My Buddhist Christmas byJeremy Phillips Release Date: 9/8/15 Summary from Goodreads: It’s not surprising that sixteen year old Chris Jones has no idea where he fits in…
After all, he’s a Buddhist kid in America—during the Christmas season. Add in the fact he plays guitar in a punk rock band called The Dharma Bhumz, and his life is one giant paradox. Caught between the principles of his religion and the influence of his hard-partying bandmates, Chris is in a constant struggle for balance.
An upcoming talent show is his chance to shine—or fail spectacularly…
It’s already hard enough preparing for the show, since his friends are more interested in getting high than practicing. And now Chris has to worry about impressing pretty Mary Simpson. To make matters even worse, Mary’s parents are fundamentalist Christians, a few steps above his family on the social ladder, and they firmly believe Chris isn’t good enough for their precious daughter.
Conflicted about his friends, lying to his family, and still mourning a devastating loss, Chris wonders if being an American Buddhist guitar wizard wanna-be is worth it.
Or does any of it even matter anymore?.
"Well, hello there," Mary's dad says. His handshake is aggressive, the “greetings” version of an
assault. It leaves my hand sore afterwards. His next statement comes out sounding like an accusation: “Mary likes you a lot, you know.” Mary’s dad is a big guy. Wide at the shoulders, like a football linebacker. Something about his body language is just plain intimidating. The man smiles at me an awful lot, a fake plastic smile that never seems to end, but with also this tension in his body as though he wants to attack me if he could just find the right excuse. Maybe he’s that way with everyone?
About the Author:
My first novel will be available on September 8th, 2015. It's a Young Adult fiction story called: My Buddhist Christmas.
Hi, guys! Welcome to another post with an awesome giveaway. This time around, Janhvi interviewed author of Too Hard To Handle and the latest, Voicemates, Anamika Mishra. Just a few days ago, during Pune International Literary Festival, Janhvi and I had the pleasure of meeting Anamika who is a wonderful person, and has generously offered to give away one signed copy of her latest release to one lucky Indian reader. Without much ado, let's get on to the post we have for you.
BOOK SUMMARY:
Tulip Hill is an obedient and intelligent daughter to her disciplinarian parents. She has been a topper throughout her school, because her parents wanted her to be. Now, they want her to enroll in one of the best colleges. But Tulip harbors the desire to become a singer, for music is her only passion that helps her see through life's miseries. Then there is Sam - witty, easy-going and flirty. Both Tulip and Sam share their love for music. Yet, both dream of a different life. What are those dreams? What happens when they meet and enter the biggest duet competition together? Will their love blossom during this emotional roller-coaster? Join the VoiceMates in their musical journey to know more!
Anamika: I
am Anamika Mishra, basically from Kanpur, U.P. I am an author and blogger by
profession. I love to address myself as a writer because I love to write on and
about anything that interests me, it can be writing an article, essay, jingle,
poem, experience, news or a book. I am a science person who loves ancient
historical and paranormal facts. My love of science and history was so much
that as a kid when I saw Jurassic Park 1st part, I told my dad that
I want to be like Dr. Alan Grant and same thing happened when I saw Indiana
Jones. I am a bibliophile kinda person who loves to explore with different
genres and types. Travelling and photography is like a passion to me. I am a
huge dog-lover, pure vegetarian and for me, family is above all!
Janhvi: Tell us about your book, Voicemates.
Anamika: VoiceMates is
an inspiring novel in which a girl who secretly nurtures her passion for
singing but is afraid to take a step further because of family’s hopes and fear
of failure. It about an international duet singing reality show called as
VoiceMates which is the only way for Tulip to make her dreams come true. How
Sam, a total stranger enters her life and how things change in her life is the
story.
Through
this novel, I just want to spread one message that if you have a passion for something,
then go for it... at least once, leaving behind the fear of failure. If you
win, excellent... if you lose, at least you tried and you learned something...
And if you really want to achieve something and if you are really determined
that nothing can stop you from getting it! Take chances for your dreams...
Janhvi: What inspired you to write your book?
Anamika:I
believe inspiration is everywhere, it just we need that vision to see it. And
for VoiceMates, my own experiences inspired me to write this one. When I told
everyone that I want to be a writer, everyone was like What? Nothing is gonna happen! Continue your job bla bla... The
only support I had at that time was of my family. At that time, if I wouldn’t
have taken the risk of following my dreams and today I wouldn’t have been
sitting here and sharing my experiences with you!
Also,
this being about a singing reality show is something which is new for readers.
I am having really high expectations from this novel of mine. Lets see how
readers accept VoiceMates.
Janhvi: Who are some of your favourite authors
and what are some of your favourite books?
Anamika:My
list of favourite authors includes Paulo Coelho, J.K Rowling, Nora Roberts,
Danielle Steel, Dan Brown, Charles Dickens, Robin Sharma, Nicholas Sparks and
Ruskin Bond. My favourite books are Like the flowing river, David copper field,
Heidi, The Secret, The Lost Symbol and Zoya.
Janhvi: If you could read only one book for the
rest of your life, what book would you pick and why?
Anamika: Without
any doubt, Like the flowing river by Paulo Coelho. It is one book that I will
never get bored of and I find it interesting every time I read it. Even when I
am going through writer’s block, I pick that book and flip through some of my
favourite chapters of it.
Janhvi: If you could read only one author’s
works for the rest of your life, which author would you pick and why?
Anamika:Paulo
Coelho or Dan Brown, because both of these author write on almost all aspects
those interests me...
Janhvi: What are the three things you’d like to
have with you on a deserted island?
Anamika:My kindle, my ipod and coffee :D
Janhvi: What advice would you give to aspiring
young writers?
Anamika:I
would like to advice all the aspiring writers that take writing very seriously.
It is more difficult than a full time job. You have be more determined and
dedicated to writing. And then, obviously stay calm; keep patience and do you
work. Success might get delayed but it will surely reach you, if you really
work hard for it.
Janhvi: Did you always want to become an author
or was it something that you eventually thought of or realised? If not an
author, what did you want to be when growing up?
Anamika:Yes...
I have grown up reading English classics of Charles Dickens, Enid Blyton and
all. And I well remember that every time, I used to finish reading their books,
I used to come to my mom and tell her that I want become a writer like them!
Janhvi: What do you like to do when you’re not
writing?
Anamika: Shopping
(I’m a big shopaholic, bigger than Rebecca from Confessions of a shopaholic
;)), listening music, watching Tv or travelling. Also, apart from these
activities, I love to spend time with my family. So, during my off-writing
hours, I sit with my mum or anyone who is available in my family and chit chat!
Janhvi: Give us glimpse into any normal day of
your life.
Anamika:A
normal day in my life is actually very normal. (haha) Yeah, I get up at 6:30
AM, do Yoga or go for jogging or cycling. Then I go off to sleep (around 7:30).
Then I get up around 8:30 and follow a plain simple routine. I work from home.
So, I am on my working desk (home-office) at 10:00AM. Then I work till 6:00PM.
Then after chilling for sometime and having dinner, I am back on with my lapy
and work on my blog or books. Then I read for about half an hour (around 1:00AM)
and then, go off to sleep!
Janhvi: According to you, in today’s day and
age, how important a role do blogs play in spreading the word about a book?
Anamika: Blog is very important, especially
for authors. It is like having one’s own publication or news board where one is
able to share the news updates, thoughts and creations directly with the
readers.
Janhvi: What’s your writing situation or
schedule like (timing, place, etc.)?
Anamika:For
my blog and books, I usually write at night. I have a little lamp kept on my
bed side table. I simply switch it on, lay-down on my bed and write...
Janhvi: If you were granted a wish by means of
which you would be able to spend an entire day with a dead person, particularly
a writer, who would you pick and why? What would you like to discuss with them?
Anamika: I
would like to spend that day with Charles Dickens. I would try to learn and
understand his thought process and perception towards human beings and life.
Janhvi: If you were granted a wish by means of
which you would be able to spend an entire day with any fictional character
(only one), who would you pick and why? What would you like to discuss with
them?
Anamika: Without
any doubt, Hagrid! Gosh! I am big big fan of Hagrid. I would spend the day with
him discussing about Norberta, Buckbeak, Fang and all of his pet creatures.
FAVOURITES:
Favourite book? Heidi
Favourite author? Paulo Coelho
Favourite drink? Iced Coffee
Favourite food? Rajma-Rice
Favourite snack? French-fries
Favourite cuisine? Indian
Favourite place? Home
Favourite person? Mum & Dad
Favourite time of the day? 5:00AM
Favourite book character? Hagrid, Harry
Potter
Favourite book cover? Presently, I am in
love with VoiceMates’ book cover
Favourite colour? black
Favourite holiday destination? Nainital
Favourite month? December
Favourite day? SUNDAY
Favourite name? Anamika
Favourite sport? Basket ball
Favourite sportsperson? Sebastian Vettel (F1 Racer)
THIS OR THAT:
Day or night? night
Dark or light? light
Black or white? black
Tea or coffee? coffee
Coke or Pepsi? pepsi
E-book or physical copy? physical copy
Novel or novella? novel
Beach or mountain? beach
Salty or sweet? salty
Left or right? left
ABOUT ANAMIKA MISHRA:
Anamika Mishra is an Indian Author.
Her debut novel Too hard to handle was released in Sept 2013. Her new novel with Jaico is all set to release.
She is also a blogger and occasionally delivers motivational talks. Writing is her first passion. Second is travelling and photography.
Anamika holds a degree of Masters in Journalism & Mass Communication. She is known for strong opinions and passionate defense for her beliefs. Her witty, cheerful & humorous persona has made her popular amongst the youth. She has a 'think positive & keep patience' perception towards life. Her articles on life and relationships have inspired many people from all across the world.
She is a member of Indian Speakers Bureau and People For Animals NGO.
We're now at the most important part of the post- the giveaway! As promised, one copy of Voicemates is up for grabs for one lucky Indian reader. The cherry on the cake is that the copy will be signed by Anamika.
Giveaway rules are simple:
*Giveaway is open to residents of India only.
*Fill out the Rafflecopter form to enter the giveaway.
*Once a winner is picked, she/ he will be emailed and will have 48 hours to respond, or else, we'll be compelled to pick a new winner.
*The book will be shipped by the author/ publisher. *If the form doesn't load, go here. a Rafflecopter giveaway
Good luck to all participants! Thank you so much for stopping by, and happy reading! And of course, a big thank you to Anamika for answering our questions and for the giveaway for our readers.
Summary- Mara Dyer wants to believe there's more to the lies she’s been told. There is.
She doesn’t stop to think about where her quest for the truth might lead. She should.
She never had to imagine how far she would go for vengeance. She will now.
Loyalties are betrayed, guilt and innocence tangle, and fate and chance collide in this shocking conclusion to Mara Dyer’s story.
Retribution has arrived. Review- Finally, I got to The Retribution of Mara Dyer. I was desperately waiting to get all the answers to the questions and the situation which had come up during the course of the series. And we do get them. But while I was expecting to be blown out of mind, it did not happen. Retribution was a very good read, just not amazing. Mara is stuck on the Island with things looking as bleak as they can get. She has to find a way out and find Noah. The book starts off really creepy and intense. Things get bloody and gory but Mara has to fight through it to get to the one person who matters the most to her. I liked seeing Mara going through things alone with only Jamie ans Stella but I missed Noah. We get to see what is happening with Noah after around 70% which was a LONG time for a central character to be missing, I felt that things were a bit dragged during the first half of the book and things weren't moving as speedily as expected. Yes, the backstory which was happening to Mara's grandmother was interesting but I wanted thing to go faster in the present. The redeeming thing about having to wait for Noah to appear was that we get his point of view for the last 30%. The love Noah and Mara share is close to obsessive but it is real. They would do anything for each other and their loved ones. I was so happy we got a scene which clearly depicts the book cover. Another finally we get to see is when Noah and Mara get together. Those few pages were some of the most beautiful pages in the entire trilogy. Most of the things get cleared up and we finally do get a satisfying end to the series. Though I did wish things weren't so botched up between Mara and her family. I really enjoyed The Retribution of Mara Dyer.
"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.
Underneath Everything by Marcy Beller Paul
Publication Date: 27th October, 2015
Goodreads Summary:
Mattie shouldn’t be at the bonfire. She should be finding new maps for her collection, hanging out with Kris, and steering clear of almost everyone else, especially Jolene. After all, Mattie and Kris dropped off the social scene the summer after sophomore year for a reason.
But now Mattie is a senior, and she’s sick of missing things. So here she is.
And there’s Jolene: Beautiful. Captivating. Just like the stories she wove. Mattie would know; she used to star in them. She and Jolene were best friends. Mattie has the scar on her palm to prove it, and Jolene has everything else, including Hudson.
But when Mattie runs into Hudson and gets a glimpse of what could have been, she decides to take it all back: the boyfriend, the friends, the life she was supposed to live. Problem is, Mattie can’t figure out where Jolene ends and she begins.
Because there’s something Mattie hasn’t told anyone—she walked away from Jolene over a year ago, but she never really left.
Poignant and provocative, Marcy Beller Paul’s debut novel tells the story of an intoxicating—and toxic—relationship that blurs the boundary between reality and fantasy, love and loyalty, friendship and obsession.
This sounds interesting. I like to read about toxic relationships, so I am looking forward to this one.
What are you waiting on this Wednesday? Happy waiting, and happy reading, everyone!
From New York Times bestselling author Nalini Singh comes the next contemporary romance in the Rock Kiss series...
Kit Devigny could have loved rock guitarist Noah St. John. Their friendship burned with the promise of intense passion and searing tenderness...until the night Noah deliberately shattered her heart.
Noah knows he destroyed something precious the night he chose to betray Kit, but he'd rather she hate him than learn his darkest secret. All he has left is his music. It's his saving grace, but it doesn't silence the voices that keep him up at night. Chasing oblivion through endless one-night-stands, he earns a few hours' sleep and his bad boy reputation.
When a media error sees Noah and Kit dubbed the new "it" couple, Kit discovers her chance at the role of a lifetime hinges on riding the media wave. Wanting--needing--to give Kit this, even if he can't give her everything, Noah agrees to play the adoring boyfriend. Only the illusion is suddenly too real, too painful, too beautiful...and it may be too late for the redemption of Noah St. John.
NEW YORK TIMES AND USA Today bestselling author of the Psy-Changeling and Guild Hunter series Nalini Singh usually writes about hot shapeshifters and dangerous angels. This time around, she decided to write about hot and wickedly tempting rock stars - and one sinfully sexy rugby god turned brilliant CEO. If you’re seeing a theme here, you’re not wrong.
Nalinilives and works in beautiful New Zealand, and is passionate about writing. If you’d like to explore her other books, you can find lots of excerpts on her website. Slave to Sensation is the first book in the Psy-Changeling series, while Angels’ Blood is the first book in the Guild Hunter series. Also, don't forget to swing by the site to check out the special behind-the-scenes page for the Rock Kissseries, complete with photos of many of the locations used in the books.
About the Author:
