Cover & Title Reveal for Jeri Smith-Ready

On Tuesday I posted a prereveal contest for Jeri Smith-Ready's next novel, asking readers to guess the title of the book.  I'm back today not only to reveal the winners of that contest, but also to reveal the cover & the official title for the book!

You guys, when Jeri sent me the email with all the goodies you're about to see below, my jaw hit the table.  There is just so much RIGHT with this cover.. and that synopsis? How can you not be adding it to your to-be-read list immediately?!

OK, OK, I'll hush for a second... go ahead and scroll down... I'll wait for you to pick up your jaw, too.

(Cover designed by Karina Granda)

THIS SIDE OF SALVATION:

Everyone mourns differently. When his older brother was killed, David got angry. As in, fist-meets-someone-else’s-face furious. But his parents? They got religious. David’s still figuring out his relationship with a higher power, but there’s one thing he does know for sure: The closer he gets to new-girl Bailey, the better, brighter, happier, more he feels.

Then his parents start cutting all their worldly ties in to prepare for the Rush, the divine moment when the faithful will be whisked off to Heaven…and they want David to do the same. David’s torn. There’s a big difference between living in the moment and giving up his best friend, varsity baseball, and Bailey—especially Bailey—in hope of salvation.

But when he comes home late from prom, and late for the Rush, to find that his parents have vanished, David is in more trouble than he ever could have imagined….

[Add to your Goodreads to-read list!]

***

FAQ (Frequently Anticipated Questions) answered by Jeri

Why is the sky on the cover green?

It’s actually blue. I’ve been told it shows up as green on some devices (my mother-in-law’s iPhone 4 and my friend’s iPad, for instance), so I figured I should answer this question upfront. It’s as blue as the sky!

When is TSOS coming out?

April 2014. I don’t have an exact date yet, but I’m hoping early April to coincide with opening day of baseball season. I’m geeky like that.

What do you think of the cover?

I want to marry it. When I first saw it, I didn’t scream or jump on the table (I was in a coffee shop at the time). I let out a deep, happy sigh and thought, “They really get this book.” It’s so perfect for the story in ways that I can’t express, but also in a few ways that I can:

I love how the blue sky and clouds are slightly washed out, with an almost retro or nostalgic look. It perfectly encapsulates the tension between David’s hope and disillusionment.

I love how the word “salvation” dissolves into a bunch of little “The Rush”’s, showing how the Rush cult makes David question what salvation really means. Also, it will hopefully make people curious to find out “What’s The Rush?”

I love the fact that the cloud in the center looks all puffy and pretty, yet clouds of that shape and size usually mean a storm is coming.

I love that it doesn’t have a girl in a dress.

Is This Side of Salvation a Christian book?

God, no! It’s straight YA contemporary fiction. I doubt Christian bookstores will carry it (though I’ll be thrilled if they do), since it contains almost as much “language” and “sexual situations” as the Shade books. TSOS is appropriate for open-minded readers ages 14 and up.

More important, This Side of Salvation is neither pro-religion nor anti-religion. It’s about one boy’s struggle not just with faith, but grief and love and family and friendship (also, calculus and curve balls).

I hope readers of all beliefs—including those with no beliefs and those still searching—will love David and his story. I do.

Can you write a book someday where no one dies?

I will try. No promises.

How about a snippet? Please……?

Aww, I can’t say no to you fabulous hypothetical FAQ people! Here’s the first page:

Chapter 1
Now

If this were the last night of my life, I could be at peace with that.

That, and everything else, as I walk hand-in-hand with Bailey out of the pool house and back into the blare of the party. Her long hair brushes my elbow, stirring memories of reaching, fumbling in the dark, memories so fresh they feel more like dreams, not etched as events in my past, but posed as possibilities in my future.

Future. A word that stumbles off my tongue lately, like a phrase in a new foreign language.

The sandstone clock on the side of the pool house shows four minutes after two. The final hour.

I try to put myself in the place of my parents and the others who think the Rapture will take place in fifty-six minutes. They’re waiting for that moment when the true believers, living and dead, will be raised up from earth before all hell literally breaks loose.

