Utah Author Events - August 27 - September 1, 2012

Because I feel like shouting this information from the top of Timpanogos Mountain  -   THE KINGS ENGLISH BOOKSHOP WILL HAVE   MAGGIE STIEFVATER   IN OCTOBER FOR THE RELEASE OF RAVEN BOYS!   Yes, I am a little excited about that. ;-)   ******       *****   Aug 29 2012 7:00 pm  @ Salt Lake City Library Downtown Sponsored by The Kings English Bookshop   James Dashner, Jennifer Nielsen and Mathew Kirby   James Dashner's A Mutiny in Time, Book 1 in the new Infinity Ring series. The seven-book series will follow best friends Dak Smyth and Sera Froste as they travel back in time with Riq, a teenage Hystorian-in-training. On each trip they will help save history from falling prey to the evil SQ.


Infinity Ring is a multiplatform, time travel, action adventure book series. The epic begins with this book! Join the quest to save history, and use your Hystorian's Guide to play the online game on the website or with the mobile app.

Pre-order a signed copy today by either calling the store at 801-484-9100 or ordering online. Be sure to specify if you'd like your book personalized and to whom.

(Pre-order your book to reserve a limited-edition Infinity Ring poster signed by James Dashner.)

LATE BREAKING NEWS! JAMES WILL BE JOINED BY JENNIFER NIELSEN AND MATTHEW KIRBY FOR THIS EXCITING LAUNCH!
BOTH OF THESE LOCAL FAVORITES ARE AUTHORING BOOKS IN THE INFINITY RING SERIES TOO

*****  

L♥ving What I'm Reading - Mayfair Moon

After a nightmarish encounter with a werewolf, seventeen-year-old Adria Dawson loses her sister, but gains the love of a mysterious young man and his legendary family.


Strange and tragic things begin to happen in the small town of Hallowell, Maine: residents come down with an unexplainable 'illness' and some disappear. In the midst of everything, Isaac Mayfair is adamant about keeping Adria safe, even from her sister whom he has warned her to stay away from.

As unspeakable secrets unfold all around Adria, impossible choices become hers to bear. Ultimately, no matter what path she takes, her life and the lives of those she loves will be in peril. As she learns about the werewolf world she also learns why her place in it will change the destinies of many.

   Buy The Mayfair Moon for your Kindle (2.99) and in Print (11.99)
      Right now author J.A. Redmerski is having a great contest on her blog to win the following:   1 – Sterling Silver Mayfair Moonstone Necklace (click to view)
1 – Signed Paperback Copy of THE MAYFAIR MOON
1 – Signed Paperback Copy of KINDRED
1 – Signed Paperback Copy of THE BALLAD OF ARAMEI
Your Choice of Kindle or Nook Copies of All Three Books
A Secret ‘Grab Bag’ of Kindle or Nook Donated Books

Head on over to J.A. Redmerski's  blog to learn more about her and enter the contest to win these great prizes.

 

Utah Book Month - Blogger Interview - JESSICA @ The Bluestocking Society

    I am so excited to interview Jessca from the book blog Blue Stocking Society for the Utah Book Month celebration.   *****   1. What inspired you to help start Utah Book Month?

I’ve been involved with the Utah book blog community for years – even attending the first Utah blogger event in early 2009. And I loved the idea of Utah Author Month, when Natasha first mentioned it on her blog. Unfortunately, Natasha didn’t have the time to get it going. Then, earlier this year, Suey of It’s All About Books and I had several discussions about the best ways to foster the Utah book community. At the same time, she was having similar conversations with Emily of Emily’s Reading Room, Penelope of The Reading Fever, and Enna from Squeaky Books. So, we all got together for a couple of brainstorming questions (first online via Google docs and then in person) and came up with Utah Book Month. Utah Book Month has been even better than we even imagined, because of all of the great Utah authors and book bloggers who are participating.

2. How do you find time to read and blog?

It’s not always easy. I work part-time as an attorney and stay home with my two-year-old, in addition to all of life’s other responsibilities. But I always have a book with me, usually several. I have books on my phone, on my Kindle, and in actual printed form. And so I read whenever I have a spare moment. I also squeeze in a few extra books a month by listening to audio books in the car.



3. Do you have any other hobbies besides reading and blogging?

Um, does buying books count? Other than bookish things, I like to play the piano and organize – whether it be my book collection (a definite work in progress), an event, or pieces of family history.



