Feature and Follow Friday

Feature and Follow is a blog hop hosted by Parajunkee and Alison Can Read. The purpose is to meet new people and gain more followers in the book blogging community. If this is your first time here, welcome! You are about to make some new friends and gain new followers. But you have to know, the point of this hop is to follow other blogs also. I follow you, you follow me. 

The general rules are: 

- Follow the Feature and Follow Hosts (Parajunkee and Alison Can Read)

- Follow the Featured Bloggers

- Put your Blog name and URL in the Linky thing. You can also grab the code if you would like to insert it into your posts. 

-Grab the button up there and place it in a post. This post is for people to say hi and that they are now following you in your comments. 

-Follow, Follow, Follow as many as you can. The whole point is to make new friends and find new blogs. Don't just follow, comment and say hi in the post! Another blogger might not know you are a new follower if you don't say 'hi'

-If someone comments and says they are following you, please follow back! 

This weeks question: Are there any book to movie adaptations where you think the movie is better than the book?

When I first read this question, my initial reaction was no, of course not. But I wanted to think this answer through a little more before I wrote it. I spent a while thinking of books that I have at home that are also movies, and I can honestly say that I don't think the movies were better. For many of the books that I've seen where movies are better, I haven't actually read the book. So although I liked the movie, I can't really compare the two. I'm sure when I see other blogger's FFF posts, I realize that I missed some books/movies. But I'm actually quite happy that I can't recall many movies that were better than the books (: 

What about you? Any movies that were better than the books?!

[Review] Family Portraits: The Banovic Siblings by Gillian Felix

The Banovic Siblings by Gillian Felix
Publisher: GillianFX Publishing, LLC
Publishing Date: December 3, 2013
176 Pages
Series: Family Portrait, Vol. 2
Format: review copy, e-book

My Review

I was recently asked to review the first volume in Family Portraits: Changes. You can see my review of this book here. Ms. Felix then asked if I would like to review the second volume in the Family Portraits novels: The Banovic Siblings.

I really enjoyed the first volume of this series by Ms Felix, and was happy to read the second. I really wanted to find out what happened with these characters, and learn more about them. Each character is so different from the others, and they each have their own little story throughout the book. I was happy to start figuring out how each character and story was connected to the other. A few other characters were introduced in this volume, with small roles, but I was still intrigued by what they added to the story. In a way, it reminds me of the show 90210 with all the different characters and love triangles that seem to be forming. I was hooked on that show, and I can only imagine how this series will play out! If you're looking for a fun, quick read, then I suggest checking out this series!

Fun Facts about Changes (Family Portrait, Vol 1) 

- Writing Adriana’s character was fun and challenging because she is such a minx. It’s tricky because she shares the leading role with Leighann, who is sweet, and kind—they are polar opposites of each other. They both grew up in the entertainment industry but that’s about all they have in common. Adriana makes no apologies for who she is, she is reckless and wild and I’m sure some readers will hate her. It is only later on in the series you get to really see why she is the way she is.

- Even though Leighann was a bigger star than Adriana, she was more protected by her mother. Savi may have her ways, but she shielded Leighann from a lot of the outside world. So when Leighann defies her and ventures out into the ‘real world’, she begins to see how scary things can get.

- Leighann’s fascination with the ‘real world’ is based on the fact that she has never had a ‘normal’ life. She sits in the tour bus and looks at the fans through the one way glass and thinks that their life is so easy, and she longs for that. She wants to meet a boy, go to the movies, and do things normal teenagers do.

- Westwood Academy of Higher Learning is a super school on steroids as one reviewer described it: “we mustn't forget the whole larger-than-life high school scene on steroids in a world where appearances often mean more than substance”
The school is high tech and ridiculously over the top with chef catered lunches, marble floors, digital lockers, Jacuzzi. Seriously, I’d want to go to that school. How does any body get any studying done?

- Astrid Wilson is the Kim Kardashian of Westwood Academy. She decks out in Prada and all the latest designs by the hottest designers. No body can throw a hissy fit like Astrid. When Adriana returns to Westwood Academy, Astrid’s status is threatened especially where her boyfriend Warren is concerned.

- Family Portrait is based on a television series I had written. The script got lots of interest in Hollywood but nothing came of it, so I decided to turn it into a book series. I have two seasons, 24 episodes of the television series already written.

