Crossroads by Mary Ting Review and Giveaway!

Book Title - Crossroads

Written by - Mary Ting

Release date - April 6, 2011

Published by -  Xilbris Corporation

Synopsis from Goodreads -  On the same night of her friend’s tragic death, Claudia Emerson encounters another world, Crossroads, through her dream. There, she learns about a mix breed of angels and humans, who possess supernatural powers. Among those with these powers, lies evil, known as the fallen. Mystified by her ability to enter this place called Crossroads, certain that the fallen will be after her, she is assigned a guardian angel named Michael. Aden, the fallen leader, is convinced that Claudia holds the key to help destroy Crossroads. Her dream becomes a nightmare as more secrets are revealed, about who she really is, and the true identities of the people she loves most.

My Review -  While dreaming Claudia Emerson unknowingly steps into another world and meets a race of half humans and angels known as Alkins. The Alkins tell Claudia that because she has crossed into the crossroads she is now in danger from an evil group known as the Fallen. Due to the danger Claudia is in, the Alkin agree to protect her. One of her protectors is Michael, an Alkin that Claudia feels attracted to and although she didn’t get the greatest first impression from him, can’t help but be intrigued by him and wonder why he had such a strong reaction to her and seems to dislike her for no reason.

I love this book! Mary writes beautifully yet simply, creating a story full of forbidden love, lots of action, twists and turns, self discovery and loss and longing. Even with all the twists and turns the story is easy to follow and moved at a perfect pace.  I could not put down the book and once things got started I sped through it, but at the same time never wanted it to end.

Claudia is a protagonist that is very likable and Michael her love interest seriously gives Edward Cullen a run for his money. I told Mary Ting that girls everywhere will be adding Michael to their fictional boyfriend list for sure! He’s sweet, romantic, sexy, and loves Claudia more than anything and will protect her at any cost.  Seriously girls... you will want Michael to wrap YOU in those wings of his!

The relationship between Claudia and her Gamma is one that touched my heart and even put me in tears a couple times. It is obvious that Mary herself had a very special relationship with her Grandmother since her novel was written in honor of her. The other supporting characters are all endearing and I loved the antics between all of them. I can’t wait for more of them in book two and to also find out more about Austin whom I suspect may take on a bigger role. I can’t wait! I need more now!  Hurry up and write faster Mary!!!!  I would recommend this book to anyone!  Check it out, you will love it!

Review by:  Jen

Mary Ting is super awesome and the sweetest!  She not only answered questions for us in an interview but we have an awesome give away for you guys!  First of all check out our interview with Mary below!

LBO - What do you think is your greatest strength as a writer?

MT - I hope that my greatest strength would be that the readers can feel what the characters are feeling. Their pain, happiness, excitement, and pleasure J. That they could feel like they are actually present at the scene.

LBO - What is something you hope your readers take away from Crossroads?

MT- There may be many readers who have lost loved ones. There are no words that can ever comfort them. But knowing that our loved ones are somewhere, whether we want to call this place heaven or not, and that they are happy and at peace, can give us great comfort. Also, I’m going to sound like a parent, but… don’t forget to call and visit your parents and grandparents. Sometimes we get so busy with our lives that we tend to forget to call or visit. You may one day wish you had done it more often.

LBO - What is your motivation behind Michael? Do you have an awesome husband? Because he is AMAZING :)

MT - Hehe!!! Michael!!! His character was inspired by my husband. When we first met, our eyes were locked and it felt like we were frozen in time, just like Claudia and Michael in chapter 3. Strangely, I knew right away that we would get married one day and here we are. My husband is the most romantic guy I’ve er met. He even wrote me a wonderful poem for our wedding program. So, Michael’s character is inspired by my husband, protector, romantic, and a genuine kind-hearted person.

LBO - What can you tell us about the next book?

MT - I get excited when I get asked that question. Austin plays a bigger role. You’ll get to meet many characters, such as, more angels and more of the Twelve on earth. I love to read books about romance and action, so that is what the book will be about.

LBO - How did you get the idea for Crossroads? What inspired your story?

MT - My grandmother and I had a special bond and when she passed away, I was extremely heartbroken. So that’s when I decided to write Crossroads. Gamma’s character is inspired by my grandmother. It was a way for me to heal. Also, I read an article about Stephanie Meyer and how she started her book from a dream. So, I guess I can say that I was inspired by her too. I first started writing from my dream and I thought maybe I’ll write a few chapters. Maybe I won’t have anything to say after that, but I was wrong. I had so much fun that I couldn’t stop. I wanted to write a book that I wanted to read. A book that has romance, action, twist and turns, humor, and something for the readers to think about. Claudia’s mom reminds her, Be good to those who are alive, what good is it when they are dead. This statement is so true. You won’t get a second chance! Maybe it’s my regret that I should have spent more time with people who passed away.

LBO - What is something people would be surprised to know about you?

MT - My friends call me the multi-talented person. I can oil paint, teach a dance routine, make jewelry, and now I can add writing a novel to my list.

LBO - What is something you cannot live without? An article of clothing? A certain kind of food?

MT - I cannot live without my computer!!!

LBO - Do you have any writing must haves? Candles? Music? Snacks?

MT - When I write, I need peace and quiet. I tried to find that emotion inside me and just pour it on the paper. Music also inspires me. Many times when I was driving listening to KISS FM, certain songs will just grab my emotions that I get all pumped up to write. I also like to munch on yogurt covered almonds, sweet tarts, and chocolates.

LBO - What inspires you?

MT - The readers inspire me. I want to write a story that touches their emotions. I get so excited when readers tell me how much they like my story. They inspire me to make book two even better.

LBO - Describe Crossroads in 3 words?

MT - Heartwarming, romance, and action

LBO - What is something you want to make sure people know about your book?

MT - Crossroads is based on my dreams. Chapter one and two are very unique because it happened to me. For example, in chapter two there is a character that has the same name as Claudia Emerson. A reader might think, why would she do that? The answer is because it’s true. I had a friend who had the same first and last name as me. I started writing this story from chapter one, which was so easy to do because it was my personal experience, except that there were no names involved and Michael was never in my dream….too bad…lol!!!

And now we bring you the awesome give away! Not only are we giving away a signed copy of the awesome Crossroads, we also have a tote bag and a beautiful swarovski crystal necklace in the shape of a heart that looks exactly like the wings on the cover of the book! I have this necklace and get compliments on it all the time. It catches the light beautifully and you will LOVE it as much as the book!

The contest will run from today until July 23rd. One of the extra entries on the form is to like the Crossroads facebook page and tell Mary Late Bloomer Online sent you! Click HERE to be taken to the Crossroads facebook page. The link is also located on the entry form. Good luck to everyone!!!