A Night In A Haunted House by Sarah Baker

Today on the blog, I have one of my writing buddies, Sarah Baker, who tells us all about her night in a haunted house. 

Have you ever spent the night in a haunted house? 

Unwittingly, yes. 

I was twelve and on holiday in France with my Aunt, Uncle and two cousins. We’d been in the car and on the motorway most of the day and had started to reach that level of finding each other really annoying when my uncle pulled the car onto an old, pot-holed road. He drove towards a huge, falling-apart house. It was three stories high, had so many windows I couldn’t count them all, and seemed to be half sagging, half lurching into the ground. This was where we’d spend our last night in France before catching the ferry home. 

The house belonged to friends of my Aunt and Uncle. The man was tall, his wife was round and neither smiled. We children were instructed to play in the orchard until dinner was ready, but just as the adults went into the house, it was announced that there wasn’t enough room in the guesthouse for all of us, so my cousin Julia and I would have to stay in the big house. 

You know that sound in a film that’s like a record being ripped off a turntable? That’s what I heard in my head. Stay in a big creepy house? Er, no thanks. But it was too late. By the time I’d opened my mouth, the adults had disappeared down a dark corridor. I looked at my cousins, they looked at me, and we ran outside. 

It probably would’ve been alright, if my cousin hadn’t decided somewhere between playing tag in the garden and eating a really rich stew, that she wasn’t going to stay in the house with me. As we were shown into a small bedroom containing two ancient cots with pillows shaped like thin sausage rolls, folded blankets (no duvets!) and a really evil looking wardrobe, Julia announced that she had a really bad headache and would need to be with her mum, dad and sister. She raced off, but just as I decided to do the same, Armuth (the lady of the house) shut the bedroom door behind her and walked away. I was left with the sound of her footsteps echoing on the parquet floor and the wind whistling through the window shutters. 

What happened next? Well I went exploring, of course. I started out looking for the bathroom and ended up fleeing from suits of armour, terrifying paintings of Armuth’s relatives that leered down from the walls, plenty of strange bumps and creaks and some out of tune dings from an old grandfather clock. Nearly all the doors I tried were locked, but I must have found the bedroom again because when I woke up I was on the cot and still in my clothes. Over breakfast my cousins asked Armuth if the house was haunted. With a glance at me she winked and said, “but, of course” and that’s how the idea was sown for Through the Mirror Door… 

Sarah Baker is a children’s author. Her debut novel for 8-12 year olds, Through the Mirror Door, is available now at all good bookshops. 

Website: bysarahbaker.com 

Twitter: @bysarahbaker 

Instagram: @bysarahbaker 

Pinterest: pinterest.com/bysarahbaker

Through The Mirror Door by Sarah Baker

"That was your last chance." 

I stared at the worn carpet till my eyes blurred.

"You brought this all on yourself, you know." 

I looked up. "So?" I mumbled. 

Published by Catnip Publishing in July 2016

Pages - 297

Summary

Since the accident, Angela has been alone. When she is invited on holiday with her cousins, it is her chance to be part of a family again if she promises to behave herself. But secrets lie in the walls of the crumbling French holiday home and the forbidden rooms draw Angela in. Soon night-time footsteps, flickering candlelight and shadows in windows lead her to a boy who needs her help. To save him Angela must discover the truth about what happened in the house all those years ago . . . and face the terrible secret of her own past.

*****
I've been really excited about this book since I first heard about it. Not only is the story intriguing, but it is also written by one of my lovely Book Bounder friends, Sarah Baker. I am so pleased to see another one of my friends published and well deserved too. I always worry about reviewing books by people I know, but I really shouldn't have worried. 
The story is set in France in an old, enchanting house. Angela has been whipped out of the children's home, where she has lived since her parent's passed away, by her Aunt Cece, who claims to want to give her a fresh start. 
Aunt Cece is far from nice to Angela and you can't help but wonder what her real motive is.  The rest of the family treat Angela rather cruelly too and Angela seeks solace in the forbidden part of the house, where she finds Julien, a kindred spirit. 
The friendship between Julien and Angela is beautiful.They quickly learn to trust each other and both grow in strength from their bond. 
The book is magical right from the start. Bringing back to life a classical style similar to Tom's Midnight Garden, you lose yourself in the detailed descriptions that beautifully enhance the reading experience. Yes, it is a ghost story, but it warms your heart rather than scares you witless. It makes you want to read all the classical tales from your childhood again. 
If you're a fan of Emma Carroll, then you really will enjoy this book too. Sarah is definitely a debut to keep watching out for. I can't wait for more adventures with Angela soon. 

Chuck a Book With Sarah Baker

I am pleased to welcome Book Bounder pal, debut author, Sarah Baker to take part in Chuck a Book. Sarah's debut novel, Through The Mirror Door is published by Catnip this week. 

The best book you have ever read

How difficult is this? Okay, Cloud Atlas by David Mitchell, and Bring up the Bodies by Hilary Mantel. So brilliant, so clever. The best children’s book is I Capture the Castle by Dodie Smith. No wait, The Box of Delights by John Masefield. No, His Dark Materials by Philip Pullman. No, hang on, all of them (sorry).

A Book you loved from your childhood

The Weirdstone of Brisingamen by Alan Garner. My year 5 teacher Mrs Morris read it to us in the afternoons and I fell in love with Garner’s stories.

A book that made you laugh

Pretty much anything and everything by David Sedaris. When You Are Engulfed in Flames made me snort with laughter on the tube, but as it’s London, nobody noticed. 

A book you could not finish

Okay so I have this thing where I can’t not finish a book, even if I’m really not enjoying it. Imagine Monica in Friends not being able to tidy. It’s like that. Luckily it happens very rarely because I get such great recommendations. Not good enough? Oh alright, I haven’t finished Gone with the Wind by Margaret Mitchell. I tried, I really did, but it’s over 1,000 pages and I was 17 and it was summer. I like to think I’ll try again sometime…

A book that made you swoon

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen. Mr. Darcy. Enough said. 

A book you can’t wait to read

The Speed of Darkness by Catherine Fisher. I’m longing to know how this brilliant series ends. 

A series you have read and loved

I recently discovered the Lockwood and Co books by Jonathan Stroud and am now a big fan. It’s such a brilliant, original idea with wonderful characters and fantastic plots. I really hope there are lots more books to come…

A book that made you cry

The Amber Spyglass by Philip Pullman. I sobbed at the last scene between Lyra and Will. Oh and in The Subtle Knife when Hester and Lee Scoresby… oops, spoilers. I’ll stop there.

Your guilty pleasure book

Any of the Harry Potter books. They’re perfect for when you need to curl up under a duvet and pretend you’ve just got your Hogwarts letter.

A book that took you out of your comfort zone

This would be Soulless by Gail Carriger. It’s the first book in her Parasol Protectorate series. It’s a steampunk paranormal romance and like nothing I’d ever read. Imagine a Victorian London filled with vampires, werewolves and a big dollop of cheekiness. So much fun.

******

Summary

Life hasn’t been great for Angela since tragedy took her family away. But Angela is given once last chance when she is invited on holiday with her Aunt Cece and her bratty cousins Kitty and Fliss. 

Angela tries to behave herself, but she knows secrets lie in the walls of their crumbling French holiday home. Soon night time foot steps, flickering candlelight and shadows in windows lead Angela to Julien - a boy who needs her help. But is it too late? Through saving Julien can Angela save herself?

To find out more about Sarah Baker:

Twitter / Website

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Cover Reveal: Through The Mirror Door by Sarah Baker

I'm so pleased to be able to share with you a cover reveal for one of my favourite people, debut author, Sarah Baker. Her first Middle Grade novel, Through The Mirror Door will be published by Catnip on the 7th of July. 

So here it is...

Isn't it gorgeous????

I absolutely love it. I asked Sarah what she thought of her cover and this is what she said. 

First things first: I LOVE this cover.

For me, it perfectly encapsulates Through the Mirror Door. It’s haunting, it’s a little bit dark and there are plenty of secrets to be discovered within. Angela is just how I imagined, the trees and wildflowers are exquisite, and the reflection of the house, which shows you a slightly different image, is so very clever. Of course you’ll have to read the book to find out why, but wow, I love everything about this cover.

A huge thank you to Jessica Courtney Tickle and Will Steele for creating something so beautiful and to Catnip Books for finding them. I couldn’t be more thrilled.

Oh and did you see my name at the bottom? My name. On a book. This is suddenly very real and extremely exciting.

*happy debut author face*

I also asked Sarah's agent, Bryony Wood, for her thoughts on the cover.

It’s always a nervous moment, as an agent, when you get an email with that first early look at a cover design for one of your clients - especially when it’s an author’s debut! 

