Happy Holidays!

From Kelly & Tina @ YA Fresh!

Book Recommendation: The Clearing!

Every now and then Kelly and I like to chat up books that have particularly touched us, and I'm doing just that today by reporting on
The Clearing by Heather Davis.

Heather and I are friends, and I had been meaning to read this book for a while, but you know the saying, "So many books, so little time." This week, with most of my holiday shopping behind me, I finally got the chance to crack it open. And what happened was that I found it almost impossible to put down.

Here's the blurb:

In this bittersweet romance, two teens living decades apart form a bond that will change their lives forever.

Amy is drawn to the misty, mysterious clearing behind her Aunt Mae's place because it looks like the perfect place to hide from life. A place to block out the pain of her last relationship, to avoid the kids in her new town, to stop dwelling on what her future holds after high school. Then, she meets a boy lurking in the mist--Henry. Henry is different from any other guy Amy has ever known. And after several meetings in the clearing, she's starting to fall for him.

But Amy is stunned when she finds out just how different Henry really is. Because on his side of the clearing, it's still 1944. By some miracle, Henry and his family are stuck in the past, staving off the tragedy that will strike them in the future. Amy's crossing over to Henry's side brings him more happiness than he's ever known--but her presence also threatens to destroy his safe existence.

The Clearing was totally engrossing for me, engaging my inner romantic as well as my reader's yearning for a fresh, interesting storyline. Add to this some lovely descriptive passages that absolutely made me feel that I was in the clearing with Amy and Henry, and no surprise that it's on the short-list for the Pacific Northwest Booksellers Award.

So for those of you still looking for holiday gifts, or are soon to receive holiday gift cards, I suggest you keep this heart-felt page turner in mind!

And be sure to check back for an interview with Heather Davis early next year.

We Have a Winner!

Thanks to all who entered the contest to win a copy of Heather Terrell's FALLEN ANGEL! And our winner is...

SYDNEY!

So Sydney, please contact me at admin@tinaferraro.com, I'll get that book winging its way to you!

Fallen Angel Giveaway!

We welcome Heather Terrell to YA FRESH today, to talk about her new Harper Collins series, Fallen Angel!


Hi, Heather, could you please tell us a little about your writing background and how you made your first sale?

I was actually practicing as a lawyer in New York City when I had the idea for my first novel, a historical suspense story called The Chrysalis. It took me almost ten years to write that book, but when I finally finished it, I showed it to an agent. She took me on as a client, and after more editing, I was fortunate enough to enter into my first contract with Random House. After writing two more historical suspense novels, I decided to try my hand at young adult books. My new series with Harper Collins entitled Fallen Angel -- is the result of that venture.

Great! Readers and writers often like to get a behind the scenes peek of an author's writing routine. It would be great if you could please share your typical writing day schedule.

On a day that I’ve dedicated to writing, I get my family situated and then pour myself a huge cup of coffee. Afterwards, I head upstairs to my office, put on the music I’ve selected for writing that particular novel, and begin. I start by re-reading the chapter I finished the day before, consult my outline, and commence typing!

Please tell us about your novel, Fallen Angel, and what we can expect from your characters.

Fallen Angel is the story of two otherworldly teens, Ellie Faneuil and Michael Chase. They are determined to uncover what they are vampire, angel, or something altogether different -- and how they got this way . . . together. But the truth has repercussions neither could have imagined. Soon they find themselves center stage in an ancient conflict that threatens to destroy everything they love. And it is no longer clear whether Ellie and Michael will choose the same side.

At its core, Fallen Angel is a supernatural tale about true love, destiny, and the battle of good versus evil.

What's up next? Do you have another project in the works? If so, please tell us about it.

The sequel to Fallen Angel will release in early summer of 2011. That novel is called Eternity.

Eternity tells Ellie’s tale as she comes to grips with her destiny as the Elect One, a fate that makes her relationship with Michael tense. Yet Ellie doesn’t have the luxury of time to work things out with Michael, because they are called to stand against the group of fallen angels who are bent on destroying the world. In order to face the evil heading her way, Ellie tries to put her personal life aside. But she soon learns that whoever holds her heart also holds the key to mankind's salvation or destruction. As the end days approach, Ellie is faced with an epic decision. Who does her heart really belong to? And is her love strong enough to save the world?

Would you like to close with a writing tip?

I have learned so many helpful writing tips from fellow author friends. The one that has proven the most useful, however, is also the simplest. Pick a time each day to write and stick to it whether or not you feel like writing. The words will follow.

Thanks, Heather!

* * * * *

Thanks so much! And now for our readers, the giveaway! We will be choosing one random commenter to receive a copy of Fallen Angel. Simply leave a us a comment telling us why it should be you!

Check back on Monday to learn the winner!

The Baking (and eating) of Holiday Cookies!

Okay, so I’m no Martha Stewart when it comes to baking. BUT I still have the urge for some holiday cookies! Yummers!

So what do I think of when it comes to holiday cookies…?

Is it these…



Or these…



Or…



All good, yes, but when I bake Christmas cookies I have the most fun with Sugar cookies!!



When I was little my aunt would always make sugar cookies with frosting on top in reindeer and in santa shapes. But not only that they were so thin and light that they seemed to melt on your tongue. *sigh*

And with my mom, we'd always make our sugar cookie dough into fun shapes like candy canes and holly wreaths:



So this year with my kiddos I plan on making a big mess and continuing the cookie baking tradition!

How about you? Any favorite holiday cookies for you this holiday season?

Our Teen TV Show Giveaway Winner...

...is Erin!

Erin, please contact me at admin@tinaferraro.com and let me know which book you'd like: Top Ten Uses for an Unworn Prom Dress by Tina Ferraro, or Her and Me and You by Lauren Strasnick!

Thanks to all who entered, and keep checking back...the giveaways just keep on coming!

Let's Talk Teen TV Shows (Giveaway!)

I was watching GLEE the other night (yes, I am a Gleek) and thinking back on various TV shows featuring high school and teens I’ve seen over the years. I thought it would be fun to mention some "oldies but goodies" here for those of us who have down-time over the holidays and feel like going back...

Gidget (1960’s)

A one-season wonder featuring life on the beach (and around town) starring Sally Field!


Welcome Back, Kotter (1970’s)

A former student becomes a teacher at the inner city school he'd been so happy to once leave. And check out John Travolta in one of his earliest roles.


Square Pegs (1980’s)

About misfits in high school. I recall the tag line being “One size does NOT fit all.” And notice a very young “Sex and the City” Sarah Jessica Parker.



Beverly Hills, 90210 (1990’s)

Tagline (thank you, Netflix): A Kansas family relocates to Beverly Hills, where their two children adapt to the infamous social drama of West Beverly Hills High.


So now it’s your turn, and I purposely left the door wide open! Tell us some other TV shows that featured teens in high school that you think others might enjoy tuning into it. One winner will be randomly chosen and can pick between a signed copy of Top Ten Uses for an Unworn Prom Dress by Tina Ferraro, and a signed copy of Her and Me and You by Lauren Strasnick!

Giveaway ends--and winner announced--on Monday, December 13th!

Amazon Gift Card Winner

Thanks to all who entered this past weekend's contest and told us a book they are planning to purchase or hope to receive!

And our winner, chosen by my random number generator, is...

LUCIA!

So, Lucia, please contact me at admin@tinaferraro.com, and I'll get you the $10.00 Amazon.com gift certificate!

Holiday Shopping Giveaway!

Kelly and I have long been proponents of books as holiday gifts for friends and family of all ages, which not only helps support the publishing industry, but enriches minds and sometimes draws in new readers.

Last year, some of you may remember, my 2009 release, The ABC’s of Kissing Boys, made Amazon.com’s “Great Gifts for Teens” List.


Well, this year we are excited to report that Kelly’s 2007 release, Graffiti Girl, has been earmarked by Amazon.com for a
bargain price just in time for the holidays of only $3.98.


In celebration of the season, and hoping that you will consider books for your gifts, too, we will be giving one commenter a $10.00 Amazon.com gift card. All you have to do to be entered is tell us a book that you’re either planning to purchase as a gift or hope you receive!

Best wishes to all who enter...and check back on Monday, December 9th to see the winner!

What's Fresh with Caridad Ferrer's When The Stars Go Blue

A dancer driven to succeed.

A musical prodigy attempting to escape his past.

The summer they share.

And the moment it all goes wrong.

Dance is Soledad Reyes’s life. About to graduate from Miami’s Biscayne High School for the Performing Arts, she plans on spending her last summer at home teaching in a dance studio, saving money, and eventually auditioning for dance companies. That is, until fate intervenes in the form of fellow student Jonathan Crandall who has what sounds like an outrageous proposition: Forget teaching. Why not spend the summer performing in the intense environment of the competitive drum and bugle corps? The corps is going to be performing Carmen, and the opportunity to portray the character of the sultry gypsy proves too tempting for Soledad to pass up, as well as the opportunity to spend more time with Jonathan, who intrigues her in a way no boy ever has before.

But in an uncanny echo of the story they perform every evening, an unexpected competitor for Soledad's affections appears: Taz, a member of an all-star Spanish soccer team. One explosive encounter later Soledad finds not only her relationship with Jonathan threatened, but her entire future as a professional dancer.

Hello YA Fresher's, we have our friend Caridad Ferrer chatting with us today! Caridad is not new to YA Fresh, we've chatted with her before, and she's back chatting about her brand new release When the Stars Go Blue...so please give her a big YA Fresh welcome!

Hello Caridad, it's so great to have you back with us! Readers and writers often like to get a behind the scenes peek of an author's writing routine. It would be great if you could please update us on your typical writing day schedule.

Caridad: A typical day for me is coffee, email, and walking the dogs. Then more coffee and looking over the previous day's work to sort of get into the groove. This is also why I actually try to leave off in the middle of a scene rather than at the end-- it somehow makes it easier to get back into the world and mood. I put on the appropriate soundtrack and get to work. If I'm stuck, I'll pause and do some research or get up and walk around a bit. Sometimes, I'll just try to bull my way through. One thing I always do, however, is work linearly. I find it nearly impossible to jump around in a manuscript and write scenes out of order.

Somewhere in there, I do attend to my family-- driving my kids to and from school and doing the typical errands (although laundry is almost always sacrificed!).

Please tell us about your latest novel When the Stars Go Blue and what we can expect from your characters.

Caridad: WHEN THE STARS GO BLUE (November 23rd from St. Martin's Griffin/Thomas Dunne Books) is a contemporary reinterpretation of Bizet's CARMEN but set against the backdrop of competitive drum and bugle corps. Despite how specialized that might sound, it really is a universal story with a love triangle and lots of passion and intensity and desire and misunderstandings and betrayals. Because the main characters are all artists of some sort, the drama and emotions are ramped up another order of magnitude.

Thank you for stopping by, Caridad! We wish you the best with this latest release. What's up next? Do you have another project in the works? If so, please tell us about it.

Caridad: Nothing that's contracted, but I have just completed work on an adult manuscript that's set in the 1960s and deals with a young woman's emotional journey after her family escapes from Castro's Cuba and I've just begun work on a young adult manuscript with which I'm challenging myself, writing in third person POV for the first time in ages and employing paranormal elements, which I've never done before.

Caridad Ferrer is a first generation, bilingual Cuban-American, whose young adult debut, Adiós to My Old Life won the Romance Writers of America’s 2007 RITA® for Best Contemporary Single Title Romance as well as being named to the 2009 Popular Paperbacks for Young Adults list, awarded by the ALA. Her second novel, It’s Not About the Accent was released in 2007 with Publisher’s Weekly stating, “…this twisting book amply rewards readers.”

She has also contributed to the anthology, Fifteen Candles: 15 Tales of Taffeta, Hairspray, Drunk Uncles, and Other Quinceañera Stories. Her newest young adult novel, When the Stars Go Blue, is a contemporary retelling of Bizet’s Carmen, and will be released by Thomas Dunne Books in November 2010. Booklist calls it, “Beautifully written, with contemporary characters and an engaging story line.” Visit her website, www.caridadferrer.com