Tuesday, June 1, 2010

Deception: A Haunting Emma Novel by Lee Nichols + Giveaway!!


Release Date: June 8, 2010 from Bloomsbury USA Children's Books

Source: From Publicist

Synopsis:

When Emma Vaile's parents disappear on a mysterious business trip, her life begins to unravel. The eerie visions she had as a child return, her best friend abandons her, and a new friend notifies social services that she is living alone. Enter Bennett Stern, her older brother's best friend and Emma's knight in J. Crew armor. Bennett whisks Emma away to New England to live in his family's museum-like mansion and attend Thatcher, and old-fashioned private school.

Emma makes friends with the popular legacy crowd quickly and spends her free time crushing on Bennett. But the haunting visions are only getting worse. Emma has memories of Thatcher she can't explain--it's as if she's returning home to a place she's never been. Bennett finally confides that he and Emma are ghostkeepers, people who can communicate with ghosts. He's been keeping Emma close to protect her, but now Bennett needs her help tracking an other-worldly murderer.

Mystery, tradition, and forbidden romance make Deception the perfect read for fans of series like Kate Brian's Private and paranormal fans.


I'm so glad that synopsis mentioned the Private series, because I couldn't help but be reminded of that series while reading Deception. That's a good thing though, trust me, the Private series is one of the few "rich kid" series that I can handle, so the similarities were much enjoyed.

Deception is a fun read. You'd think by now, with all the paranormal books filling the YA market, that I would have seen or read it all. Each time I think I'm starting to get tired of paranormals, along comes another enjoyable read like Deception and it pulls me back in. I love a good ghost story to begin with, and this one puts a whole new spin on the creepy haunted mansion thing.

I have to admit that the characters are one thing that made this such a joy to read. I really love Emma. I think she's a fantastic character who's trying to work her way through a tough situation. First her parents go missing, then she starts seeing things, has to face some hard truths about herself, and most horrifyingly, ends up in a private school with a bunch of snobby snobs. She remains relatively cool throughout though. I just really relished reading and learning more about this character. She's flawed, fun, and completely down to earth.

I definitely recommend Deception. It was one of those nice little surprises that I'm really glad I picked up and read. I look forward to the next book, in what I'm assuming is going to be a series. I can't wait to see what challenges Emma has to face next, or what new secrets she uncovers.


If you'd like to enter Emma's world yourself, I've been offered two copies of Deception to give away to two lucky readers.

If you'd like to enter, simply leave a comment below including your e-mail address. The contest is open to the U.S. only, and ends on June 14th.

45 comments:

  1. Awesome review! I had the opportunity to read this one for an ARC tour, but I would love my own copy! Thanks for the contest!

    jayliv0609@gmail.com

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  2. I am so glad you enjoyed this book. The summary definitely caught my attention and after reading your review and the comments you made about the main character, I think that I will enjoy this book too. Terrific review, thanks.

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  3. Oops forgot to leave my address
    vonharzj@gmail.com

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  4. I've been wanting to read this book!

    laurapauling@yahoo.com

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  5. Great review! I would love to read this book, so thanks for the chance to win it.

    pirate_pony2 at yahoo dot com

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  6. Sure! Count me in.

    Thanks!

    jlansky(at)comcast(dot)net

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  7. Glad to see you enjoyed this so much. I would love a chance to win a copy.

    findjessyhere at gmail dot com

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  8. This book sounds very interesting and I've been reading some great reviews for it. Count me in!

    Sara M
    sara_UFblog [at] yahoo [dot] com

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  9. Great review. Please enter me!
    jpetroroy at gmail dot com

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  10. There aren't that many really good ghost stories out there right now and I really love reading about them. I would love to win a copy of this book. Please enter me and thanks for an awesoem contest.

    fantasymagic101@yahoo.com

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  11. Enter me, please!! I would love to win a copy of this book!! Thanks for the great review. :)
    bonny dot anderson at gmail dot com

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  12. Please enter me. : )
    ambience.of.rain {at} gmail.com
    This book looks fantastic!!!

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  13. This book looks very enjoyable! Am reading a book that's a mix of mystery and fantasy that's not just for YA, though young adults will certainly enjoy it. It's "Bloodline: Alliance," by L.R. Saul. As I said, it's not just a fantasy novel, it's also a mystery, and the combination of the two is pretty rare. You know how some people are kind of snobby about "fantasy." Well, I've known some people who have read it and really enjoyed it, and are becoming more open-minded as a result. It's got some unforgettable characters who become friends -- they stay with you long after you're done with the book.

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  14. Thanks so much for the contest, this books sounds great!

    Email Address:
    thebooksophisticate@hotmail.com

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  15. I've been hearing alot about this one, count me in! tWarner419@aol.com

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  16. Sounds great. Thanks for the chance.

    bacchus76 at myself dot com

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  17. I would really love to win this book! It's been on my wishlist for a while. Please enter me :D

    ~Briana
    thebookpixie[at]yahoo[dot]com

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  18. I'd love to win -- enter me, please!

    -Rylie
    bcanyon at gmail dot com

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  19. Ooh, that sounds spooky! Can't wait to read it!

    Lynne01@gmail.com

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  20. Count me in! I love good ghost story!

    Betrayedkisses(at)gmail(dot)com

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  21. Deception sounds great. I love the review too. Please enter me in the contest. I'd love to read this.

    -Lisa B.
    angel28140 (AT) yahoo (DOT) com

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  22. i loved the private series so i bet i will like this book! i'dlove to win a copy of it!

    meaghan_koci (at) yahoo (dot) com

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  23. I would love to read this!

    Raelena
    throuthehaze at gmail dot com

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  24. Sounds awesome! Count me in please

    I follow on gfc

    mlawson17 at hotmail dot com

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  25. I would love to be entered!!

    HarlequinTwilight at gmail dot com

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  26. Please enter me. I would love to read this.
    tmdahle@centurytel.net

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  27. That sounds great! cozyswife@gmail.com

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  28. I'll read anything like the Private series ^_^

    killercliffhanger at hotmail dot com

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  29. I love the cover on this one and would love to check it out - count me in!

    mmillet at gmail dot com

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  30. Wonderful review! I've been dying to read this book. Thanks for the giveaway! :)

    xx,
    E.J

    From the Shadows

    e.j.stevens.author[at]gmail[dot]com

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  31. I love the mystery aspect of it. It sounds like a great thriller. Thanks for the review and contest!

    Sarah L
    two_of_hearts_101 at yahoo dot com

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  32. i love ghost stories! please throw my hat in the ring for this....

    k_sunshine1977 at yahoo dot com

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  33. Thanks for the review!...definitely got me even more interested in reading this book.

    gosia727(at)gmail(dot)com

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  34. Sounds like a good read, I am game!

    patronus89013 at yahoo dot com

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  35. Oh lovely. I want to read this book. Sounds very interesting!

    erica_henry@rocketmail.com

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  36. sounds fun!
    tiftruitt@gmail.com

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  37. This sounds great!

    equinester (at) gmail (dot) com

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  38. I love a good spooky story. :0) Count me in, please!

    Thanks!
    librarygrinch at gmail dot com

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  39. It sounds interesting! I'd like a chance to win :)

    Ladytink_534(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  40. Sounds good! Please count me in.

    lizzi0915 at aol dot com

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  41. I can't wait to read this book! Thanks for the giveaway!

    crazypplrok@gmail.com

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  42. Thanks for hosting such a great contest!

    barbrafl737 (at) yahoo (dot) com

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  43. Hopefully I'm not too late. Please count me in.

    gr8kidsgr8fam at yahoo dot com

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  44. Deception is such an inspiring story!
    childrensbook13@aol.com

    ReplyDelete