Book Review: "The Ball's In Her Court" by Heather Justesen

By Nichole Giles

I have a confession. I read Heather’s books out of order. “What?” you say, “Heather Justesen only has one book on store shelves at the moment.” True. Very true. However, Heather just happens to be in my critique group. At the time we started our fab group, she’d already finished The Ball’s In Her Court. Suffice it to say, the first real taste I ever had of Heather’s incredible, romantic writing style was on the sequel to The Ball’s In Her Court. Don’t worry, though. No spoilers here!

The downside to reading books out of order, is that you often know the outcome of the first book—or at least which characters survive or end up together—before you start reading it. So, when I first opened the cover of The Ball’s In Her Court, it was with a preconceived notion of who these characters were. Boy was I ever wrong. This book had me biting my lip and clutching the edge of my seat the whole time. I had no idea all this angst and drama had come before book two! (Thanks for holding out on me, Heather.) Okay, so it’s not really a suspense, but sometimes in romance, the suspense of what will happen next is liable to destroy a woman. You romance fans probably know what I mean.

Here’s the blurb:

She's got a great job, a loving group of family and friends and basketball skills like you wouldn't believe, but Denise DeWalt's life is far from perfect, and she's about to come face-to-face with a past she hoped to leave behind forever.


Twenty-six-year-old Denise thinks she's come to terms with her childhood in the foster care system, but when her old nightmares return, Denise realizes that she must deal with her past once and for all if she ever wants to move on to a brighter future with Rich, the only man who can see past her former life. As Denise's search leads her closer and closer to the one person she hoped she'd never have to face again, she begins to realize that her future depends on just one person--herself.


This emotional and inspirational love story proves that life is full of unexpected twists and turns--especially when it comes to facing your demons, fighting for love, and finding happiness for the future.

My take:

Make sure you have a tissue handy, because when Denise DeWalt faces her demons, they’re the big, scary, ugly types that actually bite. Well, okay, so not literally in this book, but you know what I mean. This poor woman has a lot of serious issues to get through and Heather has done a fantastic job of injecting the emotional heartache and physical pain that come from a troubled childhood. Her experience in working with the foster care system in her home state shines through, and combines with her profound understanding of the angst neglected children often face to give the rest of us a small glimpse into the heart of human nature, and shows us what it takes for a young person to overcome obstacles of such massive proportion.

Not to mention her technical knowledge of the mechanics of writing is stellar.

Don’t worry, though, my romance reader friends, as I’ve previously mentioned—a few times—I would never deem to call a love story with a sad ending a romance. And this book is definitely a romance.

In fact, thanks to Heather’s innate ability to write love scenes, our critique group women have a poll going as to which love interest—in all her many books—is a better kisser. (I’m not going to tell you who is winning, though. You’re going to have to read all her books to find out!) However, in case you’re worried, all of Heather’s books are designated “Sweet Romances” meaning you there are no blush-creating scenes, or love scenes that make you want to skip a page or two. They’re completely clean, and thoroughly romantic.

Also, another bit of good news for you author addicts. Heather has another book—yes, kids, the sequel to this one, currently titled, Rebound—being released this summer. She’s on a role, I tell ya!

This book is a must read for the romance lover in your life—including and especially you. Also, keep it in mind as a wonderful holiday gift idea. Let’s face it; you can’t go wrong by giving the person you love a little touch of romance.
To order an autographed copy of The Ball’s In Her Court, limited time only, click here.

To read the first chapter of The Ball's In Her Court click here. 

To learn more about the author click here or here.

Also, be sure to check Heather's blog on or around November 11th to find out about some fun giveaways she'll be sponsoring. 

Oh, I almost forgot. In case you aren’t already sold on this book, take a look at the book trailer.

**The author of this review did, in fact, receive a free, signed copy of this book. However, it was personally handed to me by the author, not because I promised a review, but rather because she would’ve given me one anyway—just as I will give her a free copy of mine when it’s released. That’s what friends do. However, as mentioned in previous book reviews, neither my friendship with the author, nor the free book, had anything to do with the overall outcome of my review. I’ve promised my readers that I will never lie to them and give a glowing review to a book that doesn’t deserve it. And I intend to keep that promise.

Great Gift Idea, and Cool Book Trailer

Okay, since the holidays are heading toward us at full speed, I figure I'll highlight a few great books that make nice gifts for the readers in your life. Today's spotlight will fall on Altared Plans by Rebecca Talley.

Lucky day, my friend Danyelle is giving away a copy of this very book on her blog this week. Check out her blog and get signed up to win.

Also, Rebecca's having a contest here, and giving away a $20 Amazon gift card, so you might want to check it out.

Here's the trailer:



You can find Altared Plans in your local bookstore, or by clicking here.

**Author of this blog has in fact read this book, but does not actually own it, since I borrowed a friend's copy in order to do a review a few months back. As far as compensation goes, the author is always very gracious about sending thank you notes. Does that count?

Awesome Giveaway Sponsored by Custom Scents Online

By Nichole Giles

I don’t know about all of you, but my entire family has been counting down the days to the release of the movie, New Moon.  (November 20^th) Seriously, my kids are fully expecting to see it the day it’s released, and I—the responsible and ever vigilant mom—have no intention of letting them down. 

In the spirit of the oh-so-popular Twilight series, Custom Scents Online has created a line of fragrances inspired by the characters, and to celebrate the upcoming movie release, they’ve put together a giveaway program in which I just had to participate. 

Now, before I go on, I’m going to encourage you to click here and check out the yummy, Twilight inspired scents, because in just a minute, you’re going to need to know which one you hope to win. And don’t worry, because even if you don’t win, these fragrances can be ordered for a killer price. And if you think you want more than one, go right ahead. There’s one for every mood, and every occasion. Oh, and don’t forget to pick one up for your mom, your sister, your husband, and your best friend for Christmas gifts.  They have fragrances for both women and men, and are perfect for the Twilight fan in your life.

The Giveaway:

Custom Scents Online is giving away—to my readers, as well as the readers of 20 other blogs—a one dram sampler bottle of your choice of Twilight inspired fragrance. All you have to do is visit the website, then come back here and leave a comment mentioning which one you’d choose, and why you’d love to have it.  While you’re here, sneak on over to my sidebar and sign up to become a follower. (Unless you are already, in that case, once is good enough.) You have until midnight, November 11^th to enter.

Now, that's one chance to win, but even if you don’t win this one, there will be other shots. Check out my sidebar for other participating blogs where you can register to win your sample dram. And then, once all the contests have been run, one lucky commenter will be randomly drawn to win a grand prize of a full bath and body set in the scent of your choice.  Yes, that’s right a full size bath and body set. You do NOT want to miss out on this opportunity. And even if you’re commenting after November 11^th and the end of my contest, you still have until November 20^th to be entered in the grand prize drawing.

Prizes will only be shipped within the United States.

One more thing. When you leave a comment including your choice of custom scent, you’re also entering me into a drawing for bloggers—also for one of those grand prize packages. So yeah, sign me up, kids. This is one seriously awesome prize. 

Have a good month, and good luck.

Nichole

Launch Party News: "Am I Not A Man, The Dred Scott Story" by Mark L. Shurtleff

I really don't have time to be blogging today, because, well, there's a HUGE party happening tonight, and I'm invited. Actually, everyone is invited. Everyone being all those interested in being part of the cool, "it" crowd. Or just avid readers who want to meet an author who also happens to dabble in politics on the side. (He he.)

Valor publishing group sent this memo out this morning, and I can't not pass it on, so here you go.

