Winners of The Clan of the Cave Bear by Jean M Auel

Unlike my other competition which doesn't have enough entrants, I've got the full quota for this competition. 

I asked a question which wasn't related to how I pick the winners, of which would you rather fight off, a lion, a bear or a mammoth? 

Most opted for a bear, and only one opted for the mammoth (brave person!) 

The 5 winners, chosen using a random number generator are 

Kulsuma!

anngrey!

Sarah W!

Rosie!

Louise!

I've just emailed the publicity team with your details, so hopefully you'll hear from them soon to arrange the prize delivery. 

Many congratulations, and keep an eye out for a competition coming soon - it's nearly my 2nd year blogversary! 

Competition for Marrying Out of Money by Nicky Schmidt Extension

This hasn't happened before. I only have one entry, and two prizes up for grabs. I will keep the competition open until midnight GMT Saturday 2nd April. To win a copy of the funny book tackling series life issues (review here), just fill in the form on the competition page!

The 13 Secrets by Michelle Harrison

February 2011, Simon and Schuster 

392 pages, Paperback

Review copy 

Children's, fantasy 

Fairy magic, changelings, circus, disguises, murder, betrayal, heaps of danger, a little bit of gore and violence, lots of secrets, friendships and love, 

Summary from Simon and Schuster

Red is now living at Elvesden Manor under her real name, Rowan, and trying to put her past behind her. But staying on the straight and narrow isn't as easy as she had hoped… Hounded by fairy messengers who are trying to convince her to participate once more in the changeling trade, Rowan is haunted by dreams of the Hedgewitch's cottage and the chained-up Eldritch, who threatens revenge against her. Her past is about to catch up with her - can Tanya and Fabian prevent it consuming her altogether?

Nayuleska's thoughts

When it comes to reading the last (or any other number) book in the series and you haven't read the rest, there are two results. I either feel lost and confused for most of the book (rarely), or it's as though I already know the characters and what's happened (mostly). I can happily report the latter was the case for The 13 Secrets. It was awesome! Rowan is so much fun. It's clear that an awful lot has happened to her in the past, lots of danger and mystery which she doesn't want to talk about. There are other people who want her to stay silent - for good. For over half the story I was terrified for both Rowan and her friends. She pushes them away a little, and is a total dimwit in thinking that if she keeps everything hidden from them they will stay safe. Her enemies know her weaknesses and play on that. They are evil, sadistic and immoral things. They aren't people because people don't go around killing each other. It's even worse because magic is involved. Magical creatures are included in the attack, and they really added to the tense atmosphere. Although I had to laugh when Rowan's grandmotherr (or possibly Tanya's...I can't quite remember) - whichever it was, having her fend off a magical creature and yelling at it to get out of her house was really funny, and lightened the mood a little. Although the story shortly took a darker turn. 

As well as Rowan, I loved all the other characters. Yes even the enemies, because they gave me the creeps and had me glad that the sun hadn't set. I think Tanya is my second favourite character. She's so torn because she wants to help Rowan, and show that she and Fabian are there for her, but she doesn't want to ruin their friendship. She always acts with Rowan's best interests at heart. When the final showdown happens involving Rowan, when Tanya turned up I tearing up. I teared up at the epilogue too. I figured out one major plot line fairly early on, although the rest I hadn't seen coming. I love Sparrow! He likes Rowan and makes sure that she is protected. I loved the whole concept of the Coven, and what they do to save changelings. Also the idea of the 13 secrets themselves was very clever. This is definitely one for you if you love fairies mixing in the modern world, lots of suspense and danger smattered with humour. 

Final conclusion 

Not a book to be read after dark. Or on your own. Or in a big house. Or near a wood. (That's only if you're like me and can get scared easily, especially when woods are involved)

Final conclusion

Check out more about the 13 series (it's a trilogy - for now!) on Michelle's website. 

Suggested reads

Mieradome by Kate O'Hegarty, magic and mayhem abound

The Golden Acorn by Catherine Cooper, talking ravens are the norm in Jack's life 

Knife by R J Anderson, a fairy with attitude! 

