*******THE YAmazing RACE IS NOW CLOSED!*******
Welcome to the very first Apocalypsie YAmazing Race with MGnificent Prizes. And as a special bonus–welcome to the launch of my brand new website. I’ll give you all the information for the YAmazing race first and then if you stick around I have a contest of my own. Are you ready racers? On your mark…get set…go!
Welcome to my stop on the YAmazing Race with MGnificent prizes!!! The race is a crazy whirlwind Apocalypsie blog hop featuring over 50 debut authors and prize packs featuring ARCs, gift certificates, swag, and more! If you haven’t yet been to the Apocalypsies website, please click here [link to Apocalypsie website] to start from the beginning and read the complete rules. Although this post is up and ready to go, REMEMBER THAT THE RACE DOESN’T OFFICIALLY BEGIN UNTIL MONDAY 1/16 at NOON-EST! Now on to the race!
TOUCHING THE SURFACE By: Kimberly Sabatini
September 4, 2012
Simon Pulse – Simon and Schuster
Life altering mistakes are meant to alter lives…
When Elliot dies for the third time, she knows this is her last shot. There are no fourth-timers in this afterlife, so one more chance is all she has to get things right. But before she can move on to her next life, Elliot will be forced to face her past and delve into the painful memories she’d rather keep buried. Memories of people she’s hurt, people she’s betrayed…and people she’s killed.
As she pieces together the mistakes of her past, Elliot must earn the forgiveness of her best friend and reveal the truth about herself to the two boys she loves…even if it means losing them both forever.
Have you been paying attention? Store all that information away in your brain for the quiz ahead! And remember, you must complete ALL FIVE quizzes to be eligible for a prize pack.
But before you go…BONUS CONTEST!!!!!
This is very easy way to win a pre-order or a copy (if it’s already out) of the Apocalypsie book of your choice…PLUS… some TOUCHING THE SURFACE swag. (Yes! I’m starting to get some swag together.) I’ll be picking two winners at random–all you have to do is take a peek at my new website and leave a comment about what you think. Your comment can be about something you like, or feel free to let me know if you notice something that would make the site better or easier to use. I absolutely adore my new “home,” but I’m still molding the site and would love to hear your feedback.
Thanks for stopping by for the YAmazing race and for the launch of my new website. Now here’s your link to your next stop on the YAmazing Race…J.A. Souders!!!!! Good Luck!!!!!
Subscribe via Email
I love your new website! It’s gorgeous. Gosh, is 2012 already rolling by as fast for you as it is for me? Eek!
It is moving really fast!!!!! I dare not blink!!!! Thanks for the website love!!!!
Kim, the website is fantastic! It’s so beautiful. Did you design it yourself or hire someone?
Awww thanks Katie!!! I had the lovely Emily Carlin of Swank Web Style make it for me. I absolutely adore it!!!! How are you and that little sweetheart doing?
Awesome site! And, I LOVE your cover!!! So thrilled for you!
Awwww thanks so much!!! I’m a little bit attached to that cover too!!!!
Beautiful site, Kimberly! Who did the artwork for the banner? I love how it reflects your cover!
Thanks Heather-the lovely Emily Carlin of Swank Web Design came up with that beautiful banner. I adore it!!!
YAY for the new website! Congrats! I SO love this cover !!!
Thanks Patty!!! Can’t wait to see YOUR cover!!!!
I love your layout it’s visually appealing yet simple. And it really doesn’t have bright, flashy, colors and the writing is easy to read.
Thanks Maria–
I love these colors too and I’m so glad it’s easy to read!
I love the birds in between each blog post. It’s a little detail that really helps set the atmosphere 🙂
Sarah-the hawks just made it perfect for me. They remind me of my dad who died seven years ago. It makes it feel unique and just perfect for me. Thanks for loving them too!
I really love the layout of this site. It’s so easy to read and to get around. Plus the colour are beautiful.
Awww Hannah–I’m so glad you love it!!!! Thank you so much.
Oooh, I love your website’s design! SOOO PURTY. 🙂 Also, your book’s cover is really gorgeous!
Lucia–Thanks for the website and the cover love–you ROCK!
ooh the colors / blog layout and cover/
all the best with your debut
good luck all
rogcaprino[at]hotmail[com]
Thanks so much!!!! (((hugs)))
Hello! I love your blog! It has all the links and things most blogs have but it looks so clean and polished. The color scheme is really nice too. Just a really nice looking blog – maybe one of the nicest I’ve seen (and I’ve seen a lot!). Thanks for the giveaway!
