06:24 pm:

FROM THE GIRLFRIENDS CYBER CIRCUIT: INTRODUCING PERFECT SHOT BY DEBBIE RIGAUD

THE BOOK:

London Abram’s first love is volleyball, so why does she enter an online modeling competition? Answer: superhottie Brent St. John. London spots Brent signing in contestants at a store, and she gets in line simply to say hi. But she never dreams she’ll make it into the competition!

London’s now up against fourteen hungry fashionistas willing to do whatever it takes to win. All she wants to win is Brent’s heart…but the money prize couldn’t hurt. If London plays this right, she can win the contest, the boy, and the cash. GAME ON!

THE AUTHOR:

Debbie Rigaud began her writing career covering news and entertainment for magazines—namely, Seventeen, Twist and CosmoGIRL!. She’s interviewed celebs, politicians and other social figures, but enjoyed interviewing “real” girls the most. A total Jersey girl at heart, Debbie lives in Bermuda with her husband.

DEBBIE’S GUILTY PLEASURES:

Favorite snack: Red Grapes
Touristy Trip: Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
Fashion addiction: Pashminas, tied Euro-style around my neck
Dessert: Hot fudge sundae
Fast food: McDonald’s, There isn’t a Mickie D’s on the island and so when we fly home to the States for a visit, the hubby and I make a bee line to the golden arches.
Beauty Binge: Lip gloss!
Late-Night TV: Jon Stewart
Chick Flick: While You Were Sleeping with Sandra Bullock
Nightlife: At home on the couch with hubby, catching up on season DVDs of The Office
Cheap Thrill: Pedicure
Ultimate Splurge: Spa

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT DEBBIE AND HER WORK:

www.debbierigaud.com

www.debbierigaud.com/blog

09:27 pm: From the GCC: Megan Kelley Hall’s THE LOST SISTER

 

The Book:

Sisters are born, not chosen…

Maddie Crane is grappling with the disappearance of Cordelia LeClaire, and trying to escape the grasp of The Sisters of Misery—an insidious clique of the school’s most powerful girls, whose pranks have set off a chain of horrific events, and who have Maddie in their sights…

 

Beware the sister betrayed…

Now in a prestigious boarding school far away from her mysterious hometown of Hawthorne, Massachusetts , Maddie feels free from danger. But when an unmarked envelope arrives at her dorm containing a single ominous tarot card, Maddie realizes with terror that some secrets won’t stay buried. Knowing she must return to Hawthorne—a town still scarred by the evil of the Salem witch trials—Maddie prepares to face the fears of her past...and the wrath of the sister she wronged.

 

The Buzz:

A character driven tale containing a deep Gothic feel and haunting foreboding atmosphere that hooks fans of all ages....With strong ties to the late seventeenth century Salem Witch Trials, THE LOST SISTER is a super thriller. -- Harriet Klausner

Hall will have your heart racing and you will not be able to put this book down. With historical allusions to the New England witch trials and a touch of the paranormal, THE LOST SISTER is a thriller in a league of its own.
-- TeensReadtoo / Awarded THE LOST SISTER the Hall of Fame Gold Star Award for Excellence

Blown away... The suspense, mystery, intrigue, and drama steadily build up throughout the novel, making it impossible to put the book down. I would recommend it to almost all book lovers. It has made me hungry for more of Ms. Hall's work! - Mrs. Magoo Reads

The Author:

Megan Kelley Hall is the author of the SISTERS OF MISERY series. Her first novel, SISTERS OF MISERY, published by Kensington in August 2008 has received rave reviews by reviewers and readers alike.  She is also a contributor to Ellen Hopkins’ anthology, Flirtin’ with the Monster. Hall has written articles for a variety of local and national magazines, including Elle, Glamour, Boston Magazine, Parenting, American Baby, Working Mother, The Boston Globe, Boston Herald, and several other publications.

Megan’s Guilty Pleasures:

Favorite snack: 100 Grand candy bars

Touristy Trip: London

Fashion addiction: Jeans

Dessert: Chocolate anything

Fast food: Chick-Fil-A

Beauty Binge: Skin care junkie

Late-Night TV: Any scary or weird shows about serial killers, ghosts or the supernatural

Chick Flick: NO!

Nightlife:  Hanging with my daughter and husband watching reality shows like Big Brother

Cheap Thrill: Free samples

Ultimate Splurge: Crème de la Mer (totally transformed my open heart surgery scar!).

 

You can find Megan online here:

http://www.megankelleyhall.com

http://megankelleyhall.blogspot.com

http://www.sistersofmisery.com

http://twitter.com/megankelleyhall

 

 

 

07:55 pm: From the Girlfriends Cyber Circuit - BALLADS OF SUBURBIA by STEPHANIE KUEHNERT

Ballads of Suburbia

By Stephanie Kuehnert

 

The Book:

Stephanie Kuehnert returns with another gripping novel. In BALLADS OF SUBURBIA, Kara McNaughton reveals the darker side of suburbia.  In high school, Kara McNaughton helped maintain the “Stories of Suburbia” notebook, which contained newspaper articles about bizarre and often tragic events from suburbs all over, as well as personal vignettes  written by her friends,which Kara dubbed “ballads”. Ballads are the kind of songs that Kara likes best.  Not the clichéd ones but the truly genuine, gut-wrenching songs that convey love, loss and an individual’s story. Those “stories of Suburbia” were heartbreakingly honest tales of the moments when life changes and a kid is forced to grow up too soon. But Kara never wrote her own ballad. Before she could figure out what her song was about, she was leaving town after a series of disastrous events at the end  of her junior year of high school.

 

Four years later, Kara returns to face the music, and tells the tale of her first three years of high school with her friends’ “ballads” interspersed throughout. Among them are her best friend Stacey, who dates guy after guy trying to find the one who will take care of her the way her parents never did; Cass, who copes with  her mother’s mental illness and her older brother’s abandonment by doing copious amounts of acid; Adrian the creator of the “Stories of Suburbia”, who has “Thrown Away” tattooed on his forearms to express how he feels about his

adoptive parents and his birth parents; Christian, who seems like the nice guy type that Kara belongs with, but has a violent streak; Kara’s little brother Liam, who idolized Johnny Cash as a preschooler and has idolized Kara all his life though she lets him down again and again; and Maya, an eccentric but beautiful redhead who refuses to talk about her mother’s suicide.

