Friday, October 16, 2015
Wednesday, October 7, 2015
Support Got Your Six PTSD Support Dogs
My husband is a US Marine. While he's no longer active duty, he'll always be a Marine. But that's the way it is with the military. They may get out, but they will always be part of their branch.
My boss is a US Air Force vet.
My father was in the Army.
My oldest brother was in the Army and the Navy.
My older brother was in the Air Force.
To say I support our veterans would be an understatement. So I'm asking you to give a little money for a good cause. Professional Dog Trainer Nicole Lanahan wants to give back to those vets by training Support Dogs to help those who protected our freedom and save countless lives every day. We know their job isn't easy. The stress we face in every day life is NOTHING compared to what some of the Military and the First-Responders go through.
Support Got Your Six PTSD Support Dogs and give back to those who gave so much for us.
My boss is a US Air Force vet.
My father was in the Army.
My oldest brother was in the Army and the Navy.
My older brother was in the Air Force.
To say I support our veterans would be an understatement. So I'm asking you to give a little money for a good cause. Professional Dog Trainer Nicole Lanahan wants to give back to those vets by training Support Dogs to help those who protected our freedom and save countless lives every day. We know their job isn't easy. The stress we face in every day life is NOTHING compared to what some of the Military and the First-Responders go through.
Support Got Your Six PTSD Support Dogs and give back to those who gave so much for us.
Monday, October 5, 2015
YA Coast to Coast Giveaway
From New Hampshire to California with a couple of stops along the way, young adult novels can take us anywhere.
From pizza parlors to stages to cornfields or prep schools, follow Penelope, Casey, Piper, and Talia as they navigate their lives and trials.
Enter to win all of these books and get lost on a cross country journey!
Friday, September 11, 2015
Tuesday, September 1, 2015
Keeping up with the Bean
If you follow me on Twitter, then you already know who Bean is. For those who don't, she's my 7 year-old daughter with a heart of gold. Yes, I realize that I'm her mother and I'm biased. We are all about our children.
Recently we learned that she may not get taller than 4'11". Bean's already very sensitive about her size. She tends to get pushed around a bit simply because the other kids don't see her. Plus she's ridiculously polite. While she tries to hide it, I see how much it hurts her.
So, in order to help her out, I started listed short celebrities. That seemed to lift her spirits. Then she pointed out someone I missed. Someone from her favorite TV show.
Kacy Catanzaro from American Ninja Warrior is 4'11".
BEAN LOVES KACY! And all of the other women on American Ninja Warrior.
In fact, she recently decided to start gymnastics in order to become an American Ninja Warrior.
So we're in training. Yes, WE. It won't hurt me to be more active. And any time I can spend with my daughter is special.
Who knows, maybe we'll be the first mother/daughter team on the show. ;)
Recently we learned that she may not get taller than 4'11". Bean's already very sensitive about her size. She tends to get pushed around a bit simply because the other kids don't see her. Plus she's ridiculously polite. While she tries to hide it, I see how much it hurts her.
Kacy Catanzaro from American Ninja Warrior is 4'11".
BEAN LOVES KACY! And all of the other women on American Ninja Warrior.
In fact, she recently decided to start gymnastics in order to become an American Ninja Warrior.
So we're in training. Yes, WE. It won't hurt me to be more active. And any time I can spend with my daughter is special.
Who knows, maybe we'll be the first mother/daughter team on the show. ;)
Tuesday, August 25, 2015
Pixelated: Chapter 1 - Les's POV
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Available on Amazon and other ebook retailers |
I've had a few requests for Les's POV in chapter one. I love Les so very much. He's a good old country boy with a heart of gold. But sometimes that can get us in trouble. Here's Les's first impression of Piper. I hope you enjoy.
Chapter 1 – Les’s POV
I guess a little honesty is too much to ask for these days. Like I’m one to talk. Luke Bryan’s on the radio, singing about country girls and shaking things. As much as I love this song, I flip the station to a classical one. Heck, I have no idea who composes what or the difference between a concerto and a waltz, but it all helps me think. I need a lot of time to think about the mess I’ve gotten myself into this past year.
