 ISBN-10 : 1645480496 ISBN-13 : 978-1645480495 Publisher : Rosewind Books (December 1, 2020) Language: : English
Praise for WRITE CHRISTMAS
"This heartwarming fantasy from Hutson updates a favorite Christmas trope as a Scrooge-like woman is given the magical gift of a new perspective on her life. Christmas enthusiasts will find this hits the spot." --Publishers Weekly “... a blend of romance and fantasy in A Christmas Carol style of writing. An outstanding inspirational read for the holidays.” --Midwest Book Review "A story of second chances, Write Christmas will make you believe in the magic of the season again." --The Nerd Daily 
Abby Nicholson used to love Christmas. Until she didn’t. After leaving Winter Glen, the small town famous for its Christmas celebration and her family’s greeting card company, Abby is forced to return to the home she left behind when the unexpected passing of her father thrusts the business into her hands. Turning her back on the magic of the holiday beloved by her father and the town, she decides to sell the business. Signing the paperwork with the very pen her father used to create it, she is shocked to discover her hometown has become a whole new world. One where Christmas has vanished! Now stuck in a place devoid of hope, joy, and the spirit of the season, Abby sees family and friends altered in the most terrible of ways. Determined to set things right, though unsure how, Abby takes out her father’s pen and begins to draw. When she realizes her art is coming to life, she sets out to recreate the holiday and bring back the most wonderful time of the year. But some are determined to keep an iron grip on the town and will do anything in their power to stop her.
My review: I love a good redemption Christmas story, and Write Christmas was no exception. There were so many well-rounded characters in this story; I found myself feeling like I was part of the town - both before and after Christmas disappeared. It's a little Christmas Carol and a little It's a Wonderful Life, with a bit more magic (and maybe a bit more sinister) sprinkled in. If you're ready for a story that's not as sweet as a Hallmark movie, but 100% satisfying, then give Write Christmas a try.
You can purchase Write Christmas at the following Retailers:
  
Photo Content from Thommy Hutson
Thommy Hutson is an award-winning screenwriter, producer, director, and best-selling author. A graduate of UCLA, he launched his career co-writing the story for the Warner Bros. animated hit SCOOBY-DOO IN WHERE’S MY MUMMY? He followed that with co-writing the concept and additional material for CHILL OUT, SCOOBY-DOO! His career took a thrilling turn writing and producing several definitive genre film retrospectives for television and home entertainment: SCREAM: THE INSIDE STORY (Bio Channel), NEVER SLEEP AGAIN: THE ELM STREET LEGACY (Bio Channel), CRYSTAL LAKE MEMORIES: THE COMPLETE HISTORY OF FRIDAY THE 13th (RLJ/Image), MORE BRAINS! A RETURN TO THE LIVING DEAD (Chiller) and HIS NAME WAS JASON: 30 YEARS OF FRIDAY THE 13th (Starz/Anchor Bay). He was also a staff writer on the Hulu daily web series “The Morning After,” a smart, witty, pop culture program aimed at getting viewers up-to-date on the latest entertainment news and celebrity interviews. Thommy produced the critically acclaimed feature THE TROUBLE WITH THE TRUTH, an insightful relationship drama starring Lea Thompson and John Shea. He also produced DREAMWORLD, a quirky, romantic dramedy. He co-wrote and produced ANIMAL for Chiller Films and Drew Barrymore’s Flower Films. The project debuted in iTunes’ top ten horror films (reaching #1) and became the network’s highest-rated original movie. He produced and made his feature directorial debut with THE ID, an independent psychological drama/thriller. The film won Best Thriller at The Hollywood Reel Independent Film Festival and Filmmaker Magazine stated it was “a deeply unsettling thriller that’s as moving as it is frightening … with skillful, provocative direction that has echoes of early Polanski.” Thommy also wrote the screenplay for Syfy Channel’s supernatural horror film TRUTH OR DARE, which was a trending topic on social media the night of its premiere and continues to rank high on Netflix. As a best-selling author Thommy crafted a limited-edition coffee table book detailing the making and legacy of horror icon Wes Craven’s 1984 classic A NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET. A trade version (Permuted Press/Simon & Schuster) was also released. His latest novel, the teen thriller “Jinxed,” (Vesuvian Media) is the first book of a trilogy and has been called “A must-read for classic horror fans…Inevitable and shocking. Homage and originality…Hutson could easily take on the mantle as the next Lois Duncan.” The book reached #1 in the USA, UK, Canada, and Australia and was the winner for Best Horror at the International Book Awards and Best YA Horror in the Readers’ Choice Awards. He wrote the Hallmark Movies & Mysteries original film A CHRISTMAS FOR THE BOOKS, which was the highest-rated scripted program the night it premiered, produced THE FINAL WISH (Cinedigm) written by Final Destination creator Jeffrey Reddick and starring Lin Shaye and Tony Todd, and co-scripted the teen thriller INSTAFAME (Lifetime). Thommy recently wrote the screenplay for an audiobook holiday project, is in development on a family feature, and is hard at work on “Cursed,” the second installment of the “Jinxed” trilogy. A member of the Producers Guild of America and Horror Writers Association, a Saturn and Home Media Magazine award-winner, and an aficionado of horror and teen movies from the 80s and 90s, Thommy continues to develop unique, compelling, and provocative projects across multiple genres for film, television, publishing, and home entertainment.    
PART ONE
DECEMBER 14th MONDAY JeanBookNerd INTERVIEW
DECEMBER 15th TUESDAY Insane About Books EXCERPT
DECEMBER 16th WEDNESDAY BookHounds EXCERPT
DECEMBER 17th THURSDAY Casia's Corner REVIEW
DECEMBER 18th FRIDAY J.R.'s Book Reviews REVIEW
PART TWO
DECEMBER 19th SATURDAY Gwendalyn's Books REVIEW
DECEMBER 20th SUNDAY Book Queen Reviews SPOTLIGHT
DECEMBER 21st MONDAY Ya It's Lit REVIEW
DECEMBER 22nd TUESDAY Author Kelly Risser REVIEW
DECEMBER 23rd WEDNESDAY Movies, Shows, & Books REVIEW
*JBN is not responsible for Lost or Damaged Books in your Nerdy Mail Box*
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ISBN-10 : 1645480291 ISBN-13 : 978-1645480297 Publisher : Black Spot Books (December 8, 2020)
Praise for NOW BEFORE THE DARK
"With a lyrical tone and hilarious dialogue that do double duty with its world building, the novel continues the brilliant satire seen in the series’ earlier books...whimsical adventure, and frequent, humorous plays on words, spoofs of contemporary events, and clever reversals of expected dynamics make Now Before the Dark a delight." --C. Foster, Foreword Reviews " Fans of Terry Pratchett and Douglas Adams will appreciate the farce and puns that are the hallmark of Hooker’s writing." --Dawn Kuczwara, Booklist 
Time is running out for the Old Country. How does one save a nation when the erstwhile gods are against the idea? In the finale of Terribly Serious Darkness, it's up to Sloot Peril--the world's greatest accountant and poorest everything else--to figure it out. Unfortunately, he'll have help. A philosopher who'd sooner die (again) than do any real work, a bard who can't play his non-instrument, and a spooky wizard who's often mistaken for a vampire may not be ideal allies, but with any luck—which Sloot's never had—they'll occasionally get out of his way. Does Sloot stand a chance against serpent cults, demons, dragons, and the most sinister financial report every written? Doubtful. If he's even going to survive the dance contest, he'll have to think of something now, before the Dark swallows everything up.
You can purchase Now Before the Dark at the following Retailers:
Photo Content from Sam Hooker
WEEK ONE
DECEMBER 7th MONDAY Welcome to MLM Opinon's Reviews REVIEW
DECEMBER 8th TUESDAY JeanBookNerd INTERVIEW
DECEMBER 9th WEDNESDAY Movies, Shows, & Books GUEST POST
DECEMBER 10th THURSDAY BookHounds YA INTERVIEW
DECEMBER 11th FRIDAY A Court of Coffee and Books EXCERPT
DECEMBER 12th SATURDAY Casia's Corner EXCERPT
DECEMBER 13th SUNDAY Reading Adventures of a Book Dragon GUEST POST
WEEK TWO
DECEMBER 14th MONDAY The Bookwyrm's Den REVIEW
DECEMBER 15th TUESDAY Insane About Books REVIEW
DECEMBER 16th WEDNESDAY Gwendalyn's Books REVIEW
DECEMBER 17th THURSDAY Ya It's Lit REVIEW
DECEMBER 18th FRIDAY Kelly Risser SPOTLIGHT
DECEMBER 19th SATURDAY Crossroad Reviews SPOTLIGHT
DECEMBER 20th SUNDAY TTC Books and More EXCERPT
 ISBN-13 : 978-1542020091 Publisher : 47North (November 1, 2020)
Paperback : 303 pages
Praise for SPELLBREAKER
“Those who enjoy gentle romance, cozy mysteries, or Victorian fantasy will love this first half of a duology. The cliffhanger ending will keep readers breathless waiting for the second half.” --Library Journal (starred review) “Powerful magic, indulgent Victoriana, and a slow-burn romance make this genre-bending romp utterly delightful.” --Kirkus Reviews 
A world of enchanted injustice needs a disenchanting woman in the newest fantasy series by the Wall Street Journal bestselling author of The Paper Magician. The orphaned Elsie Camden learned as a girl that there were two kinds of wizards in the world: those who pay for the power to cast spells and those, like her, born with the ability to break them. But as an unlicensed magic user, her gift is a crime. Commissioned by an underground group known as the Cowls, Elsie uses her spellbreaking to push back against the aristocrats and help the common man. She always did love the tale of Robin Hood. Elite magic user Bacchus Kelsey is one elusive spell away from his mastership when he catches Elsie breaking an enchantment. To protect her secret, Elsie strikes a bargain. She’ll help Bacchus fix unruly spells around his estate if he doesn’t turn her in. Working together, Elsie’s trust in—and fondness for—the handsome stranger grows. So does her trepidation about the rise in the murders of wizards and the theft of the spellbooks their bodies leave behind. For a rogue spellbreaker like Elsie, there’s so much to learn about her powers, her family, the intriguing Bacchus, and the untold dangers shadowing every step of a journey she’s destined to complete. But will she uncover the mystery before it’s too late to save everything she loves?
Excerpt - Prologue
Abingdon-on-Thames, England, 1885 Elsie hadn’t meant to burn down the workhouse. She hadn’t mentioned this to the constable when he’d come around to question her and the other children. She hadn’t said anything at all. It wasn’t a matter of who had started the fire. Everyone knew it had been Old Wilson, whose knuckles ached when it rained and whose body trembled a little more every year. He’d dropped the lamp. Broken the glass. Spilled the kerosene. But that’s not why the rug and walls had lit up. It wasn’t why the big block of a building raged orange and yellow behind them, its smoke stinging Elsie’s eyes. She hadn’t known the pretty rune on the wall was a fireguard. She hadn’t known it was important. She’d pointed it out to both Betsey and James, but neither of them could see it. She’d wanted only to touch it, trace it. And when she did, it had vanished beneath her fingertips. She hadn’t told a soul. Didn’t want to get into trouble. Didn’t want the workhouse to throw her away, too. That had been a month ago. So when Old Wilson had dropped his lamp, there’d been no magic to stop the fire from eating up the whole place. Elsie hated the workhouse. She didn’t feel so terrible watching it crumble, but she did feel bad that everyone had been put out of their beds, that the constable was being so mean, and that Old Wilson would get in trouble. Elsie didn’t know where they would send her now. Another workhouse? With new people, or the same ones? One of the boys beside her started to cry. Elsie didn’t know what to say. She wanted to help, but telling the truth wouldn’t help them— it would only hurt her. She didn’t want to give them a reason not to love her. She stepped away. The police had told everyone to stay put, but the fire was so hot. Elsie didn’t go far, just a few steps, then a few more. Turning her face toward the tree-shadows behind her, she let it cool off in the damp air that smelled like storms. She was picking out shapes in the shadows when a hand touched her shoulder. She flinched, sure it was the constable. Sure Betsey or James had tattled on her, saying she had seen a rune and broken it-- But it was a cloaked figure who stood beside her, face obscured by a cowl. “My dear,” the voice within said, “what is your name?” Elsie swallowed, her throat tight. She glanced back to the fire, to the shouting men trying to contain it. “Don’t mind them. You’re safe. What is your name?” Elsie peered into that cowl, but the darkness hid any discernible features. The voice was quiet and feminine. “E-Elsie. Elsie Camden.” “Such a pretty name. How old are you?” The compliment took her by surprise. “E-Eleven.” “Wonderful. Come with me, Elsie.” Her feet were slow to move. “Are you taking me to another workhouse?” The cowl shook from side to side, revealing a weak, fleshy chin. “Not if you do as I say. You’re very important, Elsie. I need your help to make the world a better place. I need to use that special talent of yours.” Elsie dug her heels into the soft earth. She knew it. She knew she was one of them. A spellbreaker, born with one kind of magic instead of taught a hundred. “If you register me, they’ll know I did it,” she whispered. The hand on her shoulder squeezed. “Yes, they will. And you’ll get into a lot of trouble. Noose around your neck, no doubt. But I would never ask you to do such a thing. You’ll help me, and I’ll help you. We’ll keep you safe, and you’ll never be the government’s pet. We’ve a lot of good work ahead of us, sweet Elsie. Helping those who need it, not those in power. Come on, then. I know a good place to hide, and we’ll get you a bite to eat. How does that sound?” The heat of the fire prickled Elsie’s scalp. She was wanted? She was important? Her spirit felt too big for her body, blooming like a wild rose. Elsie smiled, and the cloaked woman led her away. She never did see her face. Copyright © 2020 by Charlie N. Holmberg
You can purchase Spellbreaker at the following Retailers:
Photo Content from Charlie N. Holmberg
WEEK ONE - REVIEWS AND INTERVIEWS
NOVEMBER 16th MONDAY Kait Plus Books INTERVIEW
NOVEMBER 17th TUESDAY BookHounds GUEST POST
NOVEMBER 18th WEDNESDAY A Court of Coffee and Books EXCERPT
NOVEMBER 18th WEDNESDAY Nay's Pink Bookshelf REVIEW
NOVEMBER 19th THURSDAY JeanBookNerd INTERVIEW
NOVEMBER 19th THURSDAY Gwendalyn's Books REVIEW
NOVEMBER 20th FRIDAY Author Kelly Risser EXCERPT
NOVEMBER 20th FRIDAY Skye's Scribblings GUEST POST
WEEK TWO - REVIEWS
NOVEMBER 23rd MONDAY Casia's Corner REVIEW
NOVEMBER 23rd MONDAY J.R.'s Book Reviews REVIEW
NOVEMBER 24th TUESDAY Ya It's Lit REVIEW
NOVEMBER 25th WEDNESDAY Wishful Endings REVIEW
NOVEMBER 25th WEDNESDAY The Bookwyrm's Den REVIEW
NOVEMBER 26th THURSDAY Kalisbookishrambles REVIEW
NOVEMBER 26th THURSDAY PopTheButterfly Reads REVIEW
NOVEMBER 27th FRIDAY Books and Zebras REVIEW
NOVEMBER 27th FRIDAY Reading Adventures of a Book Dragon REVIEW
*JBN is not responsible for Lost or Damaged Books in your Nerdy Mail Box*
 ISBN-10 : 1536207764 ISBN-13 : 978-1536207767 Publisher : Candlewick (October 13, 2020) Language: : English
Praise for EVERYTHING I THOUGHT I KNEW
“Everything I Thought I Knew is a page-turning, mind-bending story of hope and healing. The reader will root for Chloe from page one as she navigates her world post–heart transplant and tries to meld her prior reality with her new one. I couldn’t put it down; it is a beautiful debut from a talented new voice in YA.” --Alexandra Ballard, author of What I Lost The thoughtful balance of self-discovery, humor, and realistic relationships will bring in fans of John Green and Nicola Yoon. Readers looking for a good, cathartic cry will love Chloe’s journey from losing everything she thought she was, to finding the person she was meant to be. --School Library Journal Romance and quantum physics intertwine in this frothy introduction to multiverse SF. --Kirkus Reviews This is a satisfying soaper that combines pleasing romance with an enticing touch of the otherworldly. --Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books 
A teenage girl wonders if she’s inherited more than just a heart from her donor in this compulsively readable debut. Seventeen-year-old Chloe had a plan: work hard, get good grades, and attend a top-tier college. But after she collapses during cross-country practice and is told that she needs a new heart, all her careful preparations are laid to waste. Eight months after her transplant, everything is different. Stuck in summer school with the underachievers, all she wants to do now is grab her surfboard and hit the waves—which is strange, because she wasn’t interested in surfing before her transplant. (It doesn’t hurt that her instructor, Kai, is seriously good-looking.) And that’s not all that’s strange. There’s also the vivid recurring nightmare about crashing a motorcycle in a tunnel and memories of people and places she doesn’t recognize. Is there something wrong with her head now, too, or is there another explanation for what she’s experiencing? As she searches for answers, and as her attraction to Kai intensifies, what she learns will lead her to question everything she thought she knew—about life, death, love, identity, and the true nature of reality.
My review: 4 stars This was a quick and interesting read. I felt for Chloe, both with her life-altering health scare and dealing with the aftermath: hovering parents, friends who have moved on, and feeling stuck in an in-between place while she sorts through what she wants to do with her life. I found the concept of imprinted memories from a donor organ intriguing. Certainly, a person could experience curiosity, gratitude, and even a little guilt, after inheriting a person’s organ, but experiencing their memories and maybe even their personality traits was a new twist to me. As someone who loves romance, I thought the sweet, slow building relationship between Chloe and Kai was well done, too. I highly recommend!
You can purchase Everything I Thought I Knew at the following Retailers:
Photo Content from Shannon Takaoka
Shannon Takaoka is a young adult fiction author who wrote her first book at age 12, when she blatantly ripped off C.S. Lewis with an epic fantasy inspired by THE LION, THE WITCH AND THE WARDROBE. (Well, maybe it wasn’t that epic — do 10 pages count?) Madeline L’Engle, Charlotte Brontë, Neil Gaiman and a host of other authors inspired her lifelong love of reading, and she’s especially into all things gothic, weird and nerdy. If a story involves time travel, strange science-y stuff or alternate realities, she’s in. Originally from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Shannon now lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her husband, two children and one very needy dog, who is probably leaning on her right now as she’s pecking away on her keyboard. Her debut novel, EVERYTHING I THOUGHT I KNEW, about a 17-year-old girl questioning everything about who she is and who she wants to be following a heart transplant, will be published by Candlewick Press on 10/13/2020 and Walker UK in 2021. She promises that it’s a little weird — but in a good way.
WEEK ONE - REVIEWS & INTERVIEWS
NOVEMBER 9th MONDAY JeanBookNerd INTERVIEW
NOVEMBER 10th TUESDAY Twirling Book Princess EXCERPT
NOVEMBER 11th WEDNESDAY Two Points n Interest REVIEW
NOVEMBER 11th WEDNESDAY Crossroad Reviews REVIEW
NOVEMBER 12th THURSDAY Movies, Shows, & Books GUEST POST
NOVEMBER 12th THURSDAY We Live and Breathe Books REVIEW
NOVEMBER 13th FRIDAY Nay's Pink Bookshelf REVIEW
NOVEMBER 13th FRIDAY Kalisbookishrambles REVIEW
WEEK TWO - REVIEWS
NOVEMBER 16th MONDAY Ya It's Lit REVIEW
NOVEMBER 17th TUESDAY A Court of Coffee and Books REVIEW
NOVEMBER 17th TUESDAY Pages and Pugs REVIEW
NOVEMBER 18th WEDNESDAY Welcome to MLM Opinion's Reviews REVIEW
NOVEMBER 19th THURSDAY Books and Zebras REVIEW
NOVEMBER 19th THURSDAY Author Kelly Risser REVIEW
NOVEMBER 20th FRIDAY My Fictional Oasis REVIEW
NOVEMBER 20th FRIDAY Reading Adventures of a Book Dragon REVIEW
*JBN is not responsible for Lost or Damaged Books in your Nerdy Mail Box*
 ISBN-10 : 1250219426 ISBN-13 : 978-1250219428 Publisher : Tor Teen (October 27, 2020) Language: : English
Praise for A THOUSAND FIRES
"Brutal and beautiful, A THOUSAND FIRES broke my heart. A fast-paced tragedy of love, betrayal, and vengeance." ―Heidi Heilig, author of FOR A MUSE OF FIRE "Modern, unflinching and filled with haunting, lingering imagery, A Thousand Fires gives the story of the Iliad the bare-knuckled update it deserves." ―Colleen Oakes, author of The Black Coats "Fast-paced... Vivid descriptions and intricate details bring San Francisco to life ... A promising debut." ―Kirkus "A heart-wrenching tale... action-packed and intense... A fantastic read." ―School Library Journal 
Shannon Price's A Thousand Fires is a breakout contemporary debut―think The Outsiders meets The Iliad―that's perfect for fans of Courtney Summers and Veronica Roth. 10 Years. 3 Gangs. 1 Girl’s Epic Quest… Valerie Simons knows the city's gang wars are dangerous—her own brother was killed by the Boars two years ago. But nothing will sway her from joining the elite and beautiful Herons to avenge his death—a death she feels responsible for. But when Valerie is recruited by the mysterious Stags, their charismatic and volatile leader Jax promises to help her get revenge. Torn between old love and new loyalty, Valerie fights to stay alive as she races across the streets of San Francisco to finish the mission that got her into the gangs. My review: 4 out of 5 stars On the first page when we meet our protagonist, Valerie, she’s spending her 18th birthday at he with her mom, waiting to be picked by her top choice gang. The gritty alternative world San Francisco was very intriguing to me and creatively executed by the author. It didn’t take much effort to see the world through Valerie’s eyes, and that’s all due to the masterful storytelling. I love a good balance of detail to plot, and this book was balanced well. The characters were well rounded; my favorite being Micah. While I wished there was a bit more at the end, I really enjoyed this story overall. It was fast-moving and compelled me to keep turning the page.
You can purchase A Thousand Fires at the following Retailers:
Photo Content from Shannon Price
Her debut novel A Thousand Fires is a YA reimagining of the Iliad set in modern day San Francisco. She is represented by Elana Roth Parker of Laura Dail Literary Agency and thanks her lucky stars that she is.
PART ONE - REVIEWS AND GUEST POSTS
NOVEMBER 9th MONDAY JeanBookNerd GUEST POST
NOVEMBER 10th TUESDAY J.R.'s Book Reviews REVIEW
NOVEMBER 10th TUESDAY Read More Sleep Less REVIEW & INTERVIEW
NOVEMBER 11th WEDNESDAY Movies, Shows, & Books GUEST POST
NOVEMBER 12th THURSDAY BookHounds YA REVIEW & INTERVIEW
PART TWO - REVIEWS
NOVEMBER 12th THURSDAY Emelie's Books REVIEW
NOVEMBER 13th FRIDAY Ya It's Lit REVIEW
NOVEMBER 14th SATURDAY Reading Adventures of a Book Dragon REVIEW
NOVEMBER 15th SUNDAY Books and Zebras REVIEW
NOVEMBER 15th SUNDAY Author Kelly Risser REVIEW
*JBN is not responsible for Lost or Damaged Books in your Nerdy Mail Box*
Paperback: 332 pages ISBN-10: 1645480690 ISBN-13: 978-1645480693 Publisher: Vesuvian Books (May 11, 2021)
Praise for A TIME FOR MONSTERS
"A hell-raising revenge tale for fans of Gillian Flynn, Stieg Larsson and Karen Slaughter that forces readers down a dark road with an unexpected twist." ―Monique Snyman, Bram Stoker Awards Nominee 
Only a monster can do the wrong things for the right reasons.
Do you remember the first tape or CD you ever bought? Perhaps you waited for the local station to play the top forty songs on a Sunday so you could record your favorite band. Maybe you downloaded a certain track that reminded you of your wedding day or a graduation.
Reyna Blackburn remembers. Every single song for every horrific event in her life. She remembers what song was playing on the radio the first time he hurt her. And she remembers what was playing through her headphones the first time she killed.
You can purchase A Time For Monsters at the following Retailers:
Photo Content from Gareth Worthington
Gareth Worthington is a trained marine biologist and also holds a doctorate in comparative endocrinology. Currently, Gareth works full time for the Pharmaceutical industry helping to educate the World's doctors on new cancer therapies. In his spare time Gareth has a number of passions, including: martial arts - he trained in Muay Thai at the prestigious EVOLVE MMA gym in Singapore and currently trains in MMA at Phoenix Sportkampf, Switzerland; playing acoustic guitar; studying ancient history; drawing; and most of all writing fiction.
An award winning author, he hopes to one day hang up the pharma hat and write full time.
*JBN is not responsible for Lost or Damaged Books in your Nerdy Mail Box*
 Publisher: Candlewick (October 13, 2020) Language: English ISBN-10: 153621227X ISBN-13: 978-1536212273 Praise for THE SISTERS OF STRAYGARDEN PLACE Lyrical and imaginative, rich and riveting. This is Hayley Chewins at her best, writing about magical girls with secrets and sisters who rise above the odds. An absolute must-read! --Christine Day, author of I Can Make This Promise, an American Indian Youth Literature Award Honor Book Chewins’ prose is exquisite, her eerie concepts heart-wrenching...Superb, spooky, and unforgettable. --Kirkus Reviews (starred review) Chewins (The Turnaway Girls) weaves a vivid, otherworldly tale of family and secrets, with a gothic setting that serves as a character in its own right. Through themes of identity, forgiveness, and longing, Mayhap’s unpredictable quest becomes intensely personal, especially as the sisters reinvent their familial relationship. --Publishers Weekly (starred review) A strong opening and consistent sense of urgency makes this an ideal choice for reluctant readers interested in slightly spooky fantasy. Give to fans of Neil Gaiman’s Coraline, Kenneth Oppel’s The Nest, or The House in Poplar Wood by K.E. Ormsbee. --School Library Journal 
The grass grew taller than the house itself, surrounding it on all sides. It stuffed the keyholes and scraped against the roof. It shook the walls and made paintings shiver. Seven years ago, the Ballastian sisters' parents left them in the magical Straygarden Place, a house surrounded by tall silver grass and floating trees. They left behind a warning saying never to leave the house or go into the grass. "Wait for us," the note read. "Sleep darkly." Ever since then, the house itself has taken care of Winnow, Mayhap, and Pavonine--feeding them, clothing them, even keeping them company--while the girls have waited and grown up and played a guessing game: Think of an animal, think of a place. Think of a person, think of a face. Until one day, when the eldest, fourteen-year-old Winnow, does the unthinkable and goes outside into the grass, and everything twelve-year-old Mayhap thought she knew about her home, her family, and even herself starts to unravel. With luscious, vivid prose, poet and author Hayley Chewins transports readers to a house where beloved little dogs crawl into their owners' minds to sleep, sick girls turn silver, and anything can be stolen--even laughter and silence. My review: 4.5 stars This was a magical read. To start, I loved the house... a house that responds to your every wish and need... how cool is that? And yet, something feels sinister from the first chapter. Three sisters, trapped in a house, and told by their parents before they left to never leave the house. I loved the relationships between the sisters, and I adored the droomhounds. The writing was gorgeous, and I was captivated from the first page to the last. I definitely got a Coraline vibe from this book, and yet, Sisters of Straygarden Place is also completely unique. I highly recommend!
You can purchase The Sisters of Straygarden Place at the following Retailers:
Photo Credit: SLDV Portrait
Her debut, The Turnaway Girls, was a Kirkus Best Book of 2018 and made the American Library Association’s Amelia Bloomer List of Best Feminist Books for Young Readers. Her second book, The Sisters of Straygarden Place, is forthcoming from Candlewick Press on October 13th, 2020, and has already been called “superb, spooky, and unforgettable” in a recent starred review. Hayley lives in Johannesburg, South Africa, with her soulmate/husband/fellow coffee addict, Liale, and their toy poodle, Darfer. She is represented by Patricia Nelson at Marsal Lyon Literary Agency, otherwise known as The Most Amazing Agent Ever.
WEEK ONE
SEPTEMBER 14th MONDAY JeanBookNerd INTERVIEW
SEPTEMBER 15th TUESDAY BookHounds YA REVIEW & INTERVIEW
SEPTEMBER 16th WEDNESDAY TMBA Corbett Tries to Write EXCERPT
SEPTEMBER 16th WEDNESDAY Bookriot Edah REVIEW
SEPTEMBER17th THURSDAY Emelie's Books REVIEW
SEPTEMBER17th THURSDAY Gwendalyn's Books REVIEW
SEPTEMBER 18th FRIDAY The Bookwyrm's Den REVIEW
SEPTEMBER 18th FRIDAY Reading Adventures of a Book Dragon REVIEW
WEEK TWO
SEPTEMBER 21st MONDAY J Long Books REVIEW
SEPTEMBER 21st MONDAY Rajiv's Reviews REVIEW
SEPTEMBER 22nd TUESDAY J.R.'s Book Reviews REVIEW
SEPTEMBER 23rd WEDNESDAY Nay's Pink Bookshelf REVIEW
SEPTEMBER 23rd WEDNESDAY Author Kelly Riser REVIEW
SEPTEMBER 24th THURSDAY Ya It's Lit REVIEW
SEPTEMBER 25th FRIDAY My Fictional Oasis REVIEW
SEPTEMBER 25th FRIDAY Books A-Brewin' EXCERPT
*JBN is not responsible for Lost or Damaged Books in your Nerdy Mail Box*
a Rafflecopter giveaway  Publisher: She Writes Press (September 8, 2020) Language: English ISBN-10: 163152741X ISBN-13: 978-1631527418 Praise for THE BEST PART OF US “Sally Cole-Misch’s novel is a lush and lovely homage to the natural places where her protagonist grew up. . . . The plot spanning past and present kept me enthralled and engaged throughout my reading of this exceptionally good book. The Best Part of Us is most highly recommended.” --Readers’ Favorite “This is not just storytelling, it’s a lived experience. Sally’s description of the cold, crystal waters and magnificent landscape of the North Country is so vivid I feel as though I paid it a visit. The story’s depth and vivid characterization are unforgettable. At a time when we seem to have lost our way in navigating the human relationship with place, Sally has provided a true compass to help us find home. ” --Dave Dempsey, 2009 Michigan Author of the Year, author of ten books and renowned Great Lakes environmental policy expert “With exquisite descriptions of Canadian lake and forest country and the Ojibway life rooted there, Cole-Misch expertly weaves the elements of those differing cultures, fraught but tightly bound family relationships, young love, old love, and the wonder of coming of age—at every age—into a luminous novel. The Best Part of Us is a beautiful story that will keep you up reading, and then keep you company for a long time afterward.” --Barbara Stark-Nemon, award-winning author of Even in Darkness and Hard Cider “A story so evocative you can smell the lake and hear the loons. . . . The Best Part of Us draws in lyrical strokes the many shades of grief and the healing magic of place.” --Jenni Ogden, bestselling author of A Drop in the Ocean “Place plays a key role in this novel, with an island in northern Ontario lovingly observed through the eyes of our protagonist, Beth. Troubles come in the form of her family’s attachment to the land and issues around who rightfully owns it—their Welsh ancestors or the Native peoples of earlier times—and the book raises and explores these important, contemporary questions with care and sensitivity. Their resolution is complicated—at once hopeful and messy, like all imperfect decisions. The Best Part of Us is a lovely, engrossing book about place, family, history, and cultural sensitivity.” --Angela Pneuman, award-winning author of Home Remedies and Lay It on My Heart 
But that bond was threatened and then torn apart, first as rights to their island were questioned and then by nature itself, and the family was forced to leave. Fourteen years later, Beth has created a new life in urban Chicago. There, she’s erected a solid barrier between the past and present, no matter how much it costs—until her grandfather asks her to return to the island to determine its fate. Will she choose to preserve who she has become, or risk everything to discover if what was lost still remains? The Best Part of Us will immerse readers in a breathtaking natural world, a fresh perspective on loyalty, and an exquisite ode to the essential roles that family, nature, and place hold in all of our lives. My review: 4 stars The Best Part of Us took me back to my childhood in the best of ways. My family spent 2-3 weeks each year in Northern Wisconsin. While we didn't have our own cabin (we always rented), we did have a boat. To this day, some of my favorite memories are of being on a lake at night, looking up at the brilliant night sky full of bright stars, and listening to the cries of the loons and bullfrogs. This was a story full of heart, and both heartbreak and redemption. Beth was a likeable, exuberant young girl who didn't always seem to grasp the dynamics of her family. Her husband was supportive, and without giving too much away, I'll just say that I was very satisfied with the ending. I also liked the way the story wove from current day to Beth's childhood and back again. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves nature, family dynamics, and a strong female lead with a lot of heart. Thank you to Sally Cole-Misch and She Writes Press for the advanced reader copy and the opportunity to review this stunning book.
You can purchase The Best Part of Us: A Novel at the following Retailers:
Photo Credit: Susan Adams Photography
SEPTEMBER 7th MONDAY JeanBookNerd INTERVIEW
SEPTEMBER 8th TUESDAY Ya It's Lit REVIEW
SEPTEMBER 9th WEDNESDAY Movies, Shows, & Books EXCERPT
SEPTEMBER 10th THURSDAY J.R.'s Book Reviews REVIEW
SEPTEMBER 11th FRIDAY Insane About Books GUEST POST
SEPTEMBER 11th FRIDAY J Long Books REVIEW
SEPTEMBER 12th SATURDAY BookHounds INTERVIEW
SEPTEMBER 13th SUNDAY Author Kelly Riser REVIEW
SEPTEMBER 13th SUNDAY Books A-Brewin EXCERPT
*JBN is not responsible for Lost or Damaged Books in your Nerdy Mail Box*
a Rafflecopter giveaway  Hardcover: 384 pages Publisher: Peachtree Publishing Company (September 1, 2020) Language: English ISBN-10: 168263194X ISBN-13: 978-1682631942
Praise for SING LIKE NO ONE'S LISTENING a Rafflecopter giveaway
"“Anglophiles, music and theater nerds, and those looking for some classic will-they-won’t-they romance will all find something to enjoy here. Jones writes her subject matter authentically, with obvious passion to balance the professional arts’ not-so-pretty struggles…. A touching portrait of healing after loss.” ―Kirkus Reviews “Jones' novel has the expected Fame vibes that will delight any reader who loves stories of aspiring young stars learning their craft, but its exploration of Nettie's complexities makes the story unique…. Jones offsets the narrative’s weightier moments with light and quirky ones, making it a fast read with staying power.” ―Booklist
OFFICIAL NERD BLAST FOR SING LIKE NO ONE'S LISTENING BY VANESSA JONES A moving story of grief and healing - sure to be a pure joy for any musical theater aficionado.
This is a Nerd Blast, you will post the promotional info we provide you with, including the giveaway. No reviews required. Please mark your Calendar.
Nettie Delaney has just been accepted into a prestigious performing arts school--the very same school her superstar mother attended. With her mother's shadow hanging over her, Nettie has her work cut out for her--and everyone is watching. To make matters worse, Nettie hasn't been able to sing a single note since her mother died. Whenever she tries, she just clams up. But if Nettie's going to survive a demanding first year and keep her place in a highly coveted program, she'll have to work through her grief and deliver a showstopper or face expulsion. All may not be lost, however, when Nettie stumbles upon a mysterious piano player in an empty studio after class. Masked behind a curtain, can Nettie summon the courage to find her voice? Or will the pressure and anxiety of performing come crashing down? All about finding and raising your voice, and not throwing away your shot, Vanessa Jones's well-crafted journey of grief and healing will pull readers along with its strong narrative voice and satisfying sense of mystery.
You can purchase Sing Like No One's Listening at the following Retailers:
Photo Content from Vanessa Jones VANESSA JONES trained at Laine Theatre Arts in Surrey, England and went on to be a musical theater actor on West End, performing in shows including Sister Act, Grease, Guys and Dolls, Annie Get Your Gun, and Mary Poppins. She began her writing career with a stage play for a fringe theater and works as a freelance copywriter and editor. She lives in England with her fellow chimney sweep.
*JBN is not responsible for Lost or Damaged Books in your Nerdy Mail Box*
 Hardcover: 256 pages Publisher: Tor Teen (September 29, 2020) Language: English ISBN-10: 1250297540 ISBN-13: 978-1250297549 Praise for A NEON DARKNESS Praise for THE INFINITE NOISE “Emotional and inventive, Lauren Shippen has written a queer love story for anyone who’s ever felt like an outsider. The Infinite Noise managed to make me swoon even as it broke my heart. A thoughtful and tender exploration of mental health, it will make you want to go to therapy, whether you have superpowers or not.” ―Britta Lundin, Riverdale screenwriter and author of Ship It “The Infinite Noise is a marvelous book about love, mental health, and connection. Lauren Shippen writes with a clean and honest warmth that is deeply refreshing, and her sharp representation of depression and anxiety rings true. Once I started reading The Infinite Noise, I couldn't stop; now that I've read it, my life has become a matter of waiting to get my hands on whatever Shippen creates next.” ―Sarah Gailey, Hugo Award winning author of Magic for Liars “Fans of the podcast will revel in this closer look at the lives of the characters, and readers new to the franchise will drop into this world without missing a beat. Give this to fans of the podcast, as well as readers who enjoy Becky Albertalli's Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda, Rainbow Rowell's work, and Welcome to Night Vale.” ―School Library Journal “The author gives emotions form, texture, and color, taking readers along on Adam's and Caleb's journeys while remembering that a boyfriend is not an antidote to life's supernatural―or mundane―problems.... A warm, satisfying love story with depth.” ―Kirkus Reviews "Shippen does a superb job of handling a swirl of complex emotions, ranging from subtle to fiery as the boys struggle to complete each other and share their differences." ―Booklist 
Los Angeles, 2006. Eighteen-year-old Robert Gorham arrives in L.A. amid the desert heat and the soft buzz of neon. He came alone with one goal: he wants to see the ocean. And Robert always gets what he wants. At a very young age, Robert discovered he had the unusual ability to make those close to him want whatever he wants. He wanted dessert instead of dinner? His mother served it. He wanted his Frisbee back? His father walked off the roof to bring it to him faster. He wanted to be alone? They both disappeared. Forever. But things will be different in L.A. He meets a group of strange friends who could help him. Friends who can do things like produce flames without flint, conduct electricity with their hands, and see visions of the past. They call themselves Unusuals and finally, finally, Robert belongs. When a tall figure, immune to their powers, discovers them, the first family that Robert has ever wanted is at risk of being destroyed. The only way to keep them all together is to get his powers under control. But control is a sacrifice he might not be willing to make. A Neon Darkness is the origin story of Damien and the second stand-alone story in the Bright Sessions Novels.
You can purchase A Neon Darkness at the following Retailers:
My review: The concept of this book is really cool, along with the idea of teens with powers like the X-men, some with a guilty conscious and most with an identity crisis. That said, not much really happened here... until the end. They hung out, drank and smoke, went to concerts, swindled ordinarily people. I don’t know... I couldn’t really get attached or seem to care about the characters. That said, I have not read The Infinite Noise, and I’m seeing that Robert/Damien is a character from the first book and this is his origin story. If that’s true, then it probably means more if you know this character already. I immediately found him to have no remorse at manipulating others, which didn’t sit well with me. Just because you can do something doesn’t mean you should. The writing is excellent, which is why I give it 3 stars. It probably deserves higher. The characters and plot just didn’t pull me in.
Photo Content from Lauren Shippen
Lauren was named one of Forbes 2018 30 Under 30 in Media and one of MovieMaker Magazine and Austin Film Festival’s 25 Screenwriters to Watch. In 2019, she founded Atypical Artists, a company dedicated to audio storytelling. Shippen grew up in New York, where she spent most of her youth reading and going to Panic! at the Disco shows. She now lives in Los Angeles, where she does the same thing.
WEEK ONE - EXCERPTS & REVIEWS
JUNE 15th MONDAY BookHounds YA EXCERPT
JUNE 16th TUESDAY Kait Plus Books EXCERPT
JUNE 17th WEDNESDAY Movies, Shows, & Books EXCERPT
JUNE 18th THURSDAY Insane About Books EXCERPT
JUNE 19th FRIDAY TTC Books and More REVIEW
WEEK TWO - EXCERPTS & REVIEWS
JUNE 22nd MONDAY Casia's Corner REVIEW
JUNE 23rd TUESDAY Wishful Endings EXCERPT
JUNE 24th WEDNESDAY Stephanie's Life of Determination REVIEW
JUNE 24th WEDNESDAY Reading Adventures of a Book Dragon EXCERPT
JUNE 25th THURSDAY KalishBookishRambles REVIEW
JUNE 26th FRIDAY Author Kelly Riser REVIEW
*JBN is not responsible for Lost or Damaged Books in your Nerdy Mail Box*
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