INTRODUCTION Several years ago I was in a critique group with three Greenville, SC friends. One of the members, Marcia Pugh, offered insightful feedback on Half-Truths. I was delighted to hear that she recently published her debut middle-grade novel, Gelato Queen, (Bookwing Press: 2026). Marcia has a self-admitted quirky sense of humor so I knew… Continue reading Gelato Queen: Check Out This Quirky Middle Grade
INTRODUCTION I invite you to sit down with your favorite beverage and enjoy a different type of post. Instead of a review of a YA or MG book, today my guest blogger, Anthony Marchetta, tackles a tough topic: How to adapt a classic so that it is enjoyed 500 years later. William Caxton published Sir… Continue reading How to Adapt a Book: From Sir Thomas Malory to Anthony Marchetta
INTRODUCTION I've been busy proposing, preparing, and giving conference presentations, so I have had less time to work on Out of the Flame. But that doesn't stop me from reading time travel books. Several friends recommended Right Back at You. and I am glad they did. REVIEW This fast-paced novel's premise is very different than… Continue reading RIGHT BACK AT YOU: Terrific Time Travel with a Twist
Introduction Today, Kate Lundeen brings a review of one of my reviewer's debut novel! Lola Mae's middle grade fantasy, A Storm Inside Her, is the first book in a series. Review Wolf cubs Paloma and Tsunami each feel the pull of a legendary song. In part it reads "Daughters of the realms Find Haven Stop… Continue reading A STORM INSIDE HER REVIEW: Courageous Wolf Pups Unite the Realms
INTRODUCTION Kate Lundeen is back today, sharing her thoughts about Florence Migga's debut Upper MG/YA novel, The Summer Scrapbook. It’s wonderful to have a best friend! However, sometimes relationships with your besties can be a bit too close. Ava, Becca, and Cat are best buds. They usually spend every moment of their summer together. One… Continue reading Summer Adventures: Friendship and Growth in Young Adult Fiction
Heart of the Green Leaf by Carla Harrison is a touching young adult novel. It is about resilient courage in the face of family struggles and the power of loyalty. REVIEW Meet Maralee Truett, a 14-year-old North Carolina farm girl with the weight of the world on her shoulders. The novel takes place in the summer… Continue reading Exploring Family Struggles in ‘Heart of the Green Leaf’
Introduction As many of you know, I have been a part of the Write2Ignite team for many years. Last year I was "promoted" to the co-director of our biannual Master Class and as we gear up for our next class, I'm eager to share this great opportunity with those of you who want to write… Continue reading Unlock Your Writing Potential: Join Write2Ignite’s Master Class
INTRODUCTION There is so much to love about this novel. The characters, the story, the themes... REVIEW Mary Bella is famous. Everyone loves her, and everyone loves her voice. But despite the fame, the awards, and the glory, Mary knows that something is missing…she just can’t place her finger on what. Then she meets Presley.… Continue reading Discover Faith and Love in OFFBEAT by Jen Lowry