"To find out what a story's really about,' the Librarian said,

'you don't ask the writer. You ask the reader."


- SNOW & ROSE by Emily Winfield Martin


Friday, June 29, 2012

Cover Reveal: Fae by Emily White


Auri #2 (Elemental #2 Trilogy) 
Release Date: December 10th, 2013 
Publisher: Spencer Hill Press
Cover Design by: Vic Caswell of Sketcher Girl 
Genre: Young Adult Fantasy and Sci-Fi
Formats: Paperback, eBook

SUMMARY
Not all fae'ri tales come with a happy ending. 
Ella thought taking care of the ego-bloated Mamood god would be a sure way to bring peace to the galaxy and satisfy her taste for revenge. 
But she was wrong. 

Despite the fact their god is gone, the Mamood refuse to abandon their attack on the planet Soltak and Ella's own so-called friends start to turn against her. And with Soltak dying--its oceans drying up and its plants withering in the ground--Ella and Cailen suspect there's a new enemy at work. As more people die and more water is leached from the planet, they both prepare for something straight from a nightmare. 


The fae are coming.

MY THOUGHTS 

The first book to this trilogy, Elemental, just blew me away.
You can see my review of Elemental here!
It ended in a good way, but I really really really wanted more!...
The cover to Fae fits the series and this summary perfectly. I love that we get to see her face more human-like than the alien-ish one we see on Elemental's cover.
And the font is lovely.
AND, it is not sitting well with me on now I have to wait a whole year and a half to get it this! 
Oh, the torture!!! 

So, what do you think??? Did you read Elemental yet??? 

Wednesday, June 27, 2012

Waiting On Wednesday #16: Black City by Elizabeth Richards






"Waiting On Wednesday" is a weekly meme hosted by  

This is were we get to 'spotlight' books that we are anxiously waiting to be released! The ones that we are dying to get our hands on and read into the wee hours of the night and make our shelves look all pretty :)


by Elizabeth Richards 
Release Date: November 13th, 2012


SUMMARY
(from Goodreads) 

"A dark and tender post-apocalyptic love story set in the aftermath of a bloody war. 

In a city where humans and Darklings are now separated by a high wall and tensions between the two races still simmer after a terrible war, sixteen-year-olds Ash Fisher, a half-blood Darkling, and Natalie Buchanan, a human and the daughter of the Emissary, meet and do the unthinkable--they fall in love.
Bonded by a mysterious connection that causes Ash's long-dormant heart to beat, Ash and Natalie first deny and then struggle to fight their forbidden feelings for each other, knowing if they're caught, they'll be executed--but their feelings are too strong. 
When Ash and Natalie then find themselves at the center of a deadly conspiracy that threatens to pull the humans and Darklings back into war, they must make hard choices that could result in both their deaths."


 MY THOUGHTS 

A Dystopian retelling of Romeo and Juliet ... with Vampires!? 

Need I say more??? 

What are you waiting for this week?!
Leave a comment with your links, I'd love to see :)

And thanks for stopping by again, happy reading!!! 

Tuesday, June 26, 2012

Bumbles and Fairy-Tales Follower Appreciation Giveaway!!!

Hello my bookie friends!!! 
This month, Bumbles and Fairy-Tales, has so much to be thankful for!!! 
But more importantly, we want to celebrate our readers and followers :) 
Bumbles and Fairy-Tales has been up and running for 6 months now!
And in those short 6 months, we have grown so quickly and have made so many wonderful friends through all sorts of ways, it has been a wonderful whirlwind of fun! 


To say THANK YOU, I'm having a giveaway... 
there will be TWO winners, one U.S./Canada and one international :)  


Here are the prizes... 


As a big thank you, ONE winner will receive (open internationally): 
- Signed copy of Belles by Jen Calonita 
- Signed copy of Keep Holding On by Susane Colasanti  
- Signed copy of Take a Bow by Elizabeth Eulberg 
AND 
Your choice of a book from The Book Depository! 

Good luck to you!!!

Monday, June 25, 2012

Book Tour: Royally BeSwitched by Molly Snow (Review/Interview/Giveaway)

Good morning book-loving friends! Today is the 8th stop on the
Royally BeSwitched Blog Tour!

