November 21, 2014: 'The Island of Excess Love'

Welcome to Book City

Date: November 21, 2014

Spoilers Ahead

Headline

The Island of Excess Love

Francesca Lia Block

Pen has lost her parents. She’s lost her eye. But she has fought Kronen; she has won back her fragile friends and her beloved brother. Now Pen, Hex, Ash, Ez, and Venice are living in the pink house by the sea, getting by on hard work, companionship, and dreams. Until the day a foreboding ship appears in the harbor across from their home. As soon as the ship arrives, they all start having strange visions of destruction and violence. Trance-like, they head for the ship and their new battles begin.

This companion to Love in the Time of Global Warming follows Pen as she searches for love among the ruins, this time using Virgil’s epic Aeneid as her guide. A powerful and stunning book filled with Francesca Lia Block’s beautiful language and inspiring characters. 

City Calendar:

This is what happened during the week.

Ship arrives at the house. Merk arrives with it. Pen, Ash, Ez, Hex, and Ven go on the ship. They, except Ven, see their worst nightmare. They flee. Bull the Giant Pen blinded comes. All of them go on the ship. They set sail. The ship crashes. Pen and Hex see dead versions of themselves and bury them. They are found by three harpies who take them to a king who claims Pen's his queen. They meet with their friends. Hex goes to sleep early and disappears. The king and Pen hang out with their friends. Hex leaves a note after Pen and the king see his magical orchids. The king takes Pen to bed. The king is burned to death by the harpies. The harpies attack Pen and her friends as they flee. They find Hex. They flee on a boat. They arrive at an island. Pen finds a young girl who takes them to the queen of the shades. Pen meets her friends. The dead king bargains for their freedom. They escape with Hex following them even though Pen thought he wouldn't. Pen tells a story, bridging the gap between her and Hex. The two start to make up. The group go home. 

And that's what happened this week.

Personal Ads:

Penelope.

Storyteller. Brave. Lover to Hex. Cheater. Sees future and past. Loves her friends and family. Cares for people. Will do what she needs to to protect her family.

Opinions:

This book has magic. The magic is captivating. It is exciting. You don't always get magic like this. It does have problems, though. Some of it seems to be ignored. The magic all of the people who survived gained is one. I wish the elemental magic was more touched upon.

I also like the developing Pen. She develops. She is braver. She cares more. This book shows that. I like that. She was a bit dull earlier in the series.

I don't like the romance and the sex. I didn't like the romance to begin with. It just seems rushed and confusing. The chemistry is there, but I don't see the basis. And the sex? That's too much. They're everywhere. With Hex. With Dylan the king. There are too many. Could this book be a bit more censored?

I also don't like the rushed plot. The plot could be slower. More evenly paced. I feel like drama is thrown at you constantly. Sometimes it's okay. Sometimes it's not. It's the latter in this book's case.

Weather:

Cloudy with a 50% chance of rain

2.5/5

Letter to the Editor: 'If I Stay'

Welcome to Book City

Date: November 21, 2014

Topic: 'If I Stay' by Gayle Forman

Dear Gayle Forman,

Before I go any further, congrats on your success with your book.

Now. Onto my critique of your book. 

I do think there is a story here. Girl tries to decide to stay or not. But I feel like the plot was dull. Too much backstory. I wanted more drama. More action. The story seemed to lack the drama I wanted.

Sure. I'll admit that Adam grows on you. He's funny and in love with Mia. I can see that plain as day. I just feel like he's a bit plain. A bit...boring. He has some great lines. He has some great scenes. (Breaking into the ICU? Nice one. Applause for you, Adam.) 

The main character is...lackluster. I don't particularly like Mia. She seems...too plain. She doesn't have emotional pain. She is a bit dull. No drama. No theatrics. Mia is too good for her own good. That isn't a fantastic main character.

The plot was slow. We got some dramatic scenes. Those were far and few in between, though. We had thoughts. We had backstory. Drama? Little to none. 

Now. I'm done tearing you down. I'll admit that this book had too much hype. But you did write a great story.

The ending was predictable, but it was still sweet. It was a cute ending.

I also like the romance between Adam and Mia. They obviously love each other. They have one of those loves that other people want. I think they are a great couple. I don't see much charged chemistry, but they still work. What Adam and Mia do for each other...shows love. True love. If you believe in that.