 

Then of course, there’s Kara. She begins high school as a loner, who copes with her lack of friends and her rapidly unraveling home life by going to concerts with Liam, smoking the occasional joint, and cutting herself when things get really bad. She’s reluctant at first when she tags along with Maya to Scoville Park, where the "misfit" kids hang out, but she really wants “a life.” The summer after junior year that  life nearly ends with a heroin overdose, the event that triggers Kara’s exit from Oak Park.

 

All the things that happen in between make up the ballads of suburbia.

 

The Buzz:

 

"....an intensely real and painfully honest novel of high-school anxiety."  "....Kuehnert nails the raw vulnerability of teendom and delivers a hard-hitting and mesmerizing read." —Booklist

"Acidly incisive and full-out entertaining...Kuehnert’s smart gal, punk rock narrator is irresistible."—Booklist

“Kuehnert’s language is slick.  The punk references bite with genuine angst and hunger, and Emily’s tough, sardonic attitude, as revealed through chunky, poetic language, is feverishly tempting.” —Kirkus Reviews

 

 

Stephanie’s Guilty Pleasures:

Favorite snack: Popcorn

Touristy Trip: Los Angeles
Fashion addiction: Vintage Dresses
Dessert: Vegan cupcakes from Vegan Bomb
Fast food: Chipotle
Beauty Binge: manicure/pedicure
Late-Night TV:  Weeds, Californication, Shotime shows basically
Chick Flick: Not sure if Singles is a chick flick really, but since it’s about relationships, I’ll go with it.
Nightlife:  a neighborhood bar with a good jukebox, decent rum/vodka selection and good people to talk to.
Cheap Thrill:  Netflix and homemade girly blender drinks
Ultimate Splurge: A trip to Europe

 

For more information: www.stephaniekuehnert.com and http://stephaniekuehnert.blogspot.com

 

04:31 pm:

FROM THE GIRLFRIEND’S CYBER CIRCUIT: SIMPLY IRRESISTIBLE BY JENNIFER BANASH

THE BOOK:

Third and last in The Elite book series (L)– Jennifer Banash brings us more adventures from the spoiled, rich teens in Manhattan who nearly ate Casey McCloy alive when she first arrived in the Big Apple from her small town of Normal, Illinois.  Casey learned very quickly after she moved in with her grandmother at The Bramford, the most exclusive luxury apartment building on New York’s Upper East Side and got into the prestigious Meadowlark Academy on a full scholarship, that it’s not who you are but who you know!

 

Simply Irresistible (Penguin) brings us a whole new set of adventures now that Casey has had a big city-haute makeover, courtesy of her classmate and neighbor Madison Macallister – part teen icon and part queen diva-bitch.  Wearing the right clothes, saying the right things, and meeting the right people, has given Casey the look and the attitude – she’s “in” and loving it!  Much to Madison’s dismay, her rival is climbing up the social ladder in a big way and could end up just as popular as Madison now that the two are set to star in their own TV reality show, “De-Luxe.”  Yes, showbiz came knocking on two of The Bramford’s most illustrious doors and, as much as Madison thrives on the attention the show brings, she’s not thrilled about having every bit of her life of privilege caught on tape.  However, fame comes at a price and Madison is one chick who is willing to pay anything…especially if it means becoming the next reality “it girl.”  Casey, on the other hand, is realizing that Reality TV can sometimes beunreal, causing her to wonder if she even knows who she is anymore.  With her relationship with Drew, Madison’s ex, currently more off than on, she can’t help wondering if everything i n her life is really just an illusion – and how much longer the illusion can last…. 

 

Although The Elite series is obsessed with fashion and glamour, Branash does an impressive job of examining real issues that teens face, such as cutting, divorce, infidelity, and drug addiction.  Having personally attended high school on the Upper East Side of Manhattan provided the author with the background for her ample insight and imagination portrayed in The Elite Series. 

 

 

THE BUZZ:

 

"If you love all the drama, scandal, and high-end fashion of Gossip Girl...you'll want to check out...The Elite!"--Seventeen.com

 

"The Elite is Pretty in Pink for the millennium generation."--Romance

Reviews Today

 

"An awesome tale of friendship and betrayal with just the right amount

of humor and heart.  Seriously irresistible, and impossible to put down."-Alexa Young, author of Frenemies and Faketastic

THE AUTHOR

Jennifer Banash attended high school on the Upper East Side of Manhattan and currently divides her time between Paris and Southern California—where she lives with her beagle, Sigmund, and her vast designer shoe collection. She is the author of The Elite novels, published by Berkley Jam, and the novel Hollywoodland: An American Fairy Tale.

Visit Jennifer at her website: http://www.theelitebooks.com/

or her myspace: myspace.com/theeliteseries

 

Jennifer’s Guilty Pleasures:

Favorite snack:  Chocolate, the darker the better

Touristy Trip: Paris.  Always. 
Fashion addiction:  Manolo Blahnik
Dessert:  Cheesecake
Fast food:  IN N'Out Burger
Beauty Binge:  Sephora
Late-Night TV:  True Blood
Chick Flick:  Confessions of a Shopaholic
Nightlife:  Wine bar with friends
Cheap Thrill:  Target
Ultimate Splurge: Marc Jacobs purse

 

12:29 pm: From the Girlfriends Cyber Circuit - LOVESTRUCK SUMMER BY MELISSA WALKER

 

Lovestruck Summer

by Melissa Walker

 

So, I’m super excited to introduce Melissa Walker’s new book LOVESTRUCK SUMMER!  Not only is Melissa cool, nice, generous, funny, but she also writes really great books.  Not only is she the author of the fabulous Violet series – as well as many others titles – but she has a website called I HEART DAILY, and if you subscribe she’ll send you a must-have  product tip daily.  Pretty cook, right?  How else was I to learn about all natural antiperspirants that actually work (http://www.iheartdaily.com/2008/12/that-eau-natural-smell.html/), how to get the perfect smoky eye (http://www.iheartdaily.com/2009/02/red-hearts-the-smokey-eye-.html), or the Yellow Bird Project (http://www.iheartdaily.com/2009/05/yellow-bird-project-fashion-and-music-for-a-cause.html). 

 

THE BOOK:

LOVESTRUCK SUMMER is the story of Quinn, an indie rock girl who came out to Austin, Texas for a music internship. She also plans to spend long, lazy days in the sun at outdoor concerts--and to meet a hot musician or two. Instead, she’s stuck rooming with her sorority brainwashed cousin, who now willingly goes by the name “Party Penny.” Their personalities clash, big time.  But Sebastian, a gorgeous DJ, definitely makes up for it. Sebastian has it all: looks, charm, and great taste in music. So why can’t Quinn keep her mind off Penny’s friend cute, All-American Russ and his Texas twang?  Sebastian is the kind of guy Quinn wants, but is Russ the guy Quinn needs?  One thing’s certain: Quinn’s in for a summer she’ll never forget!