- Book two combines a couple episodes from the script. Changes Vol. 1 is equivalent to the pilot episode—it introduces the audience to the characters. The script for television was meant for prime time so I had to tone it down—a lot. The book is the raw version—drug use, foul language, sexual situations. The characters can get away with a lot more in the book than they could on screen, which is good for Adriana and her brother, Kevin’s character, because later in the series they really get naughty.

- Right now I am working on Vol. 2 called The Banovic Siblings. In this book the siblings mostly Adriana and Kevin’s past catches up with them and their secrets are getting too close to home. Love triangles and tangles start to form with some of the supporting characters. Leighann’s character starts evolving, her sister L’Wren has a very powerful and emotional storyline which took a lot out of me to write. It really made me ‘go there’ which stretches me as a writer. Book two is a bit darker than Changes.

I think Vol. 2 may be available in November or December, 2013. It still has the whole process to go through with the story editor, the proofreader and the cover still has to be designed. I usually write like a fiend at night—Sunday through Thursday sometimes Friday nights.

- On the Facebook fan page https://www.facebook.com/FamilyPortraitNovels fans can rummage through the character’s closets. Right now there is an app on there called Adriana’s closet and coming soon: Leighann’s wardrobe, Astrid’s locker, the sound track to go with some of the scenes, Westwood Academy emblem reveal, Westwood Academy gear, fun trivia’s, first read of the novels before they are published. So sign up.

Thanks for having me. Purchase a copy of Changes Vol. 1 (Family Portrait) here. (: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00EADYMCA)

About the Author 

Gillian Felix has been writing since she was old enough to hold a pencil. She enjoys creating characters that could be your next-door neighbor, but would you want them as your neighbor is another story.

Originally from the island of Trinidad and Tobago, Miss Felix moved to the United States in 1998. Since then she has been involved in the entertainment industry for over fifteen years. Her experience ranges from script supervisor to production manager on many independent features. She is trained in the Meisner and Stanislavski technique of acting, which she credits as an asset to her character development and writing.

Miss Felix is an entrepreneur and advocate for children’s and women’s rights.

Connect with Ms. Felix!

View book trailer: http://youtu.be/EiBdwhT74NA
Facebook fan page: https://www.facebook.com/FamilyPortraitNovels
Website: http://www.plaintalkbm.com/family-portrait-novel/ (Read the first chapter for free)
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/gillianfx
Purchase: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00EADYMCA

W.W.W. Wednesdays

WWW Wednesdays is a weekly meme hosted by Should be Reading. To participate, simply answer the three following questions:

- What are you currently reading?

- What did you recently finish reading?

- What do you think you'll read next?

What am I currently reading? 

Just started this today! Come back soon to check out my review (: 

What did I recently finish reading? 

The Reluctant Bachelorette by Rachael Anderson 

Review here

Touching Melody by RaShelle Workman 

Review here

So Much it Hurts by Melanie Dawn 

Review here

The Banovic Siblings by Gillian Felix

Review to come soon!

What do you think you'll read next? 

Well.... last week when I did this, I think I wrote that I would start A Clash of Kings next... and that clearly didn't happen. So, I'm not sure what I'll read next! One that I would really like to read soon is The Storyteller by Jodi Picoult. Hopefully I can start it soon (: 

Tell Me Something Tuesday

Tell Me Something Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by Heidi @ Rainy Day Ramblings. Each week a new question is presented. Check out Heidi's blog for all the details :)

This weeks question:

Do you read books based on the season? 

Generally, I don't read a book based on the season. I often see posts for great summer reads or books to curl up with in the fall/winter, and I may check them out from time to time, but I rarely read books based on seasons. The one exception to that however, is Christmas books (: It just doesn't feel right to be reading a Christmas book in the middle of July... That's why I've been holding on to 4 books I got from my mom that I plan to read in December. They are: Skipping Christmas by John Grisham, Christmas Shoes and The Christmas Blessing by Donna VanLiere, and Twelve Stories of Christmas by Joe Wheeler. I CANNOT wait to start these!! I'm so tempted to start one now, but I really want to read them when I'm in the Christmas holiday spirit! 

[Review] Touching Melody by RaShelle Workman

Touching Melody by RaShelle Workman 
Publisher: Polished Pen Press
Publishing Date: May 14, 2013
286 Pages 
Format: ebook 

Synopsis 

Sometimes life isn't pretty, but you have to close your eyes and let go...

Maddie Martin's first weekend at college is nothing like she's used to. It's wild, like the wilderness on which the University of Bellam Springs sits. Roped into going to a fraternity party, she literally runs into Kyle Hadley. The boy she's loved since she was nine. The boy she promised all of her firsts to. But that was before his father killed her parents. 

