Blood Draw by Melissa Luznicky Garrett (5 stars)

About Blood Draw
(from Goodreads)

After seventeen-year-old Blake Ehlert is brutally attacked and infected with vampire venom, she must choose between imminent death and eternal life. Unable to turn away from true love, Blake ultimately embraces the reality to which she’s been doomed. But life as a teenage vampire proves to be a lot more difficult than even she bargained for.

In BLOOD DRAW, the much-anticipated sequel to BLOOD TYPE, Blake struggles with the relentless warring between her lingering human emotions and cravings for blood. To make matters worse, Blake finds herself caught on the cusp of revolt, led by the Chief of Police and town’s most powerful vampire. In order to protect her human friends and family, as well as the vampires she’s come to love, Blake must take a stand against those sworn to protect their very existence.

Review

It's one thing to deal with normal teenage drama--it's another thing entirely to add to it the trials and tribulations of becoming a vampire. Blake is hungry and constantly trying to keep the rage at bay. Plus, she's in love with one vampire while bonded to the one who sired her.

Unfortunately, her problems are mounting. She needs blood and the man in control of the blood supply, who is also the Chief of Police, is raising prices. There are other alternatives, but all come with a stiff price. Blake decides to make a stand. But who can she trust? And how far up does the treachery go?

I love characters with spunk and spirit, no whiny teenage protagonists for me. Blake doesn't just sit in a corner and bemoan what life has handed her, and who could blame her if she did (at least for a little while). Instead, she comes out fighting.

If you love paranormal stories with a strong female lead, you will love Blood Draw. Just be forewarned, it ends on a cliffhanger. But it's one with lots of promise. Book three is high on my most anticipated books of 2014 list!

Rating: 5 stars

About Melissa Luznicky Garrett

 

Melissa Luznicky Garrett is an author of adult and young adult novels. She lives in upstate New York with her husband, three children, and numerous animals. Melissa is currently hard at work on her next project. Visit Melissa’s blog or connect with her on Facebook.

Take a moment to read my 5-star review of Blood Type here. An excerpt:

But the best part was how well the author blends past and present into a constantly rising crescendo that leads into a breathtaking climax. One that will leave readers clamoring for the next book.

Note: I was fortunate enough to get this book on pre-order, but you can grab it for the great price of $2.99 on Amazon.

Blood Type, Melissa Luznicky Garrett (5 stars)

From Amazon: Since getting attacked by a vampire, I didn’t believe in beginnings. Only endings. Every person born to this world comes with an expiration date, but I had never considered mine. At least not until I met John.

Now the end was all I ever thought about. I woke up every morning wondering if that day would be my last. Venom pulsed in my veins and seeped into my bones, infecting all my vital organs and changing me from the inside out. Slowly killing me.

But I’d welcome death in the end, if only because the alternative was even more frightening.

Popular girl Blake Ehlert has it all: a prime spot on the cheerleading squad, a jock boyfriend who’s strong and sensitive, and the winning vote for Homecoming Queen two years in a row. But when she strikes up a conversation with loner John Kelly, her entire world starts to crumble.

John Kelly is a vampire—what’s known to his kind as a Compeller. It’s his job to recruit human Donors with a particular blood type.

And Blake is his next target.

 

Review

 

Blake is a popular teenage girl who seems to have it all. She's a captain on the cheerleading squad and her boyfriend is quarterback of the football team.  But all it takes is one guy to waltz into her life to turn it upside down. Worse, this guy is a vampire.

 

John sweeps her off her feet, and even seems like a great boyfriend. But his job is to recruit supply for some unsavory crew, and Blake falls into a sought after blood group. John finds himself falling for her, but one of his friends can't control his hunger. Blake, naive and trusting, is in the wrong place at the wrong time.

 

I love a well-written young adult paranormal book, but what makes it even more memorable... great characters and an interesting twist. Melissa Luznicky Garrett gives us both. Blake starts off quite naive and trusting, but you see her strength gaining with each page turn. She doesn't want what fate hands her, so she decides to fight. While she doesn't always make the best decisions, she doesn't just roll over and accept some bad luck.

