Trailer Reveal: THE TOURIST ATTRACTION by Sarah Morgenthaler

THE TOURIST ATTRACTION 

by Sarah Morgenthaler

Published by Sourcebooks Casablanca 

Available: May 5, 2020

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About THE TOURIST ATTRACTION

When Graham Barnett named his diner The Tourist Trap, he meant it as a joke. Now he's stuck slinging reindeer dogs to an endless string of resort visitors who couldn't interest him less. Not even the sweet, enthusiastic tourist in the corner who blushes every time he looks her way…

Two weeks in Alaska isn't just the top item on Zoey Caldwell's bucket list. It's the whole bucket. One look at the mountain town of Moose Springs and she's smitten. But when an act of kindness brings Zoey into Graham's world, she may just find there's more to the man than meets the eye…and more to love in Moose Springs than just the Alaskan wilderness.

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AIR by Ryan Gattis - Book Trailer and Giveaway

I am pleased to share the wide release of AIR by Ryan Gattis. Earlier this year I read and shared my thoughts about AIR when it was exclusively released through Barnes and Noble. I've posted my original review below. After you read why this is an important and timely novel, I ask that you watch the AIR book trailer and then enter for a chance to win a copy of AIR for yourself.
 
AIR book hits shelves on TODAY and next year there will be a feature film adaption of the book in production which musician John Legend has signed on to produce.

AIR

by Ryan Gattis

Publication Date: May 31, 2016

Published by Adaptive Books

Pages: 320

Source: Publisher

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from Goodreads

When 17-year-old Grey witnesses the tragic death of his mother in Colorado, he is shipped off to live with his aunt in inner-city Baltimore. Grey struggles to fit in to his new school and environment until his new friend, Akil, introduces him to the enigmatic Kurtis, the leader of a group that uses high-octane sports as a form of social activism. By challenging the police with death-defying stunts and then posting videos of them online, Kurtis, Grey, and their group become unlikely heroes in the fight against the prejudice that surrounds them. 

As Kurtis takes Grey under his wing, they come up with a name, an insignia and attract more and more followers to their extreme acts. The lines between social activism and criminal behavior blur and their escalating stunts become a rallying point for the underprivileged and disenfranchised around the country, spreading like wildfire across the Internet. How far will Grey and Kurtis go to push their message, and can their fragile alliance withstand their growing power?

My Thoughts

After reading AIR by Ryan Gattis, I realize that I want to read more books with male main characters and I need to step out of the young adult and adult romance genre more often. I need to make more time for books like this one. AIR is eye-opening and thought provoking, and it expresses the power of voice and action. It's a book that is timely and should be read by teenagers and adults alike.

Grey is an interesting character because he's in that stage of life where he's discovering the world around him and how is life is shaped by his experiences and how he perceives these experiences. His life has been turned upside down and he's been separated from his siblings after the death of his mother and he must find his way and his place in his aunt's home in a new city. In doing so, readers get to know about him and his passion.


I love the relationship that Grey has with his aunt, Aunt Blue. She's not only his guardian, but she is a confidant too. Grey realizes that he does need guidance and can go to her for help, for advice, he has someone who will listen to him and someone who cares for him. It's an honest relationship. Aunt Blue speaks truths and that's something that Grey needs. Their interactions are some of my favorite moments in the book.

What I liked:

• Grey's relationship with his aunt
• The friendships that develop from purpose
• The use of extreme sports as an expression of self and as an expression of art
• Teens taking action and taking control of their own lives

Memorable Quotes:

"It's important, you know," she says, "if you don't know it already, that there's a difference between textbooks and art, Grey."

"Art is ideas in action, " she says. "Art is feelings felt, and possessed, and put in a new way." 

"Art -- real art, art from sorrow and pain -- lets you into other people's worlds. Good art makes you feel. Great art changes how you see the world. And it's in that feeling, and it's in that perspective, that we find that we're not alone and we can keep going. Even under the worst of circumstances." - Aunt Blue (pgs. 39-41)

"I mean, realizations are all good, as you say, but you can never be great just thinking anything. Eventually you've got to stand up and do something about it. Action's the only way . . . Philosophy in action is way more that just that. It becomes contagious so long as it's true" - Kurtis (pgs. 135 -136)

"I might not agree with you, but I believe in you, so I'll stand by you." - Aunt Blue (pg. 232)

I'm so glad that I took the time to read AIR because it offers a voice that is rarely heard. I can imagine AIR becoming a classroom favorite appealing to all readers, in fact I plan to recommend it to all of my high school English teacher friends. A great read!

Disclaimer:  I received this copy of AIR from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.  I was not compensated in any way other than the book provided. Thoughts and opinions are my own.

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It's Release Day! BLIND REALITY by Heidi McLaughlin

Happy Release Day to Heidi McLaughlin and her new book Blind Reality! Reality TV show fans - get ready to meet this amazing cast of characters! Enjoy a sneak peek into the book below and make sure to enter the giveaway too!

♥Buy the Book♥

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Synopsis

Joshua Wilson, an up-and-coming movie star, is turned off by the idea of marriage. His Oscar-winning smile and breakout role in the summer’s hottest romantic comedy bring in enough attention to satisfy Joshua’s cravings for the spotlight – not to mention the never-ending supply of willing women.

Joey Mitchell is down in the dumps after finding out that her fiancé cheated on her with her best friend, and is living at home with her parents until she can get back on her feet. Without Joey’s knowledge, her overbearing and neurotic mother submits an application for her to appear on the reality show, Married Blind. When the producers surprise her with the news that they have cast her, Joey wants nothing to do with the show but agrees to participate because, at this point in her life, she really has nothing to lose.

Lights, camera, action… Welcome to another season of Married Blind. Contestants are about to take the plunge, but only one couple will come out of the house winners!

GIVEAWAY

Heidi McLaughlin's BLIND REALITY Release Day Giveaway 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Heidi is a New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author. Originally from Portland, Oregon and raised in the Pacific Northwest, she now lives in picturesque Vermont, with her husband and two daughters. Also renting space in their home is an over-hyper Beagle/Jack Russell, Buttercup, and their newest addition of a Highland Westie/Mini Schnauzer, JiLL. During the day Heidi is behind a desk talking about Land Use. At night, she's writing one of the many stories planned for release or sitting courtside during either daughter's basketball games. 

  Website | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest

♥ Other Books by Heidi McLaughlin ♥

Forever My Girl - The Beaumont Series #1

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | iBooks | Kobo

My Unexpected Forever - The Beaumont Series #2

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | iBooks | Kobo

Finding My Forever - The Beaumont Series #3

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | iBooks | Kobo

Finding My Way - The Beaumont Series #4

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | iBooks | Kobo

My Everything - A Beaumont Series Novella

12 Days of Forever - A Beaumont Series Novella

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo

Lost in You

Lost in Us - A Lost in You Novella

The Archer Brothers

Here with Me

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo

Choose Me

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | iBooks

The Reeducation of Savannah McGuire

Amazon

Third Base

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | iBooks | Kobo

Dark Room

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | iBooks | Kobo

New Release and Giveaway: RESTLESS WATERS by Jessica Park

SURPRISE NEW RELEASE!!!

AUTHOR JESSICA PARK ANNOUNCED AND RELEASED HER NEW BOOK

ON THE SAME DAY!!!

CHECK IT OUT!!

Restless Waters

Left Drowning #2

by Jessica Park

Published: August 26, 2015

From New York Times bestselling author Jessica Park comes the long-anticipated sequel to Left Drowning. 
***** 

A storm is coming, and with storms come restless waters. 

Pulled from the depths of catastrophe and depression, Blythe McGuire has learned to escape from her past while embracing the future. A future now entwined with the Shepherd siblings. 

With Chris, she shares a staggering romance that kicks heartbreak’s ass. 

With Sabin, she shares an intense friendship, one that’s becoming more complicated than either had expected. A friendship now being put to the test because Sabin’s brutal past still haunts him. Because trauma is the gift that keeps on giving without mercy. 

Now Sabin is the one left drowning and struggling to breathe, and his turmoil threatens to send all three into dark currents they cannot escape. Even after going through her own hell, saving Sabin will take much more than Blythe had anticipated. Their connection and their love could help, but getting him to reach for her hand could be Blythe’s biggest challenge ever. 

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I'm so happy for Jessica and want to celebrate

with a GIVEAWAY

Prize

$5.00 Amazon Giftcard 

(You can get Restless Waters, Left Drowning, or any book of your choice, but I hope that it is one of Jessica's books)

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It's Release day!!! CHOOSE ME by Heidi McLaughlin

Happy Release Day to Heidi McLaughlin and her new book in The Archer Brother Series - CHOOSE ME!

Two brothers.

One woman.

One son.

One choice.

Lives ripped apart, shattered and rebuilt.

Evan and Nate Archer: Brothers, best friends, warriors and now enemies. Both in love with the same woman. Both determined to fight for what they want.

Nate Archer promised to protect Ryley Clarke in the event Evan didn’t make it back. It’s a promise between brothers since the early days of basic training. Nate never considered that his feelings, long buried since high school, would resurface and grow stronger.

