Waiting on Wednesday

"Waiting on Wednesday" is a weekly meme hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine. It lets us all gush about what soon-to-be released books we are jumping-up-and-down excited for.

The Wren Hunt

by Mary Watson

hitting shelves March 6th, 2018

from  Bloomsbury

Thrilling and atmospheric, this lyrically written YA debut about feuding magical families is perfect for readers of Maggie Stiefvater.Every Christmas, Wren is chased through the woods near her isolated village by her family's enemies—the Judges—and there’s nothing that she can do to stop it. Once her people, the Augurs, controlled a powerful magic. But now that power lies with the Judges, who are set on destroying her kind for good. 

In a desperate bid to save her family, Wren takes a dangerous undercover assignment—as an intern to an influential Judge named Cassa Harkness. Cassa has spent her life researching a transformative spell, which could bring the war between the factions to its absolute end. Caught in a web of deceit, Wren must decide whether or not to gamble on the spell and seal the Augurs’ fate.This captivating fantasy from an award-winning author is perfect for fans of The Raven Cycle and Wink Poppy Midnight.

My thoughts:  Does this not sound amazing??  Magical families, elusive spells, and I know many who will be excited about the Raven Cycle comparison, but I'm more excited to see it likened to one of my favorites, Wink Poppy Midnight! :D

What book are you eagerly anticipating this week?

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Waiting on Wednesday

"Waiting on Wednesday" is a weekly meme hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine. It lets us all gush about what soon-to-be released books we are jumping-up-and-down excited for.

Reign the Earth

by A.C. Gaughen

hitting shelves January 2nd, 2018

from  Bloomsbury

Shalia is a proud daughter of the desert, but after years of devastating war with the adjoining kingdom, her people are desperate for peace. Willing to trade her freedom to ensure the safety of her family, Shalia becomes Queen of the Bonelands.

But she soon learns that her husband, Calix, is motivated only by his desire to exterminate the Elementae--mystical people who can control earth, wind, air, and fire. Even more unsettling are Shalia’s feelings for her husband’s brother, which unleash a power over the earth she never knew she possessed--a power that could get her killed. As rumors of a rebellion against Calix spread, Shalia must choose between the last chance for peace and her own future as an Elementae.

This intense, richly drawn high-fantasy by the author of Scarlet will hold readers spellbound.

My thoughts:  That COVER. Gorgeous. Drool. Starry-eyes.  Now onto that story! I haven't read this author before but I know plenty who loved the Scarlet series. And I love Elemental stories, so there's that :)  The only thing I side-eye in this is the possible "choice between two brothers" aspect.  I can handle a love triangle once in while, but when it's between siblings I just can't.  So here's hoping that's not a thing here.  Other than that, this sounds amazing! :D

What book are you eagerly anticipating this week?

The Curious Tale of the In-Between by Lauren Destefano {review + giveaway}

A Curious Tale of the In-Between
by Lauren Destefano
♦publisher: Bloomsbury USA
♦release date: September 1st, 2015
♦hardcover, 240 pages
♦series: Pram, book 1
♦source: from publisher for honest review

Pram Bellamy is special--she can talk to ghosts. She doesn't have too many friends amongst the living, but that's all right. She has her books, she has her aunts, and she has her best friend, the ghostly Felix.

Then Pram meets Clarence, a boy from school who has also lost a parent and is looking for answers. Together they arrive at the door of the mysterious Lady Savant, who promises to help. But this spiritualist knows the true nature of Pram's power, and what she has planned is more terrifying than any ghost.

Review: With a story spun as charmingly and as darkly as any by Grimm, Lauren Destefano gives us her first tale for middle grade readers. A Curious Tale of the In-Between, however, will no doubt be enjoyed by readers of all ages.

This, I would say, is definitely one for the older end of the MG spectrum (maybe ages 11-12) as even I was pretty shocked and haunted by the opening scene---a grim visual of Pram's mother being found hanging from a tree, unborn Pram already dead inside her belly. Destefano's writing shines as it always does, though, each eerie image and curiosity and emotion coming to life on the page. Her storytelling is just as spot on as ever and though there were one or two moments that seemed a bit dry, I felt wrapped up in all of these complex characters and their adventure for most of the book.

