah.” I shake my head with a playful sneer. “I got the looks. He got the brains.”

“You got the looks?” She watches me with a raised brow.

“Yep. All of ‘em.”

“I suppose you got all of the humility too?” I can hear the humor in her voice.

“Seems more like humiliation these days.” I rub the back of my neck and look down at my shoes. I really messed things up and now I don’t know if my career is over.

“Hey, don’t knock yourself. Not your fault you have shoulder issues.” She places a hand on my arm and her slight touch causes all my blood to rush south.

“You follow my career?” I ask, my spirits surprisingly improving. There’s something about this woman that’s got me intrigued and I don’t just mean ‘cause I can’t place how I know her.

“I’ve been known to glance at the sports page now and then,” she says with smiling eyes.

“So, how did you say you know my brother again?” Marcus, his wife Abbey, and Lindsay start to walk over to us.

“I didn’t.”

“You’re not going to tell me.”

“I’m finding it quite entertaining you don’t know who I am,” she says again.

“Of course I know who you are,” I scoff.

“You do?”

“Yes. You’re the charming and talented writer having dinner with me on Saturday night.” Charley lets out a nervous giggle and glances down at the floor and damn, if that’s not the cutest thing I’ve ever seen.

“You want to have dinner with me on Saturday?” she says on a breath and I wonder how she would breathe my name as she’s coming undone beneath me. Before I can respond, Marcus places his hand on her shoulder.

“Well aren’t you a sight for sore eyes.” Charley turns toward him and Marcus scoops her up into a big hug.

“Good to see you, Marcus. This must be your wife.” She turns to the short red head with wide green eyes and a full smile standing between Marcus and Lindsay.

“Yeah, this is Abbey,” says Marcus, turning to the side, allowing the small woman to shake Charley’s hand.

“Wow. I’m a huge fan,” she begins, grasping Charley’s hand and pumping it furiously. “The Crossing Guard was my favorite book of last year. My book club spent hours discussing it.”

“Oh, thank you,” says Charley, with the same genuine appreciation she showed to Donna a few minutes ago.

“I didn’t realize Marcus knew you. I probably would have begged him to ask you to come meet with us,” Abbey continues, still holding onto Charley’s hand.

“Oh, believe me, she doesn’t owe me any favors. It’s the other way around. If it weren’t for Charlotte here, I probably wouldn’t have gotten into a good college,” he says to Abbey.

“Charlotte?” I repeat.

“Of course. Charlotte Windham. You know, our high school English tutor,” he says, looking at me like I’m a dumbass.

Charlotte Windham. Charlotte Windham. Then it hits me. “Oh, Glasses. You’re Glasses.” I smile widely, proud of myself for finally putting it together.

“Yep. I’m Glasses,” Charlotte sighs loudly. “Well, I need to get going. Great catching up with you all again and nice to meet you Abbey.”

“I’m sorry, Charlotte,” says Lindsay, shooting daggers at me with her eyes. What is that death stare for, I wonder.

“It’s okay. Um...give me a call if you want to grab lunch. I’m waiting for a manuscript back from my editor, so I’ve got a ton of free time.” With that, she turns and walks away.

“You’re an idiot.” Lindsay shakes her head and scowls at me.

“What? What did I do?” I’m flummoxed.

"Leaving Time" by Jodi Picoult

2018-09-28T06:00:00.000-06:00

For more than a decade, Jenna Metcalf has never stopped thinking about her mother, Alice, who mysteriously disappeared in the wake of a tragic accident. Refusing to believe she was abandoned, Jenna searches for her mother regularly online and pores over the pages of Alice’s old journals. A scientist who studied grief among elephants, Alice wrote mostly of her research among the animals she loved, yet Jenna hopes the entries will provide a clue to her mother’s whereabouts.

Desperate to find the truth, Jenna enlists two unlikely allies in her quest: Serenity Jones, a psychic who rose to fame finding missing persons, only to later doubt her gifts, and Virgil Stanhope, the jaded private detective who’d originally investigated Alice’s case along with the strange, possibly linked death of one of her colleagues. As the three work together to uncover what happened to Alice, they realize that in asking hard questions, they’ll have to face even harder answers.

As Jenna’s memories dovetail with the events in her mother’s journals, the story races to a mesmerizing finish.

Jenna wants to find out what happened to her mother, Alice. Alice was an elephant researcher, first in Africa and later at an elephant sanctuary. Jenna knows there is more to the story of the night her mother disappeared and she is determined to piece the puzzle together. She asks for help from a psychic, Serenity Jones and a former detective, Virgil Stanhope. She believes that together, they can solve the mystery of what happened to Alice. In addition, the novel focuses on the perspective of Alice as she studies how elephants handle grief. We get insight into her studies and also her personal life.

