Wistful YA ~ CALL ME GRIM & Giveaway!

Wistful YA is my reoccurring spotlight, giving young adult literature center stage.

TOUR SCHEDULE

Before we meet the mastermind behind my next YA spotlight, can I just say what an awesome title CALL ME GRIM is? I just love it. And the book blurb totally rocks, too. Check it out: 

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CALL ME GRIM by Elizabeth Holloway
Genre: Young Adult Paranormal Publisher: Month9books Release Date: September 9, 2014 Pages: 250
Description: 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.
Ooh, so much conflict! And a BFF in danger.... Well, Elizabeth, sounds like you've created an intriguing and horrific-sort of read. Welcome to the Alleyway. Were you a reader as a child?  As a young child, I wasn't much of a reader. My mom always had her nose stuck in a horror novel, but the covers were too scary for me, and kid's books didn't appeal to me. Then, around the tender age of twelve, I sucked up my fear and read one of my mother's books, Watchers by Dean Koontz, and I was hooked. Throughout middle and high school, I spent way more time than I care to admit reading books under my desk instead of paying attention in class.
What sparked your creative juices to write CALL ME GRIM? The idea for CALL ME GRIM actually spawned from a novel I had already written. In that story there's a character who steals souls. This character lead me to think of Grim Reapers, who not so much steal souls, but remove them after death and escort them to the afterlife. I started thinking about how crappy that job would be and Aaron was born. Aaron is a Grim Reaper who wants to quit his job and tries to recruit the protagonist, Libbi, to take over for him.
Gosh, I just love that. ((Hugs Aaron...)) Describe yourself using five fruits or vegetables, movies or TV shows, or a combination of both. Nurse Jackie From Dusk Till Dawn The Walking Dead Chocolate Coffee and Cigarettes (minus the cigarettes)
O - kay, more verification where the GRIM idea came from. #snort You and I would so be able to watch movies together. 
Finally, what's your writing process like?  When I first start developing a story, I put together a rough outline, usually consisting of at least the first half of the book and the ending. Then I sit down, with lots of chocolate (KitKat bars, for anyone interested ...) and coffee, and I write.
I write in order, starting from the beginning of the story and pushing through to the end. This style is sort of difficult when I hit a road block, but I can't seem to just skip a chapter or a scene, like some writers do. For some reason I feel it's necessary to pound my head against a wall for a few days to get over the block before I can continue. What can I say? I'm a glutton for punishment.
Once the story is out of my brain, I go back and revise. When it's as good as I can make it on my own, I send it off to my betas, agent, and editor. Then I sweat bullets waiting for their opinions. :-)
I can't thank you enough for joining us today, Elizabeth. It's been a pleasure. 
Elizabeth Holloway is a registered nurse living in Southern Pennsylvania with her two teen children, Bam-bam the dog, and Tinkerbell the cat. CALL ME GRIM is her first novel. She can be found  Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads
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Alleywalkers, what's the last hellish, creepy, or scary read you've digested? None? Then share one you might want to read. I'd love to hear! 

MELT ~ The Full Circle of Domestic Abuse

This is my last official post before my summer break. Technically, I'm on a family vacation, right now, but wanted to share this amazing book with you. I'll be popping in and out, but will return to my regular schedule in mid to late August. 

TOUR SCHEDULE

My heart pounded as I read every word of Dorothy and Joey's story. Though long-fought and denied, love and genuine care for another can make all the difference in the world. 

That is what I typed directly after I'd finished reading this story. My heartache over the domestic abuse Joey went through dug deep within me. I've shared just how deep below. 

GOODREADS

MELT by Selene Castrovilla

Genre: Contemporary
Release Date: November 2014
Pages: 328

I'd like to thank the publisher for supplying me with an eARC of this book in exchange for an unbiased review.

Description: Melt is a brutal love story, set against the backdrop of The Wizard of Oz. Sixteen year old “good girl” Dorothy just blew into the small town of Highland Park – where the social headquarters is Munchkinland (Dunkin’ Donuts.) There, she meets Joey – a “bad boy” who tells no one about the catastrophic domestic violence he witnesses at home. Can these two lovers survive peer pressure, Joey’s reputation, and his alcoholism? And then there’s his family's secret – about to be unleashed.

Told in dual first person, Joey's words are scattered on the page - reflecting his broken state. Dorothy is the voice of reason - until something so shattering happens that she, too, may lose her grip. Can their love endure, or will it melt away?

Melt is based on true events. It is both a chilling tale of abuse, and a timeless romance. It will hit you like a punch in the face, and also seep through the cracks in your soul.

Favorite Lines/Passage: Joey's POV:

Late late late
It's late. 
I wake in the black
to the racket
in the air reaching up up
up from 
under
me.
Pop's cursing like a madman
downstairs
high on whiskey no doubt
pacing
like a caged panther I'm
sure
he's screeching he's howling I'll bet he's
barking through the window at the
moon. 
He crashes
glass
he smashes
ceramic
he bashes
Mom too I know.
      My clock glares red from my night stand it's 1:56
a.
m.
      My mouth tastes sour.
       I lean over the edge of my bed grope for the
neck
of my Bacardi 151. I keep it tucked under the bed for nights like this and they're pretty
much 
all 
nights like this.

NIGHTSTAND WORTHY +2

My Splats: Follow the journey of a boy emotionally dulled by domestic abuse and the girl who sees life, love, and hope in him. 

This is a young adult story for the ages. Sounds clique, but true. It explores the world of domestic violence - a world all too often hidden from most. Just as adult victims, children/teens existing in such an environment are molded by what they see and feel. And it takes its tole. 

From the outside, opinions can be told about Joey. He's rough, tough, and known for trouble. No one in their small town wants to know why. Most would rather gossip about him being no good and a loser. But, as with most things in life, what is visible on the outside is far, far from reality. 

Physically, Joey is a big guy, built, and quite attractive. Dorothy is new in town and notices him, because of those traits. But for her, there's something more. Her parents work in the psychiatric field and she's developed a feel for people. She feels something off about Joey, that he's not what the other kids are telling her he is. 

Joey is soft and deep, on a primitive level. He'd already chalked up the dream everyone wants--a good home, caring family, and love--to fantasy. In Joey's world, all those things that are supposed to equate to love are lies, a mere facade painted on your skin so people don't know. He does love ... his booze and fighting. It helps him forget what he has to go home to. For Joey, his home symbolizes a prison stained in tainted memories of beatings, guilt for not helping his mother, and places his dad kept him to keep him out of the way when he was younger. 

And Dorothy sees that. Not the abuse at first, but his desire to be more than he is right now, his want for happiness and hope that he's not ready to admit yet. She senses his loneliness and a tension stirring inside him. She decides to wait on him, let him emerge on his own. 

For Joey, Dorothy slowly becomes his hope and courage--a belief there might be more to life than this. But he's so afraid she'll get hurt like his mom.  

The writing brilliantly captures the essence of domestic abuse and its lingering affects. It's told from duel point-of-views, which adds such depth to the tale I don't think it could have been written any other way. Joey's POV is visual, too. As I've shown above, the author structured the words in a linear fashion down the left side of the page. Sometimes using a single word, while other times a few words. This gave a tangible view of his brokenness, his vulnerability. 

My only issue with the story was how Dorothy met a few friends at the beginning and then it's as if those kids just disappeared once she began talking to Joey.  

NOTE: there is vulgarity in the opening, but the piece is so powerful that it's easily overlooked. Honestly, holy wow! Let me rephrase. The opening to this story so overwhelmed me, the blanket of helplessness was so heavy, I got a stomachache. All I could think was 'God help them'. And I couldn't stop reading.

Have you ever read a book about domestic violence? 

Wistful YA ~ BONESEEKER & Giveaway!

Wistful YA is my reoccurring spotlight, giving young adult literature center stage.

I'm thrilled to be a part of this next blog tour. I'll save you my blabber, partially because I'm leaving for a two-week vacation tomorrow, but mostly because this book will speak for itself. I'd recommend this as a good summer read!

AMAZON | GOODREADS

BONESEEKER by Brynn Chapman
Genre: Young Adult, Historical Fiction; Mystery Publisher: Month9Books Published Date: June 17, 2014   I'd like to thank the publisher for supplying me with an eARC of this book in exchange for an unbiased review.
Favorite Line/Passage: Henry POV ~ I gently slide the hair from her cheek and over her shoulder. It reaches her bottom like a red-headed Rapunzel. Her fringe of hair brushes her thick eyelashes, which twitch as she dreams.
Arabella POV ~ The sky is dark and brooding, much like Henry.
He's barely uttered a sentence. He's contemplating, trying to work out what he wants to say. The weather seems to mimic his mood, as if the breeze holds its breath in similar anticipation.
Description: Arabella Holmes was born different and raised different. After it became apparent she wouldn't fit the role of a proper 1900's lady, her father, Sherlock, called in some lingering favors, and landed her a position at the Mutter Museum. The museum was Arabella's dream; she was to become a purveyor of abnormal science. What her father called a BoneSeeker.
Henry Watson arrives at the Mutter Museum with a double assignment--to become a finder of abnormal antiquities and to watch over and keep Arabella Holmes. An easy task, if he could only get her to speak to him instead of throwing knives in his general direction.

But this is no time for child's play. The two teens are assigned to a most secret exploration, when the hand of a Nephilim is unearthed in upstate New York. Soon, Arabella and Henry are caught in a fight for their lives as scientific debate swirls around them. Are the bones from a Neanderthal ... or are they living proof of fallen angels, who supposedly mated with humans according to ancient scrolls?

Sent to recover the skeleton, they discover they are the second team to have been deployed and the entire first team is dead. And now they must trust their instincts and rely on one another in order to survive and uncover the truth.

NIGHTSTAND WORTHY

My Splats: In the flair of second-generation Sherlock Holmes, there's mystery, danger, romance, and definitely major snark.

The story opens in the past with a group of men discussing a matter of importance and their willingness to do whatever is necessary for their cause ... a cause vaguely disclosed to the reader. From here the story moves into the present then to another chapter from the point-of-view of one of the lead characters. The next chapter is then from the other man lead's point-of-view. I wasn't sure I was going to like the story from the way the opening was structured, but the MC's voices along with the snippet of mystery introduced urged me to keep reading. I'm glad I did. 
I loved the fact that Arabella is introduced as Sherlock Holmes' daughter and her BFF (best friend forever and eventual boyfriend forever) Henry as Watson's son. I'm not giving anything away by describing Henry as I just did. Trust me. It will be obvious to you from the start that these two are destined to be together and have been since childhood. But don't let that fool you. The author does a wonderful job of tossing up roadblocks to get in their way.
Arabella and Henry have been life-long friends. How could they not with the tempestuous friendship between their fathers? They find themselves employed on a bone recovery mission for a museum after a few years apart. Between the bone recovery dig itself, murder, physical attacks, their childhood memories and snarky fromance (friendship/romance), and Henry's alleged promiscuity, this is no simple tale. 
Through Bella and Henry's taunting romance, a mystery slowly rears its annoying head. It appears someone is sabotaging the dig. This is where Arabella's traits of details and detection, obviously gained from her Holmes' father, begin to work overtime. It was fun watching her, all while poor Henry did his best to keep her out of trouble--deja vu to their fathers' relationship.
Arabella is witty, bold nonsense, and at times she felt too old for her age. But she can't really be to blame. Having the amazing Scotland Yard detective as a father was not easy. She's learned that life is all scientific with no room for the unexplained--love being one of those unexplained. But Henry has something to say about that. I found it amazing how Arabella's capacity for love goes from nonexcited (knowing she feels different when Henry's around), to full-fledged passion. All I can say about Henry is that I love him and his internal struggle to resist Arabella. He desperately tries to fend it off, but alas ... 
The writing is both poetic and dreamy. There are strong, forceful moments, yet extreme tender ones, too. The author has a nice command over the language of the time period. At times, the tale held a CSI feel, crime scenes and all. 
My only negative is the overall feel of the story is a mixture of young adult and new adult. The lead characters are both in a profession, both hold a demeanor of older characters, and both tend to think with more wisdom than the average YAer.   I have to tell you. I am head-over-oodles in love with Henry. Wish they'd put a snippet of him on the cover. Even a faded out background. #growls
~ ABOUT the Author ~ 
Born and raised in western Pennsylvania, Brynn Chapman is the daughter of two teachers. Her writing reflects her passions: science, history and love—not necessarily in that order. In real life, the geek gene runs strong in her family, as does the Asperger’s syndrome. Her writing reflects her experience as a pediatric therapist and her interactions with society’s downtrodden. In fiction, she’s a strong believer in underdogs and happily-ever-afters. She also writes non-fiction and lectures on the subjects of autism and sensory integration and is a medical contributor to online journal The Age of Autism.
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What's the last time-period piece you've read or heard was good?