Pram is a serious child, resourceful, and independent, as a result of being raised by two strange aunts in a house for the elderly. She's also long since come to terms with the fact that she can see and talk to the dead.  She's been homeschooled her whole life, so her best friend is the only child near the house, a ghost named Felix who loves to charm her with ghostly illusions.  They talk and play and fight like any best friends, but her aunts are constantly worried about how strange it makes her to outsiders. When a schoolmarm's visit lands her in public school, she meets Clarence and they almost immediately become friends.  The story turns dangerous when the wrong person finds out about Pram's ability and wants to use it in completely unimaginable and sinister ways.

This story was exciting and enchanting but also very emotional as you're following two young characters that are dealing with loss and trust and a very sweet and innocent first taste of deeper feelings. I absolutely can't wait to have another ghostly adventure with Pram, Clarence, Felix, and the funny, fussy aunts! I very much enjoyed this one.

Find Lauren DeStefano online:  Website  •  Twitter  •  Instagram 

Purchase the book: Indiebound  •  BookDepository  •  Amazon

*GIVEAWAY!*
I'm giving away an ARC of A Curious Tale of the In-Between!
•US mailing addresses only please
•Ends 9/29/15

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Chasing Power by Sarah Beth Durst {review}

Chasing Power
by Sarah Beth Durst
♦publisher: Bloomsbury USA
♦release date: October 14th, 2014
♦hardcover, 376 pages
♦intended audience: Young adult
♦stand-alone
♦source: from publisher for honest review

Sixteen-year-old Kayla was born with the ability to move things with her mind-things like credit cards and buttons on cash registers-and she has become a master shoplifter. She steals to build up enough money for her and her mom to be able to flee if her dad finds them again . . . which would mean grave danger for them both.

When she's caught stealing by a boy named Daniel-a boy with the ability to teleport-he needs her help and is willing to blackmail her to get it. Together, they embark on a quest to find and steal an ancient incantation, written on three indestructible stones and hidden millennia ago, all to rescue Daniel's kidnapped mother. But Kayla has no idea that this rescue mission will lead back to her own family-and to betrayals that she may not be able to forgive . . . or survive.

Review: Chasing Power was a great adventurous story, possibly my favorite from Sarah Beth Durst yet! Kayla whole life has become about hiding; she hides her powers of telekinesis from the world, she hides the fact that she secretly uses those powers from her mother, and most importantly she hides from her estranged father who murdered her sister.  In true angsty fashion, she takes out her frustration about living like this by using her powers to pull off small-time jewelry heists and ATM robberies. At first the details of how she pulled things off without anyone seeing was a little far-fetched, specifically when items are moving about in very public places with no one noticing but I let my disbelief suspend a bit in the name of a fantastic story. 

One day she is approached by Daniel, a guy with plenty of power of his own, but he needs her specific skill to help track down his kidnapped mother---so much that’s he’s willing to blackmail Kayla into helping him. She, of course, does not take kindly to being manipulated, so starts their very rocky relationship.  I liked Daniel’s character a lot, a scared guy trying to act tough but slowly you see his vulnerability come through. And as far as supernatural powers go, being able to teleport to any place he’s been or seen would be amazing! Their quest takes them to New Orleans to confer with a VooDoo queen and then on to so many far-off exotic places,  a thrill for Kayla who thought she would never leave their tiny home in Santa Barbara. 

The story races along, one plot-propelling scene from the next, while still allowing time to let us see into the hearts of these characters as their feelings toward each other shift and change and how their emotional struggles with their prospective families reveal themselves.  She also has a great best friend, Serena, incredibly smart, huge fun personality, super resourceful, many facets of her own that rounded out the story and Kayla’s character. Kayla’s mother is a big part of the story as well, a woman who has grown accustomed to running and living in fear, raising her daughter to do the same because it’s the only way she can conceive to keep her safe. 

The danger builds and many secrets and hidden pasts are revealed as they chase clues around the world, trying to stay one step ahead of their pursuers. Lots of twists and head-spinning surprises kept me turning page after page until the very end. 