When I saw the cover for THROUGH THE MIRROR DOOR I was on a train. And it was so stunning I audibly gasped (and received quite a few curious stares from other passengers!). It reflects the tone of this book - dark and haunting, but with an intense streak of beauty and hope that shines through powerfully - absolutely perfectly. I adore the artwork; Jessica Courtney Tickle is a wonderfully talented illustrator and has done a brilliant job bringing Angela and the house to life and reflecting Sarah’s beautiful writing.

Sarah emailed me straight away to say “I LOVE LOVE LOVE it” and I knew we were on to a winner. I can’t wait to see it in bookshops on July 7th!

****

Personally, I can't wait to get my hands on this book. Roll on July 7th!

If you like the cover, let Sarah know on Twitter at @bysarahbaker

You can connect with and find out more about SARAH BAKER in the following places: 

Website 

Twitter 

Pinterest 

Instagram 

Debut 2016 - Day 3 - Sarah Baker

Welcome to Day 3 of the Debuts 2016 series and I am so pleased to welcome a good friend onto the blog. Sarah Baker. Sarah's debut Middle Grade novel, Through The Mirror Door, will be published by Catnip in May this year. As of yet, there is no cover reveal.

What did you do when you found you were going to be published?

I gave a little squeak and ran round the living room. Carefully though, because I was eight and half months pregnant at the time.

How have you kept yourself occupied in the run up to publication day?

I've been kept very busy looking after my baby boy and writing the first draft of my second book, a prequel to Through The Mirror Door, while he's napping. 

Who did you first tell about your book deal?

My sister, Rachael. She was the one who encouraged me to start writing all my stories down and she's been cheering me on ever since (even after reading countless drafts of said stories). 

 How will you spend publication day?

Ooh unless there's a party I don't know about yet, I shall probably be writing and/or entertaining a small boy. I expect I'll be chatting on Twitter though. Ooh, Twitter party anyone? I'll bring cake.

 What advice would you give to unagented and unpublished authors?

Keep going and expect to be in it for the long haul. Through the Mirror Door isn't the first book I ever wrote (that one will stay in the secret draw of best forgotten things). Ask for help too. One of the best things I ever did was go on the Book Bound Retreat. I learned so much, got my manuscript in good enough shape to send out to agents (and got one) and I made the very best writer friends who support, encourage and cheer each other on through the good and not so good times.

***

Thank you Sarah. I totally agree with Sarah about the BookBound retreat. If you get the opportunity to go on it this year, then definitely go. 

The Crowham Martyrs by Jane McLoughlin

A silver wisp of ghost hovers on the ceiling and a raspy voice rattles the timbers of my narrow staircase.

‘Maddy Deeprose! You’re ten minutes late.’

I run a brush through my tangled hair and look in the mirror. Pale skin, round face - shouldn’t I have cheekbones by now? I’m nearly thirteen. I rummage through my dresser drawer, dig out the make-up Mum sent fromn the States. Maybe lipstick would help.Or some blusher. I lean into the mirror for a closer look. Thick black eyeliner?’

‘Seriously, Maddy, this is beyond a joke.’

Published by Catnip books in 2015

316 pages in paperback

Cover design and illustration by Pip Johnson

Summary from Mulcahy Associates Agents’ website

When there's nowhere left to run, you'll need somewhere to hide...

Ghosts don't scare Maddy Deeprose. She's seen them all her life.

And so when her mum sends her to creepy old boarding school Crowham Martyrs, Maddy isn't worried.

But when her friends start disappearing, Maddy knows it's time to be scared.

Something is lurking at Crowham Martyrs. Something evil. Is the place that is supposed to keep Maddy safe about to become the hunting ground?

******

Reviewed by K. M. Lockwood

I’ll be honest - I am a bit biased. I went to the book launch for this at the wonderful Book Nook in Hove (well worth a visit for readers of all ages) and had a great time with the charming and talented Jane. She has a distinctive personality - and so does our heroine in Crowham Martyrs.

I think it’s fair to say that you have to like Maddy Deeprose as a central character to enjoy this book - her attitude and sense of humour are right there in the middle of everything. If you take a shine to her then this makes the unnerving mystery and downright horror at various points in the story all the more intense.

Whilst it is contemporary, and 12 year old Maddy is definitely a modern girl, it has all the features you’d want from a creepy classic. The rather striking cover gives exactly the right feel. The unsettling intense yellow, the distorted ancient and shadowy house and one lone girl against it all.

Although it’s quite a long book, there’s lots of conversation and Maddy’s own thoughts as well as action so it doesn’t seem overstretched. The writing style is accessible for any reasonably confident reader - but it might be too frightening for young or sensitive children. 

In short, a modern gothic story with a fine mix of relationships, scares and twists.

The Book Cycle with Jane McLoughlin

Discussing her book cycle today, I am pleased to welcome author, Jane McLoughlin, onto the blog.

Jane's next book, The Crowham Martyrs is published this month by Catnip. I will be attending the book launch later this month, so I will tell you all about it then. 

Oh…

I will really have to stretch my mind back to where The Crowham Martyrs began…

I know it started as a screenplay, not a novel, middle grade or otherwise, and its main character, Maddy, was a few years older than she is in the book. 

Oh, wait, she wasn’t the main character at all, in those early days…Mr. Casey, one of the teachers, was…

However, the setting—a creepy school called The Crowham Martyrs—has never changed. It was loosely inspired by a teaching placement in a Sussex town (all right, it’s Lewes, if you must know) that many find quaint and “ye olde”… 

                        …but I find totally creepy

That’s really all I remember of the origins of Crowham.  The draft of the screenplay disappeared somewhere, and to the best of my knowledge it was never finished. 

But there was something about this school, and the funny-but-vulnerable girl who gets sent there, and feels trapped there, that stayed in my head and never left! 

I began to write The Crowham Martyrs as a middle grade novel after my first book, At Yellow Lake, was published, and its follow-up, which never found a publisher, was set aside. This seems like half a lifetime ago, and I can’t actually remember how long it took for me to write the embarrassingly rough first draft I sent to my agent. 

However, I know that in the process of being written (and endlessly re-written) some things never changed: Maddy could always see ghosts, the school itself was always threatening, and there was a horrible secret about Maddy’s life that would gradually be revealed. 

So, during the writing process I did two things that were very important. (I wish I could say I meticulously planned the plots’ twists and turns, but that would be lying…next time, readers, next time!) 

To begin with I visited scary places, starting with the Clapham Woods, also in Sussex, which is allegedly haunted.  Sadly, the strange phenomena I’d read about online (and that friends who live in the area claim to have experienced) didn’t materialise for my friends and I when we walked through the woods. 

It was pretty, and a little bit isolated, but not in the least bit frightening…at least not by day!  

The same thing couldn’t be said for my return trip to Lewes, however. 

Athough my friend Dot found it “charming” and “fascinating”, to me it was, as ever, gloomy, claustrophobic and downright menacing. In other words—perfect! 

The second thing I did while writing was read around the ghost story genre.  I read books by Susan Hill, James Dawson, Chris Priestley, Cliff McNish, Helen Grant, MR James, Lindsay Barraclough and other writers, both for children and for adults.  I read Michele Paver’s Dark Matter, possibly the most frightening book I’ve read since “The Shining”…you have been warned! 

I did a bit of background research, too, although The Crowham Martrys is not meant to be historically accurate. I was both inspired by and haunted by gruesome images and writings from the early 17^th century that deal with the supernatural.  The ghosts from the past that creep into Maddy Deeprose’s dreams may not be “true” but they are powerful and terrifying, and they represent appalling events which actually occurred. 

So, although I can’t really remember where the journey to The Crowham Martyrs actually began, it’s been a wonderful trip, and I miss the characters that I’ve come to know as friends. I don’t miss the woods, though….or the school itself…

I especially don’t miss the basement. 

(basement picture.

Once again—you have been warned! 

The Crowham Martyrs by Jane McLoughin - published by Catnip Publishing on the 15th June 2015

Summary

Could there really be witches and demons here at Crowham? Are the badness and fings real? And do all these things have anything to do with Hannah going missing? Do they have anything to do with me? Between growing up and boy trouble Maddy Deeprose may seem like your average 13-year-old girl, but there's something different about Maddy she can see ghosts. The new school term starts at Crowham Martyrs, but Maddy can sense that something is wrong. She begins to have disturbing visions and nightmares of suffering and pain and when her best friend goes missing and nobody will listen to her, Maddy knows it up to her to uncover the truth behind the Crowham Martyrs and stop history repeating itself. A spine-tingling mystery that will haunt you forever.

To find out more about Jane McLoughlin:

Blog / Facebook / Twitter / Goodreads

Spotlight on Sunny by Keris Stainton

 ‘You’ll phone us every day,’ Sunny’s dad said, squeezing her against his chest.  She could feel her hair vibrating where his mouth rested on the top of her  head.

‘Yes, I’ve said I will,’ Sunny said.’Please don’t wipe your nose on my headscarf.’

Published by Catnip in March 2015

Pages - 203

Summary

After winning a local film competition, Sunny and her best friends Kitty and Hannah are off to do a film-making course - in London! Sunny can't believe her dad has let her come on her own (even if he has asked her to phone every day...) Sunny is loving the film-making classes and hanging out with their new friend - lovely, funny Will. Sunny knows that these things don't fit with the future her parents want for her and she starts to wonder what she really wants. And that's not even the biggest thing on her mind - there's also the big secret she's hiding from her best friends...

*****

In this series, Keris Stainton presents the teenagers of today, writing about their hopes and dreams as well as the difficulties they face in life, without making a big deal about them.

I really enjoyed this book. I loved the multicultural feel to it and the fact that the  main character, Sunny was a Muslim.This author is waving  the flag for a new generation of diverse main characters, by showing how individual and unique each teenager is,  celebrating their differences rather than ridiculing them.

I know very little about life as a Muslim, so it was extremely interesting to read about the customs and routines of a British Muslim teen.  Sunny’s parents are quite strict about her upbringing, and Sunny embraces their views rather than rebelling against them. She has strong religious beliefs and knows exactly what she wants out of life. She comes across as a wonderful role model and a well adjusted teen. It was fascinating to watch her blossom on her first trip away from home.

I haven’t read the first book in this series, Starring Kitty, but I will definitely be reading it soon. A fantastic portrayal of British teens.

The Art of Rejection by Natasha Desborough

 

Another post in the highly successful series, The Art of Rejection. The very lovely, Natasha Desborough, (who I finally met last weekend) shares her rejection journey to publication.

I got used to being rejected very early on my career. After completing my A’Levels I decided I wanted to break into the film industry as a runner. I would send out hundreds of letters to film and TV companies every single month and then take each knock back as a painful blow to the chest. I tried to roll with the punches and ended up with a huge file packed full of rejection letters that I collected over a two year period. But I was determined and ambitious back then so I put my head down and ploughed on. Then when I finally got a job on a low budget feature film I felt like I’d won the lottery and ceremoniously burned the letters on a bonfire in my garden. 

I turned out that film production wasn’t where my heart was anyway so it was back to writing letters again. This time it was radio stations. Again I accumulated a stack of formulaic rejection letters until a big radio boss heard my voice, liked it and gave me a gig. But the rejection didn’t stop there. In fact it continued pretty much on a daily basis. I moved from the great XFM in London to the awesome BBC 6 Music where I indulged my passions for both music and comedy. During my live shows I’d write links, gags and sketches all of which I had to run past my producer first in case they were rubbish, libellous or as often is the case with me - inappropriate and too rude. Scripts and ideas got binned. Frequently. But that’s just the nature of the radio beast and there was no time for me to be precious over my work. Rejection rocks! Bin the crap. Keep the gold.

Over the years I began to grow a thick skin. It was just work - rejection was part of the job. Likewise with the insults. I’d get irate listeners spewing venom at me just because they didn’t like the tone of my voice or they thought I talked rubbish (which to be fair, I often did). I’d receive texts and emails from listeners desperate to tell me how crap I was or how much they hated me. And although at first it was painful, I began to get used to it. 

So when I set about getting a literary agent for a non-fiction comedy manuscript that I’d written, I was prepared for the inevitable. In fact to be honest, I didn’t actually give a toss that I got rejected by well over 25 agents. Rejection rocks! It makes me tougher. More determined. I didn’t even mind when one particular agent I’d contacted wrote a very rude and spiteful email memo to their assistant about me and then accidentally pressed ‘reply’ instead of ‘forward’. OUCH! But then an agency signed me up and got me a book deal. Super.

So I attempted my first YA novel. And yes, of course it was rejected by loads of publishers, but we eventually found one with an editor who completely fell in love with my MS. And it was wonderful. And then it was suggested I try writing for younger readers. So I gave it a shot. And the rejections flooded in. But that was ok. I was used to it. So I wrote another MS. A better one. But I was met with more rejections. Loads of them. So I wrote another MS. An EVEN BETTER ONE. I really, really loved it. It was funny, pacey and exciting. But aside from my agent, nobody else seemed to think so. More rejections. Millions of them. And yes. That’s right - I wrote yet another MS. I love this one too. It’s out there now. Being rejected. And after that, I’ll write another.

I’ve just poured my heart and soul into a new MS. A Young Adult novel. And this one is very, very special to me. It’s not out there yet. It’s still all mine. I’m still knocking it into shape with my agent, making it the very best I can. But once it’s out there being pitched I know exactly what to expect. It’s just part of the job. Rejection rocks! Although this time, to be honest I’m sort of hoping I’ll be proved wrong…

To find out more about Natasha Desborough:

Website / Twitter

Books available by author

Weirdos Vs Quimboids

 Weirdos vs Bumskulls

Raw Blue by Kirsty Eagar

Friday morning. I’m heading down to the break, feeling antsy because I slept in. I’d meant to surf early, but maybe it’s not such a bad thing. Getting there after nine means I’ll miss the pre-work crew. Instead, I’ll join the old boys, students and shift workers who have rearranged their lives to better suit their surfing.

Pages  - 280

Published by Catnip Publishing in August 2012

Goodreads Summary

Carly has dropped out of uni to spend her days surfing and her nights working as a cook in a Manly café. Surfing is the one thing she loves doing … and the only thing that helps her stop thinking about what happened two years ago at schoolies week.
And then Carly meets Ryan, a local at the break, fresh out of jail. When Ryan learns the truth, Carly has to decide. Will she let the past bury her? Or can she let go of her anger and shame, and find the courage to be happy?

******

It’s taken me a few weeks to get my head around writing this review. I was expecting to love this book to pieces. For ages everyone has told me that I must read Raw Blue as it was the best book they have ever read. So I was honestly expecting it to blow my mind. Unfortunately I didn’t get that feeling and still don’t get why everyone loved it so much. Don’t get me wrong, I did enjoy it and I gave it four stars as I felt it was extremely well written, with some heart wrenching characters. Yet it didn’t make me want to keep reading at all times. In fact it had the opposite effect, as the content often made me feel quite depressed and I had to swap over to  read something more lively. Perhaps you have to be in a certain frame of mind, to completely embrace this book.

I found the book a little slow to get into. The first few chapters didn’t feel like they were moving the story on and it took me a while to realise what was going on with Carly; why she acted and reacted the way she did.  I can understand the author wanted to show how Carly interacts with the world, so this pacing issue appears to be on purpose. Carly  had a very promising future and then suddenly she dropped out of her life completely. She was now existing in a robotic fashion, not allowing any of life to filter through to her.

As the book progresses, the people surrounding her begin to crack and pull down the wall she has built up around her. Loosening her hold on her emotion and feelings until the wall is knocked down completely and everything comes gushing out.

I felt angry for Carly. How could her own family and friends not see the change in her? How could they not realise that something was seriously wrong? It took a complete stranger to gain her confidence and  gently lead her out of the dark world she was living in.

Normally in a story like this, you would expect a really hot guy with absolutely no flaws to whip the battered protagonist off her feet; but there is no way you could describe Ryan as flawless. He has a past; a difficult one at that and if Carly really knew the truth to begin with, I would probably have  advised her to run the other way. However, Ryan shows he is mature enough to put his past behind him, intent on straightening his life out and he is prepared to build a life with Carly. He is sweet, gentle and very caring, refusing to let Carly walk away from  the tiny chance of happiness.

The story is very real and hard hitting at times. Issues that are raised will make you feel uncomfortable, but I do feel the author wrote about them in such a way that you didn’t feel overwhelmed by them. The writing feels grey and miserable in parts and you get a real sense of what it’s like for people who suffer with depression. This is very much a character driven plot  where we stand by and watch Carly take tentative steps back into the real world.

The book has a strong surfing theme, which I really enjoyed. I actually learnt quite a bit about surfing while reading it. The descriptions of the surf and the ocean easily transported you to the shores of Australia. Carly is drawn to Ryan through their passion of surfing - it is the bond that ties them together, helping Carly to smash through her past which holds her in a vice like grip.

I think you need to be in a certain frame of mind to get the best out of this book. You need to be prepared to be feel quite low at times as you accompany Carly through her emotional journey. If you enjoy  cross over, gritty and emotionally dark YA, then I would recommend this book to you.

Weirdos vs Quimboids by Natasha Desborough

‘Felix Winters looks so HOT in a tuxedo,’ I whispered. His bum cheeks are like two orbs of wonder.’Could a boy be any more perfect.?’

Published in September 2013 by Catnip Publishing

Pages - 286

Goodreads Summary

Cursed by the initials BUM, saddled with woolly liberal-minded hippies for parents and an UNDYING love for the Proper Real-Time HOT Felix Winters, BLOSSOM UXLEY-MICHAELS is a seething mass of sexual frustration and political confusion. But when she s invited to work on the school radio, Blossom s convinced her status is about to rocket from Weirdo to Winner . .

*****

What a fabulously entertaining, laugh out loud, snigger behind your fingers book!  Right from the first page, I found myself chortling away and ignoring the strange looks from my family.  The comparisons to Georgia Nicholson, are completely accurate. I’d love to see Blossom and Georgia fight it out in a boxing ring.

Unfortunately for Blossom, she is classed as being a bit weird by the other more popular kids in school. Deep down, as many teenagers are, Blossom wants to be one of the popular kids - unlike others,she is convinced she has a sure fire  route to success and brushes away any bitchiness like bits of unwanted fluff. Through her new position on the school  radio station and her very own pop group, Camel Toe, she is determined to finally become popular.

Blossom is such a strong and well written character, she could almost be real. She ignites the book with her views on life, her quirky and unconventional family and her need to meet Josh Raven, a previous student at her school, who is now one of the hottest properties in the music world. She demonstrates in technicoloured detail, that no teenager is weird, they just have different views, opinions and dress sense from others which makes them unique  and original - not weird.

I loved the extra snippets of information that were provided through the story. The Scale of Shame could be printed and posted to each and every teenager, as I could see them all nodding their heads and relating to every single  point. I thought the End of Week Table of Achievement were a brilliant addition, not to mention the desperate letters to Josh’s management team in an attempt to get him to perform at the school dance.

I want to see more of Blossom in the future - I really hope she isn’t going to be a one hit wonder and explodes back on the scene in future escapades.

Arabesque by Colin Mulhern

Published by Catnip Publishing in September 2012

Book kindly sent by publisher for an honest review

Pages - 303

Be the best.

It was a philosophy her  dad taught her. Her mother might have been content that Amy was healthy, happy, comfortable and doing well, but there were occasions when her dad would check that they were alone and quietly say,'Sometimes, Amy, there's no prize for second place. Do you know what I mean?'

Goodreads Summary

Amy May is the best at everything she does. But how do you know you're really the best until you're tested? Until you're pushed to the limit?

A botched kidnapping attempt drags Amy and her best friend into the depths of a criminal underworld, a world where the players think with bullets and blackmail. Where they will stop at nothing to get what they want.

And what they want, only Amy May can provide.

*******

If either Martina Cole or Lynda La Plante wrote Young Adult fiction, this is the kind of book they would produce. I 'm serious, it was like watching one of the BBC dramas unfold on television where as each layer of the story is revealed, an unsuspecting surprise pops out catapulting the story into a completely different direction. I went without sleep to read this book and that very rarely happens these days. I want to petition the BBC to make it into a film, with Ray Winstone as a definite candidate for one of the main characters. 

If I had a hundred copies of this book, I would be handing it out like candy. It really is a must read that will have you gripped and breathless. This book is like entering an East End version of the Twilight zone. You start with one kind of story and whoosh in a downward spiral into another which you are totally unprepared for. I couldn't have predicted how this story would end in a million years.  I have to give the author immense praise for such an excellent well written book. 

I loved Amy! I thought she was an amazing and strong willed character who could take on any of the kiss ass fantasy heroines presently slaying their way through the fiction world at the moment. Amy is calculated - everything she does is carefully thought through in the first place - there are many layers to this character and you watch in amazement as her real personality shines through. Amy reminded me of Catherine Zeta Jones in  Entrapment; she had that calculated view of life. 

I refuse to mention any of the plot as I would end up giving away spoilers. This book is best served without prior knowledge of the plot!

This book is a really gritty read and very compelling, even shocking at times. I was so drawn into the drama I often found myself skipping words and sentences as I was desperate to find out what happened in the end. 

I went through a roller coaster of emotions which left me gasping for air by the end.  I can't gush about this book enough. It is definitely one of my favourite reads this year. 

The Court Painter's Apprentice by Richard Knight

Pages - 175
Published by Catnip Publishing in January

Take a look in a mirror. 
What do you see? A nose that's too large, or skin marked with freckles like paint splashes from a brush? Perhaps eyes that seem sunken and dark, an expression of gloom baked hard on the mouth? Whatever you see, staring at your reflection for too long is rarely a comfortable experience for all but the fairest of us. We prefer only fleeting glimpses of ourselves, long enough to brush our hair or wash our faces. 


Goodreads Summary
'Paint what you see, Johann; not what you think you see.' This is the advice that Hugo, master portrait painter, gives to his protege, Johann. But Johann's talent for painting the truth runs deeper than anyone can ever imagine. Johann soon discovers how changing the portraits he paints, can change the lives of his subjects- from fixing the pox-marked skin of a lowly serving girl, to changing the course of history by painting a petulant and spoiled heir to the empire as a noble ruler. But with the power to bring good fortune to those around him, Johann is soon tempted to change his own...

********

From the beginning of the book I was sucked into the atmospheric world created by the author. The author has a way of making you feel like you have stepped into the story as all your senses are hit at once. The story unravels beautifully and leaves you with a unsuspecting twist that I don't think I have ever come across before. This book has a real Dickensian feel to it and reminded me a little of The Picture of Dorian Grey by Oscar Wilde. 

My favourite characters had to be Hugo and his wife. I really felt that they tried their hardest to create a stable and loving environment for Johann to grow up in, but like most teenagers he rebelled. Unfortunately he suffered because of his choice of actions. I found I struggled to warm to Johann. I couldn't help but find him foolish in his actions. Definitely a case of pride comes before a fall as he realises his potential and enjoys the opportunities it created. I wanted to give him a good shaking to make him see what just might happen. I know I should feel sorry for him, as he lost out on a childhood, after becoming an apprentice so young, but he just annoyed me. 

I love the idea of this book. The thought of being able to change one's future by altering a painting is really an excellent idea. It is definitely an interesting topic to play with. I was surprised how the ending turned out, I would never suspected it would end is such a way.  I was also expecting a love interest to occur after the friendship between Johann and  Matje developed as it was quite obvious how they felt about each other. 

This is a book that can easily be devoured in one sitting. I loved how the story played out as well as the detailed descriptions that brought the book to life. If you like books similar to The Blackhope Enigma by Teresa Flavin, then you will definitely enjoy this one. It is short book, yet bursting with detail and extremely atmospheric. 

IMM (16)

In MyMailbox (IMM) is a weekly feature organised by The Story Siren. IMM is a post where you can show which books entered your house and it also gives you a chance to say thank you to the people that kindly sent them. To find out more about how you can join in click here.


All books have been linked up to their Goodreads pages.

Gifted

I received a lovely surprise parcel this week from Tina at Abrams and Chronicle thanking me for taking part in the Struts and Frets blog tour. 

Not only did I receive some fabulous books which I will tell you about in a minute, I also received Paper Voodoo! Hilarious! Paper Voodoo dolls, so you had better stay on my good side folks. Hehehehe! 

I also got a nifty little DOMO calendar; DOMO is the official mascot for a Japanese television company and I have to say he is kind of cute.

Anxious Hearts by Tucker Shaw 

Free Thaddeus by John Gosselink

Bliss by Lauren Myracle

Darth Paper Strikes Back by Tom Angleberger

Review

Silence by Becca Fitzpatrick published by Simon and Schuster

Dear Bully:Seventy Authors Tell Their Stories edited by Megan Kelley Hall and Carrie Jones published by Harper Teen

Eve by Anna Carey published by Harper 

Variant by Robison Wells published by Harper Teen

The Warrior Heir by Cinda Williams Chima published by Indigo

The 13th Horseman by Barry Hutchinson published by HarperCollins

Carrier of the Mark by Leigh Fallon published by HarperCollins

The Court Painter's Apprentice by Richard Knight published by Catnip Publishing

Bought

A Week In December by Sebastian Faulks

Witch Song by Amber Argyle

Witchlander by Lena Coakley

Write To Be Published by Nicola Morgan

The Near Witch by Victoria Schwab

The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern 

Thanks to all the fantastic publishers who sent me books. I don't know where to start reading! If you had to choose one of the above books to read next, which would you choose?