ARC Review: Dead To You by Lisa McMann

Title: Dead To You
Series or Stand-alone: Stand-alone
Author: Lisa McMann | Website
Available: Now
Reading Level: YA
Genre: Contemporary
Source: Amazon Vine








Synopsis via Goodreads:


Ethan was abducted from his front yard when he was just seven years old. Now, at sixteen, he has returned to his family. It's a miracle... at first. Then the tensions start to build. His reintroduction to his old life isn't going smoothly, and his family is tearing apart all over again. If only Ethan could remember something, anything, about his life before, he'd be able to put the pieces back together. But there's something that's keeping his memory blocked. Something unspeakable...

Quotable Quotes:

“Feels like I'm in a play and I don't know all my lines.” 

My thoughts:


Oh my! This book managed to tear my heart in two in just 256 pages. An abducted child is reunited with his family many years after he disappeared. You would expect all rainbows and sunshine, but this is not the case. This novel was ridden with angst. I don't usually enjoy angsty YA, but it felt right in Dead To You. Angst was almost necessary. These characters had been through so much. I loved watching this family heal, then shatter, only to heal again.

I applaud McMann for writing a YA novel from the point of view of a teen boy. Not only did she write it, she did an amazing job at it. Such a rarity in YA unfortunately. We really need more male protags. This book is shorter than most, but still encompasses the depth and detail of a much longer novel. I was completely invested in Ethan's story. I loved the characters even when I didn't agree with their choices. The plot was fast paced and the suspense kept me reading. I didn't want to put this book down. The ending is a killer. I hope she plans to write a follow up because I'm dying to know what happened next.

My Rating:

Author Guest Post: Jenelle Jack Pierre

Please welcome Jenelle Jack Pierre to the blog!

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Mistakes Beginning Writers Should Avoid

By Jenelle Jack Pierre

We are all beginners at many points in life. We begin school. We begin relationships. We begin learning a new language. We begin numerous classes, from creative to academic.

Life is about new beginnings. With new beginnings come new opportunities, but also challenges and mistakes we did not expect. So it is with writing. These are the mistakes beginning writers should avoid.

1.View Your Writing Progress as So So.

Writing can be viewed as being so so when there is no definite aim,when we’re moseying along waiting to see the outcome of the situation. But as far as the writing ‘situation’ goes, what you create is fully under your control. Outside factors (reader response, book reviews, etc) may not be controllable, but inside factors (motivation and focus) is always fully within your hands.

2. Have Only One copy of Your Work

I began writing my first novel during my freshmen year of college. I was learning to balance my classes, work part-time, and write a novel at the same time. One morning, I was trying to finish up one of the middle chapters of my novel, but was in a hurry because I had to get to class for an exam. In those days, I typed on an old desktop and used a floppy disk to save material. (I still used a floppy disk with an external drive when I got my first laptop, realizing after I could just put a flashdrive directly into the laptop. Let’s just say I’m not that computer savvy). I clicked save and got up quickly, kicking the computer tower,and spoiling the disk. I took it to my campus’ tech team, but even they couldn’t recover the disk. At last, I had to retype eleven chapters based on my last printed draft.

Hence, the reason you should have more than one copy of your writing. Always save your manuscript to your flashdrive and one other place, your desktop or via email. Just in case.

3. Send Work out too Early

Many writers rush to put out their work because of outside variables. They feel they have to ‘compete’ with other writers and show the world what they’ve written. What they don’t realize is that there’s no need to gallop through the writing process. Extra time is what your work may need to become truly memorable. You want your writing to resonate with readers and not be added to the slush pile of books they regret buying.

4.Devour Everything on Writing

There is a lot of information available on writing. It’s easy to log onto the internet to check your email before you write, only to hours later log off. There are writing blogs, writing forums, tons of articles on writing, news on writing, etc. But all this ‘reading’ about writing adds up and may prove counterproductive. It’s important to learn about your craft, but your priority should be practicing your craft. So good luck and happy writing.

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Thank you so much for stopping by and sharing these tips with all of us!

Jenelle on the web:

Website | Goodreads | Twitter

Jenelle's newest book, Before I Breath: A Novel, is available now!

Kalena Moore is a Montgomery High student who isn’t into school. Isaiah Wilkins is a classmate that her friends think is trouble. Life becomes more interesting when Kalena starts dating Isaiah, but soon things spin quickly out of control and she gets pregnant. Then Kalena sees that there's another side to her boyfriend. 

