Blog Tour: Revolutionary (Anomaly #3) by Krista McGee (Review + Giveaway)

 Blog Tour Schedule

Published: July 15^th, 2014 (Thomas Nelson) 

Pages: 336

Rating: 5/5

Source: NetGalley (Blog Tour)

Goodreads ~ Amazon 

All her life Thalli thought she was an anomaly. Now she must use her gifts to fulfill the role she was called to play: Revolutionary.

Back in the underground State against her will, Thalli is no longer the anomaly she was before. She has pr

oven herself to be a powerful leader aboveground and returns with information that Dr. Loudin needs to complete his plan of uniting the world under one leader: himself. But he, too, has information. A secret he has kept from Thalli her entire life. A secret that, once revealed, changes everything about the person Thalli thought she was.

Hoping to help Thalli rise up against the Scientists, both Berk and Alex join her underground, but their presence only brings more trouble for her. Now Dr. Loudin knows just the leverage to use on his captive, and she is forced to choose between the two of them. Is her first love her true love? Or does Alex ultimately claim her heart?

Unsure of everything around her, including her own identity, Thalli doesn’t know where to turn. She knows she needs the Designer, but he seems further away than ever. What she does know, though, is that if she doesn’t do something to stop Loudin, the fragile world aboveground will be lost once and for all. [Description from Goodreads]

I read Revolutionary immediately after reading Luminary (#2), and can I just say that this book series is one you just don’t tire of. I love Krista’s writing style- as stupid as this statement sounds, it’s easy to read and enjoy (trust me, some writing styles can be difficult to read!). One other “side detail” of the book that I really like is the cover. I love the covers for all the books in the trilogy, in fact, because they effectively represent the theme of the books.

Now down to the nitty gritty stuff. I loved how this book wraps it all up in such a dramatic way. Sooo many secrets are revealed! Dr. Loudin’s true self is uncovered, Thalli finds out  more about herself that she didn’t know before, and she even discovers secrets about her friends from New Hope. It was almost like every chapter was a book in itself, with drama and a climax and a cliffhanger ending.

I have to admit, in the past two books, I’d been a little disappointed in Dr. Loudin’s degree of evilness (is that a thing? I’m making it a thing). I don’t think I even realized I was disappointed until I read Revolutionary, though. Because in Revolutionary, Loudin is SO mean. He’s just a super big meanie. He’s about as mean as Loki was in the Avengers, when Loki shot Agent Coulson with that huge gun. That’s pretty mean, ya know? Granted, I didn’t invision Loudin being as gorgeous as Loki is, but that just made Loudin’s actions that much more treacherous.

But enough about villains…on to our incredible protagonist, Thalli! I loved seeing her grow over the span of the series. She’s come a long way since Anomaly. I do wish we could have seen some more changes due to her time aboveground. One thing was the fact that she still doesn’t use contractions. There aren’t many contractions used by much of anyone, in fact, and for some reason that really bugged me in all three books. It’s just the littlest detail, but for some reason it annoyed me at times.

I’m really glad that we were introduced to Alex’s character, and that he got a lot more attention in Revolutionary. Alex has definitely become one of my favorites from the trilogy…he’s just adorable. And I’m also glad that there was a significant increase in romance in this last book, as there was in Luminary (compared to Anomaly).

I found Revolutionary to be a fantastic ending to this unique and ground-breaking series! I might have said this before, but Krista McGee has done a great job in mixing more of the dystopian genre with the YA Christian genre. This hybrid is something I’m seeing more of on bookshelves today, and hopefully something I’ll continue to see. If you haven’t read Anomaly, be sure to do that this summer! Or if you have, be sure to finish the series. You won’t be disappointed…

Quick Content Review: *may contain spoilers*

Language: None

Violence: Very Mild

Sexual: None

About the Author:

Krista writes for teens, teaches teens, and more often than not, acts like a teen. She and her family have lived and ministered in Texas, Costa Rica, and Spain. Her current hometown is Tampa, FL.

Author Links:

http://kristamcgeebooks.com/

http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5015496.Krista_McGee

https://twitter.com/KristaMcGeeYA

https://www.facebook.com/krista.a.mcgee

Review: Come Back To Me by Mila Gray

Published: June 19^th, 2014

Pages: 373

Rating: 4/5

Source: e-ARC from author 

 Goodreads ~ Amazon 

Home on leave in sunny California, Marine and local lothario Kit Ryan finds himself dangerously drawn to his best friend's sister, Jessa - the one girl he can't have. But Kit's not about to let a few obstacles stand in his way and soon Jessa's falling for his irresistible charms. 
What starts out as a summer romance of secret hook-ups and magical first times quickly develops into a passionate love affair that turns both their worlds upside down.

When summer's over and it's time for Kit to redeploy, neither Kit nor Jessa are ready to say goodbye. Jessa's finally following her dreams and Kit's discovered there's someone he'd sacrifice everything for. Jessa's prepared to wait for Kit no matter what. But when something more than distance and time rips them apart they're forced to decide whether what they have is really worth fighting for.

A breathtaking, scorchingly hot story about love, friendship, family and finding your way back from the edge of heartbreak. (Description from Goodreads) 

*I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review*

First things first: I don’t normally read New Adult. It’s just a genre that I haven’t really jumped into yet, and in the past, I’ve even swore myself off of it (in a post on this blog!). Problem is, I’m getting old(er), and I’ve found it a little difficult at times to relate to YA characters. NA characters are more my age; thus I relate better to them. I’m (slowly) making my way into reading more NA, but I just wanted to put that out there.

That being said, Come Back To Me was the perfect introduction into NA. I was hooked from the start; heck, I was hooked just knowing that the book was a “military love story.” Basically two of my favorite things. I have a weird thing for books with a military aspect…and I kinda have a thing for military men, too, but that’s a different blog post. I’m pretty sure I was certifiably addicted to this book. I even cried a little at some parts (because there’s some legit heavy stuff). GUYS, WATER CAME OUT OF MY EYES, and all because of this book (that doesn’t happen…ever). I don’t get emotional over books or movies, aside from the Book Thief film; it had me sobbing. Come Back To Me is such a sweet, passionate, emotional roller coaster that all I want to do is ride again.

The story is told from both characters POV, which was a good move on the author’s part. Seeing Kit’s side of the story really added a lot to the story, and I think that’s something that helped keep my attention throughout the book. I love reading male perspectives on falling in love- it’s like getting inside a guy’s head. And who doesn’t love to do that?! Let me also say that Kit’s perspective made some of the love scenes a whoooooole lot hotter. *saucy wink*

 Kit’s just come back from serving overseas to find Jessa all grown up. She’s not the little kid who followed Riley and him around before they enlisted. Kit holds a playboy reputation, but he’s leaving all that behind. After dreaming about Jessa for a year now, Kit’s ready for her to be his. I felt that this, as well as other parts of the story, was a tad cliché. Kit can have almost any woman he wants, but he chooses the one he can’t have. Some parts were predictable, like which character dies in action (can you guess?). But most love stories are a little predictable, simply because they are overdone. I feel like that didn’t distract me from the story, though, and I still managed to really enjoy the love story.

Let me tell you one thing that was totally unpredictable, something I loved about the story: When Kit comes home after the tragedy, he doesn’t immediately fall into Jessa’s waiting arms. They don’t cry on each other’s shoulders. They don’t mourn together. THAT would be predictable. The truth is that they stay painfully separated. And that really played with my emotions, because I wanted them to be together, just like they wanted to be together, but this awful, intangible thing was keeping them apart. It’s all so poetic and beautiful that I almost want to go find a couch to swoon on. 

Come Back To Me is a bittersweet love story that will (hopefully) tug at your heart as much as it did mine. You’ll fall for Kit, and squeal at how perfect Jessa and Kit are together, and even maybe cry a little (it’s very possible). I highly recommend this book to mature teen and adult readers.

*Reviewer Note: This being a New Adult title, there is sexual material included in this book, some of which is graphic/explicit. Because of that, I wouldn’t recommend this title to anyone under 18.*

Guest Post: Christine Pisera Naman, author of Nine Days

Author Christine Pisera Naman is on the blog today, sharing some of her favorite comforting Scripture verses.

My Bible is worn, dog eared, and very well used. I so often turn to it when I am having a bad day or going through a rough time. Because I read it daily, it doesn’t have time to collect dust. Through my many readings, I have underlined passages, fragments, and sometimes even single words that have touched me. It is in times of trouble that I reach for my Bible. I actually do it constantly. I keep it on my night table next to my bed. But sometimes, when things really seem to be bleak, I actually carry it through the day with me. And throughout these darker days I steal quick peeks at the gems I found throughout my previous readings. They always seem to give me comfort no matter how familiar they have become.

One passage that always comforts me is Romans 8-38-39

“For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Could there be anything better than knowing that nothing could ever separate us from God’s love? To me, no. Sometimes, this is exactly what I need to hear. When I feel myself growing distant I remind myself that His love is stronger than all and ever present.

I’m not by nature the most confident person and, sometimes I open my Bible for a little pep talk. Philippians 4:13 is short and sweet but does the trick for me.

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

I think what I like most about the way I read this passage is that it’s not about what I can do or choose to do but instead it is about God’s will and His glory. And that in itself somehow makes me feel strong and confident.

But I think the passage I turn to the most often is Jeremiah 29:11

“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.”

As much as I’m always fighting God for the steering wheel I know it is best when He’s driving. I love knowing that He has not only a plan for me but a good plan at that. I know I’m happier and better off when I’m letting Him guide me and I feel an excitement inside of me when I realize the endless possibilities of the wonderful life He has laid ahead of me.

My worn, written in, tattered Bible remains my most precious possession. In it I find passages to turn to when having a bad day or going through a rough time. In it I find serenity.

 

In NINE DAYS, twenty-three year-old Mary Grace Mastrianni returns home to face her difficult past. She had a lonely childhood after the painful death of her mother, and Mary Grace left it all behind her when she escaped to New York City to attend college and build a new life. When Mary Grace is forced to return to sell the family home, memories of her early years suddenly surround her, making her come to terms with unresolved feelings and desires she had pushed away for so long. 

Mary Grace finds her mother’s tattered sweater that has not been touched since the day of her mother’s passing, Mary Grace slides her hand into its pocket to discover a yellowing square of paper on which a Novena is printed. The prayer promises that any request will be granted as long as the person fervently prays the prayer in church for nine consecutive days. Mary Grace, who often lacks faith, decides to stay in town just long enough to pray the Novena. In her heart she holds a very special request. In addition, Mary Grace stumbles upon the “to-do” list her mother was in the middle of when she died. Mary Grace understands that her mother was the most faith-filled person she ever knew, and Mary Grace decides to not only pray the Novena but complete the “to-do” list as well. She hopes that by walking in her mother’s shoes, her chances of having her Novena request granted will increase.

Mary Grace spends the next nine days completing her journey of prayer, visiting the church each day and following through on the not-so-easy tasks on the “to-do” list. During these nine days, Mary Grace meets a variety of people who help her build her own faith by sharing their faith with her: She volunteers in a hospital neonatal unit caring for a sick baby, reads to children at the local library, visits with a lonely elderly man in need of company, serves food in a soup kitchen, goes to Confession and visits the gravesites of family who have passed. As Mary Grace dutifully proceeds along her nine-day journey of prayer, she feels her faith growing. The beauty of God surrounds her, but she can’t help but wonder if her most private, heartfelt prayer will be answered.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Christine Pisera Naman is the author of six books including, Faces of Hope 10 Years Later (Health Communications, 2011), The Believers (Kirk House Publishers, 2011), Christmas Lights (Random House, 2007), Caterpillar Kisses (Random House, 2005), Faces of Hope (Health Communications, 2002). Christine has appeared on many national television programs including the Today Show and Fox & Friends, featured in a variety of national and local print and online outlets and interviewed on numerous radio shows around the country. Prior to her illustrious writing career, Christine was a Catholic school Kindergarten teacher. For additional information please visit her at www.christinenaman.com.

Guest Post: Cathi Shaw, author of Five Corners

Today we have YA fantasy author Cathi Shaw with us, talking a little about the editing process.

The Secret to Editing

            Editing is the secret to good writing (but if you’re reading this you probably already know that). Editing is also the most skipped over part of the writing process. I always tell my students that 60% of their writing time should be taken up by editing. Unfortunately, most of us hate editing.

            I think one of the ways to make the editing process work best, is if you can take a break from your project before you leap into the edits. We all feel as if it is DONE when we put those final few words on a draft. In reality it is just starting but it’s hard to see that when you’ve just finished your masterpiece.

            My practice is to finish the draft and then take a week or two off. Write something else, take a break from writing altogether, do some spring cleaning – whatever will keep you away from your project (I usually start a new project if I can because there’s nothing so all encompassing as a new story idea).

            After I’ve taken some time away from my manuscript, I sit down with it and start reading it. I try to do this with fresh eyes; to look at the story from the reader’s point of view. And inevitably by the second page I’m making changes (some of them big and some of them small).

            For me, this first stage of editing takes anywhere from a week to several months. It doesn’t really matter how long it takes – the crucial piece to making it successful is that break at the start.

            After I’ve edited my MS to death (at least that’s how it feels at that stage), I send it out to my trusty beta readers. I do it at this stage for a few reasons. First, if there are any major problems with the plotline that I’m too blind to see, I’d like to find out at this stage rather than at the stage when I think the story is actually finished. Second, by this time I really can’t see what needs to still be done with the MS – sometimes there needs to be more character development, sometimes a certain scene doesn’t make sense to an outside reader, sometimes it’s just massive rewording of some sections of the story. So I turn to my readers.

            By the way, if you do have some trusted readers who will give you honest feedback, it’s helpful to provide them with some guiding questions. I keep these pretty general: where did you feel lost in the story, what parts were boring or repetitive, what parts needed more information or description?

            Give your beta readers some time to get through your masterpiece. This is one of the toughest parts – waiting (I’m impatient by nature so waiting for anything is akin to torture for me). Be realistic. For my novels (which are about 70,000 words) I give a month. If you need feedback within a certain timeline, let your readers know. Some of them might not be able to help you out. That’s okay, too. Just move on to other beta readers (you should start collecting as many eager readers as you can early on).

            When you get feedback from your readers, read it. I know that sounds pretty simple but often you won’t necessarily agree with the feedback or it will be a bit negative and it’s hard to read a critique of your own work. It is normal to be hurt by less positive feedback, but if you truly want to improve your MS, you really need to listen to what your readers are telling you. Sometime the advice or suggestions is totally off base, but, more often than not, it actually is the truth. Especially if two or more of your beta readers are saying the same thing, you probably should listen to them.

            I try to read my feedback, give it a few days and then reread it. From there I jump into the next round of edits, making changes as suggested by my readers, correcting an errors they caught and so on. This stage takes me between 2-3 weeks usually but it really depends on how big the edits need to be.

            And then I’m ready to send the manuscript to my publisher! Don’t think the editing is over at this stage … it just reaches a new level. Depending on your publisher, you may have to engage in major edits to the storyline or simple copy edits. I’ve had to do both, depending on project. At any rate, expect to make changes after the publisher receives the book.

            So the editing process is fairly detailed. The best advice I can give is to remember that editing really is writing. It takes up the bulk of your time as a writer and, yes, it can be onerous. But a detailed editing process is what makes a mediocre manuscript into a masterpiece!

Author Bio

Cathi Shaw lives in Summerland, BC with her husband and three children.  She is often found wandering around her home, muttering in a seemingly incoherent manner, particularly when her characters have embarked on new adventure. In addition to writing fiction, she teaches rhetoric and professional writing in the Department of Communications at Okanagan College and is the co-author of the textbook Writing Today.

 Five Corners Book Blurb (from Goodreads)

Growing up in a sleepy village untouched by distant wars and political conflicts, it was easy for Thia, Mina and Kiara to forget such horrors existed in the Five Corners. That is until the dead child is found; a child that bears the same strange birthmark that all three sisters possess. A Mark their mother had always told them was unique to the girls. Kiara's suspicions grow as their Inn is soon overrun with outsiders from all walks of life. Strangers, soldiers and Elders who all seem to know more about what is happening than the girls do. After Mina barely survives an attack in the forest, the sisters are faced with a shattering secret their mother has kept from them for years. As danger closes in around them, the sisters are forced from their home and must put their trust in the hands of strangers. With more questions than answers, Kiara finds herself separated from everyone she loves and reliant on an Outlander who has spent too much time in army. She doesn't trust Caedmon but she needs him if she has any hope of being reunited with her sisters and learning what the Mark might mean.

Contact Links

Twitter: @CathiShaw
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheMarkedOnesSeries
Tumblr: http://themarkedones.tumblr.com/

Buy links for book:

PUBLISHER: http://ink-smith.com/product/five-corners-the-marked-one/
AMAZON: http://www.amazon.com/Five-Corners-The-Marked-Ones/dp/1939156246/ref=sr_1_1?
BARNES AND NOBLE: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/five-corners-cathi-shaw/1117922571?

Blog Tour: Miss Darcy Decides by Reina M. Williams (Review)

Published: January 21^st, 2014 (ADS, Inc.)

Pages: 77

Rating: 4/5

Goodreads

Miss Darcy Decides is a light, sweet Pride and Prejudice novella, book two in the Love at Pemberley series.

While visiting a young woman—who was not so fortunate as Miss Georgiana Darcy in escaping the persuasions of a rogue—Georgiana meets Sir Camden Sutton, whose reputation causes Georgiana to wonder as to his motives. Her wondering soon turns to a different feeling when Sir Camden comes to stay at Pemberley, showing himself to be a very different man than was rumored. While Sir Camden struggles with his past and his commitment to his future, as well as the ill intentions of haughty Caroline Bingley, Miss Darcy must decide whether to listen to others, or the words written on her heart.

Jane Austen spin-offs are my cup of tea. They can be done really well or really badly, and thankfully this one was done very well. It’s the perfect little novella for a road trip or an afternoon by the pool.

I feel like Reina did a great job of staying true to Austen’s original characters. This is something that I feel is relatively important to do. I love the addition of Sir Camden. Georgiana’s true forgiving nature and her ability to see the good in others is amplified in the character of Sir Camden. This sweet little romance is a good reminder that a certain amount of forgiveness and forgetfulness is required to make any relationship work.

Through it was short and sweet, I enjoyed every page of Miss Darcy Decides. We the grown-up side of Georgiana as she begins to make bold decision about what she believes and wants. I’m looking forward to reading more stories from the Love at Pemberley series.

Buy the Novella

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About the Author

Reina M. Williams loves period dramas, sweet reads, fairy tales, cooking and baking. She lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her two boys, who hope to someday take a research trip to England with their mom.

For more information please visit Reina M. Williams’s website. You can also connect with her on Twitter, Goodreads, and Pinterest.