Tag Archives: Novel

“A Short History Of The Girl Next Door” Blog Book Tour

Do you remember the feelings you had when you started high school? It can be a rough transition with everything in life changing, your friends, your school, even yourself.

A long time has passed since I started high school and yet, those feelings come right back when I think of it.  Jared Reck’s,  A Short History Of The Girl Next Door , goes on sale September 26th and is for readers 12 and up published by Alfred A. Knopf Books for Young Readers . This debut novel is perfect for readers who are stuck in that awkward limbo between childhood and adulthood (and those who just barely escaped).


About the Book:

Matt Wainwright is constantly sabotaged by the over dramatic movie director in his head. He can’t tell his best friend Tabby how he really feels about her, he implodes on the JV basketball team, and the only place he feels normal is in Mr. Ellis’s English class, discussing the greatest fart scenes in literature and writing poems about pissed-off candy-cane lumberjacks. If this were a movie, everything would work out perfectly. Tabby would discover that Matt’s madly in love with her, be overcome with emotion, and would fall into his arms. Maybe in the rain.

But that’s not how it works. Matt watches Tabby get swept away by senior basketball star and all-around great guy Liam Branson. Losing Tabby to Branson is bad enough, but screwing up and losing her as a friend is even worse. After a tragic accident, Matt finds himself left on the sidelines, on the verge of spiraling out of control and losing everything that matters to him.

The portrayal of adolescence will make you laugh out loud, break your heart, and maybe teach you a thing or two about basketball. Fiercely funny, undeniably honest and overflowing with heart, A Short History Of The Girl Next Door  is a poignant tale of falling in love, overcoming tragedy, and ultimately, redemption that you’ll be glad to have read.

About the Author:

Jared Reck (@reckj) is a debut author. He received a BA in English from Clemson University, a Masters in Educational Leadership, and recently earned a certification in Writing for Children & Young Adults. He lives in Hanover, Pennsylvania, where he’s an 8th grade Language Arts teacher.

So, can you relate to this book? Do you have a tween or teen or know one who would like to read this book? Let me know in the comments. Happy Reading.


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Safe Haven Blu-ray and Novel Giveaway!!! Bonus DIY Decorating Tips!!!

Safe Haven staring  Julianne Hough, Josh Duhamel and Cobie Smulders was just released on Blu-ray on May 7th !!!

SafeHaven_BD_Oring_Spine

Synopsis:
Josh Duhamel and Julianne Hough star in this spellbinding romantic drama based on the novel by best-selling author Nicholas Sparks (The Notebook). When a mysterious, beautiful woman named Katie (Hough), moves to Southport, North Carolina, she sparks the interest of the locals, especially Alex (Duhamel), a handsome widower. Although she is attracted to Alex, Katie is reluctant to trust him – that is, until a new friend (Cobie Smulders) convinces her to give Alex a chance. But before long, a dark secret from Katie’s past threatens her happiness in this thrilling romance directed by Lasse Hallström (Dear John).

In celebration of Safe Haven’s home entertainment release, we’re sharing a list of fun, inexpensive, DIY dĂ©cor tips for your abode:

  1. Gallery Maven – use floating shelves to hold your decorative objects and funky art pieces. Stagger them to make the shelves really stand out! Feeling adventurous? Re-purpose an old wine crate as a display shelf.
  2. Clean Those Brushes – can’t paint your apartment walls? No worries, paint your furniture. A new coat will give your favorite desk or nightstand a new life.
  3. I’m Open! – Don’t have enough cupboard space? Get a metal shelving unit. The open space can allow you to store kitchen staples in fun unique ways.
  4. Put Bird On It – No money for art? Try a decal! Use it on picture frames, mirrors and lamps.
  5. Pillow Fun – Have fun with pillows of all colors, shapes, and sizes. Your couch, bed, and pets will thank you.
  6. Towel Off – Bath, guest and shower towels get all the attention. But what about dish towels? The good news is they don’t have to match your kitchen, so have fun with designs and colors you like.
  7. Vase It – Any room will be immediately brightened up with a pretty vase and flowers, including the bathroom. No vase? Try a mason jar. Feeling experimental? Use wine bottles as vases and use brackets to hang them on the wall.
  8. Apothecary Meet Mason – storing them in apothecary or mason jars can gussy up everyday items like cotton balls and Q-Tips. Simple yet elegant.
  9. 45s and 33s – Do you own records that are too scratched up to play? Don’t toss them; hang them strategically from your ceiling or from your wall.
  10.  Candle Love – Don’t get rid of your current glass candleholders. Dress them up with twine and lace to give them a new look!

