ABOUT THE BOOK:

Title:  Bone Crier’s Moon

Author: Kathryn Purdie

Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books

Release Date: March 3, 2020

Genre: YA Fantasy

Pages: 480

SYNOPSIS:

“We will have to make our own sacrifices one day, and it will be easier if we don’t grow attached to those destined to die.”

Bone Criers have a sacred duty. They alone can keep the dead from preying on the living. But their power to ferry the spirits of the dead into goddess Elara’s Night Heavens or Tyrus’s Underworld comes from sacrifice. The gods demand a promise of dedication. And that promise comes at the cost of the Bone Criers’ one true love.

Ailesse has been prepared since birth to become the matriarch of the Bone Criers, a mysterious famille of women who use strengths drawn from animal bones to ferry dead souls. But first she must complete her rite of passage and kill the boy she’s also destined to love.

Bastien’s father was slain by a Bone Crier and he’s been seeking revenge ever since. Yet when he finally captures one, his vengeance will have to wait. Ailesse’s ritual has begun and now their fates are entwined—in life and in death.

Sabine has never had the stomach for the Bone Criers’ work. But when her best friend Ailesse is taken captive, Sabine will do whatever it takes to save her, even if it means defying their traditions—and their matriarch—to break the bond between Ailesse and Bastien. Before they all die. 

The first pulse-pounding novel in a new duology from the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Burning Glass shines with doomed romance, macabre magic, and a betrayal with the power to shatter the boundary between the living and the dead.

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | The Kings English

REVIEW:

This book was amazing! The story was told through three different points of view. We see what’s happening through the eyes of Ailesse, Sabine, and Bastien. Ailesse and Sabine are Leuress and have been preparing their whole lives to carry out the traditions and the sacred duties of their people. They draw their strengths to ferry the souls of the dead from animal bones. Sabine has always shied away from the Bone Criers practices, but Ailesse has been training hard her whole life to become the next leader. I love the friendship between Ailesse and Sabine. I really feel like their relationship is the heart of the story. They’re the best of friends and will do anything to protect each other.

Bastien’s father was killed by a Bone Crier and he has always been set on revenge until he meets Ailesse, who is destined to kill him, her one true love. When Ailesse’s rite of passage goes awry, things change in ways they never could have imagined. I love Bastien as he and Ailesse have similar personalities. They’re both headstrong and passionate. I’m a sucker for enemies to lovers stories, so this trope pulled me right in.

I loved the unique mythology, the magic, the amazing friendships, the romance, the betrayals! I am so looking forward to book two! Definitely add this book to your TBR if you haven’t already. It’s out in stores now.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Kathryn Purdie is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the BURNING GLASS series and BONE CRIER’S MOON, the first in a YA fantasy duology from Katherine Tegen Books/HarperCollins. She lives in the Rocky Mountains with her husband and three children. Kathryn is a trained classical actress who studied at the Oxford School of Drama. In her spare time, she loves writing songs on her guitar for her characters, binge-watching TV, and devouring Peanut Butter Oreos. Discover more about her at www.kathrynpurdie.com

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Title: Of Curses and Kisses

Author: Sandhya Menon

Publisher: Simon Pulse

Release Date: February 18, 2020

Genre: Teen Fiction

Pages: 384

SYNOPSIS:

Of Curses and Kisses by Sandhya Menon is a contemporary retelling of Beauty and the Beast set at an elite boarding school in the mountains–think Beauty and the Beast meets Gossip Girl! It’s out February 18th, 2020 and even has a *map* in the hardcover. Featuring an Indian princess and a misanthropic British aristocrat, it’s immersive, glamorous, and full of smoldering kisses! I hope you guys will order it wherever you get your books! Read on for the official description from the back of the book…

REVIEW:

* I received an arc of this book through a blog tour for review. I gave an honest review*

