Monday, January 30, 2023

January Mini Reviews!



I really liked this contemporary romance! I thought Georgie and Levi were good main characters. Overall, I would definitely recommend!

I received an e-ARC from the publisher.



This was another great YA novel from Emma Lord! I would definitely recommend checking it out!

I received an e-ARC from the publisher.



This was a good MG novel, that I enjoyed reading! I would recommend checking it out!

I received an e-ARC from the publisher.



I thought this was a great beginning to a new cozy mystery series! And the food mentioned sounded really good. Overall, I would definitely recommend trying this book!

I received an e-ARC from the publisher.



This was a good YA mystery/thriller novel, that I enjoyed reading!

I received an e-ARC from the publisher.



I really enjoyed reading this contemporary romance! The characters were great, and I liked the plot. Overall, I would definitely recommend trying this book!

I received an e-ARC from the publisher.



This was a good Middle Grade novel, that I really liked! Rose and Cora were great main characters. This was the beginning of a fun new series, and I would definitely recommend reading it!

I received an e-ARC from the publisher.



This was a really well written YA novel! The main character, Zahra, had a great voice, it was really easy to read from her POV. (This is hard for me to explain, but I love when books have a MC whose voice just really flows, and it's nice to be in their head.) Overall, I would definitely recommend this book!

I received an e-ARC from the publisher.



This was an absolutely great YA fantasy novel, that I thought was really well written! Overall, I would definitely recommend trying it!

I received an e-ARC from the publisher.

Review: The Carrefour Curse!



The Addams Family meets The Westing Game in this exhilarating mystery about a modern magical dynasty trapped in the ruins of their once-grand, now-crumbling ancestral home.
Twelve-year-old Garnet regrets that she doesn't know her family. Her mother has done her best to keep it that way, living far from the rest of the magical Carrefour clan and their dark, dangerous mansion known as Crossroad House. But when Garnet finally gets summoned to the estate, it isn't quite what she hoped for. Her relatives are strange and quarrelsome, each room in Crossroad House is more dilapidated than the last, and she can't keep straight which dusty hallways and cobwebbed corners are forbidden. Then Garnet learns the family secret: their dying patriarch fights to retain his life by stealing power from others. Every accident that isn't an accident, every unexpected illness and unexplained disappearance grants Jasper Carrefour a little more time. While the Carrefours squabbles over who will inherit his role when (if) he dies, Garnet encounters evidence of an even deeper curse. Was she brought to Crossroad House as part of the curse . . . or is she meant to break it? Written with loads of creepy atmosphere and an edge-of-your-seat magical mystery, this thrilling story reads like The Haunting of Hill House for preteens. Perfect for late-night reading under the covers.

-summary and cover via Goodreads

Review: This was such a well written, interesting, and truly terrifying MG read! I started reading  this before bed one night, and ended up finishing it the following afternoon, because I just had to know what would happen to the Carrefour family. This book was so creepy, and I loved it! The magic was interesting. Garnet was a great main character, and I loved getting to know (at least most of them) the other members of her family. Even though this book stands on its own, I really hope we get another book with this family! I think there are so many possibilities for more books. Overall, I loved this MG novel, and I would highly recommend reading it!

I received an e-ARC from the publisher.

Sunday, January 29, 2023

2023 Debut Author Interviews Wrap Up!


Hi, everyone! The 2023 Debut Author Interviews are now over! I just want to take a moment and thank everyone who has supported the posts this year. It has made me so happy to see people enjoying the interviews! As always, I had so much fun hosting the event! And I hope you found some new books to add to your TBR list.

I'm going to link to all the interviews below, that way you can read any you may have missed!

I want to say thank you so much to all the authors who participated in the event! They are all wonderful people, and I hope you will check out all of their books!

And thank you so much to everyone who read the posts, commented, tweeted, or in any way supported this event! You all are totally awesome!


I hope you all will look forward to the 2024 event! :)

Saturday, January 28, 2023

2023 Debuts! Interview With Lauren Yero!



Hi, everyone! Today I'm happy to present an interview with Lauren Yero, the author of Under This Forgetful Sky, which releases in July!

Would you please describe your book, Under This Forgetful Sky, in seven words?