Determined to put her life back together, Kalena takes a path where there is no turning back.

Add on Goodreads

Buy from Amazon: Before I Breathe: A Novel

Review: Clarity by Kim Harrington

Title: Clarity
Series: Clarity #1
Author: Kim Harrington
Available: Now
Genre: Paranormal
Reading Level: YA
Source: Vine












Description via Goodreads:


When you can see things others can't, where do you look for the truth? 

This paranormal murder mystery will have teens reading on the edge of their seats. 

Clarity "Clare" Fern sees things. Things no one else can see. Things like stolen kisses and long-buried secrets. All she has to do is touch a certain object, and the visions come to her. It's a gift. 
And a curse. 

When a teenage girl is found murdered, Clare's ex-boyfriend wants her to help solve the case - but Clare is still furious at the cheating jerk. Then Clare's brother - who has supernatural gifts of his own - becomes the prime suspect, and Clare can no longer look away. Teaming up with Gabriel, the smoldering son of the new detective, Clare must venture into the depths of fear, revenge, and lust in order to track the killer. But will her sight fail her just when she needs it most?


My thoughts:


Clarity "Clare" Fern's abilities have earned her more than her fair share of bullying and teasing. She has a little thing called retrocognitive psychometry. She can pick up on memories just by touching things. Teamed up with her telepathic mother and an older brother who can talk to ghosts, they earn a living giving readings to the tourist community of Eastport. When the usually boring town discovers a tourist was shot at a local hotel, Clare finds herself enlisted to help the police solve the crime. This has her working closely with the dangerously handsome son of the new detective, and also the ex she can't forgive for doing her wrong. She is also attempting to prove the innocence of her brother, Perry, who was the last person to see the murdered girl alive, and finding it difficult to keep his secrets when working so closely with the police.



I devoured this book in practically one sitting. I loved both the main and secondary characters, and was very impressed with how well developed they were considering the book's length (242 pages). Clare is a sassy chick who refuses to let the her peers teasing get her down. When faced with their taunts, her quick witted nature always provides her with a snarky reply. I'm a girl who loves a book with a healthy serving of snark so this was greatly appreciated ;) I also absolutely adored Clare's eccentric mom, and the interactions between mother and daughter. I can just imagine the edge telepathy would provide when it comes to parenting, but I thought Clare's mom did a pretty great job of not overstepping boundaries while being a strong and consistent presence in her children's lives.


Now lets talk about the boys! This book is filled to the brim with cute boys! Perry is Clare's older brother and a bit of a womanizer. Gabriel is the new hottie in town, and he has the bad boy image down to an art. Clare's ex Justin is trying to win her back after an alcohol induced mistake (FYI Don't cheat on a psychic and expect to not get caught!). He actually seems like a great guy, but who can blame Clare for not being able to forgive his indiscretions. Nate is Perry's best friend, and an all around sweetheart. He works at the local paper as an intern, and while his role wasn't screaming love interest, I think he is a great match for Clare. So like I said lots and lots of boys with serious "book boyfriend" potential ;)


Clarity features such a great mix of paranormal elements, and a mystery that had me guessing until the very end. The author has a writing style I thoroughly enjoyed, and she did such an excellent job of executing the plot of this book. I felt like every possible hole had been filled. Towards the end of the book, we find Clare asking a very unlikely ally questions, and receiving some seriously cryptic answers in response. Now I'm fiending for book #2 in a bad, bad way. There are so many secrets left to unravel in the coastal town of Eastport. I have a feeling this just might be the beginning of a series I am going to love! Also keep in mind when recommending this to younger teens that Clare's wit isn't always PG, and where there is murder there will be violence. I'd be hesitant to recommend this to anyone under the age of 15.


Cover Thoughts: I love it! Totally how I pictured Clare while reading. The background really emphasizes that it takes place in a coastal town.

My Rating:

Review & Giveaway: The Secret of Spruce Knoll by Heather McCorkle

Title: The Secret of Spruce Knoll
Series: The Channelers #1
Author: Heather McCorkle | Website
Available: Now
Genre: Paranormal/Fantasy
Reading Level: YA
Source: Author












Description via Goodreads:


It’s hard enough being a teenager under normal circumstances; imagine being orphaned, sent to live with an unfamiliar aunt—and learning that there really is magic in the world. Following the tragic death of her parents, Eren Donovan moves to Spruce Knoll to live with her aunt. Little does Eren know the entire town of Spruce Knoll is filled with “channelers”—a magical group of people who immigrated to the small Colorado town when they were driven out of their own lands. 

Channelers are tied to the fate of the world. As the world slowly dies, so do they—and they alone have the power to stop the destruction of Earth. Now, Eren learns she not only lives among them, but she is one. When she meets local boy Aiden, his charm convinces her that being a channeler may not be all bad. 

As Eren and Aiden’s relationship blooms, so too does a mystery in Spruce Knoll. The town holds many secrets—and many enemies. It soon becomes apparent that the untimely death of Eren’s parents-and Aidens-was no accident and that her life might be in danger, too. Only time will tell if Eren has the power to protect the people she has come to love


My thoughts:


Heather McCorkle’s debut novel takes us into the mysterious community of Spruce Knoll. Main character, Eren, is forced to move with her aunt to the small-town after the death of her parents. Once she arrives she quickly realizes there is something more to the isolated community than meets the eye. Separated by culture and extremely protective of what land is theirs. Secrets soon come to the surface and she is informed she is a Channeler with powers linked to the earth. Talk about information overload! Eren finds a new friend (and crush) in an Irish boy named Aiden. He seems to make her strange new life almost bearable. Then the drama begins to unfold and Eren is thrust into a web of danger and deceit.

I have always enjoyed reading Heather’s blog posts and following her journey into the world of a published write. The Secret of Spruce Knoll contains the same well thought out and structured writing I’ve come to associate with Heather. The world building is truly amazing. She paid great attention down to the smallest detail. As a reader it was so easy to imagine myself running beside Eren as she explored her new home. Speaking of Eren, I really enjoyed getting to know the Channeler in training. She’d been dealt a tough hand at the start of the book and seemed to be taking it better than I would in her shoes. Life in Spruce Knoll isn’t easy for her. It isn’t common for residents to marry outside of their culture, so her Mayan/Irish blood made her a target for dirty looks and hate. 

There was also a really great mystery and loads of suspense. Eren didn’t expect so much excitement when she first laid eyes on Spruce Knoll. Unfortunately, she finds herself the focus of some not so nice people who definitely don't want to see her cozying up to the Irish hottie, Aiden. As Eren gets deeper and deeper into the drama she is shocked by the discoveries she makes.

The Secret of Spruce Knoll is a beautifully executed debut novel. I’m excited to see what Heather McCorkle has planned for the lovely Eren next. Please keep in mind The Secret of Spruce Knoll does contain scenes that may be a little dark and heavy for younger teens. I’d recommend it for ages 15+

My Rating:

Giveaway:

Books aren’t the only thing I get all passionate and crazy about. I’m also a HUGE animal lover. This seems to be something I share with the lovely Heather McCorkle. She is doing something awesome and donating a portion of the proceeds from a special edition of The Secret of Spruce Knoll to her favorite charity that helps endangered species. So I decided I would love to give a copy to one of you.

Open to residents of the U.S

To enter leave a comment telling me what your favorite endangered species is along with a way to contact you (email/twitter/carrier pigeon/etc.)

Ends 11/27

If you would like to order your very own special edition of The Secret of Spruce Knoll & help some endangered critters info can be found here: http://thecompasspress.blogspot.com/

Review: Ruby Red by Kerstin Gier

Title: Ruby Red
Series: Edelstein Trilogy #1
Author: Kerstin Gier
Available: Now
Reading Level: YA
Genre: Fantasy/Time-travel












Description from Goodreads:


Gwyneth Shepherd's sophisticated, beautiful cousin Charlotte has been prepared her entire life for traveling through time. But unexpectedly, it is Gwyneth, who in the middle of class takes a sudden spin to a different era!

Gwyneth must now unearth the mystery of why her mother would lie about her birth date to ward off suspicion about her ability, brush up on her history, and work with Gideon--the time traveler from a similarly gifted family that passes the gene through its male line, and whose presence becomes, in time, less insufferable and more essential. Together, Gwyneth and Gideon journey through time to discover who, in the 18th century and in contemporary London, they can trust.

