C.H. Armstrong's Blog, page 3

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Congratulations to my Goodreads Follower, Nicole Anderson! She is the winner of the “Follow Me on Goodreads” Contest! Nicole has won an ARC of ROAM, due for release in just 13 days!

 

 

COMING

FEB. 5, 2019

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READ THE FIRST CHAPTER FREE!

CLICK THE IMAGE BELOW TO READ NOW!

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SEE THE BOOK TRAILER NOW!

NOW AVAILABLE FOR PRE-ORDER!
READ WHAT EARLY READERS ARE SAYING:

Click Here!
PURCHASE LINKS:

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Books-A-Million |

IndieBound | The Book Depository |

Target | Walmart
EVENTS

Click Here to See Cathie’s Book Tour Dates/Locations
CONTACT CATHIE FOR AN EVENT/SPEAKING ENGAGEMENT

[email protected]

 

[image error]I’m a bit late to the party, but I want to wish a belated Happy Book Birthday to RuthAnne Snow on her debut young adult novel, WHEN THE TRUTH UNRAVELS. I’ve finally had some free time to sit down and read it, and all I can say is this: It is Incredible!!

I’ve been blessed to read many of 2019’s debut young adult and middle grade novels and, while I’ve really enjoyed all of them, WHEN THE TRUTH UNRAVELS is at the very top of my list. It was page turning and heartbreaking and uplifting, all wrapped together in one.

The story follows four best friends who really have nothing at all in common except for their deep and abiding love and loyalty to each other. They’re all keeping their own secrets, at the same time they’re trying to keep each other’s secrets.

I don’t want to ruin the plot for you, so I don’t want to tell you any more. Just suffice it to say that this is a 2019 young adult novel that you need to read! It had me laughing and crying, and sometimes laughing through tears–my favorite kind of book. I promise you won’t be disappointed.

SYNOPSIS

(Copied from Author’s Website)

Last month, Elin tried to kill herself.

She knows she’s lucky that her parents found her in time. Lucky to be going to prom with her three best friends, like any other teen. Like it never happened. And if she has anything to say about it, no one but her best friends will ever know it did.

Jenna, Rosie, and Ket will do anything to keep Elin’s secret―and to make sure it never happens again. That’s why they’re determined to make prom night feel just like it would have if this past spring hadn’t been as eventful. This could be the night that convinces Elin that life can go back to what it was.

Except, at prom, Elin goes missing.

Now it’s up to her friends to find her. But each of the girls has her own demons to face. Ket is being blackmailed by an ex. Rosie is falling in love for the first time. And Jenna . . .

Jenna is falling apart.

And no one, not even her best friends, knows why.

Heart-wrenching and utterly impossible to put down, When the Truth Unravels follows four friends as they confront their greatest hopes and darkest secrets during one life-changing night.

PURCHASE LINKS

AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE | INDIEBOUND

In honor of Martin Luther King, Jr., I wanted to take a moment to spotlight some of the best young adult fiction by Black authors I’ve read in the last year. I’m thrilled to say that — unlike during my childhood — there are so many to choose from that there’s no way I can list them all here, so I’ll just start with a few of my favorites.

 

TIFFANY SLY LIVES HERE NOW

[image error]At the top of my list is TIFFANY SLY LIVES HERE NOW by Dana L. Davis. This lovely book follows a young woman whose mother succumbs to cancer and she is sent to live with the father she’s never met. As if the transition isn’t hard enough, another man steps into her life and insists that he’s her father! Well, that’s awkward! Yes…but it’s soooo good!

This was a book I couldn’t put down. I loved the family relationships that were built in this story, most especially the love between Tiffany and her stepmother. Nobody can take the place of your mom, but Tiffany’s stepmom was exactly what I’d hope my kids would experience should I die prematurely and my husband remarry.

Filled with wonderful characters, I’d recommend this book to anyone who enjoys young adult fiction.

 

DEAR MARTIN

[image error]Written by Nic Stone, DEAR MARTIN is a heartbreaking and thought-provoking novel about an African American teen who, struggling to understand the world around him, sits down and pours out his thoughts in a letter to Martin Luther King, Jr.