 

Star-crossed love, a dystopian quest, and SECRETS.


Did you always want to be a writer?

 

I did! In third grade, I wrote my first “novel”—it was about an orphaned girl on a perilous quest who teams up with another girl she meets wandering in the woods. (Spoiler alert: the girl turns out to be her long-lost sister! And they’re both actually princesses!!) It was…a little cheesy. But ever since, I’ve thought of myself as a writer. For years, I wrote poetry and short stories that I hid under my bed so no one would read them, then I went on to study literature and writing in college. I didn’t know what kind of writer I wanted to be, or what kind of audience I wanted to write for, I just knew that I wanted to write. Then one day I got an idea for a young adult novel—a story of adventure, resistance, and first love—that gripped me and wouldn’t let go. It’s dream to know that in a few months, this novel will be out in the world for readers to discover (and hopefully love)!


Random Question! What’s your favorite time of year?

 

It’s an even split between spring and fall. I grew up in Florida, where the seasons are “hot” and “not as hot,” so now that I live in the mountains, I’m enchanted by these in-between months when the world is in transition. Spring is especially lovely here—for a few weeks, flowers called spring ephemerals blanket the forest floor and the woods smell exactly like fresh lemons. It’s magical!


What’s one piece of advice you would give aspiring authors?
 
First, I’d say to try not to worry too much about the kind of writer you want to be—just write what inspires you, what troubles you, what mystifies you. Find your voice in the exploration. Also, share your work with other aspiring writers. Writing can be a lonely endeavor, and having a group of trusted writerly friends who share encouragement and fresh perspectives with each other is priceless.
 
And lastly, don’t give up!


What are some books you’re looking forward to reading in 2023? And if you’ve already read some ‘23 books, would you like to mention them?

This list could get absurdly long! I'm currently reading Brittany N. Williams’s THAT SELF-SAME METAL (YA historical fantasy), and it's an absolute delight! I’m eagerly awaiting so many other 2023 debuts, but a few that I’m feeling particularly excited about are Gabriela Romero Lacruz’s THE SUN AND THE VOID (epic YA fantasy inspired by South American folklore), Moses Ose Utomi’s DAUGHTERS OF ODUMA (YA fantasy inspired by West African culture), and Ari Tison’s SAINTS OF THE HOUSEHOLD (lyrical contemporary YA with Indigenous Costa Rican MCs).

There are so many wonderful books coming out this year, so definitely check out these websites for more ideas:



Author Bio: LAUREN YERO is a Cuban American writer living in the mountains of Western North Carolina. She writes speculative, near-future stories of resistance, adventure, and first love that question the structures our world is built upon. Her debut YA novel, UNDER THIS FORGETFUL SKY, comes out in July 2023 with Atheneum/Simon & Schuster.

Born in Florida, she received her BA from Davidson College and her MA in Environmental Literature from the University of Nevada Reno. Her desire to connect more deeply with her Latinx heritage led her to study and work in Spain, Argentina, Cuba, and Chile, where she drew inspiration for her debut novel.

In addition to writing, she teaches at a small farm-and-arts school in the beautiful county she calls home. She shares a small homestead with her husband, two kids, two pups, ten chickens, five geese, two ducks, and a couple hundred thousand honeybees. 

Friday, January 27, 2023

2023 Debuts! Interview With Cara Tanamachi!



Hi, everyone! Today I'm happy to present an interview with Cara Tanamachi, the author of The Second You're Single, which releases this Tuesday!

Would you please describe your book, The Second You're Single, in seven words?

 

Woman renounces love, then finds her soulmate.


What was the inspiration for the book?
 
This story is personal and definitely inspired by true life events. Like Sora, I spent periods of my single life swearing off love, dating, and especially Valentine’s Day. I used to throw Galentines parties, with lots of wine and lots of scoffing at anything pink, red or heart-shaped.
But, like Sora, the very second I really gave up on dating and love, I met my soulmate, my husband, PJ, who helped me believe in Valentine’s Day again.


Random Question! What’s your favorite holiday?


           Halloween! There are SO many things to love about it: fun costumes, scary movies, candy (did I mention the candy?!), and, of course, autumn, a most wonderful time of the year.


