Two Series to Check Out -- Perfect Reading & Gifts

Fresh Takes from the Teen Shelves
All the news, updates and gossip for the Young Adult -- books, authors, movies and more!

With the holidays come up, I have two cool recommendations for you. Both authors were good enough to tell me about the books and share some of the inspiration behind the books. They're good reading, and not coincidentally, would make great gifts. They're highly praised, with broad appeal for young readers. (In other words, there's nothing in them that will make your sister hate you for giving it to your niece. In fact, she'd probably thank you.)

First is (the awesomely titled) TIDINGS OF GREAT BOYS, by Shelley Adina. I asked Shelly to tell me what it was about.

Shelly: Finals week is approaching, and Lady Lindsay (Mac) MacPhail is still undecided on where to spend the holidays. Normally she'd go home to Scotland, but spending two weeks alone in the castle with her dad isn't as appealing as it used to be. So she invites her friends Carly, Lissa, Gillian, and Shani to join her for the holidays! Mac is determined to make this the best Christmas ever. She even decides to organize the traditional Hogmanay dance for New Year's Eve. If she can get her mother involved, maybe her parents will finally get back together.

But when Mac and the girls arrive in Scotland, they are faced with bad news: The castle is falling apart and Mac's parents are struggling financially. Not only that, but Shani is in big trouble with Prince Rashid's royal family. Can the girls find a way to celebrate the holidays, get Mac's parents back together, save the castle, and rescue Shani ... and will Mac believe it's all part of God's plan? There's only one way to find out!

RCM: I love the setting! Scotland at Christmas. That would make me buy this, if nothing else.

Shelley Adina: While I was researching this book, I put out the word on Facebook that I needed some information about Scottish Christmas and New Year's traditions. A girl from Scotland replied and told me just the kind of details that I could wrap seamlessly into my story. Like what? you ask. Like these:

- At three o'clock on Christmas Day, the Queen's speech on TV is an institution. So I worked it so that my heroine is hurrying to get something done before three, and makes a mistake that pivots the plot in a dangerous direction.

- Families often go to the local pub to celebrate and dance on Christmas Eve, after the carol service. So of course I made up a pub and set a scene there.

- Midnight on New Year's Eve is called "the bells," so I made sure I referred to it that way. And I had people come to the door of the castle "first-footing," because it's good luck to bring a gift to someone's house first thing on New Year's Day.

RCM: Will we having any trouble picking this book up if we haven't read the rest of the All About Us series?

Shelly: Each book stands by itself because it's narrated by a different girl in the group each time, but there are one or two over-arching story threads that weave through all the books. For instance, a thread that started in book 4 is resolved in this book (5), and the main romance for the character from book 1 is resolved in the final book, #6, which is the January release.

But each narrator has her own story that begins and ends in her book, so they stand alone from a story standpoint, and the other threads are pretty easy to pick up.

I'm thinking of picking up this whole series for my niece, but especially Shelly's Christmas one. Poking around the internet, this is a series where faith and spiritual development is an important theme, but the stories are fun things girls want to read. TIDINGS OF GREAT BOYS is available now. (Hachette FaithWords)

My niece may be having a great Christmas this year, because the "Mia" series by Eileen Boggess makes me immediately think of her. The main character starts off as a shy 14 year old, and begins a journey to awesome. The first book is MIA THE MEEK, and the second, MIA THE MELODRAMATIC. The third, MIA THE MAGNIFICENT, comes out this month, and here's how Eileen describes it:

Sophomore year has arrived and Mia can hardly wait! She's turning sweet sixteen, getting her driver's license, and will finally be able to cut the umbilical cord her parents have wrapped around her. She can go where she wants to go, see what she wants to see, and do what she wants to do. There's nothing holding Mia backÑexcept for the fact she doesn't actually have a car to drive. But when and if her parents ever let her drive their car, Mia will be completely liberated.

Unfortunately, freedom has its price. After Mia is forced back into total dependency, it doesn't take long for her meek and melodramatic behaviors to return as well. But with a little help from her friends and a whole lot of self-determination, Mia regains her independence and discovers she may be a little magnificent after all.

RCM: Were you inspired by anything, or any one, in particular?

Eileen: I started writing Mia the Meek when I was a 7th grade language arts teacher. I assigned my students the task of writing a realistic fiction book and they were not happy. So, I told them I would write one with them. I began writing about Mia and her friends and had so much fun telling Mia's story that I kept on writing! I eventually finished the book and after a lot of hard work, a lot of rejection letters, and a lot of revision, it was eventually published by Bancroft Press. Mia is loosely based on a lot of students I taught over the years. She is the girl who is smart and quiet and who boys don't notice. But as a teacher, I knew that in a few years, these girls would be amazing and all the guys will kick themselves for not noticing them earlier.

Many of Mia's foibles are my own. I accidentally set my science lab table on fire during an experiment (MIA THE MEEK), I dressed as a clown for a children's theater group (MIA THE MELODRAMATIC), and unfortunately have crashed a few cars (MIA THE MAGNIFICENT).

RCM: I'm sure this will be a really satisfying read in order (A nice trilogy to give as a gift, hint hint), but can we read the last one first?

Eileen: It may help to read them in order, but each book is a stand alone title.

Eileen describes Mia as a 'work in progress' which even I can relate to. I'm STILL a work in progress. But I know a ton of girls who will really relate to Mia's story. (Bancroft Press)

Happy December everyone! Whatever you celebrate, I hope the season finds you with family and friends and lots of time to snuggle in front of the fire and read!

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Rosemary Clement-Moore writes Young Adult books because she loves to read them. Visit her webpage or blog to find out more about her award winning Maggie Quinn: Girl vs. Evil series, and upcoming gothic romance, The Splendor Falls

DAILY DOSE | The Splendor Falls by Rosemary Clement-Moore

Everyone once and a while, you discover an extraordinary piece of prose. The work captivates your imagination with history, compelling characters, rich, vibrant settings and language so alluring that you cannot put it down. I do not review books often for the Daily Dose, but I really want to share this book with you.

Best Read of 2009

Presumptuous as the statement may be, considering we’re six weeks out from 2010, but for me, THE SPLENDOR FALLS was hands down the best book I’ve read all year. The first thirty pages captivated me, inviting me in to sit and stay a spell. Because I was only able to read in drips and drabs, I was forever grumbling about having to close the book to work, to drive, to eat and yes, even to sleep.

In three pages, we meet Sylvie Davis, embrace her talent and cringe as she breaks her leg on the stage. The visceral crunch of the bones made me wince, the fall made me cringe and referring to the incident forever as The Accident made me sad. I danced when I was younger, I was not a prime ballerina, but I danced pretty well. I tore my knee when I was fifteen and that ended any future in dancing that I might have had because the knee would never be strong enough to take that type of punishment.

When Sylvie Davis stared at the bleak road that detoured away from the bright, dedicated future, she was lost. Her mother marrying a shrink and everyone urging Sylvie to just ‘get over it’ compounds her depression, a natural extension. The loss of dance, hot on the heels of losing her father is more than enough to send a girl into a tailspin. At her mother’s wedding reception, she chased a Vicodin with some champagne, drowning her sorrows and in one, quiet, unguarded moment, she lets herself feel all the pain, misery and loss wishing and hoping that a magical solution could repair what an accident of fate has torn in her.

Preemptive Literature

Enthralled with the story of Sylvie Davis, the plantation of Bluestone Hill and Old Cahawba, I literally couldn’t stop thinking about the book. My own story began to stutter because images of kudzu, Gigi barking and even the smell of lilacs wafted to me from the book. I finally conceded to temptation, stopped fighting the magic and finished the book.

Rosemary Clement-Moore, your work astounds me! Every vivid description, every tense moment, every hand thrown up in frustration and at the heart of it, the history of both the land and the stones … I could go on and on and on. Marketed as young adult, THE SPLENDOR FALLS is a suspenseful, rich gothic tale ---ageless as PRIDE AND PREJUDICE and even more engaging. If you haven’t picked up THE SPLENDOR FALLS, you really have no idea what you’re missing.

A Little History

In September, I met an author named Rosemary Clement-Moore. I picked up her first book PROM DATES FROM HELL and her most recent release. I devoured PROM DATES FROM HELL, laughing all the way through the book. The heroine’s plucky, snarky humor was laugh out loud funny even in the darker situations. I did not start THE SPLENDOR FALLS right away. In fact, the first time I cracked open the book was last Saturday waiting to go to lunch with some friends before attending the "Getting Fresh with Vampires" panel. I made it about thirty pages before people started arriving, but that was just long enough for the siren to begin calling.

Have you read THE SPLENDOR FALLS?

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A lifelong writer turned author, Heather Long's first book Remembering Ashby is available for purchase at Sapphire Blue Publishing. Coming soon is the urban fantasy: Prime Evil. The Daily Dose explores books, television, writing and more -- all topics that Heather enjoys.

Get Fresh With VAMPIRES! A lively Discussion & Celebration of Pop Culture Literature with Candace Havens, Rosemary Clement-Moore & Gwen Reyes

Fresh Fiction and Barnes & Noble presents...

Getting Fresh with Vampires

Saturday, November 14th @ 5:00 PM

Barnes & Noble Lincoln Park

Join Fresh Fiction’s Gwen Reyes for a lively discussion about vampires in
today’s literature & pop culture with Special Guests Candace Havens & Rosemary Clement-Moore

They'll be taking on the Twilight crowd and talking about vampires, Bella,
Diaries, Edward and much much more! Special treats available!!!

click here for Flyer

Fresh Teen Takes | Best Bets in November

Fresh Takes from the Teen Shelves

I was lucky enough to cap off my October with an invitation to speak at the Texas Book Festival on a panel called “Hot Reads for Cool Chicks.”  A flattering invitation, indeed, not least because it presumes I’m cool enough to hang with some pretty neat chicks… Er, authors.


Rosemary, Katherine Marsh, Victoria Laurie (holding Peaches), and Isobelle Carmody

Katherine Marsh’s novel, THE NIGHT TOURIST won the 2008 Edgar Award for Best Juvenile Mystery. It’s a modern twist on the tale of Orpheus and Eurydice, told in the underground of New York City. When lonely ninth-grader Jack is injured in an accident, much like the one that killed his mother, his father sends him to a specialist in New York. There he meets Euri, a ghost who becomes his guide to the Underworld that exists beneath the streets of Manhattan. Jack wants to find his mother, but the hazards of searching for her are immense. With witty dialogue, realistic characters and plenty of action, Marsh crafts a charming tale about love, loss and heroic adventure.

In THE TWILIGHT PRISONER, Jack revisits the Underworld, taking with him Cora, a girl he hopes to impress. I’m sure there are no flaws in THAT plan. With more guest (ghost?) appearances by historical and mythological figures, this will especially appeal to anyone who loves the Percy Jackson novels by Rick Riordan, plus anyone who loves mythology, New York, or wondrous stories. (I downloaded THE NIGHT TOURIST for my e-reader when I got home from Austin, and I’m in love with this book already.)

Isobelle Carmody is an acclaimed and award winning author in Australia for her Obernewtyn series, and her newest novel, ALYZON WHITESTARR, was recently released in the US. The titular character is extremely ordinary, especially compared to her artistic family, until an accident (Another accident!) leaves her with an extraordinary sense of smell. Unlike me and my super-sniffer, Alyzon is not merely ambushed by people’s overuse of aftershave. She can smell emotions. Her best friend smells of a comforting sea breeze, her father like warm brown sugar. But the cutest boy in school has this strange, rancid smell about him. She wants to like him, but her ESSP (Extra-Sensory-Smell Perception) says there is something off about him.

Isobelle has a great way of describing what Alyzon senses, and the story is, according to reviews, a fun mystery thriller with a touch of romance and an exciting climax. (This has also found a place on my e-reader.)

Victoria Laurie has two best selling adult mystery series going already, but THE ORACLES OF DELPHI KEEP is her first foray for younger readers. Set in pre-World War II England, it incorporates Greek legends, prophecy, ominous figures and horrible pursuing beasts. Ian is a 13-year old boy growing up in an orphanage in Dover, and he’s all about exploring and breaking rules. Ian discovers a box in a cave where (of course) he’s forbidden to go, and inside is a prophecy. About him. Soon he and his sort of adopted little sister Theo (who has a knack for seeing the future) are on the adventure of a lifetime, pursued by a menacing evil and a ferocious beast. By the end of the story, they’re off to Morocco, and a fast and furious climax to the adventure.

Victoria says she was inspired by J.K. Rowling, and it shows in the spirit of the book. The young characters are plucky, resourceful, and sometimes unwisely impetuous. As they should be. I was pleased to get to read an advance copy of this book and I found it as enjoyable as other books for the same younger YA market (the aforementioned Harry Potter and Percy Jackson books, for example).

Other quick picks from the crop of November releases:

Two ongoing series get new installments this month. One is FADE OUT, book 7 in the Morganville Vampire series by Rachel Caine. Even if you think you’re tired of vampires, give this a try. It predates the blood-sucking glut on the market, with an edgier, fully fleshed out fantasy premise. I know that everything gets compared to Buffy, but there’s a distinct vibe in the smart writing and engaging cast of characters. GLASS HOUSES is the first in the series, but FADE OUT wouldn’t be a bad place to jump in. (The series has been optioned for television. Yay!)

Another fantasy series, The Immortals, by Alyson Noel, continues with SHADOWLAND. In the first book, Ever survives a car accident (another one!) that kills her family, leaving her with the ability to see auras and hear thoughts. She learns she is immortal, and guiding her into this new special world is Damen… mysterious, rich, worldly, magical. Fantasy, mystery, love all mix together in a beautiful story. Fans are awaiting SHADOWLAND (which comes out November 17th) with a frenzy, but I suggest you start with the first book, EVERMORE.

If you’re not into paranormal, check out HOW TO RUIN YOUR BOYFRIEND'S REPUTATION by Simon Elkeles. This follows up two earlier books about half-Israeli Amy Nelson-Barak, and in this one, Amy volunteers for a ten-day military training camp in Israel, mostly to be near her boyfriend, who is in the Israeli army. Only it’s a lot harder than she expected, and oh yeah, a lot less romantic, too. While I’m raising an eyebrow at the premise, I really like that this funny series features a heroine with an interesting ethnic background. (November 1)

These next ones are courtesy of my librarian friend Jenny Martin (who has a great blog that includes recipes with all her book reviews!). I asked her what November releases had caught her Librarian-slash-aspiring-YA-writer eye.

I would not have picked ANGEL IN VEGAS: THE CHRONICLES OF NOAH SARK, by Norma Howe, solely by the cover. But the premise sounds irresistible!  A guardian angel (whose previous charge was Princess Diana) is demoted and stuck in Las Vegas in the body of a teenage boy. As if Elvis impersonators, a psychic fair, casino volcanoes and pirate ships aren’t enough, he’s supposed to protect a teenage girl named Barbara, but he doesn’t know from what.  Kirkus says this is a spirited tale that carries off the premise with “humor and verve.”  (November 10^th)

On a darker note is THE BETRAYAL OF NATALIE HARGROVE, by Lauren Kate. The tagline? “Cruel Intensions meets MacBeth in this tale of conscience and consequence.”  I’m intrigued.  Natalie would do anything to be the Palmetto Princess, but a prank meant to eliminate competition for the crown goes horribly (indeed, fatally) wrong and she becomes embroiled in a quicksand of deception and cover-up. Natalie is a flawed heroine, a bratty sort of Lady MacBeth, so this book isn’t for everyone. But for those who love the backstabbing and bitchery of Gossip Girl, Booklist calls this a decadent guilty pleasure.  (November 11.)

THE PALE ASSASSIN by Patricia Elliott is a historical novel set in the French Revolution. It’s a kind of riff on THE SCARLET PIMPERNEL, only the heroine is a privileged girl who gets embroiled in political intrigue. Eugenie is an unlikely heroine, as she has to shake off her somewhat spoiled upbringing as the adventure ramps up and she and her compatriots race to escape an Inspector Javert type of relentless villain. Spying, deception and romance as revolution rages in Paris. Kirkus Reviews loved this book, and it definitely sounds promising for lovers of historical adventure novels. (November 15)

That should hold you through Thanksgiving Weekend (when I hole up in my house and stay away from the mall). Until then, happy reading!

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Rosemary Clement-Moore writes Young Adult books because she loves to read them. Visit her webpage or blog to find out more about her award winning Maggie Quinn: Girl vs. Evil series, and gothic romance, The Splendor Falls

Fresh Pick | THE SPLENDOR FALLS by Rosemary Clement-Moore

September 2009
On Sale: September 8, 2009
528 pages
ISBN: 0385736908
EAN: 9780385736909
Hardcover
$17.99
Young Adult
Buy at Amazon.com

The Splendor Falls
by Rosemary Clement-Moore

Can love last beyond the grave?

Sylvie Davis is a ballerina who can’t dance. A broken leg ended her career, but Sylvie’s pain runs deeper. What broke her heart was her father’s death, and what’s breaking her spirit is her mother’s remarriage—a union that’s only driven an even deeper wedge into their already tenuous relationship.

Uprooting her from her Manhattan apartment and shipping her to Alabama is her mother’s solution for Sylvie’s unhappiness. Her father’s cousin is restoring a family home in a town rich with her family’s history. And that’s where things start to get shady. As it turns out, her family has a lot more history than Sylvie ever knew. More unnerving, though, are the two guys that she can’t stop thinking about. Shawn Maddox, the resident golden boy, seems to be perfect in every way. But Rhys—a handsome, mysterious foreign guest of her cousin’s—has a hold on her that she doesn’t quite understand.

Then she starts seeing things. Sylvie’s lost nearly everything—is she starting to lose her mind as well?

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