AMY BEARCE, AUTHOR
  • Home
  • About Amy
  • Books
    • Fairy Keeper
    • Mer-Charmer
    • Dragon Redeemer
    • Shortcuts
    • Detours
    • Paris on Repeat
    • Rome Reframed
    • The Worst Villain Ever
    • Planet Perfect
    • Hidden Strings (writing as KJ Mist)
  • Short Stories
  • Contact
  • Blog & News

2nd edition of Shortcuts is out!

4/8/2021

0 Comments

 
Picture
IndieBound
Amazon
B & N
SHORTCUTS, second edition, is officially here! If you've pre-ordered the ebook of the new edition, it should arrive on its own *today*! The paperback is available through multiple retail sites-- click the link of your favorite retailer on the book's page here or use the buttons below.  Yay!
Book 2, DETOURS, will be out August 10th, and there are Advanced Review Copies available NOW (ebook).  Contact me if you're a book reviewer, librarian, or book seller who'd like to get a copy! Thanks, y'all! 
Picture
0 Comments

DETOURS: Cover Reveal!

3/29/2021

0 Comments

 
Secret Psychics, Book 2, is called Detours and it will be releasing from Snowy Wings Publishing August 10th, 2021!  The same awesome people who did book 1's new cover did Detours as well: cover layout and typography by Qamber Kids, with the cover illustration by Katie Archambault! Najla and Jenn at Qamber Kids listened to all my ideas and helped me narrow down the focus for the new look for this series.  Here is the cover for Detours!
Picture
Picture
About the book:

Not even psychics always know who to trust.

Parker Mills still has it all. She’s the two-time winner of the Miss Divine Pecan Pageant, the chair of the 8th grade social committee, and the new lead in her school’s spring play.  Even better, Parker has five awesome friends who are just as gifted as she is. As a secret psychic empath, Parker experiences the emotions of everyone around her, even influencing them if she’s not careful. But she finally has her power under control, and spring is shaping up to be the perfect end to Parker’s middle school career. At least it was perfect until the kids from Archer, the rival middle school across town, are forced to share Parker’s school.

Threats and fights explode, but since Parker and her psychic friends are kind of the reason the other school got destroyed (long story),  she figures they should do everything they can to make the new kids feel welcome.  Unfortunately, the Queen of Archer, Gabby Durand, has no interest in using their mutual influence to smooth out the tensions.  Nor does she welcome Parker’s award-winning help. She's too busy trying to take Parker's top place in everything, as if she ever could. But with new dangers coming at the secret psychics from all sides, Parker needs to work with Gabby before their rivalry literally burns down the school.

Are you a book reviewer, librarian, or book seller?  I have e-ARCs available! Contact me!

Find Online for pre-order:

​IndieBound | Barnes & Noble |  Amazon US  | Amazon  UK | Goodreads ​
0 Comments

The New Shortcuts: Cover Reveal

3/20/2021

0 Comments

 
As I have shared, Shortcuts is moving to Snowy Wings Publishing and getting a sequel.  I'm so excited to get to share the next step in Parker's story with you.  The cover for Detours will be revealed in one week and today... today I'm so happy to share the new cover for Shortcuts:
Picture
I love it! Heart-felt thanks to go to Qamber Kids and illustrator Katie Archambault for this beautiful cover! The cover layout and typography is by Qamber Kids, with the cover illustration by Katie Archambault!  The entire Qamber Kids team was amazing to work with (shout-out to Najla and Jenn!), and I could not be happier with the final results!  Please feel free to share-- sharing is great for spreading the news.

About the book, for those who haven't read it:

If you could change people's hearts, would you? 

Parker Mills has it all.  She's the two-time winner of the Miss Divine Pecan Pageant, head of the 8th grade dance committee, and a secret psychic empath. Since she absorbs strong emotions from those around her, Parker has committed herself to finding shortcuts to happiness.  Whether acting as a tutor, coach, or matchmaker, Parker knows that when others are happy, she's happy.   Granted, all that fixing other people's drama means her own crush has no idea how she feels, but it's still a win-win so long as her psychic method remains a mystery.  
 
At least, that's how it always worked until Mia came to town.   With her mysterious past and dark cloud of depression, Mia's moods threaten to rain on Parker’s happiness parade.  After Parker's usual shortcuts fail-- even after bringing super cute Josh on the scene--she's forced to kick things up a notch, or two.  But when Parker's psychic power goes haywire, dangerous secrets unravel... starting with her own.  



 A few of the older reviews were lost when the books linked, so if you haven't given a review for Shortcuts but have enjoyed it,  I'd be grateful if you could add your review to Amazon,  even if it's a one-liner!  

There is also a new Goodreads page for Shortcuts, which is happily linked to the old one.  If you want to share your thoughts on the book there, you can jump to that here.  To pre-order the new ebook on Amazon, click here.  If you'd like the paperback, well, it's on sale early on Amazon, so you can already grab a copy and leave a review even before the official publication date of April 13th! The new edition is not available in hardcover, but I still have copies of the old hardcover edition for sale.

Thanks for all your support!  More information on Detours coming soon!

​Amy

Picture
0 Comments

Paris on Repeat-- A Foreword INDIES Book of the Year Finalist!

3/13/2021

0 Comments

 
Picture
I'm thrilled to share that Foreword Reviews selected PARIS ON REPEAT as a finalist in their 2020 Foreword INDIES Book of the Year Awards, in Juvenile Fiction!  Over 2000 entries compete in these awards!  The winners will be announced June 17, 2021.  You can learn more and see all the books in each finalist category at Foreword Reviews.  The page for Paris on Repeat is found here.  And you can check out all ten of the Juvenile Fiction finalists here. Being one of ten finalists for the year in my category is truly an honor!

Congratulations to all the finalists!  Thank you, Foreword Reviews and Jolly Fish Press! 

Picture
Picture
0 Comments

Shortcuts & Sequel Moving to Snowy Wings Publishing

3/9/2021

0 Comments

 
Picture
Book News: Shortcuts will have a new publishing home in April!  I'm thankful for my time with CBAY Books and also very thankful that Parker and friends can continue to hang out with us at Snowy Wings Publishing, with a brand new cover!

I can't show the new cover yet, but I love it!  With cover design and typography by Qamber Kids, and the cover illustration by Katie Archambault, I think those of you who have read Shortcuts will agree that the new look captures the book perfectly!  The cover reveal will be on March 24th, and I'll be share all the new links then, too!

What about Detours?  I'm happy to announce Book 2 will arrive this year, too. The publication date will be announced soon.  The new series title is Secret Psychics. This series has taken several unexpected...detours...(sorry, I can never resist a pun), but I'm excited both books will be out in 2021.

If you have the first edition of Shortcuts, you have the same story as the second edition (though if you want the new cover, I wouldn't blame you-- it's really pretty!) And Detours was never actually published, so it'll be my first first-edition, so to speak, with Snowy Wings! Exciting times, and I'm happy to finally be able to share the sequel.

If you are interested in advanced review e-copies of Shortcuts and/or Detours, please reach out to me via email or social media. Detours especially will need readers for early reviews to help it launch successfully.  And keep an eye out for the cover reveal on March 24th-- if that's something you'd like to participate in, I'm happy to send you the info. Just drop me a note! Thank you!

0 Comments

3  ways to support your favorite book, without spending a dime

2/25/2021

0 Comments

 
Picture
If you love a book you checked out from the library, borrowed from a friend, or received as an ARC, you can support that book in many ways, without spending any money. 

​Authors know that readers can't buy every book they love. But supporting a book in other ways is valuable because it helps other readers find it. It also makes it more likely that author will get to write other books you might also enjoy. That's what Parker Mills would call a win-win!


1. Share with friends and family!  Word-of-mouth remains the best way for a book to succeed.  Sharing about a book on your social media sites or in your classes or at work is a great way to help it reach many more people.

2. Leave reviews!  Did you know you don't have to buy the book at Amazon or Barnes & Noble to leave a book review there? Especially with the pandemic, a lot of people are searching for books online.  Reviews can be short and sweet--these are not school book reports. Reading reviews at these common retail options means more people can feel confident that a book will be a good fit for them. Goodreads and BookBub are reader-focused sites that really help spread the news of a book, too.  You can write one review and post the same one to all of these locations!

3.  Libraries and Lists:  The Two-Part Power of the Patron
  1. Ask your library to carry it.  Not all libraries can carry all books, but if a patron requests a book or a series, librarians listen carefully.  And authors love libraries!  This is nothing like pirating-- libraries pay for those books, to include e-books and audio books.
  2. Submit your favorites to state lists! Parents, teachers, and librarians can nominate books they love to state lists like the Texas Bluebonnet list.  Then the committee of librarians for that award chooses the top books from the nominations.  If a book isn't nominated, it misses a chance for consideration. A book making a state list is a huge boost for that book to stay in print!  

Readers actually have a lot of power in publishing. I just think a lot of people don't realize it.  I sure didn't, until I was on this side of the book world, too.

​So be a super hero and boost a book! Share with friends, leave reviews, and recommend it for libraries and lists! 

I promise you, authors thank you from the bottom of our hearts! 


0 Comments

ROME REFRAMED ARRIVES FEBRUARY 2nd!

1/27/2021

0 Comments

 

Almost time!

ROME REFRAMED will be here before we know it, and I'm so excited! It's upcoming release means a lot of fun things have been going on with this book. ​I'm thrilled to share this beautiful book trailer that Jolly Fish sent to me.  Thank you to the whole Jolly Fish team and to Sarah Taplin, cover artist extraordinaire! 

What others are saying:

​Several amazing authors have read this book, and I'm so grateful for their kind words! Check out what they had to say:

"Who wouldn't love to travel back in time to ancient Rome? Amy Bearce cooks up her own magic with the help of a palm reader, a mysterious coin, and the Trevi Fountain. Another European hit!" -- Cindy Callaghan, Author: Just Add Magic, Sydney Mackenzie Knocks 'Em Dead, Saltwater Secrets.
 
"I loved every single second of this story! A perfect mix of humor, history, adventure, and magic. I've never been to Rome, but after getting to explore the city and her history with Lucas, I feel like I have. Do yourself a favor: read this book!"--Tera Lynn Childs, author of Oh. My. Gods., Forgive My Fins, and Sweet Venom
 
"From gladiators to Michelangelo, Rome jumps off the page for readers of ROME REFRAMED. Kids will love accompanying the good-hearted Lucas on his thrilling and illuminating journey through history."--Brigit Young, author of The Prettiest
 
"Rome Reframed combines all the elements I love in fiction: travel, magic, history, and a little romance! Lucas is less than thrilled to be spending six months traveling through Europe with his parents, especially since his friends back home seem to be moving on without him. But as he tours Rome, an encounter with a mysterious palm reader thrusts him back in time. From gladiators to Michelangelo, Lucas (and the reader!) get to interact with the city’s history. Pre-teens who liked the Magic Tree House books will love this series for older readers!" -- Tara Gilboy, author of Rewritten and Unwritten

And School Library Journal also had lovely things to say, which makes me so happy!

​"A charming fictional travel companion and inspiring message for burgeoning artists that sharing art takes courage."   -- School Library Journal, Laura Dooley-Taylor, middle school librarian

Find online:

Pre-order now! Ebook and paperback available. 
​

 IndieBound ​|  Bookshop  | Barnes & Noble | Amazon US  |  Goodreads | Kobo | Apple Books |  Jolly Fish Press direct
It's also still available on NetGalley for now. Whenever you choose to read, I hope you'll find your imaginary time in Rome to be fun, educational, and most of all, inspiring!

Thanks for all the support,
​Amy
0 Comments

Rome Reframed on NetGalley!

8/11/2020

0 Comments

 
Picture
Good news for NetGalley users!  Rome Reframed is now available on NetGalley and I hope you'll request to read and review it!  

​Lucas Duran has been on the trip of a lifetime—six months traveling through Europe with his parents and two younger brothers. That is, the trip of a lifetime for someone else. Lucas wants nothing more than to be home in Austin, Texas, with his friends, and it shows in his schoolwork that he’s been emailing to his teachers. He can't wait to get out of Rome, the last stop on their trip.
 

When his teachers give him an ultimatum—either turn in a phenomenal last project or you’ll fail the eighth grade—Lucas is going to have to decide whether to give up or to give in to the mystery of Rome. And after a cryptic palm reader hands him a weird-looking coin to throw in the Trevi Fountain, Lucas finds himself transported to ancient Rome at each new tourist destination. As his hops back through time become more personal, it seems the magic of Rome is determined to help Lucas gain more than an A+ project, too.  Can he fix his future before his time in the past is over?   



0 Comments

Rome Reframed Cover reveal

8/8/2020

0 Comments

 
This past week was the cover reveal for Rome Reframed, hosted by YA (and kids!) Books Central here.  They are also hosting a giveaway, so hop over there and sign up!  Thank you, YABC!  

Sarah Taplin is the cover artist for Rome's cover, and she also did Paris on Repeat.  I couldn't be happier! As I shared with YABC, I love the whimsical and colorful color and find it a perfect match for the story!  I hope you love it, too!

Without further ado, here it is:
Picture
0 Comments

Paris on Repeat is Out

7/15/2020

0 Comments

 
Paris on Repeat released yesterday! Releasing a book during a pandemic during social distancing is not considered ideal, but so many wonderful people sent their support online that I think it was really the biggest celebration I've had for a book release!  SO thank you all for making my day so special! Welcome to the world, Paris on Repeat!

​
0 Comments
<<Previous
Forward>>

    Amy Bearce

    To young readers, I hope I can offer  a smidgen of help & encouragement as you traverse the waters of school, friendships, and life.  
    For those who are writers or aspiring writers, I will occasionally share thoughts on the writing process.  Hope it helps!

    For librarians and teachers, I sometimes share resources on books, reading, and writing.

    For those who are readers of any ages, I like to share when a book totally floors me.  Share the love if you agree.

    More Book Reviews--Amy's old blog

    Archives

    June 2025
    September 2024
    July 2024
    June 2024
    June 2023
    October 2022
    August 2022
    July 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    February 2022
    October 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    April 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    November 2019
    October 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2016
    May 2016
    February 2016
    June 2015
    March 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014

    Categories

    All
    Book Recommendation
    Events
    News
    School Success
    Summer
    Words About Writing

    RSS Feed

Copyright 2014 Amy Bearce, all rights reserved.
Home     About Amy    Books  Short Stories  Contact      Blog&News Freelance Writing
  • Home
  • About Amy
  • Books
    • Fairy Keeper
    • Mer-Charmer
    • Dragon Redeemer
    • Shortcuts
    • Detours
    • Paris on Repeat
    • Rome Reframed
    • The Worst Villain Ever
    • Planet Perfect
    • Hidden Strings (writing as KJ Mist)
  • Short Stories
  • Contact
  • Blog & News