A Book Tour: Frozen Heart by Annabelle Blume (Adult - Excerpt/Review/Giveaway)

Frozen Heart

by Annabelle Blume 

Release date: August 7th, 2012

Publisher: Inkspell Publishing

Genre: Adult Romance, 18+
Format read: ebook, 95 pages

SUMMARY 

A decade surviving on her own. 
Three days with the enemy. 

Can love conquer all?

Cressenda knows how to survive. With her sled dogs as her only companions, she’s spent the past ten years hiding in the snow covered wilderness from the oppressive regime of the Affinity. When a routine trip to civilization takes a turn for the worst, Cressenda is forced to take refuge with the enemy or lose her life to the frozen countryside.

But Beckett, a Guard of the Affinity, is more than a man in uniform. His desperate need to help Cressenda escape both the blizzard and the Affinity, makes her feelings for him all the more troubling. Will Beckett be true to his word and set Cressenda free? Will her heart let her leave after all they’ve shared?

A Frozen Heart EXCERPT

“You…you’re a...sympathizer.” It sounded dirty as the words passed between my lips. I wanted to snatch them back and swallow them down again. The sting of my insult was evident in the painful expression that settled on his face.

“It doesn’t matter what I am. You want to be free, don’t you? Then go.” His authoritative facade crumbled and the innocent hurt of a young boy dripped from his soul as he spoke. “You won’t get far enough if you don’t get out now.”

I placed my hand over his, unlatching his fingers one at a time from the tender inside of my bicep. My steps were measured and controlled as I backed away from the Guard. I neared the clear walkway of the Trade Path just as a shrill alarm sounded. Every transaction halted and everyone held their breath for a split second, merchants and traders alike. In the blink of an eye, the entire population of the Path turned to the entrance and moved hurriedly, as if they were trying to contain a generalized franticness.

“What is it? Where are they going?” I asked no one in particular.

“It’s a blizzard warning.”

I cursed. A blizzard. I’d never make it home now. Conditions would be impossible: no visibility, forty-foot snowdrifts, and gale-force winds. The boys and I would never survive. I stood, motionless, while bodies spun and twirled on the periphery of my consciousness. I was stuck in the Collective with nowhere to go and, worse, nowhere to hide.

“Come with me,” the masculine timbre commanded over my shoulder before lacing his fingers in mine. His gentle hold of my hand gave me comfort and lulled me into a hypnotic state. The Guard led me forward until I broke from my daze.

“Let me go!” I yanked my hand from his. “I have to get out of here. I have to beat the blizzard.”

Before I could break into a sprint, the Guard whirled me around. I teetered, stunned by the force. He moved in close and arched over me while he spoke. Not to intimidate but to cover me, protecting me from the eyes around us.

“You’ll never make it. Never. Come with me. You can wait out the storm at my cabin. When it’s over, you’ll be free to go.” His eyes searched my person for the answer to the question in his mind. Wherever it is you live.

I stared at him, doubtful and distrusting. I had only seconds to decide if this tall, hulking citizen of the Collective, official of the Affinity, could really, truly be a sympathizer.

MY REVIEW

Frozen Heart is a well-written short story that I would consider as an adult dystopian romance. It takes place in the "'Ice Ages" were the lands have permanently frozen over, humans are scarce and everything must be rationed and modified by the government, called the Affinity. The "Green Age" was long ago, that stories of a time were the lands were full of green grass, crops, animals and people were free to choose where they wanted to live and who they wanted to marry, are told and passed on as though they were fairytales. 
Cressenda is one of the few lucky ones that was born out of love. Her parents taught her how to survive in the cold harsh weather away from the Affinity, they knew that one day she would be on her own. At a very early age, their prediction came true. For ten years, Cressenda took care of herself and her two sled dogs. Living a full days worth away from the nearest compound, she knows how to take care of her little family, their home, how to stay as healthy as possible and how to navigate the weather and mountains in order to get to the trade for supplies when she is running low. 
On one of her runs, she runs into some trouble and meets Beckett - one of the guards to the Affinity. When he checks her identification, Cressenda knows that he is about to discover that she is an Outsider, she must decide quickly how to get away or she will be arrested. But luckily for her, a surprise snowstorm hits and Beckett offers to take her in until it passes over. 
Much to my surprise, there is a lot more to Beckett than I gave him credit for. And the electricity between Beckett and Cressenda can start forest fires. 
I have to admit, I was a bit disappointed with the ending - I felt like it was a bit to abrupt for me, almost like a cliffhanger! I want more! I need to know what happens... hopefully there will be a part two to this. 
It is definitely a great quick read to satisfy anyone who is in the mood for a quick romance. 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR - Annabelle Blume

Annabelle is a Science Fiction and Urban Fantasy Romance author, that is, when she's not checking homework or begrudgingly cooking dinner. Wife, mother, and creator of alternate worlds, Annabelle has a penchant for that which is outside the norm.

Her Sociology degree did nothing to progress her writing skills, but has given her the ability to construct worlds that exist only in her head and translate them passionately to the page. The time spent studying individuals, interpersonal relationships, and particularly, women, within the constraints of our society led to Annabelle's unabashed ability to talk about sex as it fits into our modern lives.

She's also the author/personality of The Bombshell Mommy at Vitacost.com, where she expounds her knowledge of being a vixen clad in sweatpants.

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A Book Tour: Blood Jewel by Georgia Cates

Blood Jewel, The Vampire Agape #2 

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.  

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A Book Tour: Revamped (Angel Creek #1) by Ada Adams (Review/Interview/Giveaway!)

ReVamped (Angel Creek #1)

by Ada Adams 

Release Date: February 20th, 2012

Format: eBook 

Genre: YA, Supernatural 

SUMMARY 

(from Goodreads) 

A simple mission turned deadly.

Nineteen-year-old vampire Dawn has led a sheltered life within the confines of her father’s presidential headquarters. Upon being sent on a mission to revamp four goofy misfits into guardians of a peaceful little town of Angel Creek, Dawn believes that all her dreams have finally come true. What starts off as a simple task, turns into something unexpected, changing Dawn’s life forever and leading the action-loving, thrill-seeking vampire teen on a path of mystery, danger and intrigue.

When a human girl is kidnapped by a group of rogue vamps, Dawn discovers that there is more going on in Angel Creek than meets the eye. And it all connects to Ethan, the cute newcomer who seems too perfect to be true, Sebastian, the mysterious vampire with a turbulent past, and even Dawn herself. Dawn must not only succeed in revamping the troubled recruits, but must also prevent the vampire race from being overtaken by a malevolent villain who has a strange and obsessive fascination with her. As threat escalates, romance blooms, and ghosts from her past begin to surface, Dawn is sure of only one thing: her life will never be the same.

MY REVIEW

ReVamped is an action packed and intriguing page-turner of a story...
a good mix of paranormal and mystery !

The story takes place in 2015, where vampires have already been accepted and live among us. Along with the current human President, there is also a Vampire President and laws that claim that Vampires cannot feed off of humans nor turn them. Vampires are trained to become Guardians for protecting towns and its inhabitants.

The Vampire President's daughter, Dawn, has lived her whole life at the President's mansion. She has been in training for her whole entire life and is one of the strongest and most reliable warriors ever. It also helps that Dawn is one of the rarest types of Vampires, she is a Born - which means that she wasn't  Made by being bitten, but was conceived by vampire parents. It's very complicated and very rare to be a Born Vampire...

The world that Adams builds for these vampires is so refreshing. Usually when I think of a vampire I automatically assume that they are going to be physically strong, but that they also are going to be fearless and impeccable. The unique group of characters that Adams puts together is so comical but in such a good way - to the point that you want to join their group and be friends with all of them.

Yes, there is a good mystery going on, involving a ton of action - rogue vampires are fighting about, and they want Dawn! Why?

And lets not forget the love interests here! Ethan, the sexy human bartender who had arrived into town just a few weeks before Dawn - what's his story and what is he hiding?
And of course, there is the sexy vampire, Sebastian, that had just recently arrived into town too, just a few months before - what is his story? Why is he so adamant about keeping his distance from Dawn, and yet, following her around everywhere she goes?

I have to say, while reading this book I couldn't help but think that it reminds me a little bit of the Sookie Stackhouse Series (True Blood) - the YA version of course! If you're a fan you will definitely enjoy ReVamped!

*You can find BONUS scenes from ReVamped right HERE!!!

INTERVIEW WITH THE AUTHOR

1. Describe ReVamped in three words. 

This is a tricky one! I never do well with word-limits. :) Fun paranormal mystery? I excluded the word “vampire”, since it’s already kind of in the title.

2. What inspired you to write ReVamped?

It’s no secret that our society is obsessed with vampires. From books to movies to TV shows—we simply adore the little bloodsuckers! I was inspired by that fact, and wanted to explore what would happen if, encouraged by our adoration for them, vampires decided to “come out of the coffin”. I figured that our society would worship them and treat them like celebrities. I mean, if you heard your cute neighbor was a vampire, you’d be excited, right? However, I wanted to take the premise further and explore some of those vampires who weren’t so perfect, attractive, strong, or capable. From that rose a humorous action-adventure story about a group of misfit vampires and the girl responsible for “revamping” them intro strong and brave protectors of a little town called Angel Creek. Of course, adding a couple of cute and mysterious guys into the story was also a must.

3. What inspired the book cover (coloring, font, etc.) for ReVamped?

It was very important to me for ReVamped’s cover to be true to the story. I wanted to find the perfect balance between an eye-catching cover and the content of book. I adore pretty covers, but since Dawn is such a strong and independent character who kicks a lot of butt, I didn’t want the cover to be “too pretty”. Therefore, pretty high-fashion gowns (which I love on covers!) were out. I told my wonderful graphic artist, Olga Barkhatova, what my ideas for the cover and the font were, and she did a fabulous job bringing my vision to life. The color purple is very significant, as the unique color of Dawn’s eyes plays an important part in ReVamped’s story (and in further books). I had to turn down some more girly font choices and go for the current one, as it does a good job of being unique and  hinting at the action and adventure that occurs in the book. I also decided to switch around the “RE” so that it was facing backwards. It’s a little homage to the misfits, who are kind of “backwards vampires”!

4. What book did you last read? What are you reading now? and what do you plan to read next?

I have had the pleasure of meeting some great indie writers lately and have been reading their books: Intangible by J. Meyers, Drowning Mermaids by Nadia Scrieva, and Fateful by Cheri Schmidt. I also just finished Divergent by Veronica Roth and am going on to a few book series that I have yet to read like the The Iron Fey series by Julie Kagawa. I’m also intrigued by her The Immortal Rules novel. I’ve heard great things about it. Plus, vampires—yay!

5. What is your most favorite Fairy-Tale character? and why? 

I think one that always stood out to me (even though it’s such an old movie/character) was Aurora from Sleeping Beauty. I remember watching the movie when I was very, very young and that scene with the dress changing colors from pink to blue vividly stands out in my mind. However, I’m really glad to see the recent trend in strong female fairytale characters. I love to cheer on the brave and adventurous fairy-tale heroines! I think that they are great role models for young and old viewers alike.

6. What are you working on now and/or what is your next project?

I’m currently working on ReAwakened, the next book in the Angel Creek series. It should be out later on this summer. The second book takes the readers on a more intimate journey with the characters. We learn a lot about the misfits’ pasts, and Dawn gets closer to Sebastian and Ethan. ;) Not to mention, another big threat is looming in Angel Creek.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

"Many people sing in the shower, I write scenes in my head and act them out." 

At age five, Ada read her first chapter book. Ever since that moment, she developed an intense passion for the stories and characters found within the pages of literature. 

In her career as an actress and a writer, Ada currently spends most of her days immersed in imaginary worlds. Much like the characters she enjoys playing and writing about, Ada is a martial artist with a Black Belt in Shotokan Karate. She is also a big proponent of lifelong learning, and has attained a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology (it aids in creating character with unique quirks!) as well as a Masters of Science in Education. 

Ada strives to bring a fresh voice and perspective to fiction. She has been writing creatively for many years, and is an editor of a global fashion/literary magazine called VEUX. "ReVamped" is her debut novel. 

She lives in Toronto, Canada, and enjoys adventurous nature hikes with her adorable puppies Cara and Oreo. 

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A Book Tour: The Milestone Tapes, A Novel by Ashley Mackler-Paternostro

The Milestone Tapes, A Novel 

by Ashley Mackler-Paternostro 

"Jenna Chamberland never wanted anything more than to be a wife and mother. That is, until she realized that her life was ending after a three-year battle against breast cancer. Now, all she really wants is more time.

With 4,320 hours left to live, Jenna worries for her loved ones and what she knows awaits them on the other side: Gabe will have to make the slip from husband to widower, left alone to raise their seven-year-old daughter; Mia will be forced to cope with life without her mother by her side. In a moment of reflection, Jenna decides to record a set of audiocassettes — The Milestone Tapes – leaving her voice behind as a legacy for her daughter.

Nine years later, Mia is a precocious sixteen-year-old and her life is changing all around, all she wants is her mother. Through the tapes, Jenna’s voice returns to teach Mia the magic of life, her words showing her daughter how to spread her wings and embrace the coming challenges with humor, grace and hope.

THE MILESTONE TAPES is the journey of love between a parent and child, and of the bonds that hold them when life no longer can." 

PROLOGUE

With much determination, Jenna willed her fingers to press the record button.  She couldn’t allow herself to think about how silly she felt speaking the paramount words to only herself and a small tape recorder in the dark of her office, years and years before they’d even harbor an inkling of truth.  Or, how heartbreaking it felt to know that eventually she would be finished recording and the silence left behind would speak volumes.

She had no notes, no frame of reference and no way of knowing exactly what her daughter would need to hear when she finally, in time, came about pressing play.   All she had was a list, a list of milestones and a corresponding blank tape.

The fear and utter sadness of that enveloped her like an inferno, burning her, buckling her heart and breaking her in a million ways that would remain unseen, as so many other breaks did.  She would never really know if she got it right, of course.  She’d.  Never.  Know.  And,  if she were being honest now, that realization had been the driving force behind the recordings to begin with.

Hadn’t that knowledge pinged her so many months ago, while the quiet of the morning and darkness of her home gave the illusion of peace and rightness, and did nothing more than make her think.

But even more than that, wasn’t the unknown what she’d been fighting all along.  Trying to somehow rally against what the doctors told her was inevitable, trying to be the exception rather than the rule. Jenna knew that she had fought hard, battled with every moment, with umpteen doctors, with every drug, every needle or pill or hope.  The fighting had never been the problem; it was simply what she was fighting against. That thing, so bound and determined to win.

So now she was left with the unknown.  All of the things that couldn’t possibly be known.  It was no longer a question of science, medicine and time. Now it was a matter of fate, faith and the natural unfolding of things.  Jenna had resolved that, although everything moving forward would be unknown, she would plan and prepare and hedge her bets like a mother would, she would bet on her daughter, and leave behind her voice.

She knew her little girl now.  She knew the determined expression that would cross her face when they worked together side by side in the expansive kitchen she had designed for family time and togetherness.  She knew the jubilant smile that would never fail Mia’s face when she huddled over her English homework, letting her unique brand of creativity roll off in waves, limited only by what she could spell and express at seven years old.  She knew the tell-tale face of a fib or half truth, Mia’s mouth dropping open just enough, as she tried not to smile and tried harder to convey honesty.  She knew the way Mia’s lower lips would tremble as she departed the bus when the kids had been less than kind, running for the security of home and the comfort of her mom, running to the place that would nurture and welcome her budding individualism rather than shy away from it.

Jenna knew Mia better than she knew herself in every single way possible; she was her mother. From the very beginning, her baby girl had been the epitome of a miracle in Jenna’s eyes and remained steadfast in that role forever after.  Mia was Jenna’s sole reason for the death match that spanned out behind them now, defining holidays and birthdays, along every other ordinary day.  Mia was reason and logic, hope and heartbreak; she was Jenna’s dream personified.  The prose of that would have made Jenna laugh, had the thoughts and feelings ambushed her in a normal life.  But in her life, their life as a family with their singular child, the emotional turmoil was highlighted and hung from their only child.  Jenna knew she could never, even if words flooded her, really say enough about her daughter.

But who would Mia be when these tapes became relevant?

Suddenly the unknown crept in again, playing around, twisting two or five or a million different landscapes.  Landscapes Jenna would be absent for.  Would Mia be analytical and thoughtful, living a life of logic and reason, a breathing echo of her father?  Would her love of words bloom into a love of numbers? Or would she hold fast, stay true to her dreamy and creative nature?

Would some of these tapes be left, unheard, in their little plastic casings because they didn’t apply to Mia?  And if they didn’t pertain, why not?  But, if they did, and Mia needed them, and Jenna failed to push the worry aside, then what?  What if Mia carried the responsibility, all the joys and all the burdens  of life alone?  The stark thought of that was enough to cripple Jenna.

Jenna pressed her finger firmly against the flat button with the red circle.  She thought about the laughter and tears, the piles of homework, the family trips, the snuggles and hugs and kisses and fights.  She thought about her husband, trying to understand the enigma that was the teenage girl.  She pictured her daughter, grown up with a life, maybe even a family, of her own.  And she felt courage; these tapes were not expectations, they were hopes— her hopes.  And  with all of that floating around in her head, she began.

“Mia … I love you.” 

MY REVIEW 

I have to be honest, I am not done reading this book - but it's not because it's not good, I just got a late start on it... so far, it's been really hard to put it down. I don't want to get into too much details just yet and will post a more detailed review when I am finished with it.
For now, I must say, it is heart-clenching. I have used up a few tissues. And even though I know what's going to happen to Jenna and it might get sadder, I can't help but follow on and wonder what is going to happen to everyone else....

And, I have to say, the cover is absolutely one of the most beautiful covers I've seen in a while -
if that doesn't draw you in, I don't know what will!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR 

Ashley Mackler-Paternostro lives on the outskirts of Chicago with her husband and their three dogs.  The Milestone Tapes is Ashley’s first novel.  

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