Tuesday 31 July 2012

Cover Reveal - RUA by Miranda Kavi


I have another AMAZING cover reveal for you organized by the wonderful Ashley @ The Bookish Brunette!!

RUA by Miranda Kavi, a YA/Urban Fantasy that sounds all sorts of fabulous!!



Another stunning creation by Phatpuppy Art
Rua by Miranda Kavi
Expected Pub: September 3, 2012

A girl with an unknown destiny.

A boy from a hidden world.

When Celeste starts at a new school in a small, Kansas town, she hears whispering voices, has vivid nightmares, and swarms of blackbirds follow her every move. She is oddly drawn to aloof Rylan, the other new student who has his own secrets.

The exact moment she turns seventeen, she wakes to a bedroom full of strange creatures, purple light emanating from her hands, and Rylan breaking in through her bedroom window.

He knows what she is . . .

Intriguing and deeply romantic, RUA is page-turning YA novel with a supernatural twist. 

 Cover Reveal: Rua by Miranda KaviAuthor Bio:

Miranda Kavi is a YA and Urban Fantasy author. She has worked as an attorney, an executive recruiter, and an assistant in a biological anthropology lab. She loves scary movies, museums, and is hopelessly addicted to chocolate. She lives in the Houston area with her husband and daughter.

Author Links:

Promo Tour - Dollhouse (Book 1, The Dollhouse Trilogy) by Anya Allyn

I am pleased to be able to participate in the promo tour for Anya Allyn’s debut novel, Dollhouse – her YA Paranormal Mystery/Horror which is book one in the Dollhouse trilogy, hosted by Bewitching Book Tours.


Dollhouse
By Anya Allyn

Book blurb:

Fifteen-year-old Aisha disappears in the dark forests on a school hiking trip. She's the latest in a string of children to vanish there over the past five years. The towns surrounding the forests are on edge and they want answers. And wildboy Ethan—Aisha's boyfriend—is on the run after he and his grandfather are blamed for her disappearance.

Cassie is just about the only friend Ethan has left. She's been secretly in love with him ever since her mother dragged her to the wilds of Australia from Florida six months ago. 

Desperate to prove Ethan's innocence, Cassie searches the forests with Ethan to find out what really happened to Aisha. But Ethan's growing strangely silent, and Cassie's left questioning if her feelings for him are clouding her judgment. 

Cassie discovers a dark secret lurking in the heart of the forests; a secret world of nightmarish horrors—where nothing is as it seems, where the supernatural invades your soul, where the people she trusts most might be the people she can trust least, and where escape exists only in dreams.
A YA Paranormal Mystery/Horror


Author Bio: 

Anya Allyn lives near the beach an hour north of Sydney, Australia. She loves anywhere outdoors that is natural and wild. Or anywhere indoors where Black Forest Cake is on offer. She has four amazing boys and enjoys their energy and happy-go-lucky spirit, and wishes she could plug into some of that energy on days when her 'get up and go' has packed up and gone! She is a former Features' Editor/Community Manager for a media organisation in Australia. The idea for Doll House was born after a trip to the beautiful Barrington Tops region of Australia--sparked by places there such as Devils Hole, Ladies Well and Thunderbolt's Way.


 
Click HERE for the complete tour schedule.

Monday 30 July 2012

REVIEW: Almost by Anne Eliot

Almost 
Author: Anne Eliot
Pages: 389
Genre: Young Adult
Publisher: Butterfly Books, LLC
Amazon: Almost

Synopsis (Goodreads)

At a freshman party she doesn't remember, Jess Jordan was almost raped.

...Almost. Very nearly. Not quite. Three years later, Jess has managed to make everyone believe she's better. Over it. Because she is.

...Almost. Very nearly. Not quite.

Unfortunately, until Jess proves she's back to normal activities, her parents won't discuss college. So, she lands a summer internship and strikes a deal with hockey jock, Gray Porter: He gets $8,000. She gets a fake boyfriend and a social life.

Jess has no idea Gray signed on for reasons other than money. She also never expects to fall in love. But Gray’s amazingly hot, holds her hand all the time, and makes her forget that he’s simply doing his job. It’s like having a real boyfriend.

...Almost. Very nearly. Not quite.

Gray Porter is hiding secrets of his own. About Jess Jordan. About why he’s driven to protect her, why he won't cash her checks, or deny her anything she asks.

Review: 4 out of 5 stars

I have read so many wonderful Young Adult contemporaries lately and I am pleased to add another to my list; Almost by Anne Eliot was heartbreaking, heartwarming, sweet and beautifully written and held my interest until the very last page.

Jess Jordan is a shell of her former self after enduring a near rape at a party her freshman year; three years later she is still suffering and has withdrawn from all social aspects of life. She has no memories of that fateful night but yearns for normality.

Jess has built a wall around herself and uses sarcasm and bitchiness to avoid anyone and everyone, until Gray Porter comes along and begins to break them down.

Until Jess proves to her parents she is returning to normal, they won't discuss her attending college. So, she lands a summer internship at Geekstuff.com, her dream job and strikes a deal with Gray, he will get a much needed $8,000 and she gets a fake boyfriend and a social life as well as her letter of recommendation.

We are taken on such an emotional rollercoaster in Almost and you can’t help but hurt for what Jess has been through and is still going through but also for Gray who hides a secret about Jess of his own; their self blame and their personal struggles were heart wrenching. I absolutely adored Gray! He was the perfect person to help Jess in her recovery with his caring nature, humor, calm demeanor and perfect fake boyfriend behavior – being gorgeous is also a bonus. I really liked their interactions, the trust they shared and the way he understood her. Jess at times drove me batty but I could understand she wasn’t going to change her ways overnight, it was something she had to work on and I admired her for trying.

I enjoyed the alternating POV’s of both characters which allowed us a glimpse into each of their thought processes. Ms Eliot has written complex yet compelling characters that you couldn’t help but adore.

Corey, Michelle, Kika and Gran were great secondary characters; Jess’s parents came across as heavy handed in their ways which I could understand as they were trying to protect their daughter but at times I thought it was a tad too much.

Almost is an intense and poignant read that is written beautifully; it is filled with drama and angst as well as a really sweet friendship and budding romance, you couldn’t help but hope for happiness and a solution for the main characters.

Overall, Ms Eliot has written a story about a tragic and traumatic topic but she pulled it off in a sensitive and believable way. Almost was an engrossing read which I really enjoyed.


Saturday 28 July 2012

Stacking the Shelves & The Sunday Post

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Hi Everyone {waves} thank-you so much for stopping by!!

The Sunday Post is a meme hosted by Kimba at Kimba theCaffeinated Book Reviewer
and Stacking the Shelves by Tynga at Tynga's Reviews

It's a chance to share News. A post to recap the past week, showcase books and things we have received and talk about what is coming up for the week on our blog.

This is my recap of what I received and what happened last week.

Books received for review:

Team Human by Justine Larbalestier and Sarah Rees Brennan

(Thank-you Allen & Unwin)

Purchased:

Borrowed Ember (Fire Spirits #3) by Samantha Young
My Heart for Yours by Jolene Perry & Steph Campbell
Try Me (Take a Chance) by Diane Alberts

Netgalley

Beautiful Disaster by Jamie McGuire

(Thank-you Netgalley / Simon & Schuster)

  
A recap of my week:

Monday

Review– Smokeless Fire (Fire Spirits #1) by Samantha Young

Tuesday

Interview – Katie McGarry, author of Pushing the Limits

Wednesday

Waiting on Wednesday – Outpost by Ann Aguirre

Thursday

Review – Wicked Nights (Angels of the Dark #1) by Gena Showalter (Amazon)

Friday

Review - Scorched Skies (Fire Spirits #2) by Samantha Young (Amazon)
Feature & Follow Friday – hosted by Parajunkee & Alison Can Read
Cover Reveal – LENGTHS by Liz Reinhardt and Steph Campbell

(Pending reviews: Deity by Jennifer L. Armentrout, Cursed by Jennifer L. Armentrout & Wake by Amanda Hocking)

Coming up this week

Review – Borrowed Ember (Fire Spirits #3) by Samantha Young
Cover Reveal – RUA by Miranda Kavi
Promo Tour – Doll House by Anya Allen

What did you get this week? Please feel free to leave your
link in the comments.
 

Friday 27 July 2012

Cover Reveal: Lengths by Liz Reinhardt & Steph Campbell


I am so excited to be able to share the cover of Liz Reinhardt & Steph Campbell’s new adult romance, LENGTHS with you - a sexy, fun, new adult read with a lot of heart!

Liz: GoodreadsBlogTwitterFacebook
Steph: GoodreadsBlogTwitterFacebook

Synopsis: Nineteen-year-old Whit Conrad leaves her conservative Pennsylvania home for sunny California, looking for independence, a fresh start, and a place to stash her grief. She promptly finds a job at a tattoo parlor, a craptastic first apartment, and one friend—Ryan—who is a little less friend, a little more benefits.

Deo Beckett is a soulful surfer with a passion for tattoos and beautiful women. On the eve of his twenty-second birthday, he finds himself living with his grandfather, recently unemployed, and seriously adrift. He doesn’t know much about what he wants out of life, but he does know his current situation isn't cutting it.

When Deo meets Whit, she’s all sexy makeup and fierce, smart-ass fun. It doesn’t take him long to see past her tough shell. And when he gets a good look at what's under all the superficial stuff that usually gets his attention, it leaves Deo wondering if there might be more to life than living fast and free.

Too bad Whit has a past she doesn't plan on sharing—no matter how hot Deo is. She might want him, but she knows better than to let her guard down.

Deo falls for Whit, and falls hard. But everything about her, down to that mysterious tattoo and the way she thrashes in her sleep, tells him that the girl he loves is hiding something. And the more he pushes for answers, the more Whit pulls away.

Having your guard up is one thing, but are the lengths Whit goes to to protect her secret worth throwing away the second chance she has at happiness with Deo?

LENGTHS is a Contemporary New Adult Romance by Liz Reinhardt and Steph Campbell, to be released August 2012.
Cover by Todd Maloy, http://toddmaloydesign.com.

Liz: GoodreadsBlogTwitterFacebook
Steph: GoodreadsBlogTwitterFacebook

It's a pretty smexy cover & suits the blurb perfectly! what do you think??

Feature & Follow Friday (27th July)

FF 2012 Feature & Follow #104

Hi everyone!!

Thank-you for stopping by..

Feature and Follow Friday is a weekly meme hosted by the wonderful Parajunkee & Alison Can Read

This weeks featured blogs: Books are my Reality and Concise Book Reviews

Question: Summer Reading. What was your favorite book that you were REQUIRED to read when you were in school?

The only book I remember having to read at school was Playing Beatie Bow which is an Australian children's book written by author Ruth Park.

Blurb: Abigail Kirk finds herself transported back to the late nineteenth century and becomes embroiled in the family life of the Bows. The Bows will not let her return home believing that she is "the stranger" who will preserve the family gift.

The story is set in Sydney, Australia and is about a girl named Abigail (formerly Lynette) who travels back in time to colonial Sydney-Town in the year 1873, where she meets Beatie Bow, a girl whose name has become part of Abigail's local folklore. 

Playing Beatie Bow

What to do..
  • Grab the button up there and place it in a post, this post is for people to find a place to say hi in your comments
  • Follow the featured weekly bloggers 
  • Follow Follow Follow as many as you can, as many as you want, or just follow a few.
  • The whole point is to make new friends and find new blogs. Also, don't just follow, comment and say hi. Another blogger might not know you are a new follower if you don't say "HI"
  • If someone comments and says they are following you, be a dear and follow back.
  • Spread the Love...and the followers
  • If you're new to the follow Friday hop, comment and let me know, so I can stop by and check out your blog!
Reviews this week:

Smokeless Fire (Fire Spirits #1) by Samantha Young
Scorched  Skies (Fire Spirits #2) by Samantha Young
Wicked Nights (Angels of the Dark #1) by Gena Showalter

Interviews:

Katie McGarry, author of Pushing the Limits

Have a great weekend!

REVIEW: Scorched Skies (Fire Spirits #2) by Samantha Young

Scorched Skies (Fire Spirits #2) 
Author: Samantha Young
Series: Fire Spirits
Pages: 358
Genre: Young Adult - Paranormal
Publisher: Self

Synopsis. (Goodreads)

FEAR THE HEAT...

The White King has crossed the line, sounded the horn, sent out the wolves.

When blood is shed and life is lost the reality of Ari’s position as both hunter and prey finally sets in. It seems her father will stop at nothing to force her will to his own and distracted by Charlie’s latest mistake and her seemingly misguided attraction to Jai, Ari never thought to fear anyone else but the Jinn King.

Blindsided and attacked, Ari learns a new wolf has joined the hunt. A dark sorcerer believes he knows a way to bleed the power of the Seal and wield it as his own, and he is even less patient than The White King.

The War for the Seal has only just begun… and it’s time for Ari to turn it on its head.
It’s time for Ari to stop acting like the hunted.

It’s time for Ari to become the
hunter.

REVIEW: 4 ½ out of 5 stars

** Contains possible spoilers from book 1, Smokeless Fire **

Scorched Skies is the second book in the Fire Spirits series by Samantha Young and begins where Smokeless Fire ends.

Ari Johnson is still coming to terms with her heritage, of her position as the Seal amongst the Jinn and her new feelings towards her Guardian Jai and her long time best friend, Charlie – now a sorcerer.

When a life is lost under orders from The White King, Ari sets out for revenge all the while trying to avoid playing in to his hands which will force her return to Mount Qaf, right where he wants her. There is also a new player wanting Ari and her powers for his own nefarious purposes. The poor thing never gets a moments peace to not only grieve for the person she has lost but also to think about her new life which has been more or less forced upon her.

Scorched Skies was such an emotional read on so many levels, Ari’s fathers declaration of I really do love you, kid. I guess I just never loved you enough left me feeling heartbroken for her but it obviously explained his absence and lack of feeling! Charlies’s poor timing and constant presence drove me a little batty and Jai’s hot and cold left my head spinning, how Ari stayed sane with so much drama around her left me baffled.

The politics is alive and well in this book and I can’t seem to work out each of the player’s agendas – they all have a bit of a power struggle going on and each want Ari for their own use, the mystery and suspense makes for an enthralling read and the war for the seal is going to be an intriguing one.

Each of the characters in this book have certainly been developed further than in Smokeless Fire, we are beginning to learn more about Jai and his past, Charlie and what is drawing him and even The Red King who still shows his humor in this book – I love how powerful he is yet still a neat freak. Ms Maggie has also returned but is still quite the mystery; I am curious about who is under the cloak.

The romance is also really sweet and progressing at a pace that is realistic, you can’t help but want happiness and a HEA for Jai and Ari who are both deserving of a bit of love and peace.

I was completely immersed in this story, the pacing flowed really well and it is a plot that is solid and engaging, I also like Ms. Young’s detailed and entertaining writing.

Overall, Scorched Skies is a wonderful addition to this series which is action-packed and filled with intense drama, power struggles and a really sweet budding romance. I am really eager to dive into book three, Borrowed Ember.


Thursday 26 July 2012

REVIEW: Wicked Nights (Angels of the Dark #1) by Gena Showalter

Wicked Nights (Angels of the Dark, #1) 
Author: Gena Showalter
Series: Angels of the Dark
Pages: 411
Publisher: HQN Books
Source: Katie @ Little Bird Publicity
Amazon: Wicked Nights
Release Date: 26th June 2012

Synopsis. (Goodreads)

Leader of the most powerful army in the heavens, Zacharel has been deemed nearly too dangerous, too ruthless--and if he isn't careful, he'll lose his wings. But this warrior with a heart of ice will not be deterred from his missions at any cost...until a vulnerable human tempts him with a carnal pleasure he's never known before.

Accused of a crime she did not commit, Annabelle Miller has spent four years in an institution for the criminally insane. Demons track her every move, and their king will stop at nothing to have her. Zacharel is her only hope for survival, but is the brutal angel with a touch as hot as hell her salvation--or her ultimate damnation?

Review: 3 out of 5 stars

Wicked Nights is the first book in the Angels of the Dark series by Gena Showalter and was kindly provided to me by Little Bird Publicity.

22 year-old Annabelle Miller, a human, has been falsely accused of killing her parents, a crime she didn’t commit and has been imprisoned in an institution for the criminally insane as she claimed it was monsters who had committed the crime; this is where she has spent the past four years.

Warrior angel Zacharel as been ordered by the Deity to lead a group of problematic angels on a mission to the institute where Annabelle is being held, he has been deemed too cold-hearted and his wings are on the line if he doesn’t succeed in his mission, what he didn’t expect was to find a human who needed saving so offers to protect and help her to figure out why she has been targeted and marked by a demon and also find the one responsible for the deaths of her parents.

For one year, he would lead an army of angels, just like him. The ones no one else wanted under their command, the rebellious/tortured ones. His assignment: to teach them the respect that he himself had yet to demonstrate - for the Deity, for the sanctity of human life. He alone would bear the consequences of his warriors' actions - a whipping.

I adored the way Annabelle and Zacharel came to trust one another and were able to work together to solve the demon problem. Zacharel is emotionless, he has become cold, bitter and unfeeling since losing his twin brother, Hadrenial at the hands of demons and his sole purpose in life is revenge. Annabelle on the other hand was strong, snarky and determined yet still had hidden vulnerability, she was rightfully wary but they complimented each other well.

I liked the slow build-up to the romance and despite the attraction and the chemistry between them they took their time and the banter between them I found to be quite humorous.

I enjoyed reading about each of the other Dark angels - Thane, Bjorn, Xerxes, Koldo, and the small bits we saw of Axel and I am eager to read more about them in upcoming books. I liked how their respect for Zacharel grew as the book progressed, their insolence made for a hard task.

Although I found the pacing to be quite slow initially - it was more an introduction in to the complex world and the characters, it definitely picked up in the last third. The plot certainly kept me intrigued; I loved seeing Zacharel change his ways and begin to learn the value of human life as well as continue to fight for what he believed in.

There was a part towards the end (I wont reveal what it was to avoid a spoiler) that I thought was glossed over all too quickly and Zacharel’s decision didn’t match his earlier feelings, maybe I just expected a different outcome to this solution.

Overall, I have never been disappointed with anything I have read by Gena Showalter and Wicked Nights was certainly no exception, it is a story filled with action, sacrifice, humor and a sweet romance that kept me riveted throughout and I couldn’t help but cheer for a HEA for our H/H and a solution to the problems.
 

Wednesday 25 July 2012

Waiting on Wednesday (25th July)

 
Waiting On Wednesday” is a weekly meme, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

My choice for this weeks WoW is Outpost (Razorland #2) by Ann Aguirre; I absolutely loved the first book in this series, Enclave so I’m quite excited to read the sequel & thankfully I don’t have long to wait.

What are you looking forward to?

Outpost (Razorland, #2)
 Author: Ann Aguirre
Series: Razorland
Publisher: Feiwel and Friends
Genre: Young Adult – Dystopia
Release Date: 4th September 2012
Amazon Pre-order: Outpost

Synopsis. (Goodreads)

Deuce’s whole world has changed. Down below, she was considered an adult. Now, topside in a town called Salvation, she’s a brat in need of training in the eyes of the townsfolk. She doesn’t fit in with the other girls: Deuce only knows how to fight.

To make matters worse, her Hunter partner, Fade, keeps Deuce at a distance. Her feelings for Fade haven’t changed, but he seems not to want her around anymore. Confused and lonely, she starts looking for a way out.

Deuce signs up to serve in the summer patrols—those who make sure the planters can work the fields without danger. It should be routine, but things have been changing on the surface, just as they did below ground. The Freaks have grown smarter. They’re watching. Waiting. Planning. The monsters don’t intend to let Salvation survive, and it may take a girl like Deuce to turn back the tide.

Tuesday 24 July 2012

Interview: Katie McGarry, author of Pushing the Limits


Pushing the Limits by Katie McGarry is one of my most favorite reads so far this year, actually probably one of the best Young Adult Contemporaries ever! So to be able to interview Katie, care of the wonderful Jess at Morey Media is an absolute honor.

Pushing the LimitsAuthor: Katie McGarry
Pages: 384
Genre: Young Adult – Contemporary
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Release Date: 31st July 2012
Source: Morey Media


Synopsis: "I won't tell anyone, Echo. I promise." Noah tucked a curl behind my ear. It had been so long since someone touched me like he did. Why did it have to be Noah Hutchins? His dark brown eyes shifted to my covered arms. "You didn't do that-did you? It was done to you?" No one ever asked that question. They stared. They whispered. They laughed. But they never asked.

So wrong for each other...and yet so right.

No one knows what happened the night Echo Emerson went from popular girl with jock boyfriend to gossiped-about outsider with "freaky" scars on her arms. Even Echo can't remember the whole truth of that horrible night. All she knows is that she wants everything to go back to normal. But when Noah Hutchins, the smoking-hot, girl-using loner in the black leather jacket, explodes into her life with his tough attitude and surprising understanding, Echo's world shifts in ways she could never have imagined. They should have nothing in common. And with the secrets they both keep, being together is pretty much
impossible.Yet the crazy attraction between them refuses to go away. And Echo has to ask herself just how far they can push the limits and what she'll risk for the one guy who might teach her how to love again.

Welcome to Obsession with Books Katie, I have recently read and thoroughly enjoyed Pushing the Limits, are you able to tell us a little about your book and yourself?

Yay! I’m so excited to hear you enjoyed PTL! I’m a stay-at-home mom, a reality TV freak, and a University of Kentucky basketball fan. I’m also a sucker for an amazing love story.

Pushing the Limits tells the story of two high school seniors, Echo and Noah. Echo has no memory of the night that transformed her from popular girl to loner freak with scars on her arms, and she desperately craves answers. Noah is a foster kid who is fighting to reunite his family. Since they see the same court ordered therapist, the lives of the “good” girl and the “bad” boy collide. The two work together towards their goals, but neither foresaw the shattering consequences of learning the truth regarding their families or of falling in love.

When and why did you begin writing?

Writing is something I have always enjoyed. I had several teachers in high school who encouraged me to write, but I honestly didn’t begin to write until a couple of years ago. A story idea nagged at me so after my kiddos went to bed at night, I began to write.

Where did the inspiration for your book Pushing the Limits come from?

I was actually writing another book when I stumbled across the voice of Echo. When my character broke out into “How much wood would a woodchuck chuck if a woodchuck could chuck wood” then later wished she would spontaneously combust, I knew I had found someone new…someone whose wit made me laugh, but whose hurt made me ache.

I write love stories so I free wrote for awhile in order to find the perfect guy for Echo—that one person who could help her with her pain. This person was Noah.
  
Pushing the Limits is an emotional story, were there any particular challenges when it came to writing your main characters Noah and Echo or particular scenes?

There’s a scene towards the end of the book where Echo and Noah are confronting each other after a whirlwind of awful events. There are so many emotions happening simultaneously between these two characters and it was difficult to wrap fear and frustration and love and hope all into one little scene.

Pushing the Limits is told from both Noah and Echo’s POV’s, was it hard to switch between the two?

Honestly, as a writer, it was refreshing. Echo and Noah were intense characters to write for different reasons. Shifting between their POV’s gave me a chance to rest in between chapters.

What is your ideal day as an author?

My ideal day would be to get as many words down on the page as I can. I’m a stay at home mom of three extremely active kiddos so my writing time becomes very limited very quickly.

Is there anything about you that would surprise your readers? Any quirks, habits, routines etc.

I run almost every day and love almost every type of music that is out there: from rap, to country, to heavy metal, to gospel. Most people would be shocked to hear that I don’t like candy. Don’t worry though, I do love chocolate.

Are you able to describe what your writing process is like?

I’m a mix between a plotter and a pantser. I usually free write the first couple of chapters in order to find out who my characters are and then I’ll stop and plot. Once I know the direction of my story, I’ll start writing again, but typically my characters love to tear up my plot, dance all over it, and head in a whole other direction.

Are there any books or authors that have most influenced you?

I absolutely love The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton. It was the very first book I ever stayed up all night to read. I connected completely with her characters and how they looked upon their friends as their family.

If Pushing the Limits were to be made into a movie, who would you chose to play the roles of your main characters?

I’ll be honest, I’ve never been able to pick anyone to play Echo or Noah, but it is so much fun to see who my readers think should play them.

What is up next for you?

I’m currently working on revisions for DARE YOU TO, a companion novel to Pushing the Limits. DARE YOU TO follows the story of Beth, a secondary character from Pushing the Limits.

Quick Questions:

Fave band / television series / movie? Jason Aldean/Big Brother/Casablanca
Coffee or tea? Neither
E-reader or hardcopy? Hardcopy
Cats or Dogs? Cats
Ideal travel destination? Any place with a beach!

Thank-you so much Katie for taking time to talk to us today!