September 2017 – Page 3 – Sincerely Karen Jo

The Teddy Bear Chronicles

Saved in Paris #1

In this first volume of the suspense series (for ages 16+), a young educated Chicago woman, Kelly Donovan, must escape from her luxurious home to get away from her sociopath boyfriend, Mark Flannery, before he takes her to a woodsy cabin for a little “anniversary get-way.” She must plot, lie, and pretend to be happy before she can flee her relationship and her own home, alive. Unforeseen obstacles frustrate her efforts to get away, and Kelly’s family and friends, strangers to one other, must perfectly work together to help her live a life free from threat. The diverse group includes an insecure drama teacher, a brilliant pharmaceutical engineer, and an international businesswoman with a secret that comes in very handy at one critical point.

This story is uniquely narrated by inanimate household teddy bears, which, notwithstanding their immobility, have interesting thoughts and perspectives on the shocking events and intriguing relationships which form before their plastic eyes. These plush bears also get a healthy dose of an entertaining blooming romance when Kelly’s plight takes everyone overseas to Paris. While in France, more scheming, racing to stay steps ahead of Mark, and even physical violence ensue – violence which does not always involve a damsel in distress. To complicate matters further, some of the characters are not necessarily what, or who, they seem. Once the plot’s feverish pace decelerates, the group starts to feel some hope, but is the race really over? The genre-mixing mind-bending narration style makes this novel a sensational ride. Enjoy!

About the Author

After 44 years on this Earth, the one constant, in terms of Donnalyn Vojta’s strengths, is writing. From college to law school to legal writing to lesson planning and now fiction writing, it is her favorite and strongest skill. Vojta has a B.A. in Philosophy, including a minor in Literature. She also earned her J.D. in 1999. When she is not writing fiction, Vojta is working as an Academic Private Tutor in all subjects related to English.

Follow and Connect with Donnalyn Vojta

Thanks for reading and have a great day!

Sincerely Karen Jo

Hello Lovelies! Hope you’re all having a wonderful week. Today I would like to rave about one of my favorite book festivals, Pasadena Loves YA.

Pasadena Loves YA is an AMAZING and FREE book event sponsored by Pasadena Public Library and Bridge to Books. This year was my second time attending and I can honestly say that I LOVE this festival with all my heart. With awesome panels, author signings, and free books/swags, I was definitely in heaven.

IMG_E4076

HERE ARE ALL THE BOOKS I GOT SIGNED!

2017 Author Line-Up

Ameriie – Because You Love to Hate Me
Audrey Coulthurst – Of Fire and Stars
Jeff Garvin – Symptoms of Being Human
Maurene Goo – I Believe in a Thing Called Love
B.T. Gottfred – The Nerdy & The Dirty
Emily Ziff Griffin – Light Years
Aditi Khorana – The Library of Fates
E. Katherine Kottaras – The Best Possible Answer
Robin LaFevers – Mortal Heart
Stacey Lee – The Secret of a Heart Note
Cindy Pon – Want
Chelsea Sedoti – The Hundred Lies of Lizzie Lovett
Sherri L. Smith – Pasadena
Misa Sugiura – It’s Not Like It’s a Secret
Daniel Sweren-Becker – The Equals
Jessica Taylor – A Map for Wrecked Girls
Mary Weber – The Evaporation of Sofi Snow

I was most excited to see Mary Weber, Jessica Taylor, and Ameriie since I’ve never met them before. I was also really happy to see Maurene Goo and Cindy Pon again. I loved meeting all the other authors and was glad to be able to add their books to my neverending TBR.

(Excuse my big face! I get so nervous that my selfie game was not very great haha!)

With Robin Lavers and Cindy Pon

With Jessica Taylor

With Mary Weber

With Ameriie and Maurene Goo

All the panels were fantastic and so much fun. My mom and I had a blast listening to authors talk about their beginnings, their writing styles, their challenges, and plenty of their silly stories.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

I also really love that Pasadena Loves YA isn’t as hectic or crazy as other book festivals. Don’t get me wrong, I do love Yallwest and look forward to it every year… BUT being able to spend more time talking to my favorite authors is without a doubt THE BEST THING about this event. I don’t feel rushed and I get to fangirl and be awkward a little longer.

This year, Pasadena Loves YA also had their first ever Book Blitz Giveaway. Basically you get to pick one free book and if you want another one, you just line up again. My mom and I lined up maybe 4-5 times and stayed all the way to the end. Good thing we did because they had so many books left that they just told everyone to grab whatever they wanted. So awesome right!?!? I mean you don’t need to tell me twice…

SO MANY AMAZING BOOKS TO CHOOSE FROM!!!

I came home with 4 bags of books and ended up with 42 FREE BOOKS!! My shoulders were super sore the next day, but it was definitely worth it. I can’t wait to read my new pretties! And because I enjoy spreading my love for books, I’m planning on sending some to my cousins in the Philippines in a few months. We just sent 2 boxes home for the holidays, so it’ll be quite while for the next round.

Take a look at my EPIC PASADENA LOVES YA BOOK HAUL! See any of your favorites? Let me know in the comments.