Visit Sarah Beth Durst: Website  •  Twitter  •  Facebook

Purchase Conjured:  BN.com  •  BookDepository  •  Indiebound 

Waiting on Wednesday

"Waiting on Wednesday" is a weekly meme hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine. It lets us all gush about what soon-to-be released books we are jumping-up-and-down excited for.

Chasing Power
by Sarah Beth Durst

hitting shelves October 14th, 2014 from Bloomsbury

description:
Lies, secrets, and magic — three things that define Kayla's life.

Sixteen-year-old Kayla plans to spend her summer hanging out on the beach in Santa Barbara and stealing whatever she wants, whenever she wants it. Born with the ability to move things with her mind — things like credit cards, diamond rings, and buttons on cash registers — she has become a master shoplifter. She steals to build up a safety net, enough money for her and her mom to be able to flee if her dad finds them again. Well, that, and the thrill of using her secret talents.

But her summer plans change when she's caught stealing by a boy named Daniel — a boy who needs her help and is willing to blackmail her to get it. Daniel has a talent of his own. He can teleport, appearing anywhere in the world in an instant, but he lies as easily as he travels. Together, they embark on a quest to find and steal an ancient incantation, written on three indestructible stones and hidden millennia ago, all to rescue Daniel's kidnapped mother. But Kayla has no idea that this rescue mission will lead back to her own family — and to betrayals that she may not be able to forgive... or survive.

My thoughts:  This sounds like a fun story and I'm a big fan of Sarah Beth Durst...Vessel, Conjure, really enjoyed those two. She always creates really unique worlds and characters. Excited for this one!

NOTE:  I just installed  Disqus and I'm hoping all went through okay! If you have any trouble commenting, please shoot me an email at storiesandsweetiesblog@gmail.com!

Cover Story

Lots of new cover eye-candy!

Endsinger

by Jay Kristoff

Thomas Dunne Books, September 23, 2014

In the Afterlight
by Alexandra Bracken
Disney-Hyperion, October 28, 2014

The Opposite of Love

by Sarah Lynn Scheerger

Albert Whitman Teen, September 1, 2014

The Spiritglass Charade
by Colleen Gleeson
Chronicle Books, October 1, 2014

A Thousand Pieces of You

by Claudia Gray

HarperTeen, November 4, 2014

Whisper the Dead 
by Alyxandra Harvey
Bloomsbury Children's, October 9st, 2014

Wildlife

by Fiona Wood

Poppy, September 16, 2014

Dating Down
by Stefanie Lyons
Flux, 2015







What do you think? What's your favorite out of these?  The Lotus War books have had amazing covers all the way through the series. Love the handrawn/watercolor style of Dating Down. Love the exaggerated font on Wildlife. Spiritglass and Thousand Pieces are just so pretty.

Cover Story

For all of us who just spent the day munching on Peeps and chocolate bunnies, I thought some eye candy was in order :)

And for everyone else, too :D

Belzhar 
by Meg Wolitzer
Dutton Juvenile, September 30th, 2014

The Darkest Part of the Forest

by Holly Black

Little Brown BYR, January 15th, 2015

Feuds 
by Avery Hastings
St. Martin's Griffin, September 2nd, 2014

The Fire Artist

by Daisy Whitney

Bloomsbury, October 14th, 2014

The Girl on a Wire 
by Gwenda Bond
Skyscape, October 14th, 2014

Made for You

by Melissa Marr

HarperCollins, September 16th, 2014

Some Boys 
by Patty Blount
Sourcebooks Fire, August 1st, 2014

Winterkill

by Kate A. Boorman

Amulet Books, September 9th, 2014

See any new favorites here?  I'm kind of in love with...well, ALL OF THEM.  :D

Cover Story

Some recent cover reveals!

