Sweetly

Chocolate, anyone?  Gretchen and her brother Ansel can't forget their sister that was swallowed up in the woods near their home.  Gretchen swears it was a witch.  She lives with the guilt of being the one that survived.  Later, their stepmother kicks them out.  On the way to the beach, Gretchen and her brother stumble on the Southern town Live Oak.  Once there they meet Sophia, owner of the sweet shop.  Local residents either love her or hate her.  Some accuse her of being behind the disappearances of some Live Oak teens.  Gretchen not sure what to believe.  Finally she feels safe and let's the magic of the sweets and chocolates erase her fears.  But she can't ignore the feeling that the witch isn't done with her.  Sweetly is the companion novel to SISTERS RED.  Jackson weaves her own magic in this unique twist to a classic fairy tale.

Click here to read more

Review: Lila and Ecco's Do-It-Yourself Comics Club

While at a comicon, comics super fans Lila and Ecco encounter a unique workshop. To their joy, they find they can learn to craft their own comics! At the same time, readers of this book can do the same. Click here to read more.

T-Shirt Design Contest Hosted by Writer's Yardsale!

Some of you may not know that I run Writer's Yardsale with a friend of mine. We make super awesome t-shirts, mugs, mouse pads, younameit for writers, English majors, book lovers and more. And we're hosting a contest! Here are the deets:

Think you have what it takes to OUT-DESIGN US? 

Enter the Writer's Yardsale Design Contest with your best book, writer, or nerdy girl/guy t-shirt design and find out!

At Writer's Yardsale, we get a lot of requests to put certain designs or slogans on t-shirts, mugs, and more, so we know there are some amazing ideas floating around out there. Do you have the best one? Let's find out with a contest!

Here's how it works.

WHERE: The Writer’s Yardsale

  

WHEN: You have until MONDAY, FEBRUARY 7^th  to send your design to writersyardsale@aol.com 

HOW TO ENTER: You send us a .png file of your design 

WHAT HAPPENS THEN: We put your design on a t-shirt in the CONTEST ROOM of the Yardsale for everyone to see…and vote on!

HOW TO WIN: On Wednesday, February 9th, voting starts and continues through Wednesday, February 16th. Pimp your t-shirt for votes! The winner get's a FREE t-shirt, journal, or mug (your choice!), showcasing their design! How cool is that?

THE SMALL PRINT:

• Designs must be no hotter than PG13 & nothing copyrighted
• Anything NOT COPYRIGHTED is fair game: Pimp your book. Pimp your favorite book. Inspirational sayings. Uninspiring sayings. Pretty pictures. Be clever. Be droll. Be so boring you’re funny. Whatever design you think is going to win…or at least earn a good chuckle.
• The .png file must be at least 1000 pixels wide and no wider than 2500 pixels.
• Also, if your .png file is on a white background, it will show up on a white tee. If you would like your design to go on a colored tee, please make sure it has a transparent background.
• While you can after 30 days sell your design anywhere you like, The Yardsale will be allowed to keep the design up for future sales as well.

Need an example? It doesn't have to be fancy, it can just be a clever slogan like this one:

Start prepping your designs now and get them in by Feb. 7th! We can't wait to see what you come up with!

  

Review: Why? The Best Ever Question and Answer Book about Nature, Science and the World around You

Children want to know about everything. From the outdoors to the indoors, the mysteries of our world fascinate them. Children pepper adults with queries about all sorts of curiosities, but what adult has all the answers? Click here to read more.

Review: Eight Days: A Story of Haiti

Junior is trapped beneath his house. After the earthquake, Junior waits for rescuers and, in the meantime, “plays” in his imagination. He dreams of images from his life. With the goodness of these thoughts firmly in mind, Junior finds the strength and courage to endure his entrapment and to survive. Click here to read more.

The Revenant

Seventeen-year-old Willie escapes from a home she doesn't belong in and accepts a teaching position at the Cherokee Female Seminary.  Problem is she's not being honest with herself and those around her.  Once at the school, strange things happen.  Rumor has it one of the students drowned and is haunting Willie's room.  Willie doesn't believe in ghosts but she's not so sure anymore.  The Revenant is one of those stories that weaves it's own spell around you.  Once you start reading, you won't want to stop.