DEAR MARTIN was a novel I actually listened to on audio rather than reading, and I think listening to the narration made the stronger even more moving. It examines the questions of “white privilege” and — without “preaching” — causes the reader to really examine himself. What is white privilege? Do I have it? Is it a real thing? I have to admit that, as a privileged white woman, there were many cringe-worthy moments for me as I examined myself and wondered how often I’d completely missed the point.

Maybe one of the best books I read in 2018, I would strongly recommend it to teens everywhere, but there’s a lot to be learned through this novel for adults, too. Definitely worthy of adding to your bookshelves!

 

THE HATE YOU GIVE

[image error]You’ve seen the  movie and you likely know the story by now, but that’s no reason to skip the book. Beautifully written by Angie Thomas, THE HATE YOU GIVE comes in the wake of the Black Lives Matters movement and forces the reader to walk around in the shoes of a young African American teen who witnesses the unprovoked murder of friend by a police officer.

I’m not going to lie. THE HATE YOU GIVE can be a very hard read because — like DEAR MARTIN — it forces the reader to examine the face of prejudice and ask ourselves whether we inadvertently harbor preconceived notions of people different from ourselves. This is a book that will likely stay with us for many years to come, and will and should certainly pave the way for others like it. Keep an eye on Angie Thomas: she’s going to do great things.

 

COMING IN 2019

Three titles I haven’t read yet but am crazy-excited about are from my fellow Novel19s authors on Twitter, and you must check them out!

[image error]First is FOR BLACK GIRLS LIKE ME by Mariama J. Lockington (coming in July 2019) about a black girl adopted by a white family and the many feelings of “differentness” that can come with not looking like the other members of your family.

Maybe my favorite explanation of what this book is all about comes from the publisher’s synopsis, which reads:

For Black Girls Like Me is for anyone who has ever asked themselves: How do you figure out where you are going if you don’t know where you came from?

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Next on my list is from a sister-duo writing team, Maika Moulite and Maritza Moulite, DEAR HAITI, LOVE ALAINE. First of all, the cover is absolutely stunning! I’d pick this book up to read based only on the cover and knowing nothing about that book itself. That’s the cool thing about a great cover! From the synopsis, it looks like the story of a young girl from Miami who gets suspended from school and promptly shipped off to live in her family’s homeland of Haiti for the first time. In the process, she uncovers long-held family secrets. If that’s not enough information to pull you in, then you need to examine your sense of adventure! Haha! This title will release on September 3rd, and I already have it on my “to order” list! You should, too!

[image error]Finally, I always like to save the best for last. The title I’m most excited about is Justin A. Reynolds’s OPPOSITE OF ALWAYS. Releasing in March, this book is sitting right beside me begging to be read…which is driving me nuts because I’m dying to read it but have to finish some other projects first! UGH!

Author Angie Thomas calls OPPOSITE OF ALWAYS “One of the best love stories I’ve ever read.” From the synopsis, it’s the story about a young couple who meet and fall in love…but their happily ever after comes to an abrupt halt when one of them dies. But, when that should end their story entirely, it looks like it’s all just beginning. I can’t tell if this book involves time travel, or just a tiptoe through time in the memory of the main character; but I can tell you that I’m dying to read it! And I will soon…so watch this space for  my review coming in time for the book’s release!

Don't miss your chance to read the first chapter of ROAM for Free! Use this link. If you like what you read, please be sure to share with your friends. At the end of the chapter are easy links for more information on this title or to help you find your favorite online booksellers!

Hey everybody! There’s so much going on these days that I thought I’d bring you up to date.

FREE FIRST CHAPTER PREVIEW!

[image error]For a limited time only, you can READ THE ENTIRE FIRST CHAPTER OF ROAM FOR FREE! That’s right! Not just a snippet, but the full first chapter. I’m so excited to give you this sneak peak! At the end of the chapter are easy links to learn more about ROAM, as well as purchase links to help you find your favorite online retailer. If you enjoy it, please feel free to share with your friends!