I guess a little honesty is too much to ask for these days. Like I’m one to talk. Luke Bryan’s on the radio, singing about country girls and shaking things. As much as I love this song, I flip the station to a classical one. Heck, I have no idea who composes what or the difference between a concerto and a waltz, but it all helps me think. I need a lot of time to think about the mess I’ve gotten myself into this past year.
The blacktop twists in a S, just
off the second curb is a very angry girl holding her cell phone in the air and
screaming to the skies. I slow down, because her legs in that skirt are enough
to stop traffic in a city. Ain’t no way I’m not gonna stop, but as I pass her
to get a better angle on the rear bumper of her tiny car, her big brown eyes
widen and I realize she thinks I’m not stopping. What kind of asshole wouldn’t?
I throw the truck in park, cut
the engine, and jump down. The car’s got a flat and she’s managed to get it in
the shallow ditch. I stroll up to her, taking in every inch of her thin frame.
She’s definitely not from around here. Nobody in this town would be caught dead
in a skirt that short or a tshirt with Marilyn Monroe in some weird ass colors
splattered across their chest. Well, nobody that wasn’t look for trouble. Her
chocolate hair matches those big uses hidden under black framed glasses. I’d
swear on my life I’d seen her in a magazine before.
“Seems like you’re in a bit of a
pickle.” Probably not the
brightest way to start a conversation, but one that
seems to strike her funny judging by the way her eyes twinkle. I circle the
car, noting the Missouri plates and it dawns on me who this girl is. “Looks
like you’re gonna need a new tire. I can pull you out and take you into town.”
I stop beside her, curiousity overwhelming me. “Hey, you’re that new girl.
Pippa, right?”
“Piper.” She grimaces then adds
with some boost of confidence as she holds out her hand. “Piper Marks.”
She’s a strange one. I slide my
fingers along her palm, savoring the touch of a girl. I could have any girl in
the school if I wanted, and I’m not saying that to be cocky. They all think I’m
some noble guy. If they knew the truth,… I shake the thought from my head.
“Nice to meet you, Piper. I’m Les Williams.”
“Dorothea blew a tire.”
“Dorothea?” I lift an eyebrow and
grin. “You named your car Dorothea?”
“Well, yeah. After Dorothea
Lange? Photographer from the Great Depression? You know the photo with a mom
staring off and her two kids hanging over her shoulders?” She launches into a
history lesson, then blushes a light pink when she’s done.
I don’t know what’s more
fascinating, how she knows all that or how she’s embarrassed by it. “Now, let’s
see what we can do to get Dorothea outta here.”
She holds out her cell. “No
service.”
Of course, being from St. Louis,
her network probably doesn’t boost the signal it claims. “Yeah, there’s a lot
of dead spaces around here. County’s trying to get another cell tower up, but
some of the old fogeys don’t want it.” I lean in like I’m sharing a secret.
“Hell, half of them think that their cordless phones are cells anyway.”
She laughs, but it’s almost outta
absurdity. What does she think of us anyway? That we’re all a bunch of country
hicks with no desire to be more. I want to be more. If I can get away from the
farm, from my dad, I want to be a helluva lot more. But maybe I’m just taking
it all wrong. Especially after the shouting match I’d just had with my father. “That’s better.” I stroll to the
back of the truck and pull out a tow cable. “Now, I’m gonna hook this to your
car and pull ya over to that gravel patch to change the tire.” She’s not
listening or not comprehending. Either way, I could’ve said a cow would change
her tire and then turn into new leather seats and she probably wouldn’t have
stopped me. I hook up her bumper, blabbering like an idiot just to keep talking
and giving instructions as I go. “Okay, ready?”
She turns into a doe in headlights.
It’s hard not to laugh, but I
manage it. “Go ahead and get in. Don’t start the engine, just put her in
neutral. I’ll tow you over there.” I point to the gravel patch Mr. Hennessy
uses to drive into his field. “I’ll be able to see if you’ve got more damage
than that dent.”
I get her out and inspect the
damage. Nothing but a flat, but a mechanic should check it out. And I know one
who owes me a favor after I busted him doing something his mama didn’t want to
ever know about her son. Besides, he didn’t want the sheriff to know either.
“Well, let’s change the tire, and then I’ll follow you into town to Ricky’s. I
bet he’ll look at Dorothea for you tonight.” I saunter over to the truck and
drop the tailgate. “Here, have a seat while I take care of this.”
I pop the trunk for the spare.
She’s got a manual jack. She’d been here all night trying to get this tire
changed if I hadn’t happened along. I head toward the truck and catch her eye.
Keeping the smile off my face is damn near impossible. She’s pretty and she’s
kinda sweet. But I can’t do nothing but check her out and curse myself.
“You might wanna buy a jack for
your car.” I spin the crowbar over the back of my hand, grabbing it before it
falls to the ground. Yeah, I’m showing off a little. Just because I can’t act
on this little flirtation doesn’t mean I can’t flirt. “This can’t be the first
time you’ve had a flat.”
She leans back on her hands,
crossing my ankles and letting her legs swing naturally. Those legs could kill
a man. “Nope, not the first time, but I usually have cell service.”
“And a bunch of guys rushing out
to change your tire?” I can’t help it. I want to know if she’s got a boyfriend
back in St. Louis. And I can’t stop myself from staring. It’s stupid. It’s not
right. It’s dangerous. Yet I do it anyway.
“If by guys, you mean the ones
paid by AAA or roadside assistance, yeah, I do.”
I smirk. It couldn’t be helped.
She’s single. Not that it matters, but it does make me smile. Well, she’s
single for now. I can name a dozen guys who will be all over her after the
first day of school. I make quick work of the tire and toss the flat in the
back of my truck.
“All right, I’ll follow you back.
Do you know—”
She shakes her head vehemently
before I finishes. “I know how to get to town, the school, and the paper. That’s it.”
“Yeah, I guess I should’ve
figured.” Damn my stupidity for not thinking straight. “When you get to the
stoplight, hang a left. Go about five blocks to Lincoln and hang a right.
Ricky’s garage is on the left. I’ll call ahead to get him to look at your car.”
“Thanks, Les.” She smiles the
first genuine smile I’ve seen from her. It lights up her face, brightens her
eyes, and makes her downright kissable. That thought I shake from my head
immediately. It’s been too long since I kissed a girl I wanted to actually
kiss. “I really appreciate the help.”
“No worries. Now start her up.” I
get into the truck without looking back at her. I text Ricky that I’m cashing
in that favor and I need it taken care of tonight. All I get back is “K”.
She stays behind me on the way
into town. My mind drifts to Ava. I’ve made some shitty decisions in my life,
most of them concerning her. This lie I’m living now is downright painful. Just
another reason I need to leave Clarkton the minute I can. Go to Chicago, maybe.
Or Kansas City. Both cities have decent culinary schools. If I could get to New
York, even better. But I know I ain’t going nowhere. Not as long as Trey
Williams has his way. My father almost always gets his way.
I pull up and park outside of
Ricky’s shop, hopping down and leaning against the truck as Ricky guides Piper
into the bay before strolling out to greet me.
“Hey cuz, you’re cashing in a
huge favor to help a girl?” He grins and I want to slap it off him, But I don’t
I just smile. “Although she’s pretty hot. You doing whatever you can to keep up
the Knight in Shining Armor image?”
“Something like that.”
He start laughing like a hyena
and I follow him back toward the garage. Piper glares at both of us. I have no
clue what I did to earn the death glare.
“Piper, this is my cousin Ricky,”
I say as we get closer.
Her eyebrows crease but she doesn’t say a word.
“How’d she drive?” Ricky asks as
he takes his turn circling the car.
“Fine, but she pulled to the right a little more than usual.” She shrugs and
refuses to look at either one of us.
What’s she thinking? And what did
I do to piss her off so fast? I don’t wait to find out. I head back to the
truck, knowing Ricky will take care of it. I lean against the truck while I
wait with my arms crossed over my chest. The Luke Bryan song earworms into my
head. The heel of my boot taps against the rear tire.
“Can I take you anywhere?” I asks
as she stops in front of me. I’m just being polite. She doesn’t know any place
in town. “Know any place with free Wi-Fi around
here?”
“Yeah, the pool hall does.” I
glance at the camera bag and computer. What’s she up to? Doesn’t matter. I
smile and see if she’s as girly as a certain person I know. “Plus they’ve got
the best chili cheese fries in town.” She doesn’t bat an eye or even squirm.
Impressive.
Unfortunately, she says something
I can’t stop. “If you aren’t doing anything . . .”
I drop my gaze and stares at the
scuff marks on my boots, rubbing the back of my neck. “Well, I’d like to, but—”
“No problem,” she says before I
can finish. “It’s not a biggie.”
I don’t like how her face fell, or how it pisses me off I can’t say yes. “It’s
not—”
“Like I said, no biggie. If you
could just tell me which way . . .”
Has she lost her mind? I can at least take her there. “I can drop you off—”
“No, that’s okay. Really.” She
avoids my eyes as she glances around the neighborhood. “I don’t mind walking.”
I catch her gaze and hold it for
a whole ten seconds. I’m trying to convey with my eyes what I can’t say with my
mouth. Like I would love to hang out with you and talk about whatever you want.
Like I would love to see what’s on that camera. Like tell me about yourself.
But I can’t do it. Damn it. It’s not like I’m interested in anything other than
hanging out with this fascinating girl, but I’m not free to do anything. So I
cave and give her directions before hopping in my truck.
“I guess I’ll see you at school
tomorrow,” I say, revving the engine. I gotta get out of here.
She nods once and fakes a smile.
“Sure, yeah, tomorrow.”
I peel out, heading toward the
one person who makes my life hell. And the one person I cannot hurt no matter
how much I can’t be with her.
Don't forget to enter to win a copy of PIXELATED along with a bunch of other YA novels!
Monday, August 17, 2015
Back to School Giveaway - 11 YA Authors 1 Winner
I'm so excited to be part of this AH-MAZING giveaway.
11 YA authors, giving away 15 books
...
...
...
ONE PERSON TAKES ALL!
It's like The Hunger Games, but nobody dies.
So what are we giving away and how do you enter?
(US only. Sorry friends.)
So what're you waiting for? Enter now and win some amazing books and swag to show off to all of your friends. :)
Happy Reading.
Wednesday, August 5, 2015
Cover Reveal: Holly Hearts Headlines by Kenley Conrad
I LOVE books from Swoon Romance. Check out this great cover for Holly Hearts Headlines by Kenley Conrad.
BLURB:
Holly Hart has it all: designer clothes, affluent friends, a recording contract, and she’s dating the biggest pop star in America.
It's too bad he can't be seen with her in public. It's even worse that he seems so very cozy with Lacey, the girl who seems to enjoy stealing Holly’s dream and taking all the credit for their platinum-selling album.
And Lacey? Well she couldn't carry a tune in a bucket, but that hasn't stopped her from basking in the glow of the fame and fortune that comes with pretending to be Holly.
Yet, Holly signed a contract vowing to never reveal her true identity as the girl behind the hit songs. Her record label doesn't want anyone to know their teen dream is really a chubby, insecure girl from Iowa.
It's too bad he can't be seen with her in public. It's even worse that he seems so very cozy with Lacey, the girl who seems to enjoy stealing Holly’s dream and taking all the credit for their platinum-selling album.
And Lacey? Well she couldn't carry a tune in a bucket, but that hasn't stopped her from basking in the glow of the fame and fortune that comes with pretending to be Holly.
Yet, Holly signed a contract vowing to never reveal her true identity as the girl behind the hit songs. Her record label doesn't want anyone to know their teen dream is really a chubby, insecure girl from Iowa.
Holly needs to focus on finals. She can't let herself be distracted by the extremely hot and talented Grayson Frost or his prevailing attachment to Lacey. This is the deal Holly made, and she has to honor it no matter how much she hates it.
As if that’s not enough pressure, her grandparents have come to stay, her mom is dating a guy who makes his own deodorant, Shell Shocked Records want Holly to distance herself from Grayson, and she’ll probably end up failing Driver’s Ed.
In a town full of gossip and secrets, Holly wonders just how much longer she can continue to live a double life.
When the media gets a little too close for comfort, both Holly and Lacey are at risk. Soon Holly realizes her dream isn't only about her and if she is to ever be truly happy, she'll need to find a way past her insecurities.
Filled with laugh out loud and hold your breath moments, Holly Hearts Headlines is the follow-up to Holly Hearts Hollywood by Kenley Conrad.
As if that’s not enough pressure, her grandparents have come to stay, her mom is dating a guy who makes his own deodorant, Shell Shocked Records want Holly to distance herself from Grayson, and she’ll probably end up failing Driver’s Ed.
In a town full of gossip and secrets, Holly wonders just how much longer she can continue to live a double life.
When the media gets a little too close for comfort, both Holly and Lacey are at risk. Soon Holly realizes her dream isn't only about her and if she is to ever be truly happy, she'll need to find a way past her insecurities.
Filled with laugh out loud and hold your breath moments, Holly Hearts Headlines is the follow-up to Holly Hearts Hollywood by Kenley Conrad.
And don't forget to check out HOLLY HEARTS HOLLYWOOD
Wednesday, July 15, 2015
Help the Bartles Family Save Their Home
Imagine coming home after three years away ... only to discover some devastating damage to your home.
Then imagine getting the phone call from your insurance agent telling you they won't cover the damage.
Then imagine getting the phone call from your insurance agent telling you they won't cover the damage.
That's what happened to author Veronica Bartles and her husband Philip, a member of the United States Air Force.
The writing community has come together to auction off critques and signed books to raise money for repairs. Organized by master organizer Brenda Drake, the auction features literary agents, editors, and authors giving what they do best to help the Bartles family get through this travesty.
If you don't want to bid on an item, there's a Go Fund Me account where you can donate. Every little bit helps.
Philip serves our country. Veronica is battling a brain tumor.
Open your heart and give.
Wednesday, July 8, 2015
Amanda Bingson: Love Yourself
I'm a bigger girl. Always have been. In high school, I was also an All-State athlete. I threw the shot put in track, was undefeated in districts and conference, and went to the state meet every year.
Numerous times I was called fat. I pretended it didn't bother me. I pretended to shake it off. But really it cut me to the core. Even my doctor told me I needed to lose weight. He never considered the amount of muscle I had. He only cared about the number on the scale.
Well, the scale was full of shit.
I lifted weights.
I ran.
I worked my ass off to become a better athlete so I could get a scholarship and go to college.
And I did.
But I was still fat. At least according to most of the people I knew.
I still struggle with body image to this day. As an adult, I've accepted the things I cannot change. My inner child, however, has not.
Today, I heard about US Track & Field hammer thrower Amanda Bingson. I wish someone like her would've been around when I was a teen. She's an inspiration for all of us.
Amanda is 5'5" and 210 lbs. And she's an amazing athlete. She holds the American record in the hammer throw, an event that's only been in the Olympics for women since the 2000 Sydney Games. The first World Record for women was recorded in 1994. The hammer throw is a relatively new event for women.
Here's the best thing, Amanda's fine with her body type. She embraces herself. In this day and age of photoshop and celebrity overkill, Amanda Bingson is someone we all should get to know.
We definitely should follow her lead. We are who we are. Embrace your body. Love it. Don't try to change who you are. Amanda is a role model. There should be more like her in the world.
Every girl should read the latest issue of ESPN, if only to read Amanda's story.
Numerous times I was called fat. I pretended it didn't bother me. I pretended to shake it off. But really it cut me to the core. Even my doctor told me I needed to lose weight. He never considered the amount of muscle I had. He only cared about the number on the scale.
Well, the scale was full of shit.
I lifted weights.
I ran.
I worked my ass off to become a better athlete so I could get a scholarship and go to college.
And I did.
But I was still fat. At least according to most of the people I knew.
I still struggle with body image to this day. As an adult, I've accepted the things I cannot change. My inner child, however, has not.
Today, I heard about US Track & Field hammer thrower Amanda Bingson. I wish someone like her would've been around when I was a teen. She's an inspiration for all of us.
Amanda is 5'5" and 210 lbs. And she's an amazing athlete. She holds the American record in the hammer throw, an event that's only been in the Olympics for women since the 2000 Sydney Games. The first World Record for women was recorded in 1994. The hammer throw is a relatively new event for women.
Here's the best thing, Amanda's fine with her body type. She embraces herself. In this day and age of photoshop and celebrity overkill, Amanda Bingson is someone we all should get to know.
We definitely should follow her lead. We are who we are. Embrace your body. Love it. Don't try to change who you are. Amanda is a role model. There should be more like her in the world.
Every girl should read the latest issue of ESPN, if only to read Amanda's story.
Tuesday, July 7, 2015
Book Blast: Fractured by Lisa Amowitz!!!!!
FRACTURED, Book 1.2 in The VISION SERIES
Bobby's a hick who sees visions. Jeremy's a smartass who sees
dead people. Together, they have a weekend to stop a murderer...if they don't
kill each other first. Sparks fly when the worlds of Lisa Amowitz’s BREAKING
GLASS and VISION collide.
Excerpt:
“Hey.
You were the kid that played with that amazing redhead. Not bad, man. Not bad.”
“Um,
thanks.”
“Not
from around here, are you?”
“No. I
mean, I’m not, really.”
The guy
smiled and extended a hand. “Sorry. Just a little cranky tonight. I came in this morning on an epic bus ride
from Duke just to see my girlfriend and she’s stuck in a study group with a
bunch of other assholes. Oh. I’m Jeremy Glass.” He lowered himself on the bench
next to me and massaged his leg. “Too much walking today. Damn.”
I tried
to keep my eyes from going wide as the guy lifted the cuff of his black jeans.
Instead of an actual leg there was only a hydraulic metal pole.
Jeremy
Glass looked at me and smiled. “Veronica’s been sticking a little lately. I
think I’ll have to bring her back to the shop. What’s your name?”
I
glanced from his face to the metal leg. “Bobby. Bobby Pendell,” I choked out.
It wasn’t the leg. It was just hard to breathe around him, like he was sucking
up my share of the oxygen.
I wasn’t
sure if I wanted to know how Jeremy Glass had lost that leg, though I was
pretty sure he’d be happy to tell me. I thought about bolting back inside the
club, but that would be rude.
Instead,
Glass said breezily, “You were awesome, dude. Where’d you learn to play guitar
and sing like that? Man, all I can do is run.”
I bit
back on the obvious response. How could a guy with a fake leg run?
Glass
laughed. “Ha! Most people are too polite to ask, but I’m not shy about it. I
was a sprinter. Fastest in my school. Until—well, until the accident. But now
I’ve got a Teflon blade and I’m the fastest on the team. Technology is awesome,
huh?”
I
cleared my throat. Something about this guy was making my skin crawl. Maybe it
was his fast talking. Or the way his eyes twinkled but looked steely and
cunning all at the same time. I felt like he was silently laughing at me. Like
his brain worked two and a half times faster than mine did. He eyed me with one
eyebrow raised, as if he didn’t actually expect a response.
“Um, it
was nice to meet you. But I really should be getting back inside,” I said, and
finally got up to leave.
Glass
stared calmly back at me. “Who’s your friend, then?”
A shiver
rolled up my spine. I had to get away. Ever since my last brush with Agent
Maura Reston on the Scratch Lake dock, I’d had the distinct feeling I was being
watched. Maybe I was just being paranoid, but this guy seemed to be probing me
for something.
“What
friend?”
His gaze
shifted over my left shoulder. “That guy.”
The
blood froze in my veins. I pivoted and saw a brief white flicker, a disruption,
then empty air.
Glass
laughed. “Yeah. You’ve got to learn to ignore them. They’re everywhere.”
“I don’t
know what the hell you’re talking about.”
Glass’s
smile vanished. “I don’t like it any more than you do. But I can always tell
when I meet someone like me.”
“Like
you?” I backed away toward the club entrance, cold sweat trickling from my
scalp down the back of my neck.
“You can
see them, too. Things no one else can.”
He pressed
a card into my hand. My mouth went dry. The sidewalk tilted. I pressed my palm
to the glass of the club window to steady myself.
I didn’t
have to look down to know what it said.
He’d
seen the thing that I’d seen. He was like me.
He was working with Agent
Reston and her paranormal goon squad.
UNTIL BETH
Releasing September 29, 2015
Paperback: 260
pages
Publisher: Spencer
Hill Press (September 29, 2015)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 163392033X
ISBN-13: 978-1633920330
She doesn’t just play, she kills it.
Talented rock guitarist Beth Collins has been barely holding herself together for months, ever since her boyfriend and bandmate became the latest victim in a string of suspicious disappearances. When her brother is injured an accident and she sees something dark billowing around him as he hovers close to death, she’s convinced her sanity is collapsing for good.
Then she's accepted by a boarding school for the musically gifted. All of her new friends are bursting with talent, but they're also keeping secrets. Can she trust Vincent, who's so sweet that his very touch makes her fears melt away? Or Xavier, who's trying to tell her something but is hiding even more?
And will anyone be safe when her true Talent comes out?
Talented rock guitarist Beth Collins has been barely holding herself together for months, ever since her boyfriend and bandmate became the latest victim in a string of suspicious disappearances. When her brother is injured an accident and she sees something dark billowing around him as he hovers close to death, she’s convinced her sanity is collapsing for good.
Then she's accepted by a boarding school for the musically gifted. All of her new friends are bursting with talent, but they're also keeping secrets. Can she trust Vincent, who's so sweet that his very touch makes her fears melt away? Or Xavier, who's trying to tell her something but is hiding even more?
And will anyone be safe when her true Talent comes out?
Expected publication: September 29th 2015 by Spencer Hill Press
VISION
Paperback: 264
pages
Publisher: Spencer
Hill Press (September 9, 2014)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1937053997
ISBN-13: 978-1937053994
The light is darker than you think…
High school student Bobby Pendell already has his hands full—he works almost every night to support his disabled-vet father and gifted little brother. Then he meets the beautiful new girl in town, who just happens to be his boss’s daughter. Bobby has rules about that kind of thing. Nothing matters more than keeping his job.
When Bobby starts to get blinding migraines that come with scary, violent hallucinations, his livelihood is on the line. Soon, he must face the stunning possibility that the visions of murder are actually real. With his world going dark, Bobby is set on the trail of the serial killer terrorizing his small town. With everyone else convinced he’s the prime suspect, Bobby realizes that he, or the girl he loves, might be killer's next victim. (less)
High school student Bobby Pendell already has his hands full—he works almost every night to support his disabled-vet father and gifted little brother. Then he meets the beautiful new girl in town, who just happens to be his boss’s daughter. Bobby has rules about that kind of thing. Nothing matters more than keeping his job.
When Bobby starts to get blinding migraines that come with scary, violent hallucinations, his livelihood is on the line. Soon, he must face the stunning possibility that the visions of murder are actually real. With his world going dark, Bobby is set on the trail of the serial killer terrorizing his small town. With everyone else convinced he’s the prime suspect, Bobby realizes that he, or the girl he loves, might be killer's next victim. (less)
“Haunting and intense,
VISION grabbed a hold of me in the very first scene and never let me go”
—Kate Brian, author of
the bestselling PRIVATE, PRIVILEGE and SHADOWLAND series
BREAKING GLASS
Lisa
Amowitz
Young
Adult Fiction
Spencer
Hill Press, July 2013
ISBN: 978-1937053383
On
the night seventeen-year-old Jeremy Glass winds up in the hospital with a
broken leg and a blood alcohol level well above the legal limit, his secret crush,
Susannah, disappears. When he begins receiving messages from her from beyond
the grave, he’s not sure whether they’re real or if he’s losing his grip on
reality. Clue by clue, he gets closer to unraveling the mystery, and soon
realizes he must discover the truth or become the next victim himself.
Available at:
Praise for BREAKING GLASS
Praise
for Breaking Glass:
THE
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL says
Posted on 12/01/2013
Posted on 12/01/2013
Gr 9 Up—"This novel is an edge-of-your-seat
thriller with a supernatural twist. Jeremy Glass is the star runner for his
high school track team, has a stellar GPA, and is in love with his best friend
Ryan's girlfriend, Susannah. He's also a secret alcoholic. He uses vodka to
escape the nightmares that have haunted him since his mother drove the two of
them off a cliff. However, for the past year, he's found himself relying on
alcohol to dull his desire for Susannah, as well. The night she discovers Ryan
cheating on her, Jeremy follows them to the gorge where they are engaged in a
heated argument. Hoping to mediate, he leaps from his car directly into the
path of an oncoming truck. He awakens in the hospital with a crushed leg and to
the news that Susannah is missing. Once he is released, he begins to receive
links to videos and cryptic messages indicating that she is dead and becomes
determined to find her killer. In a fog of pain killers combined with alcohol,
Jeremy risks his life to uncover a past murder that involved his mother,
Susannah's mother, and Ryan's wealthy and influential father. Amowitz does an
exceptional job of portraying the fragile mental state of a young man who has
faced three devastating losses. Readers will wonder if he is truly solving a murder
or experiencing a mental meltdown."—Cary Frostick, formerly at Mary Riley
Styles Public Library, Falls Church, VA
USA TODAY says:
“Jeremy's
story is gritty and suspenseful, and at times downright spooky, but his
intelligence, tenacity and quick, sarcastic sense of humor brightens the darker
moments. The novel is also about hope and a young man who prevails in the face
of insurmountable challeges. BREAKING GLASS is an impressive
debut from Lisa Amowitz.”
Full review from USA TODAY
Full review from USA TODAY
JUST JARED JR. says:
“This
book is a suspenseful mystery and you’ll find yourself trying to figure it out
before you actually do. There are tons of twists and turns and you won’t put the
book down until you solve it all.”
Full review from Just Jared Jr.
Full review from Just Jared Jr.
ForeWord Reviews says:
“Every
character has a secret in this intricately plotted YA paranormal mystery that
delivers a wild and rewarding ride for teen readers.”
“Betrayal,
addiction, murder . . . and of course, a ghost . . . Just when you think you
know what's happening, BREAKING GLASS punches you in the gut
and leaves you breathless!”
~Jennifer
Murgia, author of the ANGEL STAR series & BETWEEN
THESE LINES
*
"A
dark romance that will keep you up at night with its twists and turns, BREAKING
GLASS is a must-read debut. Lisa Amowitz has burst onto the YA scene with this
intriguing novel. You'll be hooked from the first page - I certainly was! The
characters are drawn with depth and sensitivity, and the plot is
heart-pounding. Don't miss this one.”
~
Christine Johnson, author of Claire de Lune, Nocturne and The
Gathering Dark
*
“Breaking
Glass was a surprise addition to my reading list for July . . . definitely a
book that will keep you guessing right until the very end. It wasn’t a matter
of if I was going to read the book, but when and how much I would like it.”
~
Shelley (Gizmo Reviews)
*
“From
the first page I was hooked. Lisa Amowitz has a writing style that made me feel
sad I had social engagements because all I wanted to do was sit down and read
this book from start to end.”
~
Emily, On Emily’s Bookshelf
Author
bio:
Lisa Amowitz was born in Queens and raised in the wilds of Long
Island, New York where she climbed trees, thought small creatures lived under
rocks and studied ant hills. And drew. A lot. She is a professor of Graphic
Design at her beloved Bronx Community College where she has been tormenting and
cajoling students for nearly twenty years. She started writing eleven years ago
because she wanted something to illustrate, but somehow, instead ended up
writing YA. Probably because her mind is too dark and twisted for small
children. Lisa is represented by Shannon Hassan of Marsal-Lyon Literary
Agency. shannon@marsallyonliteraryagency.com
BREAKING
GLASS, released in July, 2013 from Spencer Hill Press, is her first published
work. VISION, the first of the Finder series was released September, 2014.
FRACTURED, a novella combining the worlds of BREAKING GLASS and VISION releases
as an ebook only, June 7, 2015. UNTIL BETH, the first in the Life and Beth
trilogy will be released September 2015.
Lisa
Amowitz is available for guest appearances, Skype visits, school visits,
libraries & interviews. Please contact her for scheduling.
Website:
Email: mommatoo@optonline.net
Social Media:
Labels:
Books,
Fractured,
Lisa Amowitz,
YALit,
Young Adult
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