Book Tour: The Milestone Tapes [Author Guest Post]

Hello my wonderful readers! Today is my stop on The Milestone Tapes book blog tour hosted by Bewitching Book Tours. I am so excited to share with everyone a wonderful guest post written by the author of the book, Ashley Mackler-Paternostro. Also I will be sharing more info about this amazing new novel. I just love the cover and the book itself sounds wonderful. So Enjoy!

The Milestone Tapes 
by Ashley Mackler-Paternostro

Jenna Chamberland never wanted anything more than to be a wife and mother. That is, until she realized that her life was ending after a three-year battle against breast cancer. Now, all she really wants is more time.
With 4,320 hours left to live, Jenna worries for her loved ones and what she knows awaits them on the other side: Gabe will have to make the slip from husband to widower, left alone to raise their seven-year-old daughter; Mia will be forced to cope with life without her mother. In a moment of reflection, Jenna decides to record a set of audiocassettes — The Milestone Tapes – leaving her voice behind as a legacy for her daughter.

Nine years later, Mia is a precocious sixteen-year-old and her life is changing all around, all she wants is her mother. Through the tapes, Jenna’s voice returns to teach Mia the magic of life, her words showing her daughter how to spread her wings and embrace the coming challenges with humor, grace and hope.

THE MILESTONE TAPES is the journey of love between a parent and child, and of the bond that holds them when life no longer can.

The Soundtrack of The Milestone Tapes - Bewitching Book Tour

Here is a bit of truth:

I wrote The Milestone Tapes during the blistering heat of the summer … some of the

saddest moments of my novel came out on the most beautiful days.  The cloudless

sky and sticky heat of a Chicago summer was all a far cry from the autumn winds of

the Pacific Coast.  The natural distance between me and my novel can create some

interesting challenges.

For me, though, I was able to shove past that with the song.   I write to music. In my little world, the background noise sets the tone of the story perfectly. I spent hours on iTunes looking for exactly the right song to pull me under and into a moment.

Each song, in different ways and at different moments, helped me understand the inner workings of a life I was not living, the choices I was not making, the sentiment I was not organically feeling.  Through these songs, all of that became visceral – I could touch those things with my fingertips, go to those places in my mind and be present enough to put all of that into words.

This is my soundtrack to The Milestone Tapes.  It’s all unofficial of course and just for fun.

Fix You — Javier Colon (The Voice, iTunes version)

This song was the first one on my list for so many reasons, but mostly because it got me through the first chapter ... the moment when Jenna realizes and must accept that her life is ending and soon there will be nothing capable of “fixing her.” Then, she has to go home ... to her daughter and her house and a life she’ll be leaving and face it all with bravery. It’s helped me understand while she was unfixable, she needed to find a way to fix the lives of those she loves ... and that is even more important to her. Her life means little compared to the lives she’s leaving behind.

Scars — Anna Nalick

There is a moment in the novel when Jenna is staring at herself in the mirror, looking at what the disease physically took from her ... the radical mastectomy that was meant to save her life and did nothing of the sort. But Jenna would have done anything to live, to watch her daughter grow up ... she fought for as long as she could with every weapon at her disposal and still, as she looks at herself, she realizes it wasn’t enough.

Good Life — One Republic

In the beginning of the novel, Jenna is laying in bed, this is the morning that will change everything for her, and for just a few moments, she gives herself permission to go backwards. She allows herself call up the life she had with her husband when they were just starting out -- and it was so promising, so full, so sweet. They were happy with nothing but time ahead of them...and it was good life.

1973 — James Blunt

While not literal, this song was for Jenna and Gabe. It was the way they were, always

just them. And then, it was over. But how they were, it was best time of Jenna’s life,

and she’ll always have that no matter what she looses.

Perfect Girl — Sarah McLachlan

This is the heart of The Milestone Tapes ... and how I made it through writing the tapes. For me, this song is Jenna speaking to Mia ... that no matter who Mia becomes, she’ll be perfect. It was important to Jenna that Mia know these tapes were not expectations, they were hopes.