I was really into this book, until the very end. I was captivated by Jenna's story and her desire to find out what happened to her mother. I loved Alice's point of view as she studied the elephants, and found this to be the most interesting parts of the novel. It made the desire to find out what happened to Alice stronger, as I got to know her. I listened to the majority of the book on audio discs in the car, but once I was near the very end (and didn't have anywhere to drive to), I downloaded the book on the Libby app so as to finish it that night. Once my son had gone to sleep, I stayed up way later than I should have, only to be incredibly disappointed in the ending.

I've come to expect some sort of twist in Jodi Picoult's novels. Typically, the ending isn't what I expect, but I am never left unsatisfied. However, Leaving Time left me frustrated. I won't spoil the ending, but I felt that the was next to no set-up for it. I prefer when I don't guess the end of a novel, but get to have the "of course" moment when I realize that the author left a trail of clues that I just didn't piece together. Usually Picoult does this amazingly well. She gives enough information that I understand the ending without having to go back and re-read, but not so much that I am able to guess the ending halfway through the book. I suppose that this time around, I just couldn't handle the fact the paranormal had a part in this book's twist ending. The book wasn't so awful that I won't give Picoult another chance, but it does make me wary that I may not enjoy some of her other books quite as much.

Happy Reading!

-Melly

"Little House on the Prairie" by Laura Ingalls Wilder

2018-09-27T08:00:00.000-06:00

1993 LA
Challenged at the Lafourche Parish elementary school libraries in Thibodaux because the book is "offensive to Indians."

1993 SD

Banned in the Sturgis elementary school classroom due to statements considered derogatory to Native Americans.

1998 MN

Temporarily removed at the Yellow Medicine East Elementary School near Granite Falls due to the statements against Native Americans.

-Banned Books: Challenging Our Freedom to Read by Robert P. Doyle

I know Laura Ingalls Wilder has been a hot topic this year, since the Association of Library Service to Children’s (ALSC) board voted to rename the “Laura Ingalls Wilder Award” as the “Children’s Literature Legacy Award.” If I'm being honest, I really struggled with the decision. I like the new name just fine and I like that it feels like it's honoring the author that won more than honoring the memory of Laura Ingalls Wilder. But I also hate that her name has been stripped from the award. While I agree that many of her statements in her books are not in any way acceptable today, I also am aware that Wilder was writing what was acceptable at the time. One of the reasons that Little House books exist, is so that future generations can remember the way things used to be. I think that all of the Little House books can be used as a teaching tool and some of those elements are unfortunately unpleasant.

Little House on the Prairie follows the Ingalls family as they leave their home in the Big Woods of Wisconsin and journey to make a new home in Kansas. They travel in a covered wagon carrying the entire family and all of their possessions. Their dog, Jack makes the journey as well, walking under the wagon and protecting the family as they rest at night. Once they find a place to settle, the whole family takes part in making a new home. It takes time, but Pa builds a new cabin. Ma, Laura and Mary work hard to make that cabin a home. Like the first book in the series, this book is filled with descriptions of how they get their jobs done, from building the cabin, to cooking, to digging a well. It is a fascinating and personal look at history.

I have loved the Little House series since I was a very new reader. I loved the descriptions of an era where families worked together and built new lives. I loved reading about the magic of Santa finding Mr. Edwards so that he could bring gifts to Laura, Mary and Carrie. I loved how the girls appreciated their families and what they had, even if it wasn't much. I loved reading about Pa and his fiddle and almost being able to hear his music come out of the pages. Each time I re-read these books, I remember the magic I experienced reading these books as a child. I long for the opportunity to travel and visit more of the sites occupied by the Ingalls and Wilder families. I don't want to get into the controversy of whether or not Laura was the one to pen these words or if it was her daughter Rose. And while there are several scenes throughout the series that are atrocious to read today, I think it's possible to enjoy the rest of the stories and use those moments to talk about how far we have come since those times. I feel so strongly that parents should try to read what their kids are reading and use it as an opportunity to talk to their kids and to teach rather than hide the words away and pretend that they never existed.

Happy Reading!

-Melly

"The Family Book" by Todd Parr

2018-09-26T08:00:00.000-06:00

2012, IL

Banned from an Erie elementary school's shelves because of a line that reads, "some families have two moms or two dads." The distric also banned everything furnished by GLSEN (Gat, Lesbian and Straight Education Network), including learning materials and various programs aimed at preventing bullying.

-Banned Books: Challenging Our Freedom to Read by Robert P. Doyle

I seriously adore the books by Todd Parr. My son is only two, so his attention span for reading is often short, but we can almost always make it through a book by Todd Parr. The illustrations are bright and cheery with lots of color so they are very appealing to a young eye. I also love that Parr doesn't always use color in the way you would expect. Sometime his people have green skin. Sometimes his dogs have purple fur. Since children also experiment when coloring, I find this a great aspect of his books. It's okay to color things the "wrong way!"

The Family Book follows the same formula as many of Parr's other books. Each page addresses something about families and how one family may be different from another family. He also focuses on the things that all families have in common. The wording and illustrations are simple, but filled with love. As always, the book closes with a short letter from Todd confirming the message of the book. I love this book because Todd embraces all of the pieces that can make up a family. I think it is easy for kids to become sad when their family appears different than their friends' families. Of course, no two families are completely alike, but at a young age, it is hard to see that. I feel that this book addresses how families are alike and different, but in a way that can be understood by readers of all ages and in a way that is comforting.

I have read many of Parr's books to my son, since he was a tiny little thing. Although many of the messages aren't things he is concerned with yet, I like that we are able to share the positive messages in the books. I hope that reading books like this will put him on the right track to accepting people how they are and knowing all of us have things in common and things that are different.

Happy Reading!

-Melly

"I am Jazz" by Jessica Herthel and Jazz Jennings

2018-09-25T13:27:00.000-06:00

Top Ten Most Challenged Books

The ALA Office for Intellectual Freedom tracked 354 challenges to library, school and university materials in 2017. Of the 416 books challenged or banned in 2017, the Top 10 Most Challenged Books are:

Thirteen Reasons Why written by Jay Asher
Originally published in 2007, this New York Times bestseller has resurfaced as a controversial book after Netflix aired a TV series by the same name. This YA novel was challenged and banned in multiple school districts because it discusses suicide.
The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian written by Sherman Alexie
Consistently challenged since its publication in 2007 for acknowledging issues such as poverty, alcoholism, and sexuality, this National Book Award winner was challenged in school curriculums because of profanity and situations that were deemed sexually explicit.
Drama written and illustrated by Raina Telgemeier
This Stonewall Honor Award-winning, 2012 graphic novel from an acclaimed cartoonist was challenged and banned in school libraries because it includes LGBT characters and was considered “confusing.”
The Kite Runner written by Khaled Hosseini
This critically acclaimed, multigenerational novel was challenged and banned because it includes sexual violence and was thought to “lead to terrorism” and “promote Islam.”
George written by Alex Gino
Written for elementary-age children, this Lambda Literary Award winner was challenged and banned because it includes a transgender child.
Sex is a Funny Word written by Cory Silverberg and illustrated by Fiona Smyth
This 2015 informational children’s book written by a certified sex educator was challenged because it addresses sex education and is believed to lead children to “want to have sex or ask questions about sex.”
To Kill a Mockingbird written by Harper Lee
This Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, considered an American classic, was challenged and banned because of violence and its use of the N-word.
The Hate U Give written by Angie Thomas
Despite winning multiple awards and being the most searched-for book on Goodreads during its debut year, this YA novel was challenged and banned in school libraries and curriculums because it was considered “pervasively vulgar” and because of drug use, profanity, and offensive language.
And Tango Makes Three written by Peter Parnell and Justin Richardson and illustrated by Henry Cole
Returning after a brief hiatus from the Top Ten Most Challenged list, this ALA Notable Children’s Book, published in 2005, was challenged and labeled because it features a same-sex relationship.
I Am Jazz written by Jessica Herthel and Jazz Jennings and illustrated by Shelagh McNicholas
This autobiographical picture book co-written by the 13-year-old protagonist was challenged because it addresses gender identity.

I am Jazz by Jessica Herthel and Jazz Jennings tells the story of Jazz, a girl who was born in a boy's body. Jazz always knew that she was a girl and once her family understood this, they embraced her exactly as she was. Jazz is like many girls. She likes the color pink. She likes to dance. She likes to play soccer. She is just your average kid. Through her book, Jazz is teaching other kids that it is okay to be who you are and that there are people who will support who you are, no matter what.

I thought this book was very sweet and perfect for it's audience. I did some research on the true story behind the book and found Jazz to be an incredible young woman. She has overcome so much and has made many positive changes for others going through the same things. Despite the negativity surrounding this book, I am so proud of Jazz for writing it. I am certain that it has helped many children; both those transitioning themselves and helping other children to understand the process. This book is so child friendly. It uses simple vocabulary that be understood by young readers but it still very impactful. I don't feel like the subject matter is "dumbed-down" as often happens in these kind of books. I can see how it would be so useful in a daycare or school environment with young child. I can even see it being a great discussion starter for teens and adults, not just for children.

Happy Reading!
-Melly

"The Giving Tree" by Shel Silverstein

2018-09-24T08:00:00.000-06:00

1988 CO

Removed from a locked reference collection at the Boulder Public Library. The book was locked away originally because the librarian considered it sexist.

-Banned Books: Challenging Our Freedom to Read by Robert P. Doyle

I remember reading The Giving Tree as a child, I believe when I was in the second grade, but the book had little impact on me. Like all of the other kids in my class, I often poured over Shel Silverstein's poetry. Naturally, when I found another book by him, I read it. I remember reading it, but the memory of what I read did not stick with me. Reading it as an adult is quite emotional. The book focuses on a tree and her love for a boy. Because she is a tree, there is little that she can do for the boy, but she gives him everything that she has to offer to make his life better and in doing so, she is happy. I can't help but relate this book back to motherhood. I know that I would do just about anything to help my son succeed and to bring him happiness. I see the motherly aspect of the tree and how she will do anything for her boy, even through it means reducing herself to practically nothing. Even at the end of the book, when it seems that she has nothing left to give, she still has just what the boy needs.

I don't know if I like this book. I think it is beautiful but at the same time it is very sad. I hate seeing the tree give and give and the boy receive without every thanking the tree for her sacrifice. I think my issue comes from the fact that I am not sure who the target audience is. Clearly this book didn't stay with me as I was growing up so I'm not certain if it is for children. I don't think I would have appreciated getting it as a baby shower gift, which I know it often is. Even though it is a picture book, I really don't see it having an audience with children at all. It seems like the kind of book that would only resonate with someone who has a higher level of maturity. Maybe I'm wrong, but either way, this particular book is not for me.

Happy Reading!

-Melly

Banned Books Week 2018

2018-09-23T08:00:00.000-06:00

Banned Books Week has always been important to me. It bothers me that anyone would feel the need to try and censor what another person reads. Yes, parents should take responsibility for what their own children are reading and monitor the content. But that doesn't mean I feel that parents should restrict what their kids read either. I personally don't plan to restrict anything my son reads, but do plan to be involved with what he reads and to try and read a lot of the same books so that we can discuss them. However, I have no plans of telling my son "no, you can't read that book." I feel strongly it is not my place to tell anyone that they cannot read (or watch) something just because I don't agree with it. There are plenty of books that I don't care for and certain topics that I disagree with. So to make my life easier, I just don't read those books.

Because I work in a library, Banned Books Week sticks out to me each year. I recently worked on a display of children's books that have either been banned or challenged. It is a personal goal of mine to someday have someone challenge a book that I have written. It seems that the best way to publicize your book is to make it into the Top Ten Most Challenged Books Lists. While I don't condone banning books of course, I've read a number of books that I'm surprised haven't made it onto a banned or challenge list. It seems that you haven't really "made it" in the literary world until someone has been offended by your book.I can't wait for the day when a library or bookstore displays a book written by me, because someone doesn't like it.

I'm going to dedicate time on my blog this week to Banned Books. So many of my all time favorite books have made it onto this list, so how can I not? I don't like to get political or preachy (both on my blog and in real life), so don't expect a lot of that, but feel free to share your opinions too. Has your favorite book been banned?

Happy Reading!

-Melly

Beauty and the Armageddon

"Dangerous Desires" by Dawn Altieri

Book Tour: "Dangerous Desires" by Dawn Altieri

"Queen of Babble" series by Meg Cabot

Support Theater Ensemble Arts

Keep Tales of Tomorrow/Cosmic Cafe Open Downtown!

"Karen's Witch" by Ann M. Martin, Illustrated by Katy Farina

2019 Top Ten

" Prairie Fires: The American Dreams of Laura Ingalls Wilder" by Caroline Fraser

"The Tattooist of Auschwitz: A Novel" by Heather Morris

Blog Tour: "Paper Girl" by Cindy R. Wilson

Book Tour: "Illusions" by Madeline J. Reynolds

Book Tour: "Poohsticks Bridge" by The Birch Twins

YA Discovery Contest

THE ANNUALYA DISCOVERY CONTESTBEGINSNOVEMBER 1ST!!

No query? No pitch? No problem!

"Cars, Coffee, and a Slightly Used Casket" by K. C. Hilton

"Cars, Coffee, and a Badass Ninja Toilet" by K.C. Hilton

Book Tour and Giveaway: "Cars, Coffee, and a Slightly Used Casket" by K.C. Hilton

"The Kiss Quotient" by Helen Hoang

Library Card Sign-up Month! Why YOU Should Have a Library Card

Book Tour: "Links" by Lisa Becker

"Leaving Time" by Jodi Picoult

"Little House on the Prairie" by Laura Ingalls Wilder

"The Family Book" by Todd Parr

"I am Jazz" by Jessica Herthel and Jazz Jennings

Top Ten Most Challenged Books

Top Ten Most Challenged Books

"The Giving Tree" by Shel Silverstein

Banned Books Week 2018

THE ANNUAL
YA DISCOVERY CONTEST
BEGINS
NOVEMBER 1ST!!