4. What was your favorite childhood book (the book that made you fall in love with reading)?

There are three, really: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, by Roald Dahl, James and the Giant Peach, by Roald Dahl, and Charlotte’s Web, by E.B. White. I had always been a reader (and a voracious one at that), but I like to think I fell in love with reading when I received all three of these books in hardback for my seventh birthday. I think it was then that I realized that books can be treasures. I still have all three (rather worn) copies of those books.

 

5. Favorite book you have read as an adult?

So not a fair question. But if forced to choose just one, I think I may safely say The Book Thief. It’s a lovely, beautiful, aching book.

6. Favorite Utah Author? Book?

Again, not fair. But I’ll try. I loved Shannon Hale’s books before I even knew she was a local author. More recently discovered Utah favorites are Sara Zarr and Terry Tempest Williams. My favorite books of those three are respectively, The Goose Girl, Once was Lost, and When Women Were Birds.

7. I noticed that you read a wide range of genres (from Charlotte's Web to 50 Shades of Grey). Do you read what you want or generally try to stick within specific genres?

I kind of wander wherever I will when it comes to reading. There are some restrictions, of course. I belong to two book clubs, so that is two mandated books a month right there, plus there are review books and the like. But when left up to my own devices, I generally read whatever looks good at the moment. I buy a lot of books (and I have a Kindle), so I always have a wide variety to choose from, even in the middle of the night.

8. Why did you start blogging?

I started a personal blog in June 2007 that covered various topics. But I found that I wanted to write more and more about books and engage more in the book blog community, so I started The Bluestocking Society in January 2008. I have had ups and downs with blogging, but I don’t foresee a time when I quit interacting with other book lovers online.

 

9. Favorite music? TV show? Time of year?

Sadly, I’m not much of a music person these days, especially since I started listening to audio books in the car. But I am excited for new albums coming out by The Killers and Dave Matthews Band.

My favorite TV show of all time is the Gilmore Girls. My favorite show on the air right now is Project Runway. And probably my favorite show that is currently running is Mad Men.

My favorite time of year, hands down, is fall. I love me some pumpkins.

10. Favorite place to read?

Oh, anywhere will do, but I do love to read in bed.

11. If you could travel anywhere in the world where would you go?

London is at the top of the list at the moment. I want to see all of the bookish places I’ve read about my whole life.

 

  ******   Thanks for stopping by Jessica, it was fun to get to know you. :) You can learn more about Jessica on her blog, twitter and goodreads.   Reminder: Tonight is the Utah Book Bash, more information about the party can be found  @ Bluestocking Society.  

L♥ving What I'm Reading - Cinderella Style

     

He’ll teach her the art of seduction…for a price.
  Mixed martial arts fighter Reid Andrews’s chance to reclaim his title as light heavyweight champ is shattered when he’s injured only months before the rematch. To make sure he’s healed in time, his trainer sends him to recuperate under a professional’s care—Reid’s best friend’s little sister, all grown up.
  Disorganized and bookish Lucie Miller needs some professional help of her own. She’d do anything to catch the eye of a doctor she’s crushed on for years, so when Reid offers seduction lessons in exchange for 24/7 conditioning for the biggest fight of his career, Lucie jumps at the chance.
  Soon Reid finds himself in the fight of his life…winning Lucie’s heart before she gives it to someone else.

I'm @ It's All About Books Today

  Today I had the opportunity to participate in an interview over at Suey's book blog - IT'S ALL ABOUT BOOKS for Utah Book Month. Head on over to Suey's blog to get to know me better and discover her great blog - It's All About Books.    

Conjure Cover Reveal and Contest

 

Be careful what you search for…

Emma Guthrie expects this summer to be like any other in the South Carolina Lowcountry--hot and steamy with plenty of beach time alongside her best friend and secret crush, Cooper Beaumont, and Emma’s ever-present twin brother, Jack. But then a mysterious eighteenth-century message in a bottle surfaces, revealing a hidden pirate bounty. Lured by the adventure, the trio discovers the treasure and unwittingly unleashes an ancient Gullah curse that attacks Jack with the wicked flesh-eating Creep and promises to steal Cooper’s soul on his approaching sixteenth birthday.

When a strange girl appears, bent on revenge; demon dogs become a threat; and Jack turns into a walking skeleton; Emma has no choice but to learn hoodoo magic to undo the hex, all before summer—and her friends--are lost forever.

  CONJURE on Goodreads:

Lea's website

Lea on Twitter     CODE: a Rafflecopter giveaway
          

Utah Author Events August 16-25 2012

  *****   Charity Shumway, Aug 16 2012 7:00 pm @ Kings English SLC   Utah native Charity Shumway will read from and sign her new novel, Ten Girls to Watch.   Based on some of Shumway's life experiences working at Glamour magazine, and bringing to life the stories of many of the women profiled by Glamour for a feature of theirs, Ten Girls to Watch is a fun and engaging debut novel about the trials and pitfalls young women encounter in their early adulthoods starring the lovely young woman, Dawn.    

Like so many other recent graduates, Dawn West is trying to make her way in New York City. She’s got an ex-boyfriend she can’t quite stop seeing, a roommate who views rent checks and basic hygiene as optional, and a writing career that’s gotten as far as penning an online lawn care advice column.

So when Dawn lands a job tracking down the past winners of Charm magazine’s “Ten Girls to Watch” contest, she’s thrilled. After all, she’s being paid to interview hundreds of fascinating women: once outstanding college students, they have gone on to become mayors, opera singers, and air force pilots. As Dawn gets to know their life stories, she’ll discover that success, love, and friendship can be found in the most unexpected of places. Most importantly, she’ll learn that while those who came before us can be role models, ultimately, we each have to create our own happy ending.

**** James Dashner Friday, August 17, 7 p.m. @ Kings Egnlish SLC   New York Times bestselling author James Dashner will read from and sign his new book, The Kill Order.   After the publication of The Death Cure last fall, Dashner's fans may have thought that the Maze Runner Trilogy was concluded. But Dashner has surprised us all by writing the prequel to his young-adult dystopian thriller series. The Kill Order will take us back to the very beginning of Dashner's dystopian world where a plaguing virus, called The Flare, first begins to take over the mental health of humanity.   Pre-order a signed copy today by either calling the store at 801-484-9100 or ordering online. Be sure to specify if you'd like your book personalized and to whom.    

The prequel to the New York Times bestselling Maze Runner series.
  Before WICKED was formed, before the Glade was built, before Thomas entered the Maze, sun flares hit the earth and mankind fell to disease.
  Mark and Trina were there when it happened, and they survived. But surviving the sun flares was easy compared to what came next.
  Now a disease of rage and lunacy races across the eastern United States, and there’s something suspicious about its origin. Worse yet, it’s mutating, and all evidence suggests that it will bring humanity to its knees.
  Mark and Trina are convinced there’s a way to save those left living from descending into madness. And they’re determined to find it—if they can stay alive. Because in this new, devastated world, every life has a price. And to some, you’re worth more dead than alive.

*****   Shannon Hale, Aug 21 2012 7:00 pm @ Kings English SLC   She's done it again!   Join us as we welcome Shannon Hale back to The King's English in celebration of her new book, Palace of Stone, sequel to The Princess Academy. Shannon will speak and take questions from the audience before signing copies of her books. Signing-line tickets will be distributed on a first-come-first-serve basis when the doors open at 6:30 pm.   Pre-order your signed copy today.    

Coming down from the mountain to a new life in the city is a thrill to Miri. She and her princess academy friends have been brought to Asland to help the future princess Britta prepare for her wedding.There, Miri also has a chance to attend school-at the Queen's Castle. But as Miri befriends students who seem sophisticated and exciting she also learns that they have some frightening plans. Torn between loyalty to the princess and her new friends' ideas, between an old love and a new crush, and between her small mountain home and the bustling city, Miri looks to find her own way in this new place.   Picking up where Princess Academy left off, and celebrating the joys of friendship, romance and the fate of fairy tale kingdoms, this new book delivers the completely delightful new story that fans have been waiting for.

*****    

*information used with permission from The Kings English Bookstore

   

A New Computer and What I Am Reading

This summer my computer died a painful death. Finally I have a new computer and can start blogging again. The whole blogging at the library thing did not work for me so I am excited to get going again!        

"Together we lifted our feet and stepped into the unknown"—the thrilling sequel to the New York Times bestseller A Discovery of Witches


Deborah Harkness exploded onto the literary scene with her debut novel, A Discovery of Witches, Book One of the magical All Souls Trilogy and an international publishing phenomenon. The novel introduced Diana Bishop, Oxford scholar and reluctant witch, and the handsome geneticist and vampire Matthew Clairmont; together they found themselves at the center of a supernatural battle over an enchanted manuscript known as Ashmole 782.

Now, picking up from A Discovery of Witches’ cliffhanger ending, Shadow of Night plunges Diana and Matthew into Elizabethan London, a world of spies, subterfuge, and a coterie of Matthew’s old friends, the mysterious School of Night that includes Christopher Marlowe and Walter Raleigh. Here, Diana must locate a witch to tutor her in magic, Matthew is forced to confront a past he thought he had put to rest, and the mystery of Ashmole 782 deepens.

What are you reading and loving?