Cover and Summary Reveal: The Hour of Dreams

The Hour of Dreams by Shelena Shorts
4th book in The Pace Series

Sophie has survived her nineteenth birthday and another attempt on her life. But as the days pass, she realizes there are significant signs that her chances of reaching twenty are not in her favor. With Sophie’s resolve weakening, Wes is convinced that a different fate is locked in memories from a past lifetime. If only they can access them.

But even if Wes can convince Sophie to trust in memories that could be nothing more than dreams, neither of them will be prepared for what comes next. As their vows are unexpectedly tested, they'll be forced to utilize those memories and dreams in hopes of surpassing the ever-approaching final hour.

In this intricate conclusion to The Pace Series, there's only one assurance: Time is a gift, and Sophie and Wes don't intend on wasting any of it.


Releases Nov 26th 2012

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Review: The Iron Quill by Shelena Shorts

 The Iron Quill by Shelena Shorts

With Weston's self-imposed forty-eight hour deadline having already lapsed, Sophie's patience is pushed to the max- especially with her realization that his concern is not for his own well-being, but for hers.
Just when they embrace a reconnection, she'll learn that her greatest threat is not necessarily something that might happen in the future, but something that's happening...right now. And this time, Sophie and Wes will need the help of more than one person to fix it -even if it means giving up his secret.
With time forever moving, and the dark cloud at its lowest, the third book in the Pace Series stays true to its signature grace and determination as Sophie and Weston take the biggest detour so far.

Published in US: Aug 1 2011
3rd in Pace Series
Source: publisher for honest review

My Review:
  The Pace Series is one that since I discovered it, the next installment is always on my anxiously waiting for list. The Iron Quill, like it's predecessors did not disappoint. The characters, the writing, and the pacing are right in line with what I expected, and the ending left me with that longing and expectation for the next chapter in their story.
   There was no time wasted getting right into the plot and it was like I didn't miss a beat. It was like picking up with old friends, a comfort level, and a sense of completeness. That isn't to say that it started with Sophie and Wes in an easy place--that seems next to impossible with their situation, and their history, but I was glad to be back in their lives nonetheless.
   There are old characters that we're used to, and a new and intriguing character that we get inside his head. He's a great addition, and I love how he's introduced and then how he impacts the story.
    Ms. Shorts gives the right information at the right time, and kept me breathless on the edge of my seat waiting to see how things would turn out. She writes with an obvious passion, and I really appreciate how she can flesh out what the characters are feeling and thinking, putting me right into their shoes. She isn't afraid to blow up the character's worlds though, and no matter how hard it is to read, this really is a feat of a writer. Especially when I see no way to really reconcile it all, but have faith that somehow she will get them to the end!
   This is a wonderful series, a great installment, and I can't wait until more from Sophie and Wes.
I'd love to hear what you think of the book and/or my review.

Review: The Broken Lake by Shelena Shorts

The Broken Lake by Shelena Shorts

In the aftermath of Sophie's ordeal, Weston will make some uncharacteristic decisions to distance himself from the past in an attempt to change the future.

But, while venturing into the improbable, the present sneaks up in a chilling way that will lead to Wes' unexpected submission. Suddenly, Sophie will find herself watching as both his immortal secret and his own existence are threatened.

Continuously intriguing, The Broken Lake takes readers to a place where eternal bonds confront a division that is sure to leave everyone wondering whom they can trust.

Book links to The Book Depository while teaser and photo are from Goodreads

Published in US: Aug 19th 2010

2nd in series- 1st being The Pace

Source: bought

**My rating: 4.5/5**

*My Review*

     The romance in The Broken Lake really made me lose my breath. I am really jealous of Sophie and want to steal him away all for my own. Shelena has a wonderful thing going with this series, and has a talent at writing romantic scenes. The simplicity but beauty of their interactions are wonderful. Both Wes and Sophie have their own personalities and they are able to join together to make a strong and interesting couple.
     While there is not quite as much action, there is plenty of character building, romance developing, and sub-plots coming together. There is a new character introduced and we finally get to meet Kerry as well. I am a big fan of Sophie's friends. Dawn and Kerry are not perfect but they are well written and they are their own people. They have their purposes and I love to see their interactions.
     The Broken Lake left a smile on my face almost the whole time reading it, and a sense of longing, giddiness at a few hot scenes as well as a few sweet ones. I must say though this does end on a cliff hanger (again) and I am dying to get my hands on Iron Quill.

I would love to hear what you think about my review and/or this book!

Holiday contest and interview with Shelena Shorts author of The Pace

 Shelena Shorts has graciously agreed to do an interview, and as a bonus, one lucky reader will get a holiday gift pack with a copy of The Pace, The Broken Lake, bookmarks, and a gift from Shelena!

Shelena Shorts graduated from George Mason University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and a Master’s degree in Education. Her passion for igniting a spark in teens led her to teach American literature for six years in traditional and online classrooms. When she’s not interacting with teens in all possible realms, she’s writing novels geared toward the wants of young adults and the “young at heart.” She also works for the innovative online virtual school, K12, and lives in Virginia with her husband and three young children.


Bio and photo from Shelena's website

--The Twitter version: tell us about your book in 140 characters or less

A mysterious, fascinating, impossible romance between a near immortal and a girl who doesn’t have a future beyond nineteen years old, unless he can change it.

--How did you get the idea for the story?

I’m a romance fanatic and my favorite stories are ones that make me feel something. So I started thinking about a boy who felt a lot of intense feelings for a girl. The main feelings being love and fear at the same time. Then, I started thinking about why he felt fear for her and I came up with him knowing something was going to happen to her. From there, I needed a way for him to know about the future and that led me to him knowing from past experiences. Then, I needed a way for him to have lived in the past and I wanted it to be really cool and different, but also “possible” in real life. That’s pretty much the order I came up with the main ideas and I started writing from there.

--Which character would you most/least like to have dinner with?

I would love to have dinner with Wes, because he makes my palms sweat just writing, so to eat with him??? Definitely. LOL

The least person would be Andy….no thanks.  :)

--What are some of your favorite books? Do you still have much time to read?

I read all the time. I rarely watch TV anymore, because I’m either with my three young kids or writing at night, and when I’m not writing, I alternate reading.

Some of my favorite books are A Thousand Splendid Suns, Perfect Chemistry, Twilight, The Forrest of Hands and Teeth, Stolen, Dear John, I could go on and on, but these come to the top of my head because of the new/different emotions they made me feel as I read!

--If a fairy godmother told you your life could be like a favorite book for 24 hours, which book would you pick and why?Can I divide it up to 12 hours each? LOL….I would say 24 hours inside Perfect Chemistry:) :)! And if I could divide it up…give me 12 hours to actually wait for John in Dear John!

--Do you need anything to write (music, coffee, etc)? Are there any songs on " The Pace playlist-" songs that inspired you or that were playing while you wrote?

I have a playlist to every book I write and I listen to it over and over as I go. Some of it has to do with the lyrics, but I find most inspiration from how the songs make me feel. My playlists are on my website, but I try not to put the lists out until the books are released, because some of them can give away too many spoilers :)!

--If you could have any superpower what would you choose?

To seriously answer this question would be to heal people. I hate the fact that people suffer from terminal illnesses, especially children who don’t understand what’s happening to them. I’d pick that power in a heartbeat.

--Besides writing, what do you like to do in your free time?

I like to read, decorate, and play sports outside or Wii games with my kids.

--Is there anything else you want to add or say to your readers?

I'd like to wish everyone a happy holiday, and to let readers to know I appreciate their support and kind words. It means a lot when someone else reads my books, and it means even more when they enjoy it, so thank you!

And NOW for the contest--

What? holiday gift pack with a copy of The Pace, The Broken Lake, bookmarks, and a gift from Shelena

When: now- Dec 16th 11:59pm EST (ending a little early to get in time for Christmas)

How? 

-Fill out the FORM

-Extra entries may be gained by spreading the word (+4 for promoting in own blog post) and +2 each for twitter, facebook, etc, +1 for liking Shelena's page on Facebook, +1 for liking my page on Facebook, or meaningful comment on interview or my review

Feel free to use this tweet

Enter to win holiday prize pack- The Pace, Broken Lake and gift from Shelena Shorts @brandileigh2003 http://bit.ly/hkM6Iw

-US only please

-Good luck!

Gratitude Giveaway: Enter here to win!

Shelena Shorts has graciously offered up a copy of The Pace and bookmarks to a lucky follower!

  See my review here

Details:
-Must be a follower to win
-To enter fill out FORM, while comments are always appreciated, they will not be counted as an entry.
-1 extra entry for each place you share (facebook, sidebar, twitter, etc)Feel free to use @brandileigh2003 if you tweet
-Ends Sunday, November 28th at 11:59 pm EST.
NOW CLOSED This is a blog hop giveaway, so make sure to visit the other wonderful participating blogs and enter to win there too!