Book Tour: Lies

Excuse the extremely late hour of this post, please, because I've been in bed with a sinus infection and bronchitis for a week and a half now and completely forgot I was supposed to post this.

Lies by Oliver Dahl

Available March 11

About the Book

Ann Putnam Jr., one of the leading accusers during the Salem Witch Trials (1692) knows that something is wrong. After a horrifying encounter with Tituba, her friends were cursed. Miraculously untouched by the effects of the witch, Ann acts bewitched as well, in an attempt to accuse and hang her friends' torturers. This tragic experience of guilt, abuse, power, and love gives a first-person view into the spine-chilling months where neighbor turned on neighbor at the word of a little girl.

Learn more about the book and join the countdown to publication!

Excerpt from my interview with the author:

What inspired your book? How did it all start?

In my American History class last year, we were reading in our textbooks about pre-colonial America, the 1600’s or so. While reading, I was appalled to see that the Salem Witch Trials were mentioned once. The textbook summarized the events and moved on in one paragraph. I had always been kinda fascinated and horrified by the Salem Witch Trials, and to see them almost blown off in a class textbook was... shocking. We’re talking about an event that hugely inspired our modern judicial system--an event that speaks boldly about human nature, and the affect of extremist religion on people’s lives. So I decided to write a book. It’s a fictional novella, a firsthand account by Ann Putnam Jr., one of the leading accusers of the Salem Witch Trials. I would like to think it will shed much more light to people on that fascinating time than the brief paragraph in my history textbook.

What is your goal in writing and publishing this book?

Having published two books before, I want this one to be different. It’s not only about different things -- but in an entirely different genre as well! (My two previous books are modern YA/MG scifi/fantasy). But at the same time, there are similarities, like the possible existence of fantasy elements in real life, which I absolutely love. This book will be the best quality book that I have ever written, let alone released. The quality and professionalism will be like the best of traditionally published books, and will hopefully compete as well in the marketplace.

Read the rest of the interview.

Drop by the other tour stops and say hi!

Feb 20 - prettylittlepages - review
Feb 24 - kitnkabookle
March 5 - thebookconnectionccm (Interview)March 5 - thebookconnectionccm (1st Chapter Review)
March 6 - emilyrachellewrites
March 7 - thepagewalker
March 7 - virtualwritersinc
March 8 - zarahoffman.com
March 10 - missalexandrinabrant
March 11 - TheDreamersAdventures
March 11 - JanelleLeonard
March 12 - prettylittlepages
March 14 - booksandneedlepoint
March 17 - heathermauthor
March 20 - swipethepages
March 21 - readerswritersconnect
March 25 - celticladysreviews

Blog Tour: Golden Daughter {Excerpt}

About the author:

Anne Elisabeth Stengl is the author of the award-winning Tales of Goldstone Wood series, adventure fantasies told in the classic Fairy Tale style. Her books include Christy Award-winning Heartless and Veiled Rose, and Clive Staples Award-winning Starflower. She makes her home in Raleigh, North Carolina, where she lives with her husband, Rohan, a passel of cats, and one long-suffering dog. When she's not writing, she enjoys Shakespeare, opera, and tea, and practices piano, painting, and pastry baking. She studied illustration and English literature at Grace College and Campbell University.

Scene from Chapter Three:

Sairu made her way from Princess Safiya’s chambers out to the walkways of the encircling gardens. The Masayi, abode of the Golden Daughters, was an intricate complex of buildings linked by blossom-shrouded walkways, calm with fountains and clear, lotus-filled pools where herons strutted and spotted fish swam.

Here she had lived all the life she could remember.


The Masayi was but a small part of Manusbau Palace, which comprised the whole of Sairu’s existence. She had never stepped beyond the palace walls. To do so would be to step into a world of corruption, corruption to which a Golden Daughter would not be impervious until she was safely chartered to a master and her life’s work was affixed in her heart and mind. Meanwhile, she must live securely embalmed in this tomb, waiting for life to begin.

Sairu’s mouth curved gently at the corners, and she took small steps as she had been trained—slow, dainty steps that disguised the swiftness with which she could move at need. Even in private she must maintain the illusion, even here within the Masayi.

