Second to No One by Natalie Palmer -- Blog Tour

Second to No One

Author: Natalie Palmer

Publisher: Tate Publishing

Published: November 19th, 2013

ISBN: 9781627468

Paperback: 253 pages

Genre: YA

Goodreads Summary

Available now through www.nataliepalmerbooks.blogspot.com and tatepublishing.com. Will be released to online bookstores November 19, 2013!

“Things change. People change. Jess and I weren’t above it.”

Gemma’s first year of high school isn’t starting out the way she hoped. Jess is back from California and before she can memorize her class schedule their summer romance comes to a screeching halt. To add to her misery the gorgeous new girl in school also has eyes for Jess and despite Gemma’s unfailing attempts to win him back she keeps finding herself alone.

But when a late night car crash lands her a three month grounding and twenty hours of community service she discovers that there’s more to life than just romance and boyfriends.

Unpredictable and heart wrenching, Second to No One is the perfect continuation to the magical beginning of the Gemma and Jess romance.

My Review

Second to No One is a very enjoyable, clean book with lots of heart and lessons for the characters.  I really liked Gemma this time around.  Jess was a favorite too.  The author did a great job of writing with a teenage voice and some of the things Gemma thought in her mind made me laugh out loud.  All the characters were well written.  Drew gave me a smile lots of times.  I really enjoyed the journey Gemma takes in this book.  I loved the lessons that she learns too.  She gets to know her sister better, steps out of her comfort zone, and most importantly gets to know herself.  Gemma has to complete some community service after a late night accident and I loved the scenes at the nursing home and what came from them.

4 out of 5 stars.  When Gemma and Jess finally figure things out, they are thrown with more twists and the ending was very surprising.  I was not expecting it, and am eagerly waiting for the next book.  Second to No One is the sequel to Second Kiss.  The author does a great job at catching the reader up, but I would definitely read Second Kiss first.

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Author Bio

I am a writer. But more importantly, I'm a mom, which is the best thing I could have ever hoped for in my life. I have three kids who amaze me every day with their little quips of humor and intelligence.  I can't really applaud myself for how great they are, though, since I have absolutely no idea what I'm doing when it comes to mothering children.  But the fact that they're turning out so awesome and I'm the one that hangs out with them all day makes me feel pretty good about myself.

I was born and raised in Salt Lake City, Utah where I was spoiled to have the huge Wasatch Mountains in my backyard.  I graduated from the University of Utah with a major in English Literature but that's boring.  The exciting part was when I met and fell in love with the boy of my dreams. He wasn’t my first or second kiss but he was by far my favorite and it didn't take us long to figure out that life could never be as good apart as it was together. So we got married and have been living happily ever after ever since.

When I’m not attending to my homemaking and writing duties I love to exercise because it’s the only time that I have an excuse to listen to my music uninterrupted and as loud as I want.  I love all different genres of music but I run extra fast when I hear Dashboard Confessionals, Cold Play or Owl City on my iPod.  Besides music I love anything that has to do with water including but not limited to drinking it, skiing on it (in liquid or powder form), basking in the sun while boating on it and (these days) lazily dreaming while my kids play in it for hours on end.
So there you have it. I'm a wife, mother, writer and iPod blasting mermaid.  While my husband works his brains out I take care of our kids and conjure up storylines and characters and romantic turns of events.  And someday, if we're lucky, we'll be as happy as we are now.

The 13th Day of Christmas by Jason F. Wright and Guest Post!

Guest Post and Review

The 13th Day of Christmas

Author: Jason F. Wright

Publisher: Shadow Mountain

Published: October 9th, 2012

ISBN13: 9781609071776

Hardcover: 236 pages

FTC FYI: Received a review copy in exchange for an honest review.

Goodreads Summary: Marva Fergusen has a very personal Christmas tradition that happens every December 26th. As an aging widow, the tradition means more to her now than it ever has.

Her newest neighbor, nine-year-old Charlee Alexander, loves Christmas too. But her family has fallen on hard times and things get worse when Charlee becomes critically ill.

Then, on December 12th, Charlee makes a wonderful Discovery. A mysterious note is delivered that promises twelve days of gifts and stories that will reveal the truth behind the beloved Christmas song "The 12 Days of Christmas." As the days go by, the gifts hint to a possible lost lyric. Was there once a thirteeth day of Christmas? And if so, could it's magic change - or save - a life?

Filled with laughter, tenderness, and hope, The 13th Day of Christmas invites us to see how an old Christmas favorite can become a true Christmas miracle.