NEWS ITEM – NEWS ITEM – NEWS ITEM – NEWS ITEM – NEWS ITEM

Mark L. Shurtleff Celebrates Release of First Book,
“Am I Not A Man, The Dred Scott Story” with National Launch Party

Dred Scott descendant, Lynne Jackson, and recording star, Alex Boye, to speak and perform at the event sponsored by the Valor Publishing Group.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Mark L. Shurtleff, Utah State Attorney General and author, will be joined by Lynne Jackson and recording artist, Alex Boye’, on Tuesday, November 3, 2009 at Barnes & Noble Booksellers in Salt Lake City’s Gateway for the national launch of his new book, Am I Not a Man; The Dred Scott Story, published by Valor Publishing Group.

Candace E. Salima, president of Valor Publishing Group, has planned several activities for the book launch party and hopes to attract a wide spectrum of new fans for Shurtleff “We are so excited for Mark and hope this becomes an opportunity for the public to know him on a different level.”

Musical tributes by the Calvary Baptist Choir of Salt Lake City will be featured, with a special performance by Alex Boye, dedicated to the memory of Dred Scott. Lynne Jackson, the great-great granddaughter of Dred Scott, will be a guest speaker at the launch party. In addition to the performances and presentations, Valor Publishing Group has commissioned baker Cindy Parvizi of CakeFlake to create two specialty cakes for the occasion.

Mark Shurtleff’s historical novel details the story of Dred Scott, a freed slave who was forced back into bondage, and his fight to regain his liberty. Scott is arguably the most important figure in the 18th century struggle for freedom from slavery. His tragic case against the U.S. Supreme Court emboldened the abolitionist movement of the time and became part of Abraham Lincoln’s presidential platform and key reference for the historical, the Emancipation Proclamation.

The national book launch and release will start at 5:30 p.m. at the Barnes & Noble Booksellers location in Salt Lake City’s Gateway open air mall. Festivities will end at 8:30 p.m.

Lynne Jackson will be available for interviews on November 3rd. Mark Shurtleff is available for interviews from October 28th to November 3rd.

Barnes & Noble Booksellers
The Gateway
6 Rio Grande Street
Salt Lake City, UT

5:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Calvary Baptist Choir
6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Mark Shurtleff signs copies of his book “Am I Not a Man? The Dred Scott Story”
7:00 p.m. to 7:05 p.m. Alex Boye’ sings “Am I Not a Man and a Brother?”
7:05 p.m. to 7:10 p.m. Connie Hall reads her winning essay “Stand Up for Freedom”
7:10 p.m. to 7:20 p.m. Lynne Jackson speaks about Dred Scott
7:20 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Mark Shurtleff reads 1st Chapter and Q&A
8:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Drawing for Grand Prize and signing of any last books

Mark Shurtleff and Lynne Jackson are available for live interviews on November 3rd. Mark Shurtleff is available for interviews on other days according to his schedule.

For more information, contact:

Candace E. Salima
Phone: 801-358-6213
Email: candace@valorpublishinggroup.com
http://www.facebook.com/l/e544a;www.valorpublishinggroup.com

Happy Halloween and Pre-NaNo Jitters

Happy Halloween, everyone! Are you dressing up? I think I am. In fact, this year, I'm dressing up as a bestselling author. No, I'm not joking. I'm serious. That's my costume.

Wait, what does a bestselling author look like? In my imagination, I guess a BSA looks like me. Maybe with glasses. Hey, I think it's totally creative. Anyway, I've decided to pretend I'm a kid and go trick-or-treating in my neighborhood. I figure I really need to stock up on chocolate for my upcoming writing sprint.

Are you ready for thirty days of literary abandon?  Get ready, NaNoWriMo starts in a few hours...

Most every participant I know is nervous, anxious, and wondering how we're ever going to force ourselves to finish this challenge. It's definitely intimidating. I'm feeling it myself.  But it's been done before, and will be done again this month by more than a hundred thousand other authors. So, people, we're not alone. This is not to mention my ever growing buddy list. In my one writer's group we've gathered twenty-three participants and counting.

I realize that the chances of all of us actually completing the 50,000 words are pretty slim, but the point is that we're starting, we're writing, and we're giving ourselves permission to write something really bad in order to later come back and turn it into something good. What a trip this is going to be.  No matter what the outcome, nothing bad has ever come from trying right?  So turn on your computers, get out your notebooks and pens, and hide your chocolate stash from the kids, because it's almost go time.

Okay, so pep talk done. Get ready, get set...wait for midnight on Halloween....don't cheat, I'm watching you...GO!

Write like your fingers are on fire!

Nichole

**If you're participating, I want to hear about your progress. Drop me a line and let me know how you're doing.

Book Review: "The Mazerunner" by James Dashner

By Nichole Giles

The blurb:

When Thomas wakes up in the lift, the only thing he can remember is his first name. He has no recollection of his parents, his home, or how he got where he is. His memory is blank. 

But he’s not alone. When the lift’s doors open, Thomas finds himself surrounded by kids who welcome him to the Glade, a large expanse enclosed by stone walls.

Just like Thomas, the Gladers don’t know why or how they got to the Glade. All they know is that every morning, for as long as anyone can remember, the stone doors to the maze that surrounds them have opened. Every night, for just as long, they’ve closed tight. Every thirty days a new boy is delivered in the lift. And no one wants to be stuck in the Maze after dark.

The Gladers were expecting Thomas’s arrival. But the next day, a girl is sent up—the first girl ever to arrive in the Glade. And more surprising yet is the message she delivers. The Gladers have always been convinced that if they can solve the maze that surrounds the Glade, they might find their way home…wherever that may be. But it’s looking more and more as if the Maze is unsolvable. 

And something about the girl’s arrival is starting to make Thomas feel different. Something is telling him that he just might have some answers—if he can only find a way to retrieve the dark secrets locked within his own mind.

My thoughts:

I’ve heard this book being compared to a lot of things. One of James’s faithful fans even coined the phrase, “modern day Lord of the Flies.” And truth be told, I’ve been looking forward to getting my hands on a copy for a long time. 

The first time I heard the concept of the Mazerunner was three or four years ago (I think) at a writers conference.  James mentioned an idea of these kids who are stuck in a maze, and everyone in the room could see the light in his eyes as he talked about it.  A palpable excitement shimmered through the air—almost a premonition of how great this idea would become.  At the time, we were all just happy to be there, learning from James’s wisdom about how to be better writers and—dare I mention it?—discussing sexual tension between Han Solo and Princess Leia.  (I know, writers are total geeks.)

But the concept remained, and in the coming years, every time I saw him, I asked about James’s maze book.  Then it happened.  I ran into him again (at another writer’s conference—because, that’s where we all convene, you know) and asked the same tired question. But this time, an enormous smile spread across his face and he looked about to burst with elation. Turns out, he didn’t just have good news. He had RANDOM HOUSE size news.  (Which, in a writer’s world, is HUGE.)

I have to be honest. I wanted to jump up and down and cheer for him—right there in the middle of the poetry dinner where we were supposed to be listening to the MC announce contest winners. But even then, even knowing his huge-New York-publishing-house news, I didn’t know how great his book would be. 

Back to the comparison with Lord of the Flies.  I have to be honest. I haven’t read the older book since junior high or high school, and though I know I read it more than once, a person can only retain so much leftover-from-high school information in her brain.  That said, I don’t remember Lord of the Flies ever being fast-paced like The Mazerunner. I liked the older book, but I know that I never read it in one or two days the way I—or better yet, my fifteen-year-old son—did.  There’s something incredible about reading a book that refuses to be put down. That was The Mazerunner for me.

Also, I’ve always loved James’s propensity for puzzles and riddles, and this book didn’t disappoint. I love the variety of characters, their different back grounds and personalities, and the unique slang the characters use. And as always, the antagonists in this book are uber creative, and the ultimate in scary.

I wonder if I could figure out how to make a Griever costume in time for Halloween?

I’d love to compare The Mazerunner to The Hunger Games, but sadly, that one’s still on my “to read” list. (Stupid Scholastic book orders that take two months and change to arrive…) Sorry.

My nitpicks:

I have to wait a whole entire year to read the next one? Noooooooooo.  (James? Really? Can’t you write a little faster? Forget 13^th Reality….ok, wait, never mind. Just write fast!)

Okay people, I’m rambling. This book is a must read, and my saying that has nothing to do with my friendship with James. (If you're a regular reader, you should already know I don't give glowing reviews unless the book truly deserves it.)

Click here to buy your copy online.

Click here to find out where James will be signing book near you.

Click here to check out the awesome Mazerunner website, where there’s a really fun, totally addicting game you can play absolutely free.

**The author of this review did NOT receive compensation of any kind as incentive for writing this review. In fact, she drove for over an hour to a certain bookstore, where she then waited in line for another 45 minutes to purchase her own copy, only to have her fifteen-year-old son wrestle it from her grasp and run away to read it first, causing her to wait several days before she could actually open the cover.

I Must Be Crazy

I've done it before. And it was worth it. totally and completely. I've never had any reason to regret the time dedicated, the agony of emotion, the physical exertion and lack of sleep, the actual insanity it takes to write a 50,000 word novel in a month.  And yet, as the end of October looms ever closer, I find I have a stomach full of fireflies--hot and fluttery all at once--and my brain screams for all the many other projects to which I could, and maybe should, be dedicating myself.

Thanksgiving is in November. It's at my house again.  There's scrubbing, and cleaning, and organizing, and shopping to do. Not to mention cooking, preparing, inviting, and planning. And don't get me started on Christmas preparations, or the serious shopping involved in that.

And I've gone and committed myself to participate in NaNoWriMo. What am I thinking?

Clearly, I'm thinking it's about time I got another novel drafted, and forget about everything else in life for a while. Oh, I'll handle the holidays and the family dramas. In fact, now that I think about it, maybe all my other stresses will become fuel for my new story. After all, life does lend the best material.

Now, lets just hope I actually find time to sleep next month.

That's right, kids. November is National Novel Writing Month, in which thousands of authors dedicate themselves to writing an entire rough draft of at least 50,000 words before December first. Some think it sounds easy, others think it's hard. Truthfully, it's a little bit of both. More hard than easy, though. And there are no guarantees that we'll actually produce good work, and most definitely, none of it will be publishable right away. But creatively, it's empowering, and inspiring, and then we get to say we did it.

I think maybe that's the best part. Being able to say you did it.

So if you're a writer, and you want to jump on an author-wagon with other writers, join us! Sign up for NaNoWriMo and come be my writing buddy. Username: NicholeGiles. Now, let's get writing!

On a different subject, I was remiss in mentioning a few other author events/signings.  Tuesday, October 27th at 7:00, James Dashner will be signing The Mazerunner at Deseret Book in Orem. (The big distribution center one, not the one in the mall.) And because he is also the author of The 13th Reality series, I'm pretty sure he'll sign those too.

Also, on November 3rd, Valor Publishing will join Mark L. Shurtleff, the Utah State Attorney General, in launching his book Am I Not A Man? The Dred Scott Story.  This is a big deal.  Not only will Mark be there selling and signing his books, but Dred Scott's great-great granddaughter will take a few minutes to speak. Also Connie Hall, winner of the Cry for Freedom contest held by Valor last month, will be reading her winning entry. Musical entertainment and refreshments are provided. This is a MUST ATTEND! It's going to be way, way fun, and a truly memorable occasion. And if you don't want to see Mark or any of the other amazing authors I hear are attending, you can always come just to see me. 

6:00-8:00 P.M.
November 3rd
Barnes & Noble Booksellers
The Gateway
6 North Rio Grande Street
Salt Lake City, UT 84101
(801) 456-0100

Okay, what else? Oh, Halloween is on Saturday. Have a safe, memorable, fun day, and if you're dressing up as something cool, I want to know about it. Me? Well, considering what November is looking like, sounds like I'm dressing up as an author. Imagine that.

Until next time, write on!

Nichole