The House That Built Me — Miranda Lambert

The Chamberland home plays a large part in the novel, it’s an anchor. It was important to Jenna that Mia be raised in just the right place surrounded by beauty. And when Jenna is gone, it is in their home that Mia can still feel Jenna envelope her. It becomes a part of who Mia is, because it where she remembers her Mom being alive, being there, walking the halls and cooking meals and helping with homework.

Only You — Joshua Radin

For Mia, this is the song that feels like Jenna to her. Mia can remember parts of Jenna, she was just a little girl when Jenna died. But she remembers the love, the way Jenna made her feel. And all she really wants is another moment like that.

Brighter Than The Sun — Colbie Caillat

This song is decidedly perfect for the end of novel ... but I won’t give away any spoilers ...

What If You — Joshua Radin

This song is the one that I listened to as Jenna’s voice fades into becoming Gabe’s in the last moments of his life with Jenna as his wife. There is a part in the novel when he won’t leave her side and he realizes that soon he’ll be letting her go. Gabe has always been strong because that’s what Jenna needed from him and this is where the cracks in his composure start to crumble.

Answer — Sarah McLachlan

I feel like this song belongs between Jenna and Gabe. It speaks of their marriage, their lives together and of course, the end. I hear it when I think of those final few moments left between them, each left go off on their own.

Burning Bridges — Jason Mraz (unreleased)

This is the song that goes along with Jenna making her mind up on things ... deciding to forgo further medical treatment. She knows she’s choosing one path now that means giving up another; a trade, a choice. She’s giving up her hopes to face reality.

Broken — Lifehouse

If Jenna had a theme song...this would be it. Clocks and theme of time.

Chances — Five For Fighting

There is a place in Book Two where the tides of the Chamberland’s life begin to change, someone new walks into their lives ... and with her, new things come. It’s not easy, but it’s right -- for everyone -- and it’s a chance they’ll have to take.

Shine — Anna Nalick

I think this would be Mia’s theme song. She’s growing up, figuring herself out...and she’s doing it all bravely.

**Thank you to all the amazing songsters and songstresses who created the music that bled from my speakers and encouraged my craft … you all had a huge in hand in the speed and the depth at which this book came to fruition.  Gratitude outpouring.**

Ashley Mackler-Paternostro lives on the outskirts of Chicago with her husband and

their three dogs. The Milestone Tapes is Ashley’s first novel.

Find Ashley @ Website | Facebook | Twitter

BUY The Milestone Tapes @ Amazon | B&N 

Have a wonderful weekend everyone and Happy Reading!

Book Review: Eden's Root by Rachel Fisher

Title: Eden's Root
Author: Rachel E. Fisher
Number of Pages: 272

Published: December 17th 2011 by Author

Source: Given to read from Author (paperback)
Genre: Science Fiction > Dystopia
Reading Level: YA - Adult
Star Rating: ★★★1/2
Goodreads | Purchase

The year is 2033 and the world hovers on the edge of explosion as unexplained crop deaths lead to severe global food shortages. In the United States, the Sickness is taking lives slowly, creeping its way into every family. Fi Kelly has already faced the Sickness in her own family, toughening her beyond her years. But a shocking confession from her dying father will push her toughness to its absolute limits. Saddled with an impossible secret and the mission of saving her little sister, Fi sets out to transform herself into the warrior that she must become to survive the coming collapse. Along the way, she will discover that evil can be accidental and that love can be intentional.

 First Impressions: I was contacted by Rachel Fisher the author of Eden's Root a couple months ago and asked to read her novel. I feel in love with the book cover and the whole idea of the story being set in the future. While I have read many Dystopian novels within the past two years, Eden's Root sounds like nothing I had ever read before so I decided to give it a go. I will be honest and say I was kind of put off by how long the book was, but knew it would be worth it.

