Waiting On Wednesday: Love Letters To The Dead by Ava Dellaira

“Waiting On” Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Breaking the Spine to spotlight upcoming releases that we can't wait for.

Love Letters to the Dead by Ava Dellaira
Series: N/A
Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary,
Release Date: April 1, 2014
Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux

It begins as an assignment for English class: Write a letter to a dead person. Laurel chooses Kurt Cobain because her sister, May, loved him. And he died young, just like May did. Soon, Laurel has a notebook full of letters to people like Janis Joplin, Amy Winehouse, Amelia Earhart, Heath Ledger, and more; though she never gives a single one of them to her teacher. She writes about starting high school, navigating new friendships, falling in love for the first time, learning to live with her splintering family. And, finally, about the abuse she suffered while May was supposed to be looking out for her. Only then, once Laurel has written down the truth about what happened to herself, can she truly begin to accept what happened to May. And only when Laurel has begun to see her sister as the person she was; lovely and amazing and deeply flawed; can she begin to discover her own path.

What book release are you excited about?

Waiting On Wednesday: Landline by Rainbow Rowell

“Waiting On” Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Breaking the Spine to spotlight upcoming releases that we can't wait for.

Landline by Rainbow Rowell
Series: N/A
Publisher: St. Martin's Press
Release Date: July 8, 2014

Georgie McCool knows her marriage is in trouble. That it’s been in trouble for a long time. She still loves her husband, Neal, and Neal still loves her, deeply — but that almost seems besides the point now.

Maybe that was always besides the point.

Two days before they’re supposed to visit Neal’s family in Omaha for Christmas, Georgie tells Neal that she can’t go. She’s a TV writer, and something’s come up on her show; she has to stay in Los Angeles. She knows that Neal will be upset with her — Neal is always a little upset with Georgie — but she doesn’t expect to him to pack up the kids and go home without her.

When her husband and the kids leave for the airport, Georgie wonders if she’s finally done it. If she’s ruined everything.

That night, Georgie discovers a way to communicate with Neal in the past. It’s not time travel, not exactly, but she feels like she’s been given an opportunity to fix her marriage before it starts . . .

Is that what she’s supposed to do?

Or would Georgie and Neal be better off if their marriage never happened?

Two words: Rainbow. Rowell. That's all I needed to add this book to my TBR list. I love her books and can't wait to read Landline.

What book release are you excited about?

Waiting On Wednesday: Magnolia by Kristi Cook

“Waiting On” Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Breaking the Spine to spotlight upcoming releases that we can't wait for.

Magnolia by Kristi Cook
Series: N/A
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Release Date: August 5, 2014

In Magnolia Branch, Mississippi, the Cafferty and Marsden families are southern royalty. Neighbors since the Civil War, the families have shared vacations, holidays, backyard barbecues, and the overwhelming desire to unite their two clans by marriage. So when a baby boy and girl were born to the families at the same time, the perfect opportunity seemed to have finally arrived.

Jemma Cafferty and Ryder Marsden have no intention of giving in to their parents’ wishes. They’re only seventeen, for goodness’ sake, not to mention that one little problem: They hate each other! Jemma can’t stand Ryder’s nauseating golden-boy persona, and Ryder would like nothing better than to pretend stubborn Jemma doesn’t exist.

But when a violent storm ravages Magnolia Branch, it unearths Jemma’s and Ryder’s true feelings for each other as the two discover that the line between love and hate may be thin enough to risk crossing over.

This book looks super cute. I'm not a huge fan of the cover, but that could still change since the release date is so far off.

What book release are you excited about?

Waiting On Wednesday: Armada by Ernest Cline

“Waiting On” Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Breaking the Spine to spotlight upcoming releases that we can't wait for.

Armada by Ernest Cline
Series: N/A
Publisher: Crown Publishing
Release Date: July 2014

Zack Lightman is daydreaming through another dull math class when the high-tech dropship lands in his school's courtyard-and when the men in the dark suits and sunglasses leap out of the ship and start calling his name, he's sure he's still dreaming.

But the dream is all too real; the people of Earth need him. As Zack soon discovers, the videogame he's been playing obsessively for years isn't just a game; it's part of a massive, top-secret government training program, designed to teach gamers the skills they'll need to defend Earth from a possible alien invasion. And now…that invasion is coming.

As he and his companions prepare to enter their ships and do battle, Zack learns that the father he thought was dead is actually a key player in this secret war. And together with his father, he'll uncover the truth about the alien threat, race to prevent a genocide, and discover a mysterious third player in the interplanetary chess game he's been thrown into.

Ready Player One was one of my favourite books I read in 2012 and I have been lurking on Goodreads since then to find out when Ernest Cline's next book is out. Hopefully Armada will be equally as good as his previous book.

What book release are you excited about?

Waiting On Wedneday: In The End by Demitria Lunetta

“Waiting On” Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Breaking the Spine to spotlight upcoming releases that we can't wait for.

In The End by Demitria Lunetta

Series: In The After #2

Publisher: Harper Teen

Release Date: June 24, 2014

The thrilling conclusion to In the After, the survival story of Amy and Baby, set in a near future where Earth has been overrun by vicious, predatory creatures.

