Cover Designer by Kate Strawbridge of Dwell Design & Press
Hosted by Mrs Potter's Book Publicity Services
Hosted by Mrs Potter's Book Publicity Services
Caitlyn Davis always cruised through life, not being the type to ruffle feathers or involve herself in high school drama…until a chance encounter with a strange, homeless man changes everything.
Suddenly, Caitlyn has the ability to see behind people’s masks. She discovers that her life isn’t as simple as she imagined and her high school is filled with secrets…some very sinister ones.
Unable to ignore her new gift, Caitlyn embarks on a mission to learn why one of her friends now appears terrified, but masks her fear behind a bright, smiling veneer. Will Caitlyn’s new ability lead her into hot water? Or is her new found vision a blessing that will expose her friends’ true colors?
Her quest will lead Caitlyn to lose friends, stand up for those in need, and even find love.
At Palisades High School every face tells a story…
Keeping Up Appearances
When I was a kid, my Mom used to love this
British show called Keeping Up Appearances. It was about a lady who liked to
think she was much posher than she really was. Her name was Mrs. Bucket, but
whenever she used to answer the phone, she'd regally say, "The Bouquet
residence, lady of the house speaking." I used to love it. She was so
funny.
If we're 100% honest with ourselves, we all
put on a show when we need to. There are certain circumstances in our lives
where keeping up appearances is in the forefront of our mind. I try really hard
to be who I am no matter where I am, but sometimes I just can't do it. I
exaggerate stories to make them sound better or dumb down the truth a little
when I don't want to 'fess up. I bet we can all think of situations in our
lives where we hide a certain amount of truth.
So, imagine being friends with someone you
couldn't hide that truth from? Talk about pressure! Caitlyn Davis has the
ability to see behind people's masks. She knows what everyone is really
feeling. No matter what they're trying to hide, she can spot it. That's a hell
of a deal for an 18 year old and this is why Cailtyn initially wants to run
away and hide. Who would ever want to be friends with someone who could see it
all? And who really wants to know the 100% truth about what everyone is
feeling?
Throughout this story, Caitlyn's biggest
challenge is facing up to the fact she has a new power and has to use it for
good. I loved wathcing her struggle and grow through this change and I hope you
do to.
This excerpt is from the scene where
Caitlyn first confronts the homeless man whose handshake
changed her life.
“Hello,
sir?”
I
gingerly stepped past the green dumpster and poked my head around the corner.
And there he was. Those pale eyes took me in and then a smile of recognition
eased across his face. “You’re welcome,” he said.
“I’m
welcome?” I couldn’t help my sharp tone.
He nodded
and grinned, struggling up from his spot. He looked weak and tired, but once he
was standing something about his demeanour changed. He was no longer a
desperate lowly man, but now stood with a confidence that was almost charming.
In spite of the grey pallor of his skin, his face was the picture of serenity,
his eyes dancing with a smile.
“You were
kind to me. I wanted to repay you.”
“By
ruining my life?”
His
forehead crinkled. “Ruining your...no. I gave you a gift.”
I
scoffed. “No, no you didn’t. You cursed me.” My finger was shaking as I pointed
at him.
“No.” He
went to reach for my hand, but I yanked it away. “Sweet child, the ability to
see behind people’s masks is a gift. It will protect you.”
“Protect
me! I’ve never felt more vulnerable.” I hadn’t actually known that, but now
that I’d said it, I realized just how vulnerable I did feel. I blinked away
tears. “All you’ve done is exposed me to everyone’s true feelings...and you
know what, I don’t like them very much!”
“I
understand.” Regret flooded his expression. A big tidal wave of it crested over
his face as if he knew exactly what I meant. Squinting his eyes he looked to
the ground and took a deep breath.
His
expression turned from sad to pensive as he gazed back at me.
“What?” I
barked.
“Rather
than throwing anger at me, maybe you should ask yourself why these people’s
feelings bother you.”
“They’re
bothering me because my boyfriend, who I just dumped thank you very much,
obviously only wanted me for sex and my best friend doesn’t even care. In fact
my pain seemed to bring her joy.”
“Well,
don’t you think it’s better to know this than live with a lie?”
“I—"
Throwing my hands in the air, I stepped away from him. “I don’t know. Lies make
life easier sometimes.”
“Ah.” The
man nodded. “So, you’d rather play the ignorant fool.”
The True
Colors Masquerade Ball is happening on February 16th to celebrate the
release of True Colors. All party-goers will be entitled to purchase a
copy of True Colors for only 99c. There will also be competitions,
giveaways and guest appearances from other authors who will be unveiling
their own secrets. So come and join in the fun and help us welcome True
Colors into the world with style.
Melissa Pearl was born in Auckland, New Zealand, but has spent much of her life abroad, living in countries such as Jordan, Cyprus and Pakistan... not to mention a nine month road trip around North America with her husband. "Best. Year. Ever!!" She now lives in China with her husband and two sons. She is a trained elementary teacher, but writing is her passion. Since becoming a full time mother she has had the opportunity to pursue this dream and her debut novel hit the internet in November 2011. Since then she has continued to produce a steady stream of books. Recently she signed with Evatopia Press and her first Evatopia book is coming out in February 2014 - True Colors, The Masks Series #1. She is very excited to be trying out new things this year while continuing to publish under her own name as well. She has six books planned for 2014 and is excited about writing each and every one of them."I am passionate about writing. It stirs a fire in my soul that I never knew I had. I want to be the best writer I can possibly be and transport my readers into another world where they can laugh, cry and fall in love."
http://www.melissapearlauthor.com
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Blogs
http://melissapearl.blogspot.com/ and http://yalicious.blogspot.com/
Other Titles by Melissa Pearl
The Time Spirit Trilogy
Golden Blood - Black Blood - Pure Blood
The Betwixt Series
Betwixt - Before - Beyond
The Mica & Lexy Series
Forbidden Territory
Forbidden Waters (due for release: 2014)
The Masks Series
Book 2 (due for release: 2014)
Book 3 (due for release: 2014)
Book 4 (due for release: 2015)
I Know Lucy Series
I Know Lucy (due for release: 2014)
Set Me Free (due for release: 2014)
The Song Bird Series
Fever (due for release: June 2014)
Thank you so much for featuring True Colors on your blog today!!! :D
ReplyDeleteYou're so very welcome :)
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