Sincerely,

A concerned citizen 

Weather:

Sunny with a 78% chance of rain 

2.5/5

November 21, 2014: 'It's Kind of A Funny Story'

Welcome to Book City

Date: November 21, 2014

Spoilers Ahead

Headline

It's Kind of a Funny Story

Ned Vizzini

Ambitious New York City teenager Craig Gilner is determined to succeed at life - which means getting into the right high school to get into the right job. But once Craig aces his way into Manhattan's Executive Pre-Professional High School, the pressure becomes unbearable. He stops eating and sleeping until, one night, he nearly kills himself.

Craig's suicidal episode gets him checked into a mental hospital, where his new neighbors include a transsexual sex addict, a girl who has scarred her own face with scissors, and the self-elected President Armelio. There, Craig is finally able to confront the sources of his anxiety.

Ned Vizzini, who himself spent time in a psychiatric hospital, has created a remarkably moving tale about the sometimes unexpected road to happiness.

City Calendar:

This is what happened during the week.

Craig visits his doctor. He considers suicide. He calls the Suicide Hotline. They direct him to go to a hospital. He does so. He sees his mom who signs a form to get him into the psych ward. He meets many people including Bobby, Smitty, Armelio, and Ebony. He talks to Noelle an elusive girl who seems to always be leaving notes. He starts to draw again, drawing brain maps. This happens after he yells at Aaron. He plays a card game that ends with a friend going to the place where they put all the old patients. He starts to slowly get better. Nia comes to see him and kisses him. Noelle sees, and Craig explains. He decides to go to art school. Noelle and Craig start to become a couple. The day Craig is supposed to leave comes. Craig asks his dad to bring a movie. He draws brain maps for some people. He takes Noelle to his room and kisses her with his roommate listening to music and playing cards. He is let out and is free. 

And that's what happened this week.

Personal Ads:

Craig.

Depressed. Artist. Confused. Smart. Looking to start again. Wanted to die. Went to private school. Wants to go to art school. Has friends but isn't too close to them. Likes Nia at first then Noelle. 

Opinions:

I like that this book has real topics. It isn't all mush and gush. It's real. It's depression and confusion and teenage hormones. It has a side of the world people don't typically see. It's the nitty-gritty side. The 'mentally unstable' side. (I don't want to offend.) I like this. It's fresh.

This book makes you think. I analyzed my entire life after reading it. The bad moments. The good. I thought about my problems and my solutions. It wasn't all laid out. And I don't hope it will be all laid out.

I also like that I can relate. I have these moments. I get sad. I get angry. Like most people, I have those moments where the sun doesn't shine. I relate. It isn't 'kill myself' level, but I understand enough. 

Sadly, this book was awkward romance. I don't see where it forms. Are you just lusting, Craig? Or something else? I can't tell. It's confusing. Add in that moment with Nia. And I don't know what to think.

The beginning is odd too. A lot, maybe too much, backstory. We don't need to know everything. And we don't need it all at once. I would have preferred small bits and pieces not an entire helping of backstory. That would have been easier to swallow.

Weather:

Sunny with 50% chance of rain

3/5

November 19, 2014: 'The Blood of Olympus'

Welcome to Book City
Date: November 19, 2014

Spoilers Ahead

Headline
The Blood of Olympus
Rick Riordan

Though the Greek and Roman crew members of the Argo II have made progress in their many quests, they still seem no closer to defeating the earth mother, Gaea. Her giants have risen—all of them—and they're stronger than ever. They must be stopped before the Feast of Spes, when Gaea plans to have two demigods sacrificed in Athens. She needs their blood—the blood of Olympus—in order to wake.

The demigods are having more frequent visions of a terrible battle at Camp Half-Blood. The Roman legion from Camp Jupiter, led by Octavian, is almost within striking distance. Though it is tempting to take the Athena Parthenos to Athens to use as a secret weapon, the friends know that the huge statue belongs back on Long Island, where it "might" be able to stop a war between the two camps.

The Athena Parthenos will go west; the Argo II will go east. The gods, still suffering from multiple personality disorder, are useless. How can a handful of young demigods hope to persevere against Gaea's army of powerful giants? As dangerous as it is to head to Athens, they have no other option. They have sacrificed too much already. And if Gaea wakes, it is game over.

City Calendar:
This is what happened during the week.
Jason, Piper, and Annabeth go to Ithaca. They talk to the dead suitors. Jason is hurt by a reborn Roman with imperial gold. Reyna, Nico, and Hedge land in Pompeii. They are attacked by earthen warriors. Leo, Percy, Hazel, and Frank go to fight Nike. They have to fight each other. Leo hatches a plan that ends up with the group capturing Nike. Nike reveals the physician's cure. The group decides to get the cure. Nico shadow-travels and ends up in Portugal. Nico talks to Hades in a temple made of bones. Nico, Reyna, and Hedge are attacked by werewolves. They flee. Piper and Frank go to a region where shape shifters live. They get a vial. Piper and Annabeth go to get Ares's heart in a temple that entices fear. They fight a giant and win. Piper gets the war spirits under her command. Nico, Reyna, and Hedge end up in San Juan a place Reyna never wanted to return to. Reyna is kidnapped by the Hunters of Artemis and the Amazons. She talks to her sister Hylla the Amazon Queen. The Amazons are attacked by Orion the hunter chasing Reyna. Reyna and her sister fight Orion before Hedge and Nico jump in. Reyna escapes. Jason and Percy fight Percy's sister the goddess of terrible storms and Polybotes. Jason makes a deal to make shrines for all the gods. Percy is poisoned. Jason and Percy win. Nico, Reyna, and Hedge land in the US at last. One of the Romans Bryce comes. Nico fights him. Leo and Hazel and Frank go to Delos Artemis and Apollo's birth place and home. Leo talks to Apollo who gives him the curse of Delos. Leo, Piper, and Jason go to see the son of Apollo the medicine god. Reyna, Nico, and Hedge arrive on the shores of Long Island. Reyna fights Orion with the power of Bellona and an aegis from Athena. She wins. The crew of Argo II meet the snake people who originally lived in Athens. Piper charms the snake people to help her after revealing their plans. Piper, Annabeth, and Percy to to the underground. Percy and Annabeth are caught by the giants. The demigods all jump in and fight. Things seem bleak until the gods appear in their Greek forms. They fight alongside their demigod children. Nico finds the Greeks. He helps them turn the onagers away from Half Half-Blood. The rest of the Greeks arrive. But Gaea wakes since Annabeth and Percy both bled. The gods and the demigods defeat the giants. Zeus sends the demigods on their way to Long Island. The ship starts to burn up. Leo stays on the ship while the others go to fight. Gaea appears. Leo burns up Gaea with Piper and Jason's help. The battle ends. The Romans and Greeks form an alliance between the camps. Leo is resurrected by the physician's cure. He goes to Calypso while the others determine which camp to stay at.
And that's what happened this week.

Personal Ads:
Jason.
Son of Jupiter. Brave. Daring. Controls the wind and lightning. Friendly. Commanding. Dating Piper. Roman but went to the Greek camp. Ex-praetor.

Nico.
Son of Hades. Can control the dead, if in skeletal form. Hundreds of years old. Typically seen as 'emo' and 'gloomy'. Had a crush on Percy. Brave. Determined to protect his friends.

Piper.
Daughter of Aphrodite. Kind. Sweet. Mildly reckless. Dating Jason. Can use charm speak. Brave.

Reyna.
Daughter of Bellona. Strong. Tough. Has a bad past. Can lend her strength to others. Sister to Amazon Queen Hylla. Caring but not soft. Praetor.

Leo.
Son of Hephaestus. Crazy. Silly. Adorably cute. Looking for Calypso his love. Mechanic. Cocky. Funny.

Percy.
Son of Poseidon. Funny. Obsessed with blue food. Greek but went to the Roman camp. Brave. Strong. Dating Annabeth. Ex-praetor. Can control water.

Hazel.
Daughter of Pluto. Sister to Nico. Friendly. Caring. Dating Frank. Can bring metals from the earth. Has horse named Arion.

Frank.
Son of Mars. Funny. Cute in a 'big' way. Praetor. Can turn into different animals.

Annabeth.
Daughter of Athena. Brave. Genius. A bit stoic. Serious but not always. Caring for her friends. Dating Percy.

Opinions:
This series is fantastic. It's not just Greeks. It's Romans as well.
I like the action. It is fast paced and interesting. It keeps you on your toes. The demigods are brave and strong in their own ways.
The story has an interesting plot. You switch point of view so often. It is sometimes a bad thing, but this book forces you to stay alert. You want to keep reading to know what happens.
The ending was good. It was bittersweet. Sure, we all wish Leo stayed with his friends, but there are people in that group that want him with Calypso. Isn't it better if he finds love?
I like the diversity of characters. Chinese Canadian Frank. Hispanic Reyna. You get diversity and not a ton of Caucasians.
There are more gods as well. Lots of people know Zeus and Hera. But Nike? Not so many. It's nice to have minor gods and goddesses in books. You get more mythology. And it's interesting to know the complicated blood lines of the Olympians.
I like how Reyna is in this. You see a different side of her. She's not just a strong praetor. She has a past. She has depth. I like that. I also like that Nico is in this book as a narrator. He seems 'weak' at times. And is mostly portrayed as Hades's son or crushing on Percy. He gains voice and character in this book.
I am surprised to say that I miss the lack of romance. Percy and Annabeth. Jason and Piper. Hazel and Frank. I mean...they are good couples. I actually miss the romance. But I do appreciate the action-based plot.
I also dislike how childish this book sounds. You're seventeen. Or so. Speak like it. I know that means cursing, and I know that it is a book for 'middle grade', but the childish words and jokes just annoy me. I don't like how they make such...naive jokes. And it's Leo and Percy. But not just them. Leo and Percy are childish in nature. It's written as part of their character. But Jason? He should be more serious. I don't get why he is acting so childish.

Weather:
Clear skies
5/5

Special Report: The United States of YA

The United States of YA

I was looking through Epic Reads. (Which is a site I seem to be spending too much time on.) I found this interesting tidbit.
You know how books are set in places all over the US and the world? Well, Epic Reads found one book for each state. (Meaning the book's setting was that state.)

http://www.epicreads.com/blog/the-united-states-of-ya/

I've read ten of these.
Florida: The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer
Illinois: Divergent
Indiana: The Fault in Our Stars
Iowa: Ashfall
Maine: Delirium
Minnesota: Shiver
Mississippi: Beneath a Meth Moon
New York: The Diviners
Ohio: I am Number Four
Virginia: The Raven Boys

What book is for your state? (That is, of course, if you're in the US.)
How many of them have you read?
Which states have you been to?
Comment below.

Special Report: Retellings

RETELLINGS

Recently, I found Epic Reads's chart of retellings. I thought that I would share a bit about retellings, my opinion on them, and the retellings on the chart that I've read. And what I've thought of them.

In case you want to know what the chart is, I've taken the liberty of adding the link to the chart below.

http://www.epicreads.com/blog/an-epic-chart-of-162-young-adult-retellings/
 (The chart is also below as a picture.)

What Are Retellings?
The Merriam-Webster definition is:
  a new version of a story
You might be wondering to yourself, 'What's it?' The answer is...pretty much.
Retellings are the original story told in a new format. Perhaps it's a new setting. Perhaps the character is slightly different. There are a lot of variables in retellings. There might be small changes. 
Maybe, as in 'Ash' by Malinda Lo, the main character is a lesbian Cinderella. 

What Do I Think?
I think retellings are interesting. If they are written in a way I like. They can't be princesses in a tower begging for help. No damsels in distress. I like when the retellings have a strong 'princess'. (That is mostly at fairy tale retellings. Which I have read more.) I think that retellings can be bad when the retelling isn't written correctly. By that, I mean, the story doesn't go along with the original. Or if the story is too much romance. That's just my opinion, though.

Fairy Tales

I've read:

Stung (I couldn't believe that this was a retelling!)

Of Beast and Beauty (It was an okay retelling.)

Cinder (Gosh. Cinder. Kai. -cue fangirling-)

Scarlet (I was just okay with this one. Scarlet isn't a favorite of mine.)

Cress (If you know of the original Rapunzel, you know there is a reason for Thorne's blindness.)

Throne of Glass (Wow. Was anyone else surprised that this was a retelling?) 

Classics

Looking Glass Wars (It's a good book. Trust me. It's a new Alice in Wonderland.)

Shakespeare

Eyes Like Stars (This was just okay...)

The Red Pyramid (I didn't particularly enjoy this one...)

The Lightning Thief (Wow. This series. And the Heroes of Olympus series. Just wow.)

What retellings have you read? Which ones are not on the chart that you think should be?

Comment about it. 

Arcana Grand Finale

A themed tour through Prism Book Tours.

It's the GRAND FINALE for

Arcana by Jessica Leake
To be released November 18th.

This was a fabulous tour! The book was set in a beautiful historical world with a little bit of magic and a good dose of romance. If you didn't get a chance to read the reviews, learn more about the author, or find out more about the setting and this book, feel free to go back and check out each stop. We've summarized them for you here as well...

Launch

Share something about you that is unique - maybe about how/where you write... or favorite snack foods... or a favorite hobby? 

Before I made writing my career, I was a psychotherapist in a psychiatric hospital. Writing was already a big part of my life, and I found a background in psychology is wonderful for characterization! I'm also a stay-at-home mom to three little ones, all preschool age and younger.

MI Bookshelf - Excerpt

The horse’s hooves thunder across the hillside, and my heart pounds with each bunching of his muscles. My hair breaks free of its pins, pale strands sweeping across my cheek. Though the wind breaks through the thin barrier of my breeches and tall boots, the smile never leaves my face. Mild discomfort is a small price to pay for a journey unhindered by the heavy skirts of my riding habit.

Coffee Books & Art - Excerpt

“It only reveals a page at a time, so it may not say anything,” I warn as I open it. For an instant, the light shines as brightly as the sun reflecting off water and then it fades away. 

Pieces of Whimsy - Review & Interview

"I love historical romance and I love fantasy, in fact these are probably my two favourite book genres, and I will read almost anything these genres have to offer. Arcana is a brilliant mix of both these genres. The setting is wonderful, as are the characters, and the magic just adds that fun, exciting element to the story."

What was the best part about writing Arcana?
The research! Endless Downton Abbey marathons, anyone? ;). I also loved all the world-building required by the Sylvan realm and Katherine’s arcana. It was so much fun to imagine what the Sylvan realm might look like—especially the spirit fox J.

Kelly P's Blog - Things Lord Thornewood Noticed about Katherine...

3. Our sharp banter was the highlight of my miserable week. It was no secret that I vastly preferred my country estate to my cold, dreary London townhouse, and the constant harassment by scheming mothers had made me consider abandoning my promise to Lord Sinclair on more than one occasion. If Katherine heard my complaints on the subject, I have no doubt she'd say, "Oh yes, how trying it must be for you to be introduced to so many beautiful young women." And that is one of the many reasons I love her.

Lilac Reviews - Review

"I liked how smoothly this author worked in things about the characters, the culture of the time and the mystery behind Arcana. . . . Between the love story, the Arcana conflict and the colorful characters there was much to keep your interest. I hope there will be a sequel."

Typical Distractions - Review

"Arcana is able to couple the fantasy with romance and history in such a way that it creates greater depth. As the reader you cannot help but be drawn into the world of the London high society and irresistible magic. This story left me smiling. Jessica Leake has raised the bar for historical fantasy fiction and I am excited to see what she has in store for us next. Arcana is an incredibly written and fascinating debut that has put Jessica on the list of authors you need to know!"

A Thousand Words A Million Books - Review

"And the book itself? If the five star rating didn't give it away- absolutely 100% BRILLIANT! . . . Needless to say, for fans of the YA genre, the Adult one, The Historical Romance one or the Paranormal one- Arcana is THE book for you!"

Colorimetry - Excerpt

    Katherine, it whispers in my mind.

    With a jerk, I take my finger from the rune, and the lovely vision fades.

My Life, Loves and Passion - Review

"Historical books are some of my favorites right along with fantasy. This story was a great mix. You felt like you were being transported back in time. It was so well explained. The magical part was there but did not overtake the book."

Wishful Endings - 10 (Mostly Random) Facts about the Edwardian Era

1. The fashion at the time? S-bend corsets

The Wonderings of One Person - Interview

How has this story touched your life?

At its core, Arcana is a story about family—something that is extremely important to me. I admire Katherine’s willingness to be self-sacrificing and do what she needs to do to protect her brother and sister.

SBM Book Obsession - The Cover Process

I've had so many compliments and interest on the cover of Arcana. It was a surprisingly hands-on process for me, which is pretty unusual in the publishing world.

My Love for Reading Keeps Growing - Review

"There are so many great characters in this book. Both main and secondary. I loved them all. Well, some were more slimy than others, but they were all great characters. I truly love it when an author makes me interested in more than just the "main" characters. It really makes the story come more alive for me."

The Book Lovers' Lounge - Review

"I really had a great time reading this book. . . . Another thing I love about Arcana is the strong personality that is Katherine, which shows even right at the very beginning of the story."

100 Pages A Day - Review

"I loved the premise of this book, a girl born with magic fueled by the sun who must be careful with how she practices her magic, or be called a witch.  Katherine, or Wren, is a great character."

The Written Adventure - Debuting in the Edwardian Era

One of the central events in Arcana is Katherine's debut into high society. During the Edwardian Era, this meant being summoned to the Court of King Edward and Queen Alexandra.

Beck Valley Books - Excerpt

Mama, lend me your grace, I think like a prayer. I close my eyes for a moment, and I can almost hear her voice, telling me, as she always did, that there was always strength within me if I would but reach for it.

The queue of debutantes moves forward until I stand at the threshold of the Throne Room. Royal guards in scarlet line one side of the room, prominent members of the Court on the other. At the end of the long room are the king and queen, seated upon their thrones, but I try not to focus on anything but the veil of the girl in front of me.

Katy's Krazy Books - Review

"While this is a historical fantasy novel, not all the details are thrown at you at once.  It makes it much more interesting." 

My Devotional Thoughts - Excerpt

     “My lord,” I say through clenched teeth as I tug my hand free, “I didn’t say yes.”

     “You didn’t say no, either,” he says and takes his position beside me.

     Leaving him on the dance floor, though satisfying, would only cause a bigger scene. I sigh as I go through the steps of the waltz.

Avid Reviews - Review

"I was pleasantly surprised by how easily this novel captured my attention and ignited my imagination.  Arcana is a story that both emotionally involves the reader and contains a thrilling plot.  In addition, Katherine is an incredibly sympathetic protagonist, and a refreshingly strong female character."

Into the Written Word & Welcome to Book City - Review

     "The speech is quite fantastic. It seems right for the time period. It’s proper and a bit verbose. Exactly how I imagine London all those years ago.
     I also like the magic. It was nice. A bit confusing on what arcana was exactly. But still pretty fascinating."

Book Enthralled - Review

"I enjoyed this, the magic was interesting, it was beautifully written and the characters were well drawn out. I really enjoyed the romance and I remember myself saying “now that was a make out scene!” I also really like the historical side of things, the coming out, the balls, the parties etc. I would really like to read more from Jessica Leake in the future."

Arcana
by Jessica Leake
Adult Historical Fantasy
Hardcover, 288 pages
November 18th 2014 by Talos

Amid the sumptuous backdrop of the London Season in 1905, headstrong Katherine Sinclair must join the ranks of debutantes vying for suitors. Unfortunately for Katherine, she cannot imagine anything more loathsome – or dangerous. Through her late mother’s enchanted journal, Katherine receives warning to keep hidden her otherworldly ability to perform Arcana, a magic fueled by the power of the sun. The machinations of the fashionably elite are a constant threat, but worse still are those who covet Katherine’s Arcana, seeking the power of her birthright. They could be hiding behind the façade of every suitor, even the darkly handsome Earl of Thornewood. With so much danger and suspicion, can she give her heart to the one who captivates her, or is he just another after her power?

Purchase a special personalized/autographed copy of Arcana from Fiction Addiction HERE, or at one of the following sellers:

Amazon - Barnes & Noble - Book Depository - Indie Bound

About Jessica Leake

I’m a stay-at-home mom of three beautiful children (two toddlers and a newborn, in fact, so I think you can begin to see why my blog may be a bit neglected) and author of Arcana: A Novel (Skyhorse/Talos, November 4, 2014), my debut historical fantasy with a heavy dose of romance. I have a particular obsession with blending different genres, but almost everything I write has an element of fantasy and romance. I’ve been in love with historical England ever since my first literary crush: Mr. Darcy (I can’t even count the number of times I watched Pride & Prejudice–the A&E version, of course!!) I’m represented by the fabulous Brianne Johnson of Writers House, and I live in Greenville, SC.

Before I was a writer, I worked as a psychotherapist. I spent several years working at a psychiatric hospital in Birmingham, AL, but after my husband graduated as a pharmacist, we moved back to Greenville. I claim Greenville as my hometown now since I spent most of my childhood here, and I’m a proud alumna of St. Joseph’s Catholic School and Winthrop University.

Website - Goodreads - Facebook - Twitter - Pinterest

Tour-Wide Giveaway

- $25 Amazon gift card & personalized hardcover of Arcana (INT)

- Two personalized hardcovers of Arcana + swag (US only)

- One ebook of Arcana (INT - Mobi or Epub)

Ends November 23rd

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