Tuesday 7 October 2014

#LuminisBooks Blog Tour: Review: Second Thoughts by Cara Bertrand







Trade paper, $11.95; Cloth, $19.95
ISBN: 9781935462125
Juvenile fiction, 208 pages
Luminis Books, October 2014


The continuing adventures of an ordinary teenage girl with extraordinary mental abilities, perfect for readers who love books and series such as “Vampire Academy,” “Spellbound” and “Sweet Peril.”

Secrets, lies and looming deaths – all things Lainey Young deals with in a typical day of high school. In her senior year at Northbrook Academy – a New England boarding school where the majority of the students and nearly all the staff are members of the Sententia, a hidden society of the psychically gifted – Lainey has even more to worry about, things like classes, college, her boyfriend and, of course, the vision she glimpsed of her impending death. But to her surprise, Lainey finds one worry she can cross off her list, namely Sen. Daniel Astor, the leader of the
Sententia.

After a shocking discovery when they finally meet, Lainey realizes maybe she was wrong to distrust the senator. She relaxes even further when he seems to accept her refusal to work for him after graduation. But with her secrets mounting and the time to solve them running out,
there’s a final enigma Lainey hasn’t yet encountered: Daniel Astor doesn’t take no for an answer. Ever.













FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:
Marissa Curnutte
347.574.3136
marissa@jkscommunications.com

LUMINIS BOOKS INTRODUCES ITS FALL COLLECTION

Publisher announces four new books in various genres for release in October 2014


CARMEL, Ind. – Young love, forbidden desire, enigmatic journeys and poetry – the fall collection from Luminis Books includes four diverse books in October from a mix of new and award-winning authors.


Since 2008, Luminis Books has published meaningful fiction for children and adults, championing the work of up-and-coming writers and cultivating strong, collaborative relationships with authors.


The publisher’s fall releases include two sequels – for young adult fans, “Second Thoughts” by Cara Bertrand, and for middle grade readers, “Amy’s Choice” by Marcia Strykowski – plus a fascinating book of cerebral prose by Chris Katsaropoulos titled “Complex Knowing” and a captivating debut literary novel by Sally Wolfe called“Consolations.”


FALL 2014 RELEASES


·         “Second Thoughts” by Cara Bertrand is the much anticipated follow-up to “Lost in Thought,” a finalist for the 2011 Amazon/Penguin Breakthrough Novel Award. The Sententia series follows a teen with remarkable mental abilities as she makes her way through high school and encounters the leader of a secret society.


·         “Amy’s Choice” by Marcia Strykowski continues the story of Amy Henderson, a teen whose crush moves away and returns only to find another guy trying to win her heart. Strykowski’s sophomore release picks up where her first book, “Call Me Amy,” left off. Her debut release was a finalist in the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators’ Work-in-Progress Grant competition, and recently named one of Bank Street’s Best Children’s Books of the Year.


·         “Consolations” by Sally Wolfe is the powerful, poignant story of a nun who questions her spiritual calling after engaging in a lustful affair with a Jesuit theology professor.


·         “Complex Knowing” by Chris Katsaropoulos is a collection of poetry combining cerebral prose with enchanting imagery and sentiments. Katsaropoulos has written more than a dozen books, including the novels “Antiphony” and “Fragile.”

REVIEW

This has to be one of the most exciting Paranormal Romances to be released in a long time. Unique, filled with adventure, romance, heartache and many twists and turns, I loved everything about this read. Compared to some of the greatest YA PNR to ever hit the shelves, this book, for me, reminded me in many ways of The Seraphina Parrish Trilogy.

Book one ended with such a cliffhanger and I could not wait to climb right back into the action. Would her vision really come true, could Carter really do something like that? I was enthralled and couldn't put this book down for a second. Of course, other than the threat of her own demise looming over Lainey, she had plenty of other obstacles to get over. Although gifted with a very rare ability, she was still very much a normal girl who had to face normal girl problems. Add to that all the drama with senator Astor and I'm not sure how Lainey managed to get through it all.

The ending to this book was not exactly a cliffhanger but it was very surprising. I didn't quite foresee the events that took place at the very end, and even though I could understand by Lainey made the choices she made, it still hurt my heart because it wasn't quite the ending I was hoping for. I can only pray that there will be a third book and that everything will work out for these amazing characters.

This was a great read that flowed right off the pages. I think readers will be delighted with the magical qualities this book has to offer. A superb read from cover to cover.





Praise for the first book in Cara Bertrand’s Sententia Series




“Compelling and solid, this paranormal thriller has it all: love, murder, intrigue, mind games and a bit of mystery.”
Publishers Weekly

“Fans of paranormal romance will find a lot to like in ‘Lost in Thought.’ This vividly written tale sets the stage for an exciting series to come.”
Jill Baguchinsky, author of “Spookygirl”

“Tinged with mystery from page one, ‘Lost in Thought’ keeps readers guessing from beginning to end, and will appeal to paranormal romance fans of all ages.”
Amy Ackley, author of “Sign Language

“The boarding school setting is a lot of fun, and the chemistry with Carter snaps…leading to an action-packed ending with a twist that will leave readers clamoring for the next installment.”
Gayle Forman, author of “If I Stay” and “Where She Went”


“The novel is full of characters teen readers will enjoy spending time with, especially Lainey’s vivacious roommate, Amy, and Carter, the mysterious and swoon-worthy love interest.”
– Jennifer Besser, vice president and publisher of G. P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers


“Simply put, ‘Lost in Thought’ is an absolute must. You'll fall in love with the shocking story and amazing ending.”
Samantha Pomier, Girls Life


“…a quietly compelling supernatural romance. A promising start to a series that will find a fan base.”
Danielle Serra, School Library Journal

“This book is really good and it is a great read. If you're looking for a book that reminds you of ‘Vampire Academy’ or the ‘Spellbound’ series then you will love this book. If you want a romance with some paranormal things then this is the book for you.”
onceuponatwilight.com


“‘Lost in Thought’ has secrets, mystery, high school drama, romance, and a lot of potential for an amazing series story line. This book set the stage for a pretty spectacular following and still managed to be more than a place holder.”
suchanovelidea.com

“I loved the alternate reality aspect of this story that was slightly unique, and the romance between Lainey and Carter. They just made me smile! I give this book 4.5/5 stars.”
ttcbooksandmore.com







ABOUT THE AUTHOR


Cara Bertrand is a former middle school literacy teacher. She grew up in East Aurora, N.Y. and studied at Boston University where she was a lucky recipient of the Presidential Scholarship to the School of Education. Her first novel and the first book in the Sententia series, “Lost in Thought,” was a finalist for the 2011 Amazon/Penguin Breakthrough Novel Award. She lives in Sturbridge, Mass., with her husband, her daughter, two big dogs and a hurricane cat.


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