July Appearances & Boomerang Launch!

Hey, all.

Two great events to tell you about:

Irving Texas - July 10th, Irving Public Library Teen Party and Author Panel with Julie Murphy, Lisa Stasse, Sherry Thomas and John Corey Whaley. Led by local blogger and moderator Mary Hinson.  I can't wait for this!

Tampa, Florida - July 12th, BOOMERANG Launch Party! Come hang out and celebrate the launch of my co-authored NA, written as Noelle August.

And don't forget: only three weeks until the release! Preorder your copy here or at your local indie!

Thanks!

V

Summer Reading!

With summer coming, I know I'm thinking a lot about what I want to read. I have a post-it by my computer, and every time I see something that strikes my interest, I write it down. I think this summer I might hit some classics again, and mix those in with lighter, fun reads. I'll also reread some of my favorite YAs. 

If you're looking for some recs, here are a few. I'm going to try to stay away from current reads and really reach back for the ones that have left a lasting impression on me. Or ones that might not be in the "mainstream."

Anyway. And, go:

GRACELING by Kristin Cashore - This one has been out for a while, but wow. I love this book. Strong heroine in a medieval-type setting. Fantasy & adventure. Gorgeous romance. Beautiful writing. I've read this one three times and I make go back for round 4 soon.

ACROSS THE NIGHTINGALE FLOOR by Lian Hearn - Fantasy and adventure, and a great romance (see a pattern emerging in my reading tastes?) in a feudal Japan like setting. This book hurt me, I loved it so much. Amazing world, characters you love. Duty. Sacrifice. Swords. Love. Honor. Ugh. So good. I should also mention that this is an adult book, but it's a fairly clean read, for those who want that info in your decision-making.

For contemporary, THE FAULT IN OUR STARS, by John Green, doesn't really need my push since it's everywhere. I'm not a huge contemporary lover (I sort of read to go to faraway places and times?), but I really thought this book was special. If you're like me, and you were hesitating because of the subject matter, give it a try. It's actually a lot of fun - and yes, heartbreaking, but ultimately very beautiful and true.

Another contemp that's a bit more off the beaten path: SAVING FRANCESCA by Melina Marchetta. This book is just so full of heart. (And a little side-bar here about MM. She's the kind of writer I want to be… No matter what she writes, contemporary, fantasy, whatever, she knocks it out of the park. Seriously. You can bet you're getting great book every time you read her.)

One last contempt: MY MOST EXCELLENT YEAR by Steve Kluger. A smart, funny, funny book with irreverent, likable characters. Read this one in a single sitting.

BRAZEN by Katherine Longshore - A historical that'll keep you up late into the night. This one is coming June 12th. In full disclosure, Katy is a friend of mine, but if this book had been written by a total stranger, I'd still love it. This is set in the Tudor-era, about Mary Fitzroy, who was forced to marry Henry VIII's illegitimate son. Achingly good.

For non-fiction, if you like biographies, and you like military fiction, FEARLESS by Eric Blehm is a book that… well, it hit me pretty hard. One of those that changes you a little. It did me.

Also incredible and a must read if you're into this type of thing: UNBROKEN by Laura Hillenbrand, also the author of SEABISCUIT. It's the absolutely mind-blowing story of Olympic track star Louis Zamperini, who was a bombardier in WW II, and was shot down in the middle of the ocean, floated for like 60 days in a tiny raft with sharks all around him, then became a POW for many years. This book will give you an amazing look at history, but even better, a look at the amazing incredible strength of the human spirit.

I'll add more as I think of them, but adding a shameless plug here. BOOMERANG, written by me and my pal, Lorin Oberweger under the pen name Noelle August. It's a fun, fun read guys. Sexy (remember this isn't a YA) and, well, fun. It comes out July 8th, but it's available now for preorder, and I hope you'll all check it out. 

Happy reading!

<3

V