Are they scarfing their favorite foods—pizza, cheesesteaks, TastyKakes—or are they already dreaming of that heavenly banquet? Are they playing their favorite tunes on infinite loop, or are they dreaming of that angelic choir? Are they having sex (not my parents—the thought makes me gag), or are they dreaming of that divine embrace?

So there you have it: This Side of Salvation, formerly known as “The David Book,” coming April 2014 from Simon Pulse. Thanks for checking it out, and thanks to Ginger for hosting the cover reveal!

***

And now for the winners of the contest (announced by Jeri)...

Thanks to everyone who entered! You made me laugh A LOT, and a few of you got pretty close. Four of you guessed The Sound of Silence. Three guessed The Start of Something.

For the closest guess, there were six entries who got three out of four words right. So I did a random drawing from among the six. The winner is… Marissa with This Side of Second!

Funniest: This one was reeeeeeeally tough. Many of you used triceratops in extremely innovative ways. It was almost as hard to choose a winner as it was to choose a title for the book (just kidding--nothing could ever be that hard again, I hope).

But since I'm a fan of the Avengers, and of Iron Man in particular, I had to go with…

Alicia, with THE SHAWARMA OF STARK

If you haven't seen the Avengers movie, or if you saw it but didn't stay until after the credits, then you missed this tidbit at the end:



How awesome is that?

Random drawing out of all y'all's entries: The winner is… Shanyn from Nevada!

Thanks to everyone who entered! Winners, I already have your mailing addresses, so whenever I get my set of ARCs, I'll mail one to each of you.

Author Bio: Award-winning author Jeri Smith-Ready lives in Maryland with her husband and two cats. Her plans to save the earth were ruined when she realized she was more of a “problem maker” than a problem solver. To stay out of trouble, she keeps her Drama Drive strictly fictional. Her friends and family appreciate that.

When not writing, Jeri she can usually be found—well, thinking about writing, or on Twitter. Like her characters, she loves music, movies, and staying up very, very late.

Other Links for Jeri:
Website
Facebook
GoodReads
Tumblr

***

It was a pleasure & honor to host the reveal for Jeri's YA contemporary novel, This Side of Salvation.  I hope you've added it to your to-be-read list.  While we wait for April 2014, might I suggest reading her Shade series?  It's pretty freaking fantastic!

Cover Prereveal + a Contest from Jeri Smith-Ready

Recently I was approached from a favorite author of mine, asking me to do a cover reveal for her next novel.  That favorite author happens to be Jeri Smith-Ready, the lady behind the Shade trilogy goodness that I have reviewed here, here & here + you may remember my involvement with a certain Team Kilt? Needless to say my reaction was - YES! OF COURSE! But before we get to the cover reveal, we're hosting a little contest.  I'll let Jeri do the explaining...

Hello! I’m Jeri Smith-Ready, author of the YA paranormal Shade trilogy (Shade, Shift, and Shine).

Ever since the series wrapped up last year, I’ve been working on a super-secret project known to the public only as “The David Book.”

I’ve dropped hints here and there, like “It’s from a boy’s point of view” and “It’s a contemporary stand-alone.” I’ve shared a few snippets on my Tumblr. Before I started writing it, I claimed it would be the first book where I didn’t kill anyone, but then later had to retract that statement. Sorry, dead character(s)!

When Simon Pulse sent me the fantastic cover and title last month, I knew the best person to reveal it would be Ginger here at GReads. She once described the Shade books as “contemporary with paranormal elements,” which struck me as perfect, so who better to introduce the world to my first true contemporary?

The cover reveal will take place here on Thursday, but first I want to hold a fun little contest: guess the title of the book based on its initials.

Ready?

Want a couple hints? Okay!

The first word is from this list:

The
That
This
These
Those
Triceratops

And the third word is a preposition, such as:

On
Of
Off
On
Outside
Opposite
Over

Fill out the Google docs form below to submit your guess. The contest runs until tomorrow night (Wednesday) at 6:00pm eastern time, and the winner will be announced Thursday.

Three prizes will be awarded: one for closest guess, one for funniest guess (as determined by a jury of me), and one random drawing from the contest entries.

International entries welcome!

Prizes: Advanced Review Copies of TSOS (ha, I almost typed out the name of the book there) when they’re ready, probably early this fall.



Speaking of prizes, if you’ve read the Shade trilogy, join me tonight at 9pm Eastern for a live chat at the Shade fan site, Kilt and Keeley. We’ll be discussing the entire series (including Logan’s new e-short story, “Bridge,” now available from Amazon for just 99 cents!)

There’ll be books and swag for giveaway, plus answers to your burning questions about the series.

Hope to see you there, and back here on GReads for the big cover reveal on Thursday!

Author Bio: Award-winning author Jeri Smith-Ready lives in Maryland with her husband and two cats. Her plans to save the earth were ruined when she realized she was more of a “problem maker” than a problem solver. To stay out of trouble, she keeps her Drama Drive strictly fictional. Her friends and family appreciate that.

When not writing, Jeri she can usually be found—well, thinking about writing, or on Twitter. Like her characters, she loves music, movies, and staying up very, very late.

Other Links for Jeri:
Website
Facebook
GoodReads
Tumblr

***

How fun is this?! I am so excited for something new from Jeri.. and pretty much fangirling over the fact that this something new will be a contemporary story!  Though my guess won't count, I still want to play along... how about... TRICERATOPS SITTING ON SEASHELLS.. I do love contemps set at the beach ;)

Shine (Shade, #3) by Jeri Smith-Ready

Shine (Shade, #3) by Jeri Smith-Ready
Published: May 1, 2012 by Simon Pulse
Received: ARC for review (from an awesome blogger friend!)

Life can change in an instant, and no one understands that better than Aura. It’s been almost a year since her boyfriend tragically died. She’s finally letting go of Logan’s violet-hued ghost, but not her search to uncover the truth about her past.

As the first in a generation that can see ghosts, Aura is convinced she has a connection to the Shift. She’s trusted Zachary, ever patient and ever by her side, with all that she knows. But when the government threatens his life in an attempt to learn Aura’s secrets, she will stop at nothing to protect herself and the one she loves...even if that means betraying her own heart. {goodreads.com}

This series holds everything I love about reading.  It has adventure, mystery, angst, emotion, romance, and yes.. even that musical element I adore so much in books, too.  Jeri Smith-Ready has created a story that will forever linger in my mind.  These books have become more than just something to read; they've become a part of my literary heart.  I had been anticipating the final conclusion in this most epic tale, but at the same time I was hesitant to finish because.. well.. I didn't want it all to end.  I wanted Aura, Zachary, & Logan to live forever in my mind.  I wanted to discover new adventures with them, laugh hysterically along side them, and yes.. even cry those retched tears which these three characters have a habit of making me do.  I love it all so incredibly much. 

Shine throws the punches right from the beginning.  My heart was racing, jaw on the ground, and there were many moments in those first few chapters where I thought -- this can't be happening!!  Oh but it was.  Aura is destined to figure out the secret of the Shift.  Why are her and Zachary so important to it's makeup and how can they alter that.  All of these answers did not come right away.  If anything, more and more questions sprung up as I tore through the pages.  Just when I thought I was understanding it all, a curve ball was thrown at me.  I loved the roller coaster ride Jeri took us on.  The imagination that's been so brilliantly placed inside these pages astounds me.  Jeri has the ability to intertwine a story with rich history and such a believable plot that I really started to think ghosts exist!

And then there were two boys.  Oh Zachary and Logan.  Never will I be able to choose between the two of you.  Aura has a past with Logan, that unfortunately has no future.  She's on the brink of something amazing with Zachary though.  I felt that Zachary's character really "shined" in this conclusion.  He is put through the ringer... not just physically, but emotionally too.  His ever so patient heart beats stronger than ever next to Aura.  I loved how much growth there was between Zachary and Aura in this final book.  Their relationship has evolved in to something so much more mature, something that is being tested greatly - but you know, YOU KNOW they will come out the other side - stronger than ever.

I cried.  Many times.  How could I not?! I know it's not goodbye, but it definitely felt like the close of something really special.  This is why I love reading so much because you can come back to it time and time again, whenever you need it.  Thank you Jeri for creating a world that I hold very close to my heart.

The band Frightened Rabbit is a favorite of mine (as is Jeri's) & it's been an inspiration for this series.  They are also mentioned in Shine - which I totally squealed about when I read it!  Listen to this song.. fall in love with the sound.. then prepare yourself for a truly amazing ending, to one of the best series ever.

...To Be Continued in 2012!

photo by Elements of Persuasion

While browsing my "must-reads" for 2012, I realized there are quite a few books that happen to be follow ups to a new series that I started reading this year.  Below are a few of those, second in the series, must-reads that will be published in 2012.

This past year introduced me to a lot of new authors & genres in YA lit.  I found myself immersed in some of these stories and can not freaking wait to read what happens next for these characters.  Share your thoughts in the comments if you've read any of the books prior to these. Or, if you have not read any of them yet, then perhaps this post will entice you to do so.  2012 can not get here fast enough!!!!

*WARNING: some of these book descriptions may contain spoilers if you have not read the previous book.

Hallowed (Unearthly #2) by Cynthia Hand

January 24, 2012

For months part-angel Clara Gardner trained to face the raging forest fire from her visions and rescue the alluring and mysterious Christian Prescott from the blaze. But nothing could prepare her for the fateful decisions she would be forced to make that day, or the startling revelation that her purpose—the task she was put on earth to accomplish—is not as straightforward as she thought.

Now, torn between her increasingly complicated feelings for Christian and her love for her boyfriend, Tucker, Clara struggles to make sense of what she was supposed to do the day of the fire. And, as she is drawn further into the world of part angels and the growing conflict between White Wings and Black Wings, Clara learns of the terrifying new reality that she must face: Someone close to her will die in a matter of months. With her future uncertain, the only thing Clara knows for sure is that the fire was just the beginning. {taken from goodreads.com}

Pandemonium (Delirium #2) by Lauren Oliver

March 6, 2012

Lauren Oliver captivated readers with Delirium, the first book in a thrilling dystopian trilogy in which Lena Haloway dared to fall in love with Alex and escape the cure, the government-mandated procedure that renders a person immune to the disease of love. Lena and Alex staked their lives on leaving their oppressive society, but only Lena broke free.

Pandemonium continues Lena’s gripping story. After escaping from Portland, Maine, Lena makes it to the Wilds and becomes part of an Invalid community, where she transforms herself into a warrior for the resistance. A future without Alex is unimaginable, but Lena pushes forward and fights, both for him and for a world in which love is no longer considered a disease. Swept up in a volatile mix of revolutionaries and counterinsurgents, Lena struggles to survive—and wonders if she may be falling in love again. {taken from goodreads.com}

Insurgent (Divergent #2) by Veronica Roth

May 28, 2012

One choice can transform you—or it can destroy you. But every choice has consequences, and as unrest surges in the factions all around her, Tris Prior must continue trying to save those she loves—and herself—while grappling with haunting questions of grief and forgiveness, identity and loyalty, politics and love.

Tris's initiation day should have been marked by celebration and victory with her chosen faction; instead, the day ended with unspeakable horrors. War now looms as conflict between the factions and their ideologies grows. And in times of war, sides must be chosen, secrets will emerge, and choices will become even more irrevocable—and even more powerful. Transformed by her own decisions but also by haunting grief and guilt, radical new discoveries, and shifting relationships, Tris must fully embrace her Divergence, even if she does not know what she may lose by doing so. {taken from goodreads.com}

The Golden Lily (Bloodlines #2) by Richelle Mead

June 19, 2012

Tough, brainy alchemist Sydney Sage and doe-eyed Moroi princess Jill Dragomir are in hiding at a human boarding school in the sunny, glamorous world of Palm Springs, California. The students—children of the wealthy and powerful—carry on with their lives in blissful ignorance, while Sydney, Jill, Eddie and Adrian must do everything in their power to keep their secret safe. But with forbidden romances, unexpected spirit bonds, and the threat of Strigoi moving ever closer, hiding the truth is harder than anyone thought. {taken from goodreads.com}

More sequels to be continued in 2012:

A Want So Wicked (A Need So Beautiful #2) by Suzanne Young - July 2012
The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer #2 by Michelle Hodkin - 2012
Shatter Me #2 by Tahereh Mafi - 2012
The Eve Trilogy #2 by Anna Carey - 2012
Shine (Shade #3) by Jeri Smith-Ready - May 1, 2012 (I know it's the 3rd in the series, but it's HIGHLY anticipated in my to-be-read pile for 2012 & I wanted to mention it!) 

A list has been created on goodreads of several more 2012 YA/MG Sequels.  Click here to view that list.

I receive a small commission from books purchased through the Amazon links provided.

Shift (Shade #2) by Jeri Smith-Ready

Published: May 3, 2011 by Simon Pulse
Received: bought from Barnes & Noble

Aura’s life is anything but easy. Her boyfriend, Logan, died, and his slides between ghost and shade have left her reeling. Aura knows he needs her now more than ever. She loves Logan, but she can’t deny her connection with the totally supportive, totally gorgeous Zachary. And she’s not sure that she wants to.

Logan and Zachary will fight to be the one by her side, but Aura needs them both to uncover the mystery of her past—the mystery of the Shift.

As Aura’s search uncovers new truths, she must decide whom to trust with her secrets…and her heart. {taken from goodreads.com}

Move over vampires & werewolves because there is a new paranormal phenomenon taking over: GHOSTS!  Shift is the follow up to Jeri Smith-Ready's first novel, Shade.  And oh my what a follow up it is!  I got sucked in to this story not too long ago (thank you Jen! I owe you my LIFE).  The world that has been created is one that I can't seem to forget.  Have you ever been reading a book and you just simply couldn't put it down?  That is how I felt while reading Shift.  From the very beginning it pulls you in (and if you've read this then you know EXACTLY what I am talking about).  From the very first chapter you're like - woah! did that just really happen?!  So with that being said, this book needs to be read RIGHT NOW people.

In the first book, we learn that Logan is now a ghost (and no that is not a spoiler! it's in the book synopsis people). As that story concludes, we're left with quite a cliffhanger moment - don't worry I won't spoil THAT for you.  But let me just say that Shift picks up immediately where Shade left off, so the intensity that was building just keeps growing and growing.  I loved reading about the relationships in Shift.  The love triangle between Aura's past (Logan) and her present (Zachary) was intense as hell!  I still don't know which team to root for.  I love Logan for his totally messed up, broken, care-free attitude.  Yet I also love Zachary for his grounded, thought provoking, stable presence.  Each boy brought something to Aura that she needed.  I can't imagine having to face the choices she does.  There's no way.  Just no way.

The other relationships I really enjoyed in this book were through Aura and her friendship with Megan, as well as Logan's family members.  One word: Dylan!  Did not see that one coming one bit, but my oh my what a sweet distraction that was.  The mystery behind the concept of the Shift and what roles Aura's mother and Zachary's father played in it was interesting to uncover as well.  There was never a dull moment in this book.  Taking one turn to the next, I was completely strapped in on the biggest thrill ride!  This might be why I had a difficult time putting the book down! 

Another scene in this book I'd like to comment on: The River.  When you read this book, you will know what I am talking about.  To avoid any potential damaging spoilage I will not discuss the details of what goes down at The River.  I will say that Jeri Smith-Ready is genius when it comes to writing such scenes.  I love that she's not afraid to push the boundaries and write with such intensity.  Though some may say this is border-line inappropriate for teens to be reading about, I felt that she wrote the scene very well.  She was careful with her words and left A LOT up to your imagination!  Very well done, Ms. Jeri.  Very well.

I am on pins & needles waiting to read the 3rd and final book in this series (a whole freaking year?! WHAT??).  I'm not sure if I am ready to say goodbye to these characters either.  Now I know why Aura is so caught between holding on to Logan's ghost and moving forward with Zachary's heart.  It's a tough call to make.  If you're a music junkie like me, or just enjoy reading books with an edgy tone to it - then I suggest picking up this series.  It's real, it's emotional, it's beautiful, and it's tantalizing.  If Shade didn't already paralyze me with total love, then Shift definitely has.  Go read this book. NOW.

Shade by Jeri Smith-Ready

Published: May 4, 2010 by Simon Pulse
Received: gifted by Jen from Makeshift Bookmark

Love ties them together. Death can't tear them apart.

Best. Birthday. Ever. At least, it was supposed to be. With Logan's band playing a critical gig and Aura's plans for an intimate after-party, Aura knows it will be the most memorable night of her boyfriend's life. She never thought it would be his last.

Logan's sudden death leaves Aura devastated. He's gone.

Well, sort of.

Like everyone born after the Shift, Aura can see and hear ghosts. This mysterious ability has always been annoying, and Aura had wanted nothing more than to figure out why the Shift happened so she can undo it. But not with Logan's violet-hued spirit still hanging around. Because dead Logan is almost as real as ever. Almost.

It doesn't help that Aura's new friend Zachary is so understanding—and so very alive. His support means more to Aura than she cares to admit.

As Aura's relationships with the dead and the living grow ever complicated, so do her feelings for Logan and Zachary. Each holds a piece of Aura's heart...and clues to the secret of the Shift. {taken from goodreads.com}

This book has been mentioned quite a few times, but for whatever reason it kept being forgotten (I know!! how is that even possible??!!).  Shade is like the diamond in the sand that keeps getting buried each time the wind blows.. but it just takes one person to unearth it & let it shine in all it's glory!  That one person would be Jen from Makeshift Bookmark - she gifted me with this book & what a gift it's been!  The story that takes place between these pages is one not to be forgotten.  It's originality & depth went further than I expected.  This book was a pleasant surprise for me.  And to think, I may have still been waiting around to read it if it hadn't been for one of Jeri's biggest cheerleaders.. Miss Makeshift Bookmark herself!

The story starts out about a teenage girl, who has a boyfriend (a hot Irish-American boyfriend) in a band.  Said boyfriend, named Logan, is on the brink of making it big with his band, and said girlfriend, Aura, is on the brink of feeling as though she's going to lose her boyfriend to stardom.  Meanwhile there are ghosts.  Yes, ghosts.  They are floating around as if this is normal.  However, it wasn't always this way.  These ghosts are only seen by those who are Post-shifters (meaning: under the age of 17).  So here we have a bunch of kids (under the age of 17) who can see those who have died, but haven't quite passed on.  A ghost has two options: they can find peace & pass on in the more natural way, or they become violent & angry & turn in to Shades - a form of being that is never able to pass on.  So with that being said, we understand the make-up of this ghostly world that Jeri Smith-Ready has created; and ironically made believable amongst this story.

Then something bad happens.  Something terribly awful.  SPOILER ALERT!!!!!  Logan dies -- I won't go in to detail so that I won't completely spoil the story for you.  Aura is left grief stricken.  What was once her perfect life, has now been shattered in to a million pieces.  Her future with Logan wiped completely off the map.  And in it's wake stands Logan's ghost, in which Aura can see & hear since she is a Post-shifter.  At first it's a sign of hope, something for Aura to cling to.  Maybe Logan really isn't gone?  But how long can one cling to a ghost?  And how long can Logan last as a ghost, but not be able to experience life the way he once used to?

In walks Zachary (hot Scottish boy).  Did I mention there's a lot of hot Scottish/Irish boys in this book? because there ARE!  Immediately Aura is drawn to Zachary & the secrets he hides.  The two are paired up to work on a school project together, but this project is meant for Aura to uncover bits & pieces of her past in hopes of finding out the origin of the Shift.  During this time spent together Aura is being tested.  Does she continue this unhealthy relationship with Logan, her dead boyfriend?  Or pursue these unknown feelings she's developing for Zachary, the mysterious boy for whom she can actually touch?  The pull that Aura feels seeps off the pages.  I found myself caught between which way she should go.  Logan is the boy she grew up with, the young man she fell in love with, the same guy she was meant to live forever with.  But when circumstances arise, her dreams & wishes are altered. 

The creepiness of the ghosts intrigued me.  The fact that not everyone could see or hear them was interesting to me too.  This allowed the younger generation to be more vulnerable to the ghosts.  I know what it's like to lose someone very close to you, the hurt & awful pain that goes with it.  I could not imagine what it would be like to see their ghost again, only to realize that it's not permanent & you must endure the pain all over again when they do decide to pass on.  The world in which Jeri has created is one that is believable through it's characters, yet mesmerizing due to it's para-normalcy.  The ending left me grasping for more.  Good thing Shift, the second installment in this series is almost out.  I'm not sure I could have waited an entire year with THAT sort of cliffhanger ending!  Much praise to Jeri Smith-Ready for writing this tantalizing tale.  I need more hot Irish-American & Scottish boys!  Oh & ghosts? perhaps??