BLOG TOUR~Illuminating Gracie by Lisa C. Temple

The Lisa Temple Illuminating Gracie Blog Tour has ended. See details below:

Release date: June 8th 2013
Purchase: Amazon | B&N

Synopsis via Goodreads:

As an old woman's lifeless body lies on a cold stone floor, her soul stands before an angel who offers her a miraculous opportunity: the chance to do it all again. But that is easier said than done. In order to change the path her life has taken, she must put aside years of self-loathing and pain, so she can help the young girl she once was become the woman she should have been. 

At 17 years old, Grace Bennett is a bitter young woman. Though blessed with a loving family, looks and brains to spare, she hides her light under a bushel, spending most of her time in the darkness of her mind with little more than sarcasm and self-pity to keep her company.

But things are about to change for Grace. While delivering food for her family's bed and breakfast, she turns onto a desolate dirt road and drives straight into her destiny.

It's on this isolated country lane that the damaged girl meets a strangely familiar old couple and two mysterious young men. Together the group fights the demons that surround Grace, and they teach her what it means to let her light shine.

About the Author

Lisa C. Temple is a lifetime resident of Montgomery, Alabama where she lives with her husband Dana, with whom she has a 21-year-old son, Temp. She is a graduate of Huntingdon College and Jones School of Law. Illuminating Gracie is her debut novel.

www.illuminatinggracie.com | twitter.com/illuminategrace

facebook.com/illuminategrace

March 3rd -

library of the Seen *Spotlight
Mom Loves 2 Read *Review
iequalsAlissa *Spotlight
Musings of Immortals *Interview

March 4th -

It's A Book Thing! *Review & Favorite Quotes 
The Bookmaidens *Review & Excerpt (blogger's choice)

March 5th -

The Book Town *Review
alwaysjoart *Review & Playlist (blogger's choice)
The Bookish Confections *Spotlight

March 6th -

Rockin' & Reviewing *Spotlight

March 7th -

Writer Person *Excerpt
Kirstie's Passionate about Reading *Review & Excerpt (blogger's choice)

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Review: Mystery Falls by Marilyn Phillips

Series: Mystery Fall #1
Release date: July 3rd 2013
Self-Published
Purchase: Amazon

Synopsis via Goodreads:

Secrets. Lies. Deception. For the past six years, Samantha Hunt has lived with the belief that the untimely death of her parents was the result of an unfortunate accident—that by the cruel hand of fate, she had been left an orphan. But it was a lie, a terrible lie told to her by those who wanted to keep her in the dark. And the truth... when revealed, will change her life and haunt her forever.

Suddenly plagued by a series of events which find her in danger and in need of a savior, Samantha is repeatedly rescued by the mysterious and elusive Shadow—a stranger who seems to know more about her past and the tragedy which befell her family, than she does. Drawn to him despite the antagonism she feels whenever in his presence, Samantha soon discovers that Shadow is not what he appears to be. Determined to learn his true identity and why he has come to Mystery Falls, the small town in which she has spent all of her seventeen years, Samantha not only uncovers the secrets he refuses to share, but also the truth about her own past. A truth which forces her to acknowledge that things are not always as they seem, and sometimes, not even those close to you can be trusted. 

Resolved to seeking justice for the unwarranted death of her parents, Samantha embarks on a journey which brings her perilously close to her own demise. Can Shadow use his angel powers to save her yet again, or this time, will he be too late?

*Received ecopy from the author in exchange for an honest review.

Mystery Falls was quite a pleasant surprise. I actually expected the book to be action packed and would have a ton of paranormal theatrics but it was far from it. What I got was a romantic and mysterious story driven by one girl's determination to find the truth, about her life and the guy she loved. And I enjoyed it.

Overall, it was well-written; interesting from start to finish. I liked how elaborate the details were in describing the setting and establishing each character. Samantha was a likable protagonist and I kept rooting for her throughout. I sympathized with her, losing her parents and having to go through her cousin's crap on a daily basis. Thankfully, she had a cool best friend to keep her happy. On a side note, Mia at times turned me off. She could be somewhat pushy and beyond nosy when it came to Samantha and her feelings for Shadow. It was obvious she had her best friend's happiness at heart, but jeez, her pushy mentality was hard for me to tolerate in the majority of the book. So, I was glad when her hands got busy helping Samantha try to unravel the mystery surrounding her parents' supposedly car accident.

That's another thing: the suspense. It was good when the story switched from the romance aspect and onto more serious issues like the death of Samantha's parents. I'm glad Marilyn wrote it that way, because while I enjoyed the intense attraction between the main characters and was curious as to why Shadow was even bothering with Claire when he obviously had feelings for Samantha really baffled me, so it was nice to see how it all turned out. Everything was pretty much wrapped up smoothly. 

Like I said before, Mystery Falls was well-written and intriguing. I don't think I've read a book involving angels in a while now so this was a fresh read. I really liked how the story ended as well and cannot wait to get into the second book. If you enjoy young adult romance novels with paranormal and suspenseful elements then you'll certainly like Mystery Falls. 

About the Author

Marilyn Phillips lives in Melbourne, Australia. She writes young adult fantasy mixed with romance. Mystery Falls is her debut novel and also the first in a series.

When not absorbed in a book or writing, Marilyn likes to spend time with her husband and two children, take long walks in dark forests and watch romantic movies with satisfying endings.

marilynphillips.blogspot.com | twitter.com/marilynphi

Review: Hidden by Marianne Curley

Hidden (Avena #1)
by Marianne Curley
Paperback, 325 pages
Expected Publication: June 25th 2013
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Pre-order: Amazon
*Received a paperback ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Synopsis via Goodreads:

For as long as Ebony can remember, she’s been sheltered. Confined to her home in a secluded valley, home-schooled by her protective parents, and limited to a small circle of close friends. It’s as if she’s being hidden.

But something is changing in Ebony. Something that can’t be concealed. She’s growing more beautiful by the day, she’s freakishly strong, and then there’s the fact that she’s glowing.

On one fateful night, Ebony meets Jordan and she’s intensely drawn to him. It’s as if something explodes inside of her—something that can be seen from the heavens. Ebony still doesn’t know that she’s a stolen angel, but now that the heavens have found her, they want her back.

Hidden had an intriguing concept. There was the potential to be a really wonderful book but due to several factors the story wasn't as impressive as I wanted it to be. I had a hard time trying to collect my thoughts to write a review that wouldn't come off overly critical in any way because I respect the author and I want to give her my honest opinion in the most respectful manner I can. So here goes.

I liked the general setting; the world building was good. But at the same time it was a bit tamed. I'll leave it there because I liked where Marianne was going with it and there's something unique even though she incorporated elements heard of throughout time. Character wise, I didn't connect with Ebony or Jordan much. I found the latter a bit wimpy as oppose to what he's overcome in past events, though, it's understandable anyone would be frightened should they find themselves faced with such celestial beings and otherworldly situations. Ebony on the other hand confused me on a number of occasions. There were times she was willing and eager to learn more about herself but when things were getting unraveled it seemed she just suddenly changed her whole attitude. I was annoyed with her throughout the book but not enough to stop reading because I was interested to discover how things would end. 

Someone I liked having around was Amber. She was such a great friend and I would love to have her POV on things in the second book, possibly. Her character was so easy to love. Amber was next to perfection and I loved her personality. I think Marianne did a good job bringing Amber to life in my head. It almost felt like she was my friend in real life. 

The pace was a bit slow for me. There were details I thought could have been shortened, while others seemed bundled towards the end. However, like I've mentioned before the story was intriguing with all the heavenly aspects and the inclusion of romance. I thought the overall writing was good and the author's ability to describe the surrounding was impeccable because I envisioned everything she wrote. Though I had an issue with the pace, the cheesy moments, and my inability to connect with the main characters, I am interested in seeing how the story continues from here on.

Waiting on Wednesday #12

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Jill @ Breaking the Spines. This is a cool way to spotlight a upcoming release that you're anxious about, as well as checking out what other book lovers are anticipating as well. So, check out my WoW this week: 

A Shimmer of Angels (Angel Sight #1)

by Lisa M. Basso

Expected publication: January 29th 2013 

Publisher: Month9Books, LLC

Synopsis via Goodreads:

A compelling and spirited debut from Lisa M. Basso in which sixteen-year-old Rayna Evans has spent the last three years locked away in a mental institution for seeing angels. Intent on remaining free, she ignores signs that she may be slipping into the world she has tried so hard to climb out of. But when her hallucinations begin showing up at school, can Rayna keep her job, her sanity and keep students from dying at the hand of angels she can’t admit to seeing?

Psychiatry, fantasy and real life come together in A Shimmer of Angels, as a young girl struggles with identity, secrets and confronting her greatest fears. A Shimmer of Angels is a wonderful read for anyone who has ever felt like an outsider, or perhaps has felt like giving up entirely. It touches on themes of suicide, ostracism and emotional pain. The author, personally exposed to suicide through the death of her beloved brother, will donate a percentage of sales of this novel to a local suicide prevention and outreach program in San Francisco, California.

 

A Slither of Hope (Angel Sight, #2) | A Matter of Time (Angel Sight, #3)

Why I'm waiting? Those covers are absolutely gorgeous, and the series seems not only new but intriguing. I can't wait to start reading.

What's your WoW this week?

Waiting on Wednesday #9

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Jill @ Breaking the Spines. 

Check out my WoW for this week:

Immortal City (Immortal City #1)

by Scott Speer

Published: April 3rd 2012 

Publisher: Razorbill

Purchase: Amazon | Book Depository

Synopsis via Goodreads:

Jackson Godspeed is the hottest young Angel in a city filled with them.

He's days away from becoming a full Guardian, and people around the world are already competing for the chance to be watched over by him. Everyone's obsessed with the Angels and the lucky people they protect - everyone except for Madison Montgomery.

Maddy's the one girl in Angel City who doesn't breathlessly follow the Angels on TV and gossip blogs. When she meets Jackson, she doesn't recognize him. But Jackson is instantly captivated by her, and against all odds the two fall in love.

Maddy is swiftly caught up in Jackson's scene, a world of glamour, paparazzi - and murder. A serial killer is on the loose, leaving dead Angels' wings for the police to find on the Walk of Fame. Even the Guardians are powerless to protect themselves in the face of this threat & and this time it's up to Maddy to save Jackson.

~

Natural Born Angel (Immortal City #2)

by Scott Speer

Expected publication: April 2013 

Publisher: Razorbill

Synopsis via Goodreads:

Life turned upside down for Maddy Montgomery when she found out she was half-Angel and was catapulted into the scene of flashbulbs, paparazzi, and the fervent adulation that comes with being in the celebrity Angel world. She's trying to juggle her ordinary life—high school, family, friends—with the intense demands of being in the public eye as heartthrob Angel Jackson Godspeed's girlfriend.

And now Maddy must face the most difficult choice of her life. She's been offered the chance to become a Guardian. This means entering into dangerous and high stakes training, with no guarantee that she can succeed. But more than that, it would mean leaving her mortal life behind—forever—and allying with the Angels at a time when their relationship with humans is heading for war. . . 

What are you waiting on?

THE PROPHETICUS SERIES BLOG TOUR WRAPS & GIVEAWAY WINNER

Thank you so much to the following bloggers who participated on the Emma Daley's PROPHETICUS blog tour. 

  

~About the series~

There is something frightening about the way a hateful, unknown creature looks back at you. The way its beady red eyes snarl at you, and it's cheek curls with a hiss to reveal the greedy canines beneath. It is one thing to dream of this beastly creature, and it is another to have it inches from your face, its warm ungodly breath on your cheek, and its pallid gray bones reaching to devour you. My name is Aniah, and once my world was safe. But like many others throughout the universe-and here on the planet Delucia-fate would have me meet with the Mangitori de Sangue; an ancient army of blood-lusting creatures who have been frightening and devouring the inhabitants of the universe for decades. My fate brings me deep into their world. In fact, it is written somewhere-and the stories have been told long before I was ever born-of a prophecy wherein a young woman with the heart and soul of an angel will lead the universe in a victory against the Mangitori de Sangue. I am that woman. I just have to stay alive long enough to figure out how.

~TOUR STOPS~

July 2 - Book Me! *Book 1 Review & Interview 

           The Reader Lines *Book 2 Review & Dream cast

July 3 - Letters Inside Out *Guest Post as main character Aniah

July 4 - What's Hot! *Book 1 Review & Author Spotlight

Book-A-Holic *Book 2 Review & Interview

           

July 6 - Bengal Reads *Guest Post

           

July 7 - The Book Parade *Book 1 Review & Author Spotlight

           

About the Author

Emma Daley was eccentric; this was something her mother knew right from the start. At only the age of three, you could find her perched in the center of the dining table, a tape player in her lap, while the other kids gathered to listen to her recite her own creative version of her favorite tales like “Jack and The Bean Stalk” or “Peter Pan”.

As she grew up, she moved on to bigger and better things. With her older sister, Emma started dressing up the neighbor kids and auditioning for parts in Beauty and the beast, and Cinderella using mops and her mother’s make up for costumes. 

Her imagination was fueled when she signed up for a high school Greek Mythology class. It was there in high school Mythology class that Emma found her dream. Her teacher recognized her talent, and encouraged her to pursue a career in the one thing that brought her imagination to life, writing. As a military wife and with life’s fast pace and strenuous demands, it wasn’t until she was 26 that she finally decided to pursue those long forgotten dreams. 

propheticusthebook

~GIVEAWAY WINNER~

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Why Haven't I Read This Series? #2: Dark Angel

Eden Maguire is the business. At least when it comes to her Dark Angel series. I just discovered the first book on Goodreads and will be collecting all three released so far. 

Synopsis:

Tania's heart belongs to Orlando. Nothing can rip them apart. Until the seduction begins in a flurry of glamour and magic, music and parties all orchestrated by the mysterious and mesmerising Zoran, an iconic rock star who has retired to a remote ranch in the nearby mountains. And there Tania meets the dark side. Can she resist temptation?