Showing posts with label ARC Review. Show all posts
Showing posts with label ARC Review. Show all posts

Saturday, June 13, 2015

Truly Madly Deeply by B. Pandos

Truly Madly Deeply by Brenda Pandos 
(Truly Madly Deeply #1) 
Publication date: February 19th 2015
Genres: New Adult, Romance
Synopsis:
TRULY
Maddy finally has everything she’s ever wanted: a decent job, her own place with her BFF, a great guy… well, he isn’t exactly perfect, but who is?
Logan will soon have it all: a degree at a pristine college, a job at his girlfriend’s fathers firm, a gorgeous girl to share it with. Then why isn’t he happy?

MADLY
Maddy’s world shatters when she catches her best friend and boyfriend cheating. Forced to start over, she takes a job far away from home.
Logan’s summer job options fizzle out. Nearly broke and desperate, he’s forced to take a job as a camp counselor for the summer.

DEEPLY
Maddy swears off guys, even to the point of lying and saying she’s taken. But when Logan comes along, she fights feelings that are surfacing for him.
If Logan has everything he wants, then why can’t he stop thinking about Maddy?

Secrets. Lies. Summer Camp.

My Review:
I was lucky enough to get to read an ARC of Truly Madly Deeply pt.1 for an honest review. Let me tell you I planned on only reading a couple chapters at a time, but nope Maddy had other ideas. Right from the heartbreaking beginning when she found her best friend and boyfriend having sex together in her new apartment, I knew I couldn't put the book down. I felt every shocking second of her pain and anguish. I had to find out if she could stay strong and keep that cheating ex-boyfriend out of her life.

As the story continued, Maddy went to work at a summer camp. She didn't want anyone to know how sad her life has become, so she created a series of lies to hide the embarrasing truth. In walked the charismatic Logan and they formed a friendship, but Maddy also began to form feelings for him. The only problem, he has a girlfriend that is practically perfect for him. See why I couldn't stop, addicting story. Part 1 was just a taste of what I am sure will be a phenomenal serial. I know I am going to grab the other parts and dive right in. 

I love that the author has written something completely different from her other works and shows her diversity as a writer. It's just another reason she is one of my favorites.
Link:

Wednesday, September 24, 2014

ARC Review: Black Ice by Becca Fitzpatrick

Title: Black Ice
Author: Becca Fitzpatrick
Pages: 392
Rating: 4/5 Stars

Summary: Sometimes danger is hard to see... until it’s too late.  Britt Pfeiffer has trained to backpack the Teton Range, but she isn't prepared when her ex-boyfriend, who still haunts her every thought, wants to join her. Before Britt can explore her feelings for Calvin, an unexpected blizzard forces her to seek shelter in a remote cabin, accepting the hospitality of its two very handsome occupants—but these men are fugitives, and they take her hostage.  In exchange for her life, Britt agrees to guide the men off the mountain. As they set off, Britt knows she must stay alive long enough for Calvin to find her. The task is made even more complicated when Britt finds chilling evidence of a series of murders that have taken place there... and in uncovering this, she may become the killer’s next target.  But nothing is as it seems in the mountains, and everyone is keeping secrets, including Mason, one of her kidnappers. His kindness is confusing Britt. Is he an enemy? Or an ally?  BLACK ICE is New York Times bestselling author Becca Fitzpatrick’s riveting romantic thriller set against the treacherous backdrop of the mountains of Wyoming. Falling in love should never be this dangerous… Review: I received this ARC at BEA this year and I was so excited to get a copy. I thought the Hush, Hush series was okay, not my favourite, so I was a bit nervous about Black Ice before I started it. Surprisingly I really enjoyed Black Ice and it got me out of a big reading slump. I like that it's a standalone and and that it has a totally different vibe than Fitzpatrick's other books. I loved the murder/ mystery theme and I feel like the first chapter set the tone of the book perfectly. I also loved that it was such a dark a twisted tale, although I didn't find the villain unveiling very shocking because I had guessed who it was early on. The characters were okay. Britt was a smart girl and she did show some growth over the course of the novel, I also found her to be smart in some aspects. She was also cool, calm and collected in times when I would have been freaking out. Mason is a good character but his hot/ coldness drove me mad. Calvin is probably the most thought out character in the book but he is kid of a jerk to Britt, well a lot of a jerk. In my opinion this is Fitzpatrick's best book to date. It has a very inventive story that had me racing to the end with my heart ponding. I loved that the end gives the reader closure and we aren't left wondering what will happen. I would recommend this novel to murder mystery fans.




About this author



Becca Fitzpatrick grew up reading Nancy Drew and Trixie Belden with a flashlight under the covers. She graduated college with a degree in health, which she promptly abandoned for storytelling. When not writing, she's most likely prowling sale racks for reject shoes, running, or watching crime dramas on TV. She is the author of the bestselling HUSH, HUSH Saga. Her new book BLACK ICE arrives in bookstores everywhere October 7, 2014.

Monday, September 22, 2014

ARC Review: Deadly Pack by Ashley Stoyanoff

Title: Deadly Pack
Author: Ashley Stoyanoff
Series: Deadly Trilogy #3
Summary: Since becoming the alpha female of the Dog Mountain pack, Jade certainly has had her share of challenges. She’s had to prove herself to a bunch of werewolves that she spent years hating; forgive her mate who’d done nothing but lie to her, and face the grueling fact that her father leads a pack of werecougars, who are responsible for tormenting her werewolves for many years. On the upside, the Dog Mountain pack is finally coming together—now that Jade and Aidan’s mate status is official. And now that they know where her father’s been hiding his nasty pack of beasts, Jade and Aidan can concentrate on stopping them once and for all. But when Jade’s dad finds out that she’s become Aidan’s official mate, all hell breaks loose, and Jade and Aidan soon learn that his plans for their werewolves are bigger than anyone could have ever suspected.
Review: I received this book free from the author in exchange for an honest review. I had mixed feelings on this book before I started on it because I loved book one Deadly Crush but I didn't care for book two Deadly Mates, so this made me a bit weary of this instalment. I would put Deadly Pack as my second favourite in the trilogy. I found the beginning of the story a bit slow (but mind you I have been in a bit of a reading funk lately), but it did pick up near the end about 60-70% in. Thats when the pace picked up and all the exciting stuff started happening. Although when I did get to the end I feel like it did lack a little bit of closure, and this is the last book so I am hoping for a novella or a companion. Mostly because it seems like Jade and Aiden have come out on top and that everything is wonderful, but what about Jason? Dun Dun DUHHHHHHH!!!  Overall as a whole I did enjoy this trilogy. I would recommend it to fans of werewolves and shifters.


About this author

Ashley Stoyanoff is an author of paranormal romance books for young adults, including The Soul's Mark series and the Deadly Trilogy. She lives in Southern Ontario with her husband, Jordan, and two cats: Tanzy and Trinity. In July 2012, Ashley published her first novel, The Soul’s Mark: FOUND, and shortly thereafter, she was honored with The Royal Dragonfly Book Award for both young adult and newbie fiction categories. An avid reader, Ashley enjoys anything with a bit of romance and a paranormal twist. When she’s not writing or devouring her latest read, she can be found spending time with her family, watching cheesy chick flicks or buying far too many clothes. Ashley loves hearing from her readers, so feel free to connect with her online. 
Email: ashley@ashleystoyanoff.com

Sunday, September 21, 2014

Review: The Iron Trial by Holly Black and Cassandra Clare

Title: The Iron Trial
Author: Holly Black and Cassandra Clare
Series: Magisterium #1
Pages: 295
Rating: 4/5 Stars
Summary: From NEW YORK TIMES bestselling authors Holly Black and Cassandra Clare comes a riveting new series that defies what you think you know about the world of magic. From two bestselling superstars, a dazzling and magical middle-grade collaboration centering on the students of the Magisterium, an academy for those with a propensity toward magic. In this first book, a new student comes to the Magisterium against his will -- is it because he is destined to be a powerful magician, or is the truth more twisted than that? It's a journey that will thrill you, surprise you, and make you wonder about the clear-cut distinction usually made between good and evil.
Review: I received an ARC copy of this book at BEA 2014 and it was one of the books I got that I was most excited for. The Iron Trial is technically a middle grade novel but it read like people of any age would enjoy it. The Iron Trial did not disappoint, I fell in love with this world and the characters. The pacing was perfect and there was just enough action and mystery to keep me interested. I flew through this novel in a few short hours and was left craving the next in the series, sadly The Iron Trial has just been released so i may be waiting awhile.  I love these characters! Poor Callum, he will have some tough decisions to make in the future and I can't wait to find out what he decides. He is a pretty awesome character. I also really enjoy Aaron and Tamara. They seem to all have secrets and I can't wait to find them out haha. Plus with that ending I need to know what will happen to our hero. I would recommend this novel to fantasy lovers.


About this author

Holly Black is a best-selling author of contemporary fantasy novels for kids, teens, and adults. She is the author of the Modern Faerie Tale series (TitheValiant, and Ironside), The Spiderwick Chronicles (with Tony DiTerlizzi), and The Good Neighbors graphic novels (with Ted Naifeh) The Poison Eaters and Other Stories, a collection of short fiction, and The Curse Worker series (White CatRed Glove, and Black Heart). She is also the co-editor of three anthologies, Geektastic (with Cecil Castellucci), Zombies vs. Unicorns (with Justine Larbalestier), and Welcome to Bordertown (with Ellen Kushner). Her most recent works are the middle grade novel, Doll Bones, and the dark fantasy stand-alone, The Coldest Girl in Coldtown. She lives in Massachusetts with her husband, Theo, in a house with a secret library.


About this author

Hello Goodreadsers. Here's my official bio: "Cassandra Clare was born overseas and spent her early years traveling around the world with her family and several trunks of fantasy books. Cassandra worked for several years as an entertainment journalist for the Hollywood Reporter before turning her attention to fiction. She is the author of City of Bones, the first book in the Mortal Instruments trilogy and a New York Times bestseller. Cassandra lives with her fiance and their two cats in Massachusetts."

Sunday, August 24, 2014

ARC Review: Aspen by Rebekah Crane

Title: Aspen
Author: Rebekah Crane
Pages: 236
Rating: 4/5 Stars
Summary: One quiet night in Boulder, Colorado, Aspen Yellow-Sunrise Taylor made a mistake. In the next instant, her life changed forever. Aspen doesn't want to remember the car accident that killed Katelyn Ryan, a sleek-haired popular soccer player. But forgetting is hard-- because Katelyn may have died -- but she didn't leave. Her ghost is following Aspen around, and heading into senior year, it's kind of a problem. Especially when Katelyn's former boyfriend Ben appears to be the only person at school with a clue as to how Aspen feels.  Popularity, Homecoming Court, hot guys - none of these things ever mattered to Aspen. She's been busy trying to keep her stoner mother Ninny in line and out of unemployment. But with Ben sitting next to her in Physics and her therapist begging her to remember all the things she wants to forget, Aspen is thrust into a vivid, challenging world she can't control ... and doesn't want to.  A darkly funny, emotionally gripping story of opening up, letting go, and moving on, Aspen is about the best-worst accident of your life ... and what comes next.
Review: I received this book free from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. I thought that this book looked cute based on the cover, but now that I'm finished, I realized that there was so much more to it than just cuteness. This was kind of your typical teenager in their last year in high school, except that our main character had no rules and was in a fatal accident (for the other person) that wasn't her fault. I enjoyed reading this book but it was kind of weird because everything was based around Katelyn, but neither us, nor the main character know anything about her. I would love a prequel all about her life heading up to the accident.  I loved watching Aspen struggle with what had happened but then come to terms with it in the end. I'm upset a little with the relationship between Aspen and Ben only because he sure didn't waste anytime, regardless of if his old relationship ended or not.  I would recommend this to those who aren't looking for a fluffy contemporary.


About this author

Rebekah Crane fell in love with YA literature while studying Secondary English Education at Ohio University. After having two kids, living in six different cities, and finally settling down in the foothills of her beloved Rocky Mountains, her first novel, PLAYING NICE, was published. ASPEN, her second YA novel, set in Boulder, CO, is due to release in summer 2014 from In This Together Media. She now spends her day carpooling kids or tucked behind a laptop at 7,500 ft high in the Rockies, where the altitude only enhances the experience.

ARC Review: Before They Find Us by Michelle A. Hansen

Title: Before They Find Us
Author: Michelle A. Hansen
Pages: 334
Rating: 4/5 Stars
Summary: I’m going to make you wish you were dead.  Just a text. Seventeen-year-old Rebecca Hales tries not to worry. Probably a wrong number. Not really meant for her, and definitely not related to the crime she witnessed six years ago. Right? Then two states away, a bomb goes off in her best friend's locker. Soon Ryan is labeled a terrorist and runs to the safest place he knows—Rebecca’s house in small-town Wyoming. It doesn’t take long for the FBI to show up asking questions. Rebecca lies, of course, and says she hasn’t seen him.  Now she's neck-deep in it with him, whatever "it" is. The only way out is to return to Vegas, where Ryan is a wanted man. The city of lies and illusion tests Rebecca’s wits as she struggles to find the person who framed Ryan and why. Is Rebecca’s text linked to the bombing? And what does it have to do with a six year old murder? Rebecca needs to find out before she loses Ryan—and her own life. Review: I received this book free from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. I find that there aren't as many YA (bordering NA) mystery thrillers out there as I would like, so I was glad when I had the chance to read this one. I found Before They Find Us to be a quick read that was extremely well thought out and detailed. I lost myself in the story very easily. This was a heart pounding and nail biting read the had me at the edge of my seat waiting to see what crazy twist would happen next. I loved Beck and Ryan, their willingness to do anything and I mean anything for one another was very endearing. I loved how witty and sarcastic Beck was and I loved how she could easily banter wit the other characters. I found her to be exceptionally brave because I wouldn't have been able to survive what she went through. I would love a prequel to this story from Mary Kay's point of view. I am excited to see what else this author has to offer. Anyone who loves mysteries and thrillers will love this book.


About this author

Michelle A. Hansen was raised in southeastern Washington. She earned her bachelor of arts degree in English teaching from Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah, and taught high school English for six years. Michelle loves Pepsi and Doritos more than chocolate. She loves summertime and hates to be cold. She has had three near-death experiences. She’s addicted to office supplies and has an irrationally large stash of pens and notebooks.

ARC Review: Of Monsters and Madness by Jessica Verday

Title: Of Monsters and Madness
Author: Jessica Verday
Pages: 288
Rating: 4/5 Stars
Summary: A romantic, historical retelling of classic Gothic horror featuring Edgar Allan Poe and his character Annabel Lee, from a New York Times best-selling author. Summoned to her father's home in 1820's Philadelphia, a girl finds herself in the midst of a rash of gruesome murders in which he might be implicated. She is torn romantically between her father's assistants-one kind and proper, one mysterious and brooding-who share a dark secret and may have more to do with the violent events than they're letting on.
Review: I received this book free from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.  I am a huge fan of Jessica Verday's The Hollow Trilogy and when I saw this new book coming out I was ecstatic. I love historical and gothic reads, plus she threw in some Edgar Allan Poe..... SOLD!! I really enjoyed Of Monsters and Madness, I loved that it was a few stories mashed up and put together and told in a new way. I loved the madness parts, I'm a fan of anything having to do with mental health and healthcare. I also loved that we were left to ponder a few of the shockers that we experienced. What is up with Annabel's scars? Did her parents inflict them? Will Mr. Poe ever be cured? What will happen to Maddy's mom? Will we ever find out the purpose of the murders and experiments? I need the next book now! Thank you Ms. Verday for continuing to impress me with your writing and stories. I would recommend this to fans of Poe, historical gothic stories and retellings.


About this author

Jessica Verday is the New York Times bestselling author of The Hollow Trilogy, published by Simon & Schuster/Simon Pulse. She wrote the first draft of THE HOLLOW by hand, using thirteen spiral-bound notebooks and fifteen black pens. The first draft of THE HAUNTED took fifteen spiral-bound notebooks and twenty black pens. THE HIDDEN took too many notebooks and too many pens to count. Find out more at jessicaverday.com.

Sunday, July 13, 2014

ARC Review: Vision by Lisa Amowitz

Title: Vision
Author: Lisa Amowitz
Pages: 264
Rating: 4/5 Stars
Summary: The light is darker than you think… 
High school student Bobby Pendell already has his hands full—he works almost every night to support his disabled-vet father and gifted little brother. Then he meets the beautiful new girl in town, who just happens to be his boss’s daughter. Bobby has rules about that kind of thing. Nothing matters more than keeping his job.
When Bobby starts to get blinding migraines that come with scary, violent hallucinations, his livelihood is on the line. Soon, he must face the stunning possibility that the visions of murder are actually real. With his world going dark, Bobby is set on the trail of the serial killer terrorizing his small town. With everyone else convinced he’s the prime suspect, Bobby realizes that he, or the girl he loves, might be killer's next victim.
Review: I received an ARC copy of this book free from the author at BEA 2014 in exchange for an honest review.
This is the second novel by LIsa Amowitz that I have had the pleasure of reading and I liked it a smidgen better than Breaking Glass. I did find Vision a bit slow at the beginning, only because I'm not a fisher and that's how the story starts off. The read did quickly pickup for me and I was scared to let my dog outside for fear of the serial killer. I thought I had it all figured out and then there was that twist that I was not expecting. I really give props to Amowitz because she writes from male POVs and she does it flawlessly. The way this novel ends leads me to believe/ hope that there may be a second novel.
Vision was a very entertaining read with shocking twists. I would recommend it to readers who love murder mysteries. I can't wait to read more by this author.

Sunday, June 15, 2014

ARC Review: Afterworlds by Scott Westerfeld

Title: Afterworlds
Author: Scott Westerfeld
Pages: 608
Rating: 4/5 Stars
Summary: Darcy Patel has put college and everything else on hold to publish her teen novel, Afterworlds. Arriving in New York with no apartment or friends she wonders whether she's made the right decision until she falls in with a crowd of other seasoned and fledgling writers who take her under their wings…  Told in alternating chapters is Darcy's novel, a suspenseful thriller about Lizzie, a teen who slips into the 'Afterworld' to survive a terrorist attack. But the Afterworld is a place between the living and the dead and as Lizzie drifts between our world and that of the Afterworld, she discovers that many unsolved - and terrifying - stories need to be reconciled. And when a new threat resurfaces, Lizzie learns her special gifts may not be enough to protect those she loves and cares about most. Review: I received this book for free at BEA 2014 from the publisher and the author.  This was awesome because firstly I love Scott Westerfeld and because I got an ARC of this book and secondly I got my copy signed and thirdly I GOT TO MEET SCOTT WESTERFELD!!!! And on a side note, we took a selfie. I love The Uglies series so I was extremely happy to dive into another series from this amazing author. Afterworlds was an unique read because it is a book within a book. I loved that there were two stories going on at once, the "true story" of the author writing the book and the story that she has written. It was just really neat how we get two stories in one. Scott gets extra points from me first for writing about a LGBT main character and second for writing from girls points of view. I'm actually really excited to see if there will be a second book (Untitled Patel) because I would like more of Imogen and also her books. I really liked this book and would recommend it to those looking for an unique read or who loves stories within a story. Also if you are already a Westerfeld fan you need to add this one to your list.


About this author

 Scott Westerfeld is a New York Times bestselling American-born author of YA sci-fi literature. He was born in the Texas and now lives in Sydney and New York City. In 2001, Westerfeld married fellow author Justine Larbalestier. His book Evolution's Darling was a New York Times Notable Book, and won a Special Citation for the 2000 Philip K. Dick Award. So Yesterday won a Victorian Premier's Award and Midnighters 1: The Secret Hour won an Aurealis Award. Peeps and Uglies were both named as Best Books for Young Adults 2006 by the American Library Association.

Monday, May 19, 2014

ARC Review: Opposing Sides by C.M. Doporto

Title: Opposing Sides
Author: C.M. Doporto
  Pages: 195
Format: eARC
Rating: 4/5 Stars 
Summary: Meet college quarterback, Raven Davenport:  He’s the star quarterback who can’t seem to get his life straight. With a chance of landing a pro-football contract, he struggles to leave behind a lifestyle that can destroy his dreams and impact his legacy forever. When failing grades send him to the writing lab for tutoring he’s unaware that the innocent and proper, Lexi Thompson, is just what he needs to get his life back together. Meet sheltered and desperate for love, Lexi Thompson:  She's the daughter of helicopter parents who have sheltered her and kept her under lock and key. The English major finds herself engaged to be married to Collin Norris, her twin brother’s friend and baseball team mate. Collin’s sweet, polite, and damn hot but it’s the lack of spark in their relationship that has her thinking twice before she says "I Do". When she meets bad boy Raven Davenport, taking that leap of faith proves to be harder than she thought. Will she give in to inner desires of experiencing life or agree to her parent’s request to become Mrs. Norris in hope of finding love?  Meet good boy, Collin Norris: He’s the son of a preacher who goes to extreme measures to please his father. Baseball and college are his first priority along with maintaining his promise of celibacy until he says “I Do” to his sweet and precious fiancé, Lexi Thompson. But when Lexi demands more of his attention and her sexual advances become unbearable, he shuts down and avoids her. Will his lack of experience jeopardize his relationship, and will he be able to balance the demands of his soon-to-be-wife along with pursuing his dreams of being in the major leagues? Faith, betrayal, abandonment, love, and heartache surround these college students as they learn the ups and down of being an adult. Ages : 18+ for adult content and sexual situations
Review: I received this book free rom the author in exchange for an honest review. This was a short story that packed a punch. It had a variety of topics as well as inspirational underlying messages. This wasn't your ordinary love story... well it really isn't even a love story. It's more about love versus connivence.  The main character was showing growth right from the get go, and also that with growth comes struggle and later acceptance. Lexi is a strong character to go against her parents, and others to do what was right and stop possible future complications. Not many people would be strong enough to do that. I'm so mad that it ended the way it did. Hello? Right in the middle of a turning point. GAH!! I had to message the author when I finished to force information from her ahha. Anyone looking for a short, fun NA novel, I would recommend this one to you.


About this author
CM Doporto lives in the great state of Texas with her husband and son enjoying life with their extensive family along with their Chihuahua, Mexican Redhead Parrot, and several fish. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism from The University of Texas at Arlington. She briefly worked in the area of Public Relations and Advertising and then pursued a career in the field of Human Resources. CM considers herself a life-long learner and returned to school and earned her Master of Art’s Degree in Organizational Development from Dallas Baptist University. She writes Young Adult and New Adult Sci-Fi/Urban Fantasy stories about ordinary women who do extraordinary things, become a heroine, and find love along the way. Visit her heroine blog at:http://cmdoporto.com

Sunday, May 4, 2014

ARC Review: Since You've Been Gone by Morgan Matson

Title: Since You've Been Gone
Author: Morgan Matson
Pages: 448
Format: ARC Paperback
Rating: 3.5 Stars
Summary: The Pre-Sloane Emily didn't go to parties, she barely talked to guys, she didn't do anything crazy. Enter Sloane, social tornado and the best kind of best friend—the one who yanks you out of your shell.But right before what should have been an epic summer, Sloane just... disappears. No note. No calls. No texts. No Sloane. There’s just a random to-do list. On it, thirteen Sloane-selected-definitely-bizarre-tasks that Emily would never try... unless they could lead back to her best friend. Apple Picking at Night? Ok, easy enough.Dance until Dawn? Sure. Why not? Kiss a Stranger? Wait... what?

Getting through Sloane’s list would mean a lot of firsts. But Emily has this whole unexpected summer ahead of her, and the help of Frank Porter (totally unexpected) to check things off. Who knows what she’ll find?

Go Skinny Dipping? Um...
Review: I received this book free from Goodreads First Reads in exchange for an honest review. 
I love this cover! It is so cute and made me want summer so bad.I really liked the idea of this book and it made for an interesting read. I liked the story but I wasn't 100% into in. I feel like maybe it would be a better read for someone younger than me. I liked the message behind the story but I can't explain.... I just wasn't sucked in like I had expected. 
The characters were okay I just didn't find too much depth to them, they were just there. Despite everything I did like being on Emily's coming of age story. I guess she was the most interesting character and did grow a bit more into herself over the course of the book. 
I won't let this deter me from checking out Morgan Matson's other novels. If you like cute contemporary reads then you should check this book out.



About this author

Morgan Matson grew up in New York City and Greenwich, Connecticut. She attended Occidental College in Los Angeles but halfway though a theater degree, she started working in the children's department of Vroman's Bookstore and fell in love with YA literature.

Following college graduation (and the proud bearer of an incredibly useful theater/English degree) she moved back East to attend the New School, where she received her M.F.A in Writing for Children.
Amy & Roger's Epic Detour, inspired by Morgan's three cross-country road trips, was published in May 2010. It was named an ALA Top Ten Best Book, a PW "Flying Start" book, and was shortlisted for the Waterstone's Book Prize. It has since been published in five different languages and six different countries.

In the meantime, Morgan moved back to California, went back to school again and in 2011 received an M.F.A. in Screenwriting from the University of Southern California.

Her second book, Second Chance Summer, was published in May 2012 and draws largely on her experiences spending summers growing up in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania.

Morgan currently lives in Los Angeles, though she loves to travel and does it whenever she can. She is currently writing another book, to be published in 2014.

Thursday, January 23, 2014

ARC Review: A Mad, Wicked Folly- Sharon Biggs Waller

Title: A Mad, Wicked Folly
Author: Susan Walker Biggs
Pages: 448
Rating: 4/5 Stars
Summary: Welcome to the world of the fabulously wealthy in London, 1909, where dresses and houses are overwhelmingly opulent, social class means everything, and women are taught to be nothing more than wives and mothers. Into this world comes seventeen-year-old Victoria Darling, who wants only to be an artist—a nearly impossible dream for a girl.
        
After Vicky poses nude for her illicit art class, she is expelled from her French finishing school. Shamed and scandalized, her parents try to marry her off to the wealthy Edmund Carrick-Humphrey. But Vicky has other things on her mind: her clandestine application to the Royal College of Art; her participation in the suffragette movement; and her growing attraction to a working-class boy who may be her muse—or may be the love of her life. As the world of debutante balls, corsets, and high society obligations closes in around her, Vicky must figure out: just how much is she willing to sacrifice to pursue her dreams?

Review: I received this book free from goodreads First Reads in exchange for an honest review.
To be honest, the main reason I entered to win this book was because of the beautiful cover! I love the yellow dress. Also I found both the title and the synopsis to be very intriguing. I haven't read very many historical fictions books but I found myself really enjoying it. I loved learning more about what women had to so to gain their rights "as humans". And I am very thankful for their sacrifices. I found myself wondering what I would have done in their shoes, what would my role have been?
I loved Vicky! I liked how for the most part she was always true to herself and she stood up for her beliefs with only a tiny bit if prodding. I liked hearing her internal struggle with what to do with herself, who to be, to choose wealth or happiness. And I just want tome notion Will, yummy.
This was a spectacular read and I loved learning more of the woman's role in the Suffragist Movement. I was just amazed. I would recommend this book to historical fiction fans.





About this author


Sharon Biggs Waller grew up around artists and developed a passion for Edwardian history and the Pre-Raphaelites when she moved to England in 2000. She did extensive research on the British suffragettes for her novel, A MAD, WICKED FOLLY when she wasn’t working as a riding instructor at the Royal Mews in Buckingham Palace and as a freelance magazine writer. She also writes non-fiction books about horses under her maiden name, Sharon Biggs. She is a dressage rider and trainer and lives on a 10-acre sustainable farm in Northwest Indiana with her British husband, Mark. Visit her at www.sharonbiggswaller.com