Follow Friday

Follow Friday is a weekly meme hosted Parajunkee and Alison Can Read. It's a great way to meet new blogger friends.

This weeks question is:

If you could read a book for the “first time” again, which book would it be? Why? 

I predict this will be a very popular choice, but The Harry Potter series. The entire series again. I fell in love with it, and while I enjoy reading it again, nothing compares to that first time falling in love with a series feeling.

Happy Weekend and Happy Holidays!

Archetype by M.D. Waters

Archetype by M.D. Waters  

Release Date - February 6, 2014 (or February 11, 2014 depending on market)
Publisher Website - Penguin
Publisher Social Media - Twitter
Pages - 384 pages
My Rating - 5/5
**received in exchange for an honest review from the publisher**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

Introducing a breathtakingly inventive futuristic suspense novel about one woman who rebels against everything she is told to believe.

Emma wakes in a hospital, with no memory of what came before. Her husband, Declan, a powerful, seductive man, provides her with new memories, but her dreams contradict his stories, showing her a past life she can’t believe possible: memories of war, of a camp where girls are trained to be wives, of love for another man. Something inside her tells her not to speak of this, but she does not know why. She only knows she is at war with herself.

Suppressing those dreams during daylight hours, Emma lets Declan mold her into a happily married woman and begins to fall in love with him. But the day Noah stands before her, the line between her reality and dreams shatters.

In a future where women are a rare commodity, Emma fights for freedom but is held captive by the love of two men—one her husband, the other her worst enemy. If only she could remember which is which. . . .

The first novel in a two-part series, Archetype heralds the arrival of a truly memorable character—and the talented author who created her.

What if you had no memories? What if you didn't remember the person you were married to? What if you had dreams that contradicted everything you had been lead to believe? What would you do if you could not even trust yourself? This is the reality Emma wakes up to in this thrilling debut novel. Archetype is not only a pulse pounding read but an intelligent look at memories and how they define us.

M.D. Waters, a debut novelist, has given me the New Adult novel I've been dreaming of. As the New Adult genre changes and grows, I can only hope that more novels like this will be the result. A strong plot driven novel that weaves in the sexy stuff without making it be the focus. A step away from the usual contemporary that has been the main focus of New Adult, Archetype, was like a breath of fresh air. This, along with M.D. Waters' compulsively readable writing, made putting down this novel nearly impossible. I was instantly captivated by Emma, and her story.

This story is one that begs to be read without being spoiled. It's one that you need to experience along with Emma, and take that journey with her. Part of this novel's appeal is the piecing together of Emma's past right along with her. The confusion she feels is felt by the reader, and allows the reader to step into her shoes.

Memories and how they define us is the question at the heart of Archetype. Our past and our life experiences make us who we are. Without that history, and those memories, who are you? Emma struggles with this through the whole novel. She's trying to piece together her life, and it's jarring to see how lost one would be without these memories. Our sense of self is wrapped up in the little details of our lives, and not having that would be crippling.

As the story unravels, and as Emma's past becomes more clear, the world building M.D. Waters laid out pays off. A world where women are scarce is shiver inducing enough, but the added detail of the bride camps is decidedly terrifying. M.D. Waters manages to create a world that is both alluring, and alarming all at once.

The science fiction elements were wonderfully woven into the story. As someone who is not proficient in sci-fi, I found these elements were laid out logically, and clearly. This aspect of the story was not overwhelming, and served to add to the world, and plot instead of distracting from it. I can not speak to it's authenticity, but I believed it. Being able to immerse myself into the story is the most important aspect for me, and this allowed that in spades.

Emma is pulled toward two scorchingly sexy, but different men. Declan, the man who claims to be her husband, and Noah, the man who haunts her dreams. Each of them could be dangerous. Each has their own motivations, and agenda The notion of who she should trust is a huge part of the unraveling of the mystery surrounding Emma. Which man is telling her the truth, and who can she trust? This is something that is tantalizingly teased. It's filled with some thrilling twists and turns that directly relate to who Emma is. Both of these men are just a little untrustworthy, and it makes stakes just a little higher for Emma.