But the best part was how well the author blends past and present into a constantly rising crescendo that leads into a breathtaking climax. One that will leave readers clamoring for the next book.

I know the term "young adult" can be murky for parents, but I'll definitely be passing this onto my 12-year-old daughter. She loves paranormal, and I know she'll devour this book.

A funny aside: I just turned 40 and had to have my first mammogram. I took Blood Type with me to the office to keep my nerves in check and my mind occupied. The nurse had to come up and tap me on the shoulder when it was time for my appointment. Apparently, she had been calling my name, but I was so into the book that I didn't hear. I can't think of a better endorsement than that! (Plus, I finished the book later that day.)

 

Rating: 5 stars

 

About Melissa Luznicky Garrett

 

Melissa Luznicky Garrett is an author of adult and young adult novels. She lives in upstate New York with her husband, three children, and numerous animals. Melissa is currently hard at work on her next project. Visit Melissa’s blog or connect with her on Facebook.

 

Blood Type is available in print through Create Space, or in print and digital through Amazon.

Take a minute to enjoy the Blood Type book trailer as well.  

 

And a chance to win...
Stop by Melissa’s blog starting September 22^nd and enter to win a signed print copy of Blood Type. All are welcome to participate. The winner will be chosen and announced October 1^st. Also, claim your free Kindle copy of Melissa's previous YA Paranormal, The Spirit Keeper, on Amazon September 22nd through September 26th (today!). *As always, please make sure it's marked as free before you download.*

My daughter read The Spirit Keeper and loved it. Please see her review here. In addition, I read Melissa Luznicky Garrett's Turning Point. My 5-star review is here.  

Sink Your Teeth into Blood Type by Melissa Luznicky Garett

Since getting attacked by a vampire, I didn’t believe in beginnings. Only endings. Every person born to this world comes with an expiration date, but I had never considered mine. At least not until I met John.

Now the end was all I ever thought about. I woke up every morning wondering if that day would be my last. Venom pulsed in my veins and seeped into my bones, infecting all my vital organs and changing me from the inside out. Slowly killing me.

But I’d welcome death in the end, if only because the alternative was even more frightening.

Popular girl Blake Ehlert has it all: a prime spot on the cheerleading squad, a jock boyfriend who’s strong and sensitive, and the winning vote for Homecoming Queen two years in a row. But when she strikes up a conversation with loner John Kelly, her entire world starts to crumble.

John Kelly is a vampire—what’s known to his kind as a Compeller. It’s his job to recruit human Donors with a particular blood type.

And Blake is his next target.

Melissa Luznicky Garrett is an author of adult and young adult novels. She lives in upstate New York with her husband, three children, and numerous animals. Melissa is currently hard at work on her next project. Visit Melissa’s blog or connect with her on Facebook.

Blood Type is available in print through Create Space, or in print and digital through Amazon.

Stop by Melissa’s blog starting September 22^nd and enter to win a signed print copy of Blood Type. All are welcome to participate. The winner will be chosen and announced October 1^st. Also, claim your free Kindle copy of Melissa's previous YA Paranormal, The Spirit Keeper, on Amazon September 22nd through September 26th. *As always, please make sure it's marked as free before you download.*

*****

I am thrilled to host this announcement and to have received an advanced copy of Blood Type for review. I read it in one day. Please come back to my blog on Wednesday, September 26 for my review. (But I'll give you a hint... count the stars... ★★★★★)

The Spirit Keeper (5 stars) FREE until April 30th!

A quick post to let you all know that Melissa Luznicky Garrett's The Spirit Keeper is FREE until April 30!

My daughter loved this book, giving it 5 stars. See her review here.

Pick up a free copy here (again until 4/30/12).

The Spirit Keeper, Melissa Luznicky Garrett (5 stars)

Please welcome a special guest reviewer today… my daughter, Jackie Bach. Jackie loves to read. It’s a gift I’m proud to have given her, since she always sees her Mom’s nose in a book.

Jackie will be 12 in May, and she’s a sixth grader. Her favorite authors include: Tamora Pierce, Rick Riordan, Suzanne Collins, and Cassandra Clare. But now she is adding a new author to her list, Melissa Luznicky Garrett.

*****

From Amazon: After her mother and grandparents die in a raging house fire, eleven-year-old Sarah Redbird ends up in the custody of her aunt and uncle. Six years later, Sarah discovers the fire may not have been an accident at all, but a deliberate act of revenge.

Sarah's family has kept the truth of their Native American heritage secret her entire life, refusing to acknowledge where they came from. But when a family that has direct ties to their past moves to town, Sarah's true identity is revealed.

What Sarah soon learns is that some secrets are better left unspoken.

My family and I were traveling home yesterday from spring break, and I had just finished my mom’s book, Depression Cookies (look for my review of that in a few days), before the flight. I asked Mom if she had anything I could read. She handed me her Kindle with The Spirit Keeper.

I have a definite taste in books. I prefer fantasy and paranormal. Mom keeps trying to get me to read other genres, so I wasn’t so sure when she offered me this book. I’m so glad I trusted her, because I really loved Spirit Keeper.

I read this book in a few hours. Mom asked if I would write a review. I don’t really know what to say, but I can tell you it was an awesome book. Mom said I needed to write more than that, so she asked me a few questions.

What’s the book about?

The main character, Sarah, starts out clueless as to who she really is.  She is being raised by her aunt and uncle since her Mom and grandparents died in a fire. She doesn’t know her dad, but she thinks she’s seen him in a dream.

When new neighbors move in, Sarah’s Aunt and Uncle tell her about her heritage. Sarah is from the earthly children born of the Sun and Moon. The Sun and the Moon had two children, Ka-mut and Kai.

Ka-mut, who was evil, bewitched a young lady who gave him six sons. They each became leaders of their own tribe and passed evil through their bloodlines.

Kai, who was good, choose a man and they had a daughter, Katori. The Sun and Moon blessed Katori with the ability to control the five elements, the most important was Spirit.

Sarah’s aunt and uncle had wanted to protect her from people who might want to harm her because her bloodline is mixed.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Sarah, because I’d want to be friends with her in real life. She is always supportive of her friend, Priscilla, and she’s strong. I know if I was ever bullied, Sarah would stand up for me. In the book, she stands up for herself and her friends.

What was your favorite scene in the book?

When Victor Hunt, Sarah’s neighbor, comes after Sarah because he wants revenge for something her family did. Mom says I can’t give away too much, but this is when Sarah finds out her true power.

Now I have a question… when is the next book in the series, The Seventh Tribe, coming out? I’m really looking forward to it!!

Rating: 5 stars

Note from Mom: I kept asking Jackie what she thought of the book while we were on the plane. She just kept waving me off, never lifting her eyes from the Kindle. I even had to order her drink for her.

She has me very excited to read and review it.

For more information, please visit Melissa’s blog, Someday, When I’m Famous.

My review of Melissa’s first young adult book, Turning Point, can be found here.

A Mixed Bag of Goodies: Musing Mondays

Today's Musing Mondays prompt from Should be Reading:

This week’s musing [borrowed from an old BTT post] asks…

I once knew a man who read about WWII. He read everything he could get his hands on on the subject. He had a whole wall of books that were all about WWII. It amazed me. How could he continue to find one subject that engrossing? My mother, on the other hand, loves to read best sellers. I’ve known other people who read science fiction to the exclusion of everything else; for others it was philosophy, self-help, or history.

So, to the questions…

What kind of books do you like to read?
Why? Provide specific examples.

This is quite the detailed question this week. Still, I'm left with my stock answer. I like to read all books. I don't even like having the same meal too often, much less read the same kind of books over and over. There are too many wonderful choices to limit myself. That being said, I am focusing my efforts on independent and small press books.

The highlights of my last month of reading:

1. Jacob Have I Loved, Katherine Paterson
Winner of the Newbery Medal and written in 1980. I hope to have the review up this week. A wonderful young adult novel about discovery and growing up. (Book club selection)

2. Shades of Gray, Andy Holloman
Yeah for indies! My full review of Holloman's debut mystery novel will be available here tomorrow. It's an intriguing tale about how far a father will go to save his little girl. Full of twists and turns and heartbreaking. Wonderful!

3. Turning Point, Melissa Luznicky Garrett
Again... yeah for indies! If you are intrigued by dark characters and the unexpected, you will appreciate every turn of the page. Melissa’s ability to slowly reveal layer after layer of this family’s dark secret is impressive. A great young adult novel.

4. The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks, Rebecca Skloot
Amazing nonfiction, and that says a lot coming from someone who doesn't prefer a lot of nonfiction. The author did an excellent job weaving the family's story with the wonders of science. (Book club selection)

I hope my holidays, and yours, are filled with reading. I have a huge TBR stack next to my bed and on my Kindle.

What kind of books do you like to read? Do you prefer a certain genre?

Best Book I've Read this Year: Day One in a 30 Day Book Meme

Last week I posted about a 30 Day Book Meme. There are 30 days of questions, and I'll try to answer one a week, if not more often.

Day One: The Best Book You Read Last Year

That's so hard! I have a list of my favorite books on the sidebar, but I haven't updated them in awhile. This past year has been a stellar reading year! Not only did I read some wonderful bestsellers, I found some excellent gems in smaller books.

My five star reviews for 2011 (in random order):

1. Max and Menna, Shauna Kelley
2. Valhalla, Jennifer Willis
3. Art of Racing in the Rain, Garth Stein
4. Turning Point, Melissa Luznicky Garrett
5. Come Back to Me, Melissa Foster
6. The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks, Rebecca Skloot
7. Emeralds Never Fade, Stephen Maitland-Lewis
8. Call Me When You Land, Michael Schiavone

I loved each of these books for different reasons and they span genres. I look forward to reading more books in 2012 and adding to my 5-star list.

What is your top favorite 2011 book?

Turning Point, Melissa Luznicky Garrett (5 stars)

From the press release: Convinced a fresh start is all she needs to escape the problems at home, seventeen-year-old Jenna Lyons runs away in the middle of the night. But when her car breaks down on the outskirts of La Grange, Missouri, population less than a thousand, she gets sucked into the small town, and one family in particular. Jenna discovers there’s a liar in La Grange, and he’s deceived everyone. Now she must decide whether to run away from the truth, or blow his secret wide open.

Be forewarned, the story grabs you and won’t let go. You’ll turn each page with both trepidation for what might happen and a strong desire to know. The author’s dedication becomes ominous, “for all of you hidden in plain sight, waiting to be found.”

Jenna’s had a tough life. Thanks to an alcoholic mom, she’s grown up too fast. Strong and determined, she's had enough when her best friend’s father crosses the line. She takes off for parts unknown and fate intervenes. Her car breaks down and a passerby comes to her aid. He takes her home to hang out with his family while her car is being fixed. Next thing she knows, she’s stuck in a situation most of us can’t even fathom.

Phil, Myra, and Dominic seem a bit odd at first. Odd doesn’t begin to cover it. Jenna is drawn to Dominic, but keeps getting mixed signals. Noticing some bruising when she bumps into him coming out of the shower one evening, she asks for explanations. As each piece of the puzzle unravels, neither she nor the reader senses just how bad it’s about to get.

If you are intrigued by dark characters and the unexpected, you will appreciate every turn of the page. Melissa’s ability to slowly reveal layer after layer of this family’s dark secret is impressive. Never once did I guess the series of events about to occur.

Your heart goes out to each character this cruel secret touches. When it’s done, you’ll want to wrap your arms around everyone and hold on tight. Protect them from anything else. I’ll admit I cried like a baby when Dominic finally confessed his situation to Jenna and punctuated it with, “For years, Jenna.” Three words… all it took to drive home the devastating news.

Note: Although the book is young adult, it has some very strong and disturbing themes, so please be considerate of that for younger readers.

For more about the book and the author, please visit her blog: Someday,When I’m Famous. You can also find her on Facebook and Twitter.

WWW Wednesdays: So Many Wonderful Choices

To play along, just answer the following three (3) questions…
• What are you currently reading?
• What did you recently finish reading?
• What do you think you’ll read next?

Currently Reading:

Emeralds Never Fade, Stephen Maitland-Lewis

Intriguing and engrossing so far. I'm only 45 pages in, but it's clear there's heartache ahead. I hope there's some triumph to balance it out, but the subject matter could go either way. A mother's emerald necklace seems key, and I know very little so far.

Recently Finished:

Turning Point, Melissa Luznicky Garrett

5 stars. Amazing! So not what I was expecting. A tale rich in characters and plot, I couldn't put it down once the really meaty part kicked in less than one-third of the way through.

"Jenna discovers there’s a liar in La Grange, and he’s deceived everyone. Now she must decide whether to run away from the truth, or blow his secret wide open." This teaser, from Melissa's press release, in no way prepares you for the deception and secrets exposed in the book.

A full review will hopefully be up in the next day or so. I'm a bit behind in reviews, since I still haven't posted my Henrietta Lacks one. But I promise to get on it!

Will Read Next:

So many wonderful choices. I want to read another one by Melissa Foster and Melissa Luznicky Garrett, but also want to mix it up.

Drum roll... next is Cancelled by Elizabeth Ann West. I met Elizabeth through A Round of Words in 80 Days. Always on the ball and giving, I can't wait to read her book. It's been on my list to buy for a long time, so imagine my happy squeals when I was able to pick it up for 99 cents at last week's launch party for Melissa Foster's Come Back to Me.

Find out more about Elizabeth here.

I've also committed to reading Stephen King's On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft. I hope it lives up to the hype.

Looking forward to hearing from other readers. What are you reading?

WWW Wednesdays: Sharing the Love of Reading

To play along, just answer the following three (3) questions…
• What are you currently reading?
• What did you recently finish reading?
• What do you think you’ll read next?

Currently Reading:

Turning Point, Melissa Luznicky Garrett

I'm seven chapters in and love the characters and storyline so far. Bummed to have sidelined this for a few days so I could finish my book club read. But, I'm back to it and focused.

A brief synopsis: Convinced a fresh start is all she needs to escape the problems at home, seventeen-year-old Jenna Lyons runs away in the middle of the night. But when her car breaks down on the outskirts of La Grange, Missouri, population less than a thousand, she gets sucked into the small town, and one family in particular. Jenna discovers there’s a liar in La Grange, and he’s deceived everyone. Now she must decide whether to run away from the truth, or blow his secret wide open.


Recently Finished:

The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks, Rebecca Skloot

Amazing! I rarely read nonfiction, but everyone told me this book read like fiction. It does! A powerful story about the woman behind HeLa cells. I have a block when it comes to science, it was one of my least favorite subjects in school, but only a few times did I feel bogged down in science while reading this.

The author did an excellent job weaving the family's story with the wonders of science. A must-read. Will publish a complete review later this week.

Will Read Next:

Emeralds Never Fade, Stephen Maitland-Lewis

I received an Advance Review Copy of this book from RebeccasReads to review, set to be published November 30, 2011.

Synopsis (back cover): Before World War II, two German boys enjoy playing piano, and one visits twice each week to teach the other. When the Nazis seize power, the lessons must end—one of the boys is Jewish.

