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Holly Schindler's novels:
release date: March 8th.Star basketball player Chelsea “Nitro” Keyes had the promise of a full ride to college—and everyone’s admiration in her hometown. But everything changed senior year, when she took a horrible fall during a game. Now a metal plate holds her together and she feels like a stranger in her own family.
As a graduation present, Chelsea ’s dad springs for a three-week summer “boot camp” program at a northern Minnesota lake resort. There, she’s immediately drawn to her trainer, Clint, a nineteen-year-old ex-hockey player who’s haunted by his own traumatic past. As they grow close, Chelsea is torn between her feelings for Clint and her loyalty to her devoted boyfriend back home. Will an unexpected romance just end up causing Chelsea and Clint more pain—or finally heal their heartbreak?
, in stores now.Fifteen-year-old Aura Ambrose has been hiding a secret. Her mother, a talented artist and art teacher, is slowly being consumed by schizophrenia, and Aura has been her sole caretaker ever since Aura’s dad left them. Convinced that “creative” equals crazy, Aura shuns her own artistic talent. But as her mother sinks deeper into the darkness of mental illness, the hunger for a creative outlet draws Aura toward the depths of her imagination. Just as desperation threatens to swallow her whole, Aura discovers that art, love, and family are profoundly linked—and together may offer an escape from her fears.---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Virtual Tour of the landmarks you'll see in Holly's novels:
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Interview:
FAVORITE THINGS ABOUT SPRINGFIELD
Having lived in Springfield , Missouri my entire life, I’ve racked up a lifetime worth of favorites…
Do you think our cashew chicken is nationwide fame worthy?
Do I. In fact, I specifically requested Lucy’s Cashew Chicken for my last birthday dinner.
Where was your favorite place to hang out as a teenager?
The mall. Back when the mall had movie theaters—and record stores—and an arcade! If I could find an 80’s-vintage mall, I STILL think it’d be a good time…
Have you ever visited Wilson ’s Creek National Battlefield?
Oh, yes. Field trips in school, Civil War reenactments…I’d have to say I personally prefer it to, say, The Nature Center.
Do you support any local sports teams?
I’m funny about sports—I get involved in individual players, rather than teams. Got to be a Greinke fan when he played for the Royals…Now that he’s been traded, it looks like I’m going to be following the Brewers.
Are the Fantastic Cavers really that “fantastic”?
In the picture taken of me at Fantastic Caverns, I have my new Cabbage Patch doll with me (oh, how that dates me)…It’s been a long time, but I do remember thinking it was cool.
What towns in the area are you particularly fond of?
I have family ties to the Fair Grove area…there’s a town near Fair Grove—tiny little thing—called Bassville. My great grandmother’s first husband was a Bass. I swear, if it happened in the Ozarks, I’m tied to it somehow…
Favorite thing to do in Branson?
Honestly, I haven’t had a vacation since the summer of 1999. And the only complete day off I’ve taken since ’01 was May 1, 2010—A BLUE SO DARK’s release date. I’m dying to take a weekend—rent a cabin on the lake. I’m hoping to get there this summer. Fingers crossed.
Any particular restaurants in the area that you would recommend?
Mexican Villa. Two beef enchiladas and a Coke. I think I could write a sonnet about Mexican Villa beef enchiladas, actually.
If someone were to come to Springfield , MO for one day only, what specific Springfield attraction would you recommend?
Our skies. It’s a simple answer, but I swear, we have the most beautiful skies in the Ozarks…
What’s your favorite thing about Springfield , Missouri ?
In short? It’s home. You know that feeling you get when you’ve been away from your house for a while? That it’s-so-good-to-be-back feeling? How fantastic it feels to sleep in your own bed after you’ve been gone? That’s Springfield for me.
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Find Holly on the web:
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Reminder:
Holly has a contest going for a signed copy of Playing Hurt! The person who racks up the most comments on tour stops, and links to the tour stops, wins! CLICK HERE to go to the form to record your entries!
I want to thank Holly for stopping by! Can't wait to have Playing Hurt in my hands!
Oh man...I haven't been to Lucy's in a long time!!
ReplyDeleteYou'd think after having cashew chicken at least once a month for about 20 years you'd get tired of it... But no... you don't!!
Loved the interview!!
this makes me sad...cuz its soo true. i love springfield, itll always be home to me. i dont care what anyone says...the cashew chicken is the best in ole spfd.
ReplyDeleteAh, my fellow Lucy's lovers...When I stop by for take-out, my pup tends to get a little nervous, because it's so close to his vet (I swear he knows where he is). Thanks for having me, Amanda! (I'm spreading word: Playing Hurt has made it from the printer's to the Flux warehouse! Woo-hoo!)
ReplyDeleteMy grandma's dogs used to love cashew chicken night, because they got the wontons. As soon as they saw the brown bag, they went nuts! Thank you for stopping by, and I'm crossing my fingers for a local signing in the near future! :)
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