A riveting, intensely readable debut that electrifies and demands to not be spoiled. Once you pick up Archetype, prepare to clear the rest of your day, because it will consume you. M.D. Waters is an author to watch, and the sequel to Emma's story can not come quickly enough.

Waiting on Wednesday .......... Conversion

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking The Spine that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

My pick this week is Conversion by Katherine Howe

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

It’s senior year at St. Joan’s Academy, and school is a pressure cooker. College applications, the battle for valedictorian, deciphering boys’ texts: Through it all, Colleen Rowley and her friends are expected to keep it together. Until they can’t.

First it’s the school’s queen bee, Clara Rutherford, who suddenly falls into uncontrollable tics in the middle of class. Her mystery illness quickly spreads to her closest clique of friends, then more students and symptoms follow: seizures, hair loss, violent coughing fits. St. Joan’s buzzes with rumor; rumor blossoms into full-blown panic.

Soon the media descends on Danvers, Massachusetts, as everyone scrambles to find something, or someone, to blame. Pollution? Stress? Or are the girls faking? Only Colleen—who’s been reading The Crucible for extra credit—comes to realize what nobody else has: Danvers was once Salem Village, where another group of girls suffered from a similarly bizarre epidemic three centuries ago . . .

Inspired by true events—from seventeenth-century colonial life to the halls of a modern-day high school—Conversion casts a spell. With her signature wit and passion, New York Times bestselling author Katherine Howe delivers an exciting and suspenseful novel, a chilling mystery that raises the question, what’s really happening to the girls at St. Joan’s?

The Crucible meets Prep is teased and I am sold. This creepy, and suspenseful and just awesome. Is it July yet?

Expected release date - July 1, 2014

Manor of Secrets by Katherine Longshore

Manor of Secrets by Katherine Longshore      
Release Date - January 28, 2014
Publisher Website - Scholastic
Publisher Social Media - Twitter
Pages - 320 pages
My Rating - 4.5/5
**received in exchange for an honest review from the publisher**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

The year is 1911. And at The Manor, nothing is as it seems . . .

Lady Charlotte Edmonds: Beautiful, wealthy, and sheltered, Charlotte feels suffocated by the strictures of upper-crust society. She longs to see the world beyond The Manor, to seek out high adventure. And most of all, romance.

Janie Seward: Fiery, hardworking, and clever, Janie knows she can be more than just a kitchen maid. But she isn't sure she possesses the courage -- or the means -- to break free and follow her passions.

Both Charlotte and Janie are ready for change. As their paths overlap in the gilded hallways and dark corridors of The Manor, rules are broken and secrets are revealed. Secrets that will alter the course of their lives. . . forever.

An author's talent can be displayed in many ways. My favourite is when an author writes something a little different than their previous works, and still manages to captivate the reader. With Manor of Secrets, Katherine Longshore, manages to entertain with a much more lighthearted, fun read that is filled with delicious secrets.

Katherine's knack for creating a setting that perfectly captures the time frame of the story is once again spot on. She effortlessly brings every aspect of the manor to life. She manages to make the novel feel both timeless, and historical. Part of it's charm is that has modern feel while still completely capturing the history.

This novel hinges on it's characters. It's a character driven plot, and all of the characters are wonderfully captured. With a plot that revolves around family, it was wonderful to see parents play such an active role in a young adult novel. The blending of friendship, family, and romance was perfectly managed. There is just enough of each to satisfy without any aspect of the novel taking over. It allows a balance that keeps the novel moving, and prevents the focus from wearing thin.

Both Charlotte and Janie want to create their own path. They both want something more than what they currently have. It's this yearning for betterment that grounds the story as relevant today. Finding yourself, determining who you are, is part of growing up. Following your own heart, rather than the wishes of someone else, is something everyone grapples with. Disappointing others, feeling selfish, scared, and unsure. All these feelings are part of leaving your teen years behind and setting off down your own path. It reminds us that even historical novels can shine a light on current social issues.

The twists, and secrets that come out are incredibly fun. There is one that, while I expected it, came about in the most unexpected way. The exact nature of the secret, and connection, manged to surprise me. It creates a dizzying, giddy last part to the novel that left a smile on my face.

Fans of Downton Abbey will immediately adore this book, but I think anyone will fall for it's charms. A well written, quaint tale of friendship, standing up for yourself, and taking that leap faith. It left me happy, content, and I eagerly anticipate any future novels Katherine Longshore writes as her skill only continues to improve.

Manor of Secrets Blog Tour

Today as part of the blog tour for Manor of Secrets I have Katherine Longshore stopping by with a guest post. Be sure to enter the US ONLY giveaway at the bottom as well! 

First here is a little about Manor of Secrets

Release Date: January 28, 2014

Pages: 320

Publisher: Point (Scholastic)

Goodreads/Amazon/Barnes & Noble

The year is 1911. And at The Manor, nothing is as it seems . . .

Lady Charlotte Edmonds: Beautiful, wealthy, and sheltered, Charlotte feels suffocated by the strictures of upper-crust society. She longs to see the world beyond The Manor, to seek out high adventure. And most of all, romance.

Janie Seward: Fiery, hardworking, and clever, Janie knows she can be more than just a kitchen maid. But she isn't sure she possesses the courage -- or the means -- to break free and follow her passions.

Both Charlotte and Janie are ready for change. As their paths overlap in the gilded hallways and dark corridors of The Manor, rules are broken and secrets are revealed. Secrets that will alter the course of their lives. . . forever.

Accuracy in historical fiction is something that is normally discussed when reviewing. I always wondered if remaining historically accurate helped or hurt while writing/plotting a novel. I got to ask Katherine that exact question and here is her amazing answer:

Here’s a secret: people who write historical fiction are a little obsessive.

 

Historical accuracy is important to us.

I once heard that Hilary Mantel (author of WOLF HALL, and BRING UP THE BODIES) claimed that she would invent the thoughts in a character’s head, but would research the color of his wallpaper.  (This is not a direct quote, and I can’t remember where I read it, but you get the gist).  With that level of obsession, how does one ever write a book?

Research is, of course, the foundation.  Events, important historical figures, societal dictates and attitudes, basic daily structures.  But once you start researching, the rest becomes important, too.  What was the weather like on a certain day?  How did one travel by train from Romney Marsh to Penshust Station in 1911?  What kind of car would a duke’s son drive?  And what color could it be?  And what word would they use to describe that color?

Next thing you know, five hours have passed and you’ve written one sentence.

One.

During the next round of revisions, that sentence gets cut because it’s extraneous.

Now, some people might throw up their hands in disgust and cry, “What a waste of time!”  But we don’t see it that way.  Because in the course of all that research and all that extraneous detail, we also got a better idea of what life was like for our characters. How much it would cost and what kind of effort it would take to buy that make, model and color of car.  Which might give us an idea of the kind of person who would buy it.

My Tudor novels (GILT, TARNISH and BRAZEN) are all about real people living through real events.  Historical accuracy is absolutely essential in these stories because, as we all know, history cannot be changed.  Anne Boleyn has to marry Henry VIII, and then she has to die.  There is no way around it.  But even with that knowledge, those events are not what drives the stories forward in my Tudor books.  The stories are about the characters—their choices move the story forward.

MANOR OF SECRETS was, in some ways, a little easier.  The historical events are background.  During the summer of 1911, King George V was crowned, the Ballets Russes came to London and caused a sensation, dockworkers went on strike and an extended period of record-breaking temperatures pushed the country into drought.  All of these events are mentioned in MANOR, but again, none of them are the impetus behind the stories of these two girls.

What affects these characters are societal dictates.  What’s expected of them.  What their communities have said they can and cannot do.  And again, historical accuracy is key.  Lady Charlotte doesn’t have the freedom to wander off on her own, to go to university or even to get her hands dirty.  Janie is not allowed to see three quarters of the house she lives in, have a boyfriend or take a day off work.

These are the rules of the story world.  But part of the fun of writing fiction is having characters break a few rules (because, obviously, if they just did what they were told all the time, the story would be quite boring).  Perhaps it’s not historically accurate for a lady of the house to befriend a servant.  But it makes for a good story, because therein the tension lies.

However, you can only break the rules of the story world once they’ve been established—once you’ve done the research.  So even when dedication to historical accuracy can seem like a hindrance (having to cut a sentence that took five hours to write), it’s still really a help.  Because every single detail—used or unused—cements the author and the reader further into the story world, and can be used to propel the story forward.

Katherine Longshore grew up on the northern California coast. At university, she created her own major in Cross-Cultural Studies and Communications, planning to travel and write. Forever. Four years, six continents and countless pairs of shoes later, she went to England for two weeks, stayed five years and discovered history. She now lives in California with her husband, two children and a sun-worshiping dog.

Website/Blog/Twitter/Facebook/Goodreads

Here are the rest of the Manor of Secrets tour stops! Please, do check them out!

Week One:

1/27/2014- Fiktshun- Guest Post

1/28/2014- Two Chicks on Books- Guest Post

1/29/2014- Good Books and Good Wine- Review

1/30/2014- Hobbitsies- Review

1/31/2014- Magical Urban Fantasy Reads- Interview

Week Two:

2/3/2014- A Glass Of Wine- Guest Post

2/4/2014- Mundie Moms- Interview & Review

2/5/2014- Read My Breath Away- Guest Post

2/6/2014- Page Turners- Review

2/7/2014- Tales of a Ravenous Reader- Guest Post

Do not forget to enter the giveaway below. FIVE copies of Manor of Secrets are up for grabs, so be sure to fill out the Rafflecopter, and good luck!

A huge thank you to both Katherine, and the Rockstar Book Tours ladies for organizing this (and letting me take part). My review will go up tomorrow (spoiler, I LOVED this novel) so stop by to check it out.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

New To My Book Closet

It's that time of the week again. Time to show you what bookish goodies made their way into my home and book closet (to be saved from the evil book eating cat monster named Aria). This is inspired by the various "mailbox" posts out there (eg. In My Mailbox by The Story Siren, and Stacking the Shelves by Tynga's Reviews).

A few awesome sounding titles made their way into my mailbox this week. I hope The Geography of You and Me is super cute, and I hope Secrets and Lies fills in some of the stuff I wanted from the first book.

Secrets and Lies by Jacqueline Green (goodreads)

The Geography of You and Me by Jennifer E Smith (goodreads)

Thank you Hachette Canada for both of these titles. I can't wait to read them.

Let me know what you got in your mailbox this week!

Happy weekend, and happy reading!

Weekly Obsessions

The awesome Kelly at KellyVision started posting a weekly post highlighting whatever she happened to be obsessed with that week. I LOVE this idea, so much in fact that I will be doing it myself every Saturday.

Here are my obsessions this week. Sort one this week, but I expect that'll change in the upcoming weeks (see reason below).

BOOKS

Cover for Plus One by Elizabeth Fama

*Gasp* SO PRETTY! I love it. They've captured the feel of the synopsis perfectly. The romance, and the night/day separation. This cover is going to be stunning on a hardcover book, and I can't wait to have it on my bookshelf. It's a possible contender for best cover of 2014.

Cover for Elaine Lui's Listen To the Squawking Chicken

If you've visited my blog before, you'll most likely know that celebrity gossip is another of my favourite things. Canada's resident Gossip Queen, Elaine Lui, from the amazing website Laineygossip is one of my favourites to get my celebrity gossip from. She wrote a book, and it has TWO different covers. I love them both. The US one is my personal favourite (the black with the pink writing) but the Canadian one is rather cute too. Here is hoping she does a huge Canadian book tour, and makes Ottawa a stop! If you haven't, be sure to add this book to your Goodreads account.

MOVIE/TV 

The Fault In Our Stars trailer

I was against this casting at first. I really wasn't feeling either of the leads. After seeing the trailer though, I totally get it. I get why Ansel Elgort and Shailene Woodley were cast as Augustus and Hazel. I can barely make it through the trailer without getting teary eyed. The movie is going to leave me a crying mess. Just check out this trailer.

'I can't tell you how thankful I am for our little infinity' *sobs* Yup, I predict this movie is going to make a whole lot of money and leave everyone crying as they leave the theatre.

So what are you obsessed with this week?