Book Review & Giveaway: Becoming Mrs. Smith A Novella by Tanya E. Williams

Publication Date: October 10, 2017 Rippling Effects Writing & Photography
eBook, Paperback & Audio; 100 Pages
Genre: Historical Fiction/Novella



Not all of war�s destruction takes place on the battlefield. Violet�s heart flutters from the scarlet fever she survived as a child, and it beats faster at the sight of John Smith, the man she plans to marry. America is entrenched in WWII, and when John enlists, Violet is certain she won�t ever forgive him for dashing their dreams. As the realities of war slowly overtake her life, Violet's days are filled with uncertainty and grief. She struggles to maintain her faith in John, as the world as she knows it, crumbles. Becoming Mrs. Smith is the inspiring, and at times, heartbreaking story of a woman�s struggle to reclaim what she lost. War stole the man she loves, and childhood illness weakened her heart�perhaps beyond repair. While guns rage in Europe, the war Violet faces at home may be even more devastating.

"Wonderfully emotional and beautifully written, Becoming Mrs. Smith will take hold of your heartstrings and leave you longing for more." -Kelsey Gietl, author of Across Oceans

Available on Amazon in Paperback and eBook

Violet suffers from the scarlet fever when she's young and her mother tells her that her heart will always flutter. She is scared by this but as she gets older her heart flutters more for John Smith. Violet is positive from a young age that John will be her future. Then John decides to do his duty and join in the Army as war starts. Violet can't imagine ever forgiving him, so she hardens her heart for him and decides to move forward with her life back at home. She doesn't open any letters he sends and ignores any communication or talk of him from her family or friends. Will Violet regret her decision as the war rages on? 

Anyone who knows my reading tastes know that I can't pass up an opportunity to read historical fiction. It is one of my favorite genres. I thoroughly enjoyed this read. The writing hooked me from the first chapter as Violet's illness raged on. I didn't find any slow points in this novella and I was excited to find out how it ends. This was one I didn't put down until I was completely finished. As I was reading, I vividly imagined Violet's story and the author only added detail to my imagination. Such a beautiful story, told perfectly. I can't wait for the next one! 

About the Author

A writer from a young age, Tanya E Williams loves to help a reader get lost in another time, another place through the magic of books. History continues to inspire her stories and her insightfulness into the human condition deepens her character's experiences and propels them on their journey. Ms. Williams' favourite tales, speak to the reader's heart, making them smile, laugh, cry, and think. For more information, please visit Tanya Williams' website and blog. You can also find her on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, Goodreads, and Pinterest.

Blog Tour Schedule

Monday, October 30 Feature at View from the Birdhouse Excerpt at Myths, Legends, Books & Coffee Pots
Tuesday, October 31 Review at Hopewell's Public Library of Life
Wednesday, November 1 Feature at The Lit Bitch
Thursday, November 2 Review at Bookish
Friday, November 3 Feature at Passages to the Past
Monday, November 6 Review at Once Upon A Book
Tuesday, November 7 Feature at The Reading Queen
Wednesday, November 8 Guest Post at Encouraging Words from the Tea Queen
Thursday, November 9 Excerpt at Just One More Chapter
Friday, November 10 Feature at Jenn's Book Vibes
Monday, November 13 Excerpt at What Cathy Read Next
Tuesday, November 14 Interview & Excerpt at Jorie Loves a Story
Wednesday, November 15 Feature at A Literary Vacation Review at Singing Librarian Books
Friday, November 17 Review at Bookramblings Review at Locks, Hooks and Books Feature at Broken Teepee

Giveaway

During the Blog Tour we will be giving away an eBook of Becoming Mrs. Smith! To enter, please enter via the Gleam form below.

Giveaway Rules

Giveaway ends at 11:59pm EST on November 17th.

You must be 18 or older to enter. 

Giveaway is open INTERNATIONALLY. 

Only one entry per household. 

All giveaway entrants agree to be honest and not cheat the systems; any suspect of fraud is decided upon by blog/site owner and the sponsor, and entrants may be disqualified at our discretion. 

Winner has 48 hours to claim prize or new winner is chosen.

Becoming Mrs. Smith

Moving is Hard

And I don't just mean in the general sense - although, moving is a bitch. Let's be real.

But more than the physical aspect, the emotional toll can be so much harder. I'm no stranger to moving from beloved homes. Right before my senior year in high school, my mom sold our childhood home. (We stayed in the same district, she's not a monster.) I remember being angry, sad, and there's a good chance I used a few choice words when she told me.

To put it short, I was devastated. This had been my home since I was five years old. I grew up in these rooms. My siblings grew up in these rooms. I pouted. I cried. I raged. But in the end, what choice did I have?

So we moved. And while I lost my beloved bedroom with two closets - I still miss those closets to this day - I admit my mom made the right decision. We only moved a few streets down and on occasion, my mom, sister, and I would drive by the old house just to check it out. I wish I could tell you how livid my mother was when she saw what these people had done to her rose bushes and the landscaping, but I don't think words do it justice.

And to this day, over 10 years later, I could still walk through the rooms with my eyes closed and tell you exactly where each crevice is and exactly which step creaked. I will admit that I am constantly checking to see when the current owners put it up for sale. Speaking of . . . 

Nope. Still off the market.

Just over a year ago my mom decided to sell that house too. I'd been out the house for years, my sister a year or two, and my brother a few months. She made a very adult decision that the house was too big for just her and the beau and that a family with young children should enjoy it as much as we had. Plus, they were currently 30 minutes from work - in good weather with no traffic. It was no longer practical. I was fine. Bummed, but fine.

Now it's my turn. It's my turn to be the adult and sell a beloved home. And I'm not sure I'm ready for this.

This is the house that after months of house searching, Joe and I knew was home immediately upon pulling up. The house Joe and I bought after living together in our apartment The house we decided would be our home. The house we wanted to create our memories in together.

Over the years, it has been the perfect home. It has taught us the joys and tribulations of home ownership. It has taught us how to choose the right paint color. How to a bit handier. How when a raccoon has decided to make your attic its new home, it sounds like a person walking around your house. Really not cool at three in the morning.

We got Bentley while we lived in this home. I can still see him climbing up the stairs from the garage. A Christmas present weeks in the making and one of the best surprises of my life.

We were married while we lived here. There are pictures of Joe and his groomsmen getting ready, and taking shots, in our living room.

I came down the stairs one morning in March to give Joe an early birthday present - a positive pregnancy test. He was in the middle of vacuuming and was so annoyed that I was interrupting him for, what he assumed, was something nonsensical. But I stood on that bottom step, ready to hand him his surprise, and knew our lives would never be the same.

This is the home we brought Teacup Human to after leaving the hospital. I can tell you exactly where she was the first time she laughed, the first time she rolled over, the first time she crawled, and the first time she walked across the room holding my hands.

I know that I will always have these memories regardless of where we are living, but something about not being in the physical space is hard and emotionally draining. It's silly. I know this, but I won't apologize for my emotions. I can tell you right now that when I see our current home empty and devoid of our possessions, I'm going to cry.

And it's going to be about as pretty as when I cry during the Amazon "Lion" commercial. If this commercial doesn't hit you in the feels on some level, you are a monster. A monster who hates dogs. A monster who hates babies. A monster who hates life!

I've had my moments where I get sad about leaving and seeing all our things in boxes, but I don't think it's hit me that come Sunday, this will no longer be our home.

Our move is not a bad thing. I am excited to move and begin the new phase our life. We love our upcoming new home and are beyond excited to make new memories and grow our family. Change is hard. But it's also necessary and can be rewarding. I'm ready for our family to take the next step in our lives. The important thing is that we are together. And wherever that is, that's home.

Blog Tour: Berserker by Emmy Laybourne (Review + Giveaway)

(Check out the full schedule of the Blog Tour HERE)

Series:	Berserker
Genre:	Young Adult, Fantasy
Publication Date:	October 10, 2017
Pages:	288 (Hardcover)
Published By:	Feiwel & Friends
Website:	Emmy Laybourne
	Berserker on Goodreads
My review copy:	Received from the publisher via Jean Book Nerd tours in exchange for my honest review

Where to get:

Are Hanne's powers a gift from the old Norse gods, or a curse?

Her brother Stieg swears their powers are a gift from the old gods, but Hanne Hemstad knows she is truly cursed. It's not Stieg's fault that their father is dead, their mother has left, and their brother Knut has been accused of a crime he didn't commit.

No, the fault lies with Hanne and her inability to control her murderous "gift"--she is a Berserker. When someone she loves is threatened, she flies into a killing state. The siblings must leave Norway for the American frontier or risk being brought to justice.

Aided by a young cowboy who agrees to be their guide, Hanne and her siblings use their powers to survive the perilous trail, where blizzards, wild animals, and vicious bounty hunters await.

Will they be able to reach their uncle, the one man Hanne believes may be able to teach her how to control her drive to kill? With Berserker, Emmy Laybourne, the author of Monument 14, presents her vision of an American west studded with Viking glory.

(Goodreads)

All the gifts besides mine make something... A Berserker kills. A Berserker takes life and crushes it out.

The Nytte was an ancient blood-gift, a pagan, Viking gift, from Odin to his three kings, to be carried in their lineage. A child with the Nytte on both sides of his or her family might manifest one of six eerie powers at puberty - or might receive no Nytte at all.

 "Look at her," Sissel said. "She's an animal."

     Hanne is a Nytteson, which means she possess a special and unique gift (the Nytte) that was bestowed upon her ancestors by the Norse Gods in times of glorious Vikings. Her siblings - Knut, Sissel, and Stieg - also have their own special gifts (all except for young Sissel, who is yet to have her gift manifest itself), though they're very different from Hanne's, for Hanne is a Berserker and her gift means she will fight to death for those she loves. And what's worse, is that Hanne has no control over her ability. She turns into an unflinching, blood-thirsty killer the moment someone she loves is threatened. And she doesn't stop until the threat is obliterated.

     When one night Hanne's father is attacked by three man, she goes Berserker on the assailants, murdering them all. Her father dies from a gun shot, and the siblings have to flee their homeland to save their own lives. They escape to America, where they are determined to seek out their uncle. Only getting to him isn't going to be an easy task, and even with the help of a young cowboy, they'll face deathly dangers all throughout their journey. 

     To put it simply, Berserker is  a clash of Viking glory with Wild, Wild West; and it's a breath-taking, exhilarating, heart-pounding combination of these two worlds. I have read Emmy Laybourne's Monument 14 series and enjoyed it a lot, but I must say Berserker tops it in many ways. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book - the adventure, the tension, the neck-breaking action, but also the human element at the center of it all. Hanne's struggles to accept and understand her gift/curse definitely made this story so much more interesting to follow. It was also fascinating to read about Hanne's relationships with her siblings. I love that, though they're so different from each other, when things got rough, they looked out for one another. 

      As for the Norse mythology aspects, I must say I really enjoyed this part of the story. It gave this fantasy novel a very interesting, unique flavor. At the same time, we didn't get too deep into the historical backdrop, so the story flow wasn't bogged down with too many detailed descriptions.

     The main characters - Hanne, Owen and Rolf (the guy hunting Hanne and her simblings) - were developed very well, especially Hanne. And while she didn't strike me as a particularly likeable character, she was certainly a realistically drawn one, with layers upon layers of character building. Shy, distanced, struggling to come to terms with her ability, weighed down by guilt and border-line self-hate, she often came across as difficult and off-putting (or, well, whiny), but all that was completely understandable, considering what she had to deal with in her life. I did see some character growth, though, and I feel that Hanne definitely shows a lot of promise. I can't wait to find out what will happen to her and Owen (and their brand new relationship) in the next installments. 

     Overall, I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a YA fantasy adventure that packs a strong punch and doesn't shy away from violence and exploring deeper subject (like self-acceptance and grief). Especially for those of you who also enjoy a nicely developed historical backdrop. 

Berserker is a high-octane, action-packed story from the beginning to the end. I am looking forward to reading the second book! 

      

About the Author:

Emmy Laybourne is a novelist, screenwriter and former character actress. She is the author of the upcoming release BERSERKER ("You will love Emmy Laybourne's vision of an American west studded with Viking glory." - Hypable.com), as well as the MONUMENT 14 trilogy ("Frighteningly real� riveting" - NYT Book Review, Editor�s Choice) and the novel SWEET (�A gripping action-adventure survival story� � VOYA, rated Perfect Ten).

Before her life as a novelist, Emmy performed original comedy on Comedy Central, MTV and VH1; and acted in the movies "Superstar," "The In-Laws" and "Nancy Drew," among others. Emmy lives outside New York City with her husband, two kids and a flock of 9 nifty chickens.
Photo credit: Kit Laybourne.

WEBSITE | TWITTER | GOODREADS | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM

Giveaway:

--Giveaway is open to International. | Must be 13+ to Enter

- 4 Winners will receive a Copy of BERSERKER by Emmy Laybourne.

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Blog Tour: Two Last First Dates by Kate O'Keeffe {Review & Excerpt with Giveaway}

 

Genre:	Romantic, Comedy, Chick Lit, Fiction
Publication.Date:	August 8th 2017
Published By:	Wild Lime Books
My review copy:	I received a copy from the author in exchange for an honest review

Where to get:

Amazon

Goodreads

                              

To Paige Miller, Two Last First Dates sounds like a disaster waiting to happen.

Paige is having a rough time. She's unhappy in her career and her One Last First Date ended in total disaster. Now, she has to figure out what to do professionally and personally. Life as a spinster with fifteen cats doesn't sound too bad, though.

Deciding to give up on love, Paige begrudgingly befriends Josh Bentley, the friendly coffee delivery guy, while helping out at the Cozy Cottage Caf�. His T-shirts make her eyes roll, but their runs have become an important part of her day and a blessing to her waistline, because Bailey's cakes are too good to pass up.

Meanwhile, her best friends offer to find Mr. Right for her, and all Paige has to do is let them. Then, the man of her dreams walks through the door. Marcus Hahn is as good-looking as he is charming, and any thoughts Paige had of being alone with those fifteen cats, fly out the window. Now, she just has to hope her friends choose him as her Last First Date.

But in the end, are Two Last First Dates enough to find The One?

�Look, Helena. I�ve got to do something. I�ll talk to you later, okay? I promise.�

She gave me a meaningful look. �Sure. You go, girl. I�ll back you up, no matter what.�

She hit her fist against her chest, like she was a centurion, pledging her allegiance to me.

I turned and walked through the line of cubicles to Portia�s office, nodding as people

said hello. This wasn�t the time to be social. I was on a mission, and I wasn�t going to allow

anything to get in my way.

I arrived at Portia�s office and stood, collecting my thoughts. I could see her sitting at

her desk, immaculate as always in a pale pink suit with black trim, tap-tapping on her

keyboard. I lifted my hand and knocked firmly on her door. Her head popped up, a look of

surprise on her face.

�Paige. What are you doing here?� she asked, pushing her chair back and standing up.

Did she look nervous?

I stepped into her office and closed the door behind myself, leaning up against it as my

heart raced. �I need to talk to you.�

�Okay,� she replied uncertainly. She gestured for me to take a seat. I shook my head in

refusal. I needed to be standing for this.

�I thought we�d said all we were going to say last night?�

�No, Portia. You said all you were going to say. I didn�t.�

She tilted her head. �Oh?�

I clenched my hands at my side, preparing to launch into the speech I�d practiced on the

way here this morning. My mind was made up; I had something to say.

I took a deep breath and looked directly at her. �Portia, I quit.�

Okay, so it wasn�t much of a speech, and practicing it hadn�t exactly taken very long

this morning, but I wanted to ensure I hit the right tone. And hadn�t I learned in my years in

marketing that a clear, simple message was the most effective?

To my unutterable surprise, Portia laughed. �I think you misunderstand, Paige. I fired

you.�

�No, you didn�t. Your exact words were, �I�m moving you on.� I remember. You never

said I was fired.�

She shot me a condescending look, as though I was a three-year- old who needed to

have the difference between a hug and a punch explained to them. �Paige. We talked about

this. Your work has not been up to scratch for some time now. That�s why I am moving you

on.�

I jutted out my chin, defiant. �But you can�t. Because I quit.�


She put her manicured hands up in surrender. �Sure. If that�s the way you want to play

it, fine. Take your petty revenge over whatever it is you think I have or haven�t done.�

�I will. Thank you.� My voice dripped with sarcasm.

As I turned and put my hand on the doorknob, ready to leave, she added, �So, do I take

it you don�t want that job in Dwight�s division, then?�

I pursed me lips. It was true, Portia had fired me�or �moved me on,� as she�d insisted

on calling it�but she�d also offered me a role in her colleague Dwight Barlow�s team,

working in product development. She thought I�d be a better �fit� there as she didn�t think

email marketing campaigns were �quite my passion,� as she�d put it. I�d almost scoffed. Of

course, email marketing campaigns weren�t my passion! Was she insane?

My interest had been piqued by the chance to work for a different boss, someone

perhaps whose team wasn�t plotting to torture and kill him. That never makes for a

harmonious working environment, in my experience. So last night, I�d agreed. Getting away

from Portia and my yawn-inducing job had been the most important things to me.

And today? Things felt . . . different.

I narrowed my eyes at Portia, with the supercilious look she so often had on her face.

Although I�d never shared Helena�s Tarantino-inspired depth of hatred for her, this was the

last time I ever wanted to lay eyes on her again.

�You know what, Portia? I don�t want that job, or any job at AGD. Let�s agree I quit

and I�ll leave right now. I even brought my own box to clear my stuff.�

She pursed her lips and stared at me through her designer glasses.

I locked my jaw and squeezed my hands into fists at my sides once more. What was her

next move going to be?

Still staring at me, she let out a puff of air and nodded.

I�d won.

I smiled at her. �Good. We�re done here.�

I could almost hear that old nineties band, singing I�ve got the power! as I flung

Portia�s office door open and strode toward my desk, people popping their heads over the

tops of their cubicles to see what was going on as I passed by. My heart was racing,

adrenaline was pumping around my body at a rate of knots, and it felt good, oh so good!

Daa-da, da-da- daa-da . . . I�ve got the power!

I reached my desk and began to collect my things. Before I could say �wannabe

gangster,� Helena was at the entrance to my cubicle. �Oh, my god! What happened?� She

glanced at the box in my hands, half full of my personal paraphernalia. �Oh, hell. She fired

you, didn�t she? That nasty, conniving bitch!�

At Helena�s loud exclamation, several more of my colleagues arrived at my cubicle.

�Did you say Paige was fired?� one asked. �Oh, my god!� exclaimed another.

It's getting, it's getting, it's getting kinda hectic. Daa-da, da-da- daa-da.


�You cannot take this, Paige! This is wrong, so wrong. You must have your revenge!�

Helena exclaimed vehemently, her fist in the air, her face turning purple with rage.

I half expected her to launch into the Samuel L. Jackson Ezekiel vengeance speech I�d

enjoyed while watching Pulp Fiction. I admit, I�d rewound and watched that speech a few

times. But instead, I held my box against my body and smiled at them all. �Actually, I quit.�

There was a collective gasp.

�You did? Why?� someone asked as another said, �Good for you!� Helena gawped at

me.

�Yup. And . . . I have to go.� I collected my jacket and dropped it into the box and

slung my purse over my shoulder.

�But . . . don�t you have to work your month�s notice out?� Helena asked.

�I figured since The Princess doesn�t exactly want me around, we�d forget about that

whole notice thing.�

My�now ex�colleagues stepped aside like the parting of the Red Sea, and I walked

through them all. �Bye, everyone! It was great to work with you all. Good luck!�

�Hey,� Helena said, grabbing my arm. �Good for you.�

I grinned at her. �Thanks. It was nice working with you. And thanks for the tip on

Tarantino. I�m not sure I would have done this if it hadn�t been for him.�

She gave me a knowing nod. �Quentin changes lives.�

Usually, I would have thought she�d possibly taken her admiration for the guy a little

too far, but in this, I decided she was right.

Stay off my back, or I will attack and you don't want that. Daa-da da-da- daa-da.

As I left, I glanced up between the row of cubicles toward Portia�s office. She was

standing, watching me, her skinny arms crossed across her chest. I waved and smiled at her,

enjoying every moment of my minor triumph.

I was no longer an Email Marketing Assistant. I was out of here. And I was free.

 

I am definitely swooning right now and can barely catch my breath.

I went into this story expecting a sweet love novel and I came out with so much more.

Paige thought she met the love of her life when she met Will but soon got her heart broken when she came to realize, he wasn't hers to love. Bamn shot through the heart. Paige swore she was done with men and love was not something that was going to happen for her. She certainly wasn't going to play the game her two girlfriends wanted to. The Last First Date was a competition of sorts that her and her girlfriends thought up where the friends pick the guy you will have your last first date with. This will be the one you will marry. After her heartache over Will, Paige can't even imagine this happening for her.

In walks Marcus, who could be  Channing Tatum's double. He's gorgeous and definitely swoon material. Paige is convinced he is her last first date. 

The author does an amazing job at making this book stand on its own, even though this is the second book in the series. She also makes you fall in love with Paige easily and you find yourself routing for her to find herself and have her happily ever after.

I definitely think this author is one to watch and I will definitely be tearing into her books moving forward. Can't wait to read the first book in this series next.

This book is more than just an amazing romance. It's also about following your dreams and not letting others pigeon hole you into thinking you can't find a new career, a new life and a new guy all at the same time.

Kate O'Keeffe is an award-nominated author of fun, feel-good romantic comedies. She lives and loves in beautiful New Zealand with her family, two scruffy dogs, and a cat who thinks he's a scruffy dog too. He's not: he's a cat.

To date, Kate's written the chick lit series, the Wellywood Romantic Comedy Series, and the new Cozy Cottage Caf� Series.


Where to Find AUTHOR

Website: https://www.kateokeeffe.com

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8195990.Kate_O_Keeffe

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kateokeeffeauthor/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/kateokeeffe4

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kateokeeffeauthor/

Amazon Author: https://www.amazon.com/Kate-OKeeffe/e/B00KIZGG1O/

Newsletter Signup: https://www.kateokeeffe.com/newsletter

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Blog Tour: the Keep of Ages trilogy by Caragh M. O'brien (Playlist + Giveaway)

Welcome to Day #9 of the Keep of Ages Blog Tour!

To celebrate the release of The Keep of Ages (Vault of Dreamers #3) by Caragh M. O'brien (8/29/17), blogs across the web are featuring exclusive content from Caragh and 10 chances to win a complete set of The Vault of Dreamers Trilogy!

Bookish Lifestyle gets to share the Keep of Ages Playlist! Check it out below!

The Keep of Ages Playlist

The Keep of Ages is an intricate, mysterious story about family, dreams, and what it means to be alive, with scenes in the Arizona desert at evening time, at a ruin of a horror theme park, deep underground, and along the Pacific shoreline in full, shimmering sunlight. Finding songs for this play list, I included favorites I listened to while I was writing, (such as �Burning House� and �She Used to Be Mine�) others that tie to certain themes (�Demons� and �Castle on the Hill�), and still others that match well with key scenes in the plot (�Malibu� and �A Life That�s Good�).  Together, the songs reflect many of the moods, turning points, and characters of the novel.

*****

Blog Tour Schedule:

August 16th � BookhoundsYAAugust 17th � Fiktshun

August 18th� Book BriefsAugust 21st � The Fandom

August 22nd � A Dream Within a DreamAugust 23rd� The Reading Nook

August 24th � Reading TeenAugust 25th � YA Books Central August 28th � Bookish LifestyleAugust 29th � Mundie Moms

About the Book:

Buy: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | IndieboundAdd on GoodreadsFollow Caragh: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | Tumblr | Goodreads

In the fast-paced, high-stakes conclusion to Caragh M. O'Brien's Vault of Dreamers trilogy, Rosie travels to a derelict theme park to shut down dream mining once and for all. Driven by fear when Dean Berg kidnaps her family, Rosie Sinclair strikes out across the country to rescue them. When an elusive trail leads her to Grisly Valley, the contaminated ruin of a horror theme park, Rosie has to consider that Berg may once again be manipulating her every move to make her fearful, priming her for a final, lethal dream mining procedure. As Rosie struggles to outmaneuver Berg, she unearths the ultimate vault of dreamers and the hint of a consciousness more powerful and dangerous than any she's imagined before. Faced with unspeakable suffering and otherworldly beauty, Rosie must discover how to trust her mind, her friends, and reality itself. Propulsive and deeply speculative, The Keep of Ages concludes the Vault of Dreamers trilogy with stirring possibilities for what it means to be alive.

About the Author

Caragh M. O�Brien is the author of the BIRTHMARKED trilogy and THE VAULT OF DREAMERS series, both from Macmillan/Roaring Brook Press. Born in St. Paul, Minnesota, Ms. O�Brien was educated at Williams College and earned her MA in the Writing Seminars from Johns Hopkins University. Her young adult science fiction has been honored by the YALSA Best Fiction for Young Adults, the Amelia Bloomer Award, the Junior Library Guild, and numerous state reading lists. A former high school English teacher, she now writes young adult novels full time from her home in rural Connecticut

GIVEAWAY

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The Fifty Bookish Questions Book Tag

Hello fellow bloggers and readers, it�s Friday and I felt like posting a book tag. I found this really lovely tag on the fantastic blog that is Life of a Female Bibliophile. It�s a lot of questions so I�m going to keep this short and simple! So without anymore delay � onto those fifty bookish questions.

1. What was the last book you read?

What She Knew by Gilly MacMillian

2. Was it a good one?

Yes, a bit slow in the beginning, some unnecessary back story but over all a great read.

3. What made it good?

Great character development, suspenseful a real page turner.

4. Would you recommend it to other people?

Yes, especially if you like suspense!

5. How often do you read?

Almost every single day unless I am too busy.

6. Do you like to read?

Well duh yeah! 

7.What was the last bad book you read?

Bad book? I'd have to give this to "Shadow of Night" by Deborah Harkness. I absolutely loved the first book but I've picked this second one up three times and I can't seem to get past chapter 10. I'm completely bored. 

8. What made you dislike it?

Extremely boring!!! 

9. Do you wish to be a writer?

Yes i do!! I'm a great journal writer and hope to some day have the self confidence and drive to submit some of my writings. 

10. Has any book ever influenced you greatly?

Lots of books have definitely influenced me � I couldn�t name them all here, but yes is the answer.

11. Do you read fan fiction?

No, it hasn't yet held an interest for me. 

12. Do you write fan fiction?

Nope! 

13. What�s your favorite book?

I HAVE TO PICK ONE!!! That's is impossible!! If you are an avid reader like me, I bet you couldn't pick just one either! Here are a few: 

Second Chance Summer by Morgan Matson

Summer Sisters by July Blume

The Bronze Horseman by Paulina Simons

The Truth About Air and Water by Katherine Owen

God-Shaped Hole by Tiffanie DeBartolo

Post-Traumatic Brazilian by Tamara Lyon

14. What�s your least favorite book?

I think Wuthering Heights � just didn�t click with me! I've nether understood how many can love this book and actually get through it without wanting to poke your eyes out!! Sorry, just an opinion. 

15. Do you prefer physical books or ready on a device (like a kindle)?

I do love my Kindle but physical books are much better for me.

16. When did you learn to read?

I think I learned to read at about 5 years old. 

17. What is your favorite book you had to read in school?

When I took an English literature course in my junior year of high school, we read "Pride and Prejudice" This was my first experience with this book and I was really scared of the language but I ended up devouring it and absolutely loving it as well. 

18. What is your favorite book series?

I don't usually read a lot of book series but the one I still adore is the Twilight series. 

19. Who is your favorite author?

OMG another super hard question for a book lover!! I just can't. What if I left someone out. Just nope! 

20. What is your favorite genre?

I'd have to go with contemporary fiction although I have really been getting into more suspense books lately. 

21. Who is your favorite character in a book series?

I'd have to go with Clay in "Thirteen Reasons Why". He is just so likable. From the very beginning, I knew he couldn't have possibly done anything wrong to Hannah. I was sure of it. He is swoon worthy in my book just for being caring and sweet. 

22. Has a book ever transported you somewhere else?

Yes, that�s what books are supposed to do.

23.Which book do you wish had a sequel?

This is a hard question to answer off the top of my head but I would say "Dear John" It ends happy enough but doesn't give a real "what happens next" chapter and that would have been nice to have. 

24. Which book do you wish DIDN'T have a sequel?

I'd definitely go with Discovery of Witches because the first book was amazing but meh for the next. 

25. How long does it take you to read a book?

It depends on how fast paced the book is and how motivated I am to read. Some days I can read a 350 page book in one sitting and some days it could take me weeks. 

26. Do you like when books become movies?

For me it would depend on the book in question-The Harry Potter books were done phenomenally but many books have been ruined by their film adaptions.  

27. Which book was ruined by its movie adaptation?

I would say Divergent on this one. I absolutely loved the series but the films just fell short of the excitement and fantasy world I was anticipating. 

28. Which movie has done a book justice?

I am going to go with the Hunger Games Trilogy. These movies were top notch in my opinion and really made the trilogy shine even more than the books in some respects. 

29. Do you read newspapers?

No, they always depress me. 

30: Do you read magazines?

Yes I like Oprah, Food Network Magazine, Cosmo, Parenting, & Book Page. 

31. Do you prefer newspapers or magazines?

Definitely Magazines 

32. Do you read while in bed?

Yes. All. The. Time.

33. Do you read while on the toilet?

Nope, I think that's the one place I don't read. LOL 

34. Do you read while in the car?

Yes, although I have to be careful because I suffer with car sickness which really isn�t pretty.

35. Do you read while in the bath?

Yes, although not very often. I�m not good at holding a book and taking a bath at the same time. I seem to always be nervous that the book will fall in the water. 

36. Are you a fast reader?

Yes, very fast for the most part. 

37. Are you a slow reader?

Nope

38. Where is your favorite place to read?

I love to sit under a tree at the park by my house and read. It is so peaceful. 

39. Is it hard for you to concentrate while you read?

Sometimes but it depends on what I have going on in my life. 

40.Do you need a room to be silent while you read?

No, I'm pretty good at reading with some noise as long as it's not extremely loud.

41. Who gave you your love for reading?

Even from a very young age I was taken to the library, read to and I loved to do book reviews on everything I read. 

42. What book is next on your list to read?

Little Grey Dress by Aimee Brown

43. When did you start to read chapter books?

I was in 5th grade. 

44. Who is your favorite children�s book author?

Judy Blume 

45. Which author would you most want to interview?

Jennifer Weiner 

46. Which author do you think you�d be friends with?

Sophie Kinsella 

47.What book have you reread the most?

The Truth About Air and Water by Katherine Owen & Unlike Any Other by Claudia Burgoa

48. Which books do you consider �classics�?

I'd say anything that is recognized as great literature by the masses. 

49. Which books do you think should be taught in every school?

For this one I have to say any BOOKS that will get people READING! Even books that tend to be controversial would be great because it would get discussions going and students involved. 

50. Which books should be banned from all schools?

I don't think books should be banned period!! In my opinion, all books have a purpose whether all ages should be reading them is another topic entirely.

Wow, that was a monstrous tag to complete but so much fun. Hope you enjoyed. Make sure you tag me if you decide to tackle it. You can find me on twitter at @writersdream
Thanks for reading.