Sunday, July 03, 2011

Destiny By Laura DeLuca - Review & Giveaway (Autographed Copy) & Incense




Book Description:
In the young adult novel, “Destiny”, Gabriella is just trying to be an ordinary teenager. She wants to have fun with her friends, plan for college, and find a date to the Valentine’s Dance, all while helping her friend Monte cope with his mother’s cancer and come to terms with his sexuality. But there is another side to Gabriella. Years ago when her mother was murdered, she buried a secret so deep that she doesn’t even remember it anymore. Gabriella is a witch, and she will have to learn to let that power break free if she is going to save herself from the warlock who was responsible for her mother’s death. He craves the power in her bloodline and hopes to recruit her to his coven and turn her to the dark side of magick.

The spirit of Gabriella’s mother tries to warn her that she is in danger, but Gabriella is too afraid of magick to let her in. Desperate to help her daughter, she finds another witch—one that just happens to be in love with Gabriella. Darron takes on the seemingly hopeless task of convincing Gabriella that magick exists, while also trying to defend himself from the stronger and more experienced warlock who is not happy with his interference.

Gabriella and Darron can’t deny the attraction that is growing between them, but the two young witches have more standing in their way than just an evil warlock. There are also overbearing jocks and snobby rich girls to contend with. Hurt feelings and jealousies constantly seem to tear them apart whenever they make any progress.

Things all come to a head at the Valentine’s Dance when a dangerous situation finally forces Gabriella to accept her powers. People will die and secrets will be revealed. Gabriella and Darron realize they have been pawns in a game that began long before they were born. Now they will have to destroy the warlock, save their friend’s dying mother, and learn the true power behind Wiccan magick if they will have any hope of fulfilling their destiny.


What I Can Tell You:
This is the first time I have ever been asked to review a book by one of my readers. While writing to her to tell her I had forwarded her mailing address to a sponsor for a giveaway win, she asked if I would review her book. Shocking, I had been corresponding with Laura through mostly win emails and never knew one of my very own readers was an author.

I was excited and said yes but worried that I would have to write my very honest reviews. My readers know that I will always be honest. Like or dislike, I will let you know. I need not have worried though! The book cover makes you want to open it. Friends who came over saw the book on the table (sometimes amid a lot of other books) and always picked it up talking about the cover. Honestly, the cover is pretty spectacular but it is what is inside that will make you keep reading.

There are always a ton of books to get through and they all must be read them from cover to cover in order to write an honest review.

Destiny was started a month ago and I couldn't wait to dive in. It took a month because in the middle of life, I had to stop and read three other books even though Laura's is the one I wanted to read. It called to me. It is truly a book which can be read in 1 sitting, but I hardly ever have moments like that. The past 3 months, have been especially busy with my new life, jobs, kids finishing up school, etc.

So with all that said, let's dive in shall we.

The story:


The story is about Gabriella. It is a story of love, friendship, religion, triumph, believing, and good versus evil. Always remember kids, good always wins over evil.

Gabriella is in high school, she wants to be like everyone else but she isn't. She is very different. Her mother was murdered when she was a little girl and she lives with her alcoholic father. Gabby, as everyone calls her is special, but doesn't realize the full extent of her abilities.

Gabby's mother was murdered when she was just a little girl. Gabby knows that she is special, but is in denial and doesn’t want to realize who she really is.

Darron is a friend of her from school that she is set up with for a class project. He is a witch with his own set of powers. When he is visited by Gabby's spirit mother, she tells him that she and her friends were murdered by an evil warlock named Richard and that he is coming after Gabby because of her powers. She tells him to force Gabriella to know what she is, because she needs to be ready to fight him.

Richard will do whatever he can to get Gabby and Darron to join his coven and he is not against killing innocent people Darron and Gabby love.

Gabby and her friends, team up with Darron to overpower Richard and hopefully save everyone too. The ending is intense and leaves me to believe there may be a sequel. One can only hope.

Laura is a wonderful author who created a story that will be enjoyed by book lovers of all ages. She keeps the action moving, creates characters that are likable and the story enjoyable. As we approach the ending, it is like coming to the end of a roller coaster ride. All ups and downs, fast turns, and then peace and quiet, with the wind in your hair as your body comes down from the thrill.

Highly recommend. Great Summer read for ages 14+

To Purchase:


For more information about the book and Laura, head over to her blog.

The Giveaway: One lucky winner will receive a signed copy of Destiny and incense.

Sponsor: Author, Laura Deluca

To Win:
Mandatory Entry. If this is not followed, none of your extra entries will count. Follow Laura on Facebook and leave a message on her wall (leaving the link here) by Midnight, July 17, 2011

For Extra Entries:

*Blog about this giveaway and leave me the link for (5 extra entries) (each entry must be separate).
*Follow Laura on her blog
*Subscribe to Laura's blog
*Subscribe to my newsletter/email (3 entries) (each entry must be separate)

*Follow me on Network Blogs
*Follow my blog (2 entries) (each entry must be separate)
*Follow me on Twitter and Tweet (leave your link)
*Comment on a non-giveaway post and tell me which one.
*Become a fan of Maria's Space on Facebook (Not my personal Facebook) and post a message that you entered with a link to the giveaway on your Facebook page and leave a link to the message in the entry form (3 Entries).
*Add me to your blog roll and leave the link
*Add my main button to your side bar
button

*Open Worldwide.

Disclosure: I am hosting this giveaway for Laura Deluca who provided the
review and giveaway copies.
I received no monetary compensation.


103 comments:

  1. I know exactly what you mean when you say you had to read three books, but DESTINY was what you wanted to read; I've been there and it is a terrible feeling. I can hardly wait to read DESTINY; I've been waiting for it to come out on Kindle, so that I can read/listen during my commute. But I might break down...

    Thanks for the great review and for adding to I-really-want-to-read-DESTINY-anxiety!

    ReplyDelete
  2. I follow Lauras blog and left a message

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    Michele Caldwell Lawrence
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  23. Anonymous12:30 AM

    following Laura on facebook (Cindy Brooks) and posted a message on her wall
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  24. Anonymous12:36 AM

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  25. Anonymous12:37 AM

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  26. http://www.facebook.com/pages/Author-Laura-DeLuca/154535661259331
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  32. Subscribe by email
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  33. Follow on Networked Blogs (Cathy Wallace)
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  34. Follow on Networked Blogs (Cathy Wallace)
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  36. Like you on Facebook (Cathy Wallace)
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  37. Like you on Facebook (Cathy Wallace)
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  38. Like you on Facebook (Cathy Wallace)
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  39. I like Author Laura DeLuca on facebook (Louis Here)

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  40. 2
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  41. following you on twitter @left_the_stars
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  43. Subscribe to lauras blog

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  51. Fan on fb
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    Commented Larissa Brunken


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  52. 2. Fan on fb
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    Commented Larissa Brunken


    Lmbrunken (AT) gmail (DOT) com

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  53. 3. Fan on fb
    http://www.facebook.com/pages/Marias-Space/62309957128?ref=ts

    Commented Larissa Brunken


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  54. Follow on twitter and tweeted
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  60. I subscribe via email #3
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  62. I follow with Google Friend Connect #2
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  63. I follow via Networked Blogs (Darcie Kayes)#1
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  64. I follow via Networked Blogs (Darcie Kayes) #2
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  65. http://twitter.com/#!/dmkayes1/status/90420730893832192
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  66. I follow Laura on FB: cyndi stallings and left a message on her wall!
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  67. I follow Laura's blog-New Age Mama by GFC: celebrie2
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  68. I subscribe to Laura'snvlog by email: celebrie2(at)ymail(dot)com 

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  69. I follow you via Networked blogs: cyndi stallings
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  70. I follow via Networked Blogs: cyndi stallings
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  71. follow via GFC: celebrie2
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  72. follow via GFC: celebrie2
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  73. Fan on FB: cyndi stallings and I posted a message that I emtered:
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    celebrie2(at)ymail(dot)com 

    ReplyDelete
  74. I left her a comment
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  75. I follow Lauras author blog
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  76. I follow you
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  77. Farrah Shumway9:17 PM

    I follow Laura on FB & posted a comment with a link to this giveaway

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    ReplyDelete
  78. Farrah Shumway9:25 PM

    Follow Lauras Blog
    Farrah Shumway

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  79. Farrah Shumway9:27 PM

    Email Subscriber to Laura's

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    ReplyDelete
  80. Farrah Shumway9:29 PM

    Email Subscriber #1

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    ReplyDelete
  81. Farrah Shumway9:30 PM

    Email Subscriber #2

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  82. Farrah Shumway9:31 PM

    Email Subscriber #3

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    ReplyDelete
  83. Farrah Shumway9:33 PM

    GFC Follower #1

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    ReplyDelete
  84. Farrah Shumway9:34 PM

    GFC Follower #2

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  85. Farrah Shumway9:53 PM

    I follow you on Twitter
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    & I tweeted this

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    ReplyDelete
  86. Farrah Shumway10:48 PM

    I am a Fan of Maria's Place FB
    I left post with link on my FB page #1

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    ReplyDelete
  87. Farrah Shumway10:51 PM

    I am a Fan of Maria's Space FB #2
    I left post with link on my FB page

    https://www.facebook.com/fshumway/posts/243651848986342

    farrah_jo@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  88. Farrah Shumway10:52 PM

    I am a Fan of Maria's space FB #3
    I left post with link on my FB page

    https://www.facebook.com/fshumway/posts/243651848986342

    farrah_jo@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  89. I follow Laura on Facebook and left a comment on her wall at https://www.facebook.com/likwan/posts/210404279005802.

    ReplyDelete
  90. I follow Laura on her blog.

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  91. I subscribed to Laura's blog.

    ReplyDelete
  92. I subscribed to your newsletter. #1

    ReplyDelete
  93. I subscribed to your newsletter. #2

    ReplyDelete
  94. I subscribed to your newsletter. #3

    ReplyDelete
  95. I follow you on Networked Blogs under the name Lily Kwan.

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  96. I follow you on Networked Blogs under the name Lily Kwan. #2

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  97. I follow your blog. #1

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  98. I follow you on Twitter and tweeted about this giveaway at http://twitter.com/likwan/status/92579465007349760.

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  99. I follow your Facebook fan page and posted a message that I entered with a link to the giveaway on my Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/likwan/posts/191055604286120. #1

    ReplyDelete
  100. I follow your Facebook fan page and posted a message that I entered with a link to the giveaway on my Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/likwan/posts/191055604286120. #2

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  101. I follow your Facebook fan page and posted a message that I entered with a link to the giveaway on my Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/likwan/posts/191055604286120. #3

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  102. Farrah Shumway9:54 PM

    I tweeted this

    http://twitter.com/#!/farrah_jo/status/92773284373995520

    farrah_jo@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete

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