DECEMBER GIVEAWAY: win a gift card!!!

In Of Breakable Things, the world is what the dead make it. The spirited experience their own sights, smells, and sounds based on how they are feeling or what they remember from their lives. I was recently inspired by a reader who sent me an email about what her autumn would look like in the afterlife. (It was pretty cool, I have to say...)

So December giveaway:

Up for grabs is an Amazon gift card!

Explain what your December would look like in the afterworld. If you could manipulate the world in any way you could, what would it look like?

On any social media, fill in the blank:

In my afterworld, ________________________.


Ex) "In my afterworld, snow would rise from the ground instead of falling from the sky" or "In my afterworld, cold wind would sound like caroling."

Tag me in your response on

Tumblr (http://alyndenr.tumblr.com/)
Instagram (@A.LyndenRolland)
Twitter (@amyrolland)
Or email it to me: alyndenrolland@gmail.com

Drawing will be on December 20th.

Good luck and...

Have the time of your afterlife.

Review: The Truth About Alice

I scooped up this book when I saw it arrive at my local library. I was meeting a student for tutoring, and after our session I sat and read the book. I finished in less than three hours. I visit classrooms often, and kids always, always ask for book recs. This will be one of them- I think the conversational tone with appeal to fans of contemporary.

Admittedly, during the first chapter (Elaine’s POV) I wasn’t so sure if I would like the book. She’s catty and opinionated and narcissistic (but isn’t that the point??). She’s true to her character, likable or not, although I found myself liking her more and more as the story progressed. My opinion of Kelsie rollercoastered throughout the story – again, this was the obvious intention of Mathieu. Kelsie’s questionable actions have a questionable reason. Same with the others. There are hidden motives, guilt, and meaning, and all of their actions intertwine.

It’s difficult to consistently alter POVs without 1. Confusing the reader or 2. Annoying the reader. At no point did I have to flip back to the chapter beginning to figure out who was speaking. The characters are that distinct. And the switching of perspective never interrupted the flow of the story.

I finished the book and thumbed through it again, just thinking. The dedication resonated with me: To All the Alice Franklins. Because they exist. I knew Alice Franklins in high school. Lies spread like viruses. I knew Alice Franklins when I was teaching high school. It’s sad, but she is present in so many schools. The same is true for the Kelsie. And Josh. And Kurt.

This one felt real. 

My only wish: (SPOILER BELOW: Stop reading if you haven't yet read the book)

My only wish was a more distinct resolution. I get it... often the truth is never uncovered, and Mathieu doesn't specifically say that it doesn't happen after the end of the book. We get a glimpse that Alice will be okay, yes, but I want everyone to know the truth!! She never says THIS DIDN'T HAPPEN, GUYS!!!! But even if the world never learns the complete truth, I would have liked for Alice to destroy the bathroom stall- or even find Josh or Kelsie painting over the graffiti to repent for their part in Alice's troubles.

Regardless, I loved the book.

DAY OF THE DEAD

It's

The Day of the Dead

In Of Breakable Things, The Day of the Dead or All Souls Day is an (after)worldwide celebration. It marks the end of their haunting. Festivals include illusions, dancers, games, singing, partying, and a masquerade. In a world of the mental, a costume can be made of flames, orbiting planets, smoke, 

rain, clouds, bones. If you can dream it, you can live it.

Thank you to everyone who entered the sBOOKtacular giveaway. Names were randomly selected through RC. Each winner will select prizes from the list until all of them are gone!

Updated list of prizes listed here.

If a book isn't still on the page, someone else has already claimed it!

WINNERS:

1. K. Smythe
2. A. Sienkil
3. M. Walton
4. Holly Bryan
5. P. Mandigo
6. S. Skylark
7. A. Jowens
8. Guadalupe B
9. Robby M.
10. Michelle L.
11. Precy Larkins
12. J. Christenson
13. Ash Darkmore
14. Tia
15. Reanna

CONGRATULATIONS! Book selections are first come, first served. You get to pick TWO!!! (full list of prizes link is above the Joker)

Email me at ALyndenRolland@gmail.com to choose your prizes or DM me on Twitter @amyrolland!!

sBOOKtacular Halloween with Darke Conteur and The Prophecies of Mortals

On this spooky occasion, I'm lucky enough to spotlight a book that was released TODAY by the fabulous #goatposse member: Darke Conteur! THE PROPHECIES OF MORTALS is the fifth book in her paranormal series!! What a great read for Halloween!!!

