ARC Review & Giveaway: Always by Sarah Jio

Always by Sarah Jio 

Expected publication: February 7, 2017

Publisher: Ballantine Books

Preorder links: Amazon  |  Barnes & Noble

From the "New York Times" bestselling author of "Blackberry Winter "and "The Violets of March" comes a gripping, poignant novel about the kind of love that never lets go, and the heart s capacity to remember.

While enjoying a romantic candlelit dinner with her fiance, Ryan, at one of Seattle s chicest restaurants, Kailey Crane can t believe her good fortune: She has a great job as a writer for the "Herald" and is now engaged to a guy who is perfect in nearly every way. As they leave the restaurant, Kailey spies a thin, bearded homeless man on the sidewalk. She approaches him to offer up her bag of leftovers, and is stunned when their eyes meet, then stricken to her very core: The man is the love of her life, Cade McAllister.

When Kailey met Cade ten years ago, their attraction was immediate and intense everything connected and felt" right." But it all ended suddenly, leaving Kailey devastated. Now the poor soul on the street is a faded version of her former beloved: His weathered and weary face is as handsome as Kailey remembers, but his mind has suffered in the intervening years. Over the next few weeks, Kailey helps Cade begin to piece his life together, something she initially keeps from Ryan. As she revisits her long-ago relationship, Kailey realizes that she must decide exactly what and whom she wants.

Alternating between the past and the present, "Always" is a beautifully unfolding exploration of a woman faced with an impossible choice, a woman who discovers what she s willing to save and what she will sacrifice for true love.

Praise for Sarah Jio
Goodnight June
"Sarah Jio s delightful and uplifting novel is guaranteed to melt even the toughest cynic and deserves a top rating of five stars (plus the moon)." Historical Novel Society"
"A tribute to family and forgiveness." Booklist"

Morning Glory
"Jio explores the degree to which time and distance give comfort to those who have experienced loss [with] a depth of feeling in her writing." Publishers Weekly
"Jio has become one of the most-read women in America." Womans World

Blackberry Winter
"Compelling . . . an intoxicating blend of mystery, history, and romance." Real Simple
"Ingenious . . . imaginative." The Seattle Times

My Thoughts

I’d like to believe my standards for giving a book five-stars is pretty fair and consistent. One common criterion includes stories that have me thinking about the subject matter well beyond the pages of the book and long after I’ve completed the final chapters. Always by Sarah Jio accomplished that in more ways than one. This book definitely has staying power, and days after finishing it I'm still thinking about the content and characters! It was a beautiful combination of heartfelt struggles, deep connections and social issues that should not be ignored.

In her latest novel Always, Jio shares Kailey Crane’s struggle of having to choose between the man she’s decided to spend the rest of her life with and one that suddenly reemerges after a devastating disappearance. It all happens one night when Kailey and her fiancé Ryan are leaving a restaurant, and a homeless man on the sidewalk catches Kailey’s attention. She’s convinced the man she locks eyes with is the love of her life that disappeared suddenly and with no warning years prior. Cade McAllister has been wandering the streets for years, and now Kailey has to decide whether she should try and make sense of what happened and help Cade, or continue with the perfect life she’s begun with Ryan.

From the very beginning of this novel, I knew I was in for an emotional ride. It is clearly evident that both men loved Kailey, and having the story told in alternating time references helped put into perspective how Kailey felt about Cade and Ryan.

Throughout the story, I knew there was more to Cade’s disappearance that what was presented on the surface. He had a deep connection with Kailey that was believable and heartfelt.

“I was looking for you the whole time… I just didn’t know it… I love you more every day. ~Cade” Quote taken from an uncorrected proof of Always by Sarah Jio

I admired Kailey for the choices she had to make throughout the novel. Considering the pain and devastation she experienced with Cade’s disappearance and subsequent reappearance, the decisions she made where admirable. However, that didn’t stop me from feeling an emotional pull for both men because they clearly loved Kailey, and where one needed her help to put his life back together, the other had begun to build a future with her that was clearly built out of love.

“I may not have closure, but I have tasted wisdom. Anyone who has ever had their heart broken, or even bruised, has learned that there’s finality in facts. He left. And I realized that when someone wants to leave, you have to let him go.” Quote taken from an uncorrected proof of Always by Sarah Jio

Throughout her novel, Jio grapples with a topical subject that is becoming a social crisis in the U.S., which is homelessness. Recently, this has become top of mind for me because I’ve noticed a growing number of homeless people as I drive into work, mainly the homeless camps alongside the freeways and those that wander the streets and not just in low income communities, but also, affluent neighborhoods. As I was reading this novel, it led me to look up some of the statistics, and it was devastating to learn that that are over 560,000 homeless people in the US. That number is simply tragic considering the economic maturity of our country. What surprised me even more is that the reasons for homelessness go beyond drug and alcohol abuse. Many people find themselves out on the street because of job loss, divorce, and domestic violence. What’s even more difficult to accept is that mental health contributes significantly to this growing epidemic and our country is closing mental health institutions forcing these people out on the streets.