 

THE AUTHOR:

A former editor at ELLEgirl and Seventeen magazines, Melissa Walker knows her indie rock. She hails from Chapel Hill, North Carolina, and currently resides in Brooklyn, New York. She loves talking about books, fashion, magazines and all kinds of pop culture. Visit her at melissacwalker.com or on iheartdaily.com.

 

MELISSA’S GUILTY PLEASURES:

Favorite snack: This week, it's Honey-BBQ Fritos.

Touristy Trip: Road trip across the country! Tons of touristy things to see (South Dakota's , anyone?)Corn Palace

Fashion addiction: Vintage dresses. I'm wearing two this July because I couldn't decide between 30s and 50s style! (I'll attach a photo of my 50s gown; don't show my fiance!)wedding gowns

Dessert: Chocolate covered strawberries. They're like healthy desserts. At least that's what I tell myself.

Fast food: McDonald's fries. Unbeatable.

Beauty Binge: Clinique's Black Honey lipstick, a longtime fave: http://www.iheartdaily.com/2009/04/trust-us-this-will-look-good-on-you.html

Chick Flick: I just watched "The Holiday" with my mom and totally swooned! It's a new favorite (I know I'm late to see it!).

 

 

08:24 pm: From the Girlfriends Cyber Circuit - VAMPED by Lucienne Diver

 

 

 

08:30 pm: From the Girlfriends Cyber Circuit - DEATH BY DENIM BY LINDA GERBER

The Book:

DEATH BY DENIM by LINDA GERBER

Aphra Connolly is being chased by some very dangerous people. She knows her survival depends upon staying far away from love interest Seth, and listening to her mom’s lectures on the finer points of anonymity and survival. But how is a girl supposed to live under the radar and not think about her boyfriend when she’s in Paris—the most romantic city in the world? When her mom’s contact in Paris is found floating in the Seine with a deadly message stuffed in his mouth, Aphra realizes that she will never be able to stop running unless she confronts the situation head-on. Sneaking away from her mom, Aphra tracks down the criminal mastermind in Italy, only to unwittingly reveal Seth’s location. And her mistake has just put them both in mortal danger. . . .

 

 

THE BUZZ:

“Starting with a heart-pounding chase scene… Gerber weaves in some major cultural landmarks as Aphra races through Paris and then Italy on a mission to expose the would-be assassin and rescue her love interest, Seth. Taut suspense… along with interesting tips of the espionage trade, will propel readers to the neat ending.”   - Booklist

 

“Death by Denim, the third book in Linda Gerber's fun, action-packed, and suspenseful series, is just as riveting as its prequels. Gerber's style is not only modern and down to earth, but cunning and intelligent as well… Aphra is an engaging and lively narrator whose bravery and smarts readers will admire. Equal parts action, romance, and mystery, Death by Denim is a fun-filled and engrossing read that will appeal to fans of Ally Carter's Gallagher Girls series.”  – The Compulsive Reader

 

“Gerber does not disappoint with this exciting novel from her Death by… series. Gerber’s strength is by far in creating such a thrilling and fast paced plot that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. …Death by Denim is a wholly enjoyable read, full of action, romance, and international flair. Fans of Death by Bikini and Death by Latte, the earlier installments in this series, won’t want to miss Death by Denim. Teen girls in particular looking for a fast and fun mystery to devour will enjoy Gerber’s Death by… series.”  - The Book Muncher

 

“Nancy Drew meets "Alias" in the latest fast-paced, murder-mystery romance.”

- Paddyfield

 

***  Top Choice Award - Flamingnet Book Reviews ***

 

THE AUTHOR:

Linda Gerber recently returned to life in the Midwest after four years in Japan, where she served as the Regional Advisor for the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators. Her books include SASS: NOW AND ZEN, SASS: THE FINNISH LINE and the YA mysteries DEATH BY BIKINI, DEATH BY LATTE and DEATH BY DENIM. She currently lives and writes in Dublin, OH, blissfully ignoring her husband, kids, and one very naughty puppy.

 

You can find Linda online here:

http://lindagerber.com

http://www.new.facebook.com/profile.php?id=518643863

http://lindagerber.blogspot.com/

http://twitter.com/gerbsan

06:55 pm: From the Girlfriends Cyber Circuit - Welcome Back Jennifer O'Connell

EVERYTHING I NEEDED TO KNOW ABOUT BEING A GIRL

I LEARNED FROM JUDY BLUME

Edited by Jennifer O’Connell

Contributors include: Megan Cabot, Megan McCafferty, Cara Lockwood,
Melissa Senate, Laura Caldwell, Stacey Ballis, Shanna Swendson and 17 other acclaimed women writers

 

THE BOOK:

Whether laughing to tears reading Otherwise Known as Sheila the Great or clamoring for more unmistakable “me too!” moments in Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret, girls all over the world have been touched by Judy Blume’s poignant coming-of-age stories. Now, in this anthology of essays, twenty-four notable female authors write straight from the heart about the unforgettable novels that left an indelible mark on their childhoods and still influence them today.  Drawing on their own experiences of feeling like a Fourth Grade Nothing before growing up to become Smart Women themselves, these writers pay tribute, through their reflections and most cherished memories, to one of the most beloved authors of all time.

 

THE BUZZ:

“Fun tributes to a beloved role model.” —People

 

“Wry pieces… make this more than a nostalgia trip.” —Entertainment Weekly

 

“Each writer is fearlessly honest… it’s emotional reading.” —Chicago Sun-Times

 

“Funny, poignant, honest, and reverential, these stories will resonate strongly with the legions of readers who, like the authors, are grateful and lifelong Blume devotees.” —Booklist

 

 “From bittersweet to laugh-out-loud hilarious, the essays in this collection all sparkle with charm, style, and wit. No doubt about it, if you grew up reading Judy Blume, you will love this book.” —Sarah Mlynowski, author of Spells & Sleeping Bags and Me vs. Me

 

“Writing in the spirit of Blume, these women present their experiences as a series of personal truths: ‘girl moments. Woman moments. Human moments.’” —Publishers Weekly

 

“By turns funny and poignant, this essay collection captures the essence of Judy Blume’s appeal.” —Library Journal

 

“These stories are intensely personal recollections that offer an insight into the influence that Judy Blume’s works have had on everyone who reads them.” —Teens Read Too

 

THE EDITOR:

Jennifer O’Connell is the author of ten books, the most recent of which are her two teen novels Local Girls and Rich Boys. She received her BA from Smith College and her MBA from the University of Chicago. Visit her website at www.jenniferoconnell.com and www.jennyoconnell.com.

 

 

JENNIFER’S GUILTY PLEASURES:

Favorite snack:  chocolate chip cookies (or dough)

Touristy Trip: Faneuil Hall in Boston
Fashion addiction: 
Dessert: Molten chocolate cake
Fast food:  Burger King cheeseburger without mustard ( I hate mustard but LOVE Burger King)
Beauty Binge: face cream
Late-Night TV:  Reruns of Frasier
Chick Flick: When Harry Met Sally
Nightlife:  computer on my lap
Cheap Thrill:  Bikinis from Target
Ultimate Splurge:   any sort of face cream – I’m a sucker and believe every promise they make

 

 

 

08:17 pm: From the Girlfriends Cyber Circuit - TORCHED BY APRIL HENRY

THE BOOK:

When Ellie’s parents are busted for growing marijuana, the FBI gives her a choice: infiltrate the Mother Earth Defenders (MED), a radical environmental group, or her parents will go to jail. At first Ellie is more than willing to entrap the MEDics, but the more time she spends undercover—particularly with Coyote, the green-eyed MEDic that she can’t stop thinking about—the more she starts to believe in their cause. When talk turns to murder, Coyote backs out, but Ellie is willing to risk everything to save her family—even if it means losing Coyote and putting her own life on the line.

 

THE AUTHOR:

April Henry knows how to kill you in a two-dozen different ways. She makes up for a peaceful childhood in an intact home by killing off fictional characters. April had one detour on her path to destruction:  when she was 12 she sent a short story about a six-foot tall frog who loved peanut butter to noted children's author Roald Dahl.  He liked it so much he arranged to have it published in an international children's magazine.

 

By the time she was in her 30s, April had come to terms with her childhood and started writing about hit men, drug dealers, and serial killers. She has published six mysteries and thrillers, with five more under contract.  Her books have gotten starred

reviews, been on Booksense (twice!), translated into four languages, short-listed for the Oregon Book Award, and chosen as a Quick Pick by the American Library Association.

 

April writes for both teens and adults. This month Face of Betrayal will be published. It’s the first in a new series for adult mystery series co-written with FOX legal anaylst Lis Wiehl.

 

THE BUZZ:

Kirkus: "Romance and big explosions … the thrills and action will keep readers interested as she navigates her way between terrorists and self-centered Feds."

 

Booklist: "The contemporary mix of politics and thrilling action will grab teens, not just environmentalists, as Ellie must decide how to save her parents and save the earth. Romance adds to the conflict as she falls in love with gorgeous MED member Coyote, who is both an activist and an ardent pacifist. Both the MEDs and the FBI have good guys and bad guys, and this suspenseful story will spark discussion about what it means to fight for right “by any means necessary."

 

Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books: “Henry keeps a number of slick tricks up her sleeve, and when the plot takes off with a MED tree sit to stop clear cut logging, a cascade of treachery and betrayal is unleashed that should keep the pages flying. This is a far cry from the more whimsical take on environmentalism of Hiaasen's Hoot, but readers who cut their teeth on that amiable escapade may want to explore the ethical implications of wielding vandalism and violence to achieve a worthy end.”

 

School Library Journal: “Educators and environmentalists will appreciate the similarities between Ellie’s adventures and the exploits of Julia Butterfly Hill, as it will allow them to engage in a discussion about endangered species, corporate responsibility, and logging.”

 

Teens Read Too: 5 stars; “Torched is an edge-of-your-seat thriller. The book starts with a prologue that puts readers in the thick of the action, and things don't slow down from there.”

 

APRIL’S GUILTY PLEASURES:

Favorite snack: Spicy chips, like barbecue or nacho.
Touristy Trip: We went to the Cinque Terra in Italy two years ago. I still dream of going back.
Fashion addiction: Can ebay be a fashion addiction? I am cheap and I like clothes and I don’t mind if they’ve been worn before. Actually, an amazing amount of stuff on ebay is brand new.
Dessert: Lemon meringue pie.
Fast food: French fries. But it’s not wise. Because I can’t stop.
Beauty Binge: Face cream that promises I’ll have the skin of a 12-year-old.
Late-Night TV: As late as I get is Lost.
Chick Flick: In Her Shoes
Nightlife: There’s a natural amphitheatre in Bend, Oregon, where I’ve seen some of the most amazing music.
Cheap Thrill: OMG, I love Grocery Outlet. It’s a weird store where food trends go to die.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT APRIL AND HER WORK, CHECK OUT HER WEBSITE: aprilhenrymysteries.com

 

08:37 pm: FROM THE GIRLFRIENDS CYBER CIRCUIT: THE ELITE series and IN TOO DEEP BY JENNIFER BANASH

The Book:

If you don’t belong here— you just don’t belong…

The Bramford building’s newest resident and small-town transplant Casey McCloy is adapting to life in the Big Apple and loving it. She’s got the look, the attitude, and a delish new boyfriend, Drew Van Allen. But she’s starting to have second thoughts as to whether the “New York” Casey is the real Casey. And she’s not so sure she likes herself much anymore. She’s not the only one.

 

Madison Macallister has always had her Manolo Blahniks firmly planted on the top rung of the social ladder—until that corn-fed cow Casey stole Drew away from her and made her look the fool. So what if Madison wasn’t exactly dating Drew at the time? She wanted him. And everyone knows that Madison gets what she wants, like Drew—and a little revenge.

 

The Buzz:

 “The Elite is Pretty in Pink for the millennium generation.”

—Romance Reviews Today

 

What's a Normal, Illinois girl to do when she enters the world of New York City's rich and bitchy? Hold tight, because this is one drama-filled ride."

--Melissa Walker, author of Violet on the Runway.

 

"In Too Deep is a seductive read."

—Innovative: A Word for the WriTeen Blog

 

“Fans of the drama, romance, gossip, and privileged lifestyle depicted in Gossip Girl and Blue Bloods will be drawn to In Too Deep... In Too Deep continues to showcase the glitzy and glamorous lifestyle of New York City’s privileged teens...Banash’s Elite series continues to rock above the rest.”

—The Compulsive Reader Blog

 

“As you know, life in the posh and drama-filled Upper East Side is never easy! Hold onto your Hermes scarves and Coach handbags, the Bram Clan is back for more action and drama!”

—The Book Vault Blog

 

“Banash is fabulous at creating relatable characters in over-the-top situations.”

—In Bed With Books Blog

 

The Author:

Jennifer Banash attended high school on the Upper East Side of Manhattan and currently lives in Southern California with her Beagle, Sigmund, and her vast designer shoe collection. She is the author of THE ELITE series, published by Berkley Jam. Watch for the third installment of THE ELITE, SIMPLY IRRESISTIBLE, coming in July 09!

 

For more information about Jennifer and her work, visit her website: http://www.theelitebooks.com

 

 

09:00 pm: Two New Books from the GCC

 

 

 

So, I’ve been crazy-busy lately, writing on a streak, editing a couple projects, and doing a ton of marketing.  In the midst of all that, I’ve also been trying to squeeze in a personal life, one that mostly consists of bathing daily, doing house chores, hitting the gym, serving as taxi driver, eating, and getting a little sleep.

 

But, I’m very, VERY excited to take the time introduce two new titles from the GCC, ZOMBIE QUEEN OF NEWBURY HIGH by Amanda Ashby, and GOING TOO FAR by Jennifer Echols.  Read on to learn more!

 

ZOMBIE QUEEN OF NEWBURY HIGH BY AMANDA ASHBY:

Tomorrow is prom, and all Mia wants to do is cast a love spell on her date Rob Ziggerman to keep him away from cheerleading goddess Samantha and save him all to herself. But somehow she ends up inflicting a zombie virus onto her whole class instead. At first Mia loves all the attention her classmates are giving her; treating her like a queen,  compliments galore, and all the chocolate a girl could want.  But then zombie hunter hottie Chase explains they are actually fattening her up.  Why? Because in twenty-four hours, Mia will be the first course in their new diet. That’s what being the ZOMBIE QUEEN OF NEWBURY HIGH means.  She’s sure she and Chase can figure something out, especially when the alternative means that her classmates and teachers will be feasting on her bones. But in the meantime, she’s suggests that no one wear white to tomorrow night’s prom, because she has a feeling that things could get very messy.

THE BUZZ:

"Zombie Queen of Newbury High is a delicious treat! Who knew zombies could be both fun and funny? It's Zombilicious!" -- Michelle Rowen, author of Bitten & Smitten

"Zombie Queen of Newbury High is where popularity can turn you undead (with an unsettling appetite) and Prom will be a little dangerous this year.  Amanda Ashby moves into the YA world with snapping prose and an entertaining high school mix of teen crushes, popularity drama, and a zombie squad. Zombies beware--you'll love to follow the twists and turns of this fresh and fun novel!" -- Kelly Parra, author of Invisible Touch

“Amanda Ashby writes a very entertaining and quick read about a teenage protagonist who has to fix the catastrophic problem she created - or else she'll never be able to enjoy the ball with Prince Charming. Many readers will be able to relate to Mia and her quirky ways, and others will simply fall in love with her witty humor. And if that doesn't work, there are always hunks Rob and Chase. ZOMBIE QUEEN OF NEWBURY HIGH deserves the five stars. This is a very original story that isn't too far-fetched that teenage readers can't relate at all - it's the perfect mix of reality and imagination.” 5 stars teensreadtoo

 

The Author:

Amanda Ashby was born in Australia and has spent the last ten years dividing her time between England and New Zealand. When she’s not moving countries, she likes to write books (okay, she also likes to watch television, eat chocolate and sit around doing not much, but let's just keep that between ourselves, shall we?). She has a degree in English and Journalism from the University of Queensland and is married with two young children. Her debut adult book You Had Me at Halo has been nominated for a Romantic Times Reviewer’s Choice award. This is her first book for young adults. Visit her on the web at www.amandaashby.com.

 

Amanda’s Guilty Pleasures:

Favorite snack: chocolate 
Touristy Trip:Fiji

Fashion addiction: necklaces. I just bought a gorgeous set of pink beads two days ago and I can’t stop looking at them – they’re so pretty – and my husband is wrong – they DO make me a better person!!!
Dessert: see favorite snack!!!!
Fast Food: Burger King, but not very often
Beauty Binge: I wish.
Late-Night TV: Hammer House of Horror movies - mwhahahaha
Chick Flick: Clueless
Nightlife: Not too much.
Cheap Thrill: going to the beach.
Ultimate Splurge: One day I'm going on a cruise.  I am, I am, I am! 

 

For more information about Amanda and her work, visit her website at: www.amandaashby.com

 

GOING TOO FAR BY JENNIFER ECHOLS: 

HOW FAR WOULD YOU GO?

All Meg has ever wanted is to get away. Away from high school. Away from her backwater town. Away from her parents who seem determined to keep her imprisoned in their dead-end lives. But one crazy evening involving a dare and  forbidden railroad tracks, she goes way too far… and almost doesn’t make it back.

John made a choice to stay. To enforce the rules. To serve and protect. He has nothing but contempt for what he sees as childish rebellion, and he wants to teach Meg a lesson she won’t soon forget. But Meg pushes him to the limit by questioning everything he learned at the police academy. And when he pushes back, demanding to know why she won’t be tied down, they will drive each other to the edge—and over…

THE BUZZ:
“Naughty in all the best ways, Echols’s Going Too Far is the perfect blend of romance, wit, and rebelliousness.  I loved it!” - Niki Burnham, author of Royally Jacked and Sticky Fingers

“Jennifer Echols has crafted a brave and powerful story, searingly romantic and daring, yet also full of hilarious moments. Meg’s voice will stay in your head long after the intense conclusion.” - R. A. Nelson, author of Teach Me and Breathe My Name

“Echols is a tremendously talented writer with a real gift for developing relationships between her characters.” - Romantic Times Magazine

“Jennifer Echols deals with the limits of life and shocking everyone in Going Too Far, a novel readers won’t want to put down.” - Teens Read Too

THE AUTHOR:
Jennifer Echols has written two romantic comedies entitled Major Crush and The Boys Next Door. She currently lives in Birmingham, Alabama.

“Naughty in all the best ways, Echols’s Going Too Far is the perfect blend of romance, wit, and rebelliousness.  I loved it!” - Niki Burnham, author of Royally Jacked and Sticky Fingers

“Jennifer Echols has crafted a brave and powerful story, searingly romantic and daring, yet also full of hilarious moments. Meg’s voice will stay in your head long after the intense conclusion.” - R. A. Nelson, author of Teach Me and Breathe My Name

“Echols is a tremendously talented writer with a real gift for developing relationships between her characters.” - Romantic Times Magazine

“Jennifer Echols deals with the limits of life and shocking everyone in Going Too Far, a novel readers won’t want to put down.” - Teens Read Too

For more information about Jennifer and her books, visit her website: www.jennifer-echols.com.

 

 

08:45 pm: From the GCC, MISS MATCH By Wendy Toliver

The Book:

Sasha Finnegan has always had a knack for setting people up, and at sixteen, she's turned her talent into an online business, molding high school crushes into true love. But Sasha finds her toughest match yet when hottie Derek Urban asks her to set him up with Sasha's gorgeous sister, Maddie. It's not that Derek isn't a good catch. In fact, after spending so much time with him, Sasha can't help but think he's perfect -- for her, that is.

Can Sasha push her feelings aside for the sake of her business? Or has this miss finally found her match?

Simon and Schuster releases Eden resident’s second YA novel right in time for Valentine’s Day. Filled with romance, humor, and fun local references, Miss Match is sure to delight young adults and adults alike.

Miss Match is Wendy Toliver’s second Simon Pulse Romantic Comedy. It was a 2007 finalist in the Romance Writers’ of America© Golden Heart® contest in the Young Adult category (under the title Cupid Girl).

The Author:

Wendy Toliver lives in the Utah mountains with her three little boys, her husband, and other various wildlife. She graduated from Colorado State University with a BA in Speech Communication/Broadcast and has had a variety of jobs, from performing singing telegrams to working at an advertising agency.

Now a soccer (etc.) mom and the author of The Secret Life of a Teenage Siren and Miss Match (both Simon Pulse), she couldn’t be happier. Well, if she had a self-cleaning house, a Porsche, and an endless supply of chocolate-covered cinnamon bears, she just might be a tad happier.

Wendy’s Guilty Pleasures:

Favorite snack: chocolate-covered cinnamon bears, cereal, almonds

Touristy Trip:   Disney!
Fashion addiction: scarves
Dessert: homemade cake (carrot, German chocolate, Italian creme)
Fast food: a fresh style Mexican one like Rubios or Bajios
Beauty Binge: mascara
Late-Night TV:  something I’ve DVRed, like Gossip Girl, Desperate Housewives, American Idol, So You Think You Can Dance, or Grey’s Anatomy
Chick Flick: I’m looking forward to seeing "Shopaholic"
Nightlife:  sushi dinner out, then a DVD at home with the hubby
Cheap Thrill:  bubble bath in my jet tub
Ultimate Splurge: massage and facial at a day spa

 

For more information about Wendy and her books:

www.wendytoliver.com

www.teenfictioncafe.blogspot.com

www.pulserocom.com

www.simonandschuster.com

www.myspace.com/roxytoliver

 

 

07:09 pm: The GCC Presents...

The Book

Evermore by Alyson Noel

 

The Buzz

"Every once in awhile, a book comes along that I end up getting sucked into and become addicted. EVERMORE was one of those books. When I wasn’t reading, I was thinking about how I could sneak away to read some more. I couldn’t put it down. I dreamt about this book. When I finished, I couldn’t get it out of my head. This book was simply breathtaking.” 5 STAR GOLD AWARD, TeensReadToo

 

"Teen angst and the paranormal make for a combustible mix as Noel utilizes typical themes and gives them a dangerous and eerie twist. Getting hooked on this new series, IMMORTALS, is guaranteed."- 4 STARS, Romantic Times magazine

 

Top Choice Award, Flamingnet

 

The Author

Alyson Noël is the best selling, award-winning, author of FAKING 19, ART GEEKS AND PROM QUEENS, LAGUNA COVE, FLY ME TO THE MOON, KISS & BLOG, SAVING ZOE, CRUEL SUMMER, FIRST KISS (THEN TELL)- an anthology, and the upcoming IMMORTALS series including: EVERMORE (Feb 09), BLUE MOON (Aug 09), and three more titles for 2010. Her awards and honors include: the National Reader’s Choice Award, NYLA Book of Winter Award, NYPL Books for the Teenage, TeensReadToo 5 Star Gold Award, TeenReads Best Books of 2007, Reviewer’s Choice 2007 Top Ten, nominated for a CYBIL award, nominated for a Quill Award, nominated for YALSA’s Teen’s Top Ten, chosen for the CBS Early Show’s “Give the Gift of Reading” segment, and selected for Seventeen Magazine’s “Hot List” and Beach Book Club Pick. Her titles have been translated into French, German, Spanish, Portuguese, Vietnamese, Hungarian, and Romanian. She lives in Laguna Beach, CA.

 

Fun, fast, Alyson Facts:

 

Born and raised in The OC, Alyson's lived on the Greek island of Mykonos, the New York island of Manhattan, and now resides in Laguna Beach.

 

She is married to a brilliant man who is so good at so many things she sometimes wonders if he's a secret immortal.

 

Her favorite color used to be turquoise, though it's recently been replaced by purple.

 

She and her BFF answer to the code name "Sthnark," which is purposely pronounced with a lisp. 

 

She's hopelessly addicted to: Seven jeans, Dior lip-gloss, Buffy DVD's, and playing Rock Band on the wii.

 

Even though she loves writing about immortals, she wouldn't actually want to be one herself.Praise for Alyson

 

"Alyson Noël truly captures what it's like to be a teenager struggling to find herself."

–Portrait magazine

 

"Noël...writes with a bit more humor and authenticity than some of her chick-lit contemporaries..." —Booklist

 

Alyson’s Guilty Pleasures

Favorite snack: Movie popcorn
Touristy Trip: Vegas, my husband and I go once or twice a year and we always have a blast!
Fashion addiction: Seven Jeans—I practically live in them!
Dessert: flourless chocolate cake
Fast food: I don’t eat fast food
Beauty Binge: My hair! It takes a village as the say . . .
Late-Night TV:  Daily Show/Colbert Report
Chick Flick: Bridget Jones Diary—I’ve seen it a gazillion times and it always makes me laugh!
Nightlife:  An extravagant dinner with my husband followed by a Cirque Du Soleil show in Vegas is the absolute best!
Cheap Thrill:  Tossing a coin into a fountain and closing my eyes to make a wish
Ultimate Splurge: A long weekend at a fancy hotel with elaborate meals!

 

04:56 pm:

The GCC Presents

Amor & Summer Secrets By Diana Rodriguez Wallach

The Book:

Fifteen-year-old Mariana Ruiz has no desire to step foot outside her affluent Philadelphia suburb. BUT she may not have a choice.
With total disregard to the high-glam Sweet16 her best friend is hosting, Mariana’s father ships her off to a tiny mountain town in Puerto Rico to stay with family she’s never met. The heat is merciless, the food is spicy, and only one of her relatives—her distant cousin Lilly—speaks English. Her consolation prize is Lilly’s homespun Puerto Rican Quinceãnera. Only the riotously festive party exposes Mariana to more than just her culture. She uncovers new friends, her first love, and a family secret that’s been buried on the island for more than 30 years.

The Author:

Born to a Puerto Rican father and a Polish mother, Diana Rodriguez Wallach has experienced the cultures her characters inhabit. Her debut novel, Amor & Summer Secrets, is the first in a three-book series to be published by Kensington Publishing in September 2008. Diana holds a journalism degree from Boston University, and has worked as a reporter and as an advocate for inner city public schools. She currently resides in Philadelphia with her husband.

Diana’s Guilty Pleasures

Favorite snack: Tostitos with a hint of lime and medium salsa

Touristy Trip: Bora Bora

Fashion addiction: designer jeans

Dessert: mascarpone cannolis

Fast food: pizza with sausage and pepperoni

Beauty Binge: Origins skincare

Late-Night TV: The Daily Show

Chick Flick: Love Actually

Nightlife: A cold Sam Adams at a good pub

Cheap Thrill: movies at the Ritz theater within walking distance

Ultimate Splurge: Phillies World Series tickets

To find out more about Diana and her books, visit her at her website , at MySpace , or on Twitter

 

09:51 am: From the Girlfriends Cyber Circuit - READ MY LIPS BY TERI BROWN

I’m very excited to introduce Teri Brown, author of Read My Lips for this round of the GCC.  Teri’s main character Serena has the ability to read lips from afar, which could be either a really good thing, or totally dangerous.  Read the book to find out.

 

The Book

Read My Lips (Simon Pulse)

 

Popularity is as easy as a good secret.

 

Serena just wants to fly under the radar at her new school.  But Serena is deaf, and she can read lips really well—even across the busy cafeteria.  So when the popular girls discover her talent, there’s no turning back. 

 

From skater chick to cookie-cutter prep, Serena’s identity has done a 180…almost.  She still wants to date Miller, the school rebel, and she’s not ready to trade her hoodies for pink tees just yet.  But she is rising through the ranks in the school’s most exclusive clique. 

 

With each new secret she uncovers, Serena feels pressure to find out more.  Reading lips has always been her greatest talent, but now Serena just feels like a gigantic snoop….

 

 

The Author

Teri Brown turned to writing in a desperate attempt to keep from having to get a paying job at her local McDonalds. Fortunately, she's been successful, and her debut young adult novel, Read My Lips (Simon Pulse), came out June, 2008. She is also a contributing editor for iParenting Media, and her magazine credits include Writer’s Digest, Women’s Health and Fitness, Dog Fancy, and Oregon Coast Magazine, among others. Teri lives with her husband and children in a dilapidated 1969 ranch style house in Portland, Oregon.

 

Teri’s Guilty Pleasures

Favorite snack: peanuts and beer

Touristy Trip: Tombstone Arizona
Fashion addiction: I don’t have one. Wait, does Benefit make up count?
Dessert:  Chocolate chip bread pudding with cream. O.M.G.
Fast food: Bigmacs I know. It’s a weakness.
Beauty Binge: Expensive perfume. I’m a complete frump, but boy do I smell good!
Late-Night TV:  Friends or Sex in the City
Chick Flick: Love Actually
Nightlife:  Dinner and drinks and bed!
Cheap Thrill: Having my makeup done at a makeup counter and then only buying the lipgloss!
Ultimate Splurge: A facial at my favorite spa. Mmmm.

 

 

07:17 pm: From the Girlfriends Cyber Circuit - WHAT WOULD EMMA DO? BY EILEEN COOK

Looking for something fun to read?  Yeah, me, too, which is why I'm happy to be annoucing this round's GCC book:

What Would Emma Do? 

By Eileen Cook

The book has a dishy premise, just the kind I like:)

 

THE BOOK:

Thou shalt not kiss thy best friend’s boyfriend…again….

 

There is no greater sin than kissing you best friend’s boyfriend. So when Emma breaks that golden rule, she knows she’s messed up big-time. Especially since she lives in the smallest town ever, where everyone knows everything about everyone else….and especially because she maybe kinda wants to do it again.  Now her best friend isn’t speaking to her, her best guy friend is making things totally weird, and Emma is running full speed toward certain social disaster. This is so not the way senior year was supposed to go.

 

Time to pray for a minor miracle. Or maybe, just maybe, it’s time for Emma to stop trying to please everyone around her, and figure out what she wants for herself.

 

THE BUZZ:

 

“Sassy and sly and sweet all at the same time, this book made me laugh out loud.” – Meg Cabot author of the Princess Diaries

 

“Not since Judy Blume’s Margaret introduced herself to God has there been such a funny, geuine, conflicted,  wanna-be-sort-good-maybe-later girl as Emma. Eileen Cook’s tone as she takes on the big ones – life, love, faith and friendship is pitch perfect.” – Jacqueline Mitchard author of Deep End of the Ocean and Midnight Twins

 

“Smart and fun and full of heart.” – Sarah Mlynowski author of Bras and Broomsticks

 

THE AUTHOR:

 

Eileen Cook spent most of her teen years wishing she were someone else or somewhere else, which is great training for a writer. When she was unable to find any job postings for world famous author, she went to Michigan State University and became a counselor so she could at least afford her book buying habit. But real people have real problems, so she returned to writing because she liked having the ability to control the ending. Which is much harder with humans.

 

You can read more about Eileen, her books, and the things that strike her as funny at www.eileencook.com.  Eileen lives in Vancouver with her husband and two dogs and no longer wishes to be anyone or anywhere else.

EILEEN’S GUILTY PLEASURES

Favorite snack: Pretty much anything that combines chocolate with baked goods, i.e. brownies, cookies, cake- you name it.

Touristy Trip: Loved Egypt.  Loved it.  Minus the food poisoning. 

Fashion addiction:I love a great sweater. I have enough cardigans to give Mr. Rogers a run for his money.

Dessert: Chocolate lava cake

Fast food: Quarter Pounders with cheese or movie popcorn slathered with butter.

Beauty Binge: Aveda Rosemary and Mint shampoo- love the smell of that stuff.

Late-Night TV: Any of those shows on Home and Garden Network or the Food Network.

Chick Flick: Love Actually

Nightlife: I’m a homebody.  I love to have friends over and everyone in their comfy clothes watching movies.

Cheap Thrill: Buying yarn. I like to knit and love the feel and color of yarn. I’ve bought enough that there could be a world wide sheep shortage and I would have enough stockpiled to last me the rest of my life.

Ultimate Splurge: Fancy overpriced pens. I have a love of office supplies.  Post it notes make me far happier than sticky paper has any right to do. The ultimate for me is to have a really great pen. 

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02:23 pm:

I’m so excited to be presenting Carrie Jones’s new book, NEED, for this round of the GCC.  Not only is Carrie super sweet and super talented, but she’s also an amazing person.  And, I think we’re on the same creative wavelength in some respect.  First, we both had the release date.  Second, we both had the same title.  The original title for DEADLY LITTLE SECRET, was KNEAD, named after the pottery studio where my main character works.  Plus, both NEED and “DEADLY” seem to have magic, irresistible bad boys, and girls who love them.

THE BOOK: Zara (cool name, right? - LS) collects phobias the way other high school girls collect lipsticks. Little wonder, since life’s been pretty rough so far. Her father left, her stepfather just died, and her mother’s pretty much checked out. Now Zara’s living with her grandmother in sleepy, cold Maine so that she stays “safe.” Zara doesn’t think she’s in danger; she thinks her mother can’t deal.

Wrong. Turns out that guy she sees everywhere, the one leaving trails of gold glitter, isn’t a figment of her imagination. He’s a pixie—and not the cute, lovable kind with wings. He’s the kind who has dreadful, uncontrollable needs. And he’s trailing Zara.

 THE AUTHOR:  Carrie Jones likes Skinny Cow fudgsicles and potatoes. She does not know how to spell fudgsicles (me, neither – LS). This has not prevented her from writing books. She lives with her cute family in Maine, but she grew up in Bedford, NH where she once had a séance with cool uber-comedian Sarah Silverman.

Carrie has a large, skinny white dog and a fat cat. Both like fudgicles. Only the cat likes potatoes. This may be a reason for the kitty’s weight problem (Shh… don’t tell). Carrie has always liked cowboy hats but has never owned one. This is a very wrong thing. She graduated from Vermont College’s MFA program for writing. She has edited newspapers and poetry journals and has recently won awards from the Maine Press Association and also been awarded the Martin Dibner Fellowship as well as a Maine Literary Award and the Independent Book Publishers Association First Place Award for her debut novel, Tips on Having a Gay (ex) Boyfriend.

THE BUZZ: Jones easily wins readers to Zara’s side, portraying her as a funny, globally conscious teen who also “collect[s} fears like other people collect stamps” (obscure phobias serve as chapter titles). Genre fans will enjoy the sizzle between Nick and Zara as well as the paranormal cast.” – Publishers’ Weekly

“It was a fun read, and I can’t wait for more from Carrie Jones…I’m definitely adding Need to my shelves due to the romance, suspense, and monster element. This goes on the list for those who loved Twilight and “Need” more. I have decided that Carrie Jones NEEDS to continue to write about these characters and add more since I already miss them after finishing Need.” – Diane Chen, School Library Journal

“I finished Need by Carrie Jones and definitely recommend it! It takes place in Maine (my homestate!) and has pixies and weres. The jacket recommends it for folks who like Stephenie Meyer and Melissa Marr, but I like Jones’ style better than both.” – E. Kirsten Anderson, book seller.

 

"Here is a bright new writer who was going to set the world of young adult letters aflame.” - Kathi Appelt, National Book Award finalist

“Carrie Jones is the real thing: a talented author. Her detailing is exquisite, her powers of observation, superb.” - Tim Wynne-Jones

FOR MORE INFO ABOUT CARRIE AND HER WORK:

 

http://www.carriejonesbooks.com

 

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=667364072

 

http://carriejones.livejournal.com/

 

 

 

02:01 pm:

Deadly Little Secret contest
In celebration of the release of DEADLY LITTLE SECRET, I'm launching a very exciting contest!  Check out the details below.  They're also available on my website -
 

GUIDELINES: Imagine you're designing the soundtrack to DEADLY LITTLE SECRET. Choose at least 12 songs you feel would be a good match. The songs can be of any music genre and of any time period you feel is most suitable (feel free to mix things up). Winning entries will reflect an understanding of the book's themes, characters, issues, scenes, and overall story. The winning soundtrack list will appear on Laurie's site, along with your name.

Send the list, along with a brief explanation for each song, as to why you think it’s a good fit for the book, to lauriestolarz@yahoo.com.

FORMAT: Your entries should appear like this: "Name of Song" by "Artist." I chose this song because it reminds me of the scene where Camelia blah, blah, blah...

DEADLINE: Midnight, February 1st, 2009.

ELIGIBILITY: Anyone can enter. But, if you are under the age of 21, your parents will have to sign the release form. If you are 21 or older, you can sign this release form yourself.

Download release form PDF

Download release form DOC

Release forms must be printed and sent in via fax or mail to*:

Touch Series Book Launch Contest
c/o Kathryn Green Literary Agency
250 West 57th St., Suite 2302
New York, NY 10107

For faxed forms: (212) 245-4042

*Please note that any entrees received without the required release form will be disqualified.

NOTIFICATION: Winners will be notified by e-mail no later than March 1st, 2009.

PRIZE: The winner of the contest will have a minor character in DEADLY LITTLE LIES, the second book in the TOUCH SERIES, named after him or her.

RUNNER-UP PRIZE: There will be three runner-up winners for this contest. All three runner-ups will receive a personalized autographed (by the author) poster featuring the cover of DEADLY LITTLE SECRET.

ADDITIONAL PRIZE: If your entry is chosen as the winner, your school, public library, or your English teacher, will receive a signed copy of the winning title.

12:14 pm:
Go here for a chance to win an ARC of DEADLY LITTLE SECRET:  http://blog.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendID=93837189&blogID=455919806

Note: if the link doesn't work, copy/paste in your browser.

Thanks, Melissa!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

02:09 pm: Yay, a new book trailer for DEADLY LITTLE SECRET, created by the film students at the University of Texas.  Go check it out:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6fzMpVMy2fQ

How cute is Ben?!