Click here to read more

Hourglass Exclusive - Cover Reveal Week!

I am so excited to be a part of Myra McEntire's cover reveal week for her debut novel, HOURGLASS!

I've read HOURGLASS, and I must say, in the wake of all the latest paranormal trends, Myra pulls a horse of a different color out of the hat. Mix humor, spunk, and Southern attitude with unexpected twists and turns, electric characters, and hot romance, and you've got a hit. I can't wait for you to get your hands on it!

So now, for all our loyal YABC readers, please enjoy this exclusive excerpt from HOURGLASS.

In today's excerpt, Emerson has an encounter in the kitchen with Kaleb ... who might prove to be a wee bit troublesome ...

---

      I walked in without knocking. The screen door banged to a close behind me, announcing my presence. I followed my nose to the kitchen and found Kaleb standing by the stove. He stirred something that smelled absolutely delicious, a wooden spoon in one hand and a huge chef’s knife in the other.
      “Are you sober?” I asked from the doorway.
      He turned and leveled a smile at me that made me a little wobbly. “I am.”
      “Good. Because if not, I was going to take the deadly kitchen utensil away from you.” I crossed the room and pulled myself up to sit on the counter beside the stove. A cutting board full of green peppers and two uncut stalks of celery waited for attention from the knife. Melted butter and diced onions bubbled in a sauté pan on the stove. “You cook?”
      Kaleb was so pretty I was jealous. Pretty, with ripped muscles and a tattoo of a red dragon covering most of his upper body. “Yes,” he said. “I cook.”
      “Do you usually wear a wife beater and,” I pushed him back a little by his shoulder, “an apron that says ‘Kiss the Cook’ while you’re doing it?”
      He leaned so close to me my heart skipped a couple of beats. “I’ll wear it all the time if you’ll consider it.”

---

You need a "Kiss the Cook" apron now, don't you? Well, good thing we're giving one away, just like the one below.

How hot is that? Only one lucky winner will get to sport this little number. Will it be you?

You can enter the giveaway via the form below, and don't miss:

Monday's excerpt at Mundie Moms

Tuesday's excerpt at Eve's Fan Garden

The book cover reveal TOMORROW at Twilight Lexicon!
Then make sure to visit Myra's newly updated website to enter to win a signed Advanced Reader's Copy of HOURGLASS!

Become a fan of the HOURGLASS books on Facebook here.

Mark HOURGLASS as To Be Read on Goodreads here.

Pre-order your copy of HOURGLASS on Amazon.com here.

Comment on our post below and let us know what you thought about all the excerpts!


-----This contest is now closed-----



  

Blessed

First of all I have to say that I have not yet read the first 2 books in this series, Tantalize and Eternal. That being said right off the bat I was a bit confused, but quickly caught on. The book was very easy to follow without having read the previous two. That is sometimes hard to do, but Mrs. Smith pulls it off! Second, I love Quincie! She is such a strong female character! She is running her parents restaurant, dealing with becoming a vampire and fighting her emotions over her best friend and true love, Kieren. To read more of my review, click here.

Review: The False Princess

Just after her sixteenth birthday, Princess Nalia is told that she is not the true princess of Thorvaldor, and that her true name is Sinda. She was a stand-in for the real princess, who had been hidden away for protection.

Stripped from all she knows, Sinda is forced to leave her home and her best friend, Keirnan, to live with an aunt. But Sinda finds leading a simple village life isn't what she was meant for -- especially when she discovers magic runs through her veins.

The False Princess takes you on a winding road of twists and turns. It's a quick, casual read, and fans of the magic genre won't want to miss this one.

Click here to read my full review...


 

Review: Who Wants Pizza?

Food. We all need it for survival, but merely popping a morsel into our mouths is just the end of the story. To truly understand the significance of what we eat, take a look at this book. Click here to read more.

Cryer's Cross

A missing teen.  A mysterious desk.  A hidden secret.  Sixteen-year-old Kendall Fletcher has a hard time dealing with all this and then Nico, her best friend goes missing too.  This is almost too much.  Her OCD goes into overdrive forcing her to go over her daily routines and whispering that something isn't right.  Then she notices the desk both the missing teen and Nico sat in has a message scratched in it.  Even worse, she swears she can hear Nico calling for help.  Cryer's Cross will take you to a small town and a hidden secret that refuses to stay buried.

Click here to read more

The Princess of Las Pulgas

Carlie's life comes crashing down after the death of her beloved father.  She has to leave her beautiful oceanside home, surburban school, and friends after her mother makes a financial mistake.  They end up moving to dreaded Las Pulgas--the fleas.  Now she lives in a run down apartment and attends an urban school where she has to go through security checkout everyday.  She's embarrassed to let anyone from Channing know where she lives.  But Carlie soon learns that not everything is what it seems.  The Princess of Las Pulgas explores such themes as loss, prejudice, and friendship.  Another WestSide Books winner.

Click here to read more

The Hunger Games Cast-O-Rama: Vote for Your Character

ReelzChannel.com is hosting the Hunger Games Cast-O-Rama -- head on over to vote for who you'd like to see play Katniss, Peeta, Gale, and more in the upcoming film!

Click here to cast your vote!

 
 

January Giveaways

Win one of three Across the Universe Swag Packs, signed by Beth Revis!

Each pack includes:

- 1 Across the Universe bookmark, signed by author Beth Revis

- 1 Across the Universe sticker, signed by author Beth Revis

- 2 button pins (sizes and images will vary)

Click here to fill out the entry form!

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One lucky winner will receive our Manga Fan Prize Pack, which includes these three books:

The Dark-Hunters Volume 1 by Sherrilyn Kenyon In the war against vampires, mankind has only one hope: The Dark-Hunters. From the wild imagination of Sherrilyn Kenyon comes the humorous and suspenseful manga debut of the number 1 internationally bestselling Dark-Hunter series. The world of manga will never be the same again.

Moribito: Guardian of the Spirit by Nahoko Uehashi Balsa the spear woman is a wandering warrior, who takes on the task of saving lives in atonement for a past sin. On her journey, she happens to save a prince and is tasked with becoming his bodyguard. Her services as bodyguard become necessary, as his father, the emperor, wants him dead.

Manga for the Beginner Chibis by Christopher Hart Excruciatingly cute, highly stylized, and beloved in all manga genres, without them, manga would barely exist. And now you can learn, step by step, how to draw virtually every chibi out there, how to "chibify" ordinary manga characters -- and how to invent your very own designs! Covering facial expressions, those iconic manga eyes, costumes, character interaction, and story settings, Manga for the Beginner Chibis has it all.

Click here to fill out the entry form!

-------------

Win a signed copy of Tell Me a Secret by Holly Cupala

Tell me a secret, and I'll tell you one...

In the five years since her bad-girl sister Xanda's death, Miranda Mathison has wondered about the secret her sister took to the grave, and what really happened the night she died. Now, just as Miranda is on the cusp of her dreams -- a best friend to unlock her sister's world, a ticket to art school, and a boyfriend to fly her away from it all -- Miranda has a secret all her own.

Then two lines on a pregnancy test confirm her worst fears. Stripped of her former life, Miranda must make a choice with tremendous consequences and finally face her sister's demons and her own.

In this powerful debut novel, stunning new talent Holly Cupala illuminates the dark struggle of a girl who must let go of her past to find a way into her own future.

Click here to fill out the entry form!


 

Warped

Imagine unleashing a hot sixteen-century nobleman from a tapestry.  Tessa finds out that William de Chaucy is not only gorgeous but has a haughty attitude.  What's even stranger is that somehow she knows him and he claims she's familar to him too.  But by releasing Will, Tessa has also got the Norn sisters, also known as the Fates after her.  Warped is a delightful fantasy that has romance, mystery, time travel, and a hot sixteen-century guy. 

Click here to read more

The Water Wars

Imagine a world where water is scare.  Drought and wars rule the world.  In The Water Wars this is the future.  Tessa and her older brother Will set out to find out the truth behind a strange boy's claims that the government is lying to them.  Kai, the mysterious boy, then disappears.  Tessa is determined to find out what happened to him and if indeed his knowledge of a secret has put him in danger.  This is a frightening glimpse into a future that might be our own.

Click here to read more

Review: The Things A Brother Knows

Levi's brother, Boaz, enlisted in the Marines three years ago when Levi was 14.  Now Levi is 17 and his brother is returning home, a different person.  He's withdrawn, staying in his room, rarely emerging, even for a meal.  When their father asks an innocent question, like Do you have any plans?, Bo surprises them by saying Yes.  He's going to hike the Appalachian Trail.  Levi knows better, though. He knows Bo is headed in the opposite direction, but he doesn't know where or why.  He knows he must help Bo through this tough transition but doesn't know how.

The Things a Brother Knows by Dana Reinhardt (author of A Brief Chapter in My Impossible Life and How to Build a House) is a moving book delving into how an ex-Marine and his family react to his homecoming.  Reinhardt has created wonderful characters and an engrossing story.  It is well worth reading, regardless of whether or note you know a veteran.  As a matter of fact, any Dana Reinhardt book is worth reading.  So, try one.

Review: Head Games by Keri Mikulski

I cannot tell you how much I enjoyed this book! I started reading, and I ended up reading Head Games in one sitting. The story was so fun and the characters were so easy to connect with. I felt like this book could take place anywhere, I could definitely see it happening in my high school on any given day.

Click Here to Read More

The Latte Rebellion

A racist comment at a pool party has senior Asha and her best friend Carey think of the Latte Rebellion.  They want to mix their love of lattes with awareness of mixed-raced students.  The Latte Rebellion is a story of growing up, finding your voice, and staying true to your beliefs.  I loved this story!

Click here to read more

Mare's War Giveaway

Have you read Mare's War by Tanita S. Davis yet? Simply put, you should - and if you homeschool your children or are a teen who is homeschooled or are a librarian who serves homeschools, you could even get a copy for free!

Today, the author is giving away copies of her book to the first twenty-five people who comment at her blog.  Then you may download the Mare's War Homeschool Unit which Tanita cooked up. 

Speaking of cooking, make sure you check out Tanita's previous novel, A La Carte!

Happy reading, sharing, and schooling, everyone. Now if you'll excuse me, it's time for me to make breakfast.

December Giveaway Winners Announced

Congrats to these winners of our December giveaways!



THE LOST SAINT

mimosastimulus
mariacarisoto
marjetabushi
chickenherder
adannabanana











SINFUL

stacedog01
ogan_mercede
findjessyhere
Margay1122
shaw.alannac











INCONVENIENT

loneil
michelleconner23456
naiareader
go.megan.go
magannguyen







 

 

Review: Prom and Prejudice

After winter break, the girls at the very prestigious Longbourn Academy become obsessed with the prom. Lizzie Bennet, who attends Longbourn on a scholarship, isn’t interested in designer dresses and expensive shoes, but her best friend, Jane, might be — especially now that Charles Bingley is back from a semester in London.
 
Lizzie is happy about her friend’s burgeoning romance but less than impressed by Charles’s friend, Will Darcy, who’s snobby and pretentious. Darcy doesn’t seem to like Lizzie either, but she assumes it’s because her family doesn’t have money. Clearly, Will Darcy is a pompous jerk — so why does Lizzie find herself drawn to him anyway? Will Lizzie’s pride and Will’s prejudice keep them apart? Or are they a prom couple in the making?  ~From Goodreads

To read more click here.

Fall For Anything

Sixteen year old Eddie Reeves, just lost her father. He committed suicide and she desperately wants to find out why. Why did he commit suicide when it seemed that he was happy? He was a legendary photographer and a brilliant teacher, so why? To read more click here.

Seven Seasons of Buffy

Ok, I admit it.  I'm a huge Buffy fan!  I even have the ONCE MORE WITH FEELING soundtrack on my iPod.  I was excited to read and review Seven Seasons of Buffy.  This collection of fun, sassy, and even hilarious essays are sure to appeal to fans of Buffy.

Click here to read more

And The Award Goes To...

It's time to announce your winners for the 2010 YABC Reader's Choice Awards!

Thanks to everyone who nominated your favorite books and authors, and all those who voted in the final round.

Congrats to these wonderful authors and illustrators who touched so many lives in 2010!

Favorite Children's/Picture Book

Shark vs Train by Chris Barton and Tom Lightenheld

1st place: SHARK VS TRAIN by Chris Barton and Tom Lightenheld

2nd place: THE QUITE BOOK by Deborah Underwood, Renata Liwska

3rd place: INSTRUCTIONS by Neil Gaiman, Charles Vess

4th place: THE FAMILIARS by Adam Jay Epstein and Andrew

5th place: BINK AND GOLLIE by Kate DiCamillo, Alison McGhee, Tony Fucile

Favorite Children's/Picture Book Author

Kate DiCamillo

1st place: Kate DiCamillo

2nd place: Mo Willems

3rd place: Neil Gaiman

4th place: Chris Barton

5th place: Erin Stead

Favorite Middle Grade Novel

The Lost Hero by Rick Riordan

1st place: THE LOST HERO by Rick Riordan

2nd place: PLAIN KATE by Erin Bow

3rd place: MOCKINGBIRD by Kathryn Erskine

4th place: ONE CRAZY SUMMER by Rita Williams-Garcia

5th place: THE MYSTERIOUS HOWLING by Maryrose Wood

Favorite Middle Grade Author

Rick Riordan

1st place: Rick Riordan

2nd place: Rebecca Stead

3rd place: Kate Messner

4th place: Garth Nix

5th place: Rita Williams-Garcia

Favorite Young Adult Novel

Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins

1st place: MOCKINGJAY by Suzanne Collins

2nd place: BEFORE I FALL by Lauren Oliver

3rd place: CLOCKWORK ANGEL by Cassandra Clare

4th place: MONSTERS OF MEN by Patrick Ness

5th place: PAST MIDNIGHT by Mara Purnhagen

Favorite Young Adult Author

Suzanne Collins

1st place: Suzanne Collins

2nd place: Cassandra Clare

3rd place: John Green

4th place: Patrick Ness

5th place: Mara Purnhagen

Review: A Love Story Starring My Dead Best Friend

Things couldn't get worse.  Cass' best friend Julia died in an auto accident during the spring of junior year.  Julia's boyfriend, Ollie, cast Heather as the lead in Julia's play, Totally Sweet Ninja Death Squad.  It's the same Heather who taunted Cass in middle school and called her a dyke.  Cass feels that their friends are just tolerating her; it was Julia that was really the popular one.

The summer before senior year, when Totally Sweet Ninja Death Squad rehearsals are going strong, Cass decides to bike cross country from Chicago to California to honor Julia and the trip they were planning on taking.  It is a trip of self discovery.

Emily Horner's debut novel, A Love Story Starring My Dead Best Friend (click here to read the review) is a heart warming story of a girl who discovers who she is and comes to terms with her friend's death.  You'll love this book.

Blood Magic

Silla Kennicot is drawn to the cemetery where both her parents are buried.  She refuses to believe her beloved father killed her mother.  Then she receives from a mysterious person a book of her father's filled with magic spells.  She has to try them out.

Nick Pardee is resentful he has to leave his city home to come to Yaleylah, Missouri.  But once there he witnesses Silla in the cemetery trying a spell.  Memories of his mother come back to him.  Memories of her practicing blood magic.  He's drawn to Silla.  Both try to find out the truth of what happened to Silla's parents.  Blood Magic is one of those paranormals that grabs onto you and refuses to let you go.  The lush and rich writing will have you staying up late at night as you follow both Silla and Nick toward finding out the truth.

Click here to read more

Best Books of 2010

Looking for a good book to read? I posted my picks for Best Books of 2010 at my blog, Bildungsroman. Check it out.

Leave me a comment and tell me about your favorite books from 2010!

Clip art source: DailyClipArt.net