As I kept paging through this novel, researching this social issue on my own, and talking with family and friends, I knew this story consumed me in more ways than one. Always is emotional, heartfelt and most of all relevant. I hope it makes waves when it hits the shelves in 2017. This book deserves attention for the social issues it brings to light and the manner in which Sarah Jio chose to present her story. Five stars indeed!

Thank you Penguin Random House for allowing me to read an Advanced Readers Copy of Always by Sarah Jio.

Site References
2016’s Shocking Homelessness Statistics
The Truth About Homelessness

5 Snowflakes

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Upcoming Release Review & Giveaway: Forbidden by Eve Bunting

Forbidden by Eve Bunting

Expected publication: December 1,  2015

Publisher: Clarion Books

In early-nineteenth century Scotland, sixteen-year-old Josie, an orphan, is sent to live with an aunt and uncle on the rocky, stormy northwest coast. Everything and everyone in her new surroundings, including her relatives, is sinister, threatening, and mysterious. She's told that Eli, the young man she's attracted to, is forbidden to her, but not why. Spirited, curious, and determined, Josie sets out to learn the village's secrets and discovers evil, fueled by heartless greed, as well as a ghostly presence eager for revenge. An author's note gives the historical inspiration for this story.

My Thoughts
Forbidden was a quick and entertaining novel that I finished in two short sittings. The story kept me interested the entire time, and the main character’s plight immediately earned my sympathy.

When sixteen year old Josie Ferguson is forced to leave her Edinburg home after losing her parents to influenza in 1807, she goes to Brindle Point to live with her Uncle Caleb and Auntie Minnie in their cliff-side home Raven’s Roost. Immediately, Josie realizes her life will never be the same. Upon her arrival, the people of Brindle and the scenery casts a sinister feeling over her, and she soon discovers after meeting Eli Stuart, the forbidden resident, that the town and its inhabitants are harboring a secret that leaves her hoping to escape her new home.

I knew from the moment Josie walked through her uncle’s house that she was not going to last long under his care. His dark soul and hypocritical ways were clearly evident from the onset of the novel. Couple that with her aunt and their horrible dog that attacked Josie, and I really felt bad for her situation.

Eve Bunting did a good job of keeping the town’s activities and Eli’s true nature a secret, where you had to unfold the details with care. I have to admit that the twist was clever and the ending was filled with well-timed dramatic effect.

Overall, Forbidden was a quick hit that has the right atmosphere and setting to make you feel like you’re chartering sinister territory. Perfect read for this time of the year!

3 Snowflakes

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ARC Review & Giveaway: The Rose Society (The Young Elites #2) by Marie Lu

The Rose Society (The Young Elites #2) by Marie Lu

Expected publication: October 13, 2015
Publisher: G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers

From New York Times bestselling author Marie Lu comes the second book in the exhilarating Young Elites series

Once upon a time, a girl had a father, a prince, a society of friends. Then they betrayed her, and she destroyed them all.

Adelina Amouteru’s heart has suffered at the hands of both family and friends, turning her down the bitter path of revenge. Now known and feared as the White Wolf, she and her sister flee Kenettra to find other Young Elites in the hopes of building her own army of allies. Her goal: to strike down the Inquisition Axis, the white-cloaked soldiers that murdered her love, the Crown Prince Enzo Valenciano.

But Adelina is no heroine. Her powers, fed only by fear and hate, have started to grow beyond her control. She does not trust her newfound Elite friends. Teren Santoro, leader of the Inquisition, wants her dead. And her former friends, Raffaele and the Dagger Society, want to stop her thirst for vengeance. Adelina struggles to cling to the good within her. But how can someone be good, when her very existence depends on darkness?

My Thoughts
Quote from an uncorrected proof. “A pledge to drive fear into those who will confront us. To bind us together… I pledge myself to the Rose Society, until the end of my days. I will do everything in my power to destroy all who stand in my way.”

Absolute perfection!! 

Where most second installments suffer from middle book syndrome, The Rose Society carries no such affliction. This book is a perfect blend of intrigue, dark fantasy and rival forces that have the reader sitting at the edge of their seat!

The Rose Society picks up immediately where The Young Elites left off. Adelina is on her own after the death of Enzo has the Dagger Society turning their backs on her, and Teren the leader of the Inquisition wanting her dead. As she gathers a small force including her sister Violetta, Sergio and Magiano, they use their powers to overthrow the existing rulers that seek to destroy the malfettos.

Throughout the book, you see how Adelina’s power is fueled by hate and fear. However, as her powers become stronger and out of her control, we see a more sinister side of Adelina than ever before. Now known as the White Wolf, Adelina doesn’t hesitate to destroy or kill anyone in her way, which is both heartbreaking and emotional because we lose a part of Adelina's humanity as she rises to power.

Adelina has become one of the more darker characters Marie Lu has ever written, and she nailed it!! I can't wait for the next installment... What does Lu have up her sleeve??? My guess... Explosive excellence.

5 Snowflakes

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ARC Review: Salt to the Sea by Ruta Sepetys

Salt to the Sea by Ruta Sepetys

Expected publication: February 9, 2016

Publisher: Philomel Books an imprint of Penguin Random House

The author of Between Shades of Gray returns to WWII in this epic novel that shines a light on one of the war's most devastating—yet unknown—tragedies.

In 1945, World War II is drawing to a close in East Prussia, and thousands of refugees are on a desperate trek toward freedom, almost all of them with something to hide. Among them are Joana, Emilia, and Florian, whose paths converge en route to the ship that promises salvation, the Wilhelm Gustloff. Forced by circumstance to unite, the three find their strength, courage, and trust in each other tested with each step closer toward safety.

Just when it seems freedom is within their grasp, tragedy strikes. Not country, nor culture, nor status matter as all ten thousand people aboard must fight for the same thing: survival.
Told in alternating points of view, this masterful work of historical fiction is inspired by the real-life tragedy that was the sinking of the Wilhelm Gustloff—the greatest maritime disaster in history. As she did in Between Shades of Gray, Ruta Sepetys unearths a shockingly little-known casualty of a gruesome war, and proves that humanity can prevail, even in the darkest of hours.

Perfect for fans of Anthony Doerr's Pulitzer Prize-winning All the Light We Cannot See, Erik Larson's critically acclaimed #1 New York Times bestseller Dead Wake, and Elizabeth Wein's Printz Honor Book Code Name Verity.

My Thoughts
Quote take from an uncorrected proof: "I raised my face to the sun. My war had been so long, my winter so cold. But I had finally made it home. And for the first time in a long time, I was not afraid."

Amazing! One of those books that you just can't put down. The narrative is gripping and the overall story is filled with heroic moments during a time of war and devastation.

Salt to the Sea takes place in 1945, which was four years after Germany invaded Russia during World War II. The war is drawing to a close and many refugees are fleeing to the coast to board the Wilhelm-Gustloff in hopes of finding freedom. More than ten thousand people board the Gustloff with a capacity of less that fifteen hundred and only twenty-two lifeboats available. When a Russian submarine attacks the ship, the people aboard see their only hope for freedom sink into the sea.

At a time when three young adults are fighting to survive, they reach within themselves to prove how humanity can prevail. My heart broke for Joana, Emilia and Florian as I got to know them through their powerful voices. Joana is a nurse that fled Lithuania in 1941. Throughout the novel, you see her strength shine during times of uncertainty and horror. Florian is an apprentice tasked to restore and preserve valuable pieces of art for Hitler, when he comes across the Amber Rose and his employer’s true intentions. He devises a plan for revenge and flees his post. Emilia is a Polish girl targeted by the Germans who is desparate to hide her secret. These three characters come together at a time of desperation and devastation. Each carry a secret, but they learn to rely on each other as they journey toward freedom.

There were so many powerful moments in this book that added to the profound experience of learning about this time in history that is not well-known. Before this, I didn’t know this tragic event occurred and I wonder why it’s been hidden in the history books. I marveled at Ruta Sepetys’s ability to created a vivid and dramatic account through short bursts of narrative among the main characters.

Overall, Salt to the Sea is one of those novels that deserves attention and praise. For avid fans of historical fiction that’s both gripping and emotional, you won’t go wrong diving into this novel.

Lastly, I’m so grateful to Penguin Publishers who offered me an uncorrected proof that doesn't even have art cover quite yet. This story captured my heart and attention for the entire journey.

Unputdownable!

5 Snowflakes

ARC Review & Giveaway: Illuminae (The Illuminae Files #1) by Amie Kaufman & Jay Kristoff

Illuminae (The Illuminae Files #1) by Amie Kaufman & Jay Kristoff

Expected publication: October 20, 2015

Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers

This morning, Kady thought breaking up with Ezra was the hardest thing she’d have to do.

This afternoon, her planet was invaded.

The year is 2575, and two rival megacorporations are at war over a planet that’s little more than an ice-covered speck at the edge of the universe. Too bad nobody thought to warn the people living on it. With enemy fire raining down on them, Kady and Ezra—who are barely even talking to each other—are forced to fight their way onto an evacuating fleet, with an enemy warship in hot pursuit.

But their problems are just getting started. A deadly plague has broken out and is mutating, with terrifying results; the fleet's AI, which should be protecting them, may actually be their enemy; and nobody in charge will say what’s really going on. As Kady hacks into a tangled web of data to find the truth, it's clear only one person can help her bring it all to light: the ex-boyfriend she swore she'd never speak to again.

Told through a fascinating dossier of hacked documents—including emails, schematics, military files, IMs, medical reports, interviews, and more—Illuminae is the first book in a heart-stopping, high-octane trilogy about lives interrupted, the price of truth, and the courage of everyday heroes. 

My Thoughts
Pretty awesome! I read Illuminae in one short sitting, which is sort of rare as of late. If I had to categorize this novel, it would fall under futuristic sci-fi at its finest!

The narrative is both unique and captivating, as the story is told through a collection of memorandums, debrief interviews, unipedia entries, intra-ship messages, personal emails, surveillance summaries and computer generated discussions.

It takes place in 2575, when Kady and Ezra’s planet of Kerenza is invaded. They each flee to two different battle carriers, the Alexander and Hypatia, and find themselves in the middle of an intergalactic war that includes feuding carriers, rampant viruses and a faulty computer system AIDAN that is no longer controlled by humans. Kady and Ezra must work together to get their airships to safety, while battling the elements against them.

Illuminae is definitely one of its kind! I’ve never experienced an adventure such as this that was told in an absolutely engaging and creative way. There were certain formats I enjoyed reading more than others. I was absolutely drawn by the inter-ship messages between Kady and Ezra. Having witnessed their shaky start at the beginning of the novel, where is wasn’t quite clear why Kady broke-up with her boyfriend, I was curious how these two would ultimately come together at the end. The inter-messages between these two, were both heartfelt, funny and sarcastic adding a bit of levity to their situation.

Surprisingly, my opinion of AIDAN shifted quite a bit toward the end. I really like how this computer system became so real and ultimately developed its own unique character through her… his… its interactions with Kady.

I understand Illuminae is the first installment in a series, but rest assured, it can stand quite nicely on its own if you're not in the mood for a drawn out series. I, for one, will keep the subsequent installments on my radar. Also, I can comfortably anticipate this book will make a significant splash when it hits the shelves in October. Definitely worth keeping your eye out for it!

4 Snowflakes

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Arc Giveaway & Review- Velvet by Temple West

Velvet by Temple West

Publisher- Swoon Reads

Released- May 12th 2015

Pre-Order- Amazon / B & N

First rule of dealing with hot vampire bodyguards? Don't fall in love.After losing both her parents before age seventeen, aspiring designer Caitlin Holte feels like her whole world has been turned upside down, and that was before the terrifying encounter with a supernatural force. Then, she learns that her hot bad-boy neighbor, Adrian—who might have just saved her life—is actually a half-demon vampire.Suddenly Caitlin is stuck with a vampire bodyguard who feels that the best way to protect her is to become her pretend boyfriend. Trouble is, Caitlin is starting to fall in love for real, while Adrian can never love a human. Caitlin trusts Adrian to keep her safe from his demon father, but will he be able to protect her heart?

My Thoughts:

Ah, now this was a great read! My first love in reading has always been paranormal and it's been a long while since I've been able to read a vampire book, so this book was a pleasantly fun escape.

I really enjoyed West's writing, it's strong and the pace and flow was steady, smooth and always interesting. I really loved this particular twist on vampire lore. There is some traditional elements, but for the most part this was rather unique and imaginative and I enjoyed the emotional approach concept and I also liked the combination of vampires, demons and even a little scientific in the way of explanation, it may seem a little out there to some, but given this is myth/legend it didn't feel that way for me, just a new fascinating take on an old lore that has me completely absorbed no matter how many vampires stories I've read. The plot was rather cool, the spin was a lot of fun and extremely creeptastic and the characters were great, realistically flawed and easy to connect with. I also loved the setting and thought it fit the tone of the book perfectly.

Ok, so Caitlin wasn't exactly easy to get along with when we first meet her. She's bitter, reckless and even cruel. I get that her mother passed away and she's feeling empty and angry and wants to blame the world, but it started to get a little annoying with the way she was treating everyone. But, as the story moves on, I started to realize that her emotional state actually plays a bigger role in the overall story, so it was easier to overlook and thankfully, bitter Caitlin started to act a little more human. I ended up really enjoying her funny personality and witty attitude, she's got great spunk, feist and a big heart.

As for Adrian? I couldn't help love him from minute one. Mysterious, fiercely protective and intense at first but then eventually we got the more playful, warm and even a little adorably nerdish Adrian that I couldn't help love even more. There was a moment there where his hot/cold attitude was a little frustrating, but it was easy to forgive given the impending situation and how far Adrian would go to protect Cait. I simple adored the friendship between Adrian and Caitlin. They have the greatest chemistry, banter and sarcasm and were so incredibly funny, sweet and cute with real moments that made me smile all big and stupid. Forbidden romance and rules be damned. These two belong together. Period. 

This has a decent ending, but it's totally lined up for more which is great since I'm simply not ready to let go of these amazing characters or this world quite yet.

All in all, this was a really fun entertaining escape that has just about everything I want in my vampire books. Action, intrigue, and swoon-worthy romance. West is a great new voice for paranormal romance and I can't wait to find out what happens next! An excellent debut!

Find the author:

Website / Goodreads                               4.5 Snowflakes

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Upcoming Release (Review & Giveaway): The Young Elites by Marie Lu

The Young Elites (The Young Elites #1) by Marie Lu

Expected publication: October 7, 2014

Publisher: Putnam Books for Young Readers 

I am tired of being used, hurt, and cast aside.

Adelina Amouteru is a survivor of the blood fever. A decade ago, the deadly illness swept through her nation. Most of the infected perished, while many of the children who survived were left with strange markings. Adelina’s black hair turned silver, her lashes went pale, and now she has only a jagged scar where her left eye once was. Her cruel father believes she is a malfetto, an abomination, ruining their family’s good name and standing in the way of their fortune. But some of the fever’s survivors are rumored to possess more than just scars—they are believed to have mysterious and powerful gifts, and though their identities remain secret, they have come to be called the Young Elites.

Teren Santoro works for the king. As Leader of the Inquisition Axis, it is his job to seek out the Young Elites, to destroy them before they destroy the nation. He believes the Young Elites to be dangerous and vengeful, but it’s Teren who may possess the darkest secret of all.

Enzo Valenciano is a member of the Dagger Society. This secret sect of Young Elites seeks out others like them before the Inquisition Axis can. But when the Daggers find Adelina, they discover someone with powers like they’ve never seen.

Adelina wants to believe Enzo is on her side, and that Teren is the true enemy. But the lives of these three will collide in unexpected ways, as each fights a very different and personal battle. But of one thing they are all certain: Adelina has abilities that shouldn’t belong in this world. A vengeful blackness in her heart. And a desire to destroy all who dare to cross her.

It is my turn to use. My turn to hurt.

My Thoughts 
Book quote from an ARC edition: Embellish your flaws. They will turn into your assets. And if you become one of us, I will teach you to wield them like an assassin wields a knife. So. Tell me little wolf. Do you want to punish those that have wronged you?

Brilliant and Fantastical Journey!

I applaud Marie Lu for flexing a new muscle in writing The Young Elites, where she takes her readers into a fantasy world filled with a cast of complex characters and a plot that continually builds momentum from beginning to end. Lu continues to play to her strengths, which we first saw in her dystopia series Legend, where she weaves political turmoil alongside layered agendas among her characters.

Adelina Amouteru is a Young Elite recruit that has the power of illusion and the ability to trick one’s perception of reality. She was plagued with the blood fever at an early age, which cost her an eye and a scar running across her face, as well as bright silver hair that puts the final touches on her malfetto status. To be considered a malfetto is an abomination because the people of Kenettra believe those that were plagued with the fever, scared and later prove to have special abilities were bad luck and should be eliminated.

Book quote from an ARC edition: Some hate us, think us outlaws to hang at the gallows. Some fear us, think us demons to burn at the stake. Some worship us, think us children of the gods. But all know us.

Throughout the novel, I sensed Adelina’s bitterness and rage. What captivated me most was how she used those emotions to wield her powers and at times destroy her surroundings. From the moment I came across this character, I had no issues in sympathizing with her despite some of her dark moments.

Enzo Valenciano is the leader of the Dagger Society of Young Elites that has the power to ignite fire. He’s the rightful prince to the crown but was banished by his sister because of his malfetto status. Enzo, along with his Dagger recruits, train endlessly to hone their abilities and someday take over the thrown and restore safety to all malfettos.

Enzo was an extremely easy character to fall for. His reserved nature and strong presence marked him as a player to keep my eye on.

Teren Santoro is the leader of the Inquisition, who despite his malfetto status has aligned with the queen to destroy The Young Elites and maintain power.

Normally, Teren would be the character I quickly align with because of his anti-hero status, but I’m still struggling to gather any sympathy for him. That’s not to say it won’t happen, but I’m not quite there yet.

In The Young Elites, we enter a world that feels both magical and powerful as Marie Lu once again proves that she can hypnotize her readers with her writing and world building. I can’t wait to dive into the second installment of this series to continue the journey.

