Sometimes I get to review a book and I’m so excited to share it with you, but you have to wait weeks or months for it to hit the shelves. Not today!!! SCARLET by AC Gaughen had it’s very happy Book Birthday yesterday. So, once I convince you that you must read this book immediately–you can go right out and buy it. Or even have it sent to your house. Or if you just can’t wait another minute–you can click on that eBook right now. While you decide, I’ll tell you all about the book.
SCARLET by AC Gaughen
Many readers know the tale of Robin Hood, but they will be swept away by this new version full of action, secrets, and romance.
Posing as one of Robin Hood’s thieves to avoid the wrath of the evil Thief Taker Lord Gisbourne, Scarlet has kept her identity secret from all of Nottinghamshire. Only the Hood and his band know the truth: the agile thief posing as a whip of a boy is actually a fearless young woman with a secret past. Helping the people of Nottingham outwit the corrupt Sheriff of Nottingham could cost Scarlet her life as Gisbourne closes in.
It’s only her fierce loyalty to Robin—whose quick smiles and sharp temper have the rare power to unsettle her—that keeps Scarlet going and makes this fight worth dying for.
CHECK OUT THE SCARLET BOOK TRAILER.
Want to order SCARLET?
AMAZON
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Kimberly Sabatini’s Review of SCARLET
OMG!!!! I loved this book. I’m going to start this review by announcing something that I NEVER expected to say (John–if you’re reading this you should close your eyes and skip ahead) ROBIN HOOD IS MY NEW BOYFRIEND!!!! There, it’s out in the open. Phew–I feel better now. I know that once you read this–you’re going to want him too–but just remember I said it first and this post is time-stamped. But don’t worry, you don’t have to be turned away empty handed–Rob’s band of Merry Men are pretty darn lovable too.
Then there’s Scarlet, who is the only one that I’ll let date my new boyfriend–because I like her that much. You are going to adore her journey as you read along. It starts with Scarlet, but you’ll find it woven through the whole story– AC Gaughen is a master of writing perfectly balanced characters. I give her my “Friday Night Lights Award” for making me find something redeemable and maybe even likable in ALMOST everyone.
Hang on, there’s more to love about this book.
Lets take a minute to examine the unique plot twists and the creative take on a story that has been done a million times.There was nothing stale about this tale. THIS IS THE ROBIN HOOD THAT I’VE ALWAYS WANTED! I love when I walk away from a great book knowing that that even though the story is fiction, the characters and their journey have become real. But even though I’m girlie gushing–make no mistakes–I’m picking up my own copy to read to my three boys because they are going to love it!!! There is palm-sweating, boy-loving, action and adventure too. This book is going to capture the attention of a broad audience and deservedly so.
So proud to be in the Class of 2k12 with AC Gaughen and SCARLET. <3 What are you waiting for–GO READ SCARLET!!!!
A.C. Gaughen has been a concierge, a personal shopper, a handbag saleswoman, a wrapper (often and understandably confused with the homonym without a “w”), a call center phone-line answerer, a tour guide for the Commonwealth, a blogger, a writer of research articles like “How to Grind with a Boy”, and, most memorably, someone who couldn’t hang a shirt on a hanger correctly. Through all of these, however, she’s also been a young adult author, and is thrilled to be publishing her debut novel, Scarlet, with Bloomsbury/Walker.
You can find out more about A. C. Gaughen and SCARLET here…
*A. C. Gaughen’s Website
*Facebook
*Twitter
*YouTube
*Goodreads
*Class of 2k12
*The Apocalypsies
****Don’t forget there is still time to sign up for my contest!!! You can win an ARC of STARTERS, a signed bookmark, swag for TOUCHING THE SURFACE and you get to see my amazing blurb from Daisy Whitney author of THE MOCKINGBIRDS and THE RIVALS.****
What’s your favorite character from the tales of Robin Hood?? Anything you’re waiting on this Wednesday?? Happy Hump Day!!!
Tags: AC Gaughen, Apocalypsies, Book Review, Class of 2k12, Kim Sabatini, Kimberly Sabatini, Scarlet, Touching the Surface
Woo hoo!!! I’ve got stuff to give away. Who wants it???
First, I have an ARC of STARTERS by fellow Apocalypsie Lissa Price…
Callie lost her parents when the Spore Wars wiped out everyone between the ages of twenty and sixty. She and her little brother, Tyler, go on the run, living as squatters with their friend Michael and fighting off renegades who would kill them for a cookie. Callie’s only hope is Prime Destinations, a disturbing place in Beverly Hills run by a mysterious figure known as the Old Man.
