Stories for Amanda

Rothvale Legacy #1 included

by Karen Avivi, Kahlen Aymes, E.K. Blair

Note: "Defying the Dust" from this compilation is part of "The Artists Trilogy" series.

An anthology collection benefit for the fight against bullying by sixteen of today's bestselling authors in romance and young adult.

All proceeds go to the Amanda Todd Legacy. @ amandatoddlegacy.org

Genres: Anthologies, Romance, New Adult, Amazon, Adult, Young Adult, Contemporary

394 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 21, 2013

About the author

Like her characters, Karen Avivi enjoys an active, outdoor lifestyle. Since her discus and shot put throwing days in high school, she’s always been intrigued by fringe sports including surfing, skydiving, scuba diving, stunt classes, winter camping, orienteering, mountaineering, mountain biking, and archery. If she's not reading or writing at home in Montreal, Karen is probably planning a new adventure.

Reviews

[Karina Halle]

Just clarifying what exactly this is, so people don't get the wrong idea (see description). Cheers!

Merged review:

My short story - Defying the Dust - featuring Ellie Watt and Camden McQueen when they first met as teenagers, will be included in this anthology, to be released in October!

[Michelle Valentine · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Black Falcon short story, ROCK THE BEGINNING will be featured in this book. Find out all about Lane and Noel back in high school and how they discovered their love for one another.

[E.K. Blair · Rating 5 out of 5]

In my short story, HOPING, we follow Erin as she struggles with her instant transition of having friends and fitting in, to becoming the school's outcast. A spin-off from FREEING (Book 1.5 in the FADING series), we get a glimpse into the life of Mark's younger twin sisters after he comes out to his family as being gay and then moves to Seattle shortly after. What happens when Erin returns to school after summer break only to find that her brother left behind a legacy that transpires into gossip that spreads fast, and her shoulders are the ones it all falls on?

[Kelly Elliott · Rating 5 out of 5]

In my short story, Beautiful, you will get to meet Skylar, who is bullied by her class mates and Wyatt, who falls in love with Skylar and will do anything to prove that to her.

[Jessica Prince · Rating 5 out of 5]

My short story, More Than Life Itself will be part of this and features Gavin and Stacia from Picking up the Pieces. Can't wait for October.

[Savanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stories for Amanda is a book actually several short stories from many authors that I love and respect. These short stories were written in memory of the poor sweet girl who was bullied and mistreated and nobody stepped in or stepped up and she sadly lost her life and it sadly happens daily. I didn't quite know what to expect going in to this book. I will say that it was beyond my expectations. These stories touch you on such a deep level. They show you that one just one person can make a difference to one person. Bullying is something that will never stop because kids are hateful and as some adults are but we need to take a stand and speak to the girl that sits alone because she's labeled as a whore' or ask the young girl that got pregnant to come to the movies with you or accept the boy that came out of the closet as being gay. We cannot change the hearts of some people but we can chose not to sit back and know it's wrong. We can chose to not care what's said about us and make that stand against bullying. Who knows if each person were to be nice to one person that thinks they are alone then we could potentially help save many lives. These poor people that get bashed and bullied don't think they have that. They feel alone and we need to prove them wrong. These short stories portray that and you see what one lie can do to someone and also shows how a person can be changed just from one person standing up for them. This book is one I think everyone needs to read. Everyone needs to understand and see that we can make a difference. Are we gonna fit the mold or are we gonna make a stand?? Loved these little stories and honestly I just kept wanting more from each one they were so good I didn't want them to end. I have so much respect for the authors helping to take a stand against bullying. Read this book y'all. You won't regret it ❤️

[Kelly 'Perusing Princesses blog' · Rating 5 out of 5]

A bullying awareness campaign supported by modern contemporary romance heroes. Support these authors and purchase a copy of 'Stories for Amanda' today! 5-Stars.

This anthology is not only raising awareness for a continued threat in todays young society and paying homage to a young life so tragically lost; it also delivers an amazing opportunity to readers, who may wish to experience the incredible works of many best selling self published/indie contemporary romance authors, of today.

With some prequels of popular and much loved serials, Stories for Amanda provides the perfect introductory platform to experience the early makings to some of my favourite stories. I immensely enjoyed the novellas by Kahlen Aymes, Madeline Sheehan, Rayne Miller, Michelle A. Valentine, Karina Halle and Kelly Elliott. A few stories also focused on the effects of bullying in high-school too, emphasising very clearly the Intended message in full...

Bullying happens every second of every day. It does not discriminate. At school, at a workplace, even at home...And not only can it destroy lives, it has the power to take them - such was the tragedy in the case of Amanda Todd. Sadly Amanda was not the first, she is one of many. Bullying is a global disease and happens to most of us at some point in our lifetime.

As an avid reader, blogger and fan of contemporary romance, it is my hope that you help support these authors who have freely taken the time in raising awareness of this social disease and purchase a copy of 'Stories for Amanda' today!

5 Stars.

[Steph · Rating 5 out of 5]

I searched for Amanda’s story on YouTube after signing up for this blog tour. My heart shattered and tears flowed endlessly down my cheeks. I was a hot mess. My heart hurts for her. But after watching this I sadly realized that she isn’t the only one suffering from bullying abuse. It seems to be sooo common at school and of course the internet as well. Sad but true.



Stories for Amanda is a collection of 16 short stories by 16 amazing kick ass authors that will touch your heart and soul. The stories were so good that I didn’t want most of them to end! They show what a HUGE difference ONE person can make in another’s life, especially when bullying is present. I try to instill this in my children (who are 11 and 16), to be THAT friend to someone can’t/won’t stand up for themselves making them a target of a bully for whatever the reason may be: having weight issues, being poor, being the school slut, being the “weird” kid, being gay, and the list is endless. Let’s face it, sometimes kids are just mean, little shits. But the cycle needs to stop.



I want to give a HUGE MASSIVE THANK YOU to all the talented authors, Flirty Dirty Book Blog and Denise Tung for putting together such a wonderful, desperately needed ant-bullying book and blog tour!



Stories for Amanda is an absolute 5 STAR one-clicker!

[Keighley]

LOVE the novellas / anthologies for Experiment in Terror, so I'm sure I'll love this to.

I loved Ellie and Camdens high school flashbacks in Sins and Needles (Who wouldn't want to be included in 'Ellie and Camdens day of fun'??)

Love how Karina Halle develops her characters so much you WANT to know what they were like in high school, who they were at every stage of their lives.

(and I just realised I need a new adjective other than love)

[Tiffany Bowman morris]

Will I need to have read each of the books that these spin off characters are in? I've only read Michelle Valentine's books out of these authors. Though most, if not all are on my TBR!!! I really want to read this book. Great cause!!

[Renegade ♥]

Full Summary (from Amazon):

Sixteen of the most popular and bestselling authors in Contemporary Romance, Erotic Romance and Young Adult have come together in support of the fight against bullying. Each has contributed a new short story or missing scenes from their most popular series for this very worthy cause.

Amanda Todd was a young girl who was lured into a bad decision by a cyber-stalker and then mercilessly targeted online and in real life over and over again, until it became too much for her to handle and she ended her life in October of 2012. She wanted to help other kids by sharing her story and letting them know they should never be punished for who they are or for making a mistake.

AmandaToddLegacy.org is an organization that reaches out to kids in need, educates about the harmful effects of bullying and provides resources that can make a real difference.

100% of the proceeds from sale of this anthology will be donated toward that vision.

If you are being bullied, please stay strong and get help. Someone does care.

Amandatoddlegacy.org

***

List of stories:

Out of It by Karen Avivi
When I Met You by Kahlen Aymes
Hoping by E.K. Blair
Unforgettable by J.L. Brooks
Love is Blind by Claire Contreras
Beautiful by Kelly Elliot
Saving Snowflakes by Kailyn Gow
Defying the Dust by Karina Halle (featuring Ellie Watt and Camden McQueen when they first met as teenagers - from the Artist's Trilogy series)
Pie Love You by Nina Lane
Priceless by Raine Miller
Jacob and Noelle by E.L. Montes
The Squall by Alexa Nazzaro
More Than Life Itself by Jessica Prince
Just Breathe by Madeline Sheehan
Rock the Beginning by Michelle Valentine
The Marriage Clause by Nikki Worrell

[Bridger Bitches · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stories for Amanda is an amazing compilation of short stories by some of my favorite authors. It is a must read for everyone, especially parents and is benefiting such a great cause. Bullying is happening everywhere in society today. And now with social media playing such a big part in it, parents really need to be on their toes to protect their children. Each and every story in this book was an eye-opener on what is really happening in the world today. As a parent it sickens me that this is happening among the youth today. I hate that it can be done so anonymously with no repercussions. Amanda Todd’s life was cut far to short and I only hope and pray that by bringing awareness to everyone that maybe things will start to change. Please everyone do yourself a favor and purchase Stories for Amanda. Not only are you donating to a good cause you are getting such a fantastic and eye-opening book to read.

5 ***** does not even do it justice, there really is no way to rate this book high enough.

♥ Sophie

[Letty · Rating 5 out of 5]

I must come clean and say I read the stories of my favorite authors first =). Such a great book of short stories and the struggles they go day by day with bullying of different sorts. Thank you to all the authors who came together for this cause, it shows people still cares and the difference 1 person can make in someone's life. It only takes an ear that listens, a shoulder to cry, a word of encouragement, a kind word, a kind gesture, a hand to hold through the struggles that makes a difference in peoples lives, or the way they choose to live their lives. Wish every person who feels despair could believe and feel Kahlen Aymes's words: "Bullies are small people who try to dictate other's value because they have none of their own. They are not worth your tears. They are nothing. You are everything.".. I wished there was more to these stories but the point was given as is. A great book for a great cause!

[SammiesBookBlog · Rating 4 out of 5]

I commend all these authors for doing this, truly amazing, and it's such a great cause! F*** BULLIES!!

Anyways, I immediately went to read the story I've been dying to read, by Michelle.
LOVED Noel, loved seeing how he felt on the situations that happened. I mainly bought this for the cause, and that story. I may give the others a go after on. But again, amazing cause and some pretty amazing authors teamed up and did something spectacular. Must buy, and read!

Some quotes from Noel's story <3 Love him .

'We're falling in love and finally giving into what fate planned for us."

"I want to be your only."

"I want you to be my forever."

My heart goes out to Amanda's family, and anyone going through this. RIP Amanda <3

[Mary Wasowski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully written for an Amazing Cause. I hope many bought this book to honor this girl, and so many others who have been affected by being bullied. This subject matter has also touched my family. As a parent, my heart breaks for my own child who has been bullied and at times forced to hide under the radar. No children should ever have to hide who they are. A big thank you to all of the authors who have participated in this worthy cause. You are all Amazing, and I enjoyed all of your stories. XOXO

[Nina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Am 10. Oktober 2012 hat sie die 15-jährige Amanda Michelle Todd in ihrem Heimatort in Kanada das Leben genommen. Ihr Schicksal ging um die Welt - denn kurz vor ihrem Selbstmord, hat Amanda noch ein Video ins Internet gestellt, in dem sie genauer erklärt, wieso sie zu dieser Entscheidung gekommen ist. Sie wurde von ihren Mitschülern gemobbt, erpresst, gedemütigt und körperlich misshandelt. Und alle haben weggesehen.
Ihr zu Ehren und in Zusammenarbeit mit dem Amanda Todd Trust (eine Einrichtung, die Amandas Mutter ins Leben gerufen hat, um auf Mobbingopfer aufmerksam zu machen) haben sich nun 16 Autoren zusammen getan und die Kurzgeschichtensammlung 'Stories for Amanda' geschaffen:

Out of it - Karen Avivi
When I Met You - Kahlen Aymes (nie veröffentlichte Szene aus The Remembrance Trilogy)
Hoping - E.K. Blair
Unforgettable - JL Brooks (nie veröffentlichte Szene aus Rotten)
Love is Blind - Claire Contreras
BEAUTIFUL - Kelly Elliott
Saving Snowflakes - Kailin Gow (Kurzgeschichte zur You & Me Trilogy)
Defying the Dust - Karina Halle (Kurzgeschichte zur The Artists Trilogy)
PIE LOVE YOU - Nina Lane (Kurzgeschichte zu Spiral of Bliss)
Priceless - Raine Miller (Kurzgeschichte zu Rothvale Legacy)
Jacob & Noelle - E.L. Montes
The Squall - Alexa Nazzaro
More Than Life Itself - Jessica Prince (Kurzgeschichte zu Picking up the Pieces)
Just Breathe - Madeline Sheehan
Rock the Beginning - Michelle A. Valentine (Prequel zu Rock the Heart)
The Marriage Clause - Nikki Worrell

Alle diese Geschichten handeln von völlig unterschiedlichen Charakteren. Manche von Kindern, andere von Jugendlichen und wieder andere von Erwachsenen. Eines haben aber alle gemeinsam: Mobbing. Sei es durch die Eltern, Familie, Mitschüler oder sogar der Gesellschaft im Ganzen, körperlich oder emotional. Jede Kurzgeschichte geht ganz anders mit diesem heiklen Thema um, doch jede trifft den Leser genau da, wo sie soll.

Zu allen Beiträgen werde ich jetzt nichts erzählen, aber ich habe mir drei sehr unterschiedliche Geschichte ausgesucht, über die ich gerne mehr sagen möchte:
Zum einen wäre da 'Defying the Dust' von Karina Halle. Wer ihre 'The Artists Trilogy' gelesen hat, dem werden die Charaktere etwas sagen, doch auch neue Leser kommen definitiv auf ihre Kosten. Die Story handelt von dem 13-jährigen Camden McQueen, der in seiner kleinen, spießigen Stadt irgendwo in Kalifornien lebt und gerade von seinem Vater zu einem Therapeuten gefahren wird. Der ist nämlich davon überzeugt, dass mit seinem Sohn etwas ganz und gar nicht stimmen kann. Schließlich ist es für einen Jungen nicht normal nur schwarze Kleidung, Make-up und Nagellack zu tragen. Für den Sheriff der Kleinstadt ist der Schein alles und der Gedanke, dass andere seinen Sohn für *gasp* schwul halten könnten, kann er nicht ertragen. Doch Camden denkt gar nicht daran, nicht mehr so zu sein, wie er eben ist. Ganz egal, wie oft er von seinem Vater geschlagen wird, oder ihn seine Mitschüler entweder aus Angst meiden oder aus Hass mobben. Niemand hat sich je die Mühe gemacht, Camden wirklich kennen zu lernen und zu sehen, was wirklich in ihm steckt. Zumindest bis er am gleichen Nachmittag die gleichaltrige Ellie kennenlernt...
Karina Halles Geschichte ist nicht nur wahnsinnig gut geschrieben, sie gibt auch einen überzeugendes Argument dafür, dass es auch okay ist, anders zu sein. Diese Geschichte schenkt Hoffnung und zeigt wie viel Unterschied es macht, wenn man einen echten Freund auf seiner Seite hat.

Es gibt allerdings auch ein, zwei Geschichten, die mich nicht ganz so überzeugen konnten. Eine davon war 'Love is Blind', die von Rob handelt und in den frühen 80er Jahren spielt. Er ist in seinem letzten Schuljahr, doch im Gegensatz zu seinen Mitschülern kann er das Ende der High School nicht unbedingt genießen. Denn als schwuler und leicht übergewichtiger Junge hat er es alles andere als leicht und Akzeptanz ist für die meisten seiner Mitmenschen - inklusive seiner Familie - ein Fremdwort...
Inhaltlich weiß auch diese Geschichte auf jeden Fall zu bewegen. Rob kann nicht ändern wer er ist, selbst wenn er wollte und das er sollte auch nicht. Claire Contreras bringt ein paar wichtige Punkte zur Sprache, die zum Nachdenken anregen. Insgesamt wollte die Autorin aber einfach zu viel und springt von einem Thema zum nächsten und kommt dabei aber nie so wirklich auf den Punkt.

Wieder andere Geschichten wirken auf den ersten Blick erst Mal ein bisschen merkwürdig und unzusammenhängend, wie zum Beispiel 'The Squall' von Alexa Nazzaro. Ihre Story handelt von Lillith, die ziemlich einsam und recht neurotisch ist. Sie kommt kaum aus sich heraus und ist sehr unsicher. Ihre Geschichte ist ein Beispiel dafür, dass auch Erwachsene Opfer von Mobbing sein können, auch wenn es da oft in einer anderen Form erscheint als bei Jugendlichen. Bei dieser Geschichte muss man zwar zwischen den Zeilen lesen, doch sie ist nicht weniger beeindruckend.

Doch natürlich sind die anderen Kurzgeschichten es ebenfalls wert gelesen zu werden. Auch wenn viele davon an bereits bestehenden Bücher/Reihen angelehnt sind, braucht man keine