 My Review: Eden's Root is set in the year 2033, the world as we know today is very much like the one described in the book but with one huge difference. The world itself is slowly dying. Fi Kelly's father is dying of cancer and on the last days of his life her father decides to tell Fi something that will change her life as well as everyone lives in the world. The food eaten and the drinks that were drank is killing everyone slowly. Known as "Sickfood". Scientist do not know what is causing this and why crops are dying out around the world. Now everyone must continue to eat this "sickfood" to survive hunger even knowing the food is what is causing the world to slowing crumble around them. Fi was been told by her father days before he passes away that she and her family must find a safe haven away from this apocalyptic world. She will need to find a way to be strong and lead her family to safety. All the while knowing the road ahead will be filled with hardships, horror, and  even sadness. Fi and her family are now on a quest to find the one place that could save them all, Eden! 

First let me say that I loved the whole idea behind this novel. The apocalyptic whole and it's surrounding were told in a way that I felt I was right there with Fi and her family. I could almost feel her pain and see in my minds eye what she was going through through-out the story. The story idea of the food we eat everyday being the one thing that will end the world and the people in it is scary to think about but a very unique concept. I adored Fi Kelly as the main character. Her inner strength and willingness to survive was astonishing and gave the book a "never give up" feel to it.  On another aspect I did feel the story was dragged out a bit and long. While this is not always a bad thing because it gives the reader a full understanding of the book and all of the events that took place within. For me personally I would have liked it more if it was a shorter book to read. I found myself taking breaks and coming back, not because the story itself was lacking but the length was a bit intimidating to me. 

All in all Eden's Root was worth the read. I feel in love with the character's in the story and the things that they were made to endure were so motivating. I loved reading about the journey in itself that took to reach safety. 

Final Thoughts: I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who loves Dystopian stories. While for me I felt it was a bit slow at parts and a long book to read the story within was amazing and  very unique. Rachel Fisher has written a great debut novel and I look forward to seeing what else she may has in store for the future. ( Hopeful not a future like the one in Eden's Root! ^__^ )

Blog Tour: Friendly Fire by Lynn Seresin [Excerpt + GIVEAWAY]

Hello everyone! I would like to welcome everyone to a amazing blog tour for the book Friendly Fire by Lynn Seresin. This is the second book is the "Thin Air" series. I absolutely love the first book! [my review] So I am so excited to be sharing with you all info about book two and a fun excerpt from the book as well. I am the final stop on the tour so be sure to enter in to win the giveaway for the GRAND PRIZE (A Necklace)! All you have to do in leave a comment on this post. :)

Friendly Fire (Thin Air Saga #2)

By Lynn Seresin

Though their love remains strong, the pressure of constant danger has taken its toll on Alice and Daniel’s relationship. Paralda’s assassins continue their murder spree in New York City, targeting girls who resemble Alice in an effort to fulfill the air king’s deadly directive. As if life wasn’t complicated enough, the couple must also fiercely guard the secret of Alice’s emergent powers and true identity from everyone--including their closest friends--to protect her safety. 
Enter Ash and Terrance: two former elementals, each with their own set of reasons for transmuting to the human plane. For Ash, the material realm represents freedom and the possibility of fulfilling a forbidden wish. Terrance has only one aim in the mortal world: to win Alice’s heart. And it seems he’ll stop at nothing to achieve his goal.

Excerpt ( From THIN AIR):

“I should know him,” he replied, with a half-smile. “He shares an apartment

with my boyfriend.” His eyes narrowed suspiciously. “Why are you looking for Daniel,

anyway?”

“Well…” Ignis’ voice trailed off and he shot me a questioning look, as if I could

supply a suitable response. I started speaking even before I’d fully decided what to say.

“I’m visiting New York,” I began, “and I was just…I thought perhaps I could…”

Suddenly, my nervousness got the better of me and I seemed to no longer have control of my tongue.

My floundering would have continued if Ignis hadn’t swiftly stepped in. “My

niece is visiting from out-of-town for a couple of weeks, and she’s considering applying to NYU this coming fall. She was hoping to speak to someone who could tell her about the university. I remembered Daniel was a student there.”

“So, then, you know him from…?” the young man said.

“From the park,” Ignis hastily answered. “We talked a few times when he played

guitar there. He seemed like a really nice young man.”

“Yeah, well, Daniel’s great. I’m sure he’ll talk to…?” He turned his black-

rimmed eyes on me expectantly. “What’s your name, sweetie?”

My name? He meant my human name, of course—and I suddenly realized I didn’t

have one! Rose had mentioned something about helping me find one, but somehow, we’d never gotten around to it. I caught the panicky look in Ignis’ eyes and my mind went

blank. Then, unexpectedly, one word popped into my head and I blurted it out.

“Alice!” If the name was good enough for the statue of the girl in Rose

Quartz’s park, then it was surely good enough for me. “My name is Alice.”

Ignis fired off a congratulatory look in my direction, and I smiled back appreciately.

“Well, Alice, nice to meet you. I’m Dante Sinclair.” He placed the last of

the wine glasses in the rack, then leaned forward and spread both hands on the

bar. “Look, I’m heading over to Daniel’s place right now. You can tag along if you want to. I’m sure he’ll be happy to help you out. By the way, I go to NYU, too, so feel free to

pick my brain.”

“That would be wonderful.” I turned to Ignis and reached up to give him a

farewell hug. “Thanks for all your help, Uncle.”

He pressed me close. “You know where to find me if you should need

anything, Alice,” he said. Then he whispered in my ear, “Be well, dear sylphid, and win

your Daniel’s heart!”

Lynn Seresin worked as a children’s book editor and freelance writer of middle-grade fiction before writing THIN AIR. She lives with her husband, daughter, and son in New England. A black Lab named Dudley, a teacup Chihuahua named Layla, and a black cat named Shadow share their household.

Contact Info:

Website | Twitter | Amazon | B&N

Now time for the grand prize giveaway which can only be won by leaving a comment on THIS post (You need to mention that your comment is an entry for the grand prize giveaway) The Winner of the GRAND PRIZE will win this necklace - See below. The winner will be selected via random.org and announced on thesepaperworldsbt.blogspot.com Necklace giveaway is open to US/Canada ONLY.  There is only 1 necklace for being given away via this tour.

Good luck and Happy Reading!

Theme Thursday [YES!!] #12

Theme Thursdays is a fun weekly event that will be open from one Thursday to the next. Anyone can participate in it. The rules are simple:

• A theme will be posted each week (on Thursdays)
• Select a conversation/snippet/sentence from the current book you are reading
• Mention the author and the title of the book along with your post
• It is important that the theme is conveyed in the sentence (you don’t necessarily need to have the word) 
  Ex: If the theme is KISS; your sentence can have “They kissed so gently” or “Their lips touched each other” or “The smooch was so passionate”

This will give us a wonderful opportunity to explore and understand different writing styles and descriptive approaches adopted by authors. Theme Thursdays is hosted by Kavyen @Reading Between Pages.

This weeks theme is - YES!! [Words like: YES!!! Okay, sure, etc.]

My THURSDAY THEME for YES!! is from here:

Add this book on Goodreads.


"Yes," she rasped. She was panting, tired, overheated, aching, and trembling. "I'm fine."


[and one more snippet...]


"Yes." She hoped. But just then she wanted to take Sabin to safety, rather than his friends.

Release Day Blog Tour: The Light Tamer by Devyn Dawson [THREE GIVEAWAYS!]

Hi guys! I am super excited today because I am participating in a one day Release day book blog tour for the book The Light Tamer. This is author Devyn Dawson debut novel. The Light Tamer is a unique paranormal romance for YA-Adult readers. I will be sharing more info about the book and Devyn will share her Top Ten Favorite Young Adult Book Titles with us! Oooh and here comes the cool part - At the end of this post there will be a very unique giveaway(s). Devyn has agree to give away to my reader (you guys! ^__^) a Light Tamer T-shirt, a Nook/Kindle Charm and a e-copy of her book. That's THREE giveaways!! =D So read on and Enjoy the post. 

 

The Light Tamer
Devyn Dawson
Release Date: April 24th, 2012
Genre: YA Paranormal Romance
Publisher: Self-Pub

Jessie moved from New York to North Carolina one week after school let out for summer break. Her newly single mother and Jessie move in with grandma Gayle. Being a teen in a retirement area, is one more thing to add to her 'this sucks' list. It's bad enough to have to move, but even worse her alcoholic father left them as he went on a quest to be an artist in Greece.  
Things begin to look up when she is reintroduced to Caleb, the dorky boy that saved her life one summer at the beach. Caleb is no longer scrawny and nerdy, he is now tall, dark and handsome. Caleb is a Light Tamer.

Jessie and Amber become fast friends. Amber is a no frills girl, her snarky comments and sassy attitude will raise a few eyebrows and have you laughing out loud. Amber is rough around the edges, a light tamer with only two years left to find the one she is bound to. Her father's surfing accident left her dad paralyzed and her brother dead.

This paranormal romance will keep you on the edge of your seat with humor, romance, and determination. Fall head over heels for Caleb and Jessie.

BUY LINKS: Amazon | B&N | Website 

- Top Ten Favorite Young Adult Book Titles (not the story, just the titles) -

The Vampire Academy

The Mortal Insturments - City of Angels

Twilight

The Iron Knight

Need

Shatter Me

The Hunger Games

The Chronicles of Vladimir Tod

The Legacy of Kilkenny

Just One Drop

Hi, I'm Devyn and I write paranormal YA books about the characters that live in my head. I love reading paranormal books and love hearing about new authors. I prefer young adult books but will read grown up books on occasion. I was always considered the ‘eccentric girl’ the one with the big imagination and colorful stories. I'm from Oklahoma City, a place I'll always call home. Right now I live in the lush green and humid climate of North Carolina. I was Goth before Goth was a style, I dreamt of being Star from The Lost Boys and knew Keifer would one day find me and we'd fall madly in love. I have two wonderful children. My adult daughter is a peace loving hippie. Her love of animals has molded her life into an animal activist and vegetarian. My son is graduating high school this year and looking forward to adulthood (when he gets his first taste of adult-life, we'll see how he feels!).

Find Devyn @ Website | Facebook | Twitter

Yay, Giveaway time!! There will be THREE Giveaways. Two are only open to the USA/Canada. One will be open to everyone! All Giveaway are for my readers only.

• Giveaway 1 will be a free Light Tamer T-shirt and postcards. (IMAGE)  USA/Canada
• Giveaway 2 will be a free Nook/Kindel Charm (IMAGE)  USA/Canada
• Giveaway 3 will be a free copy of The Light Tamer. (OPEN to everyone)
• CLICK on the *IMAGE* link to see what the items look like.

There is TWO Rafflecoper forms below: 

The First one is for Giveaways 1 and 2.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Giveaway 3:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Giveaway WINNERS!

Thank you to everyone who entered the the following Giveaways: 

Friendly Fire e-book Giveaway

Indie Author Spotlight Giveaway

[copy of Entangled

copy of Zellie Wells Trilogy]

 Illicit Magic Giveaway

The winner of the e-book copy of Friendly Fire is:

Kaerah Lopez

The winners of the e-book copy of Entangled and/or Zellie Wells Trilogy is:

Veronika Briseno 

and 

Jessica

The winner of the e-book copy of Illicit Magic is:

Libby

CONGRATS!! I will email each of you in the morning (I am off to bed). Thanks again to everyone for entering and being a reader. =D

Blog Tour: The Grey Wolves Series by Quinn Loftis [Excerpt & Giveaway!!]

Hello everyone and welcome to The Grey Wolves Book Blog Tour! This is my second and final stop on the tour and as promised; today I will be sharing a excerpt from author Quinn Loftis new book Blood Rites. There will also be a giveaway at the end of the post for one free copy of any book in the series. Winners choice! Very cool! =D I hope everyone will enjoy learning more about this amazing series. 

Blood Rites Book Trailer:

Prince of Wolves (Book #1)

By Quinn Loftis

Jaque Pierce was just an ordinary 17 year old girl getting ready to start her senior year in high school in Coldspring, Texas. When a mysterious foreign exchange student from Romania moves in across the street, Jacque and her two best friends, Sally and Jen, don't realize the last two weeks of their summer was going to get a lot more interesting. From the moment Jacque sets eyes on Fane she feels an instant connection, a pull like a moth to a flame. Little does she know that the flame she is drawn to is actually a Canis Lupus, werewolf, and she just happens to be his mate; the other half of his soul. The problem is Fane is not the only wolf in Coldspring, Texas. Just as Fane and Jacque are getting to know each other, another wolf steps out to try and claim Jacque as his mate. Fane will now have to fight for the right to complete the mating bond, something that is his right by birth but is being denied him by a crazed Alpha. Will the love Fane has for Jacque be enough to give him the strength to defeat his enemy, will Jacque accept that she is Fane's mate and complete the bond between them?

 

Blood Rites (Book #2)

By Quinn Loftis

With the challenge complete and the corrupt Alpha of Coldspring defeated Fane is now free to complete the mate bond with Jacque and perform the Blood Rites. Although the challenge is done, the affects are far reaching. Once it is known that Vasile, one of the strongest Alphas in the world is in America, specifically Coldspring, TX, there is one Alpha who cannot over look the significance of this. An Alpha who happens to share Jacque's DNA, but is this the one she needs to fear?
With her mom driving and her two best friends, Jen and Sally in tow, Jacque sets off for her happily ever after. She will soon realize a plan has been put in motion that will change her course and possibly tear her from Fane's grasp forever. It will take a wolf pack, her mother's love, her two best friend's unrelenting determination, her own will to survive and the undying love of her mate to bring her home. The question remains, if she fights, if she endures, who will she be, what will be left once she is back in her mates arms?

Just One Drop (Book #3)
By Quinn Loftis

Jennifer Adams, best friend to Jacque Pierce and Sally Morgan, spicy, out spoken, a little crazy and human...or so she thought. Jen has just found out that human DNA is not the only thing that resides in her veins, she happens to share that little pesky werewolf gene, although it isn't more than just a drop. Now that she and her friends are living in Romania with Fane's pack, she is also oh so conveniently stuck with the object of her affection, the fur ball Decebel.
Drawn to each other by something they don't understand Jen finds herself frustrated by the lack of mating signs between her and said fur ball. Not only is she dealing with that not so un-frustrating problem, she now has been informed that because of that little drop of werewolf blood in her she is now required to attended a multi-pack gathering for un-mated wolves. This type of gathering hasn't taken place in over a century but with a shortage of females among the werewolf population the males are getting worried they won't ever find their true mates.


Meanwhile Decebel struggles with the emotions he is feeling towards Jen. He tries to keep his distance but there is just something about the mouthy blonde that keeps him coming back for more of her verbal abuse that he just can't seem to get enough of...go figure.

Excerpt from Blood Rites:

“Well I’ll be, that’s the most I have ever heard you say,” Sally said in honest astonishment. “Wow, you were like, explaining yourself to me and stuff. Jen would be so proud of you.” Decebel visibly tensed at the mention of Jen. “You know, I think she thinks you’re like the chocolate bunnies they sell at Easter, you know all yummy on the outside but hollow on the inside.” Now Sally was pulling a Jen, her brain, mouth valve just would not seem to close.

“She compares me to a bunny?” Decebel asked incredulously.

Book four in the series will be coming on June 7, 2012. 

Quinn is a wife, mother, nurse, and writer...not always in that order. She loves to read, write, crochet, and sleep when she can. She has a beautiful little boy and awesome husband who puts up with her crazy hours.

Find Quinn @ Website | Facebook | Twitter

I want to say thank you to anyone who stopped by and to author Quinn Loftis for sharing with my readers more about her books. So who wants a giveaway?! Did you say yes? Well your in luck because Quinn is going to give one lucky reader of my blog to win any book they would like in her series. So look below for details.

Now is your chance to win a copy of any of the books in the series! 

(e-book: any format)

Just fill out the Rafflecopter below and good luck to everyone! 

Giveaway is OPEN to EVERYONE! 

a Rafflecopter giveaway