Jun 202014
 

CD2S-2014_300

1 days until summer!

 

SarahBeardSarah Beard has a degree in communications from the University of Utah and splits her time between writing and raising three energetic boys. She is a cancer survivor and a hopeless romantic. She enjoys reading and composing music, and lives with her husband and children in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Visit Sarah: WEBSITE | BLOG | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | PINTEREST

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LDSWBR: What book or movie reminds you of summer?

SARAH: “The Last Unicorn” reminds me of summer because we used to watch it everyday during the summer, then go outside and recruit the neighbor kids to act out all the scenes with us.

LDSWBR: Do you hike during the summer? If so, where is your favorite place to hike?

SARAH: I only hike when I’m forced to hike. I love being in the mountains, but it’s hard to enjoy the scenery when my legs are protesting every step. I have very whiny legs.

LDSWBR: What is the best book you’ve read so far this year?

SARAH: That’s a tough one. Either “The Fault in Our Stars” by John Green or “Fangirl” by Rainbow Rowell.

LDSWBR: Thanks, Sarah!

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DESERET BOOK | SEAGULL BOOK | BARNES & NOBLE | AMAZON | GOODREADS

PorcelainKeys

Aria’s life is full of secrets–secrets about her mother’s death, her father’s cruelty, and her dream to go to Juilliard. When Aria meets Thomas, he draws out her secrets, captures her heart, and gives her the courage to defy her father. But when tragedy strikes and Thomas disappears, Aria is left alone to transform her broken heart’s melody into something beautiful. Porcelain Keys is a captivating love story that will resonate long after the last page is turned.

Have you read the unabridged version of Les Miserables? What is the longest book you’ve read?

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**To enter the LDSWBR Countdown to Summer 2014, leave a thoughtful comment below.**

This is raffle-style drawing where all entries throughout the contest period are entered into the same “hat” for all prizes. Because this is a raffle-style drawing, commenting on each Countdown to Summer 2014 post will give you more chances to win. Please click through to the website as only comments submitted directly on this post will be accepted.

Prizes include a $50 Amazon gift card and the author-donated books listed below. US only. 18 years and older please. See all contest rules and restrictions below.

Following LDSWBR is not required but you may want to consider doing so during the contest so you don’t miss any posts or chances to enter the drawing. You can follow us through email, Twitter, Facebook, Google+, Instagram, and Pinterest (links in our sidebar.)

If one of our reviews has ever helped you find a book you enjoyed, please consider helping us spread the word about the LDSWBR Countdown to Summer 2014. A link posted to your friends and family either in email or on your favorite social network would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

By leaving a comment and entering the Countdown to Summer 2014, you agree to the contest rules below:

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY; entrants must be 18 years or older; open to residents of continental US only; giveaway begins June 5, 2014 and all entries must be received by 12:00 Midnight June 30, 2014 Mountain Time; to enter, complete the required entry on each post and any additional entries of your choice if listed; LDS Women’s Book Review reserves the right to determine what is considered a thoughtful comment as per each post’s required entry; giveaway prizes include a $50 Amazon gift card and a variety of book prizes donated by featured authors; the number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning; LDS Women’s Book Review is not liable for technical problems which may affect entry into the giveaway; winner identity will be verified by email address; winner will be selected July 3, 2014 by use of a sequence generator on random.org; winner will have until July 10, 2014 to claim their prize; if any prize winner forfeits or does not claim prize, prize will be re-awarded to next winner in sequence; all prizes will be awarded; limit of two prizes per entrant; this contest/giveaway is not associated with Facebook, Twitter or any other entity unless otherwise specified; by entering the giveaway you give LDS Women’s Book Review the right to publicize your name on the LDS Women’s Book Review blog; winner agrees to release LDS Women’s Book Review from any liability as a result of winning; email comments and questions to LDS Women’s Book Review – ldswbr (at) gmail (dot) com; giveaway subject to Utah regulations; VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

**Book Prizes (as of 6/20/14 – more to be added to this list!)**

  • Unraveled by Julie Daines (signed paperback)
  • Any book by A.L. Sowards (choice of paperback or Kindle version)
  • An autographed copy of any one Sarah M. Eden book of the winner’s choice
  • Chances Are by Traci Hunter Abramson (signed/personalized paperback)
  • Choice of The Inventor’s Secret (hardback or paperback) or The Avatar Battle (hardback or audio CD) by Chad Morris (signed copy)
  • Missing Lily by Annette K. Larsen (ebook in .mobi or epub)
  • Glimmering Light by Margot Hovley (personalized paperback or Kindle)
  • Before the Clock Strikes Thirty by Aubrey Mace (personalized paperback)
  • Tulips and Treason by Tristi Pinkston (personalized paperback)
  • Luminescence by Braden Bell
  • Falling For You by Krista Lynne Jensen (signed paperback)
  • Ilana’s Wish by Annette Lyon (paperback copy, personalized if desired)
  • Winner’s choice of one of Josi S. Kilpack’s books
  • Not Your Average Happy Ending by Chantele Sedgwick (winner’s choice of paperback or ebook)
  • Discovering Peace by Jennifer Ann Holt (signed copy)
  • Porcelain Keys by Sarah Beard (signed paperback)

 

Feb 112014
 

securedownload-1Porcelain Keys

Author: Sarah Beard

Publisher: Cedar Fort

Published: February 11th, 2014

Genre: YA

Paperback: 352 pages

ISBN13: 9781462113965

FTC FYI: Received a PDF from the author in exchange for an honest review.

Reviewed by Mindy

Goodreads Summary

Aria’s life is full of secrets–secrets about her mother’s death, her father’s cruelty, and her dream to go to Juilliard. When Aria meets Thomas, he draws out her secrets, captures her heart, and gives her the courage to defy her father. But when tragedy strikes and Thomas disappears, Aria is left alone to transform her broken heart’s melody into something beautiful. Porcelain Keys is a captivating love story that will resonate long after the last page is turned.

My Review

Wow, this was a good book.  I could not put it down.  I almost finished it in one sitting.  I loved the story.  I was immediately taken by Aria and her life.  Thomas was fantastic too.  I loved how the author pulled me into the story with subtle hints of what was to come and didn’t let go until the end.  So many things happen to her and those around her, you can’t help but read all night.  I know I have read a good book when I read it quickly, have tears in my eyes at some point and have a smile on my face at the end.

5 out of 5 stars.  Perfect debut for Sarah.  I will eagerly be awaiting more from her.

About the Author

Sarah Beard is the author of Porcelain Keys, a YA contemporary romance.  She has a degree in communications from the University of Utah and splits her time between writing and raising three energetic boys.  She is a cancer survivor and a hopeless romantic.  She enjoys reading and composing music, and lives with her husband and children in Salt Lake City, Utah.  You can follow Sarah on Twitter @authorsarahB or Facebook.  Her website is www.sarahbeard.com.


Reviews

“Emotionally rich, elegant description, beloved characters–Sarah Beard delivers a fresh, new novel that will go on my list of classics.” –Stephanie Fowers, author of With a Kiss.
 

 

“Aria is a heroine worth rooting for, and the plot is an emotional melody that weaves a spell so potent, it can only be broken by reaching the end. And even then, I couldn’t stop thinking about Aria and her story.” –Heather Frost, author of The Seers Trilogy

 

 
“Emotionally gripping, this beautifully crafted young adult romance will pull at readers’ heartstrings from tragic beginning to happy ending. A must-read for fans of contemporary romance, both young and seasoned. ” –Julie Ford, author of Replacing Gentry
 
“Porcelain Keys is a fresh, heart-wrenching take on boy-meets-girl. Using fantastic and musical imagery to tell the poignant love story of Aria and Thomas, the author leads thereader to a swelling crescendo as if we’re part of the song—and what a beautiful song it is.” –Cindy C. Bennett, author or Geek Girl and Rapunzel Untangled
 
“A lyrical love story that will leave your heart singing. Porcelain Keys is a masterpiece with emotional depth, young love, and family angst. Beard takes us on a journey of self- discovery, second chances, and ultimately, sweet resolution.” –Heather Ostler, author or The Siren’s Secret

Purchase Links

Amazon / Barnes and Noble

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