Caitlin Kerry Writes

Above is a teaser made by me, Caitlin, not the cover :) 

When I started this blog in January I did so with a few intentions. One was a place to voice about the things I love: music, books, school, adventuring. The other part dealt with a list of things I wanted to do. A list I made at the young age of 17. The last thing on the list was to write a book. It only took a month for me to start my journey on marking this off my list.

In February I had an idea, it really started with a scene. A boy walking a girl to her car. From there it was a group of scenes. And then I was connecting those scenes and creating this story of a girl trying to figure life out.  I wrote while in school but once summer hit I wrote the bulk of the story. Suddenly this was more than a story....it was a full length book.

I finished it in August. Then I stared at it. I didn't know what to do with it. I read a lot and there are so many amazing authors out there with wonderful books. Surely I could never be one of those people? Right? I was just a graduate student getting a masters NOT in english or anything even closely related to writing fiction novels. Who was I to write a book? (I know, I know, I am my own worst critic)

Then I started to edit it, start to add more to the story. I started to structure it more and more, giving the story more life, more heart. And then one day I knew I wanted people to read this story. To fall in love with these characters as I did when I wrote it. This story was, for me, very cathartic. I think it's a story people my age can relate too because life is a funny thing and sometimes we are all a little lost trying to find ourselves.

 I must say, there were a few people who helped me come to these decisions. Lindsi, you where the first person I told. You read the first few scenes and pushed me to keep going. I love you girl! And to Breanne, Keenan, Julie, and again Lindsi, I was sending you this story 25 pages at a time and it was complete unedited crap and you STILL fell in love with these characters. You sent me texts with !!!!!!!! and asking me how Reece and June were doing. You girls are beyond amazing. And to the rest of my girls, you hearts and support always means so much to me. I truly have the best friends in the world.


So this all leads to the fact I will be self publishing my book Winter 2014.  I will be writing as Caitlin Kerry. This means all my social media (minus my personal FB) will be changed. And what about my blog you might ask? I still plan on posting here just as I did before, maybe with a few posts here or there about my book.

Now after all that, you are probably asking yourself, what in the world is this book about???? This book is a Contemporary New Adult which means it is recommended for ages 17+

Below you will find the blurb, a teaser, and links to my social media. If you are on Goodreads add it to you TBR list and say Hi! to me on Twitter. The below information will be added to tabs on the top of my blog.


And of course- A song. Because music makes the world go round.

Finding June by Caitlin Kerry

Expected Release Date: Winter 2014

June's dreams of finding the good life were washed away when she was dumped on the sandy beaches of Mexico. Now back in Boise as an overeducated server she doesn't even know where to begin on fixing her life. 

 But one thing June does know is the new guy at work is one to stay away from. Reece Day catches Junes attention, even if she doesn’t want it. Reece has the uncanny ability to always get in the last word, to get under June’s skin, making her question what she really wants in life.

*Finding June is recommended for ages 17+ due to adult matters*

Excerpt

     “Hey June.” I heard Reece's smooth and deep voice behind me. I could only think of the sound of it in my ear as he whispered sweet nothings. I turned around trying to hide the blush I was sure was becoming quite apparent. I had no idea why something as simple as his voice had that affect on me, especially since I had heard it all morning. 

      WTF. I was losing it. 

     With a smile Reece asked,“Look, I have tomorrow night off and I saw you do too. I was wondering if you wanted to grab dinner?” So he did know my work schedule. 

      “No” I said. 

     “Wow. That was the fastest rejection I have ever had.” Reece said as he crossed his arms over his chest. I was also surprised by how fast I had turned him down, especially with all the thoughts about him that had been in my mind today, mostly running towards the naughty side. But I held my ground; I knew nothing good could come from him. And after last night, this could only lead down the wrong path. 

      “Sorry. I don’t date.” 

      “No please, take your time. I don’t need an answer right away. Think about it.” Reece deadpanned.

       I was still flustered from the night before as well as Reece ambushing me right now. I started to ramble. 