Beauty of the Broken

by Tawni Waters

Simon Pulse, August 26th, 2014

Inland 
by Kat Rosenfield
Dutton Juvenile, June 12th, 2014

Lailah

 by Nikki Kelly

Feiwel & Friends, October 7th, 2014

Of Monsters and Madness
by Jessica Verday
Egmont USA, September 9th, 2014

Poisoned Apples

by Christine Happermann

Greenwillow Books, September 23rd 2014

Sanctum
by Madeleine Roux
Harper Collins, August 26thm 2014

Searching for Sky

by Jillian Cantor

Bloomsbury USA, May 13th, 2014

The Beautiful Ashes 
by Jeaniene Frost
Harlequin, August 26th, 2014
(This one is listed as both YA and NA at Goodreads, so I'm not sure which it is! Either way, it's a gorgeous cover! :D)

Seeing any new favorites here?  They are all pretty gorgeous, but my favorites are Inland, Sanctum, Poison Apples, and Of Monsters and Madness! And i just love the colors on The Beautiful Ashes!

{Blog Tour} Guest Post with Daisy Whitney: 5 Favorite Works of Art

Today on Stories & Sweeties, I'm pleased to welcome Daisy Whitney!  Her new release from Bloomsbury, STARRY NIGHTS, features romance and curses and priceless works of art. Doesn't that sound fabulous??

Seventeen-year-old Julien is a romantic—he loves spending his free time at the museum poring over the great works of the Impressionists. But one night, a peach falls out of a Cezanne, Degas ballerinas dance across the floor, and Julien is not hallucinating.

The art is reacting to a curse that trapped a beautiful girl, Clio, in a painting forever. Julien has a chance to free Clio and he can't help but fall in love with her. But love is a curse in its own right. And soon paintings begin to bleed and disappear. Together Julien and Clio must save the world's greatest art . . . at the expense of the greatest love they've ever known.

Like a master painter herself, Daisy Whitney brings inordinate talent and ingenuity to this romantic, suspenseful, and sophisticated new novel. A beautifully decorated package makes it a must-own in print.

*      *      *      *      *

In keeping with the art theme of the book, I asked Daisy to share with us her own 5 favorite works of art! Here's what she had to say:

Oh, but to choose five favorite works of art is so difficult! There are so many I adore and cherish!

Nevertheless, I shall attempt the near impossible.

1. Starry Night over the Rhone by Van Gogh: There’s a reason I chose this piece of art for the title. It’s such a gorgeous work with deep blue and gold and colors that invite dreams and imagination. It hangs in the Musee d’Orsay and is my absolute favorite.

2. Nighthawks by Edward Hopper at the Art Institute of Chicago. Three lonely people in a diner at night - this work is the perfect depiction of loneliness and togetherness at the same time.

3. Any of Monet’s Japanese Bridges. I could gaze upon these works for hours. The play of light, the way each image looks a bit different from the others, the feel of the colors, and most of the all the way the work transports you to Monet’s Gardens.

4. Francesco Hayez, The Kiss - Le Sigh. Such a gorgeous, passionate depiction of kissing. I love the folds on the woman’s dress too.

5. Any Dutch still life of flowers, vases, goblets, lemons or oysters - Many of the Dutch masters from the 17th century created gorgeous still lifes - they are so richly detailed they look like photos.

photo credits: all artworks found at wikipaintings.org

Gorgeous! Thank you, Daisy, for sharing these beautiful pieces with us!  

 DAISY WHITNEY

Twitter  •  Facebook  •  Website

 

Becky's View: Conjured by Sarah Beth Durst

Conjured by Sarah Beth Durst
♦publisher: Bloomsbury
♦release date: September 3rd, 2013
♦hardcover, 368 pages
♦intended audience: Young adult
♦stand-alone
♦source: ARC from publisher for honest review

Eve has a new home, a new face, and a new name—but no memories of her past. She’s been told that she's in a witness protection program. That she escaped a dangerous magic-wielding serial killer who still hunts her. The only thing she knows for sure is that there is something horrifying in her memories the people hiding her want to access—and there is nothing they won’t say—or do—to her to get her to remember.

At night she dreams of a tattered carnival tent and buttons being sewn into her skin. But during the day, she shelves books at the local library, trying to not let anyone know that she can do things—things like change the color of her eyes or walk through walls. When she does use her strange powers, she blacks out and is drawn into terrifying visions, returning to find that days or weeks have passed—and she’s lost all short-term memories. Eve must find out who and what she really is before the killer finds her—but the truth may be more dangerous than anyone could have ever imagined.

