{Blog Tour} ARC Review + Dream Cast + Giveaway: THE VINEYARD by Michael Hurley

THE VINEYARD
BY MICHAEL HURLEY

Genre: Fiction

Expected Publication November 25th 2014 by Ragbagger Press
Format Acquired: ARC
Source: Publisher

Purchase: Amazon / Barnes and Noble

From Michael Hurley, winner of the Chanticleer Reviews Grand Prize for his debut novel, THE PRODIGAL, comes a complex and ambitious tale of old money, young passion, and ancient mystery in a classic New England seaside town. 

Dory Delano, Charlotte Harris, and Turner Graham have been drifting through life since their days as roommates at Smith College, ten years ago. Dory is resisting taking the reins of her family’s legacy and fortune even as she relishes the fabulous lifestyle it affords her in the fashionable seaside resort of Martha’s Vineyard. She invites her old friends to join her for a summer on the Vineyard in hopes of rediscovering the innocence of old days and healing new wounds. But hidden in their midst and unknown to all but a few, a reclusive—some say dangerous—fisherman wanders alone, fueling wild speculation about his purpose and his past. None of these women can imagine the events their encounter with the fisherman will set in motion, the shadow he will cast over their destinies, or the transformation that awaits the world they know. 

MY REVIEW

First of all, I would like to give a huge thanks for sending me a physical ARC of the book! Please take note that this in no way affected my review and rating on the story.

I love reunions. It's the best part of life when friendship just drifted away years ago. It's good to hear about their stories, how they have been all this time, what's new and what's still the same, and most of all, rekindling the laughter you shared a long time ago.

The books I read mostly fall under fantasy and romance. But I knew that every now and then, I need a good book that talks about friendship and life. The one that talks about pain and how to overcome them, not just about love and romance. And this is what Michael Hurley brought us -- friendship, life, reunions.

Ten years after graduation, Dory, Turner and Charlotte reunited once again at Martha's Vineyard, catching up with their lives. Dory was being forced to marry someone she doesn't love; Charlotte lost her child and the pain wanted her to commit suicide; and Turner, now a famous blogger. Although so much has changed over the years, they never expected that meeting "the fisherman" will change their lives.

THE VINEYARD DREAM CAST

Of course, all of us have their dream casts on the books we love. So for the story behind Michael Hurley's work, here's what the survey said:

A M A N D A  S E Y F R I E D  as  D O R Y  D E L A N O

G E M M A  A R T E N T O N  as  T U R N E R  G R A H A M

S H A I L E N E  W O O D L E Y  as  C H A R L O T T E  H A R R I S

MY RATING

BOOK TRAILER

GIVEAWAY

Giveaway is open to International. | Must be 13+ to Enter

10 Winners will receive a Copy of The Vineyard by Michael Hurley.

20 Winners will receive a Signed Bookmark of The Vineyard by Michael Hurley.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Michael Hurley

Michael Hurley and his wife Susan live near Charleston, South Carolina. Born and raised in Baltimore, Michael holds a degree in English from the University of Maryland and law from St. Louis University.

The Prodigal, Michael’s debut novel from Ragbagger Press, received the Somerset Prize for mainstream fiction and numerous accolades in the trade press, including Publishers Weekly, Kirkus Reviews, ForeWord Reviews, BookTrib, Chanticleer Reviews, and IndieReader. It is currently in development for a feature film by producer Diane Sillan Isaacs. Michael’s second novel, The Vineyard, is due to be released by Ragbagger Press in December 2014.

Michael’s first book, Letters from the Woods, is a collection of wilderness-themed essays published by Ragbagger Press in 2005. It was shortlisted for Book of the Year by ForeWord magazine. In 2009, Michael embarked on a two-year, 2,200 mile solo sailing voyage that ended with the loss of his 32-foot sloop, the Gypsy Moon, in the Windward Passage between Cuba and Haiti in 2012. That voyage and the experiences that inspired him to set sail became the subject of his memoir, Once Upon A Gypsy Moon, published in 2013 by Hachette Book Group.

When he is not writing, Michael enjoys reading and relaxing with Susan on the porch of their rambling, one-hundred-year-old house. His fondest pastimes are ocean sailing, playing piano and classical guitar, cooking, and keeping up with an energetic Irish terrier, Frodo Baggins.

Author Links: Website / Goodreads / Facebook

Trailer Release + Giveaway: PRESS PLAY by Eric Devine

PRESS PLAY
BY ERIC DEVINE
Genre: Young Adult Contemporary
Expected publication: October 28th 2014 by Running Press Kids

Greg Dunsmore, a.k.a. Dun the Ton, is focused on one thing: making a documentary that will guarantee his admission into the film school of his choice. Every day, Greg films his intense weight-loss focused workouts as well as the nonstop bullying that comes from his classmates. But when he captures footage of violent, extreme hazing by his high school’s championship-winning lacrosse team in the presence of his principal, Greg’s field of view is in for a readjustment.

Greg knows there is a story to be told, but it is not clear exactly what. And his attempts to find out the truth only create more obstacles, not to mention physical harm upon himself. Yet if Greg wants to make his exposé his ticket out of town rather than a veritable death sentence, he will have to learn to play the game and find a team to help him.

Combine the underbelly of Friday Night Lights with the unflinching honesty of Walter Dean Myers, and you will find yourself with Eric Devine’s novel of debatable truths, consequences, and realities.

OFFICIAL BOOK TRAILER

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Eric Devine

Eric Devine is the author of multiple works of Young Adult fiction, most recently Dare Me, withPress Play being published 10/28. He is also a veteran high school English teacher who spends as much time teaching as he does completing field research for his novels. His work has been listed byYALSA and Booklist for reluctant readers and for Best in Sports. He is married to his high school sweetheart, and his wife and he have two wonderful daughters and two not-so-wonderful Labradors.

Find out more at

Website: ericdevine.org

Facebook: facebook.com/ericdevineauthor,

Twitter: @eric_devine

GIVEAWAY (US ONLY)

1 Winner will get a signed copy of PRESS PLAY and a PRESS PLAY phone case. (Winners chooses case size)

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Blog Tour Review + Giveaway: DREAMS OF THE CURSED by Allie Jean

Dreams of the Cursed
by Allie Jean
Series: Dreamer #2
Genre: Young Adult Paranormal Romance
Published October 3rd by The Writers Coffee Shop Publishing House
Purchase: Amazon | Barnes and Noble

A violent war has waged in secret underneath the notice of humanity since the beginning of time. Evil has pledged the destruction of humanity in spite of a power those that covet it could not possibly contain. Now the Warriors have inherited this fight and are honor-bound to rid the world of this ancient malevolence. By guarding the most precious, piercing light they possess—their female kin known as the Oracles, or Dreamers—the Warriors have a chance against the darkness.

Chantal Breelan has suffered from horrific nightmares for most of her life, believing something is wrong with her to have such visions of destruction. But when creatures of terror came crawling out of the shadows to hunt her down shortly after her eighteenth birthday, she discovered the truth. Her dreams became reality, throwing her headfirst into a battle wrought by cursed monsters, where death and torture lie at every turn.

Mathias is a descendant of a Fallen Angel and a powerful Warrior. He vows his life in service to pay recompense for the sins of their fathers by guarding Chantal from within the shadows. Long has he fought, shedding sweat and blood, hoping that his struggles wouldn’t be in vain. With Chantal’s life in danger, he’s been forced to reveal himself, yet she has managed to surprise him with her fierce tenacity and strength. In his sacrifice, he finds redemption and life’s ultimate reward—a love to surpass all time.

Now Chantal has picked up the reins of her birthright and stands by her Warrior kin, by Mathias. She’s on a mission to rescue others like herself. Yet, in this challenge, a battle of wits is exposed. New players are discovered, throwing strategies into question. When the truth comes to light, can Chantal hold her band of brothers together, or will they crumble under the weight of betrayal?

MY REVIEW

To briefly describe this book, I would say it's action-packed.

Dreams of the Cursed is yet another fascinating story by Allie Jean, the sequel to the Legacy of a Dreamer. Things were made clearer in this book, most especially about the history of the Fallen angels and the Contrites. Most of my questions left on the first book were answered here. 

There were new characters introduced, but the most intriguing of them was Princess. Who is she? Why is she so important to Damon? Not to mention the part where Damon's quite soft-hearted and protective when it comes to her. This made me think there is still good inside Damon's heart.

There is also Lady, or whose real name is Trystan. I hated her the first time I met her. There's a lot of "Why?" that I wanna ask her. I even taught she's crazy, though I also pity her at first, knowing all those things she's been through while she's still in the dungeon. I kinda have a love-hate relationship with her.

The Fire Eater. I really don't have any idea who she is, and why is Damon so interested to her. Even Chantal doesn't know who she is! Why is she called the Fire Eater? Ha. If ever you find out who she is, you'll all be like "What?!" I guess all my questions will be answered on the third book and I can't wait for it.

This book tells us that there will always be hope. No matter how hard/bad the situation is, we should never ran out of hope. And this book proved that it times of hardship, it's one of the most important thing, next to trust, of course. This book also tells us that we should not... no, never, judge someone based on his/her past. We should always hear their side, listen to their explanation because everything happens for a reason.

Over all, I love the story. It's just sad that I still can't ship Mathias and Chantal because of the situation they're in. But it's good that they focus on winning first, for everyone's sake, putting theirs later on. This is another must-read from Allie Jean.

P.S. I actually had a new favorite character in this sequel... but... *cries*

MY RATING

I REALLY LIKE IT!

TRAILER

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Allie Jean

Allie Jean was born with an overactive imagination. She spent her childhood inventing stories and telling tales. Her mind never shut down, even while she slept. Vivid dreams containing extensive, elaborate plot lines of good overcoming evil villains captured her nightly visions, lingering into her waking hours and filling the pages of her well-loved bounded diaries. She was encouraged by her parents, even at a young age, to write down her tales, and it has remained a somewhat secret hobby. As a busy wife, mother and critical care nurse, Allie’s love of storytelling has been reborn through the adventures of her unforgettable characters.

Author Links:
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

GIVEAWAY

(TWO $5.00 Amazon Gift Cards, TWO Autographed Poster and Paperback Set, ONE Autographed Set of DREAMERS SERIES)

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