      “Listen, I don’t date guys like you, ya know the ones who save cats and shit from burning trees. I am sure the world needs you but I am fine, I don’t need to grab dinner with you.” Oh holy shit I really was rambling.

       Reece, calm as usual, only simply raised his eyebrow and said, “I prefer dogs. I mean if I have to save a cat so I could take you to dinner, I would. I have done weirder things. Actually, nope that’s a lie. It would be a first.” He smiled at me and I felt butterflies having a heyday in my stomach. 

*The above has the likelihood to change before release*

Add to your Goodreads

About the Author:

Caitlin Kerry, at the age of five, told her whole Kindergarden class she was going to grow up and be a broadway star. While those plans changed she has always had a flare for creativity and this lead to her love of writing. As a high school student she wrote stories and read any romance or young adult novel she could get her hands on. Now as a graduate student, who in May will have a Masters in Public Administration, she has once again found her love for writing.

Caitlin is obsessed with the stories we tell. From the stories about the past and about our country, which led to a Bachelors Degree in History and Political Science, to the stories we ourselves shapes are lives around, she is always keeping her ears open to hear these stories. She is a girl that tells stories of who we are and the bonds we have.

When Caitlin isn't writing or reading she usually can be found enjoying the great outdoors with her geologist husband or drinking tea and listening to music. She currently resides in Southeastern Idaho.

I love meeting new people, especially if you want to talk books, music, or hiking. Then you will probably be my new best friend.

Email: CaitlinKerryWrites@gmail.com

 Goodreads

Facebook

Twitter

Instagram

Finding June by Caitlin Kerry is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License.

Cover Reveal: Beyond Fate (A Fate Series Novella) by Heather Lyons

Heather Lyons is getting ready to publish this novella from her Fate Series! YAY! Below is the (GORGEOUS) cover. Commence throwing confetti in the air. 

ABOUT BEYOND FATE: 

 There are always two sides to every story . . .

 His whole life, Jonah Whitecomb has strove to meet everyone’s exp

ectations of him: the perfect student, dutiful son, loyal twin, accomplished surfer, and powerful Magical. But behind his carefully composed façade hides the truth of how his family has fallen apart, leaving Jonah more often than not feeling adrift. To complicate matters, he fell in love long ago with a girl in his dreams, one he’s never told anyone about, including his twin brother.

 Just when life seems its bleakest, Jonah discovers that Chloe is real. Wanting to finally reach out and grab happiness for himself, he embarks on a journey to track down the girl of his dreams, only to find that happy endings aren’t always guaranteed, the best laid out plans can go horribly awry, and sometimes, you have to simply let yourself go along for the ride. 

* Beyond Fate is Jonah’s point-of-view of the events of A Matter of Fate, and is a companion novella. 

About Heather Lyons: 

 Heather Lyons has always had a thing for words—She’s been writing stories since she was a kid. In addition to writing, she’s also been an archaeologist and a teacher. Heather is a rabid music fan, as evidenced by her (mostly) music-centric blog, and she’s married to an even larger music snob. They’re happily raising three kids who are mini music fiends who love to read and be read to.

 Links:

 Website

Author Goodreads

 BEYOND FATE Goodreads

 Twitter

 Facebook

Cover Reveal: Undertow by Amber Lynn Natusch

• Title: Undertow

 • Author: Amber Lynn Natusch

 • Genre: Contemporary Romance / Women’s Lit

 • Expected Release Date: October 2013

 • Cover Design: www.nathaliasuellen.com 

• Photography: http://ilsemoorephotography.blogspot.com/ 

• Goodreads link: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17844741-undertow?from_search=true

BOOK BLURB: 

How far does a girl have to run to escape a lifetime of pain and loss at the hands of Alaska's notoriously unforgiving Bering Sea? Twenty-seven-year-old Aesa Fredriksen thought landlocked Columbus, Ohio would suffice, and it does until the fear of regret drives her to return to Dutch Harbor in a final attempt to make amends with her nearly-estranged father. Intent on salvaging the wreckage of their relationship, she reluctantly agrees to join him—the only family she has left—as he heads out to fish for king crab, forcing her to brave the very waters that pulled him away from her as a child. The waters that stole her mother's life. When the day finally arrives for the Norwegian Queen to sail off into an uncertain future, Aesa can't help but fear the worst. Beyond the violent swells and impending storms, there is far more than death and danger awaiting her on her journey: love awaits her too.

 Decker, a young but seasoned member of her father's crew, is a force of nature as strong as Aesa, He's her perfect match, and even she can't deny it. But he too is a man of the sea, and with memories of tragedy and abandonment etched so deeply into her mind, can she overcome her demons and let him in or will she drown in her darkness, forever caught in its undertow?

 TEASER:

      “What do you want?” he asked, cocking his head slightly to the side. For whatever reason that tiny movement set something off in me and I knew why my heart had won. I wanted him. I wanted him for all that he was and all that he promised to be.
      “You,” I said with slightly more power behind the words that time. He smiled at me in a devilish way, like he had won the game I hadn't known we were playing. “That wasn't so hard to say, now was it?” His voice was playful, covering an almost palpable passion that hid just below the surface. He was holding on by a thin thread himself, his immense self-control dissipating rapidly. “Say it again...”
      “I want you,” I replied with a purr, joining in with his little game. Judging by the response my words garnered, I had won.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

 If you're dying to know more about me, allow me to put you at ease. I'm a sharp-tongued, sarcastic cancer, who loves vegetable smoothies, winter storms, and the word 'portfolio'. I should NEVER be caffeinated, and require at least eight hours of sleep to even resemble a human being. At thirty-four, I just now feel like I can keep a straight face while saying the word "rectum" (which is actually a huge lie because I just laughed out loud while reading this to my husband). I live with my iPod firmly affixed to my body, drive too fast, and laugh/cry at inappropriate times. I'm obsessed with urban fantasy... When I discovered that genre, I knew I had found my tribe. Now I write in that world because that's what the voices in my head tell me to do. An

d they are very, very loud

 Author Links:

 Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5399219.Amber_Lynn_Natusch 
FB: https://www.facebook.com/AmberLynnNatusch 
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AmberLNatusch 
Blog: http://amberlynnnatusch.com/

Cover Reveal: Making Faces by Amy Harmon

• Title: Making Faces

 • Author: Amy Harmon

 • Genre: New Adult Contemporary Romance 

• Expected Release Date: October 20, 2013 

• Cover Design:  http://carlystevens.com/

 • Cover Reveal Organized By: Cristina’s Book Reviews and Vilma’s Book Blog

 • Goodreads link: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18301124-making-faces

 • Amazon pre-order link: http://www.amazon.com/Making-Faces-ebook/dp/B00F0XL3B2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1378927980&sr=8-1&keywords=making+faces+by+amy+harmon



 Synopsis: 

Ambrose Young was beautiful. He was tall and muscular, with hair that touched his shoulders and eyes that burned right through you. The kind of beautiful that graced the covers of romance novels, and Fern Taylor would know. She'd been reading them since she was thirteen. But maybe because he was so beautiful he was never someone Fern thought she could have...until he wasn't beautiful anymore. Making Faces is the story of a small town where five young men go off to war, and only one comes back. It is the story of loss. Collective loss, individual loss, loss of beauty, loss of life, loss of identity. It is the tale of one girl's love for a broken boy, and a wounded warrior's love for an unremarkable girl. This is a story of friendship that overcomes heartache, heroism that defies the common definitions, and a modern tale of Beauty and the Beast, where we discover that there is a little beauty and a little beast in all of us.

 About The Author: 

Amy Harmon knew at an early age that writing was something she wanted to do, and she divided her time between writing songs and stories as she grew. Having grown up in the middle of wheat fields without a television, with only her books and her siblings to entertain her, she developed a strong sense of what made a good story. Amy Harmon has been a motivational speaker, a grade school teacher, a junior high teacher, a home school mom, and a member of the Grammy Award winning Saints Unified Voices Choir, directed by Gladys Knight. She released a Christian Blues CD in 2007 called "What I Know" - also available on Amazon and wherever digital music is sold. She has written five novels, Running Barefoot, Slow Dance in Purgatory, Prom Night in Purgatory, the New York Times Bestseller, A Different Blue and coming October 20, Making Faces.

Author Links: 

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5829056.Amy_Harmon?from_search=true
FB: https://www.facebook.com/authoramyharmon
Twitter: https://twitter.com/aharmon_author
 Blog: http://www.authoramyharmon.com

  Excerpt: 

He didn't know how to make her understand that she was so much more than just pretty. So he leaned forward and pressed his mouth to hers. Very carefully. Not like the other night when he'd been scared and impulsive, and smacked her head against the wall in his attempt to kiss her. He kissed her now to tell her how he felt. He pulled away almost immediately, not giving himself a chance to linger and lose his head. He wanted to show her he valued her, not that he wanted to rip her clothes off. And he wasn't sure when it came right down to it that she wanted to be kissed by an ugly SOB. She was the kind of girl that would kiss him because she didn't want to hurt his feelings. The thought filled him with despair.
        She let out a frustrated sigh and sat up, running her hands through her hair. It flowed through her fingers and down her back, and he wished he could bury his own hands in it, bury his face in the heavy locks and breathe her in. But he'd obviously upset her.
      “I'm sorry, Fern. I shouldn't have done that.”
      “Why?” she snapped, startling him enough that he winced. “Why are you sorry?”
      “Because you're upset.”
      “I'm upset because you pulled away! You're so careful. And it's frustrating!”
      Ambrose was taken back by her honesty, and he smiled, instantly flattered. But the smile faded as he tried to explain himself.
      "You're so small, Fern. Delicate. And all of this is new to you. I'm afraid I'm going to come on too strong. And if I break you or hurt you, I won't survive that, Fern. I won't survive it." That thought was worse than walking away from her and he shuddered inwardly. He wouldn't survive it. He had already hurt too many. Lost too many.
      Fern knelt in front of him, and her chin wobbled and her eyes were wide with emotion. Her voice was adamant as she held his face between her hands, and when he tried to pull away so she wouldn't feel his scars, she hung on, forcing his gaze.
      "Ambrose Young! I have waited my whole life for you to want me. If you don't hold me tight I won't believe you mean it, and that's worse than never being held at all. You better make me believe you mean it, Ambrose, or you will most definitely break me."
      “I don't want to hurt you, Fern,” he whispered hoarsely.
      “Then don't,” she whispered back, trusting him. But there were lots of ways to cause pain. And Ambrose knew he was capable of hurting her in a thousand ways.
      Ambrose stopped trying to pull his face away, surrendering to the way it felt to be touched. He hadn't allowed anyone to touch him for a long time. Her hands were small, like the rest of her, but the emotions they stirred in him were enormous, gigantic, all-consuming. She made him shake, made him quake inside, vibrate like the tracks under an on-coming train.
     

Her hands left his face and traveled down the sides of his neck. One side smooth, the other riddled with divots and scars and rippled where the skin had been damaged. She didn't pull away, but felt each mark, memorized each wound. And then she leaned forward and pressed her lips to his neck, just below his jaw. And then again on the other side, on the side that bore no scars, letting him know that the kiss wasn't about sympathy but desire. It was a caress. And his control broke.

Music for the Nature Lover's Soul

When D and I go and either camp, hike, or whatever we always have music playing in the background. Some think  you are taking away from the quiet from nature but I think it just adds to the pristine feeling of the beauty around you. Below is a playlist of songs we like to listen to when camping or playing outside. I must say though, I am NOT a country music fan. Below are songs that will be the closest I will get to liking country music. I hope you enjoy! 

Cover Reveal: Four Seconds To Lose by K.A. Tucker

Four Seconds to Lose is the third book about these groups of characters with the first two books being Ten Tiny Breaths and One Tiny Lie. I am in love with these books and stories and happy to bring you the cover reveal for the Four Seconds To Lose which is to be released November 4, 2013. And K.A. Tucker's first book Ten Tiny Breaths will be out in paperback September 24, 2013! 

 FOUR SECONDS TO LOSE:

Owning a strip club isn’t the fantasy most guys expect it to be. With long hours, a staff with enough issues to keep a psych ward in business, and the police regularly on his case, twenty-nine year old Cain is starting to second guess his unspoken mission to save the women he employs. And then blond, brown-eyed Charlie Rourke walks through his door, and things get really complicated. Cain abides by a strict “no sleeping with the staff” rule. But being around Charlie challenges Cain’s self-control…and it’s been a long time since any woman has done that.

Twenty-two-year old Charlie Rourke needs a lot of money, really fast, in order to vanish before it’s too late. Taking her clothes off for men makes her stomach curl but Charlie tells herself that at least she’s putting her acting and dancing skills to good use. And though her fellow dancers seem eager to nab their sexy, sophisticated, and genuinely caring boss, she’s not interested. After all, Charlie Rourke doesn’t really exist—and the girl pretending to be her doesn’t need to complicate her life with romance.

 Unfortunately, Charlie soon discovers that developing feelings for Cain is inevitable, that those feelings may not be unrequited—but losing him when he finds out what she’s involved with will be more painful than any other sentence awaiting her.

 K.A. TUCKER:

Born in small-town Ontario, Kathleen published her first book at the age of six with the help of her elementary school librarian and a box of crayons. She is a voracious reader and the farthest thing from a genre-snob, loving everything from High Fantasy to Chick Lit. Kathleen currently resides in a quaint small town outside of Toronto with her husband, two beautiful girls, and an exhausting brood of four-legged creatures.

Pre-Order Links:

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Four-Seconds-Lose-Novel-ebook/dp/B00BSBVGZI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1378843471&sr=8-1&keywords=Four+Seconds+to+Lose+k.a.tucker

Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/four-seconds-to-lose-ka-tucker/1115379355?ean=9781476740508&itm=1&usri=four+seconds+to+lose+k.a.+tucker

Other Retailers: http://books.simonandschuster.com/Four-Seconds-to-Lose/K-A-Tucker/9781476740492

LINKS:

Blog: http://www.katucker.blogspot.ca/
Website: http://www.katuckerbooks.com/
Author Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/#!/K.A.Tucker.Author?fref=ts
Twitter: https://twitter.com/kathleenatucker
Author Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4866520.K_A_Tucker

FOUR SECONDS TO LOSE Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17571140-four-seconds-to-lose?ac=1

Atria: http://imprints.simonandschuster.biz/atria

Tuesday Thoughts: Adventuring in Yellowstone

"Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature's peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you, and the storms their energy, while cares will drop away from you like the leaves of Autumn."

-John Muir Our National Parks 

This weekend D and I found ourselves lacking plans. We had talked about going away for the weekend, a late birthday trip, but didn't really have any solid plans. On Friday at noon I was like, lets go, lets pack the car and go. So we did. We called, reserved campsites for a couple nights, grabbed all of our camping stuff, threw it in the car and went. We don't have kids or even a dog, so it's easy for us to go places. I know a long way done the road that won't be the case so I am taking advantage of it while I can. My husband had NEVER been to Yellowstone. He is a geologist. Seriously? I was shocked.  It had been about ten years since I had been there, high school, so it was nice for me too, to go with D. 

I know I have said it time and time again on this blog but I TRULY live in such an amazing place where some of the most beautiful places in the world are so close. It was only a short four hour drive to Yellowstone. We set up camp (tent-one day I want a cool airstream trailer) and saw one of the most beautiful sunsets. Ever. 

The next two days we saw it all, the geysers  Old Faithful, The Grand Canyon of Yellowstone, Lake Yellowstone, Tower Falls, Mammoth Hot Springs. We cooked in our dutch oven, listened to music, and had coffee sunday morning on the river with elk as our morning companions. We drove around, took lots of pictures and took in the beauty of the area. 

It was truly spectacular, for these areas are so gorgeous they literally take your breath away. I feel so blessed to be able to see it, to experience and am thankful that we preserve these areas. I often wonder what explorers to the area thought when they first saw it. Well I have some idea. But to know that many parts of the park are just like what it was when explorers came through, that is something to be amazed by. It's like a living history. 