A cat sat on the doorstep of her own building, grooming itself in the sunlight. She stepped around it and proceeded into the red-hung halls of the Daughter’s quarters and on to her private chambers. There she must gather what few things she would take with her—fewer things even than Jen-ling would take on her journey to Aja. For Jen-ling would be the wife of a prince, and she must give every impression of a bride on her wedding journey.

I wonder who my master will be? Sairu thought as she slid back the rattan door to her chamber and entered the quiet simplicity within. She removed her elaborate costume and exchanged it for a robe of simple red without embellishments. She washed the serving girl cosmetics from her face and painted on the daily mask she and her sisters wore—white with black spots beneath each eye and a red stripe down her chin. It was elegant and simple, and to the common eye it made her indistinguishable from her sisters.

The curtain moved behind her. She did not startle but turned quietly to see the same cat slipping into her room. Cats abounded throughout Manusbau Palace, kept on purpose near the storehouses to manage the vermin. But they did not often enter private chambers.

Sairu, kneeling near her window with her paint pots around her, watched the cat as it moved silkily across the room, stepped onto her sleeping cushions, and began kneading the soft fabric, purring all the while. Its claws pulled at the delicate threads. But it was a cat. As far as it was concerned, it had every right to enjoy or destroy what it willed.

At last it seemed to notice Sairu watching it. It turned sleepy eyes to her and blinked.

Sairu smiled. In a voice as sweet as honey, she asked, “Who are you?”

The cat twitched its tail softly and went on purring.

The next moment, Sairu was across the room, her hand latched onto the cat’s scruff. She pushed it down into the cushions and held it there as it yowled and snarled, trying to catch at her with its claws.

“Who are you?” she demanded, her voice fierce this time. “What are you? Are you an evil spirit sent to haunt me?”

“No, dragons eat it! I mean, rrrraww! Mreeeow! Yeeeowrl!”

The cat twisted and managed to lash out at her with its back feet, its claws catching in the fabric of her sleeve. One claw scratched her wrist, startling her just enough that she loosened her hold. The cat took advantage of the opportunity and, hissing like a fire demon, leapt free. It sprang across the room, knocking over several of her paint pots, and spun about, back-arched and snarling. Every hair stood on end, and its ears lay flat to its skull.

Sairu drew a dagger from her sleeve and crouched, prepared for anything. The smile lingered on her mouth, but her eyes flashed. “Who sent you?” she demanded. “Why have you come to me now? You know of my assignment, don’t you.”

“Meeeeowrl,” the cat said stubbornly and showed its fangs in another hiss.

“I see it in your face,” Sairu said, moving carefully to shift her weight and prepare to spring. “You are no animal. Who is your master, devil?”

The cat dodged her spring easily enough, which surprised her. Sairu was quick and rarely missed a target. Her knife sank into the floor and stuck there, but she released it and whipped another from the opposite sleeve even as she whirled about.

Any self-respecting cat would have made for the window or the door. This one sprang back onto the cushions and crouched there, tail lashing. Its eyes were all too sentient, but it said only “Meeeeow,” as though trying to convince itself.

Sairu chewed the inside of her cheek. Then, in a voice as smooth as butter, she said, “We have ways of dealing with devils in this country. Do you know what they are, demon-cat?”

The cat’s ears came up. “Prreeowl?” it said.

“Allow me to enlighten you.”

And Sairu put her free hand to her mouth and uttered a long, piercing whistle. The household erupted with the voices of a dozen and more lion dogs.

The little beasts, slipping and sliding and crashing into walls, their claws clicking and clattering on the tiles, careened down the corridor and poured into Sairu’s room. Fluffy tails wagging, pushed-in noses twitching, they roared like the lions they believed themselves to be and fell upon the cat with rapacious joy.

The cat uttered one long wail and the next moment vanished out the window. Sairu, dogs milling at her feet, leapt up and hurried to look out after it, expecting to see a tawny tail slipping from sight. But she saw nothing.
The devil was gone. For the moment at least.

Sairu sank down on her cushions, and her lap was soon filled with wriggling, snuffling hunters eager for praise. She petted them absently, but her mind was awhirl. She had heard of devils taking the form of animals and speaking with the tongues of men. But she had never before seen it. She couldn’t honestly say she’d even believed it.

“What danger is my new master in?” she wondered. “From what must I protect him?”

Book Tour: Golden Daughter {Cover Reveal + Giveaway!}

Golden Daughter by Anne Elisabeth Stengl
A novel of Goldstone Wood

Beyond the Realm of Dreams is a World She Never Imagined

Masayi Sairu was raised to be dainty, delicate, demure . . . and deadly. She is one of the emperor’s Golden Daughters, as much a legend as she is a commodity. One day, Sairu will be contracted in marriage to a patron, whom she will secretly guard for the rest of her life.

But when she learns that a sacred Dream Walker of the temple seeks the protection of a Golden Daughter, Sairu forgoes marriage in favor of this role. Her skills are stretched to the limit, for assassins hunt in the shadows, and phantoms haunt in dreams. With only a mysterious Faerie cat and a handsome slave—possessed of his own strange abilities—to help her, can Sairu shield her new mistress from evils she can neither see nor touch?

For the Dragon is building an army of fire. And soon the heavens will burn.


From the author:

The cover illustration was done by Julia Popova. Visit her website, http://www.forestgirl.ru/, to learn more about her and her fantastic work!

If you’d like to learn more about Golden Daughter, visit the book page for interesting articles, illustrations, and more!

Illustration from the book:

Giveaway!

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Come back tomorrow for a sneak peek at Golden Daughter!

Sixteen Blog Tour Kick-Off + Giveaway!

Sixteen days. Sixteen stops. One giveaway.

Let the fun begin!

Nicole "Nikki" Johnson has never gotten along with her mother, so when she meets a great new guy, it's no surprise that Matt's age is all her mom sees. Just because he's twenty-four and she's sixteen doesn't mean he's a creeper! Thankfully, Nikki's dad allows Nikki and Matt to be together and see how things work out. Their relationship is fantastic and Nikki is on cloud nine...

Until the Fourth of July picnic, when things go too far. Now a very changed Nikki has to make choices that will affect her every relationship - with Matt, her parents, her best friend, and most importantly, God.

Buy the book on Kindle! http://www.amazon.com/Sixteen-Emily-Rachelle-ebook/dp/B00HVOD5SW/

Or, if you have a different ereader device... buy the book on Smashwords! https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/398239

But wait!

Before we get to the tour schedule, I have an announcement to make...

Sixteen will be available in paperback!

That's right, you heard me. After all that talk of ebook-only, I was convinced by readers and writer-friends alike to go paperback. So on March 29 -- an important date in the book -- Sixteen will release on Amazon in paperback. Woot woot! Now back to today's festivities.

Zara Hoffman - Why I Chose Self-Publishing - January 19

Covers and Ink - The Story Behind Sixteen - January 20

Literary and Lace - Interview - January 21

Iola's Christian Reads - Sixteen Facts About Sixteen - January 22

 Writings of Rosie- The Theme of Sixteen - January 23

Tales of Goldstone Wood - Interview - January 24

Blooming With Books - Name Meanings - January 25

Na's Not So Newsworthy Thoughts - Excerpt - January 26

Musings of a Creative Mind - It Takes a Village - January 27

The Ramblings of a Young Author - Finding Me in Sixteen - January 28

United in His Love - Interview - January 29

Author Mariella Hunt - Mother-daughter quotes - January 30

Realm of Hearts - Interview - January 31

Zerina Blossom - Dream Casting - February 1

Appasionata - Playlist - February 2

Summer Snowflakes - Interview - February 3

And just for fun... I wanted to find the actual scene, but I don't like the new, live version of Rolf, and this was all I could find from the 1963 movie.

Giveaway!

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Blog Tour: Cave Secrets of the Pterodactyl + Giveaway!

Answer to the True or False question from the last stop:  False! 

About the Book:

Cave Secrets of the Pterodactyl:Traveling with her parents brings Lydia, daughter of explorer and singer Buddy Davis, plenty of adventure and mystery - from hidden clues in bookstores to cave paintings deep underground.

About the Author: 

Whether she’s building life-sized models of dinosaurs with her adopted family, trying her hand at cooking at a private retreat, or living in a barn, author Aidyl Ewoh (aka Lydia Howe) seems to have adventures follow her wherever she goes. Check out her book, Cave Secrets of the Pterodactyl and find out more about her at her Blog, Facebook, and Twitter. 

Signing a book for my brother at the Creation Museum the night my book was released

My Introduction to Answers in Genesis, Part One: 

I’m not even sure when or how or even why exactly I started liking Answers in Genesis (referred to as ‘AiG’ from now on) in the first place. I know the first thing I remember watching from them was Dinosaurs, Genesis and the Gospel which was a DVD for kids. It was of a speaking engagement Ken Ham had in front of a live audience of mostly children. Buddy Davis sang four songs throughout the presentation, and I fell in love. I would set our mini DVD player up on our kitchen counter and play the songs over and over again. 

Then came the day when our family got a reliable fifteen-passenger van so we didn’t have to travel with the constant fear of the brakes on our current van suddenly stopping mid-hill and a crash occurring. As a celebration, we headed to Cincinnati for the weekend where we planned on going to the zoo and the then-recently-opened Creation Museum. 

I was sick with a cold and had lost my voice. Feeling quite miserable, I asked to stay home. Since I was only 14 at the time, Mom informed me if I didn’t feel well enough to go, that was fine, but she would stay home with me. Not wanting my sweet mommy to miss out on the family’s fun, I opted to go after all. Despite barely being able to rasp out anything the first half of our trip and only being able to mutely point and occasionally whisper for the second half, it remains as one of my favorite family trips ever. (Ok, favorite anything ever!)

The Creation Museum was more than spectacular. It was more than amazing. It was more, more, more than anything I could have imagined or described or wished for. It was (and still is) one of the coolest places I have ever been. If I would have known then that I would one day walk down the halls in the Staff Only areas with people calling out to me by name and my own VIP lanyard with an access key on, I probably would have fainted. If I would have known that I would be Buddy and Kay Davis’s adopted daughter and have my book, published by AiG, being sold in the Museum bookstore, I probably would have died for pure joy. Even now I am overwhelmed beyond belief at how dreams come true. 

When we were done going through the Museum, we were in the bookstore, looking around. And there, low and behold, I saw... Buddy Davis CD’s! I was so thrilled and excited and of course asked Mom right away if we could buy some. She said she would have to ask Daddy (who had already gone out to the van). So I eagerly waited until we could ask him and he said yes! So, Mom and Dad went back into the Museum and bought the three Buddy Davis CD’s that were in there. Picture me perfectly contented, listening to a full Buddy Davis CD for the first time ever. Oh, happy days! Part two coming soon to a blog near you... 

For a chance to read the second half of this story and get the answer to the True or False question, check out THIS blog, tomorrow!

Giveaway time!

One winner will receive a copy of Cave Secrets of the Pterodactyl, as well as A Pocket Guide to Dinosaurs! Since the prizes are physical books, not ebooks, open to US addresses only. Sorry, international readers! You guys can still enter Caitlin Hensley's giveaway.

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Blog Tour: Becoming the Chateran {Mini-Excerpt + Illustration}

From Chapter Twenty-Seven:

Rhea wanted to take off her gown, heavy with filigree and fur, and go to bed. A headache was threatening at her temples, and her eyes were sore and hot after her tears. After another pause, Ohnferead sighed, relaxed his arms from over his chest, and gave himself a little shake. Then he turned to Rhea. For a moment, the two stood gazing at each other. Then he stepped up to her and took her hands in his once more. He started to say something, stopped, then tried again.

“I hope the people shall pardon you. Empyrean be with you, Rheúlea.” He bent quickly and kissed her forehead, then turned and marched out of the room.

Don't forget to check out yesterday's post for an interview with Stacia, author and illustrator of Becoming the Chateran, plus a look at the cover!

Blog Tour: Becoming the Chateran {Interview + Giveaway!}

I'm sure that none of you, my lovely readers, could forget my friend Stacia. At least, not after last weekend. Yes, I am referring to Stacia Joy Aisling, the girl who conjured up a tattooed boy on a motorcycle and ruined my life. Well, for whatever harebrained reason, I invited her back. But not the adorable jerk! No, he was not invited. Not today. Anyway, I'll let her take over now... *cries softly in the corner*

Stacia Joy has always loved to tell stories and invent fictional lands and characters. But she never considered becoming a writer herself until age thirteen, when, inspired by a pretend play she invented with a friend, she wrote the first draft of Becoming the Chateran. The story has since expanded into what will become The Chateran Series. Stacia Joy also writes in several other genres, including steampunk and paranormal/science fiction, and occasionally writes poems about buffalo.