My thoughts:

Ruby Red is the first translated novel I have ever read. I was a little nervous starting it, but after just a few chapters I found I had no reason to be. I loved the premise. Time travel is so cool, but I have found books that touch on this topic rarely work for me. Ruby Red definitely worked. Some of the dialogue did fall a bit flat, and I’ll assume this is a result of being translated from another language. Even with this flaw I still found Ruby Red thoroughly engaging.

Main character Gwyneth was quite awkward at times, and I couldn't help but to like her even more because of it. It was difficult not to feel pity for her especially when scenes involved her interacting with her "perfect" cousin, Charlotte or aunt (Charlotte’s mother). It didn't help that Gwyneth had spent most of her life excluded from the mysterious society her family is involved with because they thought Charlotte had inherited the gene required for time travel. Imagine the surprise when it turns out Gwyneth is actually the one who is able to do it. This is a family with some serious skeletons in their closets, residual anger over past events, and numerous secrets that are just begging to be unveiled. 

I enjoyed experiencing multiple time periods over the course of Ruby Red. It was also entertaining to discover how Gwyneth adapted to the situations she was thrown into and the people she met. A few scenes were actually quite humorous and there was also an apt amount of mystery and suspense. I did find the family tree somewhat confusing. Hopefully who is related to who will become more clear as I continue the trilogy.

Ruby Red is a solid read that I had difficulty putting down and hated to see end. I found myself thinking about it long after I finished reading. I wish I could read German, because I imagine this book is even better in its native tongue. It's a shame I didn’t pick up more of the language during the five years I lived there. If I had you better believe I’d have the next book in my hands right now. Needless to say I can't wait for the release of the next book in this trilogy. 

My Rating:

Review: Enclave by Ann Aguirre

Title: Enclave
Series: Razorland #1
Author: Ann Aguirre | Website
Available: Now
Reading Level: YA
Genre: Dystopian
Source: Publisher










Description from Goodreads:


WELCOME TO THE APOCALYPSE 

In Deuce’s world, people earn the right to a name only if they survive their first fifteen years. By that point, each unnamed ‘brat’ has trained into one of three groups–Breeders, Builders, or Hunters, identifiable by the number of scars they bear on their arms. Deuce has wanted to be a Huntress for as long as she can remember. 

As a Huntress, her purpose is clear—to brave the dangerous tunnels outside the enclave and bring back meat to feed the group while evading ferocious monsters known as Freaks. She’s worked toward this goal her whole life, and nothing’s going to stop her, not even a beautiful, brooding Hunter named Fade. When the mysterious boy becomes her partner, Deuce’s troubles are just beginning. 

Down below, deviation from the rules is punished swiftly and harshly, and Fade doesn’t like following orders. At first she thinks he’s crazy, but as death stalks their sanctuary, and it becomes clear the elders don’t always know best, Deuce wonders if Fade might be telling the truth. Her partner confuses her; she’s never known a boy like him before, as prone to touching her gently as using his knives with feral grace. 

As Deuce’s perception shifts, so does the balance in the constant battle for survival. The mindless Freaks, once considered a threat only due to their sheer numbers, show signs of cunning and strategy… but the elders refuse to heed any warnings. Despite imminent disaster, the enclave puts their faith in strictures and sacrifice instead. No matter how she tries, Deuce cannot stem the dark tide that carries her far from the only world she’s ever known.


My thoughts:


I had heard so many amazing things about Ann Aguirre's books and kept meaning to give one of her series a try. When I heard she had a dystopian/post-apocalyptic series coming out I knew that would be a perfect place to start. When I discovered the book also contained zombieish creatures I knew it was definitely going to me my very first Ann Aguirre book.


Enclave throws readers into an underground world with a social structure that the characters accept, but will terrify readers and leave them thinking what if. What if this happens in my lifetime? What if my children grow up and have to live in a world like the one in this book? Enclave is frightening, but oh so addictive. Needless to say the world building that happened in Enclave is amazing! I was seriously impressed. With the page count just shy of 300 this is an excellent testament of Ann Aguirre's talented writing skills.


Main character Deuce is certifiably badass. I would not want to be on the receiving end of an ass kicking from this chick. When Fade enters the picture you know I was in immediate love. Dark, brooding, and mysterious are top three requirements for book boyfriend, and I have a feeling that these are characteristics MC Deuce also appreciates. I loved that they could kick zombie butt and then have these intense connections after. These two rock the chemistry hard.


Loads of action, conspiracy, and double crossing. Life inside the enclave is scary enough, but wait until you see what is happening outside. The book ends with the perfect setup for the next in the series. Enclave is an amazing dystopian debut and one that can easily hang with the big boys of the genre. Plus there are Freaks *cough* zombies *cough*. I'm of the school of thought that a mindless flesh eating being always brings a little something special to a novel. If you agree or are a reader fiending for a new dystopian novel, give this one a go. I don't think you'll be disappointed.

My Rating:

Trailer & Giveaway: All These Things I’ve Done by Gabrielle Zevin

"In 2083, chocolate and coffee are illegal, paper is hard to find, water is carefully rationed, and New York City is rife with crime and poverty.think she's to blame. Suddenly, Anya finds herself thrust unwillingly into the spotlight--at school, in the news, and most importantly, within her mafia family."

Gabrielle Zevin introduces readers to an unforgettable teenage heroine in a groundbreaking new series, starting with "All These Things I've Done".


To celebrate the release of All These Things I’ve Done, Macmillan Children's Publishing has released a new trailer!

Gabrielle Zevin on the web:

Website

Become a fan on Facebook and check out where she is touring this fall.

More info about the book and author can be found here

Add on Goodreads

Giveaway Details:

Open to residents of the US & Canada

Leave a comment with a way to contact you (email/twitter/etc)

Ends 9/16

Review: Eden by Keary Taylor

Title: Eden
Series: Standalone (as far as I know)
Author: Keary Taylor | Author Website
Available: Now
Reading Level: Young Adult
Genre: Dystopian/Sci-Fi
Source: Received from author












Description via Goodreads:


Eve knew the stories of the Fall, of a time before she wandered into the colony of Eden, unable to recall anything but her name. She's seen the aftermath of the technology that infused human DNA with cybernetic matter, able to grow new organs and limbs, how it evolved out of control. The machine took over and the soul vanished. A world quickly losing its humanity isn't just a story to her though. At eighteen, this world is Eve's reality. 

In their Fallen world, love feels like a selfish luxury, but not understanding what it is makes it difficult to choose between West, who makes her feel alive but keeps too many secrets, and Avian, who has always been there for her, but is seven years her senior. 

The technology wants to spread and it won't stop until there is no new flesh to assimilate. With only two percent of the human population left, mankind is on the brink of extinction. While fighting to keep Eden alive, Eve will discover that being human is about what you will do for those you love, not what your insides may be made of. And even if it gets you killed, love is always what separates them from the Fallen.


My thoughts:


The first thing that grabbed my attention was Eden’s cover. So creepy, but so very cool! After reading the synopsis I knew this was a book I had to read. As a huge fan of any doomsday type of premise I couldn’t pass this one up! Human beings consumed by their robot like parts who then seek out other humans until they eradicate any remaining flesh on the face of the earth. Yes, please! This is the stuff nightmares are made of and for some reason I just can’t get enough.


When I sat down to read Eden I never expected to finish it in one sitting. This is a pretty hefty piece of literature at 400+ pages. I was so intrigued by the world and characters the author created it made finding a suitable stopping place impossible. I had to know what happened next. 


Eden isn’t nearly as action packed or fast-paced as other dystopian novels I’ve read, but it moves at a smooth and steady pace guaranteed to keep you hooked. As more of a character driven reader this really worked for me. I appreciated the amount of care Keary Taylor put into creating well developed characters in a well presented futuristic world. You can tell she is an author who becomes fully invested in the characters she creates and wants readers to grow to love them as much as she does. She did an amazing job of creating a world that readers will find both engaging and entertaining. I love that she was able to combine complex world building and well-crafted characters without sacrificing the quality of either. I really liked Eve and enjoyed watching her evolve over the course of Eden. I felt for her when she lost those she cared about and didn’t envy her precarious position at the center of the love triangle involving the older Avian and reckless West. There is also an amazing cast of secondary characters who make up the world Eve is living in.


Keary Taylor is an author who I can’t help but be awed by. Not only is she able to write great books with small children in her home, but said books are then self-published. Having read my fair share of self-pubbed books over the last year I must say her work is some of the best. On that note if you haven’t checked out Keary’s books I highly recommend you do (&soon!). 

My Rating:

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FYI: Eden for Kindle is just 99 cents!

Chapter 1 Sneak Peek + Giveaway: Lemniscate by Jennifer Murgia

Happy Book Birthday, Lemniscate! The second book in Jennifer Murgia’s Angel Star series releases today! I’m excited to share chapter 1 with all of you.

Chapter 1

It had been raining for three days straight. I rolled onto my side to face the window towards the bit of light glowing behind the thin skin of my eyelids and grew excited for a moment, thinking today the sun might finally make an appearance. I should have known better. Under normal circumstances I would have been more than happy to cinch my covers in closer, keeping the warmth in as long as possible, thawing my flannel-wrapped arm after mercilessly sending it out into the open to slam the snooze button. But not today.

I opened my eyes to Garreth standing at the glass, his skin reflecting back a pale glimmer against the dry side of the window. My warm light on the bleakest of Monday mornings was tracing the crooked lines of water with his finger, seemingly deep in thought.

“Writing love notes to me on my window?” I mused out loud, stretching my cramped legs toward the bottom of my quilted bed. I propped myself up onto my elbow as he turned around, his striking blue eyes reminded me of his perfection.

Each day I’m astounded to find him here with me.

My angel. My guardian. My boyfriend.

Garreth has been earthbound for months now, choosing to live the life of a mortal just so he can spend each and every waking moment with me. It’s not that he’s giving up an extraordinary existence, he’s just trading part of one for another. He’s still my guardian, still here to protect me. True, there isn’t anything human about him besides the charade he plays for others, and his looks, which, now that I think about it, aren’t quite human either. I remember the irregular heartbeats I felt the first time we met at school last spring. The way I would feel all weak and fluttery. Words can’t describe what he means to me. My mother would call it unhealthy and irrational if she ever learned the true depth of my emotions. Anyone would.

Garreth’s aura isn’t like the average guy running around my school or at the mall. He’s pure. Surreal. And his heart beats only for me. I should feel important and flattered, I know. But honestly, it makes me uncomfortable. Why anyone would give up the freedom of roaming the heavens to be stranded here is beyond me.

Especially for me.

“You’re awake,” he said, walking slowly to my bedside. Sitting down and looking deeply into my eyes, Garreth bent to kiss me good morning. His hand rested gently on my cheek, allowing me to feel the exceptional warmth of his skin, his soft touch nearly lulling me back to sleep.

“Oh, no you don’t. It’s time for you to get up.”

“Please tell me it’s Saturday,” I murmured, forcing my face into my pillow.

“Unfortunately, it’s Monday and unfortunately again, we have a calculus test today.” Garreth nudged my ribs and I couldn’t help giggling.

“Ok, ok! I’m up!” I smiled into his chiseled face. He looked as handsome as always. His sandy hair, tousled as usual, hung seductively over his brilliant blue eyes. My eyes traced the strong bridge of his nose, which led to his perfect lips, and I let my eyes rest there for a few minutes. Picking up on my thoughts, he bent lower. I could smell the warmth of his skin, fragrant and spicy, as if he’d just showered with an amazing fragrance not yet discovered and bottled. It was his scent, an incense of sorts that belonged only to him and gently surrounded him like his aura. It made me dizzy, but I loved it. I closed my eyes as his lips rested softly on mine and my arms wove up and around his neck to keep him longer.

“Test? Remember?” He grasped my hands, still clasped behind his neck, and uncurled my fingers with a gentle strength, bringing them to rest at my sides. “Later . . . later you can kiss me and not let go,” he whispered softly into my hair and then stood up.

“Of course you’ll ace this test. You have infinite knowledge.” I was being sarcastically playful, and Garreth rolled his eyes.

“I’ll make sure I get a few wrong.”

“Gee, thanks,” I responded.

I could hear my mother stirring down the hall. Within minutes she’d be padding softly in this direction to her shower and stop at my door along the way, urging me to wake up. She’s not aware that I’m usually up by this point, nor is she aware that Garreth is the one to wake me before she ever gets the chance to.

A dresser drawer scraped shut, usually Garreth’s clue for a silent, celestial exit, knowing twenty minutes from now he’d be knocking on the kitchen door to take me to school. I kissed him goodbye with one last chance to see the blue of his eyes sparkle like diamonds. Like clockwork, my mother’s knuckles rapped at my door.

Only twenty minutes longer.

That’s all I have to wait.

Twenty minutes.

Don’t forget to keep commenting on participating blogs for your chance to win these!

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Angel Star | Lemniscate

Visit for http://jennifermurgia.com/blog/ for a list of all participating blogs.