5 teacups! I absolutely adored this book! Of Curses and Kisses is a Beauty and the Beast retelling that I felt was really unique, and went beyond the classic story we all know and love. It’s set at St. Rosetta’s International Academy, an elite boarding school in the mountains of Colorado. Princess Jaya Rao and her sister Isha find out that they have to attend the school after a centuries old feud targets her sister. When Jaya arrives, she finds out that her sworn enemy, Grey Emerson, from that very family hers is feuding with, also attends St. Rosetta’s.  I enjoyed how the original story was woven in throughout the book, but this story is about much more. This story is about family and familial expectations, societal pressures, sisters, friendship, taking responsibility, and then there is the romance. The story was told through both Jaya and Grey’s points of view, and I enjoyed that aspect as I got to know the characters quite well. It helped me as a reader to understand where they each were coming from, and what their insecurities and feelings were.  I felt that the secondary characters were really fleshed out and I got to know them well too. I really felt a part of their world. I just love Sandhya’s writing style and I was quickly drawn in. In fact, it was hard for me to put this book down! Who doesn’t love kissing and swoony boys and girl power?! Do yourself a favor and grab a copy of this book. It’s hitting shelves tomorrow, and you won’t want to miss it. Plus bonus, it has a map! Can’t wait to find out where the story takes us in book two. I’m ready!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Sandhya Menon is the New York Times bestselling author of When Dimple Met Rishi, Of Curses and Kisses, and many other novels that also feature lots of kissing, girl power, and swoony boys. Her books have been included in several cool places, including the Today show, Teen Vogue, NPR, BuzzFeed, and Seventeen. A full-time dog servant and part-time writer, she makes her home in the foggy mountains of Colorado. Visit her online at SandhyaMenon.com, on Twitter @smenonbooks or on Instagram @sandhyamenonbooks.

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ABOUT THE BOOK:

Title: Beyond the Shadowed Earth

Author: Joanna Ruth Meyer

Publisher: Page Street Publishing

Release Date: January 14, 2020

Genre: YA Fantasy

Pages: 400

SYNOPSIS:

It has always been Eda’s dream to become empress, no matter the cost. Haunted by her ambition and selfishness, she’s convinced that the only way to achieve her goal is to barter with the gods. But all requests come with a price and Eda bargains away the soul of her best friend in exchange for the crown.

Years later, her hold on the empire begins to crumble and her best friend unexpectedly grows sick and dies. Gnawed by guilt and betrayal, Eda embarks on a harrowing journey to confront the very god who gave her the kingdom in the first place. However, she soon discovers that he’s trapped at the center of an otherworldly labyrinth and that her bargain with him is more complex than she ever could have imagined.

Set in the same universe as Joanna’s debut, Beneath the Haunting Sea, Beyond the Shadowed Earth combines her incredible world building and lush prose with a new, villainous lead.

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Books-a-Million | IndieBound | Book Depository | Changing Hands

REVIEW:

5 tea cups! There’s just something about Joanna Ruth Meyer’s writing that always leaves me wanting more! Beyond the Shadowed Earth is an excellent companion to Beneath the Haunting Sea. You can read each as a standalone, but I recommend reading them as companions as they are set in the same world and contain the same mythology. I really enjoyed the main character, Eda. She was so self-centered and selfish in the beginning of the story, but as she embarks on her journey, she shows tremendous growth and becomes so much more appealing. I loved the action and adventure in Earth. It was well paced, and I couldn’t put it down. I needed to know what happened next! There were some great plot twists and I enjoyed trying to figure everything out. Joanna knows how to add just the right amount of romance to her stories as well.

If you like fantasy, romance, prose, mythology, redemption stories, and amazing world building, then this book is for you! I absolutely adored this book, and I hope that you will too. Be sure to add this to your TBR if you haven’t already! The book is out now and available wherever books are sold, and also you can request it from your local library. I absolutely can’t wait to see what Joanna comes up with next. I volunteer as tribute!

*Thank you to Page Street Publishing for the ARC in an exchange for an honest review*

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Joanna Ruth Meyer is the author of Beneath the Haunting Sea, Echo North, and Beyond the Shadowed Earth (January 14, 2020) with Page Street YA. She lives with her dear husband and son in Mesa, Arizona, where it never rains (or at least not often enough for her!). When she’s not writing, she can be found teaching piano lessons, drinking copious amounts of tea, reading thick books, and dreaming of winter. Joanna is represented by Sarah Davies of Greenhouse Literary.

Joanna Ruth Meyer

Author of Beneath the Haunting Sea, Echo North, and Beyond the Shadowed Earth (1-14-20)

from Page Street YA

Website • Twitter •  Facebook • Goodreads

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Title: Every Other Weekend

Author: Abigail Johnson

Publisher: Inkyard Press

Release Date: January 7, 2020

Genre: YA Contemporary

Pages: 512

SYNOPSIS:

Can life begin again…every other weekend?

Adam Moynihan’s life used to be awesome. Straight As, close friends and a home life so perfect that it could have been a TV show straight out of the 50s. Then his oldest brother died. Now his fun-loving mom cries constantly, he and his remaining brother can’t talk without fighting, and the father he always admired proved himself a coward by moving out when they needed him most.

Jolene Timber’s life is nothing like the movies she loves—not the happy ones anyway. As an aspiring director, she should know, because she’s been reimagining her life as a film ever since she was a kid. With her divorced parents at each other’s throats and using her as a pawn, no amount of mental reediting will give her the love she’s starving for.

Forced to spend every other weekend in the same apartment building, the boy who thinks forgiveness makes him weak and the girl who thinks love is for fools begin an unlikely friendship. The weekends he dreaded and she endured soon become the best part of their lives. But when one’s life begins to mend while the other’s spirals out of control, they realize that falling in love while surrounded by its demise means nothing is ever guaranteed.

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Books-a-Million | IndieBound | Book Depository | Inkyard Press

Review:

This was my first book by Abigail Johnson, and certainly will not be my last. This story quickly became one of my favorites, and I can’t wait to read Abigail’s backlist books. If you like ya contemporaries, then Every Other Weekend is definitely for you. There was so much to love! I found myself feeling different emotions as I read. I laughed a lot, but I also cried a lot too. I enjoyed the camaraderie between the two main characters, Adam and Jolene,  and the friendship and romance. This book also tackled some tough subjects, like the loss of a loved one, and the very raw pain and heartache that stems from parents divorcing, and the impact it has on the children. I was so glad to see divorce discussed in a ya book, as I don’t think it’s a topic that is featured enough. I hope that this book reaches the people who need it, so they know that they’re not alone.

Please add this book to your TBR if you haven’t already. It’s out now wherever books are sold, and of course you can borrow it from your local library.

*I received an ARC of this book from a friend for review*

About the Author:

Abigail was born in Pennsylvania. When she was twelve, her family traded in snow storms for year round summers, and moved to Arizona. Abigail chronicled the entire cross-country road trip (in a purple spiral bound notebook that she still has) and has been writing ever since. She became a tetraplegic after breaking her neck in a car accident when she was seventeen, but hasn’t let that stop her from bodysurfing in Mexico, writing and directing a high school production of Cinderella, and becoming a published author.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Title: Winterwood

Author: Shea Ernshaw

Publisher: Simon and Schuster

Release Date: November 5, 2019

Genre: YA Fantasy

Pages: 319

SYNOPSIS:

From New York Times bestselling author of The Wicked Deep comes a haunting romance perfect for fans of Practical Magic, where dark fairy tales and enchanted folklore collide after a boy, believed to be missing, emerges from the magical woods—and falls in love with the witch determined to unravel his secrets.

Be careful of the dark, dark wood…

Especially the woods surrounding the town of Fir Haven. Some say these woods are magical. Haunted, even.

Rumored to be a witch, only Nora Walker knows the truth. She and the Walker women before her have always shared a special connection with the woods. And it’s this special connection that leads Nora to Oliver Huntsman—the same boy who disappeared from the Camp for Wayward Boys weeks ago—and in the middle of the worst snowstorm in years. He should be dead, but here he is alive, and left in the woods with no memory of the time he’d been missing.

But Nora can feel an uneasy shift in the woods at Oliver’s presence. And it’s not too long after that Nora realizes she has no choice but to unearth the truth behind how the boy she has come to care so deeply about survived his time in the forest, and what led him there in the first place. What Nora doesn’t know, though, is that Oliver has secrets of his own—secrets he’ll do anything to keep buried, because as it turns out, he wasn’t the only one to have gone missing on that fateful night all those weeks ago.

For as long as there have been fairy tales, we have been warned to fear what lies within the dark, dark woods and in Winterwood, New York Times bestselling author Shea Ernshaw, shows us why. 

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Books-a-Million | IndieBound | Book Depository | Simon Teen

REVIEW:

*I was fortunate to receive a copy of an arc from a friend for review*

After being in love with Shea Ernshaw’s first book, The Wicked Deep, I was super excited to dive into her sophomore novel. I was utterly bewitched from the very first page of Winterwood! It was absolutely magical, and hauntingly beautiful. I loved the setting of the dark, dark woods and the magic and mystery surrounding them (I could almost picture myself standing there, facing them myself, because of the author’s beautiful description). I love the main character, Nora Walker, who is said to be a witch. I love how there’s so much history surrounding her family, and how it’s so integral to the story. Nora’s connection to the woods is what leads her to a boy, Oliver Huntsman. He should have been dead as he was lost in a big snowstorm weeks ago, yet she finds him very much alive. She embarks on a journey to uncover the truth about what happened, and discovers that Oliver has some of his own secrets. If you’re looking for a fast-paced, romantic, mysterious and lyrical story, be sure to pick up your own copy of Winterwood in bookstores and libraries everywhere!

AUTHOR INTERVIEW:

1.) What are some of your favorite books from childhood?

I loved Watership Down by Richard Adams—I think it was the first book that made me cry. My parents read a lot when I was younger so I often just picked up whatever book they were reading once they were finished. My dad loved J.R.R. Tolkien so I was introduced to that series pretty early on, and those books changed how I saw stories. The characters and world building was so well developed that I began to wonder if Middle-Earth might truly be real. You still can’t convince me otherwise! Ha!

2.) What initially inspired you to write Winterwood?
WINTERWOOD is based on a real-life lake not far from where I live. I’ve spend many long weekends beside that lake and heard the locals talk of the haunted forest to the north. It was such a compelling setting for a story, that writing WINTERWOOD almost felt like non-fiction.
3.) I absolutely love Nora! What was it like getting to know her and the Walker women?
Nora is one of my most favorite characters I’ve ever written! Her family history is so layered and interesting, and I felt very protective of Nora while writing her story. I could have easily written a nice sleepy book about how Nora just stayed at home where she was safe and read her favorite books and hung out with her dog, Fin. But alas, I forced her to go out in the world and fall in love and have adventures! And I think by the end she came out much stronger for it!
4) Which actor would you choose to play Oliver?
I’m awful at casting my characters! Like truly bad at it. LOL! I’ll take any suggestions anyone has!

5) What can we expect from you next? Any upcoming projects?

I’m working on a secret book right now that is nearly finished! I’m so excited about it and it’s slightly different than what you might expect from me, but hopefully I’ll be able to share more soon!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Shea Ernshaw is the NYT bestselling author of The Wicked Deep and Winterwood. She is the winner of the 2019 Oregon Book Award, and both The Wicked Deep and Winterwood were Indie Next Picks. She lives in a small mountain town in Oregon and is happiest when lost in a good book, lost in the woods, or writing her next novel.

About the Book:

Title: A Constellation of Roses

Author: Miranda Asebedo

Publisher: Harper Teen

Release Date: November 5, 2019

Genre: YA Contemporary

Pages: 326

Synopsis:

Trix McCabe is aimless, rootless, and on the run. At least, that’s what she tells herself.

Ever since her mother walked out, Trix has been determined to make it on her own. And with her near-magical gift for pulling valuables off unsuspecting strangers, Trix is confident she has what it takes to survive.

Until she’s caught and given a choice: jail time, or go live with her long-lost family in the tiny town of Rocksaw, Kansas.

Running away is one of the things Trix does best, and she doesn’t plan to stick around Rocksaw for long. But there’s something special about the McCabe women, something in their unexplainable talents that Trix is drawn to. Her Aunt, Mia, bakes pies—Bracing Blueberry, Never-Lonely Lemon, Ardent Apple—that seem to cure all ills. Her cousin, Ember, hand-sews dresses and can tell a person’s deepest secrets with the touch of a hand. And Trix’s great-aunt takes one look at Trix’s palm and tells her that if she doesn’t put down roots somewhere, she won’t have a future anywhere.

Before long, Trix feels like she might finally belong with this special group of women in this tiny town in Kansas. But when her past comes back to haunt her, she’ll have to decide whether to take a chance on this new life…or keep running from the one she’s always known.

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Books-a-Million | IndieBound | Book Depository | Harper Teen

Review:

I absolutely loved this book! To me, A Constellation of Roses is about discovering who you are, belonging, and finding home, with a dash of magic sprinkled in. The main character, Trix McCabe was abandoned and is trying to get by on her own. She has the ability to be able to steal valuables from strangers and not be seen, but she eventually gets caught. She goes to live with relatives that she never knew existed in a small town. Trix doesn’t plan on staying there, but she learns more about the McCable women and that they have gifts like she does. She also happens to meet a cute boy. She may have finally found a place where she belongs, if she can stop herself from running.

I really enjoyed the main character, Trix. I love that she is flawed. She is so strong and resilient despite everything that she has been through. The secondary characters are amazing as well. Aunt Mia is so sweet and tries to fix everything, Auntie has a great sense of humor, shy Ember is such a good friend and listener, and Jasper just had my heart from the beginning.

I felt that the message of hope and forgiveness is so important to this story. Despite what our circumstances may be, and what we’re going through, there’s always hope that things can get better. Our past doesn’t have to dictate our future.

If you love stories about belonging, family, hope, heartbreak, and magic, this story is for you! Go forth and add this beauty to your TBR.

There’s still time to preorder and get preorder goodies as this book is releasing on November 5, 2019. Preorders and library requests are so helpful to authors.

Author Interview:

About the Author:

Miranda Asebedo was born and raised in rural Kansas with a love of fast cars, open skies, and books. She carried that love of books to college, where she got her B.A. and M.A. in English, with an emphasis in Creative Writing and Literature. A Seaton Fellowship recipient, her short fiction has appeared in Kansas Voices, Touchstone, and Midway Journal.

Miranda still lives on the prairie today with her husband, two kids, and two majestic bulldogs named Princess Jellybean and Captain Jack Wobbles. If Miranda’s not writing or reading, she’s most likely convinced everyone to load up in the family muscle car and hit the road.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: Finale

Author: Stephanie Garber

Publisher: Flatiron Books

Release Date: May 7, 2019

Genre: Young Adult Fiction, Fantasy Fiction

Pages: 476

Summary from Goodreads:

Welcome, welcome to Finale, the third and final book in the #1 New York Times bestselling Caraval series!

Welcome, welcome to Caraval…all games must come to an end.

It’s been two months since the last Caraval concluded, two months since the Fates have been freed from an enchanted deck of cards, two months since Tella has seen Legend, and two months since Legend claimed the empire’s throne as his own. Now, Legend is preparing for his official coronation and Tella is determined to stop it. She believes her own mother, who still remains in an enchanted sleep, is the rightful heir to the throne.

Meanwhile, Scarlett has started a game of her own. She’s challenged Julian and her former fiancé, Count Nicolas d’Arcy, to a competition where the winner will receive her hand in marriage. Finally, Scarlett feels as if she is in complete control over her life and future. She is unaware that her mother’s past has put her in the greatest danger of all.

Caraval is over, but perhaps the greatest game of all has begun―with lives, empires, and hearts all at stake. There are no spectators this time: only those who will win…and those who will lose everything. . .

MY REVIEW

Caraval fans, prepare to be amazed by this epic conclusion to what happens to be one of my favorite series. I was so excited to return to this world! I unfortunately didn’t have a chance to do a re-read of Caraval and Legendary before reading Finale, but I thankfully was able to jump right back in. The world that Stephanie has created in this series is lush, captivating, magical, entrancing, and absolutely breathtaking. I LOVED spending time with my favorite sisters and having the chapters go back and forth between Scarlett and Tella’s points of view. I was ecstatic to spend more time with Julian and Legend~they totally make me swoon! I was super excited to learn more about the Fates as well and to see what makes them tick. My heart was pounding as I turned the pages and I just wanted to keep reading…I didn’t want to put it down! Alas, I took my time as I did a buddy read and forced myself to savor it. I’m glad I did, because I did not want it to end. It was a satisfying ending to a fantastic series. I feel like I can’t coherently put into words just how much I love this series and how much it means to me. Thank you so much Stephanie! I can’t wait to see what future projects Stephanie has, because I will definitely be there! Run, don’t walk to your local bookstore to pick up a copy on Tuesday, May 7th.

*I received an ARC of this book in a giveaway*

GIVEAWAY

Click here for the giveaway

TOUR SCHEDULE

Link: http://theheartofabookblogger.com/announcing-the-when-summer-ends-blog-tour

April 1st

The Heart of a Book Blogger — Interview

Mel and Her Books — Review

April 2nd

The Candid Cover — Review

Mahkjchi’s Not So Secret Books — Aesthetic

April 3rd

Book Crushin’ — Creative Post

Buried in a Bookshelf — Video Interview

April 4th

Laura’s Bookish Corner — Dream Cast

Blunt Book Blog — Review

April 5th

Confessions of a YA Reader — Interview

Lala’s Book Reviews — Excerpt

April 6th

Ashleigh’s Bookshelf — Review

April 7th

The YA Book Traveler — Aesthetic

April 8th

The Clever Reader — Favorite Quotes

TBR and Beyond — Interview

April 9th

Smada’s Book Smack — Playlist

Belle’s Archive — Review

April 10th

Andi’s ABCs — Guest Post

Travel, Books, and More…Oh My! — Dream Cast

April 11th

Book Loaner — Review

April 12th

The Mind of a Book Dragon — Interview

Bookishly Slytherclaw — Review

Rayne & Delilah’s Midnite Matinee

by Jeff Zentner

Format:

ARC

Published by Andersen Press and expected February 26, 2019

Genres: Young Adult, Contemporary

Pages: 400

Summary From Goodreads:

A contemporary novel about two best friends who must make tough decisions about their futures–and the TV show they host–in their senior year of high school.

Every Friday night, best friends Delia and Josie become Rayne Ravenscroft and Delilah Darkwood, hosts of the campy creature feature show Midnite Matinee on the local cable station TV Six.

But with the end of senior year quickly approaching, the girls face tough decisions about their futures. Josie has been dreading graduation, as she tries to decide whether to leave for a big university and chase her dream career in mainstream TV. And Lawson, one of the show’s guest performers, a talented MMA fighter with weaknesses for pancakes, fantasy novels, and Josie, is making her tough decision even harder.

Scary movies are the last connection Delia has to her dad, who abandoned the family years ago. If Midnite Matinee becomes a hit, maybe he’ll see it and want to be a part of her life again. And maybe Josie will stay with the show instead of leaving her behind, too.

As the tug-of-war between growing up and growing apart tests the bonds of their friendship, Josie and Delia start to realize that an uncertain future can be both monstrous…and momentous

My Review

*I received a free ARC for this review which in no way influences my thoughts below*

This was my first Jeff Zentner book, and I was definitely not prepared for the feels! I am now a fan and need to read more from him. There were tears in this one, but also a lot of laughs!

Jeff takes us on a journey with Josie and Delia, the two main characters. They’re two best friends who have their own show on a public access station in Tennessee. The real heart of the story though is the friendship between Josie and Delia. They’re at that point in their lives where things are starting to change. They are having those thoughts you start thinking when you’re graduating soon from high school and you’re wondering what happens next, dealing with the feelings that come from having an absent parent, wanting your dreams to become reality, being somewhat afraid of the future and excited at the same time, young love, and so much more. I think that’s one of the reasons why I loved this book so much. It was a book about friendship, first and foremost. It was just raw and real and emotional.

Thank you Jeff for writing this beautiful book! Please add this one to your TBR and go preorder or pick up a copy when it hits shelves on February 26, 2019.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: Echo North

Author: Joanna Ruth Meyer

Publisher: Page Street Kids

Release Date: January 15, 2019

Genre: Young Adult Fiction, Fantasy Fiction

Synopsis:  Echo Alkaev’s safe and carefully structured world falls apart when her father leaves for the city and mysteriously disappears. Believing he is lost forever, Echo is shocked to find him half-frozen in the winter forest six months later, guarded by a strange talking wolf—the same creature who attacked her as a child. The wolf presents Echo with an ultimatum: if she lives with him for one year, he will ensure her father makes it home safely. But there is more to the wolf than Echo realizes.

In his enchanted house beneath a mountain, each room must be sewn together to keep the home from unraveling, and something new and dark and strange lies behind every door. When centuries-old secrets unfold, Echo discovers a magical library full of books- turned-mirrors, and a young man named Hal who is trapped inside of them. As the year ticks by, the rooms begin to disappear and Echo must solve the mystery of the wolf’s enchantment before her time is up—otherwise Echo, the wolf, and Hal will be lost forever.

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Books-a-Million | IndieBound | Changing Hands Bookstore| Book Depository | Page Street Kids

REVIEW

Wow! Where do I start?! I absolutely adored this book. It immediately drew me in from the very first line, on the very first page.

I love the main character, Echo Alkaev. I love her because she’s perfectly human, and she’s perfectly flawed. She is scarred by a wolf as a child, and then is forced to live with this very same wolf to save her father’s life years later. She quickly learns upon going with the wolf that all is not as it seems. She is propelled into a world with an enchanted house beneath a mountain, a magical library with mirror-books, and a couple of mysterious characters she meets inside these books. I found myself cheering Echo along her journey and I felt quite satisfied with the ending. I’m really hoping that Joanna *cough cough* writes more adventures in this breathtaking world.

I don’t want to spoil the book by giving you too much info, so trust me and preorder if you can, or request the book from your local library. It’s really hard for me to put into words exactly how much I loved this book and how much it means to me. It will definitely have a very treasured place on my bookshelf!

If you like fairytales, magic, mystery, and a setting inspired by 19th Century Siberian Russia, then this book is for you! It’s releasing on January 15, 2019, so go forth and add to your TBR.

Q & A With Joanna Ruth Meyer

What are some of the books you read as a child that inspired you to become a writer?

I’ve wanted to be a writer pretty much from the time I understood what a writer was! My favorite books in those days, around the age of seven and eight, were mysteries like the Bobsey Twins, Boxcar Children, and, when I was a little older, Trixie Belden. When I was eleven or so, I stumbled upon a book at the library with a rose on the cover called Beauty, by Robin McKinley—a retelling of Beauty and the Beast. I absolutely adored it, and it was the first book to ever make me cry. I still think about that book years later.

Who or what inspired you to write Echo North?

I’ve always loved fairytales, but I never thought I would be brave enough to do a retelling of my own! Echo North actually began life as a dream I had about a girl riding a reindeer who was being chased by wolves across the snow. When I sat down to brainstorm the idea, I realized it wanted to be an East of the Sun, West of the Moon retelling, and I let Echo tell me her story from there! (For those who don’t know, East of the Sun is kind of like Beauty and the Beast with a quest at the end.)

In addition to Robin McKinley’s Beauty, two other books were instrumental in the inspiration for Echo North: Edith Pattou’s East, which introduced me to East of the Sun, and Diana Wynne Jones’s Fire and Hemlock, which is a retelling of the Scottish ballad Tam Lin.

How did you come up with the idea for the mirror books?

Honestly, I invented them as a way to solve a Story Problem! I won’t say the spoiler-y reason, but basically it was to give Echo something to do in the wolf’s house for a year! 😀 Plus, wish fulfillment—what reader wouldn’t want to literally step into their favorite books?

Was it fun writing the swoony scenes?

Oh absolutely!!

Echo and [REDACTED] are one of my favorite couples, and they have such great chemistry it was super fun to explore! From their first book misadventure to their first kiss (I swoon extra hard at the kissing!!) and beyond, I loved writing every second of them together!

About the Author

Joanna Ruth Meyer is the author of Beneath the Haunting Sea, Echo North, and Beyond the Shadowed Earth (Coming Fall 2019), with Page Street YA. She lives with her dear husband and son in Mesa, Arizona, where it never rains (or at least not often enough for her!). When she’s not writing, she can be found teaching piano lessons, drinking copious amounts of tea, reading thick books, and dreaming of winter. Joanna is represented by Sarah Davies of Greenhouse Literary.

Joanna Ruth Meyer

Author of Beneath the Haunting Sea

& Echo North (1.15.19),

from Page Street YA

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