Saturday, March 28, 2015

Hot New Release: Best Friends... Forever?

Best Friends…Forever? (Landry’s True Colors Series) by Krysten Lindsay Hager


Tag line: Good friends have your back, but some go behind it.



Blurb: Landry Albright hopes the new year will start off in an amazing way—instead she has to deal with more frenemyissues, boy drama, and having most of her best friends make the cheerleading squad without her. Suddenly, it seems like all anyone can talk about is starting high school next year—something she finds terrifying.  

Landry gets her first boyfriend, but then gets dumped just as things come to a head with her friends, Peyton and Ashanti. She feels lost and left out, but finds good advice about dealing with frenemies from what she considers an unlikely source. Landry faces having to speak up for what’s right, tell the truth (even when it hurts), and how to get past the fear of failure as she gets another shot at competing in the American IngĂ©nue modeling competition.


EXCERPT 1:

I was so nervous the night of the basketball game. At first, I didn’t even want to go into the gym, but I mustered up the courage just as the game ball went streaking past my head and I almost got knocked over by a referee. The ref blew the whistle and went to hand the ball off. Vladi was standing right there and he nodded at me. Peyton squeezed my arm as we sat down, but I didn’t think it was that big a deal because he didn’t smile at me or anything.

          “Duh, he was playing basketball, but he acknowledged your existence,” she said. 

         “Kind of like how that cheerleader who keeps screaming out his name is acknowledging him?” I pointed to the girl with glossy straight brown hair who was doing back flips on the sidelines.

        “Forget her. He must like blondes anyway. He didn’t check me out after all,” she said.

         I checked around to see if Carey was there, but I didn’t see her. I did see India sitting with Doug and Cristian though. I poked Peyton, but she had already seen them.

         “Devon would kill her,” she said.

         “Um, should we tell her? They just started talking again,” I said. I didn’t want to get in the middle of another fight and I could tell that Peyton felt the same way. Besides, it wasn’t like Doug was Devon’s boyfriend. I’m sure India thought she would be safe since other than her and Devon, the rest of us hadn’t gone to the away games before. Peyton said we should try to avoid them after the game so we could pretend that we never saw them together. However, I ran into her on my way out of the bathroom at halftime.

         “Landry,” India’s aqua blue eyes widened. “Are you here to see Vladi?”

         I nodded and we both stood there. Peyton came in to see what was taking so long and almost passed out when she saw India. 

         “You guys, could you not say anything to Devon about this? I came by myself and I just ran into Doug here,” India said.

         Peyton and I acted like we hadn’t even seen Doug. I knew India had to be lying because who would go to a game by herself? We agreed not to say anything. The whole time I worried about what would happen if Devon found out that I knew about Doug and India. Peyton told me to relax because we weren’t doing anything wrong. I wasn’t sure which was worse: keeping a secret from Devon or breaking up her friendship with India?


Excerpt 2: India walked in, tossing her shiny, honeyblonde hair behind her. She walked right over to the girls at the juice machine and hugged the one with the mascara problem. Then India pulled out her Little Rose compact and started applying pink blush right in the hallway. She totally fit in with those other girls — India appeared about sixteen, beautiful, and like she belonged there.

Meanwhile, I was standing in a corner with Ericka, who had a snowman sweater on and was wearing a hair scrunchy — a scrunchy. It wasn’t as if she was trying to be retro either. Only little kids and my bus driver, Mrs. Jackson, wore scrunchies. At least Ashanti was super pretty, but I wasn’t so sure about how I came across. Did I look like a kid or a teenager? I had worn a royal blue turtleneck and jeans because I didn't want to call any attention to myself. Part of me would have liked to have the effect that India did when she walked in, but there was also a part of me that would have been perfectly comfortable wearing an invisibility cloak for the next four years of high school. At least being a "nobody” would have been better than being a friendless loser.


Book Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RFp2fPFbvTQ&feature=youtu.be


Author Bio: Krysten Lindsay Hager is the author of the Landry’s True Colors Series, a clean reads young adult series. Krysten writes about  friendship, self-esteem, fitting in, middle school and high school, frenemies, modeling, crushes, values, and self-image in both True Colors and Best Friends…Forever?

Krysten is an Amazon international bestselling author and book addict who has never met a bookstore she didn’t like. She’sworked as a journalist and writes middle grade, YA, humor essays, and adult fiction. She is originally from Michigan and has lived in Portugal, South Dakota, and currently resides in Southern Ohio where you can find her reading and writing when she’s not catching up on her favorite shows. She received her master’s degree from the University of Michigan-Flint.


What people are saying about True Colors (Landry’s True Colors Series Book One):

From Teenage Book Recommendations in the UK: "This is a fantastically relatable and real book which I feel captures all of the insecurities and troubles which haunt the modern teenage girl. It is about a young model who has to go through tough times when she is torn between a life as a model and managing her friendships. You learn which friends she can most trust and which will create the drama typical of teenage life. Follow the life of Landry and try to see if you can find out which are her true friends before their true colours are revealed. This book is all about relationships, hopes and truth. I loved this book!" 


From Books & Authors Spot: This book is such an inspiration for those who just care about their looks and are tensed about them. This thing is looks aren't everything. This book is relatedto every teen's problem. Hager has written a very inspiring novel. 


Buy Links:

Amazon:  http://www.amazon.com/Best-Friends-Forever-Landrys-Colors-ebook/dp/B00UIP1N5S/ref=sr_1_2?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1427190742&sr=1-2

Amazon international: http://authl.it/B00UIP1N5S

Barnesandnoble.com: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/c/krysten-lindsay-hager

Kobo: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/best-friends-forever-19

ituneshttps://itunes.apple.com/us/book/true-colors/id890673002



Connect with Krysten

Website: http://www.krystenlindsay.com/

Instagram: http://instagram.com/krystenlindsay

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KrystenLindsayHagerAuthor

Twitter: https://twitter.com/KrystenLindsay

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25145859-best-friends-forever

 

 

 

 

 

Thursday, January 29, 2015

Review of Secret Girlfriend

This blog post is looong overdue, but I'm excited to introduce you to a friend and one of my favorite authors, Bria Quinlan!  

She's written so many books that are endearing, quirky, funny and reflections of our lives, but I had as my goal last fall to post a review of one of her earlier works, entitled Secret Girlfriend.


When I first started reading Secret Girlfriend, I remember feeling as though I was actually living Amy's life. Amy Whalen, high school track superstar, is pulled in to a battle for soccer captain, college resumes, and ultimately, for her heart.

The setting for this story is high school love, as this group of teens seek to find out about their place in life, and in each other's lives. One of Amy's suitors, Chris, is using her to become soccer captain while new guy Luke actually develops feelings for her.  

What comes next is a hilarious trip back to one's own high school days. Even so, there are some major heart-wrenching moments, such as when Amy misses her mom, who has passed away from cancer, and her struggles with a distant father.  Anyone can relate!

The conclusion is exactly as you hope it will be, as you root for Amy, Luke, Amy's Dad, the Parker family, etc!  All throughout, this is a clean book that I can recommend for everyone, and she is a master wordsmith - you're sucked in to a person's life and start feeling like they're real people. Quinlan has therefore has earned my five star rating!  

She has other amazing books out right now too, the newest one called The Catching Kind. Actually, just go read her entire Brew Ha Ha series.  Seriously. :)


Hopefully one day very soon, I'll get Bria on this blog for an author interview! :)  In the meantime, look into her works - you won't regret it!

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BriaQuinlanAuthor
Twitter: @briaquinlan
Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/BriaQuinlan
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Bria-Quinlan/e/B00D9URPWO

Friday, December 19, 2014

When you have to say goodbye to friends

The gift of friendship has always been mysterious to me. I've always liked the idea of a home having an 'open table', where anyone can come and join in a meal of fellowship and encouragement any time, surrounded by the laughter and love of family, having a 'when you're here, you're one of us' kind of slogan. In much the same way, my heart very much has had an open policy, willing to accept others as they are, and work toward building lasting and strong foundations.

But what if you know your friendship will have an end date? That it will have to come to a close, separated by international borders?

My answer: do it anyway. You never know who may need those connections.

Case in point: my friendships with the international students to whom I teach faith-based ESL.




I've met some incredible, vibrant, courageous, curious and loving people I'm happy to call my friends. Even with language barriers, you can still make meaningful friendships.
I am always excited to meet students from Korea that are brand new to the U.S. Having been abroad to Europe, Africa and Asia, I completely understand that disorienting feeling. Everything's new or different, the headaches you get from translating all day long, the squeezes of your heart as you lie in bed at night and think of home.

Those people are the ones my heart has been drawn to, and in return, I've found that you may very well be the person needed to make an international student feel as at home as possible while they're in the US.




You make connections, you share moments, and forever that time will be a part of their memories as a portion of their time in our country. I still remember those with open hearts to me in Ethiopia, and while time has moved on, I've never once forgotten their kindness, their faces, or their smiles.  Likewise, I'll never forget the loving kindness of my friends from Korea.



With these students-that-became-friends, there comes a point when they have to go back home. And my heart aches. I've grown to love them as little brothers and sisters, proud of their accomplishments and excited to see what their future has in store. But the goodbye still hurts. I don't know if I'll ever see them again, though we always promise to one day meet again, either here in the US, or in Korea.



What words could I possibly use to share the depth of my feelings as I have to say goodbye?   This is where I start to fumble, even as a part-time wordsmith, and my tears begin to fall.  

So, To Garam, Jane, Amy, Julia, Yoonah, SooYoung... even those students not pictured like April, Kevin/SungJae, and David:

I want each of you to know how very proud I am of the young adult you are. Each day you were here in the US, I prayed for you. You've all become very special to me and my children, and each of you are endeared to my heart forever. Be strong and courageous, keep seeking to find out more about the things we discussed in class, especially the faith stuff, and don't be afraid to make new choices, even if it's different from your friends or earlier generations. And keep in touch. Many here still love you very much - my family and I included.

I'll be praying for you everyday, dear ones. Until we meet again....

Monday, December 15, 2014

Reading and Things 12 Days of Christmas Event

Hello all!

Some of you are new to my blog, and some are not.  Welcome to all! :)

I am a busy mother to four small kids, and I love every moment of my time with these amazing littles!  I also am a part-time instructor in the psychology and child development fields.  But my heart definitely belongs to my writing, and so here we are! I am an indie author of three books so far, with many more in the works and hopefully release dates very soon!

Today's question for the Reading and Things 12 Days of Christmas is....


WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CHRISTMAS SONG?


Oooooohhhhh.... this is a toughy!  I have SO many I just adore!  I love The First Noel, which is also my daughter's middle name. Little Town of Bethlehem, and Mary Did you Know?   I also love the Rat Pack, Perry Como, Ella Fitzgerald, Nat King Cole.... all the oldies. :)

However, in the spirit of love, I think the most fun romantic Christmas song is Baby It's Cold Outside!  In honor of my novel Watchmen for Morning being set in Italy, here's Dean Martin's rendition!




Don't forget to join me tonight on the facebook event while I take over - come to WIN some PRIZES!!! :)  Here's the link to the event:

See ya tonight! <3 Much Gratitude and Respect ~ J.M.P.

Tuesday, December 9, 2014

New cover for Watchmen for Morning (yes, again!)

I feel like this does a fabulous job as a cover!


Hi again

Woah, it's been a crazy whirlwind since I last posted.  I added the role of "event planner" and "fundraiser" to my resume as we prepared for A Night for the Necessary Ones, which went beautifully.  We didn't meet our fundraising goal for The Baby Box Ministry/Kindred Image, but as books continue to sell (all proceeds of Folded go toward Pastor Lee) hopefully we'll make up for that. The film, The Drop Box, which we previewed that night was incredible - go see it in theaters in March!

(The Consulate General of the Republic of Korea sent flowers to our event!!)

In other news, I didn't quite meet my NaNoWriMo goal, which was only 30,000 words.  I wasn't surprised or let down by this, since A Night for the Necessary Ones was in November as well, and we had to hit marketing pretty hard.  I have a novella, Unlikely Places, that is nearly done, and I was trying to write it's sequel during NaNo, but my brain went haywire.  So, new project :)

Exciting stuff in store... stay tuned!

Much gratitude and respect ~ J.M.P. :)

Tuesday, October 21, 2014

What's Being Said about Folded (and a little update) :)

My life couldn't be crazier than it is right now. I run my kids around to this or that everyday, plus their schoolwork.  We're remodeling our home.  Not just a small project, mind you, but our entire kitchen, and it's the biggest headache I've ever experienced. (AH! - could you hear my exasperation!?)  :)

Oh, and then there's the planning for our upcoming event, A Night for the Necessary Ones, which is an official Christian Alliance for Orphans event.  We're so very excited to be hosting a pre-release screening of the documentary called The Drop Box, which chronicles Pastor Lee Jung-rak's service in Korea with The Baby Box (click to view trailer).  My team and I are continuing to seek out community and business sponsors to help raise money for Pastor Lee Jung-rak's Baby Box Ministry.  Specifically, we're trying to help him build a Rescue Center.  It's going slowly, but we're trying to build awareness of this very special cause.  Ultimately, if it spurs someone on toward adoption, not just from Korea but anywhere, then I've done my job.

At that same event, I'm releasing my nonfiction adoption book entitled Folded: The Forging of an Adoptive Family.  It's succinct, but jam-packed with research and anecdotal evidence supporting the finding that the relationships a person has matters, especially with attachment figures such as parents.  And moreover, it starts at birth.  ALL PROCEEDS of my book go toward The Baby Box ministry!

I was thrilled that the President of MPAK-Georgia (Mission to Promote Adoption in Korea), Karen Lim, wrote the foreword for my book!  And the English Liaison for the Baby Box Ministry itself, Ellie Oh, also endorsed the book (see below)!

But don't just take my word for it... here are some endorsements for my book! :)

Folded is a heartwarming declaration of the 
power of love and what it means to live a Christ-centered 
life! If you are considering adoption, this book will 
encourage, inform, inspire and challenge you! 
~ Tara Fairfield, Ed.D.
Licensed Psychologist, Author, and Speaker

***

Folded puts a face with the idea of adoption, 
showing the simplicity and complexity of the issue at 
once. With an eye on the real challenges adoption brings 
and an ear toward the cry of orphans around the world, 
Jennifer inspires readers to care for children who are 
eagerly waiting for a family in which they can fit. 
~ Sarah Kornmann, MA
Adjunct Professor, 
Western Iowa Tech Community College
Foster and Adoptive Parent

***

There is no ministry closer to the heart of God 
than adoption. He adopts us in Christ, and calls us to care 
for the orphans. Jennifer Pitkin has a heart for adoption, 
and it's open for you; the joys and struggles in this calling 
and command to love the children. 
~ Dan Barnes, MA
Foster and Adoption Advocate, Pastor

***

This book allows me to realize how imperfection 
turns into perfection through adoption. Providing a loving 5
nest to a child who is born to be loved is one of the most 
blessed works that we can ever do under God. 
~ Ellie Oh
ESL Teacher for Korean Students, Author,
English Liaison for the Baby Box Ministry, South 
Korea

***

Parenting is a blessing! It can also be a challenge 
sometimes. Adopting kids from another culture is also a 
blessing; but it comes with some additional challenges. 
This book gives a realistic picture of what both the 

delights and difficulties look like, and points us to the 
One who can forge a family together in a beautiful way. 
"Unless the Lord builds the house, they labor in vain who 
build it," (Psalm 127:1). 
~ Pastor Dave Sowers
Morningside Baptist Church

***

Jennifer Pitkin offers an insightful glimpse into 
the world of parenting adopted children in Folded. She 
shares faith-based experiences and stories that help us to 
better know the supports that are needed for adopted 
children and their adoptive families. 
~ Amy Denney
Elementary School Principal

***

Folded does a fantastic job of explaining the 
importance of relationships showing that emotions, love 
and attachment don’t end at infancy. A powerful read for 
those in “nontraditional” families, because what family is 
“traditional” what is the “right way” to have your family, 
but through love. Families come in all shapes, ages, 
colors, and of course biological and/or adopted. Folded is 
powerful, educational and above all else reminds us to 
open our hearts and love. Ms. Pitkin writes this piece as a 
great resource from both an anecdotal and clinical 
neurobiology perspective.
~ Sadie S. Gehlsen, MSW, LISW

Will YOU join us at our special event?  Here's the flyer!  It's Saturday, Nov 22nd, 6pm, at Sunnybrook Community Church in Sioux City, Iowa.  It's OPEN TO ALL!!!!


Much gratitude and respect ~ J.M.P. :)