Armchair BEA: HUGE Giveaway

Giveaway

I am absolutely ecstatic to announce a FABULOUS giveaway today. I approached three of my favourite authors and asked them if they'd like to be involved and they said YES! So huge thanks to Shalini Boland, Melissa Pearl and Patti Roberts who are all donating goodies for this giveaway! AND you could also win ebooks of all of my own books and a paperback copy of Forever Fredless!
That's 13 winners (if I'm doing my maths right!!)

Shalini Boland

2 ebooks of HIDDEN

2 ebooks of OUTSIDE

Melissa Pearl

2 ebooks of THE TIME SPIRIT series

Paperback of the BETWIXT omnibus

Patti Roberts

The complete ebook set of The PARADOX series AND the WITCHWOOD series

Double editions of the WITCHWOOD ESTATE series in print with signed stickers for both print books.

Suzy Turner

2 ebooks of THE RAVEN SAGA, THE MORGAN SISTERS and FOREVER FREDLESS

1 paperback copy of FOREVER FREDLESS

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Reading Beyond the Borders

We're talking about Beyond the Borders today and so I MUST mention one of my all time favourite books that I've read multiple times (which is quite unusual for me) and that is Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Golden. This book totally blew me away and introduced me to a whole new culture that I knew nothing about. Japan and the geishas from another time altogether. You may have seen the movie and admittedly it is pretty good - not quite as good as the book but still worthy of praise.

Here's the blurb from Amazon:
A literary sensation and runaway bestseller, this brilliant debut novel tells with seamless authenticity and exquisite lyricism the true confessions of one of Japan's most celebrated geisha.
Speaking to us with the wisdom of age and in a voice at once haunting and startlingly immediate, Nitta Sayuri tells the story of her life as a geisha. It begins in a poor fishing village in 1929, when, as a nine-year-old girl with unusual blue-gray eyes, she is taken from her home and sold into slavery to a renowned geisha house. We witness her transformation as she learns the rigorous arts of the geisha: dance and music; wearing kimono, elaborate makeup, and hair; pouring sake to reveal just a touch of inner wrist; competing with a jealous rival for men's solicitude and the money that goes with it.
In Memoirs of a Geisha, we enter a world where appearances are paramount; where a girl's virginity is auctioned to the highest bidder; where women are trained to beguile the most powerful men; and where love is scorned as illusion. It is a unique and triumphant work of fiction—at once romantic, erotic, suspenseful—and completely unforgettable.

Actually, I'm ashamed to say that I don't often read books that are set elsewhere than the UK or the US. Not by choice, I might add. It's just the books that have presented themselves to me so far, tend to be in those two places. I do love reading American tales, and learning about different places throughout the US. Lately I've had a bit of a thing for stories set in the deep south. There's just something about that region that appeals enormously. And to be honest, I don't really know why! (I love movies that are set there too.) Currently, I'm reading a book set in Maine and it's making me desperate to visit that part of the country as well! One day I will, for sure. In the meantime, I need to try and break out and read more books from other countries. I haven't even read any Portuguese authors and I've lived here for the past 28 years! I know, it's embarrassing! 

For more giveaways and more tales about reading beyond borders, check out Armchair BEA.

Armchair BEA: Introductions and Literature

I'm absolutely thrilled to be a participant of the Armchair BEA this year. It's my first time ever at the event and I've also signed up to help out as a volunteer - so you can catch me at many of the twitter parties taking place over the next week.

Who Am I?

Well, I'm Suzy Turner, a 38-year-old British author and blogger with a fondness for white wine and dark chocolate (not necessarily together though!), married to the most amazing man who I met when I was 16. I first began blogging back in 2008 with a blog I called Iberian Bird (because I live in Portugal and have done since I was ten years old). The blog slowly developed and I soon began blogging under my own name Suzy Turner, YA Author which I still do over there (it is dedicated to young adult themes). Last year, however, with the launch of my first romance novel, Forever Fredless, I decided I wanted to blog about women's books - not just romance and chick lit, mind you, but all kinds of books aimed at, and written by, women. So I began Fiction Dreams and haven't looked back. I've interviewed some of the most popular authors around today including Gena Showalter, Joanne Harris, Ruth Saberton, Belinda Jones and so many more. I love helping both indie and traditionally published authors to spread the word about their books and I particularly love interviewing them. It's become a bit of an obsession actually lol!

