Review, Interview and Giveaway!

I was recently asked to review an e-book by author Amanda Taber, and while I would prefer a physical book, this is the first author to ask me to read and review their book so how could I say no??? I got the e-book emailed to me yesterday and I read it in one sitting.


Here's my summary of Ruby:


    Ruby Matthews has just lost her parents in an accident and her world is turned upside down when she has to leave the only home shes ever known, to live with a grandmother she didn't even know was alive. She soon learns the secrets of why she was never allowed to see her grandmother and she embraces her true self, that of a witch.
   Passed down generation to generation, Ruby isn't the only person in town who has powers and has lost those closest to them. Enter Blaine Hamilton. He comes from money, and after the death of his entire family five years prior, many from town believe he was behind their deaths.
    It doesn't take much for Ruby and Esther, Rubys' grandmother, to figure out that the same man that killed Blaine Hamilton is also responsible for the deaths of her parents, and he is known solely as the dark man.
   Certain she will find a way to kill the dark man once and for all, obstacles fall in place leaving Ruby kidnapped and Esther held hostage. Blaine soon realizes that he loves Ruby, which is a surprise to him because he was sure he would never love again, but will he come to terms with his family's death in time to save her?


My thoughts:
It was a quick read(only 195 pages) but an enjoyable one. The author takes a slower pace while introducing the characters and the setting, but when everything starts happening(around page 45) it is constant from that point on and the book flows smoothly. Once Ruby found out about her powers, I was even more intent on finishing the book before going to do anything else because I was so curious as to what was going to happen. I liked the characters but wish their was more interaction between Blaine and Ruby, their situation seemed to move very fast. I think there could have been more between them and that would have added to the length but it worked out well none the less. As the story continued, many questions that had came to mind were answered, but there was some stuff that was left unclear, probably for the next book I am sure. Taber did an excellent job of hooking me so that I will have to continue on to know what happens in the future. I will definately read the next one that comes out, I can't wait to see what adventures Ruby goes on next!

The cover was pretty and mysterious and works well for this piece of writing. I recommend this to anyone who enjoys YA and is looking for a quick read.


Amanda has graciously agreed to answer some questions about her debut novel, which has been published as an e-book by Hearts On Fire Books.
 

1. Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?

Well, I’m 33 and mother of three highly energetic and loud children. My husband works away a lot so I am on my own with the kids for much of the time. We have fun going swimming at a little beach near our house and also watching movies..lots of movies. I am also a part time Ghost Buster believe it or not!

 

2. Have you always wanted to be a writer?

                                                                                                    
I wouldn’t say always exactly. I’ve always been good at writing, throughout high school various people told me to take up journalism or something that involved English and words but at the time I wanted to do other things. That all changed about three years ago when a story entered my head and wouldn’t leave!

3. Why did you decide to write about witches and warlocks?

I love, love, love the idea of having supernatural powers. Sometimes I think that if I tried just a bit harder I could discover my own (silly I know). To be honest I couldn’t imagine writing about anything else.

4. How is the next book in the series looking?

There will definitely be more books in the series. Ruby is one of a trio of girls known as the Triple Enchantresses and each girl will eventually have her own book. The other girls are called Saige and Evangeline (Evie) and the fourth book in the series is called ‘Coven- Something Wiccan This Way Comes’ and is about what happens when the girls meet and join forces; very exciting! I’m not sure exactly when the other books will come out, I’m still working on them but I write fast so I imagine it will be within twelve months.

5. What are some authors whose work you enjoy reading?

When I was a teenager I loved the Sweet Valley High series and I have kept most of them to pass on to my daughter when she’s a little bigger. Now that I’m all grown up, my favourite writer is Wilbur Smith. Most of his books are set in Africa which is my dream holiday destination.

6. What is your favorite genre to read, and why did you choose to write YA?

I love books that move fast. I’m an impatient person and I write in that way too. I don’t like books that take ages to set the scene, I find I skip long descriptive passages and imagine my own version of the house or whatever else is being described. My writing is perfectly suited to YA as I think that most teens like the fast way my writing moves. I can also get away with really cool action scenes that young people seem to like more than adults.

For Fun:

7. Favorite snack food?

Olives.

8. Favorite tv show?

Sex and the City.

Giveaway!
 To go along with this wonderful interview, one lucky follower will win Amanda's e-book, Ruby.


In case you haven't been paying attention, this is an e-book, the winner will receive the book in their email and will be able to download it to their computer.

The contest will be open from now until January 23rd, and the winner will be selected using random.org. Please leave your email address with your comment!


Extra Entries of course!


+3 old follower
+2 new follower
+5 actual blog post, leave link in comment
+2 post on sidebar, tweet or any type of contest love(maximum of 6 points)
+2 If you add my blog to your blogroll or I am already on your blogroll

Please leave all links necessary to verify the extra points, I won't go on a scavenger hunt to find proof.Thanks for tuning in everyone, I hope you enjoyed!

Sherry <3