Gateway Trilogy Blitz & Giveaway!

Gateway (The Gateway Trilogy #1)

by Christina Garner 

Release Date: 06/2014

Summary from Goodreads:
Ember has always known she doesn’t belong in this world. But when she tries to correct the mistake, she wakes to find herself in a mental institution.

She’s soon drawn to Taren, the mysterious boy with hazel eyes. He’s not what he seems, but what is he?

When chaos erupts, they are forced to flee the institution together, and the secret that Taren has been keeping brings Ember closer to understanding her own. And leads her to… the Gateway.

Buy Links:
Amazon (on sale for $0.99)

Chasm (The Gateway Trilogy #2)

by Christina Garner 

Release Date: August 2014

Summary from Goodreads:
**Description Contains Book 1 Spoilers** 

Two months have passed since Ember Lyons nearly died killing the powerful Root Demon threatening the Los Angeles Gateway. Physically healed, images of the day still haunt her and she can no longer access the power she once wielded. She can't talk about it with anyone at The Institute--not even her handsome, demon-hunting boyfriend, Taren. Besides there are bigger things to worry about: Gateways around the world are weakening, Keepers' Marks are fading, escaped lesser demons are populating Los Angeles, and it looks like the Root Demon wasn't alone.

When the Institute sends Ember and a team to Europe, she hopes to find answers and security on the journey, but another attempt on her life reminds her she's never really safe.

Then she's thrust together with the mysterious Alexander. Ember can't be sure if this charismatic man is her most formidable enemy or greatest ally. Either way, she needs him, because he's the only one who can bring her to... the Chasm.

Buy Links:

Amazon (on sale for $2.99)

Tether (The Gateway Trilogy Book 3)

by Christina Garner

Release Date: 09/23/14

Summary from Goodreads:

**Description Contains Book 2 Spoilers**

Ember was only trying to keep a promise when she jumped into the demon world. But instead of saving Cole and his people, she found herself just as trapped as they are. She lives and learns with the Daemon survivors while the demon threat grows every day.

Meanwhile Taren struggles with his guilt for not stopping Ember. He’s desperate to know she’s alive, but there's been no sign of her except in his own vivid dreams.

As they struggle to reconnect, the Gateways around the world weaken, and the demons begin to amass for war. The end is near and Ember must face her fears if she has any hope of saving the world – or herself.

With everything falling apart, her only hope is to find...her Tether.

Buy Links:
Amazon

About the Author

Christina Garner began writing stories at the age of six. Her first–about a young girl who busted up a nefarious ring of furniture thieves–was a huge hit with her mother. At eighteen, her aspirations as an actor had her loading up her Buick and setting off for Hollywood. Since then, she has written and directed 10 short films, including Rewind and Reminder, both of which received acclaim on the festival circuit. In 2006, she began writing screenplays. A year later, she even got paid for one. In May of 2011, her debut novel, Gateway, became an Amazon Bestseller. Chasm, Book 2 in The Gateway Trilogy, did the same.

When she’s not writing novels, Christina spends her time working in the movie business, traveling, watching Buffy the Vampire Slayer reruns, and playing with her dog, Griffin.

Author Links:

   

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All's Fair in Love and Cupcakes Review

All's Fair in Love and Cupcakes by Betsy St Amant
Visit the Author's website HERE
Publisher: Zondervan
Publishing Date: September 2, 2014
Goodreads Summary:

At twenty-six years old, Kat is still living in the shadows of her family in Bayou Bend, Louisiana. Still working shifts at her Aunt Maggie s bakery. Still wondering what to do with her passion for baking and her business degree. And still single.

But when Lucas Brannen, Kat s best friend, signs her up for a reality TV bake-off on Cupcake Combat, everything Kat ever wanted is suddenly dangled in front of her: creative license as a baker, recognition as a visionary . . . and a job at a famous bakery in New York.

As the competition heats up, Lucas realizes he might have made a huge mistake. As much as he wants the best for Kat, the only thing he wants for himself her is suddenly in danger of slipping away.

The bright lights of reality cooking wars and the chance at a successful career dazzle Kat s senses and Lucas is faced with a difficult choice: help his friend achieve her dreams . . . or sabotage her chances to keep her in Louisiana

I received a copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. Find it on Barnes and Noble today. 

My Thoughts:
'Cupcakes' is all about the romance. Two best friends, Kat and Lucas, have been in love with each other for awhile, but the other person doesn't know and they are too scared to share. Alternating viewpoints gives us, the reader, the chance to see the story from both sides.

Kat is a baker with no confidence in herself. She longs for her own bakery where she can serve up her 'weird' concoctions instead of the boring chocolate, vanilla, strawberry styles her aunt loves so much. Lucas has a lot going for him, except for a wife to help fix up the old farm he longs to buy. He has had his eyes set on Kat for far too long but doesn't know if she is ready for the next step. Signing Kat up for a cupcake competition, Lucas hopes Kat will gain confidence and grow some romantic feelings for him.

