Tuesday, August 21, 2012

Giveaway, Review, and Character Interview for, My Super Sweet Sixteenth Century by Rachel Harris!


Blurb
On the precipice of her sixteenth birthday, the last thing lone wolf Cat Crawford wants is an extravagant gala thrown by her bubbly stepmother and well-meaning father. So even though Cat knows the family’s trip to Florence, Italy, is a peace offering, she embraces the magical city and all it offers. But when her curiosity leads her to an unusual gypsy tent, she exits . . . right into Renaissance Firenze

Thrust into the sixteenth century armed with only a backpack full of contraband future items, Cat joins up with her ancestors, the sweet Alessandra and protective Cipriano, and soon falls for the gorgeous aspiring artist Lorenzo. But when the much-older Niccolo starts sniffing around, Cat realizes that an unwanted birthday party is nothing compared to an unwanted suitor full of creeptastic amore

Can she find her way back to modern times before her Italian adventure turns into an Italian forever?

Release date: September 11, 2012
Publisher; Entangled Publishing
Purchase: Amazon | Book Depository

 Stick around to the end of this post for your chance to win one of two copies of this fabulous book!

My review:
My Super Sweet Sixteenth Century.

I first started reading this book when the awesome Rachel Harris was just a few chapters in and I was lucky enough to meet her. I read it, all mouth gaping and sighing... then told my husband, “This book is amazing and will be published for sure!” *true story.*

So when it was picked up super-fast, I wasn’t surprised, of course. That’s how good My Super Sweet Sixteenth Century, really is.

So let’s get to my review. This is a book about a girl named Cat who’s about to turn sixteen and is desperately trying to avoid a big MTV birthday bash planned by the, oh too giddy stepmom, Jenna. I mean, really, Cat gets enough unwanted attention from the paparazzi that fills the gossip pages about her starlet birth-mom’s latest trysts. (The mom that left her and her father).
Before the big 16th birthday bash, Cat’s dad and Jenna take her on a trip to Italy—a vacation spot of Cat’s dreams—and there she gets a much bigger adventure than she bargained for. One gypsy tent holding one mysterious gypsy later, Cat winds up in 16th century Florence!

This book is super imaginative, fun, cute, and so funny. Trust me when I tell you that you will be laughing out loud. Add to that the swoony and sexy Lorenzo. Yes, I love him. He’s one of my favorite book boys. Ever.
Can Cat convince her 16th century family that she’s really their relative from England? Or will her funny lingo, strange ways (at least in that era), give her away? Will she fall for the boy that she’s been warned is a ladies man, and what about the plans her aunt and uncle have for her…very unwanted plans. And will Cat be able to unravel Reyna’s code and make it home again? Does she want to?
Read to find out, and be prepared to laugh, swoon, and at times, worry right along with Cat. Rachel’s (and Cat’s) voice is fresh, unique, and super cute.

My Super Sweet Sixteenth Century is endearing, captivating, and a must-read for people who love to read historical stories with magic. It will have you wishing for your own gypsy adventure and eagerly awaiting the next story from the very talented Rachel Harris.

Okay, so I've got something really exciting to share with you today. For part of this blog tour, I got to interview the main character, Cat!! Very cool. Check out what she has to say about time travel, her favorite things, and well--kissing Lorenzo...

Me: Hi, Cat! I’m so excited to meet you!

Cat: Thanks for having me. I’m stoked to be here.

Me: I know your awesome book, My Super Sweet Sixteenth Century is coming out next month because I had a chance to read it! Your author, Rachel Harris, who helped you document your journey, is my friend, so I had a sneak peek. Lucky me!

Cat: Rachel is made of awesome…

Me: Okay, so, I’m going to try to not act all crazy and stalker fan-like, but I think you’re nice…cool…amazing—and did I mention funny? You’re freaking hilarious! Ahem, okay I’m stopping now. I’ll stick to the plan and ask you some questions.

Cat: Ha! Well good to know someone gets my wit (*grin*). Seriously, I appreciate the compliment…and no worries, I’ve seen stalker paparazzi in action. You’re totally cool.

Me: Thanks! So, first of all, seriously, how much fun did you have in the sixteenth century?

Cat:Well, you know the whole story (~winks~), so you know that not all of it was fun, but yeah, most of it was amazing. Once I got used to the sheer amount of clothes (and, ahem, the lack of certain undergarments) and I figured out the food situation (lots of weird stuff, check, and no water), I think I handled things pretty well. I never got used to the lingo, but hey, at least my verbal craziness kept life interesting. Oh, and meeting Lorenzo didn’t exactly suck either. (~lowers her eyelashes and fluffs her hair~)

Me: Yes, your lingo, mixed in with the 16th century formal talk cracked me up, along with many other things.
What was the hardest thing to adjust to way back in time?

Cat: There were a lot to get used to, that’s for sure. And like I said before, I never adjusted to the whole speaking thing. But if I had to pick one thing, I’d say—without giving too much away—that their view on relationships was definitely the trickiest to adjust to. But as for everyday life, the hardest thing would definitely be the whole bathing thing.

Me: Yeah, I hear you on that. I couldn’t imagine not having a proper bath. J
What do you wish you had taken in that trusty backpack of yours that would have made it easier?

Cat: Man, if there’d been a way to sneak a whole shower in that thing, I would’ve done it. I think my trusty backpack came through for the most part—it had all the essentials for when I did finally get that bath. Too bad I forgot to bring it with me that day in the country, but hey, I took what I could get! (~grins~)

Me: Yes…that day in the country. *Swooning over Lorenzo.*

Best moment while there?

Cat: I have two favorites actually. The stolen moments with Lorenzo the night of the ball teaching him the waltz, and my first girl’s night since I was eight with Less. I finally got to see what I’d been missing all these years. And her face while she watched Dad’s movie on my iPhone was priceless.

Me: *Smiles.* Yes it was. Good choices. Do you think those corsets should come back in style?

Cat: Um, hell no. I’m telling ya, those things were invented by men.
Me: I knew you’d say that, but had to ask. *laughs.*
Can you tell us what it was like to kiss the swoony Lorenzo? Because, you know, as readers we are living vicariously through your journey.

Cat: (~bites lower lip~) Well, as you know (~clears throat~) that was my first ever kiss, so I don’t have much to compare it to, but….yeah, it was everything I had built up in my head and more. The first one was amazing, and the second and third were even better…..

Me: Awesome! Lucky you!
If you could time travel again, would you go back to the same place? Or would you like to travel somewhere else?

Cat: (~blinks out of her kiss-dazed stare~) If I could go back and be with my Renaissance family again—if I could see Lorenzo again, explain everything that happened—I would do it in a heartbeat. (~swallows and looks away for a moment~) But leaving them the first time was hard enough. (~takes a breath and forces a smile~) As for anywhere else I’d go, I’d love to travel to Romania and meet Reyna when she was first getting her visions. My gypsy girl’s a mystery and it would be cool to get inside her head a bit, get to know her better. She certainly figured me out.

Me: She is a mystery, isn’t she?  I wonder how all of that gypsy mojo magic started? But I’m definitely glad she chose you for that journey.
Favorite snackage?

Cat: After my trip to Florence, biscotti for sure.

Me: Favorite color?

Cat: Purple…always purple.

Me: Favorite past time?

Cat: Sketching. And when I can’t do that, filling my camera with inspiration.

Me: Do you miss your cousin Alessandra? Any news to share there? Because, she is pretty awesome, too.

Cat: Less is made of awesome all right. Actually, I do have some news—I can't really go into much detail right now, but let's just say Less has an adventure of her own in store!

Me: I bet that’s another fabulous adventure to read about.
You know I have to ask…any chance of hooking a girl up? I’d like my own time traveling adventure. Got any in’s with Reyna per chance?? *Casts pleading eyes.*

Cat: I wish! I seriously need to get that gypsy a cellphone. She doesn’t seem to follow anyone’s schedule or ideas but her own though, sorry. (~shakes her head and laughs~) Kinda makes her cool, though.

Me: Yes, that’s true. Okay, just one more thing. Describe Lorenzo in three words. (I know that’s difficult because there are just so many adjectives to describe his lusciousness, but please try).

Cat: Lorenzo….artistic, flirtatious, gorgeous.

Me: Yes, yes, and yes. J
Thanks so much, Cat for visiting my blog today!

Cat: And thank YOU for having me, Shannon!

I hope you find all the happiness in the world, and thanks for sharing your exciting story with the world.




Author Bio (Spotlight)

Rachel  Harris
As a teen, Rachel threw raging parties that shook her parents’ walls and created embarrassing fodder for future YA novels.
As an adult, she read and wrote obsessively, rehash said embarrassing fodder, and dreamt up characters who become her imaginary friends. 
When she's not typing furiously or flipping pages in an enthralling romance, you can find Rachel homeschooling her two beautiful princesses, hanging out with her amazing husband, or taking a hot bubble bath…next to a pile of chocolate. 
MY SUPER SWEET SIXTEENTH CENTURY is her first novel. She did have her own fantabulous Sweet Sixteen in high school. Sadly, it wasn't televised.  


So, now that y'all are dying to get your hands on a copy, you have two chances to win. I'll announce the winners as soon as the book releases. Leave a comment below with your thoughts along with your email to contact you if you're the lucky winner! Good luck to all!



47 comments:

  1. Lovely and funny interview! Can't wait for september! :)
    jenna_jcm@yahoo.com

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  2. Great review and awesome interview. This books sounds amazing. I fell in love with Italy after reading the River of Time series. This is definitely going on my TBR shelf. :)
    Thank you for the giveaway!

    xia_thao95(at)hotmail(dot)com

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  3. I was hooked at 'artistic, flirtatious, and gorgeous.' Okay, not entirely true, I was hooked at the cover! This sounds like a great read and Rachel sounds like a great person. It's going on my list!

    hmccorkle (at) wildblue (dot) net

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  4. This book sounds pretty good! And with a swoon worthy artist, sign me up! Thanks for the interview and giveaway!
    ehaney578 at AOL dot com

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  5. What a lovely review! I'm so glad you enjoyed it and aren't you lucky for getting a sneak peek? This book sounds so flirtatious and fun and magical and it's set in Italy, so it has be made of AWESOME! And a sixteenth-century, ladie's man? Gimme ;)

    Such a fun interview too! I adore Cat's personality, she seems so quirky and laid-back and witty! I just need to meet her in the book!

    areadingdaydreamer@gmail.com

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  6. I saw this book back in May and got really excited about it. I can't believe it's finally coming out! The entire things sounds so fun and exciting and amazing and ITALY!!! I already love Cat from her interviews, now I need to meet up with her in the book! Thanks for the giveaway :)

    csunshine17lovesbooks(at)gmail(d0t)com

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  7. :0 Awesome interview!!!! Yay, having purple for a favorite color! that's fantastic that you got to read this book from the beginning Shannon. Sweet review! And fantastic interview! Thanks for the giveaway!
    Rachel

    rsblueviolet@gmail.com

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  8. I love that time period. It would be so cool to experince the clothes, the knights, everything.

    Thanks for the giveaway! Elizafaith13@gmail.com

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  9. I can't wait for this book!
    I keep hearing about it! This is a really great interview and makes me even more excited for the release!
    Thanks for the chance to win!!
    I am a new follower of your blog! If you could follow me back that would be great!
    http://littlehyuts.blogspot.com/2012/08/cover-reveal-sign-up.html

    email: m0lly_j@hotmail.com (that's a zero in molly)

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  10. LOL, I love the interview, so cute! Can't wait to read this book!

    vi3ti3abe at gmail.com

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  11. Love the interview & review.

    Thanks for participating

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  12. I loved your review. It's so lively. (: And who doesn't love a character interview? *sighs* I can't wait to read this book. Thanks for the giveaway!

    catlover290[at]gmail[dot]com

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  13. Thanks for the great review! Makes me even more excited to read this book!!

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  14. Great review and awesome character interview! Thanks for hosting this giveaway!
    jgelman016@gmail.com

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  15. I cannot wait to read this book! It sounds so fun and different! Thanks for review and giveaway -- livingoffproceeds@gmail.com

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  16. Hi!! Love the review!!
    Ever since I saw the cover and read the synopsis I've been dying to read this book, thanks for this opportunity!

    gaby_sama@hotmail.com

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  17. I loved the review! I've read so many reviews for this book and saw it on so many blogs. I cant wait to get my hands on a copy! I love that its set in 16th century Florence, 1) because I'd give anything to visit Florence and 2) because I love when books and movies/shows are set back in time. Mainly because I think it would have been a wonderful time to be alive. And its super best when authors can actually make you feel like youre there and thats what the reviews have been saying! Thanks for having this!

    tatsourpatchkid(at)gmail.com

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  18. loved your review... eagerly waiting for the book release... :) thanks for the giveaway

    anubha56@gmail.com

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  19. This book sounds awesome!

    dark_gothic_angel_tr@hotmail.com

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  20. I've been waiting for this book for a while now. Can't wait to read it! It would be even more awesome to win a copy!

    stephlrxod @ gmail .com

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  21. Thanks for hosting me...for being amazing...for making me laugh and believe in me. So glad to share this with you, girl <3 <3 <3

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  22. Love the interview! I have heard so much praise for this book. I've been wanting to read it since I heard about it this Spring. I just know I will love it.;) Thanks for the great post and giveaway. ;) javalotta@yahoo.com

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  23. Loved the interview! Can't wait for the book to come out!

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  24. I've been hearing a lot of things about this book... And I really like to have a chance to read this... Oh, and great interview... Thank you for that (and for the review also)...
    Gloxina_Keya(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  25. I've been seeing this book everywhere recently, and it just looks so amazing! Thanks so much for your review! And the interview was so fun - Cat seems so quirky and I just have to meet her. Thanks so much for the giveaway!

    gracefuljessica2@hotmail.com

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  26. I really want to read this! It sounds so fun and the author is just great!!

    Thanks for the review and giveaway!

    livingoffproceeds[at]gmail.com

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  27. Great Post! This book sounds awesome! =)

    tiffanyhollett(at)gmail(dot)com

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  28. Great post, really fun the interview, it make me want to read more!

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  29. Great review and awesome interview! Makes me want to read the book even more now!
    daisykr_99 at yahoo dot com

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  30. This interview is great. I'm really excited for the book now. :) margalymonelus(at)gmail(dot)com

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  31. thanks for sharing the interview! what a fun book! Thank you for the contest!

    inthehammockblog at gmail dot com

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  32. This interview was HILARIOUS! Thanks so much!! If that's a sneak peak of what the book is like then I can't wait to read it! :D

    cazzyae(at)gmail(dot)com

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  33. LOVE the interview!!! Been looking forward to the book and now I can hardly wait!!!!

    sophie(dot)riggsby(at)gmail(dot)com

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  34. This book's been on my TBR list for ages now! Super excited to read it :)

    Melanie
    melanie dot conklin at mac dot com

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  35. Great review and interview! The story sounds really interesting! I have been searching for the magical gypsy tent forever- lol! ~ Jess
    http://thesecretdmsfilesoffairdaymorrow.blogspot.com/

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  36. Thanks for the giveaway! I'm really excited to read this one!!

    DedicatedReadersOnly@yahoo.com

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  37. Loved your review! I'm really looking forward reading this book!
    gaby_sama(at)hotmail(dot)com

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  38. Great interview and the book sounds fantastic! Hope I win!!!!! Brat81978@aim.com

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  39. After reading the review, i really want to read the book!
    bookworm.hsu@gmail.com

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  40. I'm so excited about this book, I can't wait to read it! Please enter me in the contest :)


    trisha.anderson@yahoo.com

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  41. I've been looking forward to reading this...I read a bonus excerpt about Lorenzo and Cat and this has been on my list since then lol Thank you for offering this giveaway! ^.^

    candylovestoread@gmail.com

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  42. Looks like an awesome book. I can't wait to read it! All the excerpts and blurbs look fantastic.

    stinabutcher@gmail.com

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  43. Your review made me even more excited about this book! I can't wait to get my hands on a copy.

    the.girl.and.the.book (at) gmail (dot) com

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  44. Love the interview! Totally Cat! ;)

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  45. Great review! I've been waiting impatiently to read this book for what seems like forever lol thanks!

    valialind (AT) gmail (DOT) com

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  46. Love the review and interview!!!

    baawisdombooks@hotmail.co.uk

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  47. Great interview/review! I can't wait to read it!

    cheesecake.thief59(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete