Saturday, 28 June 2014

PROMOTIONAL SPOTLIGHT - THE ISLAND SERIES BY JEN MINKMAN


The complete Island series
Regular price $4.99 - only $2.99 this weekend!


Some of you may have already read my dystopian books The Island, The Waves, and The Deep, but just in case you haven't... here is your chance to snap up a copy of the entire series for $2.99 this weekend! These three books normally add up to $5.99. The omnibus is available for $2.99 as a special price this weekend on Amazon, B&N, Kobo, iTunes, and Google Play.

All three books of the Island series in one volume – The Island Trilogy is the perfect young adult dystopian read if you are looking for something different than usual!

From the isolated island of Tresco to the wild moors of Dartmoor, this far-reaching tale of lost children, strange belief systems and shattered societies will make you wonder about our own culture, today’s world, and our place in it. How much of that world do we take for granted without asking why things are the way they are?


Amazon UK £1.81
Amazon US $2.99


Included in this collection are:

THE ISLAND - On one side of the Island’s great Wall, children must abandon their parents and fend for themselves from the age of ten. Leia is used to it — but she’s always been curious about what lies beyond. Then she meets Walt, a young man from the other side of the Wall, where the Fools live...

THE WAVES – Walt lives in Hope Harbor, a pious town inhabited by people who patiently waits for the Goddess to come to the Island one day. She will take them away and save them. Or will she? When Walt’s best friend and future leader of Hope Harbor is silenced when he questions the religion of old, Walt sets out and discovers the shocking truth about the island they live on and the people beyond the Wall.

THE DEEP – Leia and Walt sail away to the legendary world of Cornwall. They’ve been told that all wars of the past have been forgotten and the people there live in peace, adhering to the tenets of an old religion that preaches forgiveness and non-violence. However, on a trip to Exeter, the ancient city of their ancestors, they discover more about the new world than they ever bargained for.


What can I say about THE ISLAND SERIES?

Firstly I was super - lucky enough to be contacted early on in the series by the Author and have read each book in this series prior to their release. I have enjoyed them from beginning to end. 

And now About The Series I can say:

I’d say this series is more in a quirky dystopian genre than a straight dystopian. The roots of the plot are well thought out, and Book 1 sets the sturdy foundations for more to come.  In Book 1 we learnt about the manor house side of the dividing wall. In Book 2 we learn about the other side of the dividing wall, Hope Habor and it’s residents. This instalment entices the reader with the notions of what is really on the other side of the water. In Book 3 we go on the journey to the other side of the water, and discover what and who is there. There's an amazing twist at the end that points to the possibilities lots more to come and I do really hope that Jen continues to write about these characters, their relationships and their trials and tribulations. Upon completing this series I felt myself yearning for even more. . . 


This is what other reviewers said about the series:

"A simple, fluid way of writing... The foundation the author gives to her characters and the society they are part of is very inventive and visual." Jennifer Murgia, author of the Angel Star series

"Her characters are full of the vitality of youth, the yearning for a life that feels right and the desire to overcome the fears and prejudices of the unknown, while making the unknown become another tool to learning. Sometimes dark, but always entertaining and thought provoking, Jen Minkman’s world has become a favorite of mine." Dii, Top 500 reviewer on Amazon

"This is a lovely read full of whimsical ideas and interesting concepts.(...) there are unlikely heroes, and themes of sorrow, hope and redemption from places you wouldn't expect. This author always has a surprise or two up her sleeve when you don't see it coming." Ionia Martin, Top 500 Reviewer on Amazon.

Don't forget to purchase the box set whilst it's on Special Offer now!



PROMOTION & INTERVIEW - HITTING FEAR HEAD ON BY BIFF & LAURIE BOGGS

Title: Hitting Fear Head On, Light, Love and Fee is the Key
Authors: Biff & Laurie Boggs

BLURB from Goodreads
A parent has no greater fear than the loss of a child. What if you knew with chilling certainty that your child was going to die, but did not know exactly how or when? What if you survived the accident that killed your child? These questions come to life on these pages.

"Laurie Boggs has been wounded by the darkness and redeemed by the light. What she has been through, and what she learned, is a message of inspiration and hope for everyone. She turned tragedy into its opposite -- not just for herself, but for anyone who reads her story."

AUTHOR INTERVIEW


What is your name, where were you born and where do you live now?
Laurie & Biff Boggs, Laurie was born in Salt Lake City, UT & Biff was born in Washington, PA. The Boggs’ both reside in rural Middleton, ID.

Did you always want to be a writer? If not what did you want to be?
No, we did not want to be writers. Laurie wanted to be a mother and her heartfelt tug has always been to be a school teacher. Biff also wanted to be a school teacher.

Did it take a long time to get your first book published?
It took us 14 years to write Hitting Fear Head On.  We barely survived a head on collision which took years of healings. Our journey became our book.

Do you work another job as well as your writing work?
Laurie has been on disability since the wreck. Since Laurie had severe brain trauma, her motor skills are challenged. She would write when she was able. While Biff would come home from a long day at work, prepared to reread and rewrite the manuscript.

What is the name of your latest book, and if you had to summarise it in less than 20 words what would you say? 
Hitting Fear Head On, The Key is Light, Love & Free.                                 

Who is your publisher? or do you self publish?
We self published under our company, White Whispers Publishing, Inc.  

Which of your books were easier/harder to write than the others? 
Hitting Fear Head On was much more time consuming and harder. 18 Stepping Stones to Transforming Grief was much easier. It is a how to book, so it wasn’t as complicated.

Do you have plans for a new book? Is this book part of a series? What genre would you place your books into? 
Spirituality, Grief, Self Help, Memoir.

How long have you been writing?, and who or what inspired you to write? 
We would not call ourselves writers…however; the universe had an alternative plan.  On the edge of death, we found out our only child, Preston had passed. Our beloved son came into this world after seven years of infertility, many miscarriages and surgeries. He was a miracle! We knew we had to keep on living to keep his memory alive. We found out relationships do not end when one passes over. There is more to tragedy than what it appears. We were awe-struck by the wondrous and ongoing messages from Preston. This transformed the grief into unexpected miracles showing us that love never dies.  

How do you come up with the Title and Cover Designs for your book/books?Who designed the Cover of your books? 
Hitting Fear Head On was a chapter title in the early stages of writing the book. After Stephen Simon, endorsed the book, he suggested I switch the chapter title to the main title.  Judy Jewell is a good friend and an artist.  She posted a picture on facebook that she created of a broken windshield. I immediately asked her if I could use the picture. Judy joined the project and did a beautiful job. 

Do you choose a title first, or write the book then choose the title?
We had a title but changed it after the manuscript was complete.
What piece of advice would you give to a new writer? Don’t give your power away to agents, editors or marketers.

Do you or would you ever use a pen name?
We don’t use a pen names, however we would use one if we wanted to retain our privacy.


If you could invite three favourite writers to dinner, who would you invite and enjoy chatting with? 
Marianne Williams, Eckhart Tolle, & Wayne Dyer  

CAN I TELL YOU ABOUT AUTISM - CAN I TELL YOU ABOUT . . . BY JUDE WELTON

Have you ever been in the supermarket, shops or even a park and seen a young child "being naught" being "extra boisterous" or just plain "acting out"?
I bet you've probably thought to yourself "For goodness sake can't the parents control that child!"
Or maybe you've smiled and spoken to a young child who has not answered and then started misbehaving, and then thought can't his/her parent teach him/her some manners?
Or maybe you walk past some children playing and notice one child playing alone but close to the children and wonder why that child doesn't join in with the other children?

Well I know I have thought these things on more than one occasion! After reading the book featured in this post I know I will not jump to such quick and perhaps harsh conclusions.

The book I'm talking about is. . . . . 


Title: Can I Tell You About Autism
Series: Can I Tell You About . . .Series
Author: Jude Welton
Illustrator: Jane Telford
Release Date: 21st April 2014

BLURB from Goodreads
Meet Tom - a young boy with autism. Tom invites readers to learn about autism from his perspective, helping them to understand what it is and explaining the challenges he faces with issues such as social communication, sensory overload and changes in his routine. Tom tells readers about all the ways he can be helped and supported by those around him. This beautifully-illustrated book is ideally suited for readers aged 7 and upwards, and will be an excellent way to increase understanding about autism, in the classroom or at home. It also includes clear, useful information for parents and professionals.


INITIAL THOUGHTS
So what am I expecting from this book? I think it will be telling me what Autism is and how children that have autism react to social situations, and things like going to school.

MY REVIEW
I came across this e-galley one day whilst browsing on Netgalley. As I have a friend whose youngest son has Autism. I wanted to read the book to understand what my friend and her son were going through. Perhaps I could be more supportive to her after reading this book. Luckily I was accepted for an e-galley.
The book is presented in two parts. The first part is told from the point of view of Tom. Tom is a young boy who has autism and through the first half of the book he tells us, how autism affects him and his daily life. Tom tells us, the reader how he copes with Autism, and how he feels in certain situations. 
This first section of the book is supposed to be aimed at children but to be honest I felt I learnt a lot from being told through the point of view of a child with Autism. 
The second half of the book is aimed at carers, parents and professionals. So it suggests ways to cope and prevent outbursts/tantrums with forward planning and preparation.
There are also address and links for various organisations that give help and advice.
This Can I Tell You About Autism is from the Can I Tell You About . . . . Series and they have other titles available too for conditions such as dementia and Aspergers.
I think this book series should be in schools to help children (and the adults) to understand the different conditions and how to help people with them.
This book explains Autism really well in a friendly sort of way,that is non preachy that is jargon free. It simplifies a complex condition so the reader can understand what and how they can help.

Friday, 27 June 2014

COVER REVEAL - GONE BY ANNA BLOOM

Title: Gone
Author: Anna Bloom
Genre: Mature YA (intended for readers ages 16-19)
Publication: July 28th, 2014

BLURB supplied by Good Choice Reading
Rebecca Walters harbours a dark secret, and as the fifty-three bangles she wears on her wrists as a self-imposed sentence of guilt remind her, she can’t even begin to consider moving on. Not after what happened on that night six months ago… a night which she can’t remember and yet managed to change her life forever.

When Rebecca comes across Joshua Adams, man equally haunted by past tragedies, on a moonlit beach, both of their lives are destined to change forever, and when the girl made out of the sun meets the boy made out of the moon and sea, anything can happen… but will the knowledge of their murky pasts bring them together or drive them apart?

Will Rebecca finally be able to claim her freedom? Will she stay and fight to be the girl she found on the sandy beaches of Cornwall or is she destined to keep running and hiding from a past that won’t stay Gone? One thing’s for certain: either way, nothing will ever be the same again.




ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Anna Bloom is a contemporary romance writer who writes about life as it happens. Combining a busy schedule of looking after two small children whilst working in a local school and completing The Uni Files series she also spends a lot of time imagining kissing hot guys – all in the name of her art.



***GIVEAWAY***

a Rafflecopter giveaway


SERIES PROMOTION & REVIEW - THE ISLAND SERIES BY JEN MINKMAN

Title: The Deep
Series: The Island
Author: Jen Minkman
Release Date: 3rd June 2014

BLURB from Goodreads
‘The world is never-ending.
I never realized just how much space there is – how far and wide the water around our island stretches out. Somewhere in the back of my mind, I may have believed that a second Wall ran around Tresco, containing the infinite waters so we wouldn’t all wash over the edge and plummet down into the depths.’

Leia and Walt are on their way to the Other Side, where the legendary land of Cornwall awaits them. Tony, their new friend, has told them that all wars of the past have been forgotten and the citizens of Bodmin and Dartmoor live in peace. People adhere to the tenets of an old religion that preaches forgiveness and non-violence.
However, Walt and Leia soon discover that even a peace-loving, ideal society like this one may have its flaws. While on a forbidden trip to Exeter, the old city of their ancestors, the two Islanders discover more about the new world than they ever bargained for.

Secrets run dark and passions run deep in this thrilling conclusion to the Island novella series.


REST OF THE SERIES

Title: The Island
Series: The Island
Author: Jen Minkman
Release Date: 1st June 2013

BLURB from Goodreads
I walk toward the sea. The endless surface of the water extends to the horizon, whichever way I look.

Our world is small. We are on our own, and we only have ourselves to depend on. We rely on the Force deep within us, as taught to us by our forefathers.

If I were to walk westward from here, I would come across a barrier – the Wall. Behind it, there are Fools. At least, that’s what everyone says.

I have never seen one.


Leia lives on the Island, a world in which children leave their parents to take care of themselves when they are ten years old. Across this Island runs a wall that no one has ever crossed. The Fools living behind it are not amenable to reason – they believe in illusions. That’s what The Book says, the only thing left to the Eastern Islanders by their ancestors.

But when a strange man washes ashore and Leia meets a Fool face to face, her life will never be the same. Is what she and her friends believe about the Island really true?

Or is everyone in their world, in fact, a Fool?


Goodreads Link
Link to my review



Title: The Waves
Series: The Island
Author: Jen Minkman
Release Date: 4th October 2013

BLURB from Goodreads
The first memory I have of my grandfather is of a moment that we share together.
I’m sitting on his knee looking out over the harbor. Grandpa is smoking a pipe. He points at the horizon. “Look, Walt. Our ships are out there. And one day, another even more beautiful ship will appear at the horizon. A mighty ship to take us all away. And Annabelle will be at the front deck with open arms, inviting us all to join her on board.”
“Why don’t we sail to her ourselves?” I want to know.
“Because she promised she would come,” granddad replies. “And in that promise we trust. It’s only the Unbelievers who think they can do everything themselves. They have no faith in the Goddess.”


Walt lives in Hope Harbor, an island community that has put its trust in salvation from across the sea. The townspeople wait patiently, build their ships to sail out and welcome the Goddess, and piously visit the temple every week. Horror stories to scare their children are told about the Unbelievers on the other side of Tresco. 
But not all is what it seems. Walt has questions that no one can answer, and when his best friend and cousin Yorrick is killed in an accident, he digs deeper to find out the truth about the origins of Hope Harbor’s society… and the secrets of the temple.


Goodreads Link
Link to my review


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jen Minkman (1978) was born in Holland, in the town of Alphen aan den Rijn. When she was 19, she moved between The Hague, Salzburg (Austria), Brussels (Belgium) and Cambridge (UK) to complete her studies in intercultural communication. She is currently a teacher of English and Dutch at a secondary school in The Hague, Holland. She tries to read at least 100 books a year (and write a few, too!). She is a published author in her own country, and translates her own books from Dutch into English for self-publication.
In her spare time, she plays the piano, the guitar and the violin. For every novel she writes, she creates a soundtrack. 

'I have always been drawn to writing. My first book was a sci-fi novel at the age of eight, which I painstakingly typed out on my dad's typewriter and illustrated myself. Nowadays, I stick to poetry, paranormal romance, chicklit and/or fantasy. In my home country, I am the first-ever published writer of paranormal romance, and I will gradually make my books also available in English (seeing I have to re-write and translate the books myself, this will take some time!).



MY REVIEW

Title: The Deep
Series: The Island
Author: Jen Minkman
Release Date: 3rd June 2014

BLURB from Goodreads
‘The world is never-ending.
I never realized just how much space there is – how far and wide the water around our island stretches out. Somewhere in the back of my mind, I may have believed that a second Wall ran around Tresco, containing the infinite waters so we wouldn’t all wash over the edge and plummet down into the depths.’

Leia and Walt are on their way to the Other Side, where the legendary land of Cornwall awaits them. Tony, their new friend, has told them that all wars of the past have been forgotten and the citizens of Bodmin and Dartmoor live in peace. People adhere to the tenets of an old religion that preaches forgiveness and non-violence.
However, Walt and Leia soon discover that even a peace-loving, ideal society like this one may have its flaws. While on a forbidden trip to Exeter, the old city of their ancestors, the two Islanders discover more about the new world than they ever bargained for.

Secrets run dark and passions run deep in this thrilling conclusion to the Island novella series.


INITIAL THOUGHTS
I was looking forward to this book after reading book two. The only hesitation I had was would it have lots of references to the "Star Wars-ish" theme that was featured a lot in book one The Island.

MY REVIEW
I received an e-copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I really like the cover of this book, it depicts a scene featured in the book. It's Alisa holding the treasured shawl that her now dead fiancé, Yorrick gave her. I like the whole set of covers of this series. I love how the sea is a common theme throughout the covers. I imagine that paperbacks of this series would look really great on a shelf together!
This book quite literally picks up as book two, The Waves left off. There are still two groups in the book, two stories running together. There's those with the pioneer attitude on board the ship travelling the waves. Then there are those who have stayed behind on the Island.
So on board the ship, we have Walt and Leia. there relationship growing ever more close and intense. At the Island, we have Ben trying to settle with the Hope Harbour people. Saul is still on the other side of the Island, living apart from everyone but the exiled priests from Hope Harbour. Alisa is making herself useful and ends up assisting the Hope Harbour Bookkeeper. In fact Alisa adopts the special job of delivering letters back and forth between the two communities, and The Bookkeeper and The Eldest. She also keeps the line of communication open between Ben and Saul. In fact there's kind of a budding relationship going on there, but which brother will Alisa ultimately choose? 
Those on board the ship eventually reach land and meet people from "the otherside of the water".
There are "Star War-ish" references but they are kept to a minimum and are certainly relevant when used. 
The ship finally reaches land and they meet "people from the other-side of the water". The first community they go into does initially seem really friendly and peaceful until they witness an injection being given to a "trouble causer". So what at first seems friendly and really welcoming, rapidly becomes sinister and highly dangerous. The lands around the small communities are blackened, dead and apparently poisonous to the settlers. Even a beautiful cathedral is off limits, and just the place that Walt and Leia want to go. they make a decision to sneak out, and take the risk of becoming sick. They think they have survived the trip unscathed until they are taken prisoner to be experimented on to find a cure for the radiation sickness.
I can't say anymore as I feel I have given away more than enough to whet your appetites, and I have to leave somethings for you to discover yourselves. 
There's an amazing twist at the end that points to lots more to come and I do really hope that Jen continues to write about these characters, their relationships and their trials and tribulations.
So did I enjoy the book? I really did yes.The ending leaving things open to a spin off, it's really good and I felt myself wanting more at the end of this book. Did I enjoy the whole series? I admit I wasn't as keen on book one in this series, but the books have been even better as the series progressed. Would I recommend the book? Yes, if you have read book one and two, then you must read this one! Would I recommend the series? I really would recommend this series. I also like the style of Jen's writing and it's easy reading, the plot flows well and is interesting. There is plenty going on throughout the whole series.
If there was a spin off series would I read it? I'd love to do so Jen, if you are reading this put me on the list to read it as soon as it's ready please? I'd volunteer to beta read if you needed me to as well!  Would I read more books by Jen  Minkman? I have already read another two books by Jen that aren't part of this series, or of the same genre called Shadows Of Time, and The Boy From The Woods. I totally loved Shadows Of Time and I also enjoyed The Boy From The Woods.

BOOK BLITZ - THIRD DATE BY KYLIE KEENE

Title: Third Date 
Author: Kylie Keene 
Publication date: June 20th 2014
Genres: Contemporary, New Adult, Romance

BLURB supplied by Xpresso Book Tours
At 23, Morgan is a little behind other women her age when it comes to dating and relationships. More specifically, she’s a virgin. Dating wasn’t a priority in high school and college, but now that Morgan has a job and her own apartment, she’s ready to jump back into the dating scene.
When Morgan’s friends at work inform her that most men expect sex on the third date, she panics. She’s convinced her lack of experience will be a total turn-off for guys and make for a really awkward third date. Her friends tell her to just do it with a random guy to get it over with, but Morgan isn’t sure that’s what she wants.
When she meets a guy she’s certain is her dream man, she’s ready to lose it on their third date. But doing so isn’t as easy as she thought. And then there’s the fact that she can’t get another guy out of her head.
Through a series of mishaps and misunderstandings, Morgan eventually finds herself at a place she wasn’t expecting, but the place she wanted to be all along.

EXCERPT

“Serena?” A deep voice wakes me from my thoughts. 
I look up and see a man standing next to my table, holding his hand out. He has jet black hair and deep brown eyes and he’s smiling at me. But since my name isn’t Serena, I’m guessing he’s meeting a blind date here and thinks I’m her. 
I take a moment to consider my options. What if I just pretended to be this Serena girl? Doing so would certainly qualify as being adventurous. But then Serena wouldn’t have a date. But I’m sure she could find another one. With a name like Serena, I bet she gets tons of dates. Serena sounds exotic. The name alone would draw a man in. Morgan, on the other hand, sounds like a last name. Or the name of a company. It’s dull, practical, and not the least bit exotic.
“Excuse me. Are you Serena?” He asks it again.
“Um, yes. Have a seat.” The words come out of my mouth before I can stop them.
“I’m Luke.” He smiles and sits in the chair next to me. “It’s nice to meet you.”
“Nice to meet you, too.”
“Can I get you a drink?” He’s still smiling, his teeth sparkling white.
“No, thank you. Water’s fine.”
“So Jackie said you work at the agency?”
Agency? What agency? I stare at him, not sure how to answer. And then I come to my senses.
What the hell I am doing? This is crazy! I can’t pretend to be someone else. Steal someone’s date. I really need to get a life. And a date. A real date, not someone else’s.
“I’m sorry. I’m not Serena.”
“What did you say?”
“I said I’m not Serena. I’m not your date.”
“I don’t understand.” He sits back in his chair, trying to get some distance from me now that he knows I’m insane.
“I was just pretending to be. Sorry. You just surprised me when you came up to my table and—”
“Yeah, okay.” He stands up and shoves his chair back in place. He almost seems mad or maybe he’s afraid of me. “Good luck with everything.”
He takes off to the hostess stand.
Good luck with everything? What does that mean? Good luck ever finding a date? A man? A life?
I watch as a tall brunette approaches him. She’s wearing a red dress and three-inch heels. She’s gorgeous. And exotic-looking, just as I thought. 
The waiter comes back to my table. “Are you ready to order?”
“Yes, I’ll have a vodka tonic.”
“Um, okay.” He seems surprised, given that I turned down the wine earlier. Now I’ve skipped straight to the hard liquor. “Would you like anything to eat?”
My eyes are still on Luke and Serena. They even sound like a couple. Like one of those couples on a soap opera who are rich and always look perfect and have sex all the time.
Luke escorts her to the bar, his hand on her lower back as he whispers something in her ear.
“Ma’am?” The waiter’s still standing there. “Are you going to order?”
I sigh and look back at my menu. “Do you have burgers here?”
“We have a prime rib burger with a portobello mushroom sauce.”
“I’ll have that.” As he turns to leave, I say, “And bring TWO vodka tonics.”
“So someone IS joining you?”
I scowl at him.
“Oh. Sorry.” He scurries off to the kitchen.
This is the last time I eat alone at a restaurant. Okay, maybe it’s not the last time, but I’m never going to a date restaurant again.
I should’ve stayed home and eaten one of the meals in my freezer in front of the TV. 
Maybe I’m not ready to be adventurous.





Thursday, 26 June 2014

COVER REVEAL - RUINED BY MARIAN CHEATHAM

Title: Ruined 
Author: Marian Cheatham 
Publication date: Summer 2014
Genres: Romance, Young Adult

BLURB supplied by Xpresso Tours
     When your life has been ruined by lies, do you seek justice … or revenge?

Blythe Messina spends her senior year focused on her studies and college, and not on her ex, Stratford High's lacrosse star, DB Whitmore. At least, that's what Blythe keeps telling herself. But her younger cousin, Bonni, knows otherwise. Same goes for DB, who professes to be over Blythe and their breakup, but his teammates aren’t fooled. 

When scandalous photos of Bonni and the lacrosse captain are texted around Stratford, Bonni's virtuous reputation is ruined. She pleads innocence, but no one believes her. No one, except Blythe and DB, who come together to uncover the truth. But, will they stay together?   

Ruined is a modern twist on a classic Shakespearean romance.  

"Deceit, loyalty, honor, and romance--Ruined has it all! A teen version of Much Ado 

About Nothing that Shakespeare aficionados are sure to savor!”

Kym Brunner, Author of Wanted: Dead or in Love & One Smart Cookie 


Goodreads Link


ABOUT THE AUTHOR


A native Chicagoan and a graduate of Northern Illinois University, Marian Cheatham taught special education for several years before becoming a full-time writer. She would rather be writing than doing almost anything else, but of course, that isn’t always possible. So when she’s not writing, she enjoys time with her family, gardening, reading, walking the dog, travelling with her husband, and researching new projects. Not necessarily in that order.

Her first novel, Eastland, came out in 2013. Based on the real-life story of the 1915 Eastland boat disaster in Chicago, Marian lectures about the Eastland to schools, libraries, and book clubs. She writes a weekly post on the subject on her Facebook page. July 2014, she will be co-hosting a haunted Chicago tour of Eastland disaster sites.

She also loves anything Shakespeare. An avid reader of Shakespeare’s biographies, she has travelled the world to see his plays, visiting Stratford, Canada as well as Stratford-Upon-the-Avon, GB, and the new Globe Theater in London. Her young adult novel, Ruined, is the first in a series of contemporary re-tellings of those plays. Book Two, inspired by the Merchant of Venice, is due out fall 2014.


She loves to hear from readers, so please visit her at: 

                              www.mariancheatham.com

                              www.facebook.com/mariancheatham.author   

                              https://www.goodreads.com/goodreadscomMarianCheatham

                              Twitter - @CheathamMarian

                              www.amazon.com/author/mariancheatham.author