Wanting to show others what her imagined universe looks like, Stacia Joy taught herself to draw by studying the work of illustrators like Alphonse Mucha, Arthur Rackham, Kate Seredy, and Jan Brett. She also received training in illustration and graphic design at Madison Area Technical College, and plans to become a full-fledged freelance illustrator.

When not immersed in writing or art, Stacia Joy spends her time playing the piano and folk harp, composing music, Irish dancing, singing at the top of her lungs, and learning new things. She also enjoys helping with children's ministry at her church, and currently resides in the Madison, Wisconsin area with a kitten named Lord Peter Whimsey. Find her on Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, Wattpad, DeviantArt, and her own blog.


Becoming the Chateran is a fantasy novel, the first book of The Chateran Series, and a good fit for teen through young adult readers. I am a Christian, and Life Sentence/Aniko Press is a Christian-run and owned publishing house/imprint, but both my publisher and I do not consider Becoming the Chateran Christian fiction. There are over 40 visuals/illustrations I created for Becoming the Chateran, including all borders, maps, etc, and I was also the one who designed the cover!

When Princess Rhea’s actions inadvertently condemn two innocent knights to death, she wakes to the hard reality that not even nobility is above the law. All her attempts to remedy the situation only complicate it, until she finds herself a fugitive in her own kingdom, having dragged her best friend into the trouble as well. Their only hope for pardon? To accompany Sir Paladin and Sir Zephen in serving their sentence:
Slay, or be slain by, the Dragons of Sama-Ael-Fen.

Travelling incognito, they meet with more malicious Phoenixes than could be coincidental, discover the mysterious disappearance of numerous citizens, and come face to face with a reawakened evil power. With the kingdom of Gemworthy oblivious to the connection of these dangers, it’s up to Rhea and her outlaw companions to stop the rising threat and redeem their names – if they can survive their quest.

When will Becoming the Chateran be available for purchase, and where can I get it?
Becoming the Chateran will be available this December as an ebook and a paperback, and you can buy it via Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and the website of my publisher, Life Sentence/Aniko Press. In fact, you can preorder your own paperback copy now from the latter location - preordering it will up your chances of getting it in time for Christmas!

Where did you find inspiration to write Becoming the Chateran?
Years ago while studying medieval history in school, a friend of mine and I pretended we were knightesses (prince/princess, knight/knightess, right?). I was Rhea, and my friend was Hiylienea. We had so much fun with our fantastical adventures that I decided to write everything down so we could remember it all, and so doing created the first draft of Becoming the Chateran. The story has expanded and matured a lot since then, but all the major elements and characters of the original make-believe are still there.

Any hints as to what awaits in the rest of The Chateran Series?
Most of the characters from Becoming the Chateran will reappear throughout the rest of the series, as well as many new ones. I'm personally really excited for this second book of the series to come out, as it will tie up a several loose ends/foreshadowed events from Becoming the Chateran… as well as introducing new conundrums to tease you with. This second book features a shy minstrel girl, an awkward archer, a talking White Stag, revengeful Sídhe, enchained jewelry, and a civil war.

The Chateran Series is medieval fantasy. Have you been doing much research for writing it?
For the past seven years and counting I have lived half in this world, and half in that of this series. I've been walking around with a notebook all but attached to me, stuffed with notes about food, geography, clothing, character sketches, scene descriptions, and snatches of poetry and ballads. Tailoring myself costumes based off those my characters wear was one of the most amusing and insightful things I did, as I'd dress up in full rig to act scenes out in my back yard or parks before I wrote them, to make the action and descriptions as accurate as possible. I also tried my hand at archery and horseback riding, proudly became the owner of several encyclopedias on world costume and armor, and studied heraldry and the cultures of multiple medieval cultures. My father is a research scientist. I think it rubbed off on me.

Do you have any tips for fellow writers on staying focused on a story?
To me, staying driven to write a book depends on finding the happy medium between planning out what will happen and what the characters are like so you start out with good solid ground under you, and leaving enough out so that even you, the writer, is chaffing at the bit to find out what happens next.
Also, I feel too many writers start out by trying to write what they don't know about, and their lack of knowledge and interest is crippling. But do more than simply write what you know. Write what you are passionate about – readers are smart people, and they'll notice the conviction ringing through your story, and it will touch them as only fervent honesty can. And as a side perk, you're more likely to actually WANT to write, as it will be something you feel/believe strongly about. This automatically makes the whole process a lot easier.

Do you base events or people in your books off of your life, or your friends' and family's lives? 
If you ever meet me in person, I'll probably warn you that you have the right to remain silent, as anything you say and do will be used in a book. Not only do many people I meet end up inspiring characters, but much of my personal life strongly affects my writing. For several years during middle and high school, writing was my coping mechanism, and still, when confused, angry, elated, or heartbroken, I have to use words on paper to aptly express myself. And in doing so, I've found I can connect with and encourage others on a much deeper level. This is actually one of my biggest motivators - by telling the truth about my life experiences through the lives of my characters, in some small way I can help my readers understand, cope with, and enjoy similar events/emotions of their own.

Who is your favorite character in this book?
That's not fair. I must say I really, really enjoyed writing the scenes that include the portly tradesman Borboe, prankster Julen Priolee, or Quavarelle the Deer-Satyr, though.

What was your favorite book or author as a teen? What’s your favorite now?
I was practically raised on C. S. Lewis’ The Chronicles of Narnia and a veritable army of picture books, and my list of favorite authors is broad, but currently I’m really enjoying the work of Garth Stein, Rick Riordan, and Shannon Hale.

Can you tell us anything about the publishing process? Was there anything in particular that surprised you or that was easier (or harder) than you expected?
Aniko Press was the first publisher I sent the manuscript of Becoming the Chateran to, and I expected to get little more than constructive feedback on it in reply, so the fact that they accepted it for publication was a pleasant shock in and of itself! What I found hardest about the publishing process, however, was the deadlines. Trying to complete 40+ illustrations and visuals, as well as a designing a cover and okaying manuscript edits on time while attending college was quite a challenge. Coffee was my life support for a few months there.

Come back tomorrow for a sneak peek into chapter 27, and one of the 40+ illustrations by Stacia Joy herself!

Finally... the giveaway!

Stop by https://www.facebook.com/SJAislingAuthor to enter!

Don't forget to stop by http://sjaisling.com/ to check out the other stops on today's tour!

Blog Tour: Teen Read Week {Hybrid Chronicles Review}

What's Left of Me and Once We Were by Kat Zhang
{Books One and Two of the Hybrid Chronicles}

Amazon Page: What's Left of Me
Amazon Page: Once We Were
GoodReads Page: What's Left of Me
GoodReads Page: Once We Were
LibraryThing Page: What's Left of Me
LibraryThing: Once We Were
Author Website

Amazon Summary - What's Left of Me:

What's Left of Me, the first book of the Hybrid Chronicles, is set in an alternate reality where everyone is born with two souls. But one soul is naturally dominant, and in early childhood, the other soul fades away.

That didn't happen for Addie and Eva. Now fifteen, Eva clings to life inside the body she shares with Addie, although she can no longer speak or even move.

Addie does everything she can to hide the presence of her sister soul. Eva's very existence is illegal. If their secret is revealed, it could mean death for both of them.

Amazon Summary - Once We Were:

In this riveting sequel to What's Left of Me, Eva and Addie struggle to share their body as they clash over romance and join the fight for hybrid freedom. With a powerful voice, an intense sibling relationship, and a sweet romance against the odds, this second novel in the Hybrid Chronicles is perfect for fans of Ally Condie, Lauren Oliver, and Scott Westerfeld.

Addie and Eva escaped imprisonment at a horrific psychiatric hospital. Now they should be safe, living among an underground hybrid movement. But safety is starting to feel constricting. Faced with the possibility of being in hiding forever, the girls are eager to help bring about change—now. The answer seems to lie within a splinter group willing to go to extremes for hybrid freedom, but as Addie and Eva fall ever deeper into their plans, what they thought was the solution to their problems just might be the thing that destroys everything—including their bond to each other.

My Thoughts:

These books go so well together, and my opinions on each are so similar, I decided to just write one review for both.

I showed up at the Crossroads Writers' Conference with book money in my pocket. As soon as the sales tables opened up, I made a beeline for that oh-so-familiar cover - and discovered there was another one right beside it! But more about that in a minute.

This concept is so mind-blowing, you can't help but wonder how in the world Kat ever came up with it. The idea of two souls - two people - in every body brings up so many questions. What about love and romance? How does the body decide which soul stays and which goes? Do they really go insane like Addie and Eva are told? I mean, it doesn't seem that hard to believe.

Addie and Eva are very similar girls, but I think Kat still did well at keeping them two distinct characters. Their separate dreams and desires clash, while their sisterhood and their knitted souls hold them together even when they're not getting along. The explanations and coping mechanisms for hybrids are realistic and work well with the story, too.

The world is actually just an alternate reality - still with the same television, cars, schools, museums, etc. - rather than a full-blown new dystopian realm. However, the taste of dystopia is certainly not lacking. The oppressive government, swirling character emotions, and absolutely horrid secrets that come to light all aid this book in holding its weight next to classics like The Giver or bestsellers like The Hunger Games.

I'd really, really love to rave about these books more, but I'm afraid I'll have to hold back for fear of spoilers. Basically, five stars and go buy them now!

Blog Tour: Purple Moon {Giveaway + Guest Post: Teen Substance Abuse}

Good morning, my lovely readers! Today we have the lovely Tessa Emily Hall here on tour with her debut novel, Purple Moon. Take it away, Tessa!

About the Book

Selena's life isn't turning out to be the fairy tale she imagined as a kid. That hope seemed to vanish long ago when her dad kicked her and her mom out of the house. This summer might finally hold the chance of a new beginning for Selena ... but having to live with her snobby cousin in Lake Lure, NC while waiting for her mom to get out of rehab wasn't how Selena was planning on spending her summer. She soon begins to wonder why she committed to give up her "bad habits" for this.

Things don't seem too bad, though. Especially when Selena gains the attention of the cute neighbor next door. But when her best friend back home in Brooklyn desperately needs her, a secret that's been hidden from Selena for years is revealed, and when she becomes a target for one of her cousin's nasty pranks, she finds herself having to face the scars from her past and the memories that come along with them. Will she follow her mom's example in running away, or trust that God still has a fairy tale life written just for her?

Find “Purple Moon” on Amazon

Find “Purple Moon” on Goodreads

Find “Purple Moon” at Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas
Like “Purple Moon” on Facebook

Filling the Void: Teen Substance Abuse

In Purple Moon, the protagonist—Selena—has a habit of both smoking cigarettes, as well as drinking with her friends. And she’s only sixteen years old.


Some Christians might wonder why I didn’t write about a character who could possibly be a role model for young readers. However, that’s actually why I chose not to. I didn’t want my teen readers to read about a character who is such a good Christian, and make them feel as if they can’t measure up. I wanted to create someone who could possibly relate to them, someone who might struggle with the same things that they do.

And unfortunately, many teenagers do not have a relationship with God. In fact, several of them have a habit of smoking cigarettes and drinking with their friends, much like Selena.

One thing I’ve realized is that one small, supposedly “innocent” decision leads to several more bigger ones. One simple “yes” opens the door to an endless amount of similar choices, and the more you give in, the easier it becomes.

But why is it that someone might say “yes” in the first place, despite the fact that they know how harmful it may be?

There are several reasons why a teen might give into this kind of temptation.

When Selena was eight-years-old, she and her mom were kicked out of the house by her dad. Now Selena and her mom live in Brooklyn, NY, where Selena is forced to be the caregiver for her alcoholic mother.

Life did not turn out the way that Selena had hoped. And for that reason, she fell into depression, which is probably one of the leading causes for teen substance abuse. Another might be family issues, including having a parent who struggles with substance abuse as well. As you can see, this is also the case for Selena.

Another cause for teen substance abuse is peer pressure.

In Purple Moon, Selena says that if it wasn’t for her ex-boyfriend, she would’ve never given into smoking cigarettes.

Another factor for substance abuse is anxiety and stress.

For Selena, smoking was a way to cope with her anxiety. She suffered from anxiety attacks, which I’m sure many teens can relate with. Since nicotine helps relieve stress, it makes it that much more addicting. However, there are many other ways teens can learn to handle their stress. In Purple Moon, Selena’s therapist told Selena that she should replace smoking with sketching.

Teens don’t realize that what they’re ultimately searching for is Christ. The hole is one that only He has the power to fill.

It’s the hole that might’ve been created due to a broken family.

Or the hunger a teen might feel to be loved.

Or the yearning they have to be accepted.

Or the anxiety they experience in the midst of attack.

That is why teen substance abuse is so widespread. Teens are searching for an answer. They keep coming back to their addictions, why? Because it’s just not satisfying. Or maybe it does temporarily, but not completely. These teens are in an endless search for something to satisfy, and it is our job to tell them that what they’re searching for can only be found in Christ.

If you are struggling with substance abuse, can I tell you something? There is an answer. Not only can Jesus fill the void and calm your anxiety, but He has the power to break the chains of your addictions. You can only find the freedom you are searching for in Christ. He always offers the chance to start brand new.

If you’re struggling with substance abuse, please find someone to talk to—preferably a parent, preacher, or Christian counselor. You can also email me at tessaehall (at) gmail (dot) com if you need someone to talk to.

Your addictions—as well as the causes of your addictions—don’t have to hold you back from experiencing life any longer.

~ ~ ~

How can adults help teenagers who might be suffering with substance abuse addiction? What are some other alternatives to substance abuse? Why do you think it has become so widespread amongst teens?

Fact or Fiction?

Guess this fact or fiction, and be sure to stop by the next blog tour stop to see if you guessed correctly! (You’ll also receive one extra entry for the Purple Moon Prize Pack if you send Tessa your guess.)

About the Author

Tessa Emily Hall is a 19-year-old author of Purple Moon, her YA Christian fiction novel to be published September 2013 by Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas. She is also the editor over the faith department for Temperance Magazine, a column writer for Whole Magazine, a contributing writer for More To Be, as well as the PR for God of Moses Entertainment. Other than writing, Tessa enjoys acting, music, Starbucks, and her Teacup Shih Tzu—who is named Brewer after a character in her book, as well as her love for coffee.

Website:  www.tessaemilyhall.com

Blog: www.christiswrite.blogspot.com

Twitter: www.twitter.com/tessaemily

Facebook: www.facebook.com/tessa.h16

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Don't miss the other stops on the tour:

Drop by the blog tour’s next stop to increase your chances of winning the Purple Moon Prize Pack!

Wednesday, September 18: Purple Moon Blog Tour Launch: The Story Behind the Story: Christ is Write

Thursday, September 19: 5 Facts about Purple Moon: Kim Vandel

Friday, September 20: Character Sketches + Character Cast Contest: Who YA Reading?

Monday, September 23: Behind the Scenes: Why I Chose Lake Lure: Words to Dreams

Tuesday, September 24: Release Day! Selena’s Diary Entry + Creative Photo Contest: Writing for Young Adults

Wednesday, September 25: Austin’s Diary Entry: Amy’s Book Blog

Thursday, September 26: Q & A: Notebook Sisters

 Friday, September 27: Purple Moon Playlist: Ashley Carr  

Monday, September 30: Purple Moon Excerpt: Wooden Swings: Heather Brice   

Tuesday, October 1: Dealing With Anxiety—The Spiritual IV: The Destiny of One  

Wednesday, October 2: Q & A: Saved by Grace

Thursday, October 3: Behind the Scenes: Name Meanings: Labor Not In Vain

Friday, October 4: Is It Okay To Be An Introvert?: Alex Inks It  

Monday, October 7: Story Behind the Cover Art: Candy Apple Books

Tuesday, October 8: Purple Moon Excerpt: Cherishing the Sunrise: Author Casey Bond

Wednesday, October 9: Q & A: Writing While the Rice Boils

Thursday, October 10: Behind the Scenes: Christian Human Videos: Writing in Wonderland  

Friday, October 11: Teenage Substance Abuse: Emily Rachelle Writes   < You are here!

Monday, October 14: Behind the Scenes: Lake Lure Academy of the Arts: Worthy 2 Read

Tuesday, October 15: My Middle & High School Experience: Hello Highlights  

Wednesday, October 16: Purple Moon Excerpt: Meatless Turkey Sandwich: Diane Estrella  

Thursday, October 17: Body Image Laurel’s Leaves

Friday, October 18: Behind the Scenes: Brewer’s Coffee: A Splash of Ink

Monday, October 21: Purple Moon Excerpt: Farkle at the Park: A Slightly Nerdy Bookworm

Tuesday, October 22: Teenage Dating: Tell The World

Wednesday, October 23: Q & A: The YA Book Stack

 Thursday, October 24: How Much of My Personal Life Did I Put Into “Purple Moon”?: Read For Your Future

Friday, October 25: Fairy Tales & Happy Endings + Contest Winners!: Inspiring Daring