"We pass with rapid transition from one remarkable vision to another, each unique of its kind and surpassing all others in the known world. The intelligent American will one day point on the map to this remarkable district with the conscious pride that it has not its parallel on the face of the globe"

Hayden Valley

-Ferdinand Vandeveer Hayden, 1872* 

Fun facts I bet you didn't know. Or you did.

-Yellowstone National Park was America's FIRST national park, established in 1872. 

-The National Park Service wasn't put into place until 1916- which meant for 44 years, Yellowstone and the parks that came after did not have a government agency to man it. It was mostly managed by the army (hence why some of the early administrative structures are army like). In all reality, they didn't know what to do or really how to manage the parks. The NPS helped with this.  

-The parks were first meant for the rich, I mean really it took a lot of time and money to get in a carriage or car and drive across the country to get to the parks. Soon the theme moved towards a park for all.

-There were serious debates over the use of cars in the parks. For one, were cars something that was wanted in these preserved areas? And plus the roads weren't so great, not everywhere was accessible for cars and even those roads that could have cars could be very dangerous. 

-The painted pictures by Moran and other artists were used to sell the National Park idea to Congress. You can seem some artistic liberty taken in the paintings but they are stunning none less. 

-The idea of National Parks were sold to congress....get ready for it....as WORTHLESS lands. Their thought was well....we can't use the land for mining, minerals, other resources because of a range of reasons so we might as WELL make it preserved land. 

-In Europe, we have history that goes back centuries with castles and different buildings. America didn't really have that. National Parks were something America could be proud of, our heritage. 

Overall It was a great trip! Here are so more pictures! 

Cover Reveal: A Matter of Truth by Heather Lyons

It's Cover Reveal Day for Heather Lyons and the third book in her The Fate Series,

A MATTER OF TRUTH!

Not only that, but the first book in the series, A MATTER OF FATE, has gotten a redesign too! See below for the new covers and to read all about this amazing fantasy series! Reading with a Contemporary feel, this fantasy series is full of romance, mystery and fantastic characters.

And, for a limited time only, the first two titles in the series are on sale right now for just $.99! If you haven't read The Fate Series, now is the time to get started! Book 3, A MATTER OF TRUTH, will be releasing in November 2013.

And now for the covers...

Book 1 in The Fate Series, A MATTER OF FATE

ABOUT A MATTER OF FATE (Book 1):

Chloe Lilywhite struggles with all the normal problems of a typical seventeen-year-old high school student. Only, Chloe isn't a normal teenage girl. She's a Magical, part of a secret race of beings who influence the universe. More importantly, she's a Creator, which means Fate mapped out her destiny long ago, from her college choice, to where she will live, to even her job. While her friends and relatives relish their future roles, Chloe resents the lack of say in her life, especially when she learns she's to be guarded against a vengeful group of beings bent on wiping out her kind. Their number one target? Chloe, of course. That's nothing compared to the boy trouble she's gotten herself into. Because a guy she's literally dreamed of and loved her entire life, one she never knew truly existed, shows up in her math class, and with him comes a twin brother she finds herself inexplicably drawn to. Chloe's once unyielding path now has a lot more choices than she ever thought possible.




 A MATTER OF FATE 
Goodreads:
 Amazon

Barnes and Noble 

Book 3 in The Fate Series, A MATTER OF TRUTH
    ABOUT A MATTER OF TRUTH (Book 3): 

Not long ago, Chloe Lilywhite seemingly had it all: a prized spot on the Magicals’ Council as lead Creator, a loving fiancé and Connection, and a wealth of good friends. But the poised young woman she projected was nothing more than a façade. Her parents all but disowned her. Power plays and accusations of murder within the Council rocked her confidence. And most difficult of all, her secret, a secondary Connection to Jonah’s twin brother, Kellan, became painfully impossible to resist. Desperate to gain control over her rapidly unraveling existence, Chloe did the unthinkable: she ran away.

Now living and working in Alaska under an alias, Chloe is slowly discovering who she is and, more importantly, who she wants to be. But the more she tries to leave the Magical world behind, the harder it becomes to stay hidden. The Elders are back with a vengeance, and the stakes have never been higher. Chloe finally has to make a choice: embrace her pre-ordained Fate or pave her own way in the worlds. One thing’s for sure, though—she’s finally up for the challenge.
 *This is a New Adult title, suitable for readers 18+*
 A MATTER OF TRUTH
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18167992-a-matter-of-truth?from_search=true

And the BEAUTIFUL Full Wraparound Cover. 

And just so you can see the whole series all together...

Graphic made by myself. 

And just so you have all of the information for the entire series, here is the information on Book 2 in The Fate Series, A MATTER OF HEART, and author Heather Lyons!

ABOUT A MATTER OF HEART (Book 2): No longer in high school, Chloe Lilywhite is now living and working in Annar, the Magicals' city-state plane of existence. Since moving, she's joined the Council, gone on missions with the Guard, moved into her own apartment, and enrolled at the University of Annar. Plus, she's happily engaged to be married to Jonah Whitecomb, the literal man from her dreams, not to mention her Connection. While she still struggles with aspects of her craft, Chloe feels like she's finally coming into her own, especially after a difficult year that had her questioning nearly everything in her life. After a brutal attack by the Elders, her life is turned upside down once more. Accusations fly throughout the Council and Guard, forcing Chloe to confront her worst fears about what's she's capable of as a Creator. And then there's the matter of Kellan Whitecomb, Jonah's twin brother and Chloe's ex, who resurfaces after disappearing months before. Although Chloe chose Jonah, and despite their best efforts, the two find it hard to stay away from one another. But no matter what Fate throws at her, Chloe is determined to take charge of her life, even as it begins to spiral out of control. A MATTER OF HEART is book 2 in the Fate Series, a mature Young Adult/New Adult fantasy.
 A MATTER OF HEART
Goodreads
Amazon
Barnes and Noble

  About Heather Lyons: Heather Lyons has always had a thing for words—She’s been writing stories since she was a kid. In addition to writing, she’s also been an archaeologist and a teacher. Heather is a rabid music fan, as evidenced by her (mostly) music-centric blog, and she’s married to an even larger music snob. They’re happily raising three kids who are mini music fiends who love to read and be read to.
  Links:
 Website
 Author Goodreads
Twitter 
 Facebook

Music Wednesday: Artist Spotlight: Folly and the Hunter

Not only do I have some spectacular songs to share with you Folly and the Hunter was nice enough to answer some questions for me! Check it out below!

Folly and The Hunter

Bio: 

    Full Bio (And really you should read it because not only is it eloquent but far better than what I can say about them) can be found here: 

Bio- Folly and the Hunter

But the jest of the link is a band from Montreal, Canada that has two albums out. The band consists of singer Nick Vallee, Chris Fox, and Laurie Torris. I belive they said it best on their website when they state: "Folly and the Hunter also conveys the beauty in the breakdown, and the determination to keep the faith in the face of life’s bittersweet nature" This plays through their songs in their album Tragic Care 

Sounds Like: If you like bands such as, Bon Iver, Radical Face, or The Decembrists I highly suggest you take a look at this band. Actually I highly suggest you look at this band regardless, but the above will give you an idea of their sound. 

My Thoughts: This band caught my attention with only a few notes. I was watching TV, which I rarely do. Honestly I was watching TV because I was waiting for a book to be released that night and I didn't want to start another one (I know-true nerd here) So I was catching up on one of my guilty pleasure shows, Awkward (MTV). In the end of an episode I hear only a few notes from the song Ghost on their Tragic Care album. I had to know who this band was! I looked it up and fell in love the song. I then proceeded to listen to the whole album, shout out how awesome they were to anyone who would listen, and put all the songs on repeat. Love, I tell ya, I fell in love. 

Not only are their songs beautiful  but the lyrics are magical as well. I am all for the songs that tell a story or have meaning behind them, it often makes the song more powerful. I find myself lost in their music, the notes and lyrics encompass me and my senses, bringing me to another world of tragedy and heartbreak as you listen to Folly and the Hunter. It is not only the lyrics but the magical arrangement of instruments, piano and guitar that gives their music another dimension of beauty.  There are times when a song or band takes you completely off guard with their talent and this was the case with Folly and the Hunter. I suggest you take a look! 

Folly and the Hunter was nice to answer some questions for me, check out their answers below to get to know this band! 

If you could sum up your album Tragic Care in five words or less what would they be?

For me it's the feeling of 'loss, recovery and the strength that follows'

What musical artists do you love? Or who influences you?

Sigur Rós
Bon Iver
Sufjan Stevens
The National
Efterklang
Loney Dear
Bombay Bicycle Club
 Plus so many more, we're constantly being amazed by the genius out there. I guess we like music that you can watch the world go by to.


 When you're not making amazing music what do you enjoy to do? 

 Phil is into videography and makes fantastic take away shows for bands that come though Montreal, you can find his work here http://vimeo.com/hereonout. Phil is also an avid fan of hot air ballooning. Nick sings in a posh synagogue choir and organizes board game nights now and again that we all enjoy. He enjoys kite surfing and wake boarding but isn't a fan of dogs or cats, they make him sneeze. He's currently working on a solo album which is sounding really promising. Laurie plays with a lot of Montreal artists either on drums or keys ( she's very talented ) but can be found in her down time designing cool logos or playing sports. She's one of those people who just seem to be good at everything, it's annoying ! I like to fish and play basketball but find myself in the studio a lot of the time recording. I shouldn't complain though, there are worst ways to make a living. We all like to bike and mostly travel around the city that way. It's actually as quick if not quicker than a car in the city. Go biking.

 What do you prefer, live shows or making albums in a studio?
 That's a question that will get different answers from different members, it's probably 50/50. You can really experiment in the studio and there is certainly a buzz but playing to a crowd of people that love your music is unbeatable.

 What is the best part about being a musician? 
Playing to people that dig what your creating and traveling around for free, seeing the world.

Thank You for answering my questions, it's always great to see the workings behind amazing music. Check out below their album Tragic Care and a music video :) 

Tuesday Thoughts: Birthdays and Celebrations

Happy Birthday to my Husband! (Yesterday). We celebrated with good friends, good beer and lots of laughter! (And a cake I had to buy after I failed and made my husband the ugliest birthday cake ever. Though I bet it still tastes good.) 

Friday we had Date Night. D and I are so busy with work and school that if we don't set aside time together, we rarely spend any quality time together so we set aside twice a month time for date night.  I was in charge of the first one. We went to dinner and I planned  a pinterest worthy date. I threw some blankets in the back of my car and grabbed snacks and my laptop and the plan was to do a drive in movie dealy in the back of my car. We drove up Mink Creek and I had planned to park at parking area for a trailhead. D goes uh don't park by the one car there. I don't. Then he goes or by that one person standing there (it's dark at this point) and of course I can't see said person. Until I do. Then I was all sorts of creeped out. D tells me to keep driving, he thinks he knows a place. I realize as I am driving that I have no idea where this roads goes. So instead of watching a movie we just took a twilight drive through the mountains, ended in in Arbon Valley and drove the back country roads. We listened to loud music and sang at the top of our lungs and lets the cold summer air clear our heads. I love driving. Take drives with music playing in the background is one of the calming things for me. 

It was perfect, who needs Pinterest? While driving the sun had already set but there was a glimmer of light left over and with the smoke in the air from surrounding fires, there was a strip of a dark burgundy outlining the mountains and the stars peeking their way through the summer sky. I wish I was a painter so I could have captured it's beauty. 

Afterwards we stopped and grabbed some beer and played drinking games. I know a perfect date night that ends in drinking games. We kicked Date Night's ass. 

Tomorrow I have 2 (TWO!) super awesome things to share with you. I am SO excited about both of them :) 

Here is a little sneak peak about one of the awesome things I get to share.