Book Feature: Princess and the Prom Queen by Jaclyn Weist

 

Today I am featuring a new young adult fantasy book: The Princess and the Prom Queen, by Jaclyn Weist.

 

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First, the back cover blurb for the book: 

Jenny’s had it with her life. Six siblings in an overstuffed house are enough to drive anyone crazy, and sometimes she dreams of escaping to some fantasy world. When she suddenly wakes up to find herself being kissed by a strange—but very handsome—prince, Jenny knows her life just got a lot more exciting. Now stuck in a medieval land of castles and royalty, when Jenny learns that the queen has agreed to marry her off to the prince, it’s time to take matters into her own hands. She goes on a quest to find out who dragged her to this time while trying to keep from falling in love with either of the boys vying for her attention.

Princess Genevieve has only known life under her mother’s rule. She wants to do more than go to battle or deal with suitors. She wakes to find herself in a new world filled with gadgets, electricity, and moving carriages. She finally has the freedom to be who she wants to be with a family who cares deeply for her and a boy worth any sacrifice. It’s more than everything she always wanted.

As Jenny and Genevieve settle into their new lives, they face an unknown evil which threatens everything they care about and makes them face tough questions—like who they are and what they really want their lives to become.

So I have to admit, I am a sucker for a fairy tale retelling. Especially when it is twisted into something original. This is a really fun version involving Sleeping Beauty. I enjoyed seeing the two girls adapt (and grow) in their new settings. I loved that they took charge of their own destiny and didn’t wait for things to happen to them. I loved that Jenny came from a functional (yet crazy) family and that both girls had a support system within their family. It was also a cause of angst for me as the story progressed, but (no spoilers) it was resolved nicely.  

The bad guy is sneaky and scary. I ended up staying up way too late reading this book because I just had to know ‘what happens next.’ And the cute guys and the kissing were a nice bonus :). 

If you love fairy tales, magic, cool girls that can wield swords and adventure, this is a book for you: you can find it here –  http://www.amazon.com/Princess-Prom-Queen-Jaclyn-Weist-ebook/dp/B00JY0AX7W

 

 

Jaclyn Weist

 

 

Jaclyn Weist is an Idaho farm girl who grew up loving to read. She developed a love for writing as a senior in high school, when her dad jokingly said she was the next Dr. Seuss (not even close, but very sweet). She met her husband, Steve, at Brigham Young University, and they have six happy, crazy children who encourage her writing. After owning a bookstore and running away to have adventures in Australia, they settled back down in their home in Utah. Jaclyn now spends her days herding her kids to various activities and trying to remember what she was supposed to do next. You can visit her online at www.jaclynweist.blogspot.com

 

WonHundred Word Wednesday: I stared at the flames that had. . .

Today’s 100 word story prompt is: “I stared at the flames that had. . .”

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There was a buzzing near my ear. I sat perfectly still, not wanting it to sting more than it already did. The artist leaned over me. He paused for a moment and wiped at neck with a soft cloth. I stared at the flames that had spread from my shoulder to my face. The tattoo was a breathtaking mix of yellows and reds and oranges.

I could wear a scarf. But, how would I keep the rest hidden from my bridge partners at the retirement home? Or my great-grandchildren?

If I didn’t, everyone would know Edna won that stupid bet. 

 

Now you can go check out everyone else’s story! Enjoy –

 

Wendy Knight, Author: Www.Wendyknightauthor.Blogspot.Com

Kelly Martin, Author: Www.Kellymartinbooks.Blogspot.Com

Jessica Winn, The Distracted Writer:Http://Thedistractedwriter.Com/

WonHundred Word Wednesday: Would you like fries with that?

 New 100 word story – check it out and then go visit the other authors to see their take:

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Abigail hefted another shovel of dirt and continued to mutter.

 “Of course I’ll get that for you, dear, anything you want.” She twitched and shook her head.

            “I don’t mind covering the bruises and lying about being clumsy.” Another shovelful and she paused, looking furtively over her shoulder.

            Abigail dropped the shovel and wiped her hands rapidly on her legs. “But don’t think about touching my kids.”  She retrieved the shovel, returning to the rhythmic movements.

            “I made your favorite meal. Would you like fries with that?” She poured the last of the dirt into the hole, covering his face.