(Book 3, The BeSwitched Series)
by Molly Snow 
Release Date: June 10th, 2012 
Publisher: Breezy Reads
Genre: 12+ (Paranormal, Romance) 
Review Format: ARC eBook



SUMMARY
(from Goodreads)

"Hexed from a small suburb in the U.S. back to 1700's France, a magical black cat, Surla, and her human crush, Jax Morreau, have no idea what troubles await.

When Jax’s distant relatives, a lowly maidservant and a prince, miss their chance at love, evil gains a stronghold in the Morreau Kingdom. It’s up to the duo from the future to reset the course of love before it’s too late. Surla, the cat, will do anything, including switch bodies with the maidservant, to clean up the royal mess."


MY REVIEW

The BeSwitched series is sweet, adventurous and funny - Molly Snow's writing flows magically. With each book the characters grow and the storytelling is engaging.  

In this third installment, Surla is back to being a black cat, and has been cursed back in time with her 'human crush', Jax. As they get comfortable with their new surroundings in the early 18th century of France, Surla and Jax discover that two of Jax's ancestors are having a difficult time getting along. And if these two, Noella and Nicholas, don't end up falling in love and marrying, Jax's whole lineage will be in jeopardy. And while Surla and Jax try to help and figure things out, we also learn more about Surla, her past and her role in Jax's family. 

Surla, even as a cat, is so relateable. You can't help but want a friend like her. And as the story went along, I couldn't help but like Jax more and more, and hope for the best for all of them.
I don't want to say much more in fear of spoiling the series for those who have not read it yet.

Molly Snow's adorable BeSwitched series is one to be enjoyed by all middle graders and young adult.
There is mention of a fourth book to the series, but whether or not it will be the last book to the series is still unknown...


INTERVIEW with Molly Snow, Author

1. Describe Royally BeSwitched in 3 words.
Surprising. Fulfilling. Heart-Fluttering.


2. What was your inspiration for the BeSwitched Series?
I love stories where people switch places. I remember I was sitting in my mom's barber shop when I was sixteen and thinking about this, but wanted something with a twist. I considered having a person switching with an animal. A witch's black cat was the perfect set-up for a fun story and I ran with it.

3. Why did you use time travel for part of this book's theme?
While I was writing BeSwitched Witch (Book 2), I wanted to outline Book 3. With a series, when you know where you are headed, it is easier to foreshadow and have things line up just right. The whole switching and going to high school I believed to get old really fast; I had to think of a fresh situation. Since Jax's family was mysterious and had their own supernatural powers, I considered having them come from a royal lineage and then thrusting Jax and the magical cat back to that time. I took quite some time mapping out Royally BeSwitched before finishing BeSwitched Witch. Having Jax come from a line where a prince fell in love with a peasant was an ideal situation for Surla to switch bodies, since the peasant was very lonely before the prince shows interest.

4. Can you please tell us what you are working on now?
I am working on Book 4, and so far it is untitled. When Surla comes back to the future, she and Jax have to deal with the threat of black magic on a whole new level. Surla also has a new supernatural ability, which is a lot of fun.

5. Fun question! What is your favorite fairy-tale (or fairy-tale character)?
Snow White. When I was finally coming out of my shell, at eighteen years old, I played Snow White in the community theater. It was a lot of fun. I have a Snow White figurine in my living room I love from when I went to Disney Land.
 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR - Molly Snow

The Woman: That word feels kinda strange to describe me--woman. I write teen fiction and I still feel like I haven't become a grown up. I should get used to it, because my 14-year-old cousin recently looked me in the eyes and said, "You're ooold."
I'm married to my high school crush, who was also my brother's best friend! Imagine the drama that ensued once he started coming over to ask me to hang out, instead of my brother; for instance, they had a pushing match in our living room. But now they are brother-in-laws and can't complain.
I have twin boys who are about to turn three. They are addicted to the movie Cars, in the most obsessive way. Every morning it is the same, "Cars again!" I love them so much and feel blessed to have them.
Some things I love: sushi, Hanson, couponing, playing with my fam.

The Author: I've written three books for The BeSwitched Series. The 3rd, Royally BeSwitched, is coming soon! I am also setting up a blog tour, so if you read YA go to breezyreads.com and sign up under Blog Tours.


Blog, GoodreadsFacebook Fan PageTwitter
Breezy Reads Website,  Breezy Reads Facebook 

AND... Don't forget books 1 and 2...

"The Black Cats' Curse
Running from your witch 
And crossing paths with a lonesome soul
Causes a bodily switch
That's how you'll pay the toll."


BeSwitched
"When a magical black cat, Surla, runs away from her bombastic witch, she has no idea she will soon be living the life of shy teenage girl, Cathy Phillips, confronting the mean girls and cute guys of Washington High.

Cathy’s peers notice a dramatic change when she starts standing up for herself, dressing differently, snagging dates and picking up feline habits. Meanwhile, Surla’s witch is a flaming red-haired fury, awkwardly trying to fit into society, so she can find her familiar and perform magic once again.

The “curse” of being BeSwitched may just be the most purr-fect secret these new best friends could ever have!"



MY THOUGHTS of BeSwitched
BeSwitched is the perfect 'intro' book to the series. We meet Surla, the black cat, her witch, Idis, and her 'human', Cathy. See what happens when a black cat crosses paths with a 'lonesome soul'... 

BeSwitched Witch
"When the sassy black cat, Surla, ends up crossing paths with her ex-witch, the outrageous and hot-tempered Idis, it triggers again the curse of being BeSwitched.Idis was supposed to be dead in a drawer at the morgue, and Surla was supposed to be having some bonding time with her new human best friend, Cathy. Instead, these two enemies are forced to get along or stay switched forever while in search for the last spell book... If only the curious and handsome new guy in school, Jax Morreau, would stop distracting Surla from their plan." 

MY THOUGHTS of BeSwitched Witch
BeSwitched Witch was such a fun book! What happens when a black cat crosses paths with another "lonesome soul'... although, I was questioning whether or not this particular person had a soul, lol.
We also learn more about Surla, and her relationship with her witch, Idis. And we are also introduced to a new character, a potential love interest for Surla, Jax. And there is definitely more to Jax than we think...

Giveaway!!!
Enter here to win an eBook copy of Royally BeSwitched by Molly Snow!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Sunday, June 24, 2012

The Beehive Book News #9: A Little Bit of Everything Edition

Hello my book-ie loveys :) 
I'm sorry that my post is a bit late this weekend! I look horrible and could use a nap, but instead I decided to create a vlog for the week, lol! I wanted to share all the things that have been going on around here, my book haul, a tiny bit of the book signing I went to and a new bi-weekly feature that I'll be hosting here on my blog (more details to come soon!) 




Hope you enjoyed all the noise again, lol! 
And as I have been, I'll be joining in with Stacking the Shelves hosted by Tynga :) 



Here's my summary... 
Last week on the blog...
- My review of Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo
- My review of Belles by Jen Calonita
- My Waiting On Wednesday post: Winter White by Jen Calonita
- My review of Simplicity and interview with Valia Lind
- My stop on the Blood Jewel book tour
- Cover reveal of Triangles by Kimberly Ann Miller

What I received for review:
- Crewel by Gennifer Albin (Macmillan/Edelweiss)
- Eve and Adam by Michael Grant and Katherine Applegate (Macmillan/Edelweiss)
Pushing the Limits by Katie McGarry (Harlequin/NetGalley)
The Goddess Legacy by Aimee Carter (Harlequin/NetGalley)
- Love and Other Perishable Items by Laura Buzo (Random House/NetGalley)
- Kissing Shakespeare by Pamela Mingle (Random House/NetGalley)
- (Adult) Kiss of Steel by Bec McMaster
- (Adult) A Lady and Her Magic by Tammy Falkner

Books we got...
- The Carrie Diaries by Candace Bushnell
- Rapture (Fallen #4) by Lauren Kate
- For Darkness Shows the Stars by Diana Peterfreund
- Insignia by S.J. Kincaid
Linger (The Wolves of Mercy Falls #2) by Maggie Stiefvater
- Belles by Jen Calonita
- Take a Bow by Elizabeth Eulberg
- Keep Holding On by Suzane Colasanti 


- Taking Shots (Assassins #1) by Toni Aleo (ebook)
- The Vincent Boys by Abbi Glines (free ebook)
- Witches 101: A Witches of East End Primer by Melissa de la Cruz (free ebook - Adult)



Thank you to...
- Claire of Claire Reads :)
- Sarvenaz Tash, for The Mapmaker and the Ghost bookmark and bookplate :)

Next week on the blog:
- More of my reviews: Keep Holding On, Take a Bow, and the BeSwitched Series
- My stop on The Royally BeSwitched Tour!
- My interviews with Susane Colasanti and Elizabeth Eulberg!
- My Monthly Reads Wrap-Up post :)

- Giveaway Alert!!! Stay tuned for your chance to win books from THREE amazing YA authors AND a book of your choice!!!





Thank you all for taking the time to stop by every week!!! 
Please be sure to leave a comment, say "HI" and don't forget to leave your links too!!! 

Happy reading :) 

Friday, June 22, 2012

Cover Reveal: Triangles by Kimberly Ann Miller


Release Date: June 18, 2013
Publisher: Spencer Hill Press 
Cover Design by: Vic Caswell of Sketcher Girl Studios
Genre: YA Contemporary
Formats: Paperback and eBook  

SUMMARY

A cruise ship. A beautiful island. Two sexy guys. 
What could possibly go wrong? 

In the Bermuda Triangle—a lot.

Hoping to leave behind the reminders of her crappy life--her father's death years ago, her mother's medical problems, and the loser who’s practically stalking her--seventeen-year-old Autumn Taylor hops on a ship with her sister for a little distraction. When she wakes up in the Bermuda Triangle, she fears she's gone nuts for more than one reason: that loser’s suddenly claiming they're a happy couple... a hot guy is wrapping his arms around her and saying "Happy Anniversary"... and suddenly, she’s full of bruises, losing her hair, and getting IV medication. Autumn visits the ship's doctor, hoping for a pill or a shot to make the craziness go away. Instead, she's warned that these "alternate realities" could become permanent.

She just has to ask herself one question—how the hell is she going to get out of this mess?

* * * 
"{Triangles is an} amazing story of a girl who wakes up in alternate realities each day she spends in the Bermuda Triangle. It's sort of like a teen romance version of Groundhog Day
and it will make you both cry and laugh out loud." ~ Spencer Hill Press

* * * 

MY THOUGHTS

The cover is amazing - the font matches perfectly.
I love her pretty summer dress.
And the two 'ghost-like' guys really fit the summary.

It really does sound like a good book to get 'lost' in, hee hee!

What do you think??? 

A Book Tour: Blood Jewel by Georgia Cates

by Georgia Cates 
Release Date: May 31st, 2012
Genre: YA Paranormal Romance  

SUMMARY 

With the mystery of Chansey Leclaire and Curry Brennan’s connection solved, they are free to explore their newfound love for one another. Or so they thought...

When Marsala uses a witch and black magic to discover Curry’s whereabouts, he and Chansey are left with no choice. The newly engaged couple is forced to relocate away from their families at the new compound in Savannah, which causes some major changes in the plans for their upcoming wedding.

Relocating to Savannah might have saved Curry and Chansey from being discovered by Marsala, but it doesn’t stop her attempts to reach Curry or her efforts to harm Chansey through the use of black magic. As Marsala closes in, Curry faces the decision he never wanted to make. Will he keep Chansey human or condemn her to eternity as the thing he hates most? 

As Curry waits for his hand to be forced, a newly turned vampire arrives at the Savannah compound in need of help. Not only is she a fledgeling in transition, she brings reports of escaping from a vampire cult still in possession of her sister, a human. Any attempt to save the captive human from a cult of vampires puts everyone in jeopardy. Can they risk entering a large cult to save one human being? And is so, how could they possibly do it successfully?

Love will grow. New mysteries will arise. A battle will ensue. A Blood Jewel will be found.


Top 6 Words to describe Blood Jewel and why:
  
Unique - Blood Jewel is about the love affair between a vampire and his destined mate, Chansey, which is mostly human. The story is Curry’s, so it is written from a male vampire’s POV. In your tradition vampire/human romance, you read the story from the female character’s POV and the reader completely misses the emotions felt by the male vampire. Blood of Anteros and Blood Jewel both take the reader into the mind of the lead male’s vampire character.

Romantic - Back to the male POV...my gosh, who wouldn’t want to hear the romantic thoughts of the man in your life? Curry’s love for Chansey is so sweet and tender, but that in no way makes him a sap. He is an alpha male so we see his possessive, protective side as well. (Sigh)

Sexy - What can I say? This couple is hot and their chemistry is on FIRE! Someone get an extinguisher. In Blood of Anteros, we saw Chansey pushing Curry for an intimate relationship and he shows a lot of restraint, but his desire for Chansey becomes uninhibited in Blood Jewel. No more holding back. That’s all I’m saying about that. (Fanning myself)

Fulfilling - The details and outcome of Curry and Chansey’s romantic adventure and love affair is fulfilling for the reader, while leaving room for potential future drama. In other words, you will get that ending we all know you want for them.

Insightful - Blood Jewel is a fresh twist on the vampire world. Let’s face it...vampires have been done well and not so well, but I approached Blood Jewel with emphasis on the Agápe. To me, it is more about the Agape than it is about vampires.

Exciting - Love never comes easy for a vampire and his Agápe and it never will. Their relationship will always include danger and struggle, although they were chosen for one another by the god, Anteros. What kind of story would we have it Love ever came easily?


BLOOD JEWEL EXCERPT
"Many exciting changes had occurred over the past couple of days. Although Chansey accepted my marriage proposal, she still didn’t know a lot about the world of vampires and there was much she needed to learn. “Do you think you would feel comfortable joining the others for dinner tonight? If you are going to live in a house of vampires you will need to become accustomed to the sight of blood drinking.”
She swallowed hard. “Where do they get the blood?”
“There is a community of humans called Black Swans that know about us and support our cause. Some of the Black Swans choose to become Blood Swans, which means they freely give of their blood supply for our sustenance.”
She looked thoughtful and asked, “Do you bite the Blood Swans?”
“I’m sure there are Blood Swans that would like to be bitten, but we do not drink directly from them. There are humans that allow themselves to be bitten, but we discourage it because it is too easy to lose control. There are groups of humans called Seekers that desire the company of vampires and wish to be turned. Seekers willingly allow vampires to bite them as a way of being introduced into the community. Then, there are also Blood Dolls. They enjoy and are addicted to the act of being bitten because of the umm...ecstasy they receive from it. They refer to the pleasure of the bite as The Kiss.”
“Have you ever bitten a Blood Doll?”
My answer was not going to please her. “We have all had a Blood Doll at some point in our existence, but it was a very long time ago.”
The angry versus jealous expression on her face told me she didn’t appreciate my honest answer. “How many have you had?”
I looked to the ground for help, but found none. “Only one.”
“What was her name?”she asked, jealously.
“Her name was Luciana and our relationship meant nothing. It can’t really even be considered a relationship. I drank from her. There was nothing romantic between us because it isn’t like that for vampires. The only thing we feel romantic about is the blood we crave. And our Agápes,” I explained.
Her hands went to her hips. Uh oh. Not a great sign for me. “Did your relationship with her last a long time?”
I was probably about to shoot myself in the foot or cause her to shoot me. “Depends on what you consider a long time.”
She was becoming aggravated with my vague answers and slightly raised her voice as she interrogated further. “Please, answer the question that you are avoiding. How long was Luciana your Blood Doll?”
“A little more than two years,” I admitted. Although two years was nothing for a vampire, it was rather significant in the life of a human and I knew by the look on her face that my answer didn’t sit well with her.
She became silenced by my unintentional hurtful admission. Now, she looked at the ground in search of the right words. The silence surrounding us emphasized the beat of her rapid heart before she finally continued, “What ended your relationship with Luciana?”
“She thought she loved me. I failed to convince her that it was the result of The Kiss she loved, so I ended all contact with her.”
Chansey took a deep breath. “What happened to her?” she asked.
“She found another vampire to feed on her and he eventually turned her.”
This hole I was digging was getting deeper with each question I answered. Chansey took the stance I had unfortunately become quite familiar with when she shifted her weight over to one leg. “Incredible! There’s a second vampire out there somewhere that’s convinced she’s in love with you? You are quite the lady’s man, aren’t you?”
“Luciana is a vampire, but she is not in love with me. She’s a vampire in love with the blood she drinks,” I clarified.
“Vampires have romantic relationships with other vampires, so how do you know she isn’t still in love with you?”
“She just isn’t,” I argued.
I reached for her arm and she stepped out of my reach. “But, how do you know, Curry?” she insisted.
“I’ve seen her since she was turned and she isn’t interested. Nor am I. I was never interested in her for any reason other than using her for blood when she was human.”
I cheated and used my vampire speed to catch her before she could pull away from me again. I wrapped my arms around her and kissed the top of her head as I pleaded, “You are the only one I have ever loved in my human life or in my years as a vampire. The only one. Ever.”
She finally returned my embrace and said, “I’m sorry. I know I must look like a jealous fool.”
I certainly couldn't fault her for feelings she couldn’t control. “I understand because I have experienced some jealousy issues when it comes to your admirers.”
“I don’t have admirers,” she argued.
“It certainly looks like it to me, but why don’t we just call all of it water under the bridge?” I suggested.
“I think I can agree to that and my answer is ‘yes’ to your earlier question. I would love to join you and your family for dinner tonight. Make mine AB negative,” she laughed.
“My, Miss Leclaire. You have a choosy palate. AB negative is the sweetest and most difficult to come by.”
“It’s good to know I’m sweet and in high demand,” she said as she walked her fingers up my chest.
“Your blood type is AB negative?”
“All day and all night long,” she laughed.
I wouldn’t have guessed that from when I tasted her, but I only had a few drops. Maybe it was the Agápe bond throwing it off or maybe I just didn’t have enough to be able to tell. “Chansey, don’t tell anyone that. Always keep that to yourself.”


ABOUT THE AUTHOR - Georgia Cates

I reside in rural Mississippi with my wonderful husband, Jeff, and our two beautiful daughters.

I spent thirteen years as a labor and delivery nurse before I decided to pursue my dream of becoming an author.

Blood of Anteros, Book One in The Vampire Agápe Series, was my first novel and it was released in September 2011.

I decided to step away from the paranormal genre to try my hand at a young adult romance and I loved it. It was so much fun, I plan to do it again in the near future.  


Promo Tour for:  
Bewitching Book Tours

Wednesday, June 20, 2012

Book Tour: Simplicity by Valia Lind (Interview/Review/Giveaway)

Simplicity
by Valia Lind
Re-release Date: February 10th, 2010
Review Format: eBook
Publisher: A-Argus Better Book Publishers, LLC
Genre: YA Christian Contemporary Romance  

SUMMARY 

"Driven, beautiful Alexis Sinclair lives her life to the fullest, following her dreams of running a big company. But when her world is torn apart by a storm, everything she has ever known disappears. Now, marooned on an island with a group of men, Alexis must learn to live in a world made up of simple things. Letting go of every known convenience, she realizes how insignificant her life has become. Filled with unrequited love for her rescuer she must battle the demons buried deep inside and she must look within herself and to her faith to find the strength needed to survive. 
Strong and influential, Jacob Peterson, has done all he can to survive. When the fate turned its tables on him, he learned to cope with the inevitable. Plagued by his past and secrets buried there, Jacob exerts a rigid control, refusing to succumb to the joys, and torturous pain, of strong emotions. Without considering love a gift he may never receive, he believes--he chooses to live by strict set of rules. But when a strange beautiful woman washes up on his beach, the walls that he has put up long ago begin to crumble. Is she a punishment sent from God to torment his weary soul? Or is she a gift, sent from above, there to teach him how to trust? Who is this woman? And how will he stop himself from losing his heart?
Will he learn to forgive the past in order to save the woman he loves?"

MY REVIEW 

Alexis is a strong minded woman who is driven to succeed at her job. And when she receives the highest promotion that you could ever get, she is ecstatic and just dives in head first and flies off to her first overseas meeting. And then disaster strikes, and she finds herself on a deserted island that already houses a few other survivors from a previous plane crash.  Adapting to island life is a struggle for Alexis who is used to being independent and in charge. But with help from the others, her beliefs in God and her growing love for Jacob, she learns to adapt, slow down and discover her true self. 

This book took me by surprise, in such a good way - and this rarely happens to me. It's eye-opening and thoughtful. Simplicity will touch your heart and make you think about the important things that matter to you. A definite must read for those who need a spiritual uplift.


INTERVIEW WITH THE AUTHOR - Valia Lind

1. Describe Simplicity in 3 words. 

            Friendship. Romance. Self-discovery.

2. What was your inspiration for Simplicity?

            I get asked this question a lot and I feel like every time I give a different answer.  I think the biggest inspiration behind Simplicity is the need to tell the story. I feel like a lot of us struggle with the same problems Alexis came across (besides the whole island thing) and we as readers needed a book that didn’t only entertain but help us see things a bit differently. Sure, every book teaches us something, and there are those books that are pure lessons. Simplicity was a story and a lesson that I felt I had to share from my own life and my own personal experiences, from the way I see things. So I did and I threw in some romance. Really, what’s a book without romance in it? :)

3. How did you come up with the title? 

            The title was a long journey for me. The whole point of the book is to rediscover what is important in life and how to love the simple things. Alexis and Jake had to learn how to let go of every convenience and live a simple life. I just couldn’t get away from that word and that aspect. For me, Simplicity is the precious beauty that we overlook everyday. I felt like I needed that reminder, thus I shared that reminder with the world.

4. What is your favorite sentence or paragraph in Simplicity?

            Oh this is a hard one. I love the emotional banter between Jake and Alexis. I love the random words of wisdom from John. I love the precious truth from Brendan’s simple questions. I honestly can’t pick just one!

5. Can you please tell us what you are working on now?

            Right now I’m in the early early stages of a YA contemporary. Basically, I named my kids and that’s it. I’m also going back to the companion novel (to Simplicity) revisions because people keep asking questions about it!

6. Fun question! What is your favorite fairy-tale (or fairy-tale character)?

            That is a fun questions and a hard one! I love fairy tales to pieces, but if I had to pick...are we talking Disney or overall? Because Disney wise my favorite is Little Mermaid. But if we’re talking a general fairy tale its The Scarlett Flower, Russian take on Beauty and the Beast. Its a beautiful story written in 1858! You guys should read it! Oh, and I do enjoy Baba Yaga as a villain! :-) 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR- Valia Lind

Author. Photographer. Artist. 
Born and raised in St. Petersburg, Russia, Valia always had a love for the written word. She wrote her first full book on the bathroom floor of her dormitory, while procrastinating to study for her college classes. Upon graduation, she has moved her writing to more respectable places, and have found her voice in YA fiction. 
Her first adult book Simplicity is being republished, 
while her YA science fiction is on submission to find a home. 



Find Simplicity on Amazon and Barnes & Noble 

Waiting On Wednesday #15: Winter White (Belles #2) by Jen Calonita



"Waiting On Wednesday" is a weekly meme hosted by  

This is were we get to 'spotlight' books that we are anxiously waiting to be released! The ones that we are dying to get our hands on and read into the wee hours of the night and make our shelves look all pretty :)


by Jen Calonita 
Release Date: October 9th, 2012

SUMMARY 
(from Goodreads) 
Isabelle Scott and Mirabelle Monroe are still reeling from the revelation that they share more than just the roof over their heads. The media has pounced on their story and the girls are caught up in a flurry of talk-show appearances and newspaper interviews. They’ve put on a happy public face, but someone is leaking their true feelings to the press, and while it seems like the world is watching their every move, at least they have each other.

But with cotillion season right around the corner, Izzie and Mira have barely had time to process their newfound sisterhood. Mira has dreamed of making her debut in a gorgeous white gown forever-now, if only she could find an escort. Izzie, meanwhile, is still struggling to find her place in Emerald Cove and it’s seeming ever more impossible with EC mean-girls, young and old, doing their best to keep her down. As cotillion preparations heat up, though, there are dance steps to learn, manners to perfect... and secret initiations to complete? As if sophomore year wasn’t hard enough!

It’s time for the gowns to go on and the gloves to come off.

MY THOUGHTS...

First, I looove the cover! It not only matches the first book, and it goes so well with the title and summary.
Second, I am really looking forward how Izzie and Mira's story continues. No spoilers here, lol! but from what I'm getting from this summary, it seems that things are going to get even more interesting - and I am liking that!
Lastly, I enjoy Jen Calonita's writing style. How she effortlessly went back and forth between Izzie and Mira's narrations, I really liked knowing what they were both going through at the same time.

My review of Belles can be found here :) 

What are you waiting for this week?!
Leave a comment with your links, I'd love to see :)


And thanks for stopping by again, happy reading!!! 
 
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