Valerie–that is so sweet of you to say. Thank you so much–it means a lot.
Your website is so lovely. I LOVE it! 😀 And TOUCHING THE SURFACE sounds like a great read. I have it now on my wishlist!
Thank you for the giveaway!!!
Giada SQUEE!!! Thanks for putting SURFACE on your wish list–it gives me tingles!!!! Thanks for participating in the race!!!!
What a gorgeous website! Thanks for the giveaway 🙂
Thanks Lauryn and the spelling of your name is AWESOME!!!! :o)
It is beautiful!!!! Love the colours and format 🙂 YAY YAY YAY Another great giveaway!!! Congrats on the upcoming release :)Fingers crossed! Thanks soooooooooooo much!!!!!
seeitorreadit(at)gmail(dot)com
Jaskirat–I love your enthusiasm!!!! Woo too!!!! So glad you love it and thanks for stopping by!!!!
Gorgeous site to go along with a gorgeous cover! Congrats on the future release. Thanks for the giveaway!
kspear22[at]gmail[dot]com
Thanks Kelli!!! Hope you win one!!!!
Website looks great!! Your book looks good too :o)
Thanks for doing the giveaway.
lyssleepinbeauty@aim.com
Awww thanks Samantha–I really appreciate it!!!
I love your website! I think it’s really elegant and gorgeous. I really like the colour palette used for this and the font is great too. It’s so nice to look at and I especially like the wallpapered pattern for the comments. 🙂 onpeakhill(at)gmail(dot)com
Elena-you are a bucket full of awesome! I like the wallpaper pattern too. *grin*
I don’t think you need to change anything, this website is gorgeous! It’s easy to navigate, I can find the buttons to follow you easily, and it’s atmosphere goes with your book really well! (Those birds!)
I also love your book cover! I will definitely need that on my shelf:)
Thank you for the chance to win!
picyadri at gmail dot com
You have made my night! Thank you so much for your sweet comments!!!!
I love your layout, especially the blue vintage-y background under your links – and I LOVE YOUR COVER.
taratgonzalez@gmail.com
Let’s get it over with and just (((hug))) Thanks so much for your sweet comments!! You’re making me smile!
Hi there, I’m a new follower. I’m really looking forward to reading Touching the Surface- the synopsis sounds right up my street and the cover is beautiful. I love the style of your website- the colour scheme is so easy on the eye and I love all the birds! Thanks for the giveaway.
Tizzy-thanks so much for all the love!!! I really appreciate it. <3
I love your website. The earthy tones with the blue is a beautiful color palette, and even though there are a lot of textures/patterns, they don’t feel overwhelming or chaotic.
I’m a big fan of the texture and patterns and I was thrilled to see how subtle they are but yet how layered and rich they look. I couldn’t be more happy with what Emily created.
Your website looks gorgeous! The only thing I think I would change would be the color of the links on the side. Personally, I’m not a fan of the light green on dark green. I like stuff like that to pop out.
Thanks for being part of the race!
Thanks Kim–I see what you mean about the contrast. Great suggestion!
I think your website is perfectly lovely. The colors you’ve chosen and the pretty banner gives your site a very serene vibe. Can’t wait to read your book! It sounds amazing!
I’m so excited you want to read Surface and like the Website–thanks for stopping by!!!!
I love the layout. The colors are really easy on the eyes.
Vivien
deadtossedwaves at gmail dot com
Thanks Vivien!!! I appreciate you stopping by!!!!
I love the new design! My favorite part is the picture at the top – it’s lovely. Everything is easy to read and look at. Very nice. :] Thanks for the giveaway!
Gabi-that’s my favorite part too. It’s like it’s own little Kim story. <3 Thanks for stopping by!
I love the header and the pattern where the tabs are. I wouldn’t change a thing.
Thank you for the chance 🙂
Thanks Petra!!! You ROCK!
I love your blog especially the birds! But, some of your buttons don’t work, like Facebook and Twitter. And google plus. At least not when I tried them. I do love the cover of your book! It’s beautiful.
Heather
hrose2931(at)gmail(dot)com
Hmmm they seem to be working from my end, but I’ll keep an eye out for other people having trouble–thanks for the heads up!
Beautiful site! Very crisp, clear, and easy to navigate. The colors are attractive and easy on the eyes. I love how the theme of the birds is subtly tied in across your site.
The only things I noticed to fix are the Tumblr icon didn’t work for me and there is a link to “News” at the bottom of the page but not in the top menu bar. I like that the menu options are located at both the top and bottom of the page (though I think it would look nice if the top menu bar was centered like it is on the bottom).
