Saturday 11 July 2015

BOOK BLITZ - CORNER OF THE OCEAN AND BAY BY GINA AZZI

Title: Corner of Ocean and Bay 
Author: Gina Azzi 
Genres: Contemporary, Young Adult
Publication date: June 15th 2015 

BLURB supplied by Xpresso Book Tours
Nessa Moore has sought reliable stability since her father’s death. Now, she’s over it. Tired of always being the mature adult, constantly worrying about her alcoholic mother, stressing about being able to afford college, she wants to have one normal, carefree, fun summer. And be more like her best friend Jacie.
Jacie Hayes is struggling to overcome the recent breakup with her first love. The one that ripped out her heart and left her devastated. Frustrated and bored with her own self pity, Jacie wants nothing more than to forget about Dylan, to go back to her old ways, her old self. To be the fun loving, live-in-the-moment girl who gossips about boys and sips mojitos.
Best friends since childhood, Nessa and Jacie have been through all their ups and downs together. No matter what. Now, the summer before their senior year of high school, they accept an invitation from Jacie’s aunt to join her in Lockwood Quay, New Jersey, a summer beach getaway.
Determined to make this their best, most memorable, summer yet, both girls push their own boundaries, accept new challenges, and find themselves keeping secrets from each other.
But sometimes, stepping out of your comfort zone has consequences.
And some secrets can’t be forgiven.
Or forgotten.


PURCHASE LINKS

ABOUT THE AUTHOR 

Gina Azzi spent all of her childhood summers at the beach in New Jersey - it was magical! Gina is a passionate reader, frequent globetrotter, and coffee enthusiast. She currently resides in Dubai with her husband, Tony.

Gina loves meeting new people and would love to hear from you! Get in touch with her at:

AUTHOR LINKS

EXCERPT

When I give myself the once over in the mirror, I notice the high flush in my cheeks. I’m nervous, excited. The last time I had this look, Dylan was taking me to dinner for our one-year anniversary. I was so excited for that dinner that I changed my dress four times. Finally, my mother had convinced me to stay in my first choice.

            Is tonight a date?

            At nine fifteen, I enter The Tackle Box, relieved that I left home before Aunt B came back from her card game. Or was it bingo? It would be tough to explain where I was going without Nessa tagging along. The Tackle Box is dark and smoky.  Small lanterns flicker every few feet. There is a guy and girl duo on a small stage in the corner, playing guitar and singing. The booths have high backs, allowing customers privacy while they eat.  I scan the restaurant, looking for Dave. It’s difficult to see anyone clearly with the high, closed-off booths. Dave must have spotted me though because I see him as he stands up and starts waving at me.

            “Hey,” I say, kissing his cheek in greeting.
            “Thought you stood me up,” he jokes. So, this is a date.
            “Never. I just had to be fashionably late.”
            He laughs. “You’re so refreshing, Jacie.”
            I think I beam at him. Ugh, stop cheesing so hard.
            When I sit across from Dave in the booth, I notice he has already ordered drinks, a beer for him and a mojito for me. I raise my eyebrows at him and he winks back. Well, I’ve never been known to turn down a drink.
            “Cheers,” I say, raising my glass to him.
            “Bottoms up.”



Ten Things I Wish Someone Told Me 
Before I Wrote a Novel

Thank you so much for inviting me to share on your blog! I’m Gina Azzi and I recently self-published my first novel Corner of Ocean and Bay.

Here are ten things I wish someone told me before I wrote a novel:

It’s OK not to have all the answers. They’ll come to you in time.
Your best ideas come from the most unlikely places – and in very surprising moments.
Honest friends are more important than friends who don’t want to hurt your feelings.
Have several people read your book – before you send it to the editor.
The cover is incredibly important.  Yes, people do judge a book by its cover – it’s true!
You don’t have to accept every suggestion someone offers on how to improve your novel – the ultimate decision to accept or reject a change is yours. But you should always listen first.
Be open and receptive to criticism – you’re characters may grow a bit more, your ideas may develop, etc. – if you are open to understanding the perspectives of others.
Some days, the writing will not come. And it’s ok. (Other days, it will flow. These days are awesome!).
Your characters are not you. Or your friends. Allow them to form their own identities.
Have fun – and enjoy the process! It’s amazing how much you will learn and grow and develop.

Happy writing!




***GIVEAWAY***
This is an International Blitz wide Giveaway
The Prize?
$50 Amazon Gift Card





1 comment:

  1. Corner of the Ocean and Bay sounds like a good read. I would enjoy reading this book. Thank you

    ReplyDelete