Evan Archer wants answers. He wants someone to pay. After being gone for an unprecedented amount of time, nothing is making sense now that he’s home. Most of all, he can't understand how his brother ended up engaged to his fiancée. Evan is determined to uncover the mystery, and win back his family.

The Archers are about to fight dirty.

Our kisses turn soft, less eager, but with more passion. Her hands move from my chest and onto my neck as her fingertips play with my earlobes. Horns honk in the background causing her to pull away, but not before I get another taste of her lips. I don’t know about her, but I’m having a hard time catching my breath and when she pulls away, the pink flush of her cheeks tells me she felt something too.

 

 Heidi is a New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author.

Originally from the Pacific Northwest, she now lives in picturesque Vermont, with her husband and two daughters. Also renting space in their home is an over-hyper Beagle/Jack Russell, Buttercup, two Parakeets, Gonzo & Hedwig, and their newest addition of a Highland West/Mini Schnauzer, Jill.

During the day Heidi is behind a desk talking about Land Use. At night, she's writing one of the many stories planned for release or sitting court-side during either daughter's basketball games.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest

♥ Books by Heidi McLaughlin ♥

Forever My Girl - The Beaumont Series #1

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | iBooks | Kobo

My Unexpected Forever - The Beaumont Series #2

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | iBooks | Kobo

Finding My Forever - The Beaumont Series #3

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | iBooks | Kobo

Finding My Way - The Beaumont Series #4

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | iBooks | Kobo

My Everything - A Beaumont Series Novella

12 Days of Forever - A Beaumont Series Novella

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo

Lost in You

Lost in Us - A Lost in You Novella

The Archer Brothers

Here with Me

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo

Choose Me

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | iTunes

FALLING FOR ALICE COVER LAUNCH CELEBRATION

FALLING FOR ALICE

2015 marks the 150th anniversary of Lewis Carroll’s beloved adventure, Alice in Wonderland—and as you might imagine, a lot of literary peeps are celebrating the occasion.

This story has a special place in millions of young (and old) hearts, including those of the five Young Adult authors in the FALLING FOR ALICE anthology. Today, as we launch the awesome cover for FALLING FOR ALICE, we also celebrate our publisher’s actual birthday (Happy Birthday, Jessica Bell at Wine Leaves Press), and all of YOUR unbirthdays. We hope you get to have your cake and eat it too.

FALLING FOR ALICE

Stories by Dawn Dalton, Shari Green, Denise Jaden,

Kitty Keswick, and Cady Vance

Publication Date: April 24, 2015

Published by Vine Leaf Press

BOOK BLURB

New Alice. New Wonderland. New stories ​to love. 

From ​the modern Alice dumped in the Aquarian ​Age of the late sixties, to the ​present day Alice, tormented by body image and emotional issues, to the Alice of the future, launched forward through time and space, FALLING FOR ALICE offers five fresh takes on ​Lewis​ Carroll’s classic tale. For 150 years, people all over the world have fallen under Alice in Wonderland’s spell. ​Now, follow five Young Adult authors down the rabbit hole to discover Alice like you’ve never seen her before. One thing is certain—this is not your mother’s Alice. 

ADD TO GOODREADS

One of my favorite things about birthday parties are the gift/goodies bags for the guests. To continue the FALLING FOR ALlCE cover launch celebration, I've asked the authors what they would put in a gift bag for their guests at their birthday party?

Cady Vance

My birthday party guests would receive owl keychains, dark chocolate bars, and a copy of a recent favorite YA read.

Denise Jaden

We have the most decadent treat that’s made just fifteen minutes from where I live. It’s called Milsean Butter Crunch, and I would definitely include a package of these in each goodie bag. Plus, maybe a nice pen and small notebook, because I think everybody could use this, and I’d love to know I had a part in my guests jotting down things (maybe a story idea!) they otherwise probably wouldn’t have.

Shari Green

Hand-made sea-glass bracelets or pendants, ocean-themed bookmarks, and seashell-shaped dark chocolates (are you sensing a theme? heh)

Dawn Dalton

There’s this amazing old school candy store a few hours from where I live, so first I’d stock up on some childhood favourites—like NERDS, and 5-cent candies (coke bottles!) My sister and I like to be crafty, so we’d probably make wine charms or bracelets, and then I’d throw in lots of chocolate, and, of course, a bookstore gift card and a copy of FALLING FOR ALICE.

Kitty Keswick

Oh fun, I love those too. Since my birthday theme is ocean/beach. I’d have cute bags made of burlap filled with candy shells (chocolate, of course), a silver mermaid mirror, a tiny bottle of real sand, all tied with a bow out of aqua-colored ribbon. We’d have the party on the beach with white tablecloths billowing in the breeze and mason jars filled with candles.

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