It’s been three months since Amy escaped New Hope, and she’s been surviving on her own, like she did in the After. Until one day, her former fellow Guardian’s voice rings out in her earpiece. And in a desperate tone, Kay utters the four words Amy had hoped she would never hear: Dr. Reynolds has Baby.

Now it’s a race against time, for Baby is in imminent danger, her life threatened by the malevolent doctor who had helped start the end of the world. In order to save Baby, Amy must make her way to Fort Black, a prison-turned-survivor-colony, where she will need to find Ken, Kay’s brother. He alone holds the key to Baby’s survival.

One small slip-up on this quest could spark a downward spiral that would not only cost Baby and Amy their lives, but threaten the very survival of the people in the After.

What book release are you excited about?

Waiting on Wednesday: The Collection by Shannon Stoker

“Waiting On” Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Breaking the Spine to spotlight upcoming releases that we can't wait for.

The Collection by Shannon Stoker

Series: The Registry #2

Publisher: William Morrow & Company

Release Date: February 11, 2014

It's a brave new world in America-a world where young women are breeders, and the prettiest go to the highest bidders. In this sequel to The Registry, Mia Morrissey has escaped to a refuge far from American soil, but the threat of the Registry still looms

Mia's made it to Mexico with Carter and Andrew-but it's not the Promised Land they hoped it would be. Carter is grieving after his father's death, and Andrew is distant. When the young men are captured by rebel forces, they become reluctant recruits in the underground militia, rather than be deported to certain death.

Grant, the "husband" back home who bought Mia to be his lawfully wedded his wife, has been instructed to stand down by the Registry. But he nonetheless persists in his pursuit, and approaches Carter with a deal to swap his father, presumed dead, for Mia.

Before Carter can act on this proposal, Mia is able to orchestrate their escape from the militia. The three of them disappear into Guatemala, where they join a group of American refugees. There Mia finally meets her covert ally "S," the young woman who helped her escape the Registry and another runaway-Frank and Al's daughter, Steffy. When Mia confesses her role in Andrew's and Steffy's fathers capture, they're appalled. Driven by the need to redeem herself, Mia vows to go back-and destroy the Registry.

What book release are you excited about? 

Waiting on Wednesday: These Broken Stars by Amie Kaufman and Meagan Spooner

“Waiting On” Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Breaking the Spine to spotlight upcoming releases that we can't wait for.

These Broken Stars by Amie Kaufman and Meagan Spooner 

Series: Starbound #1

Publisher: Disney Hyperion

Release Date: December 10, 2013

It's a night like any other on board the Icarus. Then, catastrophe strikes: the massive luxury spaceliner is yanked out of hyperspace and plummets into the nearest planet. Lilac LaRoux and Tarver Merendsen survive. And they seem to be alone.

Lilac is the daughter of the richest man in the universe. Tarver comes from nothing, a young war hero who learned long ago that girls like Lilac are more trouble than they’re worth. But with only each other to rely on, Lilac and Tarver must work together, making a tortuous journey across the eerie, deserted terrain to seek help.

Then, against all odds, Lilac and Tarver find a strange blessing in the tragedy that has thrown them into each other’s arms. Without the hope of a future together in their own world, they begin to wonder—would they be better off staying here forever?

Everything changes when they uncover the truth behind the chilling whispers that haunt their every step. Lilac and Tarver may find a way off this planet. But they won’t be the same people who landed on it.

What book release are you excited about? 

Waiting on Wednesday: Tease by Amanda Maciel

“Waiting On” Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Breaking the Spine to spotlight upcoming releases that we can't wait for.

Tease by Amanda Maciel

Release Date: April 29, 2014

Emma Putnam is dead, and it's all Sara Wharton's fault.

At least, that's what everyone seems to think. Sara, along with her best friend and three other classmates, has been criminally charged for the bullying and harassment that led to Emma's shocking suicide. Now Sara is the one who's ostracized, already guilty according to her peers, the community, and the media.

During the summer before her senior year, in between meetings with lawyers and a court-recommended therapist, Sara is forced to reflect on the events that brought her to this moment—and ultimately consider her role in an undeniable tragedy. And she'll have to find a way to move forward, even when it feels like her own life is over.

In this powerful debut novel inspired by real-life events, Amanda Maciel weaves a narrative of high school life as complex and heartbreaking as it is familiar: a story of everyday jealousies and resentments, misunderstandings and desires. Tease is a thought-provoking must-read that will haunt readers long after the last page.

What book release are you excited about? 

Waiting On Wednesday: Into The Fire by Lindsey Fairleigh and Lindsey Pogue

“Waiting On” Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Breaking the Spine to spotlight upcoming releases that we can't wait for.

Into The Fire by Lindsey Fairleigh and Lindsey Pogue

Series: The Ending #2

Release Date: November 22, 2013

The Virus changed them, but that was only the beginning…
…death…mutation…insanity…corruption…terror…
…all that remains is hope.

In the wake of destruction left behind by the Virus, it took Dani and Zoe months to find each other. But their reunion was short-lived. Dani has been taken, and though little distance separates them, they might as well be worlds apart.

