(ARC) Review: A CRY FOR HOPE by Beth Rinyu

A Cry For Hope

by Beth Rinyu

Genre: New Adult Romance

Format Acquired: e-ARC

Source: Author (Thanks a bunch, Beth!)
Expected Publication March 14th 2014

Hope McAdams life as she knew it ended on the same day that her eight year old son’s did.

Eight months later she's trying to regain some semblance of normality, while trying to repair her once perfect marriage to a man who was her best friend, but now a complete stranger. Coming to the painful realization that she must fix the hole that’s deep within her heart, she goes home to the place that she grew up in hopes that time and distance will heal her wounds and lead her back to the man she loves.

Nick Abate is an old friend of Hope’s whose heart is also on the mend. He’s home on leave from the Marines, and when he and Hope reconnect, their friendship picks up right where they left off, years ago. They both begin to heal and feel whole again with the help of each other. But when their friendship crosses the line, will Hope be able to forgive herself and move on, or will the guilt that she is harboring once again cause her to slip back into the place that she has just escaped? 

What happens when two tortured souls place their trust in each other? Will they find their way back to the ones they love or will their hearts remain connected forever?

MY REVIEW

I have always been a fan of Beth Rinyu's works. The Unplanned Series made me cry, made me blush, and made me laugh. But this book, A Cry of Hope, made me shed a waterfall of tears. It gave me all the feels for a woman, a mother, who lost almost everything in her life. Everything that made her life worth living. And I have to warn you, please prepare a box of tissue before you read this book. I'm 100% sure you'll be needing it.

"This is the story about my family. My beautiful son, my once perfect husband, and finding the courage to live and feel whole again."

At first, I thought this will be another love story about a girl and a boy who were bestfriends then ended up marrying each other. But I was wrong.

A Cry For Hope is a story about Hope, a mother, who lost her son. Not only did he lost her son, but also her husband's heart. He blames her for the tragic incident and she can do nothing but to take the blame. I am not a mother (yet) but through Beth's writing, I can feel the exact feelings of Hope. If I were her, I wouldn't know what to do. It's too much heartbreak for me and I can't bear that kind of pain!

"My two greatest fears in life were losing my child and dying myself. Since I had already faced one of those fears head on, I no longer feared the second."

I hated Jamie, Hope's husband. How can he blame Hope for the loss of their son, Charlie, all this time? Does he really think Hope wanted it to happen? The flashbacks of their lives made me cry each and every time. It literally broke my heart. I was a mess. I cried inside the shuttle going to work while reading. I didn't care about the stares of other people at me. I just cared about Hope's feelings. I wanted to hug her and tell her that everything will be fine. I wanted to slap Jamie to make him realize what he's done. He should've been there for Hope and comfort her in this rough time of their lives. Ugh! Hope made the right decision to stay away from Jamie for the time being and stay with her mother. She needs someone who will understand her and make her feel better.

"You know, Jamie, sometimes emotional pain can hurt worse than physical pain. I would rather endure that day over and over again, rather than feeling like I'm worthless to the man I love."

When Hope ran home, to her mother, all she wanted was to think and probably lessen the pain in her heart by keeping herself busy. But what she didn't expect is that she'd bump into her childhood bestfriend, Nick. And I guess this is why girls also need guy bestfriends. Because in this story, one of them played the most important part. They started hanging out again, keeping up with each other's life. She found out that Nick is carrying some burden with him too, and she thought of not adding to that burden. But Nick can't bear to see Hope feeling so down and hopeless. So he helped her ease out the pain and move on. I thought this will lead into some kind of a friends with benefits thing, but I was wrong again. Nick did everything to pick up the shattered pieces of Hope's heart. He made her feel she is worthy of love, that she deserved to be loved. And I love Nick so much for what he did. Every girl needs a guy like Nick, even for just a friend.

"Hope, you are not hopeless at all. You've just been through a lot and you've changed because of it. You will never be the same person that you were before you lost your son, just like I will never be the same person I was before. . ."

Nick played the biggest role in reuniting Jamie and Hope, thus giving them another chance. Their whole story might bring you pain, and despair, but Nick will give you hope. He will bring you happiness and forgiveness. Yes, the loss of Charlie will always be a whole in their heart that will never be replaced, but eventually, that loss will turn out to be a new beginning, a new life. This is a TOTAL tear-jerker but I don't have any regrets reading this. Beth, I love you. I love your works. I love your characters.

Here are some of the songs that remind me of Hope, Jamie, and Nick's story:

Say Something - A Great Big World and Christina Aguilera

Gravity - Sara Bareilles

MY RATING

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Beth Rinyu

Ever since I can remember, I have always enjoyed Creative Writing. There was always something about being able to travel to a different place or become a different person with just the stroke of a pen - or in today's world a touch of the keyboard. I am the author of The Exception To The Rule, An Unplanned Lesson and Drowning In Love (releasing July 2013).

My life is not as interesting as my books or the characters in them, but then again whose life is? I was born and have lived in New Jersey my whole life. I'm a mom of twin teenage boys, a teenage stepson, a crazy Border Collie and a cat with an identity crisis! I guess you can say writing is my form of Calgon! I am married to a wonderful guy - but we'll keep that between us, I don't want him getting a big head! 

Thanks for taking the time to learn about my books and me! If you decide to read them (and I hope you do!) please be sure to go on and review it for me - yes, even if you don't like it!

Author Links:

Facebook | Goodreads

"We both need to accept the new people we've become before we can expect anyone else to accept us. Because, no matter how hard we wish for it, that person that we used to be is never coming back."

{Blog Tour} Review + Excerpt + Giveaway: TIL DEATH by Kate Evangelista

Til Death
by Kate Evangelista
Series: Fractured Souls #1
Genre: Young Adult Paranormal
Format Acquired: e-ARC
Source: PBT c/o Kate Evangelista
Published March 4th 2014 by Entangled Teen

Sixteen-year-old Selena Fallon is a dreamer. Not a daydreamer, but an I-see-the-future kind of dreamer. Normally, this is not a problem, as she has gotten pretty good at keeping her weird card hidden from everyone in her small town. But when Selena dreams of her own rather bloody death, things get a little too freaky—even for her.

Enter Dillan Sloan. Selena has seen the new guy in a different dream, and he is even more drool-worthy in person. Beyond the piercing blue eyes and tousled dark hair, there is something else that draws her to him. Something…electric. Too bad he acts like he hates her.

When Selena learns she’s being targeted by a force bigger and darker than anything she ever imagined, she’s had enough. Despite her death dream, Selena is not going to give up easily, especially when she discovers that Dillan isn’t what he seems…and might not actually hate her after all. Dillan might be the only person who can save her.

EXCERPT

I wanted to stand there forever, watching him read poetry to a cat with such a peaceful expression. If it could tolerate him, then maybe—a big maybe—he wasn’t so bad. The guy could be human after all.

“Stalking me again?”

The question startled me. I jerked and lost my balance. My shoulder collided with the rolling ladder. I winced, pain shooting down my arm. Nice. My smile wobbled when I steadied myself by grabbing the rail.

“Uh…um…why would I do that? I have a life. I was looking for Kyle.” A flaming blush spread across my cheeks. Lord, I was making a mess of myself.

The cat turned its head and stared at me with its stunning lime-green eyes. I quivered. Those eyes were almost too intelligent, as if to say: “Idiot.”

Dillan set the book aside, but continued stroking the cat’s steel-gray fur from head to tail.

“You made friends with Constantinople.” I pointed at the half-asleep cat. I swallowed, trying to stay cool in the presence of the heavy stares of a serious feline and a boy who made me feel hot and cold all at the same time. “He’s never good with strangers.”

Constantinople turned its head away from me and closed its eyes again, purring like a small generator. Remember that crazy part of me? Well, it wished, just a little, that I could take the its place. Even worse, I wondered how my skin would feel if his fingers decided to glide over it. Would I feel those tiny electric shocks again? Goose bumps rose on my arms and legs. I had to stop thinking dangerous things before I made a fool of myself.

“That’s your name.” He reached for one of the cat’s front paws. “It’s nice to meet you, Constantinople. Dillan Sloan, at your service.” He held the paw and Constantinople gave him a warbling meow, which turned into a yawn. Mischief glittered in his eyes as he gave me a smile. “Never thought Robert Frost would send a cat snoozing.”

Who knew being in the presence of a playful Dillan Sloan was wickeder than being with the arrogant and annoying Dillan Sloan? One guy, two different people. It was enough to give me whiplash.

My heart sputtered. Damn, he looked good. I fought hard to stay focused. “I think it’s your voice.”

He shrugged nonchalantly. “I was there before I came here, but it’s not called Constantinople anymore.”

“What?” I reached for one of the rungs of the rolling ladder.

“Istanbul…I was just there.”

The change in his expression made me ache. He went from mischievous to lonely. He got so quiet, like he retreated into himself.

I let go of the ladder and stepped forward. “Why were you there? That’s in Turkey right?”

“Yes.” The gray cloud that settled above him lifted a little.

Without his usual biting tone he came off as vulnerable. I fought to concentrate on his next words in an effort to ignore the need to comfort him. Images of him in my arms while I whispered nonsense things into his ear woke flutters in my stomach.

“My parents are there on a yearlong dig just outside the city. They’re collaborating with Istanbul University and the Topkapi Palace.”

“And your parents took you with them?”

“My parents always take me with them when they’re on a dig.”

“But…what about school?” I took another tentative step forward and skimmed my fingers over the giant globe at the center of the room.

He gave me an are-you-learning-impaired look. A face I knew all too well. This was good. I could handle myself when on familiar territory.

“I usually stay in the city with my tutors. I was home schooled until recently.”

“So why are you here?” I pretended to search for Turkey on the globe.

“It doesn’t matter. I’m here, you’re here, Constantinople is here.”

The cat settled its head on its front paws, murmuring as if in response to Dillan’s careless words.

“But it does matter!” I covered my mouth with both hands. Where the hell did that come from?

As if reading my mind, his eyebrows shot up. A hint of a grin formed on his lips. Constantinople gave me a withering stare, silently reprimanding me for disturbing his nap.

“Really? Why?” Mischief returned to those startling blue eyes, and something else…something unfamiliar that caused heat to flow under my skin.

Feeling weak against that stare, I hedged, “What matters? What did I say?”

That mocking eyebrow went up a notch, forcing my head to work on overtime. The smile accompanying it made me dizzy. Did the air in here just get lighter?

“Don’t play dumb.” He picked up a slightly disgruntled Constantinople as he stood and deposited the feline on the seat with deliberate yet graceful movements. I couldn’t take my eyes off him. The voice in me that told me to fight the corpses screamed for me to run now. But I couldn’t move. After giving Constantinople one last head to tail stroke, Dillan faced me. He dusted cat hair off his hands and jeans without breaking eye contact.

When did the library get so hot? I resisted the urge to pull on my sweater collar. My palms sweated. I forced myself to move. For every forward step he made, I answered with a step back. Our little dance continued until the far wall bookshelves pushed against me.

A glimmer of pleasure surfaced in his eyes.

My skin practically sizzled.

“Come on.” He rested his hands on the shelves, boxing me in with his body. “Tell me why it matters that I’m here.”

“Well...” I faltered. His clean scent scattered my thoughts.

“Well?”

I bit my lip. My worst idea yet. His eyes left mine to focus on my mouth. I shivered. Oh, Lord Almighty. Slowly, he bent his head toward me. The tip of my tongue darted across my lower lip. This couldn’t be happening. What was he thinking? 

MY REVIEW

I heard a lot about Kate Evangelista from my blogger friends. I added her books to my TBR but still never find the time to read them. Then I found out that this next book of hers will be toured and hosted by Pinoy Book Tours, so I grabbed the opportunity to sign up.

Til Death's plot captured me since it's about a girl, named Selena, who is an I-see-the-future kind of a dreamer. Dreamer stories totally interest me. So I thought this book is fore me.

Selena, well, I find her funny especially when she's with her friends. She's lucky to have people who would 'bury a body' for her. She was almost breaking when her ex boyfriend cheated on her, but Kyle and Penny made her strong. They helped her move on and focus on other things aside from her stupid ex. With regards to her dreams/visions, they actually come true. Not much was told at the first few chapters about her ability but later on, you'll find more. Sometimes I wish I were also a dreamer. Well I am, a DAYdreamer. Lol.

Now let's discuss our supposed book boyfriend, Dillan. The badass Dillan. He got a lot from the features of a common book badboy but I felt no connection with him. I didn't like his badboy personality, especially when he's with Selena. Supposedly, on books, even though the boy doesn't like the girl at first, the reader would still feel something between them, blush a little when they fight, etc. But with Dillan and Selena? It didn't actually work for me.Well, they did have some sort of connection. They zap each other whenever they touch. Literally electrify each other. I guess I like that at some point. Of course you would really get curious why someone, you hardly even knew, could tickle your electrons.

I like books with dual POVs. This book has dual POVs but I didn't like the way that Selena talks in first person point of view then Dillan on the third. I think it could've been better if both POVs were told in the first person. But to sum it up, I still liked it. The pacing may be slow at first and the characters may be hard to imagine as a pair but the concept is great. I don't get what Illlumenaris are but later on, Dillan explained it. There's a lot of twists and turns which made me want to read more, especially when I reached the ending.

This is the first book I read by Kate Evangelista and I can say that, "Not bad, Kate, not bad. Keep up the good work!"

MY RATING

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kate Evangelista

When Kate Evangelista was told she had a knack for writing stories, she did the next best thing: entered medical school. After realizing she wasn't going to be the next Doogie Howser, M.D., Kate wandered into the Literature department of her university and never looked back. Today, she is in possession of a piece of paper that says to the world she owns a Literature degree. To make matters worse, she took Master's courses in creative writing. In the end, she realized to be a writer, none of what she had mattered. What really mattered? Writing. Plain and simple, honest to God, sitting in front of her computer, writing. Today she lives in the Philippines and writes full time.

Author Links:

Website / Facebook / Twitter / Goodreads

GIVEAWAY (PH ONLY)

Signed copy of Til Death courtesy of Kate Evangelista

(PH only)

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ANNOUNCEMENT: BOOK LAUNCH OF TIL DEATH IN MANILA, PHILIPPINES!

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{Blog Tour} Book Review: ROOMIES by Sara Zarr and Tara Altebrando

Roomies
by Sara Zarr and Tara Altebrando
Genre: Young Adult Contemporary
Format Acquired: e-ARC
Source: NetGalley
Published December 24th 2013 by Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Purchase Links: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / Kobo / The Book Depository

It's time to meet your new roomie.

When East Coast native Elizabeth receives her freshman-year roommate assignment, she shoots off an e-mail to coordinate the basics: television, microwave, mini-fridge. That first note to San Franciscan Lauren sparks a series of e-mails that alters the landscape of each girl's summer -- and raises questions about how two girls who are so different will ever share a dorm room.

As the countdown to college begins, life at home becomes increasingly complex. With family relationships and childhood friendships strained by change, it suddenly seems that the only people Elizabeth and Lauren can rely on are the complicated new boys in their lives . . . and each other. Even though they've never met.

National Book Award finalist Sara Zarr and acclaimed author Tara Altebrando join forces for a novel about growing up, leaving home, and getting that one fateful e-mail that assigns your college roommate.

MY REVIEW

When I saw this at NetGalley, I just knew I have to read it. And so far, I'm not regretting it. I won't regret reading it. I can relate so much to these ladies, moving out for college. I just never felt the best part: having a roommate, or should I say, I roomie.

Roomies is a fun, light read contemporary with dual POV from Elizabeth (or EB) and Lauren. Elizabeth is basically living with her mom who dates guys who were married. And her dad is gay. She's having a problem with it since she knows the son of the guy her mom is currently dating. She can't tell her friend and she just want to go away from all of this. Whereas Lauren lives with her family, and she's got a lot of siblings. There were also times like she just want to take a break from her responsibilities at home. 

That is when EB decided to reach out to her assigned roomie. Not to blab about her problems, but to ask about the things they should bring into the new room they'll be sharing for the next four years. Well, that's what they're supposed to talk about over the e-mail, but they haven't realized how open they became to each other, to a stranger they won't meet until classes start. I love how open they are to each other, and that they care for what each other would think of the other. I understand that they were careful of what they say over the internet, since they might be misunderstood by each other. Of course you wouldn't want to unintentionally hurt someone you're supposed to be with for your whole college life.

They became comfortable telling each other some of their secrets and shared some about their lives. Like all friendship, they reached the point where conflicts came in. EB went mad to Lauren about something and Lauren was confused on why she became the bad guy in the first place. They even thought about having another roomie! But eventually, time heals. They finally understood each other and said sorry, gaining back the friendship they had before.

I totally enjoyed reading Roomies. Especially the part where they moved on to their college dorm. It felt like the day I felt the first time I moved away from my parents. I cried for months (yeah, I'm a crybaby) because I miss my family so much, especially my siblings. I miss our talks during dinner, the toys scattered around, everything about them. But now, I'm okay with it. I moved on, and call them every other night or whenever I'm free just to hear their voices.

Anyway, would I recommend Roomies? Totally! Especially to you who are going to college and thinking of what to expect in having a roommate!

MY RATING

ABOUT THE AUTHORS

Sara Zarr

Sara Zarr is the acclaimed author of five novels for young adults, most recently The Lucy Variations, which the New York Times called “an elegant novel.” Her sixth, a collaborative novel with Tara Altebrando, came out December 2013. She’s a National Book Award finalist and two-time Utah Book Award winner. Her books have been variously named to annual best books lists of the American Library Association, Kirkus, Publisher’s Weekly, School Library Journal, the Guardian, the International Reading Association, the New York Public Library and Los Angeles Public Library, and have been translated into many languages. Born in Cleveland and raised in San Francisco, she currently lives in Salt Lake City, Utah, with her husband, and online at www.sarazarr.com.

Author Links:

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Tumblr

Tara Altebrando

In addition to my most recent novel, THE BEST NIGHT OF YOUR (PATHETIC) LIFE, I’m the author of three previous books for Young Adults, including DREAMLAND SOCIAL CLUB, which was a Kirkus Reviews Best Books for Teens of 2011, THE PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS and WHAT HAPPENS HERE.

Next up is ROOMIES, a novel I cowrote with Sara Zarr (Little Brown, December) and then my middle-grade debut, THE BATTLE OF DARCY LANE (Running Press Kids, May 2014).

I live in Queens, New York, with my husband and two young daughters, Ellie and Violet.

Author Links:

Website | Twitter | Facebook

“Live in the present. Take care of the relationships in front of you now. Most friendships have a natural life, and when they've lived that out, you'll know.” 

{Book Blast + Giveaway} MISTRESS OF FORTUNE by Holly Wesy

Mistress of Fortune

by Holly West

Series: Mistress of Fortune #1

Genre: Young Adult Mystery

Published February 3rd 2014 by Carina Press

London, 1678

Isabel, Lady Wilde, a mistress to King Charles II, has a secret: she makes her living disguised as Mistress Ruby, a fortune-teller who caters to London's elite. It's a dangerous life among the charlatans, rogues and swindlers who lurk in the city's dark corners, but to Isabel, the risk is worth the reward.

Until magistrate Sir Edmund Godfrey seeks Mistress Ruby's counsel and reveals his unwitting involvement in a plot to kill the king. When Isabel's diary containing dangerous details of his confession is stolen, she knows she must find it before anyone connects her to Mistress Ruby. Especially after Sir Edmund's corpse is discovered a few days later...

Isabel is sure that whoever stole her diary is Sir Edmund's killer--and could be part of a conspiracy that leads all the way to the throne. But as she delves deeper into the mystery, not even the king himself may be able to save her.

  

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Holly West

Holly West writes the Mistress of Fortune series, featuring amateur sleuth Isabel Wilde, a mistress to King Charles II who secretly makes her living as a fortuneteller. She lives in Los Angeles with her husband, Mick, and dog, Stella. More info at hollywest.com.

Author Links:
Website
  

GIVEAWAY

3 Winners will receive an E-Copy of Mistress of Fortune by Holly West

1 Winner will receive a $25.00 Amazon Gift Card

Must be 13+ to Enter

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