Describe your blog in just one sentence. Then, list your social details -- Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, etc. -- so we can connect more online. 

As I mentioned above, Fiction Dreams is a blog about women's fiction - all kinds of fiction!

Facebook

Twitter

Pinterest
Goodreads

What genre do you read the most? I love to read because ___________________ . 

Probably YA because it's so easy and fun to get into. Also because that's what I've been writing for the past few years. I particularly love reading YA urban fantasy - books that are set within our own world but with a magical and/or supernatural element to them. Harry Potter and Twilight for instance are some of my favourites that I couldn't get enough of.  But I also read a lot of chick lit - my other absolute favourite that I've actually been reading the longest. I first read Jilly Cooper, for example, when I was about 12. Gosh I learned a lot, if you know what I mean ;)

What was your favorite book read last year? What’s your favorite book so far this year? 

Just one? Oh no that's really difficult! I have many favourites from last year but if I can only give one then I'd say The Time Spirit series by Melissa Pearl. All I can say is that I'm so glad I have a kindle so I could immediately download the sequel after finishing the first book in the middle of the night in order to continue reading. That series blew me away!

From this year? Well, Melissa Pearl's releases from 2014 have been AMAZING too but to give another author equal credit, I'll say Shalini Boland's The Perimeter. OMG - that dystopian series is freaking amazing! Oh, and I literally just finished reading Pulled Beneath by Marni Mann and it was freaking awesome (look out for a review coming soon)!!

What does your favorite/ideal reading space look like? 

I can read just about anywhere, but at the moment this is exactly where I like to read before the sun gets too hot........

And this is my view...

And this is who keeps me company...

What book would you love to see as a movie?

Shalini Boland's Marchwood Vampire Series - I think it would be utterly amazing. 

Today's topic is 'Literature'....
What do you think of when you think of literature? Classics, contemporary, genre, or something else entirely? We are leaving this one up to you to come up with and share the literature that you want to chat about the most. Feel free to share a list of your favorites, break down your favorite genre, feature your favorite authors, and be creative about all things literature in general.

If you'd have asked me this question when I was a kid, I would have just thought of the classics - you know, the kind I was 'forced' to read at school. Although, having said that, I never really felt forced because I always had such a passion for reading. Jane Eyre, Pride and Prejudice, Anthony and Cleopatra, A Midsummer Night's Dream, Waiting for Godot - these were just some of the books I read as a teenager that weren't my choice. However, I delved in and discovered worlds I'd never knew existed. It was hard work, mind you. I mean, come on, Shakespeare takes some understanding! But it was fun, nevertheless. What wasn't fun, however, was having to write deep, meaningful essays on the books afterwards! Bleurgh! I just wanted to read them and enjoy them. Not try to unravel the mystery of how the author was feeling when he or she wrote it!

I also had to read the more modern classics such as A Bend in the River by VS. Naipaul (didn't enjoy it at all - it just seemed too boring after those other early classics), Cold Comfort Farm by Stella Gibbons (probably one of the most hilarious and incredibly unusual books I've ever read!), A Handmaids Tale by Margaret Atwood (this became my absolute favourite book that I read at school - it's amazing) and Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird which I recall our teacher also bringing in the film for us to watch. I was glued to it. Wonderful!

Of course, I've read a few classics off my own back, like Little Women which I adored and can never get enough of. The movie too - I love the old version and the newer one.

But back to what I really think of now, when I think of literature. Well, being an author and a book blogger, I think of so many different wonderful authors. I have tonnes of favourites - many of which are from a wide variety of genres including YA, Chick Lit, Mysteries, Horror (yes, occasionally I'll give one  a go!), drama, romance, historical - the list goes on. But here are a few of my favourites:

Shalini Boland

Melissa Pearl

Patti Roberts

Arthur Golden

Margaret Atwood

JK Rowling

Belinda Jones

Sophie Kinsella

Jenny Colgan

Wendy Holden

Ruth Saberton

I could quite easily go on and on and on....

For more Armchair BEA tales of literature, visit Armchair BEA's website.

Cover Reveal: Set Me Free by Melissa Pearl

Release Day May 18th!