 

More fun: 

Wendy Knight, Author: www.wendyknightauthor.blogspot.com

Kelly Martin, Author: www.kellymartinbooks.blogspot.com

Jessica Winn, The Distracted Writer:http://thedistractedwriter.com/

WonHundred Word Wednesday: Today’s Horoscope

 

100 word story for the week! 

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Normally I wouldn’t do this, I was much more—logical. But, a glance in today’s paper had me all turned around. “Today’s Horoscope: Your prized possession will end up in someone else’s hands.”

So, there I sat. The shabby circus stripes were faded and the fortuneteller’s neon sign flickered and hummed outside. Her incense choked me. She peered at me over a swirling glass prop. I knew it was fake, I’m not stupid. But . . . I needed someone else to reassure me. She slowly shook her head.

Outside, I heard my motorcycle engine start without me and I sobbed in comprehension.

 

Start your magical journey to the other authors here: 

Wendy Knight, Author: Www.Wendyknightauthor.Blogspot.Com

Kelly Martin, Author: Www.Kellymartinbooks.Blogspot.Com

Jessica Winn, the distracted writer:Http://Thedistractedwriter.Com/

Lessons Learned in a Slot Canyon

 

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This is what exhausted looks like. With a hat.

 

This weekend I was able to hike a slot canyon (two actually).

This is one of those ‘bucket list’ type things for me. I have always been fascinated by the canyons but have never had the opportunity to try them.

We went to Ding and Dang canyons. They are in the San Rafael Swell area in Utah. Not too far from Goblin Valley. 

What? You haven’t heard of Goblin Valley? – You really need to watch Galaxy Quest. Besides being really funny, there is a scene on an alien planet with a rock monster. The amazing rock formations they are running through are Goblin Valley. Anyway. . .

There were a few things I learned — “life lessons” I’m going to call them– while on this trip through these canyons. 

 

#1: If you are out of shape, slow and steady does NOT win the race. Slow and steady makes you dead tired. 

Each time I would catch up to the rest of the (more athletically-inclined) group at the rest spot, it was time to move on. *sigh*. 

BUT, while it doesn’t win the race, it does finish it. One step at a time.IMG_0163_adj

 

 

 

#2: Sometimes, what may seem like the easiest way down can get you really, really stuck.

It is sometimes tempting to take that easier path that slopes to the right. The path that looks smooth and gentle. However, when you scrabble down the pile of rocks in front of you, you can see where that ‘easy’ path really goes. It goes to a giant pile of boulders that don’t have a way out. 

Sometimes the easy way out – just isn’t. 

 

 

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#3 Some obstacles will take a group effort to get through.

Seriously. Sometimes we can help.  Sometimes we need to accept help.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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 #4 I can do really hard things. 

 

 

 Honestly. Really really hard things. Like – go on without me I will just die right here- hard things.

This last image? It is hard to get the scale to it. But, when I stood in the water at the far end (right underneath what is appropriately called a chokestone) the water went to the middle of my thighs. Oh sure, there were people in our group that could totally spider crawl across this whole thing. They didn’t get wet. But you know– I was pretty proud I made it through.

I am also super grateful to all of those who went with us and made sure we all made it. Thanks!

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Seriously. You can’t even imagine the crazy.

WonHundred Word Wednesday: Follow your heart

Here is our prompt for our 100 word story this week: 

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I slogged through the tropical wilds, pack held above my head and water up to my thighs. Hopefully I had everything tucked into my boots. If not, I’d be pulling leeches off of places I’d rather not think about. Mosquitoes the size of small airplanes ate away at me.

          My sister’s voice echoed in my mind. “That’s what happens when you follow your heart.”

             Ugh.

          Ahead, in the trees, there was a burst of colorful feathers as my elusive subject made her appearance. My breath caught and I stood in awe, joy spreading through me.

          “Yes. This is what happens.”

 

Now go check out all the other authors’ takes on it:

Wendy Knight, Author: www.wendyknightauthor.blogspot.com

Kelly Martin, Author: www.kellymartinbooks.blogspot.com

Jessica Winn, the distracted writer:http://thedistractedwriter.com/

WonHundred Word Wednesday: The Devil’s Name

Here we go again! 100 word story based on the prompt: 

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            The devil’s name was Fred. Oh, I know his mother thought he was the best thing since jazzercise. But I knew the truth.

