Wheeee. WIN AN ARC for HOW I LOST YOU!

Nothing says happy like finding a box at your front door marked by "Sourcebooks."

I was thrilled, really amazingly overexcited I think, to get my ARC's for HOW I LOST YOU. They are so freaking pretty. A beautfiul orangey color with green. It's very delightful to me. I actually kissed them.

Yes. I. Did.

It's funny how each book is different and special in some way, but I have to say I did LOVE getting these arcs (whispers) the most of all my books. Wheee!!!! Now I only hope the CONTENT is as good as the cover!!

To celebrate, I'm going to give away an ARC of HOW I LOST YOU. All you have to do is leave a comment and you're entered. How easy is that? I'll cut this off  the morning of the 5th and do the draw on January 5.  HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

HOW I LOST YOU

Grace and Kya always do everything together, and nothing can get in the way of their friendship. They have a pact: Sisters Before Misters. Buds Before Studs.

Only Grace knows what Kya's been through, or how much she needs someone to stick by her. No Matter What. Besides, Kya keeps life exciting-pulling Grace into things she'd never dare do on her own.

But inch by inch, daring is starting to turn dangerous. And Grace will have to decide how far she can go to save her friendship with Kya...before she ends up losing everything else.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! 

My gift to you! 

A Free Download of Playing for Keeps by J.E. MacLeod for three days only! 

Click HERE to download!

Thanks to all who have supported my books over the last couple of years. It's been a fun and fabulous ride!

Here's looking forward to 2013 and a new May release called HOW I LOST YOU. For everyone who has ever had a fight with their best friend. Or worse, lost one.

Day 12 YA CONTEMP- HOW I LOST YOU!

You knew it was coming, right?? HOW I LOST YOU!! by ummmm...me!!!!

I'm pretty fond of this book coming out in May 2013. It's a book about best friends. The incredible bond and hard lessons we learn from them. Plus there's PAINTBALL.
Win. Win.

HOW I LOST YOU by Janet Gurtler
 

There are a few things Grace Anderson knows for sure. One is that nothing will ever come between her and her best friend, Kya Kessler. They have a pact. Buds Before Studs. Sisters Before Misters. But in the summer before senior year, life throws out challenges they never expected. And suddenly the person who's always been there starts to need the favor returned. Grace and Kya are forced to question how much a best friend can forgive. And the answer is not what they expected.

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You can PRE-ORDER HOW I LOST YOU now!

INDIE STORES

Amazon

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Indigo/Chapters

12 Days of Contemporary YA Falling for You by Lisa Schroeder - Day 11

I'm a huge fan of Lisa's books. They're always so beautiful and emotional and sing with life.  Of course I can't wait for her new one FALLING FOR YOU.  Cover crush much??

 

FALLING FOR YOU releases January 1st 2013! A New Year's Book!

 

 

FALLING FOR YOU by LISA SCHROEDER

 

Rae's always dreamed of dating a guy like Nathan. He’s nothing like her abusive stepfather—in other words, he’s sweet. But the closer they get, the more Nathan wants of her time, of her love, of her...and the less she wants to give.

As Rae’s affection for Nathan turns to fear, she leans on her friend Leo for support. With Leo, she feels lighter, happier. And possessive Nathan becomes jealous.

Then a tragedy lands Rae in the ICU. Now, hovering between life and death, Rae must find the light amid the darkness…and the strength to fight for life and the love she deserves.

Day 10 of 12 Days of YA Contemp- OCD Love Story by Corey Ann Haydu

I'm a total sucker for messed up stories about messed up people. I mean that in a total good way. Right?  So this caught my eye. A girl who knows what she needs but also knows what she wants. They're not always the same thing. They're not always good for us!

Coming July 23rd, 2013, I look forward to this one!

OCD Love Story

When Bea meets Beck, she knows instantly that he's her kind of crazy. Sweet, strong, kinda-messed-up Beck understands her like no one else can. He makes her feel almost normal. He makes her feel like she could fall in love again.

But despite her feelings for Beck, Bea can't stop thinking about someone else: a guy who is gorgeous and magnetic... and has no idea Bea even exists. But Bea knows a ton about him. She spends a lot of time watching him. She has a journal full of notes. Some might even say she's obsessed.

Bea tells herself she's got it all under control, but this isn't a choice, it's a compulsion. The truth is, she's breaking down... and she might end up breaking her own heart.

Day 9 of 12 Days of Contemporary YA- Golden by Jessi Kirby

I loved IN HONOR by Jessi Kirby so this book has to go on my list.  It has flavours of mystery and good girl rebelling, so what's NOT to like?? Plus. She has a really cool author name. Jessi Kirby. Right? Me like.

 

Golden releases May 14, 2013!

GOLDEN by Jessi Kirby

Seventeen-year-old Parker Frost may be a distant relative of Robert Frost, but she has never taken the road less traveled. Valedictorian and quintessential good girl, she’s about to graduate high school without ever having kissed her crush or broken the rules. So when fate drops a mystery in her lap—one that might be the key to uncovering the truth behind a town tragedy, she decides to take a chance.

Day 8 of 12 Days of YA Contemporary- Over You by Amy Reed

I've read a couple of Amy Reed's books and really enjoyed them and this one sounds really good! Also, I love her covers and this one is hard core. And the main character's name is Max for a girl and I highly approve of male names for female characters, so win win.  Coming July 2013!!

 

 

OVER YOU

 

Max would follow Sadie anywhere, so when Sadie decides to ditch her problems and escape to Nebraska for the summer, it’s only natural for Max to go along. She is Sadie’s confidante, her protector, and her best friend. This summer will be all about them. This summer will be perfect.
But that’s before they meet Dylan.
Dylan is dangerous and intoxicating, and he awakens something in Max that she never knew existed. No matter how much she wants to, she can’t back away.
But Sadie has her own intensity, and has never allowed Max to become close with anyone else. And Max doesn’t know who she is without Sadie.
There are some problems you just can’t escape.

Day 7 of 12 Days of Contemporary- Bruised by Sara Skilton

I love the premise of this book. As soon as you hear what it's about you can FEEL for the main character. I can't wait to read it! It's out  March 5, 2013, so not so long a wait!


BRUISED

When Imogen, a sixteen-year-old black belt in Tae Kwon Do, freezes during a holdup at a local diner, the gunman is shot and killed by the police, and she blames herself for his death. Before the shooting, she believed that her black belt made her stronger than everyone else -- more responsible, more capable. But now her sense of self has been challenged and she must rebuild her life, a process that includes redefining her relationship with her family and navigating first love with the boy who was at the diner with her during the shootout.

With action, romance, and a complex heroine, Bruised introduces a vibrant new voice to the young adult world -- full of dark humor and hard truths.


While on the GET REAL CONTEMPS tour, Sarah, (HEY ANOTHER SARAH IN YA) came out with her cute little baby boy!  That has nothing to do with anything really, but they were both super cute.  Anyhow, BRUISED sounds so good. I love dark humor and I love hard truths! Can't wait!

Day 6 of 12 Days of YA Contemporary- I'm With Stupid by Geoff Herbach

Ah. Geoff Herbach. He is a treasure. His books are hilarious, laugh out loud funny and also very touching.  Great books for boys, but girls love them too!

All three YA's in the "Stupid series" have been selected as Junior Library Guild Selections. Quite a feat! And well deserved. Also. If he is ever in your area to do a book reading, you should go. Geoff met up with us for the GET REAL CONTEMPS TOUR in November and blew everyone away when he read from Stupid Fast. Truly.

Anyhow. Geoff has a new Felton book out this May and it has the best title ever! I'M WITH STUPID.  Right?? A must read! Coming May 1, 2013!

I'M WITH STUPID

It's nerd-turned-jock Felton Reinstein's last year before college, and the choices he makes now will affect the rest of his life. That's a lot of pressure. So, he's going to make a list. What would he be if he weren't a jock? He'll try everything—comedian, partier, super student—and which ever identity he likes best he'll stick with. Poof. Stress gone.

Except not... Because the list leads to:

1. The whole state of Wisconsin hating him.
2. His track coach suspending him.
3. His mom moving out.

Before leaving home forever, Felton will have to figure out just who he is, even if, sometimes, it sucks to be him.

Day 5 of 12 Days of Contemporary YA- Truly, Madly, Deadly by Hannah Jayne

Okay, I met Hannah in the summer at RWA and she was super nice and awesome. Also my wedding song was Truly, Madly Deeply. True story. Anyhow, her book just sounds SO GOOD that I can't wait until it comes out!

JULY 2013 People!

Check OUT this blurb:

 
TRULY, MADLY, DEADLY by Hannah Jayne

Sawyer Dodd has it all. She's a star track athlete, choir soloist, and A-student. And her boyfriend is the handsome all-star Kevin Anderson. But behind the medals, prom pictures, and perfect smiles, Sawyer finds herself trapped in a controlling, abusive relationship with Kevin. When he dies in a drunk-driving accident, Sawyer is secretly relieved. She's free. Until she opens her locker and finds a mysterious letter signed by "an admirer" and printed with two simple words: "You're welcome."


Right?? And now you want to read it to find out who wrote that and why. Am I right??

There's NO COVER yet, but I'll post it when it is available. Another GREAT book from Sourcebooks Fire (okay, yes, I am fond of them)

Day 4 of 12 Days of YA Contemporary- The Moon and More

Ah, Sarah Dessen you are a treasure to read. And hey, what is it with the Sarah's in the contemporary world? Zarr, Dessen, Ockler. Such a gifted name in YA!

I am a huge fan of everything Sarah Dessen. And I absolutely love this cover. Such pretty covers, a balancing act from a pretty girl who could be anyone. You?? Yes. And well done.  Notice how big her name is compared to the title. That says YOU'RE FABULOUS, Ms. Dessen!!

 

THE MOON AND MORE

Luke is the perfect boyfriend: handsome, kind, fun. He and Emaline have been together all through high school in Colby, the beach town where they both grew up. But now, in the summer before college, Emaline wonders if perfect is good enough.

Enter Theo, a super-ambitious outsider, a New Yorker assisting on a documentary film about a reclusive local artist. Theo's sophisticated, exciting, and, best of all, he thinks Emaline is much too smart for Colby.

 

Emaline's mostly-absentee father, too, thinks Emaline should have a bigger life, and he's convinced that an Ivy League education is the only route to realizing her potential. Emaline is attracted to the bright future that Theo and her father promise. But she also clings to the deep roots of her loving mother, stepfather, and sisters. Can she ignore the pull of the happily familiar world of Colby?

Emaline wants the moon and more, but how can she balance where she comes from with where she's going? Sarah Dessen's devoted fans will welcome this story of romance, yearning, and, finally, empowerment. It could only happen in the summer.

 

Day 3 of 12 Days of Contemporary-The Lucy Variations by Sara Zarr

Sigh. Le Sara Zarr.  I love her writing so much, and I love her presence on Twitter equally. She seems like one of those authors you'd love to sit down and book talk with. She's one of my fave contemp authors, no list of mine would be complete without Sara Zarr on the list.

Her new book is coming out May, 2013! Can't wait!

THE LUCY VARIATIONS by Sara Zarr

Lucy Beck-Moreau once had a promising future as a concert pianist. The right people knew her name, her performances were booked months in advance, and her future seemed certain.

That was all before she turned fourteen.

Now, at sixteen, it's over. A death, and a betrayal, led her to walk away. That leaves her talented ten-year-old brother, Gus, to shoulder the full weight of the Beck-Moreau family expectations. Then Gus gets a new piano teacher who is young, kind, and interested in helping Lucy rekindle her love of piano -- on her own terms. But when you're used to performing for sold-out audiences and world-famous critics, can you ever learn to play just for yourself?

National Book Award finalist Sara Zarr takes readers inside the exclusive world of privileged San Francisco families, top junior music competitions, and intense mentorships. The Lucy Variations is a story of one girl's struggle to reclaim her love of music and herself. It's about finding joy again, even when things don't go according to plan. Because life isn't a performance, and everyone deserves the chance to make a few mistakes along the way.

Day 2 of 12 Days of Contemporary- This is WAR by Lisa and Laura Roecker

Coming from my two favorite author sisters- Lisa and Laura Roecker!!! They are the nicest people IN THE WORLD and they write fabulous books on top of that. I am a huge fan!!! So, I am super excited to read their new book coming out in JULY 2013. It's so super seeeekrit, it doesn't even have a revealed cover yet. I eagerly await it!!!

Lisa and Laura Roecker. Author sisters! Coming in July. This is WAR!

Here's the blurb and the link to Goodreads

THIS IS WAR by Lisa and Laura Roecker

At Hawthorne Lake Country Club your trust fund can’t buy you happiness, but if it’s big enough, it almost always buys innocence. When Willa Ames-Rowan drowns in Hawthorne Lake everyone who’s anyone knows James Gregory is the one who killed her. But no one will ever say a word.

Enter The WAR. Four girls, four motives to avenge Willa’s death, and only one rule: Destroy the Gregory brothers at any cost. The girls pool their trust funds and devise a series of elaborate pranks to deliver their own particular brand of vigilante justice. Innocence is lost, battles are won, but it’s the truth about what really happened that night that stands to destroy them all.



Stay tuned, I'll update this post when the cover is revealed.

Day 1 of 12 Days of YA Contemporary- MY LIFE AFTER NOW

To CELEBRATE the 12 days of Christmas, I thought I'd go with 12 YA Contemporary Books I'm looking forward to reading in 2013! If you have any more suggestions, please feel free to ad them!!

Day 1
A new book from Sourcebooks Fire.  The cover is gorgeous, yes?? The light streaming in...the red dress. Beautiful.

MY LIFE AFTER NOW

WHAT NOW?

Lucy just had the worst week ever. Seriously, mega bad. And suddenly, it’s all too much—she wants out. Out of her house, out of her head, out of her life. She wants to be a whole new Lucy. So she does something the old Lucy would never dream of.

And now her life will never be the same. Now, how will she be able to have a boyfriend? What will she tell her friends? How will she face her family? Now, every moment is a precious gift. She never thought being positive could be so negative. But now, everything’s different…because now she’s living with HIV.


I was lucky enough to read the ARC and I must say, I really loved this book. Lucy is a real character with an interesting family and she makes a really bad decision and is then faced with heart wrenching consequences. I love books where you can see how this COULD happen to you and imagine how YOU would handle it as you move through the main character's story.

It's an emotional story about a life that is changed forever by one mistake. Worth reading!