What’s one piece of advice you would give aspiring authors?


Don’t give up. It may seem like you’ll never find your audience, but the only way to make SURE you never will is to give up. Being tenacious is the key to success in the publishing world.

 

What are some books you’re looking forward to reading in 2023? And if you’ve already read some ‘23 books, would you like to mention them?

 

Yes! I was lucky enough to get an early copy of Lunar Love  the debut by Lauren Kung Jessen, and I’m loving it. The love story sizzles from the get-go. Jessen gets you thinking about family legacy as well as the Chinese Zodiac. What's not to love? It’s a must-read in 2023.

 

Other 2023 releases I can’t wait for:

 

Quietly Hostile by Samantha Irby May 2023

Irby is my favorite humor writer. She's hilarious, and her essays make me snort-laugh out loud every time.

 

Behind the Scenes by Karelia Stetz-Waters (I LOVED her previous book, Satisfaction Guaranteed),

 

Big Little Spells by Hazel Beck (This paranormal series of a town of witches is delightful Small Town, Big Magic is tremendous. Hazel Beck is the writing team of Megan Crane and Nicole Helm, and they are fantastic).

 

Also can’t wait for new releases by Sanjni Patel (Isha, Unscripted), Abby Jimenez (Yours Truly), and, of course, Emily Henry (Happy Place).

 

There are so many great reads coming in 2023 it's hard to whittle down the list!




Author Bio: Cara Tanamachi lives near Chicago with her husband and five children (two by biology and three by marriage), and their 85-pound Goldendoodle, Theodore. Raised near Dallas, Texas by her Japanese-American dad and her English-Scottish American mom, she was the oldest of two children (the debate still rages whether she or her brother are currently the family favorite). 

The University of Pennsylvania (Go Quakers!) grad worked as a newspaper reporter, and then published many novels under the name, Cara Lockwood.  A former single mom, she spent eight years dating (hilariously and awkwardly) before finding the love of her life on Bumble (yes, Bumble!). She believes we all could use a little more happily ever after.

Here Are A Few Links:



Thursday, January 26, 2023

2023 Debuts! Interview With Kaylie Smith!



Hi, everyone! Today I'm happy to present an interview with Kaylie Smith, the author of A Ruinous Fate, which is out now!

Would you please describe your book, A Ruinous Fate, in seven words?

— A magical adventure about changing your fate

Have you always wanted to write YA books?

— Yes! I fell in love with YA when I was a teenager myself, and have always found the worlds of these novels so colorful and lush and I wanted to be a part of growing that. The path to publishing can be a little strange and unexpected but I’ve dreamed for years that I would get here and I’m so excited to connect with excited young readers! ☺️

Random Question! What’s your favorite color?

— Lavender! 

What’s one piece of advice you would give aspiring authors?

— To remember that everyone has failures and rejections. Sometimes this industry can feel very isolating and make you doubt your capabilities but sometimes just writing what you love and making yourself proud is more than enough.

What are some books you’re looking forward to reading in 2023? And if you’ve already read some ‘23 books, would you like to mention them?

— SO MANY amazing books are coming in 2023! Where Darkness Blooms by Andrea Hannah, Seven Faceless Saints by M. K. Lobb, Song of Silver Flame Like Night by Amélie Wen Zhao, All The Fighting Parts by Hannah Sawyer, When It All Syncs Up by Maya Ameyaw, and Sing Me To Sleep by Gabi Burton are all at the top of my list!

Photo credit: Andrea Hannah

Author Bio: Kaylie Smith is a writer and lover of all things magical and fantasy. She grew up in Louisiana where she frequently haunted bookstores and practiced her writing craft. When she isn’t writing or voraciously reading all things witchy, she can be found at home with her menagerie of animals and annoying people about astrology.

Wednesday, January 25, 2023

2023 Debuts! Interview With Aleema Omotoni!

Hi, everyone! Today I'm happy to present an interview with Aleema Omotoni, the author of Everyone's Thinking It, which releases in September!

Would you please describe your book, Everyone's Thinking It, in seven words?

Black girls navigating chaos at boarding school.

Have you always wanted to be a writer?

I've always loved storytelling, writing little things here and there growing up, but it wasn't until I was at uni that I actively made the choice to write my first full novel.

Random Question! What’s your favorite musical?

Oh that's a really tough one... I have so many favourites and it changes all the time. I love Sondheim musicals the most, but today I'll say my favourite musical is Hadestown by Anaïs Mitchell.

What’s one piece of advice you would give aspiring authors?

Stay true to the story in your heart. As you create it, be open to the different possibilities of how the story can be executed, edited or reworked, but as long as you keep true to the heart of what you want to say with your work, it'll all be okay.

What are some books you’re looking forward to reading in 2023? And if you’ve already read some ‘23 books, would you like to mention them?

There are so many great titles to choose from that I can't name them all! Here's to a wonderful debut year ahead!

Author Bio: Aleema Omotoni is a British-Nigerian author. She writes novels that centre Black teens coming of age, falling in love, and navigating all kinds of contemporary and fantasy worlds. She loves musical theatre, astrophysics and rainy Autumn days.

Here Are A Few Links:

Her Website

Her Twitter

Her Instagram

Tuesday, January 24, 2023

2023 Debuts! Interview With Ananya Devarajan!


Hi, everyone! Today I'm happy to present an interview with Ananya Devarajan, the author of Kismat Connection, which releases in June!

Would you please describe your book, Kismat Connection, in seven words?


Hypothesis: Science Predicts Everything

Conclusion: Except Love   


What was the inspiration for the book?


KISMAT CONNECTION was very much inspired by my own experiences as an Indian American teenager. A large aspect of this story grapples with the influence of culture on identity, and how this macroscopic coming-of-age arc presents in different ways in different members of the diaspora. I went through a similar journey at the time of writing KISMAT CONNECTION, which led to the novel developing two main purposes—to reflect on the person I used to be through the character of Madhuri, and to embrace the person I was becoming through the character of Arjun. 


On another note, if anyone’s wondering specifically about the inspiration for the magical love story in KISMAT CONNECTION, then I’ll have to admit that there is no explanation besides my overactive imagination and hopeless romanticism. Sorry, not sorry!


Random Question! What’s your favorite Bollywood movie?


Om Shanti Om is without a doubt my all-time favorite. The movie features a star-crossed lovers and reincarnation trope, jokes about the Bollywood industry and its colorful history, drama that’ll have you on the edge of your seat, and of course, the best soundtrack known to mankind. However, I’m going to cheat a little on this question because I cannot possibly pick just one film, so I’ll recommend 3 Idiots, Jab We Met, and Kuch Kuch Hota Hai too


What’s one piece of advice you would give aspiring authors?


Make sure that you are head-over-heels in love with your story. As an aspiring author, you’re going to face quite a few moments where your path is called into question, whether that be by a reader who couldn’t resonate with your words or a publisher who couldn’t put their money behind you. In moments like those, your love for your story will help you cut through the noise, so hold onto that feeling with all you’ve got. I’ve found that by remembering why I’m choosing to tell my story, I can persevere forward, and I hope that with this advice, you can do the same.


What are some books you’re looking forward to reading in 2023? And if you’ve already read some ‘23 books, would you like to mention them?


Oh, I absolutely adore this question. The 2023 debuts are so incredible, and I’ve had the honor of reading a few already. So far, I’ve really enjoyed THE LOVE MATCH by Priyanka Taslim, LIES WE SING TO THE SEA by Sarah Underwood, and IF I HAVE TO BE HAUNTED by Miranda Sun. As for the books I’m looking forward to reading in 2023, here are three (of the many, and in no particular order) that I cannot wait to dig into—THE FRAUD SQUAD by Kyla Zhao, THE NEXT NEW SYRIAN GIRL by Ream Shukairy, and THEIR VICIOUS GAMES by Joelle Wellington. 


Author Bio: Ananya Devarajan is an undergraduate at the University of California, Irvine, pursuing a major in Neurobiology and Behavior with a minor in English. Like the majority of her characters, she is a second-generation Indian American young adult.

Her love for storytelling began on Wattpad, where she grew her audience as a Featured Author, and she later went on to win first place in TeenPit 2019. Now, Ananya writes young adult romance novels featuring dynamic Indian teenagers, lighthearted drama, and swoon-worthy banter. In her free time, she can be found watching her favorite Bollywood movies or studying for yet another Organic Chemistry exam. You can find her on Twitter and Instagram under the handle @ananyad12. 

Her debut novel, KISMAT CONNECTION, is slated for publication in Summer 2023 by Inkyard Press and HarperCollins. She is represented by the wonderful Ann Leslie Tuttle at Dystel, Goderich, and Bourret LLC.

Here Are A Few Links:

Her Website

Her Twitter

Her Instagram

Monday, January 23, 2023

2023 Debuts! Interview With Jackie Khalilieh!


Hi, everyone! Today I'm happy to present an interview with Jackie Khalilieh, the author of Something More, which releases in June!

Would you please describe your book, Something More, in seven words?

  1. Firsts. 

  2. Cringey. 

  3. Heartwarming. 

  4. Funny. 

  5. Relatable. 

  6. Honest.

  7. Swoony. 

Have you always wanted to be a writer?

This answer may sound obnoxious but give me a chance to explain: I haven’t always wanted to be a writer; I’ve always been a writer. 

Even when I didn’t realize I was a capital W, Writer. I’ve always written. It is my most preferred form of communication and favourite way to express myself. I never labeled myself a writer until very recently. Writing was something I always did but despite that, I didn’t have many “results” to show for it (because you’re not supposed to share your journals with people!). 

Becoming an “author” is not something I allowed myself to really consider when I was younger. It felt like a pipe dream. Something meant for other people. I have this personality trait where I can sometimes start something without thinking it through and because of that, I don’t always see it through to the end. Because of that, for so long, the idea of writing a novel felt impossible. 

Sometimes I get frustrated that younger me didn’t try harder or believe in myself more, because then maybe I’d be more established by now but then I realize it wasn’t the right time. It wouldn’t have been the right books. I believe I was meant to come into this the way I came into it, when I came into it, so that the right stories would get told. 

Random Question! What’s your favorite time of year?

Fall. Because I love firsts. As Lara Jean says IN TO ALL THE BOYS I’VE LOVED BEFORE, “firsts are best because they are beginnings.” And fall, to me, always felt like a fresh start. The humidity of the summer would soon lift (not a fan of being hot), a new year of school meant a new chance to try on a new version of myself (which I now see as my autism and trying to find my place). It’s the crisp weather, nights in, and the chance that something new and exciting might happen. 

What’s one piece of advice you would give aspiring authors?

This is actually advice I need to listen to as well, but keep your eyes on your own lane. It’s so easy to get distracted and deflated watching other people succeed and live your dream, but all that does is take away from what you’ve done and what you’re trying to do. Instead, try to flip it around. Instead of being bummed about someone else getting an agent or massive book deal, I try instead to use it as motivation and I take that opportunity to genuinely congratulate them for their success. It’s not always easy but it feels better than sulking about your own lack of progress. But also, sulk. I have cried MANY tears throughout this process. I still cry. Just because I have a book deal does not mean I’m not still filled with self-doubt and insecurities and imposter syndrome. The best thing we can do for ourselves is just focus on ourselves. Keep writing. Keep reading. Revise and revise. Use beta readers and find a critique partner you trust. Keep trying. And take a break when it all becomes too hard. Just because someone is three steps ahead of you, it could all change in an instant. You could sign with an agent and get a massive book deal with all the trimmings not two weeks later. Also, because of that, treat everyone with respect. No one is “better” than you and you’re not “better” than anyone else. 

What are some books you’re looking forward to reading in 2023? And if you’ve already read some ‘23 books, would you like to mention them?

Some 2023 debuts I’ve already read and loved: 

FAKE DATES AND MOONCAKES by Sher Lee. Her line-level writing is divine. Her romcom is adorable escapism. 

SORRY, BRO by Taleen Voskuni. Her story is so unique and fun and filled with a lot of unexpected depth! 

EVER SINCE by Alena Bruzas. OMG I read this last week and it reminds me a lot of one of my favourite YA books, BRAVE NEW GIRL by Lousia Luna. There are some TW to look out for (SA, alcoholism) but the writing is SO gorgeous and the story itself is so important and told in such a unique way. 

Currently reading: THE LOVE MATCH by Priyanka Taslim and loving it so far! I am a sucker for love-triangles. 

PRE-ORDERED/ON MY TBR:

ALWAYS THE ALMOST by Edward Underhill 

YOU, WITH A VIEW by Jessica Joyce 

OUT OF CHARACTER by Jenna Miller 

BURLINGTON by Heather Dixon. 

LOVE & RESISTANCE by Kara H.L. Chen

GOOD DIFFERENT by Meg Eden Kuyatt 

THAT WASN’T IN THE SCRIPT by Sarah Ainslee 

THE ART OF SCANDAL by Regina Black

…and so many more but I have to stop!!! 


Author Bio: I have a Bachelor of Journalism and a Bachelor of Education. I no longer use either degree (unless you count writing about failed journalists and overworked teachers). 

I currently write YA Contemporary and Women’s Fiction which tends to be character driven (whether I mean to or not), honest, funny (if I say so myself) and full of hope. 

My main female characters are always Palestinian-Canadians, like myself. 

I’m a mom of two girls who inherited all my “best” traits (thanks universe). I’m based just outside Toronto, Canada. 

I’m represented by Valerie Noble at Donaghy Literary Group. 

Here Are A Few Links:

Her Website

Her Twitter

Her Instagram

Review: One Duke Down!



The next delightful novel in Anna Bennett's Rogues to Lovers series!

"Tantalizing...readers will be swept away." - Publishers Weekly

A FISHERMAN’S DAUGHTER
Miss Poppy Summers is determined to keep her family’s fishing business afloat. Her poor widowed father has fallen ill, and her foolhardy brother has moved to London, leaving her precious little time to read or pursue her own dreams. But she’ll do anything for her family, so she cheerfully spends mornings in her rowboat, casting her nets. The very last thing Poppy expects or wants to find tangled in them is a dangerously attractive man. Especially one with a head wound—who’s convinced he’s a duke.

AND A DUKE OUT OF WATER
Andrew Keane is the Duke of Hawking, but he’s having the devil of a time convincing his fiery-haired rescuer of that fact. The truth is he came to the seaside resort of Bellehaven Bay to escape his life in London. Unfortunately, someone in Bellehaven wants to kill him—and he intends to find out who. He implores Poppy to tend to his injuries and hide him on her beach, reasoning it will be easier to find his attacker if that man assumes Keane is already dead. She wants no part of the scheme but can’t refuse the generous sum he offers in exchange for food and shelter while he recovers. It’s a mutually beneficial business arrangement…nothing more.

ARE ABOUT TO MAKE WAVES
Under Poppy’s care, Keane regains his strength—and a sense of purpose. As they work together to solve the puzzle of his would-be murderer, he’s dazzled by her rapier wit and adventurous spirit; she’s intrigued by his mysterious air and protective streak. Though Poppy’s past gives her every reason to mistrust someone like Keane, the seawalls around her heart crumble in the storm of their passion. But when clues hint at the prime suspect in Keane’s attempted murder, Poppy must decide where her loyalties lie. Torn between the world she’s always known and the one she’s always dreamed of, she’ll need true love for a shot at her fairytale ending.

-summary and cover via Goodreads

Plot: I was happy when I saw that this next book in the series would be about Poppy, because she was a character I really liked in GIRLS BEFORE EARLS. And I'm happy to say it did not disappoint! The plot was interesting, and I was intrigued about finding out who had attempted to murder Keane. While I did guess part of it, I didn't figure out it all, and was surprised by the reveal towards the end.

Characters: As previously mentioned, I really like Poppy as a main character! And Keane was an unexpected delight! My heart broke for Poppy and everything she had been through, and reading about her finding happiness was wonderful. I loved seeing glimpses of characters from book one, and I also liked the addition of new people who were introduced.

The Cover: It's good!

Overall: The Rogues to Lovers series has become one of my favorites, and I can't recommend it enough! Overall, this was a fantastic book that I highly recommend

I received an e-ARC from the publisher.