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TOMORROW NIGHT ON TWITTER!

Tomorrow night is the monthly Novel Nineteens Twitter Chat! If you don’t know what this is, it’s a chat on Twitter where middle grade and young adult authors with 2019 debut titles answer your questions! It’s a really fun opportunity to find out what’s coming out in 2019, win prizes, and get to know the authors on a more personal level. So join me tomorrow night at 8:00 PM (EST). If you mention you heard about it through my website or my social media, I’ll enter you into a raffle to WIN A FREE ADVANCE READER’S COPY OF ROAM! So stop by and say hi, respond to one of my #Novel19s tweets in the chat, and let me know you heard about it from me to enter!

[image error] Click this image for an easy link to the Twitter #Novel19s chat.

LAST CHANCE TO FOLLOW AND WIN!

If you’re not following me on Goodreads, now is the time to do it! On Monday, January 21st, I’ll be drawing a winner from among my Goodreads Followers to win a FREE ADVANCE READER’S COPY OF ROAM! If you’re already following me on Goodreads, you’re good to go–you’re already entered. If not, make sure to do it before Monday for your chance to win!

[image error]Click on the image above to enter for your chance to win by following me on Goodreads! Good luck!

 

BOOK TOUR DATES!

With the February 5 release of ROAM, my book tour schedule is filling quickly! For a comprehensive list of where I’ll be and when, you can use this link. If you’re interested in having me visit your school, please note that I’m currently scheduling on-site and Skype School Visits at no cost. You can use this link to learn more.

 

AND FINALLY…

Did you get my newsletter that went out yesterday? If not, you missed a lot of really great information! To view it, click the image below.

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Today I’m sending huge HAPPY BOOK BIRTHDAY WISHES to my fellow “Novel 19s” author and friend, Jeff Chen, as he celebrates the release of his debut middle grade novel,  ULTRABALL!

Early reviews of ULTRABALL have been fantastic, with the American Library Association’s trade review magazine, Booklist, saying of it, “… a smart and subtle exploration of socioeconomic inequality. SF and sports readers alike will enjoy the futuristic dystopia Chen has created. Fans of Mike Lupica, Dan Gutman, and Tim Green looking to get their feet wet in SF should be directed to this series opener.”

I don’t often read middle grade novels, but I have to admit the synopsis of this one is really engaging! I mean what could be better than mixing science fiction and sports together? Take a look at the synopsis, and tell me if you don’t agree with me! And y’all don’t tell my reluctant reader but, after reading the synopsis and reviews, I ordered a copy for him!

SYNOPSIS

On the moon, Ultraball players are superstars, and only kids can play. But being an Ultraball superstar means blinding lights, deafening crowds, and the pressure of an entire colony on your back.

That’s how it is for Strike Sazaki, the best quarterback in the league. He loves defying gravity in his Ultrabot suit, crashing through opponents, and firing touchdown passes to his teammates. Strike has led the Taiko Miners to the Ultrabowl three years in a row, but each one has ended in defeat.

This year, Strike thinks he’s finally found the missing piece to his championship quest: a mysterious girl who could be his new star rocketback. But Boom comes from the Dark Siders, a mass of people who left the United Moon Colonies to live in exile. And not all his teammates are happy sharing a field with her.

When rumors surface of a traitor on the Miners, Strike isn’t sure who he can trust. If Strike can’t get his teammates to cooperate and play together, they’ll lose more than just the Ultrabowl. The future of his entire colony rests on his shoulders.

Debut author Jeff Chen introduces an exhilarating smash-mouth sport and a dazzling future world on the moon, where Ultraball is life—and survival is all that matters.

ULTRABALL releases today through Katherine Tegen Books, an imprint of Harper Collins Publishers. It’s available in Hardcover and digital versions through all major retailers, but here’s a quick link to the purchase link at Amazon.com.

Give it a read and let me know what you think!

[image error]There are some events in a person’s life that are completely life-altering—moments when you witness something so unexpected that it changes how you see the world and, sometimes, makes you want to “do” something and be a better person. For me, that moment came in 2014 when I was assigned to write an article for Rochester Women magazine about a local “soup kitchen.”

I should admit up front that I was initially uncomfortable writing the article. It meant visiting the soup kitchen and interacting with an image in my mind of grizzled vagrants who might even be dangerous. The reality of that experience was polar opposite. While there may have been one or two “grizzled vagrants,” what I found more than anything were people just like me who were doing the best they could just to get by. But more than anything, what I found was a community of love, understanding and support. It was truly special and like nothing I’d ever seen before.

On that Fall day in 2014, I was greeted by the meal coordinator, Linda Curtis. In her 70s, Mrs. Curtis was like a mother hen to the guests she served each week. She was cautious about talking to me at first, wanting to make sure the story I wrote didn’t paint a negative image of her guests and reinforce society’s image of the homeless and needy. But, after a lengthy vetting of my intentions, Mrs. Curtis began to open up about her mission and the community she served. And, after further vetting, she allowed me to meet meet her guests.

I’ll never forget my first impressions as I walked into the dining hall of the “Saturday Noon Meals.” My first thought was that it was like nothing I’d ever expected or seen before. In my mind, I’d seen a cafeteria-like serving line where downtrodden people with heads dipped low in defeat accepted paper plates with mystery meat, wilted salad and stale rolls. What I found instead was a community of people—both volunteers and guests—who had a true connection and affinity for each other, all  sharing a nutritious meal prepared with love. Let me paint for you a picture of what I saw that day.

The meal was set to begin at noon but, at roughly 11:00 am, there were already about fifty people gathered in conversation and friendship. Set up around the room were a dozen or so round tables seating eight, each properly set with cloth tablecloths, real dishes, cups/glasses and utensils. As one guest told me later (paraphrased), “It’s the little things that make a difference—there’s no plastic sporks here.”

In the center of each table was a small flower arrangement donated by a local grocery store florist, and a spread of pre-dinner appetizers were displayed on large banquet-sized tables for guests to partake before the meal was served.

Mrs. Curtis was a blur of activity as she directed volunteers and prepared the meal, but she stopped repeatedly to greet guests by name and with a smile. At one point, a gentleman walked in with a bushel of fresh vegetables he’d picked up at the locals farmers’ market on his way to dinner. He presented those vegetables to Mrs. Curtis as his contribution to her efforts. I learned later that this gentleman had been a regular guest for nearly ten years; at first living in his vehicle but, now experiencing better circumstances, he seldom attended dinner empty-handed—he frequently brought “gifts” to Mrs. Curtis or other guests as he noticed an interest he could fulfill. 

As the clock ticked down to noon, Mrs. Curtis called the room to attention where she gave announcements of interest to those in attendance. I think most surprising to me at that moment was how many people she knew by name, and how many people she mentioned. One person was having a birthday, the other had recently been offered a new job, and yet another person had some other exciting news she shared with the group. At the end of her announcements, she asked those assembled to allow her to say a prayer—and then she mentioned even more people in the pre-dinner prayer. It was like she knew and cared about nearly every person in the room.

At the end of announcements and the prayer, a flurry of volunteers entered from the kitchen with rolling carts filled with food. They stopped at each table where they placed serving bowls piled high, after which each guest served himself and then passed the bowls family-style around the table. And throughout the meal, conversation was abundant. These people really cared about each other.

As I sat there and interacted with Mrs. Curtis’ guests, there was no “us” or “them.” There was no poverty or social status. There were just people gathered together to share a meal. And all of this was made possible by the love extended from one woman toward everyone there.

While there I met so many people—people that could’ve been you or me. I met a mom and daughter who used this one week as their opportunity to have mother-daughter time. I met a family who, while not homeless, were only one step away from living out of their car. I met friends who’d known each other for years, and people who’d only just met. And each person interacted with complete warmth and acceptance. 

When I left the Saturday Noon Meals that afternoon, I left a changed person. My perception of homeless and hungry had changed. The people were no longer the vagrants of my imagination; they had faces. They had lives and stories and struggles…all of which I could relate to. No, I’ve never been poor or in jeopardy of losing my home, but the circumstances that led to many of their situations were relatable. Just a single domino falls, and the whole line goes down, one block after another.

For weeks after my visit, I couldn’t get their stories out of my head. Most especially, I couldn’t get the few children in attendance out of my head. What must it be like to “need” the services of a free weekly meal? What must it be like to be a high school student—when we all already know that the caste system in a middle or high school is nothing short of completely brutal,  especially for those who are “different” in any way.

As the days passed and my article was published, my mind kept returning to the people I met that day. I called my mother-in-law to share this experience, and the experience affected her as well. She began sending new blankets, hats, etc., to be given to the guests at Saturday Noon Meals. I’ll never forget on one of my return visits, my arms laden with a couple of large boxes of new blankets and hats, Mrs. Curtis had instructed me to take a father and son to the storage room and allow them to take their pick. The son was about eight and couldn’t decide between two hats. Well, it’s cold and it’s Minnesota. I’d brought a lot of hats, and this was a kid! I said, half joking but completely serious, “Take them both—they’re small.” The boy looked at his father, who shook his head.

“No,” the father said. “We only take what we need and you only need one. For as hard as we have it, someone else has it harder. We never ever take more than we need.”

And that, my friends, is the statement that has lived with me since and which finally forced me to sit down and write ROAM. You see, while there are a lot of reasons for poverty, not everyone is looking for a free handout. While there are certainly some who will take advantage of any system, it’s important to remember that there are equally as many who are just experiencing hard times and are truly looking for nothing more than a hand up which they’ll return in kind to another when their own circumstances improve.

Sadly, Mrs. Curtis passed away this past June. While she knew I’d written this story, and she knew I’d found an agent to sell it, I never had a chance to tell her that this manuscript had found a publisher. I was waiting to surprise her with an image of the finished cover. But when I emailed her, she didn’t respond. And when I called to inquire about her—because it was unusual for her to ignore an email—I learned of her passing quite literally only a few days earlier.

It saddens me that Mrs. Curtis never had a chance to read the book she and her work inspired, but I hope she lives on through the memories of those who knew her, the work that is continued in her name, and by the pages of this novel.

[image error]ROAM releases in just 22 days on February 5th. Watch this space for a free first chapter teaser coming soon. In the meantime, if you’d like to read that article I wrote so long ago for Rochester Women magazine, use this link.

 

 

ROAM

Coming February 5

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Being a homeless teen is hard.

Keeping it a secret is even harder.

Seventeen year-old Abby Lunde and her family are living on the streets. They had a normal life back in Omaha but, thanks to her mother’s awful mistake, they had to leave what little they had behind for a new start in Rochester. Abby tries to be an average teenager—fitting into school, buoyed by dreams of a boyfriend, college and a career in music. But Minnesota winters are unforgiving, and so are many teenagers.

Her stepdad promises to put a roof over their heads, but times are tough for everyone and Abby is doing everything she can to keep her shameful secret from her new friends. The divide between rich and poor in high school is painfully obvious, and the stress of never knowing where they’re sleeping or where they’ll find their next meal is taking its toll on the whole family.

As secrets are exposed and the hope for a home fades, Abby knows she must trust those around her to help. But will her friends let her down the same way they did back home, or will they rise to the challenge to help them find a normal life?

 

PRAISE FOR ROAM

“An empathetic tale that treats homelessness with respect and makes it visible.” –Kirkus Reviews

“In Roam, C.H. Armstrong sings with a brilliant, powerful youthful voice as she portrays a narrator named Abby who experiences what it’s like to be homeless with her family, while dealing with the emotional and complex daily challenges of attending a new school. We, her readers, are drawn in from the first page. This lovely book has tremendous heart.” —Brandon Hobson, author of Where the Dead Sit Talking

“Roam is a study in empathy, forgiveness, and second chances—an impactful and memorable story of teenage homelessness.” —Foreword Reviews

“In her warm and hopeful novel, C.H. Armstrong has created a spirited heroine who triumphs over her circumstances thanks to those who believe in her; friends, family, teachers and ultimately, herself.” —Lorna Landvik, author of Once in A Blue Moon Lodge

“Armstrong’s book pays compassionate and eloquent attention to teenage angst and love amidst the backdrop of homelessness.” —Cara Sue Achterberg, author of Girls’ Weekend and I’m Not Her

“A must-read for all young people to understand the hardship of homelessness and how they can reach out to help others.” —Cathy Lamb, author of No Place I’d Rather Be

NOW AVAILABLE FOR PRE-ORDER!

READ WHAT EARLY READERS ARE SAYING:

Click Here!

PURCHASE LINKS:

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Books-A-Million |

IndieBound | The Book Depository |

Target | Walmart

EVENTS

Click Here to See Cathie’s Book Tour Dates/Locations

CONTACT CATHIE FOR AN EVENT/SPEAKING ENGAGEMENT

[email protected]

 

Happy Thursday! I can’t believe it’s only 26 days until ROAM finally hits bookstores! It feels like it’s taken forever for this day to come, and yet it also feels like the clock is dragging!

To make this time go by a little faster, I’m going to be posting a little more frequently between now and February 5th, and will try to bring you some fun content about the people and places that inspired the story. But before we go there, let’s have a GIVEAWAY!

Here’s how you enter: Follow me on Goodreads (you can use this link). That’s it! On January 21st, I’ll randomly select a winner from my Goodreads followers to receive one of my last Advance Copies of ROAM. If you’re already following me, you’re good to go–you’re already entered! If you’re not following me on Goodreads, now’s the time to do it!

So have fun and check back for the next contest which will be coming your way soon!

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I'm giving away a FREE Advance Copy of ROAM! All you have to do is follow me on Goodreads and I'll randomly select the winner from among my Goodreads followers. It's that simple!

[image error]It’s a new year and I’m super excited to kick off 2019 with a new series of regular Tuesday blog posts entitled, “Happy Book Birthday!” Throughout the year, I will attempt to bring you reviews of new releases on the date of their release. And so with this in mind, I’d like to wish a Happy Book Birthday to Tiana Smith and her debut young adult novel, MATCH ME IF YOU CAN.

First let me say: What a fun book! Released by Swoon Reads, an imprint of Macmillan Publishers, MATCH ME IF YOU CAN is a romantic comedy centered around 11th grade Mia who just knows her life would be perfect if only the school’s golden boy, Vince, would ask her to homecoming. But her best friend, Robyn (a.k.a. “Cupid”), knows better.

An entrepreneur, Robyn has her own tried and true matchmaking service with a 100% 5-star rating from her classmates. But when Robyn refuses to match Mia with Vince, Mia takes things into her own hands and makes the match herself by sending an email to Vince using Robyn’s email account. Predictably, everything from that point goes awry. Best friends become frenemies, and potential true love matches are threatened.

This was an engaging read, plausible, and with a true Happily Ever After ending. And it’s a great place to start your reading list challenge!

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SYNOPIS

(From the Macmillan Website)

Mia’s best friend Robyn is known for her matchmaking skills, which is perfect, because homecoming is just around the corner. But Robyn refuses to set Mia up with the guy of her dreams, which forces Mia to take matters into her own hands. She uses Robyn’s matchmaking service to make sure popular Vince Demetrius falls for her.

Vince asks her out, but Mia doesn’t count on Logan, the persistent school newspaper photographer who seems to like her out of the blue. Now she has to choose between Vince – the guy she knows is right for her – and Logan, who insists that she give him a chance. And she needs to make sure Robyn doesn’t find out that Mia’s been matchmaking behind her back.

Mia has two weeks before homecoming. Can she fix the mess she made or will she have to kiss her perfect match goodbye forever?

For more information on Tiana Smith, or to find purchase links by this author, use this link.