From the moment she hears Dani’s scream, Zoe’s only goal is to save her best friend. She and her companions scramble to come up with a rescue plan, but when a ghost from Jake’s past reappears, lines are blurred, decisions become harder, and secrets are revealed…and some secrets are best left buried. To keep heartache and fear from consuming her, Zoe must cling to her determination. She WILL see Dani again.

Dani awakens inside the final hold-out of civilization: the Colony. Remnants of the former world surround her—electricity, safety, social order—but all is not what it seems. As she faces her most manipulative adversary yet, she loses sight of who she is and who she can trust. Friends become enemies, enemies become allies, and allies will betray her. Dani will have to decide what she’s willing to do and whose lives she’s willing to risk if she is to have any chance of breaking free.

What book release are you excited about? 

Waiting on Wednesday: Sunrise by Mike Mullin

“Waiting On” Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Breaking the Spine to spotlight upcoming releases that we can't wait for.

Sunrise by Mike Mullin

Series: Ashfall #3

Publisher: Tanglewood Press

Release Date: April 15, 2013

The Yellowstone supervolcano nearly wiped out the human race. Now, almost a year after the eruption, the survivors seem determined to finish the job. Communities wage war on each other, gangs of cannibals roam the countryside, and what little government survived the eruption has collapsed completely. The ham radio has gone silent. Sickness, cold, and starvation are the survivors' constant companions.

When it becomes apparent that their home is no longer safe and adults are not facing the stark realities, Alex and Darla must create a community that can survive the ongoing disaster, an almost impossible task requiring even more guts and more smarts than ever — and unthinkable sacrifice. If they fail . . . they, their loved ones, and the few remaining survivors will perish.

This epic finale has the heart of Ashfall, the action of Ashen Winter, and a depth all its own, examining questions of responsibility and bravery, civilization and society, illuminated by the story of an unshakable love that transcends a post-apocalyptic world and even life itself.

Ashfall is one of my favourite books of all time. It feels like I have been waiting for this final book  forever, even though it's really been since January since I finished Ashen Winter. I noticed Sunrise finally had a cover the other day and when I saw it I squealed I was so excited! This is one series I will actually finish and on time too!

What book release are you excited about? 

Waiting On Wednesday: Taste of Darkness by Maria V. Snyder

“Waiting On” Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Breaking the Spine to spotlight upcoming releases that we can't wait for.

She's fought death and won. But how can she fight her fears?

Avry knows hardship and trouble. She fought the plague and survived. She took on King Tohon and defeated him. But now her heart-mate, Kerrick, is missing, and Avry fears he's gone forever.

But there's a more immediate threat. The Skeleton King plots to claim the Fifteen Realms for his own. With armies in disarray and the dead not staying down, Avry's healing powers are needed now more than ever.Torn between love and loyalty, Avry must choose her path carefully. For the future of her world depends on her decision.

What book are you excited about? 

Waiting On Wednesday - Crash into You by Katie McGarry

“Waiting On” Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Breaking the Spine to spotlight upcoming releases that we can't wait for.

From acclaimed author Katie McGarry comes an explosive new tale of a good girl with a reckless streak, a street-smart guy with nothing to lose, and a romance forged in the fast lane.

The girl with straight As, designer clothes and the perfect life-that's who people expect Rachel Young to be. So the private-school junior keeps secrets from her wealthy parents and overbearing brothers...and she's just added two more to the list. One involves racing strangers down dark country roads in her Mustang GT. The other? Seventeen-year-old Isaiah Walker-a guy she has no business even talking to. But when the foster kid with the tattoos and intense gray eyes comes to her rescue, she can't get him out of her mind.

Isaiah has secrets, too. About where he lives, and how he really feels about Rachel. The last thing he needs is to get tangled up with a rich girl who wants to slum it on the south side for kicks-no matter how angelic she might look.

But when their shared love of street racing puts both their lives in jeopardy, they have six weeks to come up with a way out. Six weeks to discover just how far they'll go to save each other.

What book are you excited about? 

Waiting On Wednesday - Horde by Ann Aguirre

“Waiting On” Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Breaking the Spine to spotlight upcoming releases that we can't wait for.

The epic conclusion to Ann Aguirre's USA Today bestselling trilogy.

The horde is coming.

Salvation is surrounded, monsters at the gates, and this time, they're not going away. When Deuce, Fade, Stalker and Tegan set out, the odds are against them. But the odds have been stacked against Deuce from the moment she was born. She might not be a Huntress anymore, but she doesn't run. With her knives in hand and her companions at her side, she will not falter, whether fighting for her life or Fade's love.

Ahead, the battle of a lifetime awaits. Freaks are everywhere, attacking settlements, setting up scouts, perimeters, and patrols. There hasn't been a war like this in centuries, and humans have forgotten how to stand and fight. Unless Deuce can lead them.

This time, however, more than the fate of a single enclave or outpost hangs in the balance. This time, Deuce carries the banner for the survival of all humanity.

I loved the first two books so much and can't wait to see how Ann Aguirre will end this series.

What book are you excited about?