He hires teens to rent their bodies to Enders—seniors who want to be young again. Callie, desperate for the money that will keep her, Tyler, and Michael alive, agrees to be a donor. But the neurochip they place in Callie’s head malfunctions and she wakes up in the life of her renter, living in her mansion, driving her cars, and going out with a senator’s grandson. It feels almost like a fairy tale, until Callie discovers that her renter intends to do more than party—and that Prime Destinations’ plans are more evil than Callie could ever have imagined. . . .
Kimberly Sabatini’s Review of Starters
I was given the ARC of STARTERS at the New York SCBWI Conference and I can’t tell you what a lucky break that was for me. I am so excited to have gotten an early peek at this debut novel. My only complaint? Now I have to wait, for what is going to seem like forever, until I can read ENDERS and find out what happens after all those cliff hangers? *growls at Lissa Price*
Why do I love this book? Starters has amazing characters, a very unique setting and a super exciting plot. But the best part is that all these wonderful components blend together seamlessly. I felt the very same way when I read CINDER by Marissa Meyer. These books have mastered the art of story telling–they are the complete package. STARTERS reeled me in from the very beginning and thoroughly captured my attention and emotions.
So, what’s special about STARTERS? A lot–but one of my favorite things is Price’s integration of the elderly into her novel. Below the surface of heart-thumping excitement, I found myself pondering some deep and interesting thoughts about Price’s society and how it relates to our own. I love a story that has layers and depth. And I know I mentioned it earlier, but the CLIFF HANGERS are amazing!!! STARTERS is a complete and fulfilling book and it’s teasers are not gratuitous–they are exciting and well thought out. Thank you!!!!
In my humble opinion, this book will be a well deserved success. And making it even sweeter, I love being able to support my fellow Apocalypsies and Lissa Price has just made my job so easy. Congrats, Lissa–I’m expecting great things from you and if you ever want to let me peek at ENDERS–I’m available.
Here’s how to PREORDER STATERS
Want to read an EXCERPT OF STARTERS?
Join the conversation on FACEBOOK
You can also check out Lissa Price’s Website
And here is the STARTERS BOOK TRAILER!
Lissa Price is also on TWITTER.
The winner of this contest will also get some swag from me and it will include my new BOOKMARKS!!!! Want to see how pretty they are? They were created by the talented Jeff Allen Fielder and I loved working with him. I highly recommend him if you’re looking for someone to do your bookmarks. He’ll absolutely be making postcards for me too!!!
Here’s the front…with room for me to sign it if you’d like. How crazy is that??? Seriously, you’d be the very first person to have me sign anything. I’ll be blushing the whole time that I do it!
And here is the back with a sneak peek at my *heart squishing* blurb by the lovely and talented Daisy Whitney–the author of THE MOCKINGBIRDS and it’s sequel and new release THE RIVALS.
Yes, I get a little mushy every time I read it. *Pulls myself together* But the BIG question is…how can you win all this and maybe even a little piece of chocolate??? Leave a comment below with your contact information included and tell me and Lissa what your favorite kind of swag is? I’m starting to plan my swag bag and I’d like to invest in things that that are really useful and enjoyable to readers. Feel free to get creative. This contest will run from today (Monday, February 13th) until midnight EST on Friday February 17th. One winner will be picked at random. Good luck and PS…I give good chocolate.
Tags: Apocalypsies, blurb, Contest. swag, Daisy Whitney, Jeff Allen Fielder, Kim Sabatini, Kimberly Sabatini, Lissa Price, SCBWI, Starters, The Mockingbirds, The Rivals, Touching the Surface, YA Author, YA Book, YA Novel, YA Writer
Are you excited to read ENDLESSLY by Kiersten White? You should be.
You can pre-order ENDLESSLY here…Barnes & Noble, Amazon, IndieBound and for additional links check Goodreads.
Kimberly Sabatini’s review of ENDLESSLY by Kiersten White…
*Sigh* I am so bleeping sad that the Paranormalcy Trilogy is over. I was lucky enough to obtain an ARC of ENDLESSLY through my agent Michelle Wolfson’s Wolf Pack ARC Tour. But the fact that Kiersten is an agency sister plays no bearing on my delight in reading ENDLESSLY and my disappointment that it’s over.
I am going to miss Evie and all the characters in her paranormal world. They were unique and I know that they will never come my way again. 🙁
What else did I love about this book and all the books in the trilogy? I adore Kiersten’s humor for starters. I always find myself laughing at her quirky bleeping way with words and her creativity. Her take on the paranormal world is delightful. And my favorite thing about the books? It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking that Kiersten writes fluff, because it’s just so much fun to read, but if you’re paying attention, she has depth and layers to what she shares with her audience. She gives deep thoughts and guidance in a way that is never patronizing. She doesn’t talk down to her readers–she wins them over and is a role model through her characters. I mean–who wouldn’t want to grow up to be just like Evie. And I’m not just saying that because I want a pink taser!
Without a doubt, ENDLESSLY comes to a fulfilling end, but I may never stop asking Kiersten to whisper in my ear about what happens to Evie in five, ten, twenty years–she’s become a friend and I don’t want to let her go.
Congratulations, Kiersten–You’ve done a fantastic job. Can’t wait to read your next book. <3
You can find out more about Kiersten White, ENDLESSLY and the Paranormalcy Trilogy here…
*Kiersten White’s Website
*Kiersten White’s Blog
*Twitter
*Facebook
*Goodreads
Tags: Book Review, Endlessly, Kiersten White, Kim Sabatini, Kimberly Sabatini, Michelle Wolfson, Paranrmalcy Trilogy, Touching the Surface, Wolf Pack, Wolfson Literary, YA Author, YA Book, YA Novel, YA Writer
It’s Sunday. Technically it’s Super Bowl Sunday and I’m sitting in the middle of a football party in my living room. I’m in the big chair in the corner with my lap top and a heavy-duty set of ear plugs, digging into this last conference post that took place last Sunday. I’d like to say this is dedication, but truly it’s not. I’m *gasp* not a football die hard and I only feel compelled to even be in the living room (instead of hiding upstairs) because my kids think I should be thrilled about this spectacular sports event. I do not begrudge them the excitement and passion of the game, I feel the same emotion when I go to the “Super Bowl” of kid lit writing events. To each his own and if you like both…more power to you. Let’s kickoff this last conference post!
Sunday January 29th, 2012
8:30-9:00 AWARD PRESENTATION for the Tomie dePaola Award and the Art Showcase winners but first a HUGE shout-out for the staff of the SCBWI.
Feel free to stop reading and give them a little standing ovation…I’ll wait.
Now, on to the Portfolio Showcase Winner: Mike Curato
This could have easily been a picture of me standing in front of the cupcake counter at the Magnolia Bakery. Mike obviously knows how to capture a moment!
You can check out the art from the rest of the winners on the SCBWI Conference blog and also find artwork from more of our talented illustrators on the SCBWI’s Illustrator Gallery.
9:00-9:15 SURPRISE ANNOUNCEMENT by Jane Yolen
I don’t know about you, but I get tingly just thinking about Jane Yolen speaking–she always captures my attention and has something fantastic to say. This year was no exception. The SCBWI has started the Jane Yolen Mid-List Author Grant.
Here is what Lee Wind on the SCBWI Blog had to say about it…
“Congratulations to Mary K. Whittington for winning this year’s inaugural Jane Yolen Mid-List Author grant! A published author who hasn’t had a new book come out in a while, Mary recently had a stroke, and is halfway through writing a new novel using voice recognition software. Jane calls Mary her hero, and hopes the grant helps her get that novel finished and out into the world.
And our cheers as well to Ann Whitford Paul and Barbara Diamond Golden for their honor grants.
More information about the Jane Yolen Mid-List Author Grant (and how to nominate a mid-list author you know for next year) will be forthcoming on scbwi.org, where you’ll find information on all the author and illustrator Grants and Awards.”
Yes…Jane Yolen is made of awesome!
9:15-10:15 PANEL: METHODS TO THE MADNESS: THE PROCESS OF MAKING PICTURE BOOKS: Featuring the Bookmakers Dozen and moderated by Laurent Linn
Don’t hate me–I loved the Bakers Dozen, but there were just too many people for one panel. So many, I’m not even going to list them all. It took me the first half hour of the presentation to figure out who was who. But I did jot down a couple gems from Peter Brown…
*If you plan on making a career in this business–you have to be an idea factory!
*You need to take the reader into account–you don’t want to make the best book ever that no one reads.
*You don’t want to be the last one to write a vampire book–you want to be the first one to write a robovamp book. Don’t steal that.
Time to goof off a little before the next panel…Lin said to stretch.
Scott, Jodi, Kim and Sam
Allan, Justin and Scott…ready to tackle the agent panel. LOL!
10:30-11:30 PANEL” THE CURRENT MARKET FOR YOUR WORK: FOUR AGENTS’ VIEWS
Moderator (LO) Lin Oliver
(GK) Ginger Knowlton, Agent, Curtis Brown LTD.
(RB) Regina Brooks, Founder and President, Serendipity Literary Agency, LLC
(CR) Chris Richman, Agent, Upstart Crow Literary
(KW) Ken Wright, Agent, Writers House
***I’M INTERRUPTING THIS BLOG WITH A PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT…THE GIANTS HAVE SCORED A TOUCH DOWN!!!! EVERYONE SEEMS EXCITED. NOW BACK TO OUR REGULAR PROGRAMING.***
State of the market…
(KW) Every time I make a submission, editors are asking where is this book going to go and how is the author going to get me there. The days are gone when someone can acquire a book just because they “like it.”
(GK) Exciting, Exhilarating, Exhausting
What are you looking for?
(CR) Voice…but a lot comes down to the hook.
(KW) I choose based on what I know about individual editors.
(RB) My job is to come up with ways to position the book.
(GK) Lots of debut novels being published, so agents and editors are looking for fresh voices.
(KW) YA is going to continue to trend.
On building a career author…
(GK) Nurture every connection–small community, play nice.
(CR) The more attractive you can make yourself, the more likely we are to want to work with you. (No…not physically attractive. *head thump*)
11:30-12:30 CLOSING KEYNOTE: KEEPING YOUR FOCUS by Kathryn Erskine
I love how animated and enthusiastic Kathryn is!
F-freedom
O-organization
C-creativity
U-understanding
S-sharing
Here’s the best of each category…
FREEDOM
*Create whenever you can.
*Free yourself from the guilt that you’re taking time away from other people.
*Free yourself from self-doubt. Do you remember what books got awards when you were 15? No–you remember what books moved you.
*Whenever you think about hanging it up–remember there is a kid out there who needs you.
ORGANIZATION
*Organize your workspace.
*Organize your MS–Scrivener. (I’m a personal fan.)
CREATIVITY
*To be creative you really have to take care of yourself.
*Being creative is hard, sublime, ridiculous.
*You’ve got to do what works for you.
UNDERSTANDING
*What do you want to say?
*Understand your audience–how to relate you your readers.
SHARING
*At some point you have to let your “baby” out into the world, but have it ready. Taking some time to do it right is worth it.
*Published of now, take some time to connect with your readers NOW.
STAY FOCUSED…
*You know your passion–that’s why you’re here.
*talent plus determination.
*Books save us.
12:30-1:00 DOOR PRIZES AND CLOSING REMARKS
1:00-3:00 AUTOGRAPH PARTY!!!!!!
Chris Crutcher and Me!!!!
Making a cyber friend into a real life friend. Cindy Rodriguez and Me. And yes, I have on my TEAM WOLF PACK T-shirt!!!!
Class of 2k12 love–Me and Lynda Mullaly Hunt.
Kim and Kathryn Erskine–totally LOVE her!!!!
Kathryn Erskine signed one special for my Fishkill Frogs!
Me and my best buddy, Jodi Moore–author of WHEN A DRAGON MOVES IN. *love*
Me and the love triangle queen, Cassandra Clare.
Cheryl Klein is AWESOME!!! That’s all I have to say. *grin*
Lin Oliver signing for my boys who ADORE her books!!!!!!
The perfect end to a perfect weekend. (Magnolia Bakery)
Hope you enjoyed my virtual tour of the NY SCBWI Conference. Next I’ll be heading to the Eastern PA 20th Annual Pocono Mountain Retreat, where I’ll be spending the weekend with…drum roll…Laurie Halse Anderson. *SQUEE* If you’re not too far away, think about signing up, I’d love to hang out with you.
Any conferences in your future? Tell me where you’re heading–I always love to hear about your writing adventures and I’d love to read about what you’ve learned along the way. Were you at NY? What was your highlight? And who won that Super Bowl? And were you watching?
Tags: Cassandra Clare, Cheryl Klein, Chris Crutcher, Class of 2k12, Jane Yolen, Jodi Moore, Kathryn Erskine, Kim Sabatini, Kimberly Sabatini, Magnolia Bakery, NY12SCBWI, SCBWI, Super Bowl, Touching the Surface, Wolf Pack