Death has touched Jezryall and her team, but their mourning is cut short as the minions of hell step up their plans of kick-starting the apocalypse.

The arrival of old friends bring some much needed laughter and good memories, as well as a possible key to stopping the coming maelstrom. Yes even as Daniel’s powers are re-awakened, Jezryall’s concerns about the Goddess’s motives, questions her loyalty to the deity, and as internal conflict rise with each of her staff, the extra tension strains her own self-control.

As the team is drawn in several directions, they must push aside their own doubts and personal demons, or risk the fulfillment of a prophecy that would see the end of their world.

For a chance to win THE PROPHECIES OF MORTALS, enter the giveaway below! For more information about The Watchtower Series, visit Darke Conteur's website!

For a full list of prizes, click here!

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NJ Signing Pics and sBOOKtacular day 30!!!

So last night was fab! The crowd was so cool and asked wonderful questions! I was humbled to be in the company of Ty Drago, Dorothy Dreyer, and Elizabeth Holloway. They're amazing.

Congrats to all the winners of the gift card pumpkins and other prizes!

I'm in a short story kind of mood today- the spooky kind. Fitting. Here are two anthologies of captivating shorts:

Note: Wee Willie Winkie in Two and Twenty Dark Tales FREAKED. ME. OUT. (in an awesome kind of way)

You can win a copy of these little gems during my OCTOBER sBOOKtacular!!

Enter below!

For a full list of prizes, click here!!

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Come meet me TONIGHT! Barnes & Noble, NJ

New Jersey friends, particularly those in the Marlton area, come out to meet :

Me and OBT

 Ty Drago and the Undertakers Series

Dorothy Dreyer and the Reaper's Rite books

and Elizabeth Holloway with Call Me Grim

There will be treats! There will be free swag! There will be giveaways! There will be pumpkins! And of course, there will be books!

If you dress in costume, you are entered TWICE for the giveaway prizes (including gift cards).

And don't forget to enter my sBOOKtacular October giveaway! You can win one of 30 books and other prizes!


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sBOOKtacular day 28 with Philip Siegel and THE BREAKUP ARTIST

OBT said she didn't want some stupid elephant on her head this morning. She wanted to be cooler... so today she's a skateboarder:

She wanted to be a dancer like Becca from The Breakup Artist, but I have boys... so my props aren't very girl friendly :) Speaking of ... you could win a SIGNED copy of The Breakup Artist during this month's October sBOOKtacular!

Some sixteen-year-olds babysit for extra cash.

Some work at the mall.

Becca Williamson breaks up couples.

Becca knows from experience the damage that love can do. After all, it was so-called love that turned Huxley from her childhood best friend into a social-world dictator, and love that left Becca's older sister devastated at the altar. Instead of sitting on the sidelines, Becca strikes back—for just one hundred dollars via PayPal, she will trick and manipulate any couple's relationship into smithereens. And with relationship zombies overrunning her school and treating single girls as if they're second-class citizens, business is unfortunately booming. Even Becca's best friend, Val, has resorted to outright lies to snag a boyfriend.

One night, Becca receives a mysterious offer to break up the most popular couple in school: Huxley and raw football team's star player, Steve. To succeed, she'll have to plan her most elaborate scheme to date—starting rumors, sabotaging cell phones, breaking into cars...not to mention sneaking back into Huxley's good graces. All while fending off the inappropriate feelings she may or may not be having for Val's new boyfriend.

No one said being the Break-Up Artist would be easy.

This one is so much fun. I've already read it more than once since its release.

Read my review on GR. 

You can check out Philip Siegel's website and buy a copy or enter for a chance to win below!

For a full list of prizes, click here or check out my Tumblr page.

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sBOOKtacular October with Elizabeth Holloway and CALL ME GRIM

If you're in the Marlton, NJ area on Wednesday night, stop by Barnes & Noble and see us! There will be free treats and swag. Prizes (including gift cards) will be raffled. Attendees wearing costumes or purchasing our books will be entered more than once!

In light of the upcoming event, today is all about Elizabeth Holloway and CALL ME GRIM!

The truck should have turned Libbi Piper into a Libbi Pancake—and it would have, too, if Aaron hadn't shown up and saved her life. The problem? Aaron's the local Grim Reaper . . . and he only saved Libbi's life because he needs someone to take over his job. Now, Libbi has two days to choose between dying like she was supposed to, or living a lonely life as Death Incarnate. Talk about a rock and a hard place. And the choice goes from hard to sucktastic when her best friend shows up marked: condemned as a future murderer. Libbi could have an extra week to stop the murder and fix the mark . . . but only if she accepts Aaron's job as Reaper, trapping herself in her crappy town forever, invisible and inaudible to everyone except the newly dead. But, if she refuses? Her best friend is headed straight for Hell.

I can't even...

How did she come up with this premise?? So fun. For more about Elizabeth Holloway check out her website.

Purchase CALL ME GRIM anywhere books are sold... but if you want to win a copy, enter below!!

For a full list of prizes, click here.

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LIST OF PRIZES for sBOOKtacular OCTOBER

sBOOKtacular prizes still up for grabs:
*if the book is not listed, someone has already claimed it!!

(SWITCHED and The INFECTS will be sent together!)

Bracelets still available!

Bracelet: Breakable/Beautiful (only white left)

All Souls All Saints

All the Faithful Departed

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sBOOKtacular day 26 with Nicki Elson and HANS AND GRETA

Costume of the day...

Yo ho ho

Jake and the Neverland Pirates

Spotlight today falls on a super fun novella by Nicki Elson! Zombies, psychos, and fairy tales... Yesssssss.

Feast your eyes (pun intended) on this beauty:

Head into the forest with one studly guy and a psycho girl in this twisted fairy tale novella with a chance of zombie.

Hans and his contentious fiancé, Liesel, are just two warm bodies who wander too far into a forest that was once the site of a zombie infestation. When they stumble upon a romantic cottage, Hans is completely unaware that the woman who will capture his heart—as well as his meaty flesh—is hidden away inside the charming home. To claim true love, Hans will have to endure captivity, unraveling mystery, and a brawl with zombies.

This one is perfect for the season. You can buy the ebook by clicking HERE, or you could WIN a copy by entering the rafflecopter below!!

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sBOOKtacular Day 24 with Linda Budzinski and The Funeral Singer

Costume of the day...

Michelangelo! Cowabunga, dudes!

On with the bookish fun! Spotlight today is on The Funeral Singer by the wonderful Linda Budzinski (click here to visit her website!) 

Being a funeral singer was a dead-end job until it led her to him ...

Seventeen-year-old Melanie Martin has witnessed her share of lame eulogies and uninspired epitaphs while singing part-time at her dad's funeral home. She's determined to be more than a funeral singer, more than just someone's "beloved wife" or "loving mother." 

When Mel's impromptu rendition of "Amazing Grace" at a local rock star's graveside service goes viral on YouTube, she becomes an Internet sensation, gains thousands of fans and followers, and snags a hot rock star boyfriend--Zed Logan, bass player for The Grime. 

But instant fame isn’t easy—and neither is love. Especially when Mel realizes she’s falling for another guy—one who may just want her heart more than her voice …

So unique. LOVE this premise. This one is coming up on my TBR pile, and I can't wait! You can purchase The Funeral Singer by clicking here OR you can enter for a chance to win below!!

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sBOOKtacular Day 23 with Anne Blankman and Prisoner of Night and Fog!

OBT stole my 3 year-old's Halloween costume this morning. I found her breathing heavy and wielding a red lightsaber... she's odd.

ANYWAY...



Very excited about today's spotlight! You can enter to win a SIGNED hardback of Anne Blankman's Prisoner of Night and Fog! This was one of my standout books of the 2014 class. Maybe it's my obsession with WWII, but this book resonated with me.

In 1930s Munich, danger lurks behind dark corners, and secrets are buried deep within the city. But Gretchen Müller, who grew up in the National Socialist Party under the wing of her "uncle" Dolf, has been shielded from that side of society ever since her father traded his life for Dolf's, and Gretchen is his favorite, his pet.

Uncle Dolf is none other than Adolf Hitler. And Gretchen follows his every command.

Until she meets a fearless and handsome young Jewish reporter named Daniel Cohen. Gretchen should despise Daniel, yet she can't stop herself from listening to his story: that her father, the adored Nazi martyr, was actually murdered by an unknown comrade. She also can't help the fierce attraction brewing between them, despite everything she's been taught to believe about Jews.

As Gretchen investigates the very people she's always considered friends, she must decide where her loyalties lie. Will she choose the safety of her former life as a Nazi darling, or will she dare to dig up the truth—even if it could get her and Daniel killed?

