Updates : Sing Me To Sleep

Do you remember Sing Me To Sleep, the book I absolutely love? Well, Angela has just posted the epilogue on her blog here. It got cut in the editing process, but I assure you that it's really beautiful and worth the read. However, if you haven't read the story, please don't read it first. You can buy Sing Me to Sleep (Hardcover) on Amazon / Barnes and Noble as a start.

Next, the good news! Beth's Song is now on iTunes! You can purchase it for $0.99

Read my interview with Angela Morrison here:

Sing Me To Sleep Blog Tour

Read my review here:
Book Review : Sing Me To Sleep

Watch the trailer here:

Sing Me To Sleep Trailer

Lovely links:

Angela's Website :: Angela's Facebook Page

Sing Me To Sleep Contest Winner!

Random.org has decided! The lucky winner of the signed hardcover copy of Sing Me To Sleep by Angela Morrison is...

#217 Spav from Fiction Kingdom!

Congratulations, Spav! Please respond to my e-mail with your name and address within 3 days. I hope you enjoy the book!

A great THANK YOU to everyone who entered this contest! To those who didn't win, please don't worry! You can still pre-order Sing Me To Sleep on { Amazon /Filpkart }

Visit Angela Morrison's Website

Read more about Sing Me To Sleep

Read my review for Sing Me To Sleep

Sing Me To Sleep Blog Tour + Contest!

Hi readers, Angela's latest novel, SING ME TO SLEEP is going to be released on March 4, 2010! I'm sure you're as excited as I am! SING ME TO SLEEP is a sad, beautiful love story that is sure to touch your heart. I love this book! You can read my review for Sing Me To Sleep to know my thoughts about it. You can pre-order the book at Amazon US or Amazon UK.

INTERVIEW

1. How did you come up with the characters and storyline?

When I write a novel, it's like a giant tidal wave hits my life. It takes all the people I've known, places I've been, books I've read, movies I've seen, news I've watched, history I've poured over, and breaks all this experience up into tiny pieces. I sift through them until one gets stuck in my brain--starts to haunt me. I ask myself what if? The answer to that question emerges as a voice that becomes a character. Sometimes the guy arrives on the scene first. Sometimes the girl does. When I get them both, they start talking in my head. I jot down those conversations.

The storyline emerges from their whispers to me and is shaped by the hero's journey archetype. My characters have to do more than fall in love. They are always on a coming of age journey, so they must face tests, overcome obstacles, learn to trust each other and themselves. And they usually have to come to grips with what love really is.

2. The story takes place mostly in Lausanne, London and Michigan. Are any of these places special to you in some way?
We lived in London, Ontario, Canada. While we lived there, my daughter sang with the Junior Amabile Youth Singers--a girls choir. I got to travel with them and loved the competitive choir scene. It was great to get to use that setting. And their boys choir is every bit as amazing as I portray them in the book.

When we moved to Lausanne, Switzerland, my daughter was fourteen and heartbroken. Her friends in Amabile kept in touch and kept her sane. It was great to get to use some of my favorite places in Switzerland for SING. We actually stayed in the mermaid hotel Beth's choir stays in.

I put Beth in Michigan so she'd be close to Derek. We used to shop in Port Huron and fly out of the Detroit airport, so I'm familiar with the area, but I had to do research to be able to write about it convincingly. YouTube was my best friend. You'd be amazed at what people post. I also went on real estate sites and found Beth's house and researched the local high school. I call it "Port" in the book to make it fictitious--I like how that sounds better, too.

3. Derek's secret is very serious. Why do you choose to write about that particular difficulty?
Derek was inspired by my daughter's dear friend, Matt. He was one of those London friends who kept her going when she was so miserable in Switzerland. SING is dedicated to him. His mom is a good friend and helped me so much with this book. I can't let you know too much about Matt or it will wreck Derek's secret. After you read SING, be sure to read the Author's Note in the back. I will have more about Derek's secret posted on my website after SING launches. But I promise to mark it with a great big SPOILER ALERT. I hope SING generates a lot of conversations about this issue--AFTER readers have read the book.

4. Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?
I want readers to find their own messages. I don't think about theme and message when I write. I'm always touched when readers tell me they feel love and hope as they read my work. That experience is what I want them to grasp.

5. Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?
I am awful at plotting. My editor is amazing at it. Working with her has helped me grasp it a lot more.

6. Please tell us about your next book and when will it be available.
This fall I wrote the sequel to TAKEN BY STORM, my 2009 debut novel. It's called UNBROKEN CONNECTION. Penguin hasn't signed it yet, so I can't tell you when it will be available.

SING ME TO SLEEP is out March 4, 2010, and the paperback for TAKEN BY STORM launches February 4, 2010.

I also have a romantic coming of age historical novel about a Scottish coal miner, who has to leave the love of his life to emigrate to North America that my agent is marketing called, MY ONLY LOVE.

Check in with me on my ChatSpot blog on my website for updates on both UNBROKEN CONNECTION and MY ONLY LOVE.

7. Do you have anything special that you want to say to your readers?
Only that I love writing for them and love hearing from them. I hope they all know how wonderful and amazing they are. Protect and cherish that. Don't let anyone stomp on you and your dreams. If they do, pick yourself, bandage your wounds, and keep going. You are a gift--remember that!

Thanks for taking your time to answer my questions, Angela! I hope Sing Me To Sleep will be a huge success!

CONTEST

To celebrate the release of Sing Me To Sleep, Angela has decided to giveaway a SIGNED hardcover copy of the novel to a lucky reader! Everyone can enter, no matter where you reside! In other words, this contest is international!

To enter:
Please leave your name and e-mail address in a comment.

Extra entries:

+1 Name Angela's debut novel
+1 RT this contest (sample below)*
+1 Link this giveaway anywhere else (Facebook, Plurk, etc.)*
+2 Comment on my review for Sing Me To Sleep
+2 If you are a new follower
+3 If you are a old follower
+3 Put the trailer on your blog. Here's the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ivJoBStwJhM*
+5 Blog about this contest*
+10 Pre-order a copy of SING ME TO SLEEP

Sample tweet:

"Sing Me To Sleep Blog Tour + Contest on Friends & Family! Contest is open worldwide and ends 23/2 http://bit.ly/70tiYd"

*Links should be included in your comment or else it won't count.

Notes:
All the entries can be left in one comment, since I will jot down every entry. A winner will be chosen via Random.org. Remember, please leave your e-mail address or you will be disqualified. You can use this format to prevent spammers: aikychien at yahoo dot com

Contest ends 23rd February, 2o1o @ 8 pm Malaysian time. (Open internationally)

Lovely links:
Angela's Website :: Angela's Facebook Page

I'm also having another giveaway on my blog:
Coffeehouse Angel by Suzanne Selfors (US ONLY)

Sing Me To Sleep Trailer

SING ME TO SLEEP's trailer is live on AngelaTheAuthor's YouTube Channel.The song is ACTUALLY "Beth's Song," from the novel! If you LOVE it, you can buy the single on iTunes SOON!

The brilliant composer, Harriet Bushman, wrote the music and arranged it for the AMABILE YOUNG MEN'S ENSEMBLE to perform. Yes, they are the choir the novel is about. A beautiful soprano, Shayna Follington, from their girl's choir counterpart, the Amabile Youth Singers, sings Beth's part. You can find more about them at www.amabile.com! ALL proceeds from the sale of the single go to Amabile's 25th Anniversary Fund-raising Campaign. Watch for it.

Visit Angela Morrison's Website

Some Great News!

Hi readers! I'm going to take part in the SING ME TO SLEEP blog tour! Just a little reminder here, I will post the author interview on 23rd January (Saturday) and there will be a contest for a SIGNED hardcover copy of Sing Me To Sleep by Angela Morrison. And the great news is, it's open to everyone! So please stay tuned! :)

Visit Angela's Website

***********************
By the way, here are some great giveaways that you might want to enter:

Handle Like Hendrix is giving away Betrayals by Lili St. Crow.

This contest is INTERNATIONAL and will end on February, 9th 2010.

ENTER HERE

Delightful Reviews is having a 50 Followers Bash! You could win a copy of Beautiful Creatures & swag!

ENTER HERE

I Should Be Writing is having a giveaway for the following books:

I Heart You, You Haunt Me by Lisa Schroeder
Night Runner by Max Turner
When It Happens by Susan Colasanti
The Pace by Shelena Shorts
Devil’s Kiss by Sarwat Chadda
The Hollow by Jessica Verday

ENTER HERE

Melissa Marr is giving away 60 or so books that were a big inspiration in her writing, AND most of them are signed/with bookplates. Good luck!!

ENTER HERE

Win a copy of PERCY JACKSON & THE OLYMPIANS: THE LIGHTING THIEF

OBS wants to know ‘Who is your favorite character in the series and why’? Just name one of the countless interesting characters, and give a summary as too why you consider that person; interesting, brave, funny, strongest, etc. Everything that appeals to you, what ever the character does that sticks out in your mind, when you read or watch this interesting story!!!

Only rule are that your summaries, can only be up too 300 characters!!

Enter here

Win A SIGNED Hardcover Copy of Taken By Storm by Angela Morrison

Angela is offering a SIGNED hardcover copy of Taken By Storm to one lucky winner! And the best thing is, this giveaway is open to everyone!

Mandatory entry:
+1 Leave a comment with your e-mail address

Extra entries:

• +1 Tweet this giveaway (See sample below)
• +1 Leave a comment on either one of my November posts (excluding giveaways)
• +2 Leave a comment on my review for Taken by Storm or Sing Me To Sleep after this giveaway is posted
  
• +2 Link this giveaway to your sidebar
• +2 Tell me something you've learn about Angela
• +3 Blog about this giveaway
• +4 Be a follower of my blog
• +5 If you leave a comment on one of my reviews - either Taken The Storm or Sing Me To Sleep BEFORE 11/20

Sample tweet:

Win a SIGNED hardcover copy of Taken By Storm by Angela Morrison http://bit.ly/vrK4u Open worldwide, ends 12/4


Giveaway ends 4th December, 2009.

You may leave your entries in one comment to save time. I will jot down all your entries.

Book Review : Sing Me To Sleep by Angela Morrison

I love this cover! Pretty, isn't it?

Book Details:

• Reading level: Young Adult
  
• Hardcover: 320 pages
• Publisher: Razorbill (March 18, 2010)
• ISBN-10: 1595142754
• ISBN-13: 978-1595142757

Synopsis:

THE TRANSFORMATION

Beth has always been “The Beast”—that’s what everyone at school calls her because of her awkward height, facial scars, and thick glasses. Beth’s only friend is geeky, golden-haired Scott. That is, until she’s selected to be her choir’s soprano soloist, and receives the makeover that will change her life forever.

THE LOVE AFFAIR

When Beth’s choir travels to Switzerland, she meets Derek: pale, brooding, totally dreamy. Derek’s untethered passion—for music, and for Beth—leaves her breathless. Because in Derek’s eyes? She’s not The Beast, she’s The Beauty.

THE IMPOSSIBLE CHOICE

When Beth comes home, Scott, her best friend in the world, makes a confession that leaves her completely torn. Should she stand by sweet, steady Scott or follow the dangerous, intense new feelings she has for Derek?

THE HEARTBREAK

The closer Beth gets to Derek, the further away he seems. Then Beth discovers that Derek’s been hiding a dark secret from her …one that could shatter everything.

*I received a SIGNED ARC of Sing Me To Sleep from Angela Morrison. The book will be released on March 4, 2010.

Review:

I must say that Sing Me To Sleep is one of the best books I’ve read these few years. Angela cleverly weaves a touching, absorbing story about friendship, family, love and life. Sing Me To Sleep makes me see the harsh realities of life, the unyielding power of friendship, and shows us that true love transcends all.

Beth was once an ugly girl who was bullied some mean boys in school. After she received sessions of beauty treatment in order to be presentable as the Bliss’s soloist during the Choral Olympics, she becomes a beauty. Even though we always say that inner beauty is more important, this novel suggests otherwise. Just take Beth as an example, why did she receive such unfair treatments in school? I’m sure you know the answer well.

Beth follows her choir to Switzerland to participate in the competition. There, she meets a mysterious, handsome boy from the Amabile Young Men’s Ensemble, Derek, and falls head over heels for him. Her love for Derek grows stronger and stronger each passing day, just as Derek's love for her.

Ah, Derek! He is gorgeous, talented and confident. Just the type of guy that any girl would fall for. Behind his glorious façade, he hides a terrible secret, and Beth doesn’t know what is it. Angela keeps me interested by making him play ‘hide and seek’ – he accompanies Beth for a day or two, then he disappears for days and weeks. I’m not sure if he is just fooling around with Beth or that he really loves her. He seems…elusive. This makes me want to know about his secret even more.

Another thing I love about this novel is the support and love shown by the Amabile guys. They are like a huge, loving family, always supportive and caring.

Angela Morrison succeeded in delivering an original, touching story through Beth's voice with her wonderful writing. She makes me realize that true love is not about appearance, status and ability, but rather the deep feeling of love, care, affection and willingness to sacrifice for the person you love, because of who he/she originally is.

Towards the end of the story, I cried. Yes, you heard me. I cried. And I used a lot of tissues. The story is heart-wrenching... and everything is so real. Two different feelings mingle into one in my heart. I was heartbroken, but I also felt a tinge of happiness at the same time. Beautiful, poignant, touching and thought-provoking, Sing Me To Sleep is a book not to be missed.

Rating : 10/10

Many thanks to dear Angela for sending me a copy of Sing Me To Sleep. I really love this book. Thank you!

Visit Angela Morrison's Website
Read more about Sing Me To Sleep

*Teens, if you'd like to get yourself a review copy of Sing Me To Sleep, please click HERE.

Pre-order Sing Me To Sleep on
Amazon
Filpkart

Book Review : Taken by Storm by Angela Morrison

Sometimes only love can save you...

Book Details:

• Genre: Young Adult
• Hardcover: 304 pages
• Publisher: Razorbill (March 5, 2009)
• ISBN-10: 159514238X
• ISBN-13: 978-1595142382

Synopsis:

Leesie Hunt has many rules: No kissing. No sex. No dating outside the Mormon faith.

When Michael Walden—a deep-sea diver who lost his parents in a violent hurricane—arrives in town, Leesie sees someone who needs her. They fall for one another, even though his dreams are tied to the depths of the ocean and hers to salvation above.

Will their intense chemistry be too strong to resist?

Leesie and Michael must make the hardest choice of their lives: whether to follow their beliefs or their hearts.

My review:

Taken by Storm by Angela Morrison is a story about the romance that blossoms between a pious Mormon, Leesie Hunt and Michael Walden, a young man who lost both his parents in a storm. It is romantic, moving and thoughtful. The author uses first person narrative for both the main characters to tell the story from different perspectives. This is done through Leesie’s poems, online chatting and Michael’s Dive Log.

Leesie is a devout Mormon and she thinks it is important to follow the rules. She wants to live her parents’ expectations and is hoping to receive her tertiary education at the Brigham Young University. Then, everything changes when Michael Walden arrives. She feels that it is her responsibility to soothe Michael’s grieving soul and to help him as a friend. However, Michael likes her and he wants something more than friendship. It doesn’t take a long time before Leesie realizes that she is falling in love with Michael, just as he is with her.

Their relationship grows from attraction to passion and love. Leesie is a Mormon and she has her own rules to abide, but Michael keeps on pushing her to step beyond the boundary. Lessie thinks love and sex are two different things but Michael thinks they are the same.

Religion plays a minor part in this novel. This novel conveys some more important messages: Respect others while staying true to our own beliefs, help those who are depressed by loss and grief, hold on to the basic moral values (self-restriction), and learn to cherish what you have at the moment. If you're a teenager who enjoys romantic novels, do pick up this one. Who knows you might get swept by the storm?

Rating : 8/10

My deepest gratitude to Angela Morrison for sending me a signed hardcover copy of Taken by Storm.

Thank you, Angela!

Visit Angela Morrison's Website
Read more about Taken by Storm

Get swept by the storm on:
Amazon
Barnes & Noble