Leo Bergner, the Jewish pupil, escapes Germany while his piano teacher, Bruno Franzmann, is called to serve the Fatherland. His assignment to work at a concentration camp turns to peril as the war nears an end. With the Allied forces closing in, he risks capture and prosecution as a war criminal.

After the war, Leo begins a career in banking and uncovers a conspiracy of further Jewish persecution, involving the assets of concentration camp victims. His investigation into the corrupt dealings of his own bank puts him in direct opposition to his beloved Israel, while also jeopardizing his career, his marriage, and his life.

Bruno escapes to Buenos Aires and must begin anew, lost in a strange land where only his wits can save him. He hatches an unscrupulous plot to finance a multi-national corporation, and in time, his efforts require a business trip to London—his first visit to Europe since he escaped.

After forty years, a lost family heirloom will decide their fate.

*****

After this, I'm looking forward to reading some indie reads I just picked up through the great Come Back to Me launch party event (going on through tomorrow).

What are you reading?

Book Lovers: A Winner and a Party

A brief post to announce the winner of the digital copy of Turning Point.

Congratulations to

Shannon Knobel

My oldest daughter pulled a name out of a hat (okay, a bowl):

A special thanks to Melissa Luznicky Garrett for sharing her book with us. For more information, click here.

Congratulations, Shannon! Thanks to everyone who responded and tweeted.

*****

Fellow book lovers, don't forget to check out the amazing book launch party for Melissa Foster's Come Back to Me. For details, click on the picture.

Exciting New YA Book and Giveaway: Turning Point, Melissa Luznicky Garrett

Today is Friday Finds on Should be Reading. I discovered Turning Point recently (and am currently reading it), and I'm passing along more information in the hopes it becomes your Friday Find!

Being part of the writing community has been a blessing in so many ways. I am learning so much, but the added benefit is finding out about new books and exciting authors. Even better, I get to pass this information along to my readers.

I am so excited to post this press release for Melissa Luznicky Garrett's young adult novel, Turning Point. I met Melissa through the online writing community, and she's been an amazing support. Her novel, Precipice, is next in my to-be-read pile.

Melissa has been kind enough to offer a free digital copy of Turning Point to one lucky reader. Please see details below.

*****

Turning Point

_______________________________________________________

Melissa Luznicky Garrett

She recalled her mother’s warning: Bad things always happen to nice girls like you.

Convinced a fresh start is all she needs to escape the problems at home, seventeen-year-old Jenna Lyons runs away in the middle of the night. But when her car breaks down on the outskirts of La Grange, Missouri, population less than a thousand, she gets sucked into the small town, and one family in particular. Jenna discovers there’s a liar in La Grange, and he’s deceived everyone. Now she must decide whether to run away from the truth, or blow his secret wide open.

“The tornado isn't the only thing that twists in this story--if you love dark characters with even darker secrets,

TURNING POINT is for you!” ~Anne Riley, author of The Clearing

“TURNING POINT is a YA thriller that will rock your socks, young or old. You should add it to your wish list immediately. I recommend it to anyone who loves stories that expose hidden secrets.” ~Tegan Allen, review on Goodreads

Published by Create Space

ISBN 1461149703 (ISBN13: 9781461149705)

Available In Print and Online:

Create Space

Amazon

Smashwords

Barnes & Noble

Watch the TURNING POINT book trailer on YouTube.

Melissa Luznicky Garrett is an author of adult and young adult novels. TURNING POINT is Melissa’s second published book. She lives with her husband and children in upstate New York, where she is currently at work on her next book. Connect with Melissa on her blog: http://www.MLGarrett.blogspot.com.

*****

Hidden secrets, twists, deception... what more could you want? I know... a free digital copy!

For an entry into the contest, please leave your answer (and email) to the following question in the comments below: Do book trailers influence your decision to buy books?

For an extra entry, please tweet this post or post a Facebook link so we can show Melissa some love. (two extra entries if you do both) Please leave a comment below letting me know you shared.

Let the fun begin... my trusty assistant, my oldest daughter, will draw a name out of a hat on Monday, October 31. Good luck!

Wednesday Reading Fun Updates

To play along, just answer the following three (3) questions…
• What are you currently reading?
• What did you recently finish reading?
• What do you think you’ll read next?

Currently Reading:

I just started Turning Point by Melissa Luznicky Garrett. Originally I planned to read her novel, Precipice, this week but the shiny allure of her newest work (just released this month) was too tempting. 

Check back Friday for more details about Melissa's first young adult novel. 



Recently Finished:

I was honored to receive an advanced digital copy of Come Back to Me by Melissa Foster. I read it in a day and a half.

My full review can be found at GoodReads. A quick excerpt: Every reader defines a good book differently. But if you rate yours based on memorable characters who pull you into the pages with them, like I do… this is the book for you.

I will be featuring more about this book here and at my Depression Cookies blog at the beginning of November and later in January.


Will Read Next:

My book club meets the first Wednesday of the month. Egad, I just realized that's next week! Our selection is Rebecca Skloot's The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks. 

I'll read this and Turning Point at the same time (one's on my Kindle and one is a paperback). Wish me luck. Normally I'm not a non-fiction reader, but I've heard Immortal reads like fiction. I also tend to read only one book at a time, but I'm motivated and determined.


What are you reading? Are you a one-book-at-a-time reader, or can you read multiple books at once?

You Should be Reading Indies! New Blog Focus Announced

This blog is about to get the love and attention it deserves thanks to my newfound focus and dedication. To read more about my goals, please visit today's Depression Cookies blog post.

I recently stumbled upon a great site: Should be Reading. It's dedicated to books and book lovers. Every day has a theme and some book-related blog fun. The perfect find to inspire me to get this blog pumping.

My plan for the rest of 2011 is to review 3-4 books per month, minimum. Ultimately, I'd like to review a book every few days. Baby steps... In addition, I will post here three times per week. Again, hoping for more, but I have to start somewhere. Wish me luck!

What are you most excited about reading, right now? (can be a book you’re currently enjoying, or a book that’s yet to be published, etc.)

Honestly, I am excited to read more independent and small press published books. I enjoy finding hidden gems. My own independent journey has led me to some wonderful books and authors I wouldn't have found any other way. It's a shame so many well-written and thought-provoking books don't have the publishing industry dollars behind them. I hope my two little blogs will provide some exposure for the best of the independent books.

I love when Oprah puts out her top reads for the month or encourages readers to pick up a book she's enjoyed, but who shows love to the little guys/gals? The publishing industry is changing, thanks in large part to the eBook industry, and it's time we all took responsibility for finding good reads and not just read what Amazon or some other business pushes on us.

I will always read some traditionally published books as well. The Help, one of my favorite books in the last year, was turned down by multiple agents before it was published. Would it have been less entertaining as an independently published book? No. Would it have been discovered? Depends.

After fulfilling my review obligations for Rebeccas Reads, my next three books will be:


* Precipice, Melissa Luznicky Garrett
Her new book, Turning Point, is also on my list. I will be featuring some information about this book throughout October here and on my Depression Cookies blog, so stay tuned! Find out more about Melissa and her books at her blog, Someday, When I'm Famous.


* Megan's Way, Melissa Foster
I also have Chasing Amanda and Come Back to Me waiting in the wings. Come Back to Me will debut November 1, 2011. Again, stay tuned here and on my Depression Cookies blog for more information in the coming months. Find out more about Melissa and her books at her website.


* A Blue so Dark, Holly Schindler
Recommended by Shauna Kelly. Shauna's novel, Max and Menna, was one of my favorite reads this year, and an indie. More details in this earlier post. Find out more about Holly and her books at her website.

Look for reviews of these books soon.

Please take a chance on indie books. Be the first of your friends to recommend that diamond in the rough.

Please pass your suggestions on to me as well. I'll make sure and credit you for the find when I do the review.

Happy reading!