So Close to You Blog Tour (An Interview with Rachel Carter)

Today I'm the blog tour stop for So Close to You and I'm absolutely thrilled to have Rachel Carter on the blog! If you're debating over picking up So Close to You, I have two words for you: time travel.

 

Lydia Bentley has heard stories about the Montauk Project all her life: stories about the strange things that took place at the abandoned military base near her home and the people who've disappeared over the years. Stories about people like her own great-grandfather.

When Lydia stumbles into a portal that transports her to a dangerous and strange new reality, she discovers that all the stories she's ever heard about the Montauk Project are true, and that she's in the middle of one of the most dangerous experiments in history.

Alongside a darkly mysterious boy she is wary to trust, Lydia begins to unravel the secrets surrounding the Project. But the truths behind these secrets force her to question all her choices--and if Lydia chooses wrong, she might not save her family but destroy them . . . and herself.

What inspired you to write So Close to You?

 

I was inspired by a lot of things! I’ve always loved time travel books, so as soon as I heard about the real life conspiracy of the Montauk Project, I knew I wanted to write a story about it.

What was your favorite scene to write?           

There’s a scene where Mary and Lydia go into a general store in the 1940s, and Lydia is marveling at all of the products and advertisements on the walls. That was fun to write, because I loved imagining a modern teenager reacting to this foreign time period.

Is there a song that you think summarizes So Close to You?

It’s tough to pick just one! But probably The World Spins Madly On, by The Weepies.

What are you working on now?

I just finished writing and editing the sequel to So Close to You, and now I’m starting to outline book 3. I also have about a million other story ideas that are rolling around in my head.

What are some of your guilty pleasures?

Yikes - I have so many guilty pleasures it’s embarrassing. Reading romance novels in the bathtub. Eating sunflower seeds with the shells on them. Anything on the CW. Right now my biggest one is probably The Bachelorette. It was a slow start, but Emily has officially won me over. (Team Jef!)

What have you read and loved recently?

           

The Morning Gift, by Eva Ibbotson. I think it was the fourth time I’ve read it. I love that book. I love all Ibbotson’s books; they’re so fun and clever and romantic. I’m exceedingly envious of her prose!

 

Rachel Carter grew up in the woods of Vermont. She is a graduate of the University of Vermont and Columbia University, where she recently received her MFA in nonfiction writing. Rachel has been a teacher, a nanny, a caterer, and a bellhop. She is currently at work on her next book in Brooklyn, NY.

Want to know more about Rachel Carter? Check out her blog or follow her on Twitter! 

So Close to You by Rachel Carter comes out on July 10, 2012--don't forget to pick up a copy!

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Timepiece by Myra McEntire

If you have not read Hourglass yet and dislike spoilers, this is a good time to stop reading. However, if you don't mind some spoilers, feel free to read on--although I would encourage you to pick up Hourglass and read it before reading Timepiece reviews.

I can't really summarize Timepiece for you without spoilers, but I'll try. Told entirely from Kaleb's point of view, Timepiece is an all out hunt for Jack Landers, one that will have dire consequences should Kaleb, Em, Michael, and Lily fail to find him. The rips are becoming more and more common place, huge scenes instead of just a person or two and things definitely aren't looking good. But why is everyone after Jack? That, is something that you'll find out should you read Timepiece. 

In the spirit of being completely honest, I will say that I couldn't completely get behind seeing things through Kaleb's eyes. I love how it allows the reader a more in depth look at him; but at the same time, I usually have a hard time getting behind male first person point of view narratives. That's not to say that I disliked it or that it took away from the story--it did not.

I will, however, say that I loved how we saw so much more of Lily and that her role has definitely expanded. You'll see more of her history in Timepiece and she'll certainly help Kaleb out. (You have no idea how much I'd love to tell you more than that, but you'll just have to read to find out what I'm not telling you.) Em and Michael are also definitely present, but again, the focus is definitely more on Kaleb for obvious reasons.

As for the pacing, I think it was right on the mark. Again, not too slow and not too quick. Just enough action to balance out the romance (and character growth) as well as adding to the plot as a whole. Would I recommend Timepiece to you? If you've enjoyed Hourglass, then definitely! As for me? I'll be looking forward to Infinityglass next year.

Overall Rating: ★★★★

Timepiece by Myra McEntire

Publisher: Egmont USA

Release Date: June 12, 2012

Edition: e-ARC

* Received for review via publisher and NetGalley.

Hourglass by Myra McEntire

Hourglass
Author: Myra McEntire
Publisher: Egmont USA
Release Date: June 14, 2011
Edition: Hardcover
* Purchased on my own.

For four years now Emerson Cole has been seeing rips in time, people that only she can see and because of it, she's seen a bevy of doctors, specialists, and been on pills up until recently. These people are never solid and walking through them seems to make them disappear, or so Emerson has found. Due to this unique ability, she's taken an interest in history. Not because she likes the clothes, but because being able to identify clothing does help her figure out who is real and who isn't really there. Her brother, Thomas, hired Michael Weaver to--hopefully--help her; he's a member of Hourglass, a group of talented people that possess similar abilities to Emerson's. Fighting a powerful attraction to Michael, Emerson will learn how to deal with her unique ability, travel in time, and hopefully stop the current head of Hourglass from achieving his goals.

Hourglass is the third book that I've read this year featuring time travel and let me tell you, I loved it! And the absolute best part about Hourglass (asides, of course, from the plot) had to be the boys. There's Kaleb, the empath, who hasn't been the same since his father passed away. He's extremely good looking, a bit of a playboy, and Michael's best friend. Then there's Michael. Where do I even begin? If talking to girls was a sport, he'd have been benched for the season; or at least, that's how he is with Emerson. He tries so hard to keep her safe that he fumbles (a lot) and it pisses her off. He's sweet, overprotective, extremely good looking, and although he likes Emerson, he's trying to keep from getting romantically involved with her.

I absolutely loved the tension between Michael and Emerson! To me, an excellent romance can make my heart soar or plummet; needless to say, Hourglass did just that. Their relationship could literally make sparks fly and well, light bulbs pop (you'll understand what I mean if you read Hourglass). Asides from that, I really enjoyed Myra McEntire's writing style and the pacing was definitely good (being neither too fast nor too slow).  I also enjoyed Emerson's best friend Lily whose grandmother owns Murphy's Law (Emerson's favorite place to grab coffee) and I'm really hoping to see more of her in the next book. Also, I completely love what Thomas and Dru do for a living! The Phone Company sounds like a gorgeous place to dine at and I loved the description of Emerson's room too (as well as Thomas and Dru's house).

And there you have it! If you haven't read Hourglass just yet and enjoy time travel with a dash of romance, I'd definitely recommend this book to you. Also, not only is the cover gorgeous but it's super soft too! For those of you who have already read Hourglass, who did you prefer? Kaleb or Michael? Admittedly I still can't decide!

Overall Rating: ★★★★★

Ruby Red by Kerstin Gier

Ruby Red
Author: Kerstin Gier (translated by Anthea Bell)
Publisher: Henry Holt and Co.
Release Date: May 10, 2011
Edition: Hardcover
* Purchased on my own.

Summary from GoodReads:
Gwyneth Shepherd's sophisticated, beautiful cousin Charlotte has been prepared her entire life for traveling through time. But unexpectedly, it is Gwyneth, who in the middle of class takes a sudden spin to a different era! Gwyneth must now unearth the mystery of why her mother would lie about her birth date to ward off suspicion about her ability, brush up on her history, and work with Gideon, the time traveler from a similarly gifted family that passes the gene through its male line, and whose presence becomes, in time, less insufferable and more essential. Together, Gwyneth and Gideon journey through time to discover who, in the 18th century and in contemporary London, they can trust.

My Thoughts: 

Gwyneth Shepherd has always believed that it would be her cousin, Charlotte, who would possess the time traveling gene that runs in their family. You can only imagine her surprise when it is she that ends up traveling back in time. The Guardians protect the time travelers and supposedly, their motives are pure; however, Gwyneth's mother doesn't believe this is the case, nor do two other time travelers who attempt to thwart the Guardians by stealing one of only two chronographs in existence. So, just who can Gwyneth trust? The Guardians? Her best friend, Lesley? Gideon, the male time traveler? Or perhaps she can't trust anyone at all. 


I didn't expect to like Ruby Red as much as I did, to be honest. My biggest worry? The translation. Yes, Ruby Red was first written in German and sometimes things don't come across in the same way that they would in their original language. I have to say, the translation wasn't a problem at all and I found that I read the book from cover to cover in one sitting. 


The prologue comes across as a bit confusing though (at least to me), as it starts in without giving the names of the people in the prologue nor really explaining what the chronograph is. I can, however, promise you that it will all make sense as you read further into Ruby Red. Even the title is explained--although I'd feel as if I'm giving a bit away if I fill you in on it now. 


There were times that I found Gwyneth to be a bit annoying in the beginning--although she did grow on me as the story progressed. Lesley, her best friend, was a bit of a character too--always relating things to movies and looking up information for Gwyneth online. Charlotte's role was rather small in Ruby Red, and although I couldn't help but feel a little bad for her, I wish that she'd been more supportive of Gwyneth, though again, I can understand why she'd be so angry. Next there's Gideon, who started off a bit snooty and well, seemed to ignore Gwyneth at first. Happily, they grew on one another. Finally, the only other character that I'll mention in this post is Count Saint-Germain, who I know we'll be seeing more of. He's intimidating and has a knack for getting others to do as he pleases; because of this, Gwyneth is a bit wary of him (though Gideon doesn't see the Count as such). 


My favorite part about Ruby Red? Our time travelers have a wardrobe mistress! A woman who makes all their clothes and is big on authenticity--although no whales were harmed in the making of Gwyneth's corset. How cool is that!? Better yet, it's not just the 1800's that they travel to and let's just say that the ability to speak several languages fluently comes in handy--as does the ability to fence. A majority of Ruby Red takes place in the present--though that isn't to say that the trips back to the past aren't important, because they're really important. Then there's the plot, which moved along at a steady pace and has really left me looking forward to Sapphire Blue which is due out in spring of 2012. It continues along, gaining speed, and eventually leaving off with the ending--and a tidbit from Sapphire Blue.


If you're intrigued by the plot, enjoy time travel, or if you're looking for something different to read, I'd recommend Ruby Red to you. Also, yes, there is a bit of romance in Ruby Red. It's certainly not the focus of this particular book, but it's definitely there.


Overall Rating: ★★★★