Review: In Conjured, Sarah Beth Durst once again gives us a story full of haunting imagery that defies imagination.  After reading Vessel last year, and being left in wonder at the glass snakes in the sky and treacherous sandworms, I knew if anyone could bring the weird and whimsical to a carnival setting, it was this author.  

The story surrounds Eve, a girl who has no memory of her past, but also frequently loses what little short term memory she has gained.  While that has it's place in the story, it also made it somewhat difficult to get a grasp on Eve's character at first, as well as the other characters.  It starts off a bit confusing while trying to figure out who these people are that are with Eve and if they are good or bad---one was very serious and protective and the other was just plain mean. More characters pop up throughout and it was just as hard to guess their intentions. We get little glimpses of a peculiar carnival and of the powers that Eve has and it's all very cryptic.  It definitely keeps you guessing, but also left me a bit bewildered for the first 70 pages or so.  This was where the story really started to grab me and didn't let go until the end. Eve's visions start to take on more meaning, she starts to stand up to her protectors/captors (she's really not sure which they are!), and best of all, things start to happen with the charming and slightly geeky Zach.  One of my favorite love interests in a long time---Zach was a sweetheart and full of all this quirky energy and off-the-wall information, with personal dilemmas of his own and bravery where it really counts.   

The last part bursts into an unexpected and exhilarating  dose of sci-fi fantasy adventure as they race to track down the carnival that will give Eve the answers she needs.  It builds into an increasingly twisted and dark resolution that a reader may have gotten inklings of through Eve's early visions, but I don't think anyone could of guessed what was actually coming. 

Make your way past the slightly slow beginning and you'll find an extraordinary and wildly creative tale of a girl's journey to find out where she comes from and what she's made of. 

Visit Sarah Beth Durst: Website  •  Twitter  •  Facebook

Purchase Conjured:  Amazon  •  BookDepository  •  Indiebound

Waiting on Wednesday

"Waiting on Wednesday" is a weekly meme hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine. It lets us all gush about what soon-to-be released books we are jumping-up-and-down excited for.

Vengeance 
by Megan Miranda

hitting shelves February 13, 2014 from Bloomsbury

No official description released yet, but here is a blurb from Publisher's Marketplace:
Megan Miranda's VENGEANCE, a companion novel and sequel to FRACTURE, in which the lake that claimed victims appears to be cursed as more tragedy unfolds, raising the question of whether a character's strange affinity with the dying is something even more sinister...

My thoughts: I loved Fractured (check out my review here!) so I'm excited to hear there will be a companion novel!

Amy's View: Going Vintage by Lindsey Leavitt

Going Vintage by Lindsey Leavitt
♦publisher: Bloomsbury
♦release date: March 26, 2013
♦hardcover, 320 pages
♦intended audience: Young adult
♦stand-alone
♦source: ALA midwinter

When Mallory’s boyfriend, Jeremy, cheats on her with an online girlfriend, Mallory decides the best way to de-Jeremy her life is to de-modernize things too. Inspired by a list of goals her grandmother made in1962, Mallory swears off technology and returns to a simpler time (when boyfriends couldn’t cheat with computer avatars). The List:
1. Run for pep club secretary
2. Host a fancy dinner party/soiree
3. Sew a dress for Homecoming
 4. Find a steady
5. Do something dangerous
But simple proves to be crazy-complicated, and the details of the past begin to change Mallory’s present. Add in a too-busy grandmother, a sassy sister, and the cute pep-club president–who just happens to be her ex’s cousin–and soon Mallory begins to wonder if going vintage is going too far.

Review:  “Adolescence is the same tragedy being performed again and again. The only things that change are the stage props.” Page 284

List maker Mallory, swears off all things electronic after she finds her boyfriend cheating on her with an internet girlfriend; no cell phone, no computer, no internet and definitely no friendspace. Longing for a simpler time, she decides on living life as if it’s 1962.  

Finding her grandmother’s old journal, filled with lists, Mallory sets out to complete the one dated- Junior Year 1962. Seeming like the perfect answer to her cyber problems, she quickly takes on the challenge of “Going Vintage”. Following her grandmother’s uncompleted list of “Junior Year Back to School Resolutions”-1) Run for prep club secretary. 2) Host a dinner party 3) Sew a homecoming dress 4) Find a steady 5) Do something dangerous. 

Mallory sets out to be truly authentic, in her seer-sucker dress and broach circa 1960’s, to the rotary phone in her room, Mallory dedicates her life totally vintage.  Discovering that she may, once again, be confident enough to conquer the vicious rumors of her breakup. However, living vintage is not as easy as just checking off each task, tasks that aren’t so 2013.  

With the new list, and new simpler lifestyle, problems still arise.  Internet school projects, minus the internet, means hours after school at the library looking through old books. Along with the truly archaic resolutions of starting a pep club, hosting a soiree with an all 1960’s menu and all without modern conveniences. Not to mention, trying to find a steady, when the last thing she wants to think about is boys.  

With the help from her sister Mallory, the epitome of sisterly love, they do their best. They stay true to the rules and conquer not only the list, but gain knowledge, friendship and a little more self confidence along the way. Causing Mallory to discover more truth than she set out looking for and closer relationships than she started with.

While this book has its many promises, it fell short of the vintage flair I was hoping for. Although the storyline was truly original and sweet, I hoped for a little more authenticity. Still fun, contemporary and entertaining, this book highlights the wonderful and amazing attributes of sisterly bonds.  Totally authentic at times, from the menu choices for the dinner party, to the clothing that Mallory chooses to wear and draw inspiration from.  A book blended with great ingredients of humor, family bonding and discovering the real meaning behind completing a goal.

Find Lindsey Leavitt online:  Website  •  Twitter  •  Facebook

Purchase Going Vintage: Amazon  •  BookDepository  •  Indiebound

Book Trailers: Dance of Shadows, Midwinterblood, & Touched

Love all three of these trailers---just thought I'd share! :D

Dance of Shadows by Yelena Black

Midwinterblood by Marcus Sedgwick

Touched by Corrine Jackson

Waiting on Wednesday

"Waiting on Wednesday" is a weekly meme hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine. It lets us all gush about what soon-to-be released books we are jumping-up-and-down excited for.

Dance of Shadows
by Yelena Black

hitting shelves December 24, 2012 from Walker Books for Young Readers

description:
Vanessa Adler isn’t so sure she really belongs at the School of American Ballet. But dance runs in her family. It’s been a part of her life for as long as she can remember. Her grandmother and mother were prima ballerinas, and her older sister Margaret was, too. That is, until Margaret mysteriously disappeared from school three years ago. Vanessa is heir to the family’s gift and the only person who can fulfill her sister’s destiny. She has no choice.

But she never could have guessed how dangerous the school is. The infamous choreographer, Josef, isn’t just ruthless with his pupils, he guards a sinister secret, one in which the school’s dancers—prized for their beauty, grace, and discipline—become pawns in a world of dark, deadly demons.

My thoughts: Not only am I drawn to this gorgeous cover, but I'm completely intrigued at the mix of ballet dance and demons. I can't wait to find out how the two come together!

Waiting on Wednesday

"Waiting on Wednesday" is a weekly meme hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine. It lets us all gush about what soon-to-be released books we are jumping-up-and-down excited for.

Blink Once
by Cylin Busby

hitting shelves September 4th, 2012 from Bloomsbury

description:
West is a high school senior who has everything going for him until an accident leaves him paralyzed. Strapped down in his hospital bed, slipping in and out of consciousness, West is terrified and alone. Until he meets Olivia.

She’s the girl next door—sort of. A patient in the room next to his, only Olivia can tell what West is thinking, and only Olivia seems to know that the terrible dreams he’s been having are not just a result of his medication. Yet as West comes to rely on Olivia—to love her, even—certain questions pull at him: Why has Olivia been in the hospital for so long? And what does it mean that she is at the center of his nightmares? But the biggest question of all comes when West begins to recover and learns that the mysterious girl he’s fallen in love with has a secret he could never have seen coming.

My thoughts: Lots of elements that call out to me in this one! Medical mysteries, strange nightmares, and what sounds like the potential for a bizarre love story. This one is definitely on my radar!