Because Kat and Lucas are BFFs, they are too afraid to mess up their friendship status and take that next step into romance. It created a LOT of tension, almost to the point of driving me bonkers. I am the epitome of middle child syndrome, and 'Cupcake' had almost too much conflict for me too handle. I pushed through to the end, but it sure was a struggle! Lucas and Kat just needed to TALK to each other, be honest, and TRUST each other. For having been friends for so long, it was amazing that this aspect was missing.

I would say that 90% of this book is spent inside the character's thoughts. So much of the book is introspection and self talk. I am amazed that there was any plot progression now that I think back on it! The alternating perspectives was a must then for the story.

The baking competition itself is fun and realistic. We are provided just enough that it remains in the background yet still seems real. Sometimes when books try to provide 'behind the scenes' settings it just becomes an over descriptive mess. St. Amant handled this really enjoyably.

My review doesn't sound overly positive, but 'Cupcakes' was an adorable book. Lucas and Kat's relationship was truly adorable, and once they started really talking I could see they were made for each other. A lot of back and forth, a lot of ups and downs, a lot of crazy events, 'Cupcakes' is perfect for the reader who loves romances mixed with baking. 3 stars from me.

PS: I had an unfinished eARC copy so I didn't get to see the included cupcake recipes! If you have a hardcopy of this title, let me know what you think of those recipes! 

Nest Review

Nest by Esther Ehrlich
Visit Author's website HERE
Publisher: Wendy Lamb Books
Publishing Date: September 9, 2014
Goodreads Summary:

For fans of Jennifer Holm (Penny from Heaven, Turtle in Paradise), a heartfelt and unforgettable middle-grade novel about an irresistible girl and her family, tragic change, and the healing power of love and friendship. In 1972 home is a cozy nest on Cape Cod for eleven-year-old Naomi “Chirp” Orenstein, her older sister, Rachel; her psychiatrist father; and her dancer mother. But then Chirp’s mom develops symptoms of a serious disease, and everything changes.
   Chirp finds comfort in watching her beloved wild birds. She also finds a true friend in Joey, the mysterious boy who lives across the street. Together they create their own private world and come up with the perfect plan: Escape. Adventure. Discovery.
   Nest is Esther Ehrlich’s stunning debut novel. Her lyrical writing is honest, humorous, and deeply affecting. Chirp and Joey will steal your heart. Long after you finish Nest, the spirit of Chirp and her loving family will stay with you. 

I received a copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. Buy a copy at Book Depository today! 

My Thoughts:
A coming of age story in the 1970s, 'Nest' is a brilliant debut novel from Ehrlich. Our MC is Chirp, an 11 year old quirky girl with a loving, ordinary family. Soon however, Chirp's mom is diagnosed with a debilitating disease. The reader follows along as the pieces fall apart, but some new pieces are fit together.

'Nest' tells us the story of a disease that wildly affects a quiet family. A diagnosis that touches and changes everyone. I loved the journey. It changed each person individually and to see their choices and imagine them in my own life...it got pretty heavy. I thought Ehrlich's exploration of grief and shock was incredibly well done and though without seeming 'in your face'.

But within the dropped bombshell, a friendship blossoms. Chirp falls into a quick, easy friendship with her neighbor, Joey. It is an odd friendship built out of a mutual understanding of pain and lonliness. There is a level of understanding between the two that carries the story right on through to an ending with hope. Adorable, innocent, wonderful are the only adjectives I can apply here.

'Nest' provides a glimpse in time, the era, and into a seemingly normal family. It is a snapshot of change, loss, and hope. It is a wonderful book. 5 stars easily. I could recommend it to anyone looking for a touching coming of age story or just a great book to read.

Thunder Review

Thunder by Bonnie S Calhoun
Visit the Author's website HERE
Publisher: Revell Publishing
Publishing Date: October 7, 2014
Goodreads Summary:

In post-apocalyptic America, Selah Chavez is crouched in long grass on a shore littered with the rusted metal remnants of a once-great city. It is the day before her eighteenth Born Remembrance, and she is hunting, though many people refuse to eat animal flesh, tainted by radiation during the Time of Sorrows. What Selah's really after are Landers, mysterious people from a land across the big water who survive the delirium-inducing passage in small boats that occasionally crash against the shoreline. She knows she should leave the capture to the men, but Landers bring a good price from the Company and are especially prized if they keep the markings they arrive with.

Everything falls to pieces when the Lander Selah catches is stolen by her brothers--and Selah wakes up the next morning to find the Lander's distinctive mark has suddenly appeared on her own flesh. Once the hunter, Selah is now one of the hunted, and she knows only one person who can help her--Bodhi Locke, the Lander her brothers hope to sell.

With evocative descriptions of a strange new world that combines elements of scientific advances, political intrigue, and wilderness survival, Bonnie S. Calhoun weaves a captivating tale of a world more like our own than we may want to admit.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. Buy a copy direct from the publisher today. 

My Thoughts:
When I saw this new dystopian novel from Revell, I knew I had to snatch it up. The cover is intriguing, the synopsis sounded worth my time, and the main character's name... ;) And while I am worried my review might not reflect it accurately, it was an enjoyable read. Book two is going on my TBR list straight away.

Our book follows many characters, but Selah Chavez is the story's linchpin. It was refreshing to have a main character who didn't have it all together, who wanted to be tough as nails, but didn't have all the required skills. Tris she is not. Selah is clumsy and clueless, but normal and its endearing. I wasn't as keen on Bodhi Locke, the Lander who starts all Selah's troubles. He provided mystery, intrigue, and a good looking face. Otherwise I felt there wasn't much to him.

I enjoyed all the different point of views Calhoun treated us too. Often times a story can get jumbled when told from five, or more, viewpoints, but in 'Thunder' it provided an extra layer of intrigue and depth. Seeing the story from inside the Mountain, the history, the motivation, the emotions...so much would have been lost without this insight.

The story itself was a mixture of high points and low points. Alternately I felt excited to be reading the novel and also finding myself wondering if it was worth my time. But in the end I walked away satisfied and I think that is what really matters. The action scenes, I felt, were well written. There is some violence but it is not graphic or dwelt on.

Calhoun is fantastic at giving the reader just enough to keep them reading on, taking them to the next high point. I found myself constantly wondering all sorts of things: Who are the Landers? Where are they from? Who is this minimally mentioned Presence? What is going to happen next? Will the world be healed? And so on.

So, overall, 'Thunder' was a good read. It features an (actually) ordinary girl just trying to figure out her strange new life. And while there are a few lulls, 'Thunder' will leave you satisfied and excited for book two. I'm giving this book a strong 3.5 stars and would recommend it to those looking for an intriguing, mysterious post apocalyptic adventure.

Personality Types and Reading

I am a big MBTI personality type lover. Sometimes I feel embarrassed to tell people what my Type is because I think it reveals too much of me too quickly. Once you know my four letters you will understand the how I make the decisions I do, how I view the world, why I love to cheer on others. It affects all areas of my life, because it IS my personality! Thus, it stands to reason, that my personality type affects how I read and what I read.

First, a Googly-sourced graphic:

This grid shows a completely basic idea of what each personality type is like. If you don't know your type, a quick Google search can lead you to LOADS of information. I have consistently tested the same and after much reading (of course), I believe the tests are right. 

Using just this graphic, however, we could still make general conclusions about the books each type prefers. An ISTP, for example, may prefer YA as an individual, but would willing try adult literature, non-fiction, middle grade, etc. ENTPs, when forced to slow down and read :)), would probably choose a book with lots of action, thrillers, or mysteries. Change one letter, ESTPs probably wouldn't prefer science fiction or fantasy. 

Diving deeper into the personality types would, of course, give us even more information. An INTJ is self-confident, perfectionist, and often does what they 'know', or very systematic. I believe they would be very likely to stick to the genres they know and trust. They probably stick with a series from start to finish very faithfully. INTJs are also widely believed to have little patience with talk, flirtation, and the whole romantic processes. They are extremely private and don't 'invite' others in very easily. The generalization I will make here about reading would be that they probably prefer the 'slow burn' relationships. INTJs probably struggle to believe and enjoy the all-to-common these days inta-love. 

So *big breath* I have shared before in quick, and hopefully noticed, ways before: I am INFJ. Because of the combination of the N and F (iNtuition, Feeling), INFJs are widely known to be empathetic bunch of the types. They are often known as 'readers' of people. 

How does this relate to my reading? I think it gives me insight as to why I choose what I read and also influences what I enjoy in a book. As an INFJ, I can easily become too connected to characters when I read. When an author writes a convincing character and a compelling story, I need there to be a happy ending. Whatever is happening to that character is being translated onto my own life. If Character X is having a happy day, I have a happy day. If Character Y is being brutally attacked, I am hiding under my covers terrified. 

This is why I stay away from books that are gory and graphic. The pictures pop too easily in my head and then they stay there forever. Depression and anxiety books are a giant no-no for me because they hit too close to home. Any subject that is sad and depressing, poverty, the slave industry, war, I just can't handle reading about. I do truly care about those subjects. They are huge and important! But if I read about them 1. my heart shatters and/or 2. I place myself into that situation too easily...and get stuck there!

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So there is a lengthy enough post for ya! 

I would LOVE to know what you think about personality types and reading choices. What is your type?? Do you see ways that it affects what you read? What you don't read?