            I showed up to babysit and took a deep, cleansing breath. Janice was rushing out the door and cooing over the four-year-old in question. Fred looked up at me with a smirk and I could see the gears turning in his head.

            “Be a good boy for Mommy,” Janice called out as she left for her manicure. Fred still just grinned.

            I knew he already had the box of grasshoppers prepared to throw in my hair.

 

Now– on to everyone else. Enjoy! 

Wendy Knight, Author: www.wendyknightauthor.blogspot.com

Kelly Martin, Author: www.kellymartinbooks.blogspot.com

Jessica Winn, the distracted writer:http://thedistractedwriter.com/

 R.K. Grow: http://www.rkgtheauthor.com/

 Stephanie Worlton’s Kreating Krazy blog: http://stephanieworlton.blogspot.com/

 Leah Sanders, inklings: http://inklings-leahsanders.blogspot.com/

 Laura D. Bastian http://www.lauradbastian.com/

Jaclyn Weist  http://jaclynweist.blogspot.com

 Amryn Scott http://wildscottkids.wordpress.com/

 K.R. Wilburn  http://www.krwilburn.com/my-blog.html

Lindzee Armstrong/Lydia Winters http://lindzeearmstrong.blogspot.com

Kat!e Larson http://katesnovelidea.blogspot.com

Miranda Nelson http://www.mirandadnelson.blogspot.com/

Author Interview: Wendy Knight, SPARK OF A FEUDLING

Author interview time again! This time, we have Wendy Knight visiting. She recently released the final book in an amazing series of YA fantasy that began with FEUDLINGS. The latest book is actually a prequel. – Check out this gorgeous cover! (and the book blurb)

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Hate can start a war, but a shattered heart can fuel it for centuries.

Everything Ada does is wrong. She’s the daughter of a Duke but she isn’t proper or formal. She prefers the company of her servants—particularly Christian, the boy she’s loved since she was six years old, and his sister, Charity, Ada’s very best friend in the entire world.
Ada isn’t just the daughter of a Duke. No, she’s the daughter of one of the most powerful Edren sorcerers alive, and no matter how strong she is, it isn’t strong enough. Ada will give up almost everything to earn her father’s pride.
Christian has loved Ada since the day his mother became her governess. But two societies are determined to keep them apart—the aristocracy who say a groom will never be good enough for a Duke’s beautiful daughter, and the sorcerers who say a Carules and an Edren can never be together. Christian will do anything to make Ada his—even drive himself to madness.
When Ada suspects her father of hurting Charity and Christian in his quest for knowledge, she is torn between loyalty to him, and a fierce determination to protect them. The division tears her soul and breaks her heart.
The pieces of her broken heart will start a war that can only be stopped by the death of the most powerful warrior alive by the hand of the boy who loves her.

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**Bonus Story –Feudlings in Peace**Join  Ari, Shane, Ada, Christian and everyone they love as they chase their happily ever after.

 

Sneak peek into the book with an excerpt:

He sprinted down the path, into the forest, leaping over huge rocks and tree roots and through streams he couldn’t see but his magic told him were there. He had no idea where he was going, but there seemed to be a tether from his heart to hers — he always knew where Ada was. He ran straight to them, nearly colliding with her father’s guards as he raced through the thick trees.

“What happened to her?” he bellowed, jerking Ada out of Davis’s bloodstained arms.

“She was hit, saving me,” Harrison answered. “Can you help her?”

If there had been time, any time at all, Christian would have paused at that. How exactly had his tiny little Ada saved the giant Harrison? But there wasn’t time. He laid her on the thick grass, searching for the wound. But there was so much blood.

“There!” Davis snapped, jabbing the air above her stomach.

Flames roiled across Christian’s hands and he held them above her, letting the flames soothe the skin before he tried to touch it. They swirled through the air, seeping and mending the broken, charred skin.

“Does she breathe?” Harrison asked, crouching close to put his face next to her mouth.

Christian ignored him. He didn’t care if she breathed or not.

She would breathe, or he would die with her.

“She does.” Harrison sat back, relieved.

“Can you not heal at all? Stop the blood flow from her shoulder!” Christian snapped.

Harrison gaped at him. “We’re Edren. We don’t heal.”

“I’m Carules and I can throw a lirik if need be,” Christian muttered under his breath, but he couldn’t argue with them now.

She moaned.

They all froze in shock, and then redoubled their efforts. Davis jerked his shirt off and held it to her shoulder while Christian’s blue flames leaped and danced from his hands, fighting the poison eating through her body.

“Christian. I knew—” she whispered as her skin healed, leaving only pink burns behind.

“Shhh. Don’t speak. You’re still very weak.” He moved from her stomach to her shoulder, pushing Davis’ shirt out of the way. It was stiff with dried blood and she shrieked when he ripped it from the wound. “Forgive me, dear one,” he whispered, his mouth near her temple, kissing the pain away. “Forgive me.”

“I knew… you would come. I knew you… could heal me.” Her eyes fluttered open, dazed with pain, dark orbs barely reflecting the moonlight.

“Always, Ada. Forever.”

Introducing, Wendy: 

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Wendy Knight is the bestselling author of the young adult series Fate on Fire and Riders of Paradesos. She was born and raised in Utah by a wonderful family who spoiled her rotten because she was the baby. Now she spends her time driving her husband crazy with her many eccentricities (no water after five, terror when faced with a live phone call, no touching the knives…you get the idea). She also enjoys chasing her three adorable kids, playing tennis, watching football, reading, and hiking. Camping is also big—her family is slowly working toward a goal of seeing all the National Parks in the U.S.

You can usually find her with at least one Pepsi nearby, wearing ridiculously high heels for whatever the occasion. And if everything works out just right, she will also be writing.

Social Media Links:
Blog: www.wendyknightauthor.blogspot.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorWendyKnight
Twitter: https://twitter.com/wjk8099
Instagram: http://instagram.com/wendyjo99

 

 

 

 

 

 

And now for our interview, as always, based on the title of the book-

 

SPARK OF A FEUDLING

S is for spells: your characters can do some amazing spells. If you could do a magic spell (not just the kinds your characters can do) what would it be?

Well of course, if I could choose any magic, it would be to end world hunger or create world peace. BUT, pretend someone already did that—I would have a magic that would make sleep unnecessary. Seriously, it takes up so much writing time!

 

P is for problems: What do you feel like your characters learn (without spoilers) from the problems that they face?

They learn that one, destiny might always win but it can still be on your terms. And two, that loyalty, love and friendship will overcome any trial, any evil, against all odds.

A is for admire: What things do you admire that inspire you in your writing?

I have to say, human nature is my biggest inspiration. I know there are so many bad things in the world, but I see so much good, so much strength, caring and love. I want to take those characteristics and capture them in my writing. I try to give them to my characters.

R is for wRiting: (see what I did there? 😉 )  Now that you have finished Feudlings, what are your next projects that we can look forward to?

Haha! I love it. Right now I’m working on a few different projects. I am just starting the final installment in the Riders of Paradesos series, which is about my battle unicorns and the teenagers who help them save the day. I’m also just finishing up a series I am involved in with five other authors called The Gates of Atlantis. My story is about a hybrid banshee who has to learn to embrace both halves of herself to save her brother and help save Atlantis. And I’m about half-done with the first story in a new trilogy—it’s a New Adult urban fantasy called The Soul’s Agent about a girl who is sort of a probation officer for ghosts. She recruits lost souls to fight in her army against demons. And of course, there’s this guy she can’t get over messing up her plans…

K is for kiss: You write some really great romantic relationships and elements in your stories. Who is your favorite couple in literature?

Oooh that’s a hard one! Okay, I’m going with the couple from The Scarlet Pimpernel. One, because I desperately love that story. Two, because I read it when I was in high school, and one scene has stayed with me ever since. When I write a romantic scene, I try to remember how it made me feel—when Marguerite walks away and Percy kisses each place her fingers touched the banister…swoon!

Feudlings: this is the end of a wonderful series, where did you get the name ‘feudlings’ from?

Well, I made it up. I started writing this story, and I was telling my brother about it, and he asked me what the name was. I didn’t have a name. But it was about two feuding sides, particularly, the people fighting—they were my Feudlings. And there was my title!

 

Thank you for visiting with us today, Wendy!

Everyone- run like Wendy’s Facebook author page so you can get the latest updates on all her new books!