From debut author Anne Blankman comes this harrowing and evocative story about an ordinary girl faced with the extraordinary decision to give up everything she's ever believed . . . and to trust her own heart instead.


It's incredible. For my review, click here.

And FYI, the cover for the sequel, Conspiracy of Blood and Smoke, is equally as stunning. Can't wait for April.

For a chance to win a SIGNED COPY of Prisoner of Night and Fog, enter below!!


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sBOOKtacular day 22 with Vicki L. Weavil and CROWN OF ICE!

OBT and I just had a little snowball fight in honor of today's spotlight...

CROWN OF ICE by Vicki L. Weavil! 

Thyra Winther's seventeen, the Snow Queen, and immortal, but if she can't reassemble a shattered enchanted mirror by her eighteenth birthday she's doomed to spend eternity as a wraith. Armed with magic granted by a ruthless wizard, Thyra schemes to survive with her mind and body intact. Unencumbered by kindness, she kidnaps local boy Kai Thorsen, whose mathematical skills rival her own. Two logical minds, Thyra calculates, are better than one. With time rapidly melting away she needs all the help she can steal. A cruel lie ensnares Kai in her plan, but three missing mirror shards and Kai's childhood friend, Gerda, present more formidable obstacles. Thyra's willing to do anything – venture into uncharted lands, outwit sorcerers, or battle enchanted beasts -- to reconstruct the mirror, yet her most dangerous adversary lies within her breast. Touched by the warmth of a wolf pup's devotion and the fire of a young man's desire, the thawing of Thyra's frozen heart could be her ultimate undoing. 

CROWN OF ICE is a YA Fantasy that reinvents Hans Christian Andersen's "The Snow Queen" from the perspective of a young woman who discovers that the greatest threat to her survival may be her own humanity.

You can find CROWN OF ICE on Goodreads, Amazon, and Barnes & Noble. For more about Vicki L. Weavil, click here!

I've been waiting to read this one- it's next on my TBR, and I'm stoked!! For a chance to win CROWN OF ICE or over 30 other prizes, enter below!

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sBOOKtacular day 20 with C.J. Burright and Wonderfully Wicked!

It's Monday. Ugh.

Just keep swimming. Just keep swimming...

In light of that advice, costume of the day is:

NEMO

And cheer up. My sBOOKtacular October giveaway continues with an awesome little gem that's perfect for the season! 

A dreamcaster with the ability to channel creatures from her nightmares, headstrong and cynical Kalila Montgomery longs for a peaceful, picket-fence life… until the man literally of her dreams kidnaps her. 

Survival quickly becomes her number one goal, yet a growing attraction to the man in her nightmares is impossible to ignore. While she fears he will kill her, other, more terrifying enemies surround her, and Kalila succumbs to his scheme to escape. She may be his one hope for freedom…

A deadly combination of power, cunning, and cold-hearted charm, Lydon v'al Endrian fears nothing. Feels nothing. Chained to a brotherhood of men with the supernatural ability to invade dreams, he hunts dreamcasters to be harvested for their dreams and killed. His target: Kalila Montgomery. But Kalila awakens an undeniable dark desire and a longing for a freedom long-lost. 

To gain everything he craves, Lydon must seduce Kalila before his plot is discovered… a hopeless challenge which, if failed, will earn him a death-sentence. Caught up in a dangerous world of secrets and obsession, doubt and betrayal, Kalila and Lydon face the nightmare of their lives, where love will either deliver them—or destroy them both.

Find C.J. Burright online via

CJBurright.com

CJ's blog

Twitter

Facebook

Goodreads

For a chance to win Wonderfully Wicked and/or 30 other books and prizes, enter BELOW!!

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sBOOKtacular day 18! WINNER WINNER!!!

Costume of the day is...

HORTON!!!!

(P.S. I think I saw OBT actually try to run away from me this morning... my poor book suffering through my antics)

ANYWAY...

TIME TO ANNOUNCE THE FIRST WINNER!!!

You can choose between one of the THREE creepy books:

OR you can choose an OBT bracelet!

AND THE WINNER IS...

Ashley @bookserieslover !!!!!!!

Woo hoo!!! Keep entering everyone!! There will be dozens of winners to come!

Enter to win over 30 books and other prizes!!

For a full list of PRIZES click here!!

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