Hunted by a crooked FBI agent who killed her parents, Lucy has taken on one disguise after the next.

But Zach knows exactly who she is and in spite of mounting evidence indicating her guilt in her parents’ death, he knows she’s innocent. Convinced that it’s time to put her years on the run behind her, Zach and Lucy vow to fight back, clear her name, and take down the real killer. With support from Zach’s loyal friends and his uncle, an investigative reporter, they set out on a dangerous mission hoping that the truth...will set them free.

Look out for my review - coming soon!

Pre Order Set Me Free!  

( Releases May 18th 2014 ) 

 

Haven't read book #1 yet?! Grab it today!

Lucy Tate is on the run. After witnessing the brutal murder of her parents, she's spent five years in hiding -- taking on different personas and faking her way through life. The authorities can't be trusted, so she remains in the shadows, always one beat ahead of the man who is forever hunting her. That is, until she meets Zach Schultz, a senior at Monte Vista High and the one guy she can’t bear to leave. Suddenly her natural instincts to lie, steal, and run are overshadowed by something else...the desire to stay. It’s her one shot at a normal life. Curious by nature, Zach is immediately drawn to the new girl at school. How can a person look both confident and vulnerable all in the same moment? Determined to learn more about her, he tries to get close, but is thrown into a world of lies and confusion. The only thing that becomes apparent is that discovering the truth may get him killed.

 

About the Author

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Melissa Pearl was born in Auckland, New Zealand, but has spent much of her life abroad, living in countries such as Jordan, Cyprus and Pakistan... not to mention a nine month road trip around North America with her husband. "Best. Year. Ever!!" She now lives in China with her husband and two sons. She is a trained elementary teacher, but writing is her passion. Since becoming a full time mother she has had the opportunity to pursue this dream and her debut novel hit the internet in November 2011. Since then she has continued to produce a steady stream of books. Recently she signed with Evatopia Press and her first Evatopia book is coming out in February 2014 - True Colors, The Masks Series #1. She is very excited to be trying out new things this year while continuing to publish under her own name as well. She has six books planned for 2014 and is excited about writing each and every one of them. "I am passionate about writing. It stirs a fire in my soul that I never knew I had. I want to be the best writer I can possibly be and transport my readers into another world where they can laugh, cry and fall in love."

One of my favourite YA authors is here.... it's Melissa Pearl!

She's one of my all time favourite YA authors - I've read practically every book of she's written and I just can't get enough. It's Melissa Pearl, everyone!! :D

Because this site is called Fiction Dreams, I'd like to know if dreams inspire your writing? What did you last dream about?
Yes - sometimes they do. I remember having a very vivid dream once about a man with white blonde hair and piercing blue eyes. He was pulling a small boat through the water. I ended up creating two entire books from that one image. I haven't written them yet, but I'm looking forward to it one day :)

When did you first start writing? And when were you first published?
I started playing with writing in 2001.
I didn't published Golden Blood until 2011. I had so much to learn and didn't really have the chance to properly pursue my dream until I had my first baby in 2007.

I'm a HUGE fan, having read pretty much every one of your books and I can't wait to read more, what are your plans for the future?
Ooooo - I have so many!!
Thank you so much for your support of my work. You're amazing. I love sharing my work with you :)
I have a new book coming out in December, which is the start of a 4-book series being published with Evatopia Press. It's called The Masks Series and follows a girl who is gifted the ability to read people's emotions. Kind of like a teenage mentalist :)
The other three books will be coming out over 2014-2015.
I also have a two book series being released in 2014 with Evatopia Press entitled the "I Know Lucy Series". These will be YA romantic thrillers - I think that's the best description :)
Brenda and I are also hoping to release Forbidden Waters (Mica and Lexy #2) in early 2014, plus I have two other stories I want to publish under my own steam - my first NA contemporary romance (not smexy as that's just not my style) and a sweet YA contemporary romance.
It's going to be a busy year - but so much fun!!!

OMG WOW... I can't wait, Melissa!!!!!!

What is it about the YA genre that appeals to you the most? Do you read other genres? If so, which? Do you think you'll every write in another genre?
I read across the board, but always find myself coming back to YA/NA romance. I just love reading coming of age type stories and I love reading about teens, especially older teens.
My favourite types of books are those with a heavy romantic bent as well as a sense of danger. I love there to be a thrill factor or some survival type adventure. I like the MC's life to be in danger at some point or other :)
The NA contemporary I mentioned above is possibly the start of a contemporary romance series that will shift into adult fiction as the characters get older, but I'm still deciding on that. They will all be stand alone novels, but the characters of the previous books might feature as minor characters.
I definitely have some stories written about adult characters that I really want to write one day. I don't want to be locked into YA forever, but I'm having so much fun with it at the moment, that I'll stick with it for now :)
I'm hoping readers will see me as an author that can supply them with a variety of reads. Some people will like all my stuff, others might only like my YA stuff, but I want to stay fresh with my writing and never want to get stuck in a rut, which is why I want to write in a range of genres :)

Can you tell the readers about your latest release?

Beyond has just come out. It is a novella that concludes the Betwixt Series. Betwixt was left with a few loose threads that I wanted to tie up and this was a really fun way of doing it. I never intended to write Before or Beyond (the two novellas sandwiching Betwixt), but I had so many readers requesting more of Nicole and Dale that I came up with these two stories and I have LOVED writing them. Nicole and Dale really are awesome and I loved writing all their interactions in Beyond. It is a sweet, romantic story…hopefully leaving readers with a sweet taste in their mouths :)
Yep... these books do exactly that, Melissa. I LOVED them!!

What inspired you to write it?
As I mentioned above - I was totally pressured by my fans. LOL :D
Kidding.
The story just came to me one day and I thought - yes, that'll work.

Have you ever spotted anyone reading your books anywhere?

Yes - and it's like the biggest thrill ever! I saw a picture on Facebook just last week. My son's school teacher had snapped some shots of her family on holiday. In one of them, her daughter is reading one of my books. It was a squee moment :)

Who designs your covers?
I've used many different designers - Brenda Howson from Zealous Design, Eden Crane Designs, Kelly Walker from Indie-spired and Amanda Crane from Creative with the Cranes. I'm not sure who Evatopia Press is using for my upcoming book, but I can't wait to see who it is :)

If your latest book was made into a film, who would you cast?
Dale would be played by Penn Badgley and Nicole would be played by Mila Kunis :)

Are you a fan of Chick Lit?
Yes and no.
I really love the odd Chick Lit, but I get over it pretty quickly too. I prefer a more intense read. Chick Lit is like eating a bowl of yummy ice cream. It's delicious, but I don't want to eat it all the time :)

What's your favourite Chick Lit book that made it to the big screen?
Hmmmm - probably Safe Haven by Nicholas Sparks…although is that Chick Lit? It's probably got too much of a danger factor - right?
In that case "Confessions of a Shopaholic" I LOVE that series, although I found the movie a touch disappointing.

What were the last two books you read? And did you enjoy them?
I read Wide Awake by Shelly Crane, which is really enjoyed so much.
And Dead Chaos by T. G. Ayer - I was lucky enough to read an early edition. It's releasing next month. It was really good :)

Name one female author who you think deserves to be better known.
Anna Cruise.
I love her work so much.
Oh - and Taylor Longford, she's another favourite of mine that I don't think enough people know about :)

Where do you write? Do you ever wish you could write elsewhere?

I write in my office or on my bed :)
Both places get a lot of light and that's all I really need.
I like a quiet, private space to work in, so writing outside is never a goer for me. It'd be too embarrassing when I started saying all these lines out loud. I get kind of emotional when I'm writing :)

You currently live in China - what's it like to live there? Do you miss New Zealand?
I really miss NZ, like a lot.
But China is okay and it's only for a season. My boys are happy at school, my husband loves his teaching job and I'm getting more and more used to living here. Writing keeps me sane and I will never regret being able to say - yeah, we lived in China :D

When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
An actor :)
My imagination was so vivid, but I was too shy to go up on stage. It took me years to work out that I didn't want to be the actor, I wanted to be the one who created the stories the actors could act out!

In the movie of your life, who would play you?

Image courtesy: Angela George

Oooo - nice question.
Hmmmm - not sure.
Sandra Bullock is probably one of my favourite actresses of all time. I think she could pull me off :)

lol... I'd choose her too!

Speed Round...
Top drink to make you tipsy? Don't drink, actually. I just haven't acquired a taste for it. Freshly squeezed fruit juice is always a favourite of mine - with a TON of ice :)
Shopaholic or shopadon't? Shopadon't - definitely!!!!
Sky high heels or closer to the ground? Closer to the ground :)
E.L. James or Jilly Cooper? I haven't read either, but probably Jilly Cooper
Cry baby or tough cookie? Depends on the situation - when it comes to watching soppy movies - total cry baby. But having kids has turned me into a tougher cookie :)
Exotic beach or enchanted forest? Oooooo - um…I'd have to go enchanted forest :)

Melissa Pearl was born in Auckland, New Zealand, but has spent much of her life abroad, living in countries such as Jordan, Cyprus and Pakistan... not to mention a nine month road trip around North America with her husband. "Best. Year. Ever!!" She now lives in China with her husband and two sons. She is a trained elementary teacher, but writing is her passion. Since becoming a full time mother she has had the opportunity to pursue this dream and her debut novel hit the internet in November 2011. Since then she has produced seven more books. Her latest release is a YA fantasy trilogy - The Elements Trilogy. She is now working on the rest of the Betwixt Series - due for release Sept & Oct this year.
"I am passionate about writing. It stirs a fire in my soul that I never knew I had. I want to be the best writer I can possibly be and transport my readers into another world where they can laugh, cry and fall in love."
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Blogs: http://melissapearl.blogspot.com/ and http://yalicious.blogspot.com/
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Cover Reveal (s): The Elements Trilogy by Melissa Pearl

I'm so excited about this new cover reveal because the author, Melissa Pearl, is one of my favourite YA authors. I've read (devoured!) just about everything she has written and so I couldn't wait to help her share these brand new covers for the Elements trilogy. And look... aren't they GORGEOUS!!???!

UNKNOWN

 One prophecy...Two seekers...A journey into the UNKNOWN.

*****

Darkness is covering the land. As the city of Mezrah grows with power and greed, the rest of the world can only stand by and wait for their inevitable destruction. The only hope against this growing power is an ancient prophecy that people have stopped believing in.

Then a star begins to fall.

Princess Kyla of Taramon stopped trusting in the power of light the day her father died. Trapped in a city she does not care for, under the watchful glare of her mother, the queen, she struggles to accept her fate.

Then a star begins to fall.

Jethro has loved Kyla for as long as he can remember. Learning that she was to marry his cousin drove a wedge between him and the feisty princess. Watching her from a distance is a torture he is unable to free himself from.

Then a star begins to fall, sparking an ember of hope and sending these two seekers on a treacherous journey into the unknown.

Purchase Link: AMAZON

UNSEEN

It's hard to trust when the truth is hidden in the UNSEEN.

*****

Danger surrounds the Seekers. Having already faced overwhelming odds, Kyla and Jethro discover it is only the beginning. Now they must face the power of nature itself.

Each day is a test of faith.

Two elements remain undiscovered. The light is yet to be resurrected. Dark forces prepare to descend upon the heroes of prophecy and they have one more power they must over come...their forbidden love for each other.

Each moment is a test of loyalty and courage.

In Taramon, Athra faces his own demons as he frets over the safety of his fiancée while trying to counter a dark evil that is brought to his doorstep. Treachery lurks in the shadows, forcing the future king into an action that could destroy his beloved city.

Through it all, they must cling to the truths hidden in the unseen.

Purchase Link: AMAZON

UNLEASHED

 A furious light is about to be UNLEASHED.

*****

The prophecy has failed. As Athra lies in the dungeons of Taramon with his defeated army, this is all he can believe. His city has been torn apart. He has failed his people and all that awaits him is an agonising death.

But the light has been found.

Ashan and his dark army proceed in gloating triumph. Safeer heads to Mezrah with Taramon's women and children, while the rest of his men remain in the northern city, forcing their prisoners to tear it down stone by stone.

But two sparks have been ignited.

Kyla and Jethro learn of Taramon's demise and, with the children, formulate a plan to rescue their people and bring an end to the overpowering darkness. It will take all their strength and every ounce of faith they possess...

But a furious light is about to be unleashed.

Purchase Link: AMAZON

And to celebrate this new reveal, Melissa is having a one day sale. All three books for only 99c each!!