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PUDDLE JUMPING BY AMBER L. JOHNSON

Puddle JumpingPuddle Jumping by Amber L. Johnson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

When I read Amber's book, I wish I was better at writing reviews. Her work deserves to be praised beyond anything I am capable of. I like the reviews with pictures and gifs.

*insert crying gif here*

The first time I read Puddle Jumping was probably about four years ago in it's original form. I stayed up all night and reviewed every chapter. The book hangover I had the next morning was the kind that I'd gladly have everyday if it meant I was able to read a book for the first time over and over, you know.

Luckily for me, Amber decided to rework the story for publication, so even though it is technically the same plot, when Amber asked if I wanted to read the story while she was in edits, I got to read the story again for what felt like the first time once more.

Then she sent me an ARC!

THREE TIMES I GOT TO READ THIS STORY FOR THE FIRST TIME!

And all three times I fell in love again.

I'm a huge fan of Amber L. Johnson in general. She can do no, write no wrong in my eyes, but Puddle Jumping has always been my very favorite story from her. The tenderness of the characters and the grace the author uses handling the plot is admiring.

People are born different, and people love different. Amber gets that, and she was able to write it in a away to make her readers understand. She does not want you to feel sorry for Colton, she wants you to see him!

Whenever I'm asked for recommendation, I recommend Amber L. Johnson's Beatless, but I am THRILLED about the release of Puddle Jumping. And I cannot wait for everyone to fall in love like I have.

*Insert standing ovation gif here*

View all my reviews

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OFFICIAL INNOCENTS MERCHANDISE ON ZAZZLE

The official DustyBliss store is officially open on Zazzle!
   
      
          

We offer men and women apparel, tote bags, coffee mugs, and more!
Just click the icon below!


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INNOCENTS TANK TEESPRING CAMPAIGN



For a limited time--fourteen days to be exact--we are offering Dusty Innocents tank tops through Teespring for only $22.00!
After the fourteen days, this tank won't be available again! So get it while you can. 
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BLUE OWLARY INTERVIEW WITH MARY ELIZABETH



What does Dusty mean to you?


I don’t think this can be easily answered—it’s complicated. So much went into the story writing and character development of the boy who drops us all to our knees.

To me, Dusty the character represents the struggle of growing up imperfect. I mean, here is this kid who literally has the world in the palm of his hand—money, good looks, no restrictions, love—and instead of taking it and running, he lives fast. Dusty tries to do right by the people he cares for because he has a deep soul, but trouble is exactly that … trouble. Bliss is the softer side of his madness, but not any less tricky in her own right.

In my opinion, Innocents (Dusty #1) is simple realism. It may not be easy to read because of its contents—it was certainly not easy to write—but this happens! Kids are impulsive and easily swayed, and parents mostly want well for their children, but neither know everything, and both live and learn. Although this story is told from Dusty and Bliss’ points of view, it was important to make each character significant because each has a story to tell.

It’s not right vs. wrong, or good vs. evil.

It’s life.

For the rest of the interview, visit Blue Owlary here! It was a pleasure working with this site. 
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EGOS AND OTHER PRECONCEIVED ABSURDITIES GUEST POST HOSTED BY LYSSA BRYAN



My very first guest blog post is up! 
Do you want to know what I think about egos? Visit Lyssa Bryan's blog here! 
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PUDDLE JUMPING BY AMBER L. JOHNSON




When it comes to love there’s no such thing as conventional.

Everyone thinks Colton Neely is special.

Lilly Evans just thinks he’s fascinating.

Once friends when they were younger, their bond is cut short due to her accident prone nature and they go their separate ways. Years later they meet again and Lilly learns that there is something special about the boy she once knew, but she has no idea what it all means. And she’s not sure if she’s ready to find out.

When he walks through the corridor of her school the first day of her senior year she knows that it’s time to get to know the real Colton Neely. The more she learns, the deeper she falls.

Their friendship grows into love, even as Colton cannot express it in words. But one decision threatens to break down the world that Lilly has tried so hard to create and she must figure out if the relationship can last without her being by his side.
Release Date: 7/1/14
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GUEST POSTS



With the release of Innocents (Dusty #1) on 7/14/14, I'm looking to do some guest posts. If you're interested in featuring me on your blog, message me! 
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LINDSEY GRAY INTERVIEW WITH MARY ELIZABETH


I was interviewed by the amazing Lindsay Gray. 

I had the distinct privilege to connect with this author through several of my author friends. She is a strong and passionate writer who makes up half of the writing duo known as The Elizabeths. I was so happy that she took the time to answer my questions.

Lindsey: Your upcoming novel, Innocents, is written with your writing partner, Sarah Elizabeth. What was your biggest challenge writing with another person?

Mary: Compromise.


I would never have guessed this, but actually writing Dusty was the easy part; it’s the rest I struggled with.

There’s a lot that goes into designing, marketing, and publishing a book. Every day it seems like there is one more thing that I didn’t know needed to be done … such as ISBN numbers. No joke, those silly little numbers gave me stress hives on my legs, but ISBN numbers are important and can’t be overlooked.

The blurb is something that kept me up at night. And my author bio.  Those things are trivial, but they mean everything in the end. Any writer working by themselves can probably confirm that. Now, include a second person into the equation who has equal say on everything, and imagine the stress. More so because we had to create an actual business and get ourselves licensed and write up a contract.

Of course, the sleepless nights are worth it. Dusty is worth it. But it’s hard.

For the rest of the interview, visit Lindsey Gray! 


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