My Review

Jason does such an amazing job of instantly pulling me into his books with his well-written plots and wonderful characters.  I immediately loved Miss Marva and Charlee.  Marva collects aprons, and she changes them a few times a day depending on her mood.  Charlee's family has come on hard times, and moves into the trailer park owned by Marva and her late husband.  Charlee is out looking for a something to do, when she see Marva hanging clothes on the line. Marva calls Charlee over, and they become fast friends. There is a lot going on at Charlee's house.  Her father recently lost his business, and her brother Zack was kicked out of school.  Life at their house is hard.  The only ray of sunshine was Charlee.  Miss Marva invites the family to Thanksgiving dinner.  It is an all day event with all the trimmings.  Then the worst happens, Charlee get dizzy, faints, and her loved ones rush to the hospital, only to hear the news no family wants to hear.

One warning, have a box of Kleenex handy when you are reading this book.  As with all of Jason's stories I've read, I cried.  A lot.  The 13th Day of Christmas is full strong characters, and lots of heart.  I loved the message that this book sends, think of others before youself.  Service is the way to bring you closer to Christ. When I was a kid, we would pick a family in our neighborhood to do the 12 Days of Christmas for. One year, my dad tried to disguise his voice and ended up scaring their young daughter.  Luckily, he apologized and all was well. :)

5 out of 5 stars. I loved this book. So full of heart and love of two friends. It is a fast read, but I wanted to know what happens to these great characters, so I couldn't put it down. Just remember what I said about the Kleenex, but also this book has a great ending that will leave you satisfied, but possibly crying happy tears. 

Best. News. Ever! Jason Wright recorded a YouTube Guest Post for me. I asked him what his biggest inspiration is when writing his books.  I loved his answer and so will you. Thank you, Jason. 

YouTube Link

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Deseret Book

Left to Love and My Forever by Jolene B. Perry

Left to Love

Author: Jolene B. Perry

Publisher: Next Door Publishing

Published: June 8, 2012

ISBN13: 9781477548363

286 pages

FTY FYI: Review copy

Goodreads Summary: Leigh’s life is shaping up to be pretty perfect.

She married the father of a little boy she fell in love with. They live in a nice house, on a quiet street, and her hobby of a sewing business is keeping her busier than she ever imagined. She’s back in touch with her brother who she hasn’t seen since she was a child, and her new husband has an “in” for his dream job when he graduates in the spring.

But when her small symptoms begin to lead up to something big - she has to face the shattering realization that her cancer is back.

Leigh struggles with her new marriage, her faith, her desire to adopt the little boy who calls her mom, and the strength to keep fighting for her life.

My Review

I am a huge fan of Jolene's and her stories.  When I asked to read and review The Next Door Boys last year, I instantly fell in love with the characters.  I was so excited to know that Jolene had written more for Leigh and Brian.

Leigh's cancer is back, with a vengeance.  So much is different for Leigh this time around, especially her faith.  As Brian struggles to help her, and Leigh struggles with her own feelings of trying to adopt Brian's sweet son Nathan, while his mom is in jail.  Leigh lets the cancer get the best of her, and finds herself questioning her faith. While dealing with her long absent brother Joseph, and why he left the family so many years before.

There were so many things I loved about this book.  My heart broke for Leigh, but also Brian as he wanted to help her so much, but didn't know what to do for her.  Nathan was a ray of sunshine in the story, what a sweet kid he is.  I feel that Leigh learned a lot during her cancer treatment, most of it learned from a visit from an old friend.

4 1/2 out of 5 stars.  I cried a lot, but also smiled a lot.  Jolene is such a talented author, and I loved being a part of these amazing stories.

My Forever

Author: Jolene B. Perry

Publisher: Next Door Publishing

Expected Publish Date: August 3, 2012

ISBN:

178 pages

FTC FYI: Review copy

Goodreads Summary: A novel about finding your place in the world when nothing goes as planned...

Told from the POV of Dani (Danielle), a high school senior.

A companion novel to The Next Door Boys and Left to Love.


My Review

Dani is the daughter of a pastor.  She has a big family, and feels a little lost in all the chaos sometimes.  Right when we meet Dani, she finds out she's pregnant.  She feels lost, but knows deep down that she shouldn't be the one to raise the baby.  Not being able to turn to her family, she turns to a boy Michael who shared with her a couple years back that he was adopted.  Dani tells him she is pregnant, and he tells her about LDS Family Services.  Right away she feels that is the path for her.

I loved this book.  I think that it is my favorite from Jolene.  A lot a tragedy happens to Dani, but also a lot of good.  I loved her experiences, and how she learns to have the Holy Ghost be her guide.

4 1/2 out of 5 stars.

I have an exciting giveaway for you!  Jolene is generously donating her series in paperback to one lucky winner. 

The Next Door Boys, Left to Love, and My Forever.


If you would like an eBook copy instead, I'm giving away the PDF's on LDSWBR. 
You can enter both places.

Fill out the form below, and you're entered.  US ONLY. Winner announced August 15th, 2012.

Read more about Jolene and her books on her blog.  Follow her on Facebook and Twitter.

AMAZON / BARNES AND NOBLE

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