Song Choice Ugly Side

4 Snowflakes

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Review: I Stand Before You by S.R. Grey

I Stand Before You by S.R. Grey
Publisher- Self pub
Released- Sept 6th 2013
Purchase- Amazon / B & N (coming soon)

When it comes to tattooed bad boys, Chase Gartner is the real deal. Partying, engaging in meaningless sex, getting into fights---Chase indulges in it all during his late teen years, thus firmly solidifying his status as a heartbreakingly gorgeous but way-too dangerous-to-trust guy in his hometown of Harmony Creek, Ohio. Then, following one fateful night of reckless decisions, Chase's actions finally catch up to him and land him in prison.
Now, four years have passed and Chase finds himself a free man. He returns to Harmony Creek, ready to pick up the pieces and start rebuilding his shattered life.
Things are off to a promising start when he meets Kay Stanton, a young woman with a tragic past of her own. Despite a powerful attraction, Chase and Kay are naturally hesitant to become involved. That's why friendship feels like the safest option. But when passions ignite and love blossoms, a relationship that is destined and meant to be can only be resisted for so long. When Chase and Kay finally succumb to their feelings they realize being together feels more right and true than anything they have ever experienced.
But their love is soon tested. Chase's wild past still haunts and tempts him, and Kay is keeping a secret that could tear them apart.
I Stand Before You is a journey of hope and forgiveness, coming to terms with the past and moving forward. But mostly it's a story of two damaged people who take a chance, open their hearts, and find true love.

 New Adult/Contemporary Romance genres. First in a series. 

***warning: contains graphic sexual situations, drug use, some violence, and profanity***

My Thoughts:

I'm a big fan of S.R Grey's Harbour Falls mystery books, so I couldn't wait to read her newest release, I Stand Before You. I admit, I don't read very many Adult/NA contemporary, but this was a beautiful, powerful and passionate emotional journey about mistakes, forgiveness and finding a love worth living for.

We start our story with Chase Gartner. He had a good life. His dad ran his own successful company, he has a great mom and the best little brother. He also had a promising future with the pictures he'd sketch and wanted to grow up to be an architect one day. But everything came tumbling down when his father lost his business, losing everything they own and so much more. Life as he knew it will never be the same. His mother spends most days at the casino, gambling her life away and Chase turned to drugs, sex and violence for escape. That is, till it went a little to far and he got caught with enough drugs to land him in prison.

Four years later, Chase is a free man and despite being tempted to turn back to his wicked ways, he's determined to live a different life. A clean life. A better life with better choices. His grandma left him the farm in Harmony Creek and working at the church and school as a maintenance man, Chase is well on his way to a second chance.

Kay Stanton will never forgive herself and neither will her family. Blamed and abandoned, Kay is a lost and broken after the lost of her six year old sister, Sarah. Her family will never forgive her and Kay must live with the secret of that horrible night for the rest of her life. When Kay and Chase meet it's the start of an easy and natural friendship but inevitably grows into something much stronger. But can their love heal the past? Or will the same mistakes creep into their future.

If I had to pick one word for Kay and Chase, it would be undeniable. Here we have two desperate souls that have been living with guilt, torment and haunted by all the mistakes they've made, but together, they have a chance to be the person they can be proud of and are stronger because of it. I've always been a fan of the they way Grey can write. Her mystery books are clever and unpredictable, but I think she took it one step further with this book. The emotional moments with Kay and Chase, together and apart were incredibly moving and irresistible. They have such a sad story filled with struggle and remorse. Grey captures that overwhelming desire to want something so desperately and then finally believing you deserve it come the end. 

Chase got a bum deal growing up. He lost everything and when you don't know how to cope, some turn to the only escape that's available. Sadly, fighting, sex and drugs are the last thing that a young teen should be getting into. Lesson learned but not ever forgotten, I admire Chase for owing up to his mistakes, not changing who he is, but changing what he does with his life. He's crude, but sexy. Intense but playful, strong but vulnerable. He's human, complex and wonderfully flawed.

Kay is a fragile little thing. What happened to her sister broke my heart and I hate what her parents did to her. But through it all, Kay remains good and it shows when she gave Chase an honest chance.The friendship between the two was warm and sweet and made my heart happy, but I think the romance between the two was even better. Tender, sexy, seductive and amazingly steamy.

Another character that I liked was Will, and while we only got bits of him in Chase's memory, I fell in love with that little boy and just as afraid for him as Chase is and look forward to hearing his story in the next book; Never Doubt Me.

All in all, I really loved this one. Kay and Chase are two broken messes but slowly and together they pick up the pieces of the past and learn to move on. It's not perfect and it's not easy, but one should never underestimate the power of love, acceptance and forgiveness. Everyone loses their way at one point of their lives, but it's what you do with the rest of it that really matters. S.R Grey captures heart and soul characters that will pull on your heart strings and makes you believe in second chances. Beautifully and touching. Wonderfully done!

Find the author:

Goodreads / Website / Twitter / Facebook

                                                                   4 Snowflakes

Author Bio:

S.R. Grey is the author of the bestselling Harbour Falls, and Willow Point, first and second novels in A Harbour Falls Mystery series. She is also the author of I Stand Before You, the first novel in the Judge Me Not series (New Adult/Contemporary Romance).

Ms. Grey resides in western Pennsylvania. She has a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, as well as an MBA. 

She is currently working on Wickingham Way, the third installment in A Harbour Falls Mystery series, to be released in January 2014, as well as Never Doubt Me, second novel in the Judge Me Not series. 

Other interests include reading, traveling, running, and cheering for her hometown sports teams. 

Playlist for, I Stand Before You

Wanksta: 50 Cent

Radioactive: Imagine Dragons

Dream: Priscilla Ahn

Angels on the Moon: Thriving Ivory

Halo: Beyoncé 

A Man I’ll Never Be: Boston

Sweet Surrender: Sarah McLachlan

Tautou: Brand New 

Breathe Me: Sia 

Change: Deftones: 

Stay: Rihanna (feat. Mikky Ekko)

Hanging By a Moment: Lifehouse

Heavenly Day: Patty Griffin

Kiss Me: Ed Sheeran

Good Enough: Evanescence

My Lover’s Prayer: Otis Redding

Excuse Me: Fools For April

Sweetest Thing: U2

Found: Christel Alsos

Have A Drink On Me: AC/DC

Be Here to Love Me: Norah Jones

You Make It Real: James Morrison

Special thanks to Susie for giving us an Arc copy in exchange for an honest review.

Interview, Giveaway & Review: Conjured by Sarah Beth Durst

Today on WinterHaven Books we have the lovely Sarah Beth Durst with us! She has kindly answered a few of our questions!!  We also have a chance for our readers to win an ARC of Conjured!

Conjured by Sarah Beth Durst
Publisher-Walker Childrens
Released- Sept 3rd 2013
Pre-Order-Amazon / B & N / Chapters

Eve has a new home, a new face, and a new name—but no memories of her past. She’s been told that she's in a witness protection program. That she escaped a dangerous magic-wielding serial killer who still hunts her. The only thing she knows for sure is that there is something horrifying in her memories the people hiding her want to access—and there is nothing they won’t say—or do—to her to get her to remember.At night she dreams of a tattered carnival tent and buttons being sewn into her skin. But during the day, she shelves books at the local library, trying to not let anyone know that she can do things—things like change the color of her eyes or walk through walls. When she does use her strange powers, she blacks out and is drawn into terrifying visions, returning to find that days or weeks have passed—and she’s lost all short-term memories. Eve must find out who and what she really is before the killer finds her—but the truth may be more dangerous than anyone could have ever imagined.

My Thoughts:
I've been a big fan of Sarah Beth Durst since her debut novel, Ice. Since then, I always look forward to anything this women writes. Her stories are always so full of life, bursting with imagination and cunning creativity and always so much  fun to lose myself within these pages. Once again, Durst brings out the larger then life quality she pours into her books, with her newest novel, Conjured. Only, this time she took it one step further, bringing in an animated cast and story line fit for a magical mystery and whimsical journey of self-discover, power and truth.

To be honest, this story line is very different then anything I've read from Durst before. I've read magic in books before, but the way this was delivered was unusually unique, unpredictably strange and evasively written. Some may say that this was confusing and even frustrating, and well, they'd be right, and yet I still found myself mesmerized  by this odd little book with even odder characters. But I figured out something while reading. I think that this book isn't meant to be read from just Eve's point of view, but actually read through her. Once I got that mind-set, It was easier to be invested with Eve's story right till the very end and appreciate Durst vivid vision and delicious dedication to making this book standout in a creepy, crafty and clever way.

This plot is more then a typical story about a girl named Eve who has no memories. She's lost and broken in every way possible. All Eve knows at this point is that she has a new face and a new body and that she's been in the witness protection program for months, hiding from someone or something. She knows that Malcolm is kind and considerate and that 'Aunt' Nicki thinks she's a waste of perfectly good space. She knows that she can't remember and has to be taught the basics of everyday functions; objects, places and people. She also loses time and has problems with her short term memory. When she does finally remember something it's in the form of flashes of unhinged visions of an eerie carnival, a story-teller and a madman,  that is followed every time she does something magical. Magic, yes, Eve can do magic, but she doesn't know why or how.

Ever inch of this book is covered with questions and I constantly felt like I was missing something. The dialog read like I was already in the middle of whole conversations but not understanding the whole picture, back and forth banter, punch lines or the inside jokes. There were gaps of time that skips and jumps ahead which made this feel very disconnecting and peculiar, but still bizarrely intriguing. We are meant to be frustrated and confused right along with Eve. We are meant to learn with her. Eve seems to be the missing link. She's the answers to everything. The case, Zach, Aidan and even the deranged killer, but her own answers turned out to be very different and when we get to those revelations, everything about this odd little book will just click beautifully and disturbingly into place.

I really enjoyed all of these characters. They were all eccentric and wonderfully weird in their own ways.

Eve is a child-like character that felt like she was in pieces throughout the entire story. Twisted and tormented by the horrific and strange visions that don't make any real sense, but it's the only thing real that she has. She doesn't know who she can trust or believe in and who is really out to help her or harm her. She's sweet and gentle and kind, but she's also determined and brave. Her story is a a sad one and my heart goes out to her.

Zach is a very random and boldly honest character who is very intense and passionate. He doesn't lie and later we find out why. The connection he has with Eve doesn't have any rhyme or reason to it. It just is. They give a whole new meaning to magical kisses and breathing each other in. They give us a reason to believe and hope and they made me smile.

Malcolm was one of my favorite characters. He greatly cared about what happened to Eve and it showed with every kind gesture. 

Aidan was more a means to an end, but he played his part well and brought in conflicting emotions that stirred the story line perfectly.

All in all, I had a lot of fun with this book. It's dark and twisted and It bends your mind and makes you believe in the impossible. It takes fantasy into that unknown dimension where everything and anything can happen. It's the stuff that makes Durst books great. She's not afraid to be daring and different and it shows with this extraordinary novel. Conjured is an entertaining and engaging escape fit for fans who like their books a little above abnormal but still just as amazing and fantastical as we come to expect from this wonderful talent. I look forward to seeing what Durst has in store for us next. Bravo!

Find the author:
Goodreads / Website                              4 Snowflakes

About this author

Sarah Beth Durst is the author of Vessel, Drink, Slay, Love, Enchanted Ivy, and Ice from Simon & Schuster, as well as Into the Wild and its sequel Out of the Wild from Penguin Young Readers. Her next book for teens, Conjured, comes out in September 2013 from Bloomsbury/Walker. Her first book for adults, The Lost, comes out in June 2014 from Harlequin/Mira. She has been writing fantasy stories since she was ten years old and holds an English degree from Princeton University, where she spent four years studying English, writing about dragons, and wondering what the campus gargoyles would say if they could talk. Sarah lives in Stony Brook, New York, with her husband and children. For more information, visit her at www.sarahbethdurst.com.

Interview with Sarah Beth Durst

1) Your books are always filled with great imagination. Is there something that inspires you to create such compelling characters in a fantastical setting?

Chocolate. Lots of chocolate.

Seriously, what inspires me is a desire for magic. That's why I read and that's why I write. I want that feeling of being transported into another life, another world, and taken on a journey -- and then brought back again, perhaps slightly changed.

2) You've already tackled fairy tales, paranormal, magic and fantasy genre's, could you see yourself writing contemporary, horror or sci-fi?

No, sort of, and yes.

I don't think I could ever write contemporary because that's not how my brain works. If a character opens a closet door, I automatically assume there's a portal or a monster or at least a talking dust-bunny in there.

As for horror... CONJURED isn't horror, but it is the creepiest novel I've ever written, by far. There were times while writing when I refused to go in the basement after dark. Not that my basement has anything to do with girls with amnesia, creepy carnivals, or magic-wielding serial killers. But better safe than sorry.

As for science fiction... I don't have any immediate plans to write SF, but I do love it and might someday.

3) Do you have a favorite book or character among your novels and which was the easiest to write?

I can't choose a favorite book! I'd hurt their feelings.

But I can say that DRINK, SLAY, LOVE was the easiest to write. DRINK, SLAY, LOVE is about a vampire girl who is stabbed through the heart by a were-unicorn. She's evil, and it was so much fun. Essentially, all I had to do to write Pearl was think about what I'd never do or say -- and have her do and say that! I highly recommend writing evil characters.

4) All your books are stand-alone. Did you ever want to write a series or maybe add a sequel to one of the books already established?

I love both standalones and series. There's something really gratifying about wrapping up a story in a single volume, and there's also something wonderful about not having to say goodbye to characters at the end.

I am currently working on a trilogy for Harlequin/Mira -- the first book (THE LOST) will be out in June 2014.  And I am also working on another YA standalone that will be out from Bloomsbury/Walker in fall 2014.

5) Being a huge fan of your books, I got to know. What do you have planned next?

See above.  :)

I actually will have three books out next year: THE LOST (June 2014), MIND OVER MAGIC (fall 2014), and THE MISSING (Dec 2014).

Thanks Sarah for being on the blog today to answer some of our questions!!

If you would like to win an Arc copy of Sarah Beth Durst new novel, Conjured, then just enter the contest below. US/Canada only. Good luck!

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