One Liners: An Avid Reader and Father Time Compromise #3

"One Liners: An Avid Reader and Father Time Compromise"....is the place where my love of books meets a busy schedule and in lieu of passing up the chance to share the book with you, I'll share the book(s) read in brief; enough to pique your curiosity without over indulging. Sound good? Here goes....

Rowan: Bigger Picture & Rowan: The Next Big Thing

Release Date:  January 2002

Publisher:  Rowan

54 pages & 63 pages, Paperback

Personal Copy

Arts & Crafts/Knitting

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Summary from The Knitting Garden:

(Bigger Picture)

Featuring over 20 designs by Kim Hargreaves using Big Wool and Biggy Print yarn.

Includes patterns for easy and quick to knit sweaters, scarves, hats and bags!!

(The Next Big Thing)

The Next Big Thing - over thirty designs by Kim Hargreaves!

This contemporary collection contains both garments and accessories for men & women. There are ponchos and capes, long line coats, a sleeveless dress and a waistcoat with shaggy collar.  Accessories include a selection of hats and scarves, some knitted, some crocheted. Other items include bags, wrist & leg warmers!!

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Nayuleska's Thoughts:

I ordinarily do not review knitting pattern books. I got this one and the 2nd Rowan one on Tuesday. They have lots of pictures giving close ups of the garments, which is always a big plus. The patterns are easy to read, with a clear ink diagram of the shape of the garment. I'm reviewing these two books because they made me laugh. This one feels as though the models inside were acting in a soap. It felt like it was a troubled relationship, half the time the girls looked like they were moping. Maybe I'm just used to cute baby patterns which look really natural. The Next Big Thing - that was more about friendship, I think, but it still didn't look natural and the people didn't necessarily look as though they'd usually wear the garments. I think when I see knitting patterns I want more normal people, in more normal clothes, people that I'd know rather than people who don't have many physical imperfections. None of that will stop me from knitting from a few patterns in here, which is what the books are about!

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Sammy Goes Flying by Odette Elliott

Release Date:  7th April 2011

Publisher:  Tamarind Books

32 pages, Paperback

Review copy

Children's Fiction

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Summary from Tamarind Books:

Sammy dreams of flying. His older siblings are going on a school trip to an aeroplane museum. But Sammy is too small to go. Then Grandma plans a magical day out just for Sammy.

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Nayuleska's Thoughts:

This book is very blue! I love the different shades of blue and green that are used to tell Sammy's tale. It's hard being the youngest, but Sammy's parents make sure that he gets to fulfil his dream and have fun with his teddy. The joy he feels rises off from the pages and made me smile.

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Don't Want To Go! by Shirley Hughes

Release Date:  7th April 2011

Publisher:  Red Fox

32 pages, Paperback

Review Copy

Children's Fiction

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Summery from Red Fox:

Mum is ill and Dad has to go to work, so Lily will have to go to Melanie’s house for the day. Dad says she'll have lots of fun, but there’s a problem: Lily doesn't want to go!

Join Lily as she braves Melanie's house, and realises that doing new things needn't be scary after all...

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Nayuleska's Thoughts:

I was exactly like Lily when I was little. I didn't like having to stay with strangers, although I mostly threw a strop when I went to school (I was the only child in my class to have a special sticker chart for when I was good and didn't cry when I got in. It worked!) Although Lily has her favourite toy with her, it isn't much comfort at first. She makes a decision to make a fuss, but then several someones distract her and she actually enjoys herself. I've read Shirley's books since I was little, and this is one of my favourites because it captures the exact sentiment of a young child.

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The Pink Bicycle by Gill Lobel

Release Date:  7th April 2011

Publisher:  Tamarind

32 pages, Paperback

Review copy

Children's Picture Books

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Summary from Tamarind:

Sunita and Blue Rabbit love riding on Alisha's red bike. But one day Alisha's knees start to get in the way! Mum and Dad say the red bike is too small. Can Alisha learn to ride the new pink bicycle with no stabilisers?

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Nayuleska's Thoughts:
The book is about Sunita getting to grips with a new bike, and the perils of riding without stabilisers. It takes something important for her to try it out. However, for me the book is about Blue Rabbit. Sunita takes him everywhere. He is in every picture, and his expressions are really funny, especially when danger looms. He had me smiling away, and I want him! He helps Sunita get through the harder parts of life, just as any special toy does for a child.

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The Boy Who Cried Ninja by Alex Latimer

Release Date:  7th April 2011

Publisher:  Picture Corgi

32 pages, Paperback

Review copy

Children's Picture Book

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Summary from Picture Corgi:

Once there was a boy named Tim whom no one believed, even when he was telling the truth. No one believed that it was a ninja who snaffled the last slice of cake; or that a giant squid ate his homework; or that it really was a time-travelling monkey who was throwing pencils at Grampa. How can Tim get his parents to believe him - when the truth is too incredible to be true?

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Nayuleska's Thoughts:

I'm a fan of ninjas. They are really cool. What this ninja does isn't so cool though. Tim's parents think he's lying when he says the mischief the ninja and several other characters get up to. Tim doesn't like being punished for something he didn't do, so he finds a way to show his parents he wasn't lying. Most ninjas I've read about wouldn't steal cake without asking, unless it was from the enemy.

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Spike and Ali Enson by Malaika Rose Stanley

Release Date:  September 2011

Publisher:  Tamarind

144 pages, Paperback

Review copy

Children's Fiction

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Summary from Tamarind:

Bonnie baby or alien invader?

Everyone loves Spike’s baby brother, Ali. He’s so cute even the school bullies want to babysit him. But Spike isn’t so sure. Ali’s poos are bright green and his soft, brown skin looks a little scaly. Yes, there’s definitely something strange about Ali! And when Spike discovers a way to learn the truth, he begins to realise just how different his family really is…

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Nayuleska's Thoughts:
I liked it how Spike's father knits! That was nice to hear about. Spike has perfectly normal feelings about his little brother. I think he feels a bit jealous sometimes, because Spike was adopted and Ali wasn't. It was nice to hold similar views to Spike's parents about a few things - although their real identity is a huge shock to both me and Spike. The book ends on a small cliffhanger, but I think I know which choice Spike made because of the illustration on the opposite page.

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Pocket Cats: Lucky Star by Kitty Wells

Release Date:  August 2010

Publisher:  David Fickling Books

176 pages, Paperback

Review copy

Children's Fiction

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Summary from David Fickling Books:

Maddy has always wanted a cat, but now she's got something even better - three small ceramic cats which come to life and give her magical powers!

Maddy is thrilled to see Nibs again. But Nibs is NOT happy about their new problem: it involves a dog! Star is a gorgeous golden retriever, but he's sad because his glamorous owner doesn't love him. Can Maddy and Nibs find a way to make him happy?

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Nayuleska's Thoughts:
I've just finished reading this book and I nearly need a tissue. Maddy has so much fun with her cats, even though there's a bit of danger and potentially Maddy (along with her friend Rachel who knows all about the cats) could get into serious trouble. I get sad because Maddy has mixed feelings at the end of her adventures. She is happy to have sold the problem. This one was quite tricky. Nibs naturally doesn't like dogs, so has to overcome that issue. The dog in question is unloved by his owner. It's a tough thing to get someone to realise there is more to their pet than just putting them in for shows. Maddy & Nibs do succeed, using more of Maddy's special cat abilities. Nibs is quite prim, and it was horrible when she turned back into an ornament. I liked reading about her sleeping in the dolls house, with blu-tack placed so she didn't slip. It's little touches like that which add to how much fun this book is. As ever the illustrations fit perfectly with the story.

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Snow Dog by Malorie Blackman

Release Date:  September 2010

Publisher:  Corgi Pups

64 pages, Paperback

Review copy

Children's Fiction

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Summary from Corgi Pups:

“IT'S GOING TO BE WOOF-ONDERFUL!”

There is nothing Nicky wants more in the world than a dog to play with. But Mum and Dad don’t want a dog. Then Grandad has an idea – he and Nicky can make a dog: a snow-dome dog. Even better, he has some special clay, found at the end of a rainbow, so that the dog will be extra-special. Maybe even magic . . .

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Nayuleska's Thoughts:

Dogs need a lot of care and attention (as shown in Pocket Cats: Lucky Star). Like many other children Nicky wants one of her own. I liked how her parents explained exactly why they couldn't have one, outline what a dog needs and why most people can't fulfil their needs. Nicky makes one with her grandad out of clay. That would make a good project for children, then they could 'have' a dog of their own which wouldn't need as much care. It wouldn't be like Harry, Nicky's dog who comes to life and Nicky can transport herself to his world where they can play together, but it would still be fun. I think this book shows how we can't always have something, but we can usually have something related to it.

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Snowy's Story by Amy Watson

Release Date:  September 2010

Publisher:  Red Fox

112 pages, Paperback

Review copy

Children's Fiction

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Summary from Red Fox:

Twins Lucy and Samuel know EXACTLY what they want for Christmas - a puppy of their own! Mum and Dad take them to Battersea Dogs Home a few days before Christmas, warning them to choose carefully - after all, a dog is for life and not just a gift to get bored of after a while.

Lucy and Samuel fall in love with a St Bernard puppy called Snowy - and he certainly lives up to his name, loving to leave pawprints in the snowy garden and help the twins build a snowman. One day, when Lucy has a fight with Samuel and storms off for a walk with Snowy, a blizzard sets in and she gets hopelessly lost. Can Snowy use his survival instincts to lead her back home?

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Nayuleska's Thoughts:

This is a real feel good book. Samuel & Lucy are twins. It was realistic that they moaned as they got tired from shopping, but a few minutes later they forgot about how they felt because they saw cute little puppies. Unfortunately the puppies all had homes waiting for them, but their parents agree to a dog, as long as they get it from Battersea. Just like the other books in the series, reviewed here, Snowy's Story portrays the reality of a pet, the fun times and the not so fun times. Lucy gets a bit jealous because of the fun Samuel had with Snowy, she she decides to take off in the middle of the night with him. It wasn't a good idea, and she is in heaps of trouble when she gets back, but I had to laugh when Samuel thought her adventure was cool. There are details at the back on the process of applying for a pet with Battersea, as well as some fun puzzles (although they might need to be blown up on a photocopier).

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Little Miss Princess by Roger Hargreaves

Release Date:  March 2011

Publisher:  Egmont

34 pages, Paperback
Review copy

Children's Fiction

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Summary from Egmont:

Little Miss Princess lives in a castle with turrets and a moat. A very BIG castle. And Little Miss Princess has lots of people to do things for her. But Little Miss Princess isn’t rude and spoilt. She is a kind and generous, good hearted princess.

One day, she decides to help an injured Mr. Bump, but as you can imagine, Little Miss Princess isn't used to doing things herself, so everything doesn't quite go to plan...

A sweet and funny tale that will leave all little princesses giggling!

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Nayuleska's Thoughts:

I was a huge fan of the Mr Men series when I was little, although I did want more stories about girls. My wish did start to come true with the Little Miss books. This is my favourite one to date. How cool is it to have one about a princess who is pink? (purple would have been more awesome). Little Miss Princess is a typical princess, living how you would expect a princess to live. She doesn't know much about how to do things, but she has a compassionate heart and is happiest when helping people. Unfortunately because of her inexperience when she tries to help with every day actions that most people take for granted, things go a little wrong. That doesn't matter too much because people understand that it's not her fault, and one person finds a way for Little Miss Princess to help successfully using the skills she has as a princess. This is an uplifting addition to the famous series.

What are you reading? #60

What are you reading on Monday? is a weekly meme hosted by Rachel at Home Girl's Book Blog where you post books completed last week and plans for upcoming books. Jump over to her blog and see who else is participating.

Books I've read this week

   

Rowan: Bigger Picture

Rowan: The Next Big Thing

 Arts & Crafts/Knitting

(Patterns are good but there's a reason why I'm actually reviewing knitting pattern books - check out my mini review later today...)

Sammy Goes Flying by Odette Elliott

Children's Picture Book

(The limits of a child's imagination are endless!)

Don't Want to Go by Shirley Hughes

Children's Picture Book

(Lily is very like me when I was little in hating new people & places...)

The Pink Bicycle by Gill Lobel

Children's Picture Book

(It should be renamed Blue Rabbit! Find out why in my one liner review later today...)

The Boy Who Cried Ninja by Alex Latimer

Children's Picture Book

(This particular ninja is naughty!  Review posting later today...)

Monster Baby by Lee Carr

Children's Picture Book

(A very cute monster baby!  My review...)

Spike and Ali Enson by Malaika Rose Stanley

Children's

(Trials of having a younger brother, only this one is rather different...)

Pocket Cats: Lucky Star by Kitty Wells

Children's Fiction

(Another successful adventure for Maddy & her ornament cats which come to life when there's a problem to solve.)

Snow Dog by Malorie Blackman

Children's Fiction

(Maddy desperately wants a dog, and is excited when magic makes that wish come true.)

Snowy's Story by Amy Watson

Children's Fiction

(It's not always pets that get up to mischief! Jealousy over her twin Samuel leads Lucy to go on winter adventure with their new dog Snowy...)

Little Miss Princess by Roger Hargreaves

Children's Fiction

(The latest edition to the Little Miss collection is pretty cool!)

My Soul to Save by Rachel Vincent

Young Adult Paranormal

(This series just keeps getting better!  My review...)

A good week on the whole.  So...what are YOU reading?

My Soul to Save by Rachel Vincent

March 2011, Mira Ink 

384 pages, Paperback

Review copy 

Young Adult, Paranormal

Banshees, grim reapers, netherworld, deadly fauna & flora, demons, humour, friendships going stronger, teen romance - gets quite heavy, sacrifice, death, disobedience, fear, 

Summary from Mira Ink

When Kaylee Cavanaugh screams, someone dies. So when teen pop star Eden croaks onstage and Kaylee doesn't wail, she knows something is dead wrong. She can't cry for someone who has no soul. The last thing Kaylee needs right now is to be skipping school, breaking her dad's ironclad curfew and putting her too-hot-to-be-real boyfriend's loyalty to the test. But starry-eyed teens are trading their souls: a flickering lifetime of fame and fortune in exchange for eternity in the Netherworld—a consequence they can't possibly understand. Kaylee can't let that happen, even if trying to save their souls means putting her own at risk....

Nayuleska's thoughts

There's a story to reading this book (as well as the story within it). I started reading it, and got 2/3 through. However, life slowed down on the reading front for various reasons beyond my control. I then had a few other books to read first. So I read them. The problem was, I couldn't remember where I'd put My Soul to Save. I hunted for a few days, on and off. I wasn't too worried, because I always put objects down in strange places and instantly forget where they are. I found it the other day. I know I hadn't read it for a few weeks. And yet when I flicked over the last chapter I'd read (not the last chapter in the book. I've been really good and haven't peeked at an ending for months!), it all came back to me. I was like 'oh yeah, that happened' and away I went to finish it. 

I felt like I was at home with the characters. Life becomes more turbulent and dangerous for Kaylee. Her friend Emma wants to know more, which manages to put all their lives in danger. Tod would never knowingly hurt Kaylee (annoy her yes), but when he withholds a vital opinion, he sends her to her doom. Of course Kaylee minds about dying - who wouldn't? - but she's always thinking of the bigger picture and saving others. What she learns in this book is that there's always a sacrifice to be paid. How large it is can depend on the situation - or netherworld being - which is in control. 

In some ways this book was funnier because I already knew about what Kaylee was, she knew the truth about her family. Her father tries to be strict but she pushes past the boundaries (and other ones). Part of me was amazed that he permitted her lessons with Nash's mother.  That lands her in serious trouble, but that is nothing compared to the reason why she's engaged in delinquent behaviour. It's certainly preferable to the goings in the celebrity world where young girls are losing their souls. That world is not Kaylee's world, she's a normal girl. But how can she say no to helping when the very person who needs help has a link to Tod? 

Content wise, this book is heaps scarier than the first. The stakes are definitely higher. I recommend carrying bug spray in the netherworld. No, not bug spray. Weed killer. Only make sure that it's potent. The teen romance gets intense a few times, definitely the higher end of YA. 

Final conclusion 

This is one of those series that gets better as you read it, and make you want to re-read the previous book just because you know what happens next. 

Be sure to read the first in the series, My Soul to Take, as well as the Shifters series, which finishes with Alpha (yes I say finish because it's the only one I've read). 

For more about Rachel's book please check out her website. 

Monster Baby by Lee Carr

7th April 2011, Red Fox Picture Books

24 pages, Paperback

Review copy

Children's, Picture Book 

Siblings, family life, younger sisters, mischief, love, humour 

Summary from Random House Children's books 

Jake wants to play with Mum but first Meg, his baby sister, needs a nap. 

But Meg doesn't want to sleep. She grabs at Jake's hair, throws her toys and soon she's sprouting fur! 

Can Jake help a real Monster Baby fall asleep? And will things get back to normal before Mum notices? It's the perfect book for big brothers and sisters everywhere.

Nayuleska's thoughts

Thankfully I was the youngest child, so I never had this problem (although I know that I was the annoying little sister!) I do feel sorry for Jake because Meg gets the attention, and his mother won't have free time until Meg sleeps. It's so funny how Meg fools Jake. Not that Jake finds it funny when her true monster self begins to form. He doesn't want his mother finding out, so has to think quickly to find ways to tame the beast. His mother is oblivious to Meg's transformation, because Jake finds something that works on soothing his strange sister. 

What I loved most about this story were the illustrations. They are bright and cheery, Meg & all the toys look soft and squishy, especially when she turns into a monster. Her colouring does remind me a little of Sully in the film Monsters Inc. The flaps are sturdy, so should hold up to rough little hands. One thing which worked well was how the toys and the creature on Jake's top react. Their eyes are closed and they look relaxed when Meg is pretended to sleep, as well as settling down to sleep. However, as she turns into a little monster, their expressions change and they become quite worried. This is shown on the front page as they react to her monster hair showing itself. The positions they take match their expressions, which adds another dimension to the story. 

Final conclusion 

Every child needs to read this so they know they aren't alone if they feel their younger brother/sister is acting like a monster. 

Suggested reading: 

Witch Baby and Me On Stage & Witch Baby and Me At School by Debi Gliori. This series shows how hard it is to have a younger sibling who isn't human. Compared to Lily's trouble with witch baby Daisy, Jake really can't complain much about Meg! He doesn't have an invisible dog who stinks, or have a trio of witches keeping an eye on him.
Spike & Alienson by Malaika Rose Stanley. It seems that monster/alien siblings are on the increase! And they always cause mischief. 

Guest Blog Post by Kimber An: The Necessity of Bianca

Yeah!!! The lovely Kimber An, author of my favourite Sugar Rush, and as of today Crushed Sugar, kindly wrote a guest blog post for me. I'm so excited because it's all about Bianca! Enjoy the post, and my comments will be in bold. 

The Necessity of Bianca

By Kimber An

It’s interesting what different readers like about different stories and its great when a secondary character can snag you, I think.  It seems to wrap the reader up more in the whole story.  Nayu likes the scene from Sugar Rush in which Bianca, the heroine’s twin sister, hurls her sewing machine out the window.

Here it is-

SUGAR RUSH by Kimber An, final paragraph Chapter Thirteen

{Set up:   Ophelia and Brandon are riding home with Mrs. Cox after learning her father was killed.  She’s in grief-stricken shock.}

A second after they rounded the corner playground, Ophelia saw Bianca’s sewing machine crash through her bedroom window, sail over the yard, and smash on the street beyond.

Chapter Fourteen

Mrs. Cox gripped the steering wheel as Bianca’s sewing machine clattered in shards across the icy street. “I was afraid she would react that way. We all deal with grief in our own way.”

Bianca’s way was to destroy the house.

{end of Sugar Rush excerpt} That is my favourite scene in the book! I just love it because Bianca has so much spark and she doesn't seem like a drama queen to me (only occasionally...) 

Bianca’s kind of, um, extroverted.  Ophelia says she’s ‘rambunctious.’  Martin, the villain, describes her with her less-flattering words, like bitch and radically codependent.  The kids at school all think she’s a slut.  In fact, she’s a virgin.  She just likes the attention.

I say Bianca is necessary.  She’s a support character.  She’s one of the two most important secondary characters of the entire series; the other being Brandon.  She’s necessary because Ophelia is reserved in nature and really not what you’d consider a typical teenager.

Ophelia needs Bianca to bring her out of her shell and make her relatable to wider audience.

As an example, here’s a snippet from the next novel in the series, Sweet Bytes-

{Ophelia has come home to find her sister depressed and lying on the sofa watching TV.  She doesn’t care about fashion, but knows putting together new outfits for school will cheer Bianca up.}

Wiping nose on sleeve, Bianca got up and handed her the remote control.  “The 1920’s produced a lot of classics.  I could order some things off the Old Navy website.  I still have a gift card for that store.”

“Oh, yeah, me too.”  Ophelia plucked a Star Trek DVD off the shelf and examined the cover.  “Hey, don’t log out when you’re done.  I want to order a few things.”

Bianca stomped up the stairs.  “What in the name of Gianni Versace would you order from Old Navy?” 

Ophelia looked up at her sister gripping the rail and glaring.  “Oh, um, just…new night vision goggles, a Leatherman tool, and maybe a flamethrower.” 

“Flamethrower?”

Ophelia instantly realized she’d said something worthy of a hissy-fit from her sister.  “Uh…well, okay, maybe not the flamethrower.  I’d probably need a special permit which I can’t get until I’m eighteen.  But, maybe Mom…”

“Old Navy’s a clothing store, you geek!”  Bianca disappeared and slammed the door.

{end of Sweet Bytes excerpt}Ooooo thanks so much for the snippet Kimber An! 

But, I’m here to talk about my prequel novella, Crushed Sugar.  Due to the novella format, I couldn’t include Bianca as much as I wanted.  Nevertheless, I’ll leave you with one that made at least one of my editors laugh.

{Set up:  Set three months before Sugar Rush, Ophelia is suddenly beset by the romantic attentions of Martin, having no idea he will become the villain.  Katelyn is Martin’s self-proclaimed girlfriend and is determined to eliminate the competition.}

Katelyn’s emotions boiled as her gaze shifted to Ophelia. “How long are you going to let your sister fight your battles?”

Bianca stepped between them. “Ophelia’s a lover, not a fighter. She’ll be building a space station on the Moon when you’re collecting food stamps with a drunken idiot.”

Ophelia grabbed her sister’s wrist. “I am fine. Let it go. Please.”

“Okay, Snookums.” Bianca patted her cheek. “You know I worship the quicksand you walk on.”

{end of Crushed excerpt}Bianca is cool :) And remains my top secondary character. 

There you have it, a few Bianca scenes to make you reach for the coffee.  If you want to learn more about Ophelia’s fascination with all things Star Trek, check out this guest post I did for Alien Romances, h

http://aliendjinnromances.blogspot.com/2010/10/teens-trekkies-and-heroic-ideal_22.html

I’ve gotten attached to secondary characters in other stories too.  Where would Frodo be without Sam?  Or Kirk without Spock?  Han without Chewbacca?  Now, I know my stories are no where near their caliber, but it’s a good writing lesson for anyone.  Secondary characters are important.  Give them their due.

What secondary characters do you love? Bianca!!!! 

Kimber An, thank you again (for the 3rd time...) for such an awesome post about one of the best characters :) May your characters always keep talking to you (Since I know what they did to your muse.)