Could U Have Survived Arranged Marriages?

For those of you who have children or have close-knit relationships with children, how many of those kiddos don't like to read? As most of you know, I have four of my own kids--two have no issues reading, but would rather do something else, one who had difficultly learning to read, while my youngest is a reading marathon kid. LUV!!! 

Point: my 3rd, our fifteen-year-old daughter, is one of the two who read well but would rather spend her time texting or watching a movie. However, she recently confided in me that she's found a genre of young adult lit she truly enjoys. And guess what??? It's romance with a splash of English society. WOOT! Thus, it feels like I've been waiting forever for Crystal's book to release in paperback. (Said daughter won't read on a Kindle. She wants to feel the paper in her hand. lol) 

In the English society of 1768 where women are bred to marry, unattractive Alexia, just sixteen, believes she will end up alone. But on the county doorstep of a neighbor’s estate, she meets a man straight out of her nightmares, one whose blue eyes threaten to consume her whole world—especially when she discovers him standing over her murdered host in the middle of the night.

Her nightmares become reality: a dead baron, red-eyed wraiths, and forbidden love with a man hunted by these creatures. After an attack close to home, Alexia realizes she cannot keep one foot in her old life and one in this new world. To protect her family she must either be sold into a loveless marriage, or escape with her beloved and risk becoming one of the Soulless.

BUY IT HERE
And as a thank you to all of you, Crystal's publisher is offering a $2.00 coupon until February 14^th at this Book LINK, using this COUPON CODE: LQJM3F84.

Crystal has asked each of her participants to answer this question: If you lived in a society where arranged marriages were a la mode, whom would you beg your parents to set you up with? Why? 

This has taken a ton of thought. I am a romance sap, so said suitor needs to be passionate. I also don't mind a bit of eye candy. Can you really blame a girl? 

I've never been big on celebrities and their too-fast, too-many-public-issues world. They're just too real for me. That leaves me with all the fictional gentlemen, dudes, studmuffins, and geekers I've fawned over throughout the years. In the end, as much as I enjoy that eye candy, I am the girl who values loyalty, trust, honesty, and integrity above all else. In my book, there is no one fictional male character who holds these to a greater degree than Mr. Darcy of Pride & Prejudice. 

He was absolutely my first love. ❤

Check out who others chose as their arranged spouse throughout the rest of the hop below!

1.	Le&ndra Wallace	2.	Crystal Collier
3.	Robyn Campbell	4.	PK HREZO
5.	Kimberly Afe	6.	Dawn Brazil
7.	Madeline Jane	8.	Christine Rains
9.	Meradeth Houston	10.	Tammy Theriault
11.	Brinda Berry Blogs	12.	J.L. Campbell
13.	Heather Musk - Reading, Writing and Everything in between	14.	Elizabeth Seckman
15.	Rachel Schieffelbein	16.	Libby Heily
17.	Donna Hole	18.	Kyra Lennon
19.	Janie Junebug's Literary Lover	20.	Ashley Nixon
21.	Jamie Ayres	22.	Title by Jaq
23.	SA Larsen - ME!!!!	24.	Heather M. Gardner
25.	suzannes-tribe	26.	Ellie Garratt
27.	C. M. Keller	28.	Bish Denham
29.	E.J. Wesley	30.	Michael @ In Time ...
31.	Catherine Stine's Idea City	32.	Nana Prah
33.	Eva Lefoy	34.	Trisha @ WORD STUFF
35.	Writer's Block	36.	Stephen Tremp
37.	erica and christy	38.	Mary-andering Among the Pages
39.	C.M. Brown	40.	Madeline Mora-Summonte
41.	Jay Noel - Writer on Fire	42.	Chrys Fey
43.	Kittie Howard	44.	Swagger Writers
45.	Tyrean's Writing Spot

And while you're at it, enter to win one of these great prizes!

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AND, of course, share with me who you'd ask to be set up with!

A Breathtaking Cover. Prose That Flow. And A Hunky Warrior.

TOUR SCHEDULE

Some sun. Travel. Mystery. Adventure. And a few hot boys. What more could a girl want out of her life? I'm excited to introduce you to an amazing new YA release, its creator, and one heck of a fantastic cover and premise. 

AMAZON | B&N | KOBO | GOODREADS | iTUNES

SCION OF THE SUN: The Solar Snatchers Series by Nicola Marsh

Publisher: Month9Books. LLC.

Release Date: November 5, 2013

Pages: 340

I'd like to thank the publisher for supplying me with an eARC of this book in exchange for an unbiased review.

Favorite Line/Passage: I battled tears, swallowing the great embarrassing sobs rising in my throat, my hands shaking. I would've bolted, but he bundled me into his arms and held me tight. Not some half-xxxed hug, a real good squishy one. He rested his chin on the top of my head as I released some of the pent-up fear and frustration bubbling up inside. I didn't want to show weakness, didn't want to cry, but my tear ducts had other ideas. I drenched the front of his T-shirt in five seconds flat. (55% on Kindle)

Description: When she least expects it, sixteen-year old Holly Burton’s unremarkable life is shaken to the core. A vision of the mother Holly never knew leaves her questioning everything she believes.

Eager for answers, Holly enrolls at a boarding school for highly gifted students in Wolfebane, New Hampshire. But things will get worse before they get better, as Holly accidentally transports to a parallel existence where she's confronted by a dark and ancient evil.

With the help of Joss, a sexy alpha warrior sworn to protect her, and her new BFF, the equally swoon-worthy Quinn, Holly faces her fears and an unlikely adversary in a showdown that is worse than anything she could’ve possibly imagined ...

NIGHTSTAND WORTHY +1!

My Splats: Absorbing and heroic, as a triangle of young people accept their place in existence and support each other on an emotional journey to save a world unseen. 
From the moment I saw this amazing cover and read the premise, I knew I wanted to read it. Main character Holly finds her world changes after her aunt drifts into a comma and she must move to attend a specialty school for teens with psychic abilities and those who are adopting the New Age beliefs. As if she didn't feel weird enough, life grows increasingly stranger, as her visions worsen and she discovers she's a descendant of a sun god, who's world is in danger and she's the only one who can save it.
The story is plausible and adventurous, and the transitions for world to world is clean and easy to follow. Descriptions are vibrant and viable. Nicola creates uniqueness for each world, yet gives them similarities which adds a familiar air.   
Romance is subtle, but definitely there. A sweet love trio kind of abbreviated. Quinn is one of the good guys; plus, he's normal and average, adding to his real-life appeal. Joss is otherworldly, fiesty, and tough, which is expected since he's Holly's warrior guard. But he's also honorable and true, not to mention major eye candy. 
The teasing relationship between the three lured me in and kept me there. I flip-flopped the entire book, whether Holly should be with Joss or Quinn. Holly recognizes, and shares with the reader (which is the best part), how Joss brings out one element of her personality, while Quinn highlights another. Lots of self-examination, which is right up the alleyway of a young adult reader. (And some of us adults, too!) 
As Holly's quest to save this world nears, tensions rise with her normal friends, particularly Quinn--soft, kind, adorable Quinn gets a backbone. His evolution is wonderful to watch, but heartbreaking at the same time. Holly's inner growth flowed and made sense, from chapter to chapter, giving me a spark of hopeful anticipation for her future. Made me will her to succeed. Then there's Joss, whose integrity grows even more and gaining even more respect as a character from me.

Praise for Scion of the Sun   “Charmed and drawn in by Holly’s spunk and snark, Scion of the Sun will leave you spinning and falling for Joss right along with Holly. Marsh’s unique story is packed with action, mystery, romance and suspense. This is not to be missed!” – Jennifer L. Armentrout, USA TODAY Bestselling Author

Before I introduce Nicola, here's a bit about her: 
USA TODAY bestselling author Nicola Marsh writes flirty fiction with flair for adults and riveting, eerie stories for young adults.
Based in Melbourne, she has published 44 books and sold over 5 million copies worldwide. She writes contemporary romances for Harlequin Mills & Boon, Entangled Publishing and is self-published. Her first indie release, Crazy Love, was a 2012 ARRA (Australian Romance Readers Award) finalist. BANISH, a thriller with Harlequin Teen Australia, is her young adult debut (August 2013), closely followed by the release of a paranormal YA series starting with Scion of the Sun (Month9Books, November 2013).
She's also a Waldenbooks and Bookscan bestseller, a 2013 National Readers' Choice Award and RBY (Romantic Book of the Year) winner, a multi-finalist for awards including the Romantic Times Reviewers' Choice Award, RBY, HOLT Medallion, Booksellers' Best Award, Golden Quill, Laurel Wreath, More than Magic and has won several CataRomance Reviewers' Choice Awards. 
A physiotherapist for thirteen years, she now adores writing full time, chasing after her two little heroes, barracking loudly for her North Melbourne Kangaroos footy team and her favourite, curling up with a good book.
After publishing 44 books (contemporary romance and YA) in 10 years, Nicola Marsh enters the New Adult world with BEFORE...Good girl. Bad boy. A world of trouble. Releasing December 2nd. WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER
Welcome, Nicola. You have a seriously amazing bio. Congratulation on all your success and hardwork. Tell us about yourself as a young reader. I devoured books as a kid. I never wanted to turn out the light! My favourite childhood book was The Magic Faraway Tree by Enid Blyton. Adored it!
Describe yourself now, using TV shows or films. I'm a blend of: Offspring The Good Wife Seinfeld
What do you feel is the most important element to successful writing? I've seen many talented writers over the years not get published because they lack the drive. Persistence is key. Writing will hone your craft but without the push and the persistence to keep striving for publication? You'll be a writer rather than a published author.
One valuable piece of writerly advice. Write. Write. Then write some more. Spending hours researching/building a platform/social media/professional development/reading resources will not hone your craft. The only way to do that is write. Explore your voice. Develop it.
If you had to outline your next story using only images, what images would you choose? Would involve many pictures of Chris Hemsworth. Naked. Hot Aussie outback. Lamingtons and pavlovas (Aussie desserts) Starry nights. Iconic classic rock bands. Dirty Dancing. Horses. Two man tent. B & S Ball.
Oh-kay. I need a fan, now. (Psst...let me know when that one is release. Please...) Thank you for joining us, Nicola! It's been a pleasure.
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THE GIRL NEXT DOOR & a GIVEAWAY!

Authors are regular people. Most have stories to tell, influenced by their own experiences, values, or causes that have touched them deeply. My next guest is no different, and she's written a poignant story that I honestly could not put down.

Title: THE GIRL NEXT DOOR

Author: Selene Castrovilla

Format: eBook 

Publication Date: May 24, 2013

Description: Two teens are forced to make some very grown-up decisions when one of them is diagnosed with terminal cancer, twisting them into an unpredictable nightmare.

Best friends since toddlerhood, Samantha and Jesse grapple with the realization that they are actually in love. What now? Beautifully written while handling a very heavy topic, Castrovilla addresses the universal question: In a world where the worst can strike at any time, how can we ever feel safe?

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | iTunes

I'd like to thank the author for providing me with a digital of this book in exchange for an unbiased review. 

NIGHTSTAND WORTHY +2

My Splats: an emotional, and at times, sweet story about one teen's battle with cancer and struggle whether to keep fighting through the gentle eyes of his best friend and soul mate.

My stomach quivered at the thought of writing down my observations of this story. Not because I didn't have an opinion or recommendation. It was what happened to me as I read this endearing tale about Samantha and Jesse--two teens dealt a crappy hand of fate that most of us would shun and run from. They handled it with grace and dignity, but also rawness and pain. They bled before the reader and fought and cried and laughed and ... eventually, hoped. Even though they both knew the slimmest sliver of hope was available to them.

The story is written from Sam's point-of-view. She's conflicted, for numerous reasons. Her BFF, who happens to be the boy-next-door (making her the-girl-next-door aka title of the book), has been her playmate since before she can remember. Actually, she does remember an elevator incident when she and Jesse were two years old. But you'll have to read the story to find out about that.

As the story progresses, Sam gives Jesse worth, value. She's a young caregiver, a silent-suffering-servant, who selflessly cares for Jesse. He's what most guys want to be at age seventeen: bright, handsome, fit, and a great athlete. He's really a man in the making. But the diagnosis of cancer erases all of that like a tsunami hitting a delicate sandy beach, and yes, pretty much wiping me out too.

Sweet and caring scenes reveal a deep connection of friendship that has always been between Sam and Jesse--a gem among stones. But there relationship is not without hurdles. As Jesse tries to find peace in his plight, Sam contemplates belief and how different people concentrate on different faiths. (She's suffered her own losses in her family life.) She wonders lots of things I believe conflict young adults, as well as adults. I enjoyed how Castrovilla explored both sides of both main characters' inner struggles--interior emotions through action. The dialog was refreshingly real and honest, most passages plunking my heart strings with increasing intensity.

One of my favorite parts of the book is the involvement of both teens' mothers. The contrast in relationships between Sam and her mother, and Jesse and his mother is a great parent/child analysis in play. And it could have been fathers; it wouldn't have mattered. It was nice to see a parent involved and both types of dynamics examined. Ooh, and Samantha has a little brother to die for. He's hilarious--a drag queen in the making. His character gave a diversity to the story, as well as a break from the serious health subject a hand.

Honestly, there is just too much to say about the emotional value and span of this story. Just read it.

A few comments, before I introduce Selene, to give you a idea of the depth of this story. 

“With occasional subtle humor, Castrovilla avoids melodrama as Jesse and Sam both deal with their anger, fear, jealousy, and insecurities; learn to take care of themselves while taking care of each other; and explore and find faith and peace in an uncontrollable world. Reminiscent of Lurlene McDaniel’s novels, this look at first love is at once heartrending and healing.”    — Booklist Online

“THE GIRL NEXT DOOR author, Selene Castrovilla, has written a fine Teen novel dealing with love between a dying boy and his girlfriend. Selene's writing is crisp and tight and teens (especially girls) will quickly become immersed in her story about friendship, commitment, loss and facing life's realities. THE GIRL NEXT DOOR tells a bittersweet tale between two teens who must carve a full-fledged relationship from a small allotment of time, learning about each other and themselves along the way. Readers who like this genre of fiction will love this book!”   — Lurlene McDaniel, author of DON’T DIE, MY LOVE

Welcome, Selene. I can't tell you what a pleasure it is to have you here. I'd like to concentrate on you, the YA writer. 

From writing this book as well as your others, what would you say are the three most important elements of writing? 
The first thing is to start. This may sound like a joke, but it's not. It took me years to get past my fears and commit to the task of writing my first novel. And even then, I stalled for quite some time "planning" it. To me, the way to write a novel is to write it. Word by word, sentence by sentence, paragraph by paragraph, page by page. There's no other way.

The second thing is to know your end. How can you arrive at a destination if you don't know where you're going? Some people say they just write and it works out, but this is not the case for me. Of course, I allow myself the option of changing the end once I get there. But I never have. I begin at point A, determine where point B will be, and set a course toward it.

The third crucial thing is allowing yourself to write, as Anne Lamott put it, the shitty first draft. You have to put down whatever comes out onto the page, even if it makes you cringe as you type. Revision comes later. That's when all the pretty descriptions and sensory details are born. First you have to flesh out plot.

I love how you mentioned about knowing your ending. It totally gives direction. 

Give us some insight into who you are by using five fruits/veges, TV shows/movies, or a combination of both.
I am a quirky, romantic believer in fate like the characters in Serendipity, an observer of life's absurdities like Michael on Arrested Development, cynically funny like Mary on In Plain Sight, I have many layers like an artichoke and, unfortunately, I am shaped like a pear.

You're on a deserted island and all you have with you is a book. Which book and why?
I would want to have The Catcher in the Rye with me on a desert island, because that's a book that never gets old. I sometimes open it up and read just a paragraph for inspiration. I've read it at various times of my life, and it has affected me in different ways. I read it to examine craft, and also for pure pleasure. I'll never be alone if I have Holden Caulfield alongside.

I can't end this without mentioning your fantastic book THE GIRL NEXT DOOR. Could you describe it in 140 characters or less?
“Death can never rob us of the love we give away.” This is the message of The Girl Next Door, a bittersweet romance in which two teens discover love as one battles cancer.

Now that is a statement. And once you all read it, you'll understand why. Yes, I'm about to cry again. I just loved Samantha and Jessie. 

Selene has made a new alliance with the Anthony V. Mannino Foundation, supporting young adults in their fight against cancer. Anyone who donates $25 or more to the foundation and lets Selene know about it will receive a free, autographed copy of The Girl Next Door. *Foundation Link* To let Selene know about a donation, please write to her on my Website. 

ABOUT SELENE CASTROVILLA

Selene Castrovilla is an award-winning teen and children’s author who believes that through all trends, humanity remains at the core of literature. She is the author of Saved By the Music and The Girl Next Door, teen novels originally published by WestSide Books and now available digitally through ASD Publishing. Her third children’s book with Calkins Creek Books, Revolutionary Friends, was released in April. She is also a contributing author to UncommonYA.  Selene holds an MFA in creative writing from New School University and a BA in English from New York University. She lives on Long Island with her two sons. Visit her website www.SeleneCastrovilla.com for book excerpts and more information!

Author links: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Tumblr | Goodreads

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One last thing, if some of you would--not for me, but for Selene--share this post in as many social media outlets as you have available to you. I think what she is doing is so honorable. It would be great if we could partake just a little in helping her get the word out to help young adults fight cancer. Thank you...