Monday 30 September 2013

Book Haul & Blog Weekly #5


Book Haul & Blog Weekly is a weekly featute here at Katie's Corner inspired by Stacking Shelves by Tynga's Reviews (link) and The Sunday Post by Caffeinated Book Reviewer  (link).


Book Haul:


Chronicles of Koa: Netherworld by K.N. Lee

Forgotten by Stacy Claflin

Betrayal by Stacy Claflin

Warm Boides by Isaac Marion

Ruby Red (Rubinrot) by Kerstin Gier

Saphire Blue (Saphirblau) by Kerstin Gier



Blog Weekly:



3 stars, I actually was bitching the covers, but still :D 




It was not my book, but I still liked it, that's why 3 stars



Hi Guys! 

Sorry for a not full week. I actually was full of staff to do. First the contest, and let me tell you it was amazing, and second me shipping myself off to college. So yeah, I guess I am a big girl now. Still I am excited and nervous to begin University like a 4 year old. I hope I will get my hands on my books, and this week will be fantasting. 

Have an awesome week. Happy Reading everyone. I think I've missed you :D 



Saturday 28 September 2013

Book Review : The Morac by Colleen M. Bratley


Summary (from Goodreads)

Title:  The Morac

Author: Colleen M. Bratley

Publication Date:  22 August 2013

Publisher:  Create Space

Goodreads - Amazon






Summary:


Four friends just out of high school are on a weekend getaway when the power goes out. At least that's all they thought it was. But returning home they don't see any cars, lights or people. Not one soul. Searching for answers to what exactly happened, reveals information leading them to an event that they wouldn't have thought of even in their wildest dreams. It's a realization so impossible, their nightmares dim in comparison. Now they just have to figure out what to do next; not just to control their destiny, but how to survive it.


My Thoughts:


I got this book, from the author in exchange for a review. 

I liked the book, but I should say that it was not one of my favourites, bacause I really couldn't get it at first, and struggled to read it to the end. It was a tough time, but I did read it to the end, and I do think that I will read a second book, just because I became interested in the end. But still I liked the book!!!

Imagine, going with your best friends on a weekend to a country house of one of them. Imagine, that you had an awesome week, and the only "bad" think happening was power outage. Nothing special right? Heh, no such luck. When returning home, everything is like nothing happened, everything is frozen in time, and there are no people there. What will your thoughts be? Panic, run, explore, understand. Author captures all our fears that will resurface in such situations, and it gives us time and confidence to face them. And that is really hard.

Imagine your life turning upside down by a star, imagined? I don't think so. Just grab your copy now, and jump into the world of selfdiscovery, you won't regret it. Tell me afterwards what you thought about it, Happy Reading!!!! Enjoy!!!! Don't forget to leave comments. :)) 

My Rating:


Characters  4/5
Writing         4/5
Cover             3/5
Plot                 3/5




Friday 27 September 2013

I AM BACK POST xD

Hi Everyone! 

It's so awesome to be home, and have my favourite pillow under my head, but this is going to change in less than 2 days. why? Coz I am going off to college, and it's in another country. I am super nervous and excited about it, so don't be too hard on me because of lack of posts these two weeks.

 The contest in Prague was awesome, actually freaking awesome!!! And I miss all of the boys and girls I met there. Especially my roomate. As my uni starts on 30sept-1oct, and next two weeks will be something like hell to me (adjusting and all that jazz) so I did shedule some posts, but still, remember that I haven't forgotten you and books, I will be back as soon as I am settled and have time to read and blog. Hope it will be sooner than later. I really did miss blogging while contest. 

I guess that's all what I wanted to tell you today, so have an awesome weekend and don't forget to read books, and share your thoughts with me. You know my e-mail, but if not it's katietpc15@gmail.com feel free to contact me and tell me about books you are reading :)) Happy Reading!!!!!

Thursday 26 September 2013

Blog Stop + Giveaway : Deadly to Love by Mia Hoddel (Elemental Killers #1)


Deadly to Love (Elemental Killers #1)
by Mia Hoddell
Release Date: February 2013

Genre: YA/Romance/Paranormal/Fantasy
ASIN: B00BDQ3QGA
ISBN: 978-1-291-41025-9

Blurb:
The world is dangerous – but love will kill you.

Little did Serena Jackson know that one simple, flirty remark to an anonymous guy online would lead to her world being changed forever.

She doesn’t know him, but inexplicably, is drawn. She knows it is wrong but she agrees to meet.

His real name is Kai. He is beautiful. And immediately Serena feels herself blindly falling for him even though she senses a lie. She knows he is hiding something and it terrifies her.

What she doesn’t realise is that her entire life has been built on secrets and lies. The people she loved left her in the dark for a reason.

She trusted them. She trusts Kai. But as he pulls her straight into the heart of the danger the lies and deadly secrets are revealed. They overwhelm her, and the person she once was no longer exists as she is thrown into a ruthless world of elemental forces. The price of truth is her life—and now the world wants her dead.




Available from:
Amazon (Kindle) | Amazon (Paperback) | Lulu
and only 99c / 77p on Kindle for September!

Praise:
“I couldn't put it down. So I finished it last night and all I can say is WOW! This book was amazing and different.” Brianna (Book Blogger)

I loved how the author took a different approach to writing a love story in modern times with the paranormal element present. I thought it was absolutely wonderful and refreshing. Marvelous!” Kathy H (Amazon Reviewer)


I will admit I scoffed at the way it started but in the end I had fallen in love with this story…completely untraditional it was a very original idea, not to mention modern. This story had such a good plot and the story structure was sound. Kacii – The Kooky Bookworm (Book Blogger)


About the Author

Mia Hoddell lives in the UK with her family and two cats. She spends most of her time writing or reading and loves anything paranormal. Mia always had a love of writing but never reading. She was more interested in sports and hated sitting still - despite getting three poems published before the age of sixteen. Finally though, she found some novels that captured her interest and developed a love of reading which is now one of her favourite hobbies.

Mia began with poems before moving on to short stories. Although she enjoyed this, Mia found she had too much to tell with too little space, so later on she created her first series 'The Wanderer Trilogy' and from there other ideas have emerged. With a total of nine books planned at this moment, she is busy working on her second series 'Elemental Killers' before moving onto the next idea on her ever growing list.


Author Links
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***Excerpt***

Happy with the amount of photos I had collected I started to head back out of the forest, still flicking through my shots. As well as close ups, I had taken a few landscapes and as I was almost at the edge of the forest I noticed something in one of the photographs that made me stop.
In the left hand corner was a figure that looked mostly human, but was blurred as if they were moving on the spot.
A cold shudder shot through me.
Looking over my shoulder I became slightly panicked and felt as if someone was following me.
My eyes flicked and searched the shadows. Even though there was no sign that anything had ever been behind me, the forest looked different now - dark and threatening.
Instinctively I broke away and ran, still clutching the camera that was displaying the freaky image. Surrounded by trees I didn’t stop until I was free of the forest and back in the open light and sight of my house.
Throwing open my door, I slumped against the inside of it, regaining my breath from the short sprint. Once I had recovered I looked down at the photo once more, just to make sure that I hadn’t been seeing things. The old saying “the camera never lies,” came into my mind and for the first time I wished it not to be true. Sure enough though, as I looked down at the screen, the figure was still there and this time I noticed a red and orange glow around where its feet should have been. The image almost looked like the person was on fire but I thought I would have surely noticed if there had been a burning man in front of me.

***GIVEAWAY***

Mia Hoddell is giving away an Amazon gift card this month only there is a slight twist: the more entries she receives the more money she will put on the gift card to giveaway! For example:


No matter what = $5
100 entries = $10
150 entries = $15
200 entries = $20
and so forth...
So if she gets 1000 entries she will give away $100, there’s no limit!


To enter all you have to do is buy or have bought Deadly to Love. It's only $0.99 or £0.79 on Amazon for the duration of the giveaway! This will also unlock extra entries for you so you can earn more points by sharing the giveaway. Remember the more entries she gets the bigger the prize for you so share!


Wednesday 25 September 2013

Waiting On Wednesday #3


Waiting On” Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Jill @ Breaking the Spine It’s a chance to showcase upcoming releases we are interested in or drooling over.

I already got the book, but if not, this would have been my this weeks's choice: 


Streaks Of Blue: How the Angels of Newtown Inspired One Girl to Save Her School

By Jack Chaucer
Publication Date : 27th September 


See More @ Goodreads

Book Review : Betrayal by Stacy Claflin (Transformed #2)



Summary (from Goodreads)

Title:  Betrayal

Author:  Stacy Claflin

Publication Date:  4th March, 2013

Publisher:  Stacy Claflin







Summary:


 Alexis returns to her family after being abducted by the powerful Moretti’s. She’s much more confident now that she’s learning to embrace her role as the long-awaited Sonnast. 

She stumbles upon evidence that Francine is acting upon her threat to wage war. When she returns to school, a handsome new teacher takes an unusual interest in her. She believes he’s hiding something because there appears to be a link between the pending war and the teacher’s secret.

Alexis has decided between the two guys that she loves, but the other one isn’t ready to give up so easily. He’s determined to win her over at any cost, even if he must risk his life. 

When Alexis finally reunites with her birth parents, she discovers a heavily guarded secret about herself which is connected to a deadly curse. Once again her entire world is turned upside down. She’s been misled and betrayed, but she won’t take it sitting down. She’s going to fight for what’s hers despite the obstacles or the consequences.

(This is book 2 in the series. I highly suggest reading Deception first!)


My Thoughts:


As I liked the first book, like really liked it, I gave a chance other 2. Actually this review, is for bitching the covers, and only little about the book. Why so? Because, I am planning a really awesome review for tomorrow, with telling you about every character, and everything which I liked about the book and not. 

So let us begin. First of all I really sometimes buy books for their covers. If that was that time, trust me I wouldn't have even looked in the direction of that book. The only cover which I liked from that series is of Fallen, none of the original Transformed series, and that seriously sucked. Like I didn't get who was taht woman in an archaic dress on the cover of the first novel. It was so outside of book. And what about the second novel, really that are who Tanner or Cliff, please tell me none of them is Alrekur, becuase then this is the worst cover ever. Like I can't see any resemblence with any of that guys. so kill me, if you want but still. And the cover of the 3rd book. Really? that's was it? That was a cover for a cheesy fantasy novel, and not for a YA paranormal book. 

So my verdict? Guys! Sometimes, or like never buy a book for it's cover, because sometimes the cover is like really awesome, and the book sucks. Those of you who are still interested in the journey which is awaiting for Alexis in Betrayal, cross your fingers, and read along. You will have everything, awesome new characters, everything you need. Just don't judge this book by it's cover. Trust me, you will really like it, and it will leave you wanting to read more. Happy Reading everyone! Enjoy this week. Don't forget to tell me what you think! 



My Rating:

Characters  4/5
Writing       4/5
Cover         1/5 
Plot             3/5






Sunday 22 September 2013

Book Haul & Blog Weekly #4


Book Haul & Blog Weekly is a weekly featute here at Katie's Corner inspired by Stacking Shelves by Tynga's Reviews and The Sunday Post by Caffeinated Book Reviewer.


Book Haul:

 


Betrayed by Ednah Walters

The dark Shore by Kevin Emerson

Fallen ( A transformed Prequel) by Stacy Claflin

Saving Raphael Santiago  by Cassandra Clare

Unreap My Heart  by Kate Evangelista

Deception  by Stacy Claflin


Blog Weekly:


4 stars

3stars

4 stars





loved the book very much, and s gave it 5 stars


Hi Guys! 

I had an awesome week so far, mailny I am too exhaused to even read. Why? Those if you who have read my last week post, know that I am at a contest, so yeah, I extremly exhaused, Really guys I go to bed at 10, while, my normal bed time is 12 or 1 o'clock, but it is so awesome here in Prague, I have this amazing chance to meet people from nearly al over the world, and that's really fantastic. Hope you had a great week, and hope the next one will be even more awesome. Happy Reading, and enjoy every minute of your reading. 

Friday 20 September 2013

Cover Reveal + Giveaway : In The Beginning by London Miller

Hi Everyone! Today I will be revealing the cover of new upcoming novel In the Beginning by London Miller. It is expected to be out on November 4th, 2013

About Author:

 London Miller lives in Atlanta, Georgia with a degree in Creative Writing and has an unhealthy interest in the mafia lifestyle. Her debut novel, In the Beginning, is due to be released November 4, 2013 followed by the sequel, Until the End in early 2014.

Ready for the cover??? Here is comes!!!!













Expert 




Lauren snapped out of her thoughts, blinking rapidly as she realized she had just been standing there, staring at him. Clearing her throat, she tried for a smile, extending her hand. “I’m Lauren.”
A corner of his mouth tipped up as he pocketed his phone. He took her hand in his much larger one, his hold gentle as he swept his thumb across the back of her knuckles.
For a moment, it felt like they were the only ones in the cafe as she stared up at him, captivated by the sheer curiosity she saw in his eyes. Was this what it was like? That instant attraction? She had never felt breathless before, had never felt more than a casual interest in a boy, but right now, standing in front of him, blood rushing to her face, this was definitely more than a casual interest.

“Mishca Volkov,” he answered softly, like it was only meant for her to know.


Cover Reveal Giveaway!!!!


Author will be giving away:

Grand Prize - One signed paperback (when ARCs are given out) and a swag pack.

10 Bookmarks - Ten separate winners

5 ebook copies - Five winners

To win Them you should go to Facebook Page and Comment on the special post designed for the giveaway. 


Thursday 19 September 2013

Book Review : Unreap My Heart by Kate Evangelista ( Reaper #2)



Summary (from Goodreads)

Title:  Unreap My Heart

Author:  Kate Evangelista

Publication Date:  17th September, 2013

Publisher:  Omnicific Publishing







Summary:


Only a villain can save the day.

During his thousand year banishment in the Nethers, Balthazar thought of nothing but taking over the Crossroads from Death.

On the day he puts his plans into action, Balthazar finds the Crossroads on lockdown. Death has been stabbed by Brianne’s Bitterness, a blade that slowly leaches him of his powers. In order to challenge Death for his seat and prevent utter chaos, Balthazar is forced into a mission to find the Redeemer, the only being capable of pulling out the blade from Death’s chest. The only person who can identify the Redeemer is a human girl in the Crossroads whose soul is still attached to her body.

Meeting Arianne Wilson pushes Balthazar’s patience to the limit. In a deal he makes with Death, he must protect Arianne during their journey through the Underverse using all the resources available to him. He soon realizes the one he needs to protect is himself. For as much harm as it inflicts on Balthazar's body, trekking through the Underverse with Arianne is proving more dangerous for his heart and soul.

Can the villain remain a villain when love gets in the way?


My Thoughts:


This Book just reached new Awesomeness! I don't even think that's even a word. But I don't really care, The book was awesome, not just awesome, but Freaking Awesome!!!!! I think I should stop with this, but I really can't.

Kate just made this series more interesting inventing Balthazar. And if he is not that bad boy, you always drool over. And he is bad, not just bad, but really really bad. And does he want to redeem himself. Of course not. Will somebody try it, sure. Will they succseed? .... As if I am telling you that! xD You will just have to see that for yourself. And trust me, you won't want to close the book before you read it to the end, or maybe that was just me. I bought the book on 17, and finished it on 17. I know, I am just that awesome, kidding, really the book hooks you up so much, that you don't want to miss anything, and you just want to know what will happen. And again trust me ( even though you don't know me that well), this book, is so worth readeing. This new wold which Kate had given us is something to really think about, And I do think that you can read the second book without the first one, but still it's so much better when you have read both of them. 

You will Love and Hate Balthazar alltogether, mainly I just respected him and adored. He was really awesome, even though he had his faults, and he really did have them many. But still, it was so interesting reading about him. And you think I know everything about him, nope, I only know some things like ... as if I will tell them. Wrong again, I will not spoil he book, and I will definately will if I begin bitching the characters. The only things you should know so far is that: 
  • You meet an "adorable" character named Balthazar
  • Arianne, is really awesome in this book too.
  • Death is Death, he always knows everything
  • Underverse, is not where you would like to be
  • The ending will leave you screaming for more, it's just so freaking awesome!!!
And I do think it is time for me to say bye to the characters for some months, because I do think there will be a third book, but when??? That's a question I am going to ask the author. Happy Reading Guys, hope you enjoy the book as much as I did! don't forget to leave comments!!!

So, that you won't forget, if you would like to win a the first book of this series, just visit Facebook Page, find the Blog Stop & Giveaway post on it, I posted it on 18th Septemeber, and enter your comment in the comment bar, The winner will be chosen randomly! So, good luck!!! 



My Rating:

Characters  5/5
Writing       5/5
Cover          5/5
Plot             5/5





Book For Free : The Captain’s Last Year, Fighting the Fire and Cancer:One Year to Live by Blaize Nolynne

Hi Guys! 

Today I'm featuring a free book sell for an author as she requested me to. You can buy the book for free from Sunday September 22 till September 26 on Amazon



The Captain's Last Year by Blaize Nolynne



Happy Reading And Enjoy!!!!! :)))) 

 

Wednesday 18 September 2013

Blog Stop + Giveaway : UnReap My Heart by Kate Evangelista ( The ReaperSeries #2)



Title: Unreap My Heart (The Reaper Series, #2)

Author: Kate Evangelista

Publisher: Omnific Publishing

Release: September 17, 2013

Genre: Paranormal

Age Group: Young Adult

Event organized by: AToMR Tours

Goodreads - Amazon - Barnes & Noble


Summary:


When Death is stabbed with a dagger that sucks out his powers, Balthazar is roped into helping him find the Redeemer, the only one who can remove the dagger. But nothing is free in the Underverse. For travelling to the most dangerous places in the Underverse, Balthazar asks Death for control of the Crossroads.

Arianne was ready to pay Death’s price to save Niko. She was ready to be blind with no memory of the boy she loves. Instead, she wakes up in a strange room, still able to see and with Niko in a deep sleep. She agrees to work with Balthazar on the condition: Death needs to wake Niko. But Arianne soon finds out that helping the bad guy means having to do lots of bad things.


About the Author:


When Kate Evangelista was told she had a knack for writing stories, she did the next best thing: entered medical school. After realizing she wasn't going to be the next Doogie Howser, M.D., Kate wandered into the Literature department of her university and never looked back. Today, she is in possession of a piece of paper that says to the world she owns a Literature degree. To make matters worse, she took Master's courses in creative writing. In the end, she realized to be a writer,none of what she had mattered. What really mattered? Writing. Plain and simple,honest to God, sitting in front of her computer, writing. Today, she has four completed Young Adult novels.

Author social media links:


Blog  - Facebook - Twitter ( @KateEvangelista )


Read The Expert From Unreap My Heart:


“I bet you’re completely regretting saying yes to this now.”
She shook her head. “I shouldn’t have.”
“Yes, you shouldn’t have.” She’d backed herself into a wall and Balthazar reached her in two steps.  She flinched when Balthazar spread one hand on the wall beside her head. He shifted his weight there as he leaned over her and whispered, “You smell like roses.”
“I-i-it’s the bath water. They used rose oil,” she stammered. Having Balthazar so close frazzled her brain. He seemed bigger somehow. Like he’d grown ten feet since she'd last seen him. And so broad too. When did his shoulders and chest get so broad?
Balthazar touched the tip of his nose to the base of her neck and traced a line up to her jaw, inhaling as he went. The move sent Arianne slumping against the wall for support, her knees threatening to give way beneath her. She raised her shackled hands until they spread over the center of his chest. She clutched at the buckles there, the cool metal digging in to her palms. Balthazar tsked after he’d pulled away far enough to stare into her eyes—eyes now lined with kohl. She found herself shaking her head along with him.
“You shouldn’t have spoken over me the way you did,” he said with the softest threat. The kind that sent tingles down her spine.
“I didn’t.” At least she didn’t stammer anymore. Instead, her voice sounded breathy, which seemed so much worse.
He touched her lips with the tip of his finger. “Oh, but you did. I'd pretty much convinced Solara that you didn’t need to change for the Underball, but you had to go and ruin it by agreeing without my consent. Not that I’m complaining.” He raked his gaze over her body again. Like a bomb exploding, Arianne felt all her blood rise to the surface. “But something has to be done about this master/slave relationship we have here.”
“W-w-what do you mean?” Great, the stammering returned. The muscles in her abdomen quivered in the most delicious way. Arianne tried to ignore it and focus, but her body betrayed her more and more the longer Balthazar stood this close to her. She only noticed now, so close to him, that he smelled like sandalwood. The spicy earth scent brought her back to the time her mother burned incense around the house. She went through a whole New Age-y phase before Carrie got sick. Standing a nose away from Balthazar sent a sense of comfort surging through her body with a hint of something more. A feeling Arianne didn’t care to acknowledge. Hot. Drugging. Dangerous. She knew if she let herself cross the line she wouldn’t find her way back.
Balthazar moved his hand from the wall to her cheek. Arianne fought against leaning in to the touch. Even with the fingerless gloves, she could feel the warmth of his hand. The calluses on his exposed skin didn’t feel rough on her face at all.
“You put us both in danger if you don’t act like an obedient slave, Ari.” He whispered her name like the sweetest candy on the tongue. A part of her wished he’d say it again. The other part of her struggled to continue the conversation.
“I won’t disobey you. I promise.” And she meant it too.
“Remember when I said you shouldn’t force me into teaching you a lesson about what it means to have a master?”
She nodded. They’d had that conversation right before they entered the Voyeur mansion. Balthazar had warned her, yet she’d forgotten all about it the second Solara came into the room with her demons. Arianne thought she’d done something good by agreeing. Unfortunately, her good deed backfired in the most frightening yet insanely delicious way.
She hardly recognized the guy standing before her. The sarcasm and gruff nature had disappeared, leaving behind someone who oozed sex appeal like some cologne he’d sprayed on. Heat pooled inside her stomach, causing every muscle below it to clench. If Balthazar didn’t step away now, she’d find herself flat on the floor.
“You know what happens now, don’t you?” His eyes locked with hers again. His voice grew even softer.
She shook her head into his touch.
“I punish you.”
The way he said punish blew the last of her knees’ power to support her body weight. The second she began to slide down the wall, Balthazar’s other arm snaked around her waist and pulled her forward until her body fused against his. Every buckle that touched her skin made her shiver.
She looked up and Balthazar’s lips descended.






Giveaways!!!!!





To celebrate the releasing of Unreap My Heart, Author is giving away only 1 Swag Pack shown above. Giveaway ends on 28th September, so Hurry Up!

To win this Swag Pack, you should CLICK HERE, and enter the giveway. The Giveway is limited to U.S citisens.

Per Blog Giveaway:


If you haven't read the first book in the Reaper Trilogy : Reaping Me Softly, Here's your chance. Just go to the Facebook Page and comment on the post. The winner will be chosen randomly! The giveaway is INTERNATIONAL, and ends on 27th September 5:00 p.m., ( sorry guys, I need to submit the winner's name before 28th). Add your comment now!!!! And have a chance to Win The First book in Reaper Trilogy!!!!!!!





Organized by:



Tuesday 17 September 2013

Interview with Jamie Baywood

Hi Guys! 

Today I will be taking an interview from a new author Jamie Baywood author of Getting Rooted in New Zealand !!!

                                 



















Katie: Hello Jamie, thank you for this interview, how are you?

Jamie Baywood: Great, thank you.

K.: It’s nice to hear. Can you tell us more about yourself?

J.: I’m from California. In my mid-twenties, I had bad dating experiences in California and a dream to live abroad. I read in a tour book that New Zealand’s population had 100,000 fewer men than women. In an attempt to have some ‘me time’ I moved to New Zealand. I lived in Scotland in 2012 and now I’m in England until 2014.

K.: My first question will be, when did you first start writing?

J.: I was very lucky in New Zealand to meet a lot of talented people. I had the opportunity to write and perform for Thomas Sainsbury the most prolific playwright in New Zealand. I performed a monologue about my jobs in the Basement Theatre in Auckland.

The funny thing about that experience was Tom kept me separated from the other performers until it was time to perform. I was under the impression that all the performers were foreigners giving their experiences about living abroad in New Zealand, but professional actors telling stories that weren’t their own. At first I was mortified, but the audience seemed to enjoy my “performance,” laughing their way through my monologue.

After the shows we would go out and mingle with the audience. People would ask me how long I had been acting. I would tell them, “I wasn’t acting; I have to go to work tomorrow and sit next to the girl wearing her dead dog’s collar.” No one believed I was telling the truth.

K.: Do you remember the first story you ever read and the impact it had on you?

J.: Zlata's Diary.

K.: Why did you write this book and what are your expectations on its behalf?

J.: Publishing my book Getting Rooted in New Zealand was my way of transforming poison into medicine. I hope that it can help people that have had bad dating experiences or bad work experiences – make them laugh and not give up hope.I would love to return to New Zealand and give it another try working as a writer. It would be great to return to New Zealand to make Getting Rooted in New Zealand into a TV show.

K.: What’s the story behind your latest book?

J.:While living in New Zealand, I had funny experiences that I had trouble believing were true. I wrote the stories down to stay sane. I wrote situations down that were happening around me and shared them with friends. Most of the book was written as the events happened; it just took me a few years to work up the nerve to publish

K.: What is the greatest joy of writing for you?

J.: I love making people laugh.  I feel very grateful that most readers understand my sense of humor. I’m always surprised and grateful when I receive a positive review. I thought my book would mostly appeal to young women in their 20s or 30s. I was happily surprised by having a couple of men emailing me telling me they loved my book and can’t wait to read the next one.

K.: What motivated you to become an indie author?

J.: I’ve just completed an  MA in Design at a university in England. Designing, publishing and marketing my book was my dissertation project. I designed my book cover myself. The girl with the suitcase is a drawing of me. The striped dress and red hat was my first outfit I bought when I moved to New Zealand. The birds are New Zealand native birds like the kiwi and fan tail. The city is Auckland and the tower is New Zealand’s Skytower. The sky in the back ground and the water are pieces of a watercolor painting I did of the New Zealand coastline.

K.: When you’re not writing, how do you spend your time?

J.: I like yoga, pilates and running. I recently ran 10K in York, England raising money for a friend with MS.

K.: What are you working on next?

J.: I plan to divide my books by the countries I've lived in.  I've lived in five countries; America, American Samoa, New Zealand, Scotland and now England.  My next book will be about attempting to settle in Scotland. 

K.: Can you describe your desk?

J.: It’s a coffee table.  It’s been an adjustment to have furniture again. I prefer living out of a suitcase.

K.: Thank you for the interview. Good luck with the book.

J.: Thanks you very much for taking the time to interview me.

K.: Today we had an interview with a new author Jamie Baywood author of Getting Rooted in New Zealand.


Book Review: The Mine by John A. Heldt (Northwest Passage #1)

Summary (from Goodreads)

Title: The Mine

Author:  John A. Heldt

Publication Date:  February 12, 2012

Publisher: Kindle edition

Goodreads - Amazon







Summary:


In May 2000, Joel Smith is a cocky, adventurous young man who sees the world as his playground. But when the college senior, days from graduation, enters an abandoned Montana mine, he discovers the price of reckless curiosity. He emerges in May 1941 with a cell phone he can't use, money he can't spend, and little but his wits to guide his way. Stuck in the age of Whirlaway, swing dancing, and a peacetime draft, Joel begins a new life as the nation drifts toward war. With the help of his 21-year-old trailblazing grandmother and her friends, he finds his place in a world he knew only from movies and books. But when an opportunity comes to return to the present, Joel must decide whether to leave his new love in the past or choose a course that will alter their lives forever. THE MINE is a love story that follows a humbled man through a critical time in history as he adjusts to new surroundings and wrestles with the knowledge of things to come.

My Thoughts:


I got this book in a exchange for a review from the author.

I liked the synopsis very much and so I began reading. First thing is that Mr. Heldt is a really good writer. I enjoyed his style very much. The book started slow for me, but sfter some time I didn't want to stop, and was reading to know what would happen next. I liked how 1940th is described, and I liked how Joel was accustoming to this era. And I was on the same question Joel was, if you know future, would I have told about Pearl Harbor or not? Would I prevent that, and unexpectantly cause a new? But while Joel knew people as memorials, now he got to know them as people, and that was the dilemma.

I couldn't stop reading after Joel meets Grace. And I liked all that courtsy, but sometimes it lacked "the steem". My first thought was that it would ahve been better to see more that a "deep kiss", but after I thought about it, I came with a conclusion, that's a 20th century we are speaking about, and what the author gave us was what we really needed. A true love.

The last pages made me cry and glue a smile after I read the last page. I wanted to keep reading. And I'm really happy that there is a sequel planned, which is expected to be out in 2013. It was the first time I have read history fiction. And I guess I took it because I love history, and I am not disspointed I did, I really liked the book. And would recommend to those who seek to read about true love in a really good writing style. I have to thank again Mr. Heldt not only for writing this great book, but also for contacting me and giving me such great opportunity. I enjoyed it very much, and will recommend it to all my frinds. 

So guys! Enjoy the book, and Happy Reading!! If you read the book, write what you thought about it, and if not, what are your expectations??? :)) 

My Rating:


Characters   4/5
Writing           5/5
Cover           4/5
Plot              4/5