Thanks for all the suggestions. I’ll definitely check Tumblr. As for the birds–the Red Tailed Hawk has been showing up in my life since my dad died seven years ago. It has so much personal significance in my life and my writing that I got all teary eyed when I saw how beautifully the designer incorporated it into the website. <3
i love the site, it’s gorgeous and doesn’t take forever to load (which is a problem i’ve been having with some of the author sites on this race sadly).
Zoe-so glad to hear I didn’t hold you up on the race!!!! Yay!!! Thanks for all the love and stopping by!
I love your new website, it’s pretty yet clean and easy to use. 🙂
Thanks Rebecca-I appreciate you stopping by!!!!
I love the website. The colors and layout are lovely and not too overwhelming. Thanks for the giveaway.
Thank you and you are very welcome!
I love your new site, it’s pretty and easy to navigate! I adore your header – I feel like I might have to squint staring at the sun! Gorgeous!
Thanks so much for the giveaway!
Shhhh don’t tell anyone, but I squint a little too. (((hugs))) Good luck on the race.
Your website is beautiful. I love the description on the blog header.
Awww you’re giving me warm fuzzies. (((hugs)))
It is very beautiful!!! I love the colours because sometimes they use colours which are not easy for the eyes but these are perfect!
Thank you for the giveaway!
Yay!!! Glad I’m easy on the eyes!!!!!
The website is beautiful! I love the colors!
Thanks for the giveaway!
Thank you for stopping buy and taking the time to check it out!!!!
I absolutely adore the colors and the overall look of your site. Sometimes websites can be too cluttered or even too sparse, but your is perfect :]
jasmineroster(at)gmail(dot)com
Jasmine-so happy to have struck the perfect balance. Thanks for stopping by and checking it out!!!!
I like your site. It seems really user friendly. Looking forward to reading your book.
Thank you Natalie-I really hope you enjoy it!!!!
Cool website Suzanne,
Love all the pretty pix & it’s easy to navigate.
Mindy 🙂
Birdsooong@aol.com
Thanks Mina!!!
Cool website Suzanne,
Love all the pretty pix & it’s easy to navigate. Great excerpt for Touching the surface.
Mindy 🙂
Birdsooong@aol.com
Mina-hope you end up liking the rest of SURFACE too!!!
I really like the new site. Great color combo. The only thing I would suggest is having a collapsible list of your blog entries by month in the side bar. I always think that’s the easiest way to view a blog’s archive. Hopefully that makes sense.
Hmmm Dani-thanks for the suggestion. I’ll have to ask the designer about that. :o)
Very pretty site! I love your header–with the sunlight coming through the tree and everything! 🙂 I also love the cover for “Touching the Surface”.
Thanks for all the love, Emily–I really appreciate it!
I think the site looks great–beautiful details. (And the social media buttons worked for me.) I’m always intrigued by publication stories, so I’m glad you included that in your FAQ.
Thanks for checking that out Eliza–you made me feel so good about taking the time to do it. I plan on adding lots more to that section because I’m a blabber mouth LOL!
I’m @thebooktramp on Twitter and trampolinepress(at)gmail(dot)com.
I look forward to your book.
Just checked it out this morning!!! Good luck with the new blog!!!!
Hi Suzanne, thanks for welcoming feedback. Your site is so appealing. I love the design of your header and the choice of your colour themes. Teal, brown, and beige go so well together. I even love the font style. Pretty, but still easy and clear to read. Plus, the layout of your page is simple and uncluttered. Keep it that way. Sometimes people cram so much stuff on their site, it can be overwhelming! My only suggestion perhaps is to increase your font size if you can. I had to zoom in to increase the font on my browser to be able to read your content comfortably. Your book sounds romantic, wistful, and suspenseful! And I think the cover really captures and conveys that, too. Here’s to crossing my fingers and toes at a chance at winning your bonus giveaway! See you at the finish line of the YAmazing Race! (I’m a little winded, but I’ve always been a pretty good long-distance runner in the past!)
Zara
zgarcia(dot)alvarez(at)gmail(dot)com
On Twitter: @ZaraAlexis
Zara–you sound like me–constantly upping my font LOL! Shhh don’t tell anyone I’m getting old. Good luck with the contests and thanks for all the feedback!
Love your website design! The colors go well together and are very pleasing to the eye. Plus the header is gorgeous! I love the textures and patterns used throughout the site as well. I can’t think of anything to improve – it looks great already. 🙂 I’m very interested in your book as well. And thanks for the chance to win!
Awww Jessica, you’re such a sweetie–thanks so much for stopping by and good luck on the race. :o)
I love the look of this site! everything goes together so well! cannot wait to read your book it looks great and the cover is very pretty.
I’m thrilled that you’re excited about SURFACE!!!! Thank you so much for helping to build the excitement. (((hugs)))
Website looks great! I love the colours. So earthy.
Thanks so much Christa!!! <3
Your website is gorgeous, and I’m excited to read “Touching the Surface”!
Thanks Taylor–I really appreciate that!
I actually have nothing helpful to say, the website looks lovely. (So lovely and fun/professional, in fact, that I just subscribed to the newsletter.) I really like all the little “find Kimberly” buttons. The whole site is beautiful.
(And yes, I would like to be entered in the contest too.)
Thank you Jasmine!!! You are AWESOME!!!!
Th new website is so pretty. I especially like the background and the little pictures. The quote at the top is my favorite part. 🙂
Kathryn–you’re making my day by liking my little catch phrase. <3
I love the website! The colors are gorgeous and so are the fonts. The main thing i did notice is that it took a while to load this page and to move around in it. I have IE so it might be my computer but this is the only site so far that has taken as long to load.
Thanks for the giveaway!
Hmmm I’ve now been both the fastest and the slowest website load. LOL! Hoping you just caught it being grouchy. :o)
I love the layout and colors of your website!
Thanks Grace and good luck on the race!
Your website is visually pleasing! I love the Pinterest Board, what a cool idea. And the cover of your book, by the way, is gorgeous. Can’t wait to read it!
Okay Tammy–lets get it over with–I’m just gonna hug you…(((HUGS)))
(((HUGS))) back at ya!
I think your sites gorgeous. Very well put together.
Good Job! your book looks great too!
Thanks Dana–good luck on the race!!!
Your new website is working well on my Playbook. The colours are wonderful, very easy to read .
Great news!!! Thanks for all the feedback! (((hugs)))
I LOVE the website! I think the banner is my favorite and i love the quote you included on it. I also like the way you’ve set everything up on the right sidebar, and the font you’ve used is definitely a good one! I would say it’s a pretty awesome website. 🙂 Also love the book cover and can’t wait to read the book!
Alicia-you are made of awesome and put a big smile on my face today! Thank you!!!
You’re website is so unique and really beautiful. I also really love your cover as well, and it sounds like an awesome book!
Thanks for the giveaway!
Emilia
emiliasherman@hotmail.com
Thank you so much Emilia-hope you win one of those Apocalypsie books!!!!
Your blog is really classy and I love the quote on the banner above. Can’t wait to read your book, it sounds fantastic! Yay for swag!
Danny thestoryseekers(at)hotmail(dot)com
Awwww Danny, that is so sweet of you to say. (((hugs)))
Your site is gorgeous. LOVE the banner!
Emily Carlin of Swank Web Style is a genius!!! Thanks so much!
I love your website! It’s really easy to navigate and the colours are really soft and pretty – I love the blue vintage wallpaper parts! Your book sounds amazing too btw!
I’m a big fan to the vintage paper too-love how the sky fades into it. Gives me warm fuzzies every time I look at it! Thanks so much for taking the time to check it out!
This site is really beautiful! The colors match perfectly and create a nice earth-toney effect, plus the banner is really pretty. Love it! 😀
Thanks Jen-you are so sweet to stop by and check it out!
Loving the new website! the layout is sooo pretttyyy!
margiem315@yahoo.com
Thank you so much, Margie!
I like your website, especially the top picture (not sure what to call it)Nice font and background
Eliza–I’m learning too. They’ve been calling it a banner and I’m really glad you like it. It makes me happy every time I look at it. :o)
The website is really lovely! Congrats on your debut!
Thanks so much!!!
Your website is absolutely lovely! Plus, I really like how you’re responding to everyone. Thank you so much for this chance to win!
angela1997 at live dot nl
Awww of course I would respond–you guys are doing me a huge favor by stopping by. It helps to get my book on people’s radar and you’ve all taken the time to make me smile about my website. I really appreciate it. <3
The new website looks pretty cool
Thanks for stopping by and good luck on the race!
I love your header. It simple but beautiful and the colour scheme really sets off the rest of your blog. Looking forward to your book 🙂
Thanks Gabriella–I really appreciate the kind words and I really hope you love the book. (((hugs)))
Thanks for the giveaway- your book sounds awesome! :)) I absolutely love your website! It’s all beautiful….. but your header is just gorgeous; I love the simplistic elegance of your picture, color scheme, and quote: “Find your voice, spread your wings and fly free…”
Awww thanks Kristen. I wrote the quote, trying to put into words, just a little corner of this journey I’m on. I’m really exciting that it’s resonating. That makes me feel great. <3
Hi Kim! I really like the website, and it’s easy to read. It’s so annoying when you’re unable to read the text 🙂 By the way, I love your cover!
Yay!!! Glad you have no trouble reading it. And thanks for the cover love.
Nice website! And thanks for the giveaway! The cover is gorgeous and the blurb is so intriguing!
Sharmaine, I give full credit for the blurb to my awesome editor Anica!!! She has the magic touch. Thanks for stopping by. :o)
Nice website! And thanks for the giveaway! The cover of your book is just gorgeous! Can’t wait to read it!
Loving the theme of your site!
So excited that you like it!!! It comes from the heart. <3
Love the color of your site and your header is just gorgeous. Your book cover is very beautiful as well. Will definitely add Touching the Surface on my TBR list. 🙂
Sarah, thanks so much for all the compliments and I’d be tickled pink to be on your TBR list. Thank you so much. (((hugs)))
I LOVE your new website, everything fits nicely together and the theme is perfect! I also love the header, it’s a eye grabber (not literally but figuratively)!
Thanks for the giveaway, and drop my name in the hat!
Jennifer—hmmm liking the idea of a 3D header that reaches out and grabs the reader *grin.* Consider your name dropped in the hat and good luck with the race!!!!
You have a very lovely site. I like how clean and organized everything is. =)
Would very much love to be included in the giveaway!
Orchid–I’ve been doing laundry and cleaning up all night SOMETHING in my life has to be clean and organized!!!! Thanks so much for your great thoughts. Good luck on the race!
New design is fab! The bird at the bottom of the post is gorgeous <3
Stoked you love my hawk!!! Thanks for stopping by. :o)
Oh, your website is gorgeous just like the cover of your book (which i would like a copy of.) =)
good luck! more power!
Zay–Surface should be coming out in Net Galley in the near future and all ARC requests must go through Simon Pulse. Hopefully there will be some out there circulating for contests and stuff too!!! Thanks for stopping by my page. :o)
Hi Zay–You’re one of the winners from my blog. Can you give me your email address and I’ll send you the information?
You have a beautiful website, love the soft pastel colors you used, and -as everyone else here- I also love your book’s cover. Feels cool and airy, simply perfect 🙂
cayce006 at yahoo dot com
Cayce–awwww thanks for the love. I’m blissfully happy with my cover and thank my lucky stars every day!!!!
I like your new website! Very pretty!!! 😀
Thanks Grace–Good luck on the race!!!!
Beautiful site! So excited for you book 🙂 Thank you for this giveaway!
MaryAnn
maryann(at)chapter-by-chapter(dot)com
Chapter by Chapter
You are such a sweetheart–thanks so much!
I love your website. I think it’s really pretty and I love that everything is very clear and organized. All your contact information is easy to find, your archives are clearly visible and your tags are just as organized. Those are very important in my opinion.
I can’t wait to read your book!
Katy-thank you so much for taking the time to look over the new website–I really appreciate it! Good luck with the race!!!
I like the site. I really like the way the sections are divided on the right side of the page. Makes it easy to navigate! And your header is awesome as well!
– Jessica @ Book Sake
Thanks so much for stopping by. Just checked out your blog and LOVED the graphics!!!! Good luck on the race. :o)
Oh I adore your new website! I particularly like the banner, it’s really neat!
(In case I win- rfoster dot foster at gmail dot com)
Thanks Romi–hope you win!!!
your website is really pretty – very soothing to the eye and easy to navigate.
I’m looking forward to reading ‘Touching the Surface’, it sounds amazingly good. I’ve added it to my to read list on Goodreads and I’ll be on the lookout for its debut!
also thankyou for your YAmazing offer – please add my name to the list 🙂
Best of Luck to you with your book and the website!
Thanks so much Lynne–what a sweet way to wake up this morning. So excited to be on your TBR list!!!
THE AMAZING RACE IS NOW CLOSED!!!! EVERYONE WHO COMMENTED ABOVE THIS COMMENT WILL BE ENTERED INTO MY APOCALYPSIE CONTEST. WINNERS WILL BE ANNOUNCED ON WEDNESDAY!!!! THANKS SO MUCH FOR TAKING THE TIME TO STOP BY MY BLOG, NEW WEBSITE AND THE YAmazing RACE!!!!!!