Enter to win a Safe Haven Blu-Ray and Novel:

20th Century Fox is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings.  One lucky blog reader will win a Safe Haven Prize Combo including Safe Haven on Blu-ray and the Safe Haven novel.  Thank you 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment for the Blu-ray and for sponsoring this great giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!!!  Open to US residents.

Safe Haven Blu-Ray and Novel Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

Please enter to win this giveaway using the Rafflecopter widget below.  Good Luck!!!

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20th Century Fox, “October Baby” Blu-ray & Novel Giveaway!!!

 

I am happy to be working with 20th Century Fox in bringing you this great giveaway of this touching coming-of-age film; October Baby on Blu-ray and the novel that is based on the film.

Synopsis:

“You saw me before I was born.” Psalm 139:16 (NLT)

As the curtain rises, Hannah hesitantly steps onto the stage for her theatrical debut in college. Yet before she can utter her first lines, Hannah—unscripted—collapses in front of the stunned audience.

After countless medical tests, all signs point to one underlying factor: Hannah’s difficult birth. This revelation is nothing compared to what she then learns from her parents: she was actually adopted … after a failed abortion attempt.

Bewildered, angered, and confused, Hannah turns for support to Jason, her oldest friend. Encouraged by his adventurous spirit, Hannah joins his group of friends on a Spring Break road trip, embarking on a journey to discover her hidden past … and find hope for her unknown future.
In the midst of her incredible journey, Hannah finds that life can be so much more than what you have planned.

Check out these great Bonus Features on OCTOBER BABY.

  • Commentary from the Erwin Brothers and the OCTOBER BABY Family
  • October Bloopers
  • Deleted Scenes
  • Every Life Is Beautiful Videos
  • Heartwarming Stories (featuring Gianna Jessen, Shari Rigby, and Rachel Hendrix)
  • Q&A with Rachel and Jason
  • The Afters “Life Is Beautiful” Music Video
  • And More!
There is a great study guide for the book, you can see below that will spark great conversation and dialogue.  For more resources and information visit the October Baby website by clicking HERE.

 

In October Baby, childhood friends Hannah and Jacob survive insurmountable odds and finally realize their love for each other. Take a look at these other unforgettable stories of young love in film!

Sixteen Candles

Samantha Baker (Molly Ringwald) struggles to get through her 16th birthday, which her entire family forgets because her older sister is getting married the next day. She is also plagued by her ongoing infatuation with the very popular and very attractive senior, Jake Ryan (Michael Schoeffling). So who would have guessed that among all the commotion of the wedding and a school dance scandal, Jake would turn out to be Sam’s knight in shining armor?

Lucas

Lucas Bly (Corey Haim) is an extremely intelligent, loveable-but-nerdy 14-year-old who befriends Maggie (Kerri Green), a pretty older girl who’s just moved to town. After encountering Lucas on one of his entomological quests, Maggie befriends him, spending time with him during the remainder of the summer. And though she would never return the deep love he feels for her, they forge a meaningful friendship that is far more important.

A Walk to Remember

When a prank on fellow high-school student goes wrong, popular but rebellious Landon Carter (Shane West) is threatened with expulsion. His punishment is a mandatory participation on after-school activities, where he is forced to interact with quiet, kind and bookish Jamie Sullivan (Mandy Moore), a girl he has known for many years but to whom he has rarely ever spoken. Their differing backgrounds leave them worlds apart, but sometimes, love doesn’t care about social stature.

Say Anything

Lloyd Dobler (John Cusack), an average student and aspiring kickboxer, attempts a relationship with lovely valedictorian Diane Court (Ione Skye) immediately after their high school graduation. Supremely intelligent, yet socially inexperienced, Diane is intrigued by Lloyd’s endearing manner and willingness to take a chance. All it took was one night out to know they would fall in love and be together forever.

 Clueless

Cher has it all; She is the queen of her high school, with an optimistic nature and fabulous wardrobe to boot. But when her socially conscious ex-stepbrother visits during a break from college, her perfect world is thrown into a frenzy How can she fix him up with one of her BFFs when she suddenly realizes that she loves him? Thankfully, in the end, the stars align in their favor.

The Giveaway:

 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment will send one lucky Mommy Rambling’s blog reader October Baby on Blu-ray and the October Baby novel.  Thank you 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment for the review copy and for sponsoring this very special giveaway on Mommy Ramblings.  Open to US and Canadian residents.
20th Century Fox, October Baby Blu-ray and Novel Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:
Please enter the giveaway using Rafflecopter below.  Good Luck!!!

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