Determined to stay away from him, she throws herself into her music. Practicing piano eases her heavy heart, calms the sadness, and pushes away images of Kyle's face. 

Until it doesn't. 

Her music professor asks her to play a duet for their annual Winter Gala. Doing so means she'll be assured another full ride scholarship. It's an opportunity she can't pass up. 

But Kyle is the other half of the duet. And that means hours and hours of practicing. 

Weeks of seclusion - just the two of them. And it's more than just music. It's passion like Maddie never believed was possible. 

The inevitable happens. She falls in love with him all over again. 

But, will loving him be enough to erase all the hate in her heart for his father? Can she look at him, and not see the evil in his family tree?

And maybe it's all a set up. Maybe Kyle is only pretending to care so he can finish what his father started, and kill her too.

My Review 

I downloaded this book from Amazon because it was free and it sounded interesting. I'm never sure what to expect when I download a free book, but I wasn't disappointed with this one! I really enjoyed the story line and learning about Maddie. Her tattoos are a huge part of her life, though she rarely tells anyone about them. I found this interesting because I have a few tattoos as well, and I generally share what two of them mean, but the third I tend to keep to myself. They are all very personal, but I don't feel the need to tell anyone about the third. I thought Kyle was a fun character too. At the beginning of the book, I thought he was going to be a jerk because of how he acted. But the more I read, the more I realized he was a truly nice guy that's been dealt a crappy hand in life. The only thing I wish were a little different in this book is the ending. Without giving away what happened, I felt it could have been detailed more rather that it being dealt with in about 3-4 pages. However, that being said, I still think it was a great book, and will definitely read more of her work (:

Buy on Amazon

It's Monday! What are you reading?

It's Monday! What are you reading? is a weekly meme hosted by Sheila @ Book Journey, where we share what we read last week, what we're currently reading, and what is next for us! 

Last week was a pretty productive reading week for me! Hopefully that continues (: 

So Much It Hurts by Melanie Dawn

My review here.

The Reluctant Bachelorette by Rachael Anderson

 My review here.

The Murderer's Daughters by Randy Susan Meyers

My review here. 

Currently Reading

Touching Melody by RaShelle Workman. 

Good so far! Should be finishing it today (: 

Up Next 

Not quite sure actually! I thought I would start A Clash of Kings by George RR Martin, but then I also thought about reading some that have been on my shelf for much, much longer... so I'm undecided at this point (: 

[Review] So Much It Hurts by Melanie Dawn

 Much It Hurts by Melanie Dawn 
Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing 
Publishing Date: Aug. 21, 2013
342 Pages 
Format: ebook

Synopsis

Life is full of uncertainty, but what happens when a what-if from your past suddenly makes its way into your present? 

Kaityln Thomas, a weary wife and mother, is taking a much needed getaway with her friends. All she wants to do is relax and rejuvenate on her weekend escape to the beach. Having a drink at the bar with the girls sounds like the perfect way to unwind. That is, until Kaitlyn hears a familiar voice from the stage that shakes her to her core. She grapples with her memory until Chris King, the lead singer of the band, walks up to her and eliminates the questions in her mind. 

Christ King...the misunderstood bad boy who once saved her in ways that no one else could.

Kaitlyn's friends beg to know the story behind this mysterious man. Forced to revisit a painful past from which she has spent years trying to heal, Kaitlyn's recollection of Chris awakens intense feelings that she has kept buried deep inside her heart. Has time changed him, or is he still the same person Kaityln fell in love with so many years ago? 

Marriage vows are sacred, but temptation is a powerful thing. 

Seeing Chris again has caused a war between her head and her heart. In the end, which one will win the battle? Facing a difficult decision, Kaitlyn just wants to be sure of one thing when she walks away from this weekend - no regrets. 

My Review

I won a copy of this book in a giveaway. I really enjoyed this book and finished it pretty fast! I thought Kaitlyn's struggle was something that many people probably face every day. There always seems to be someone that people want to go back to, no matter the relationship they are in. However, that doesn't always mean that person is the best for them. I thought what Kaitlyn did towards the end of the book is very admirable. She really loves Michael and cares so much for their family. It felt like there was a second story in the pages of this story, even though everything was related to the main story. It was definitely not was I was expecting when I first started this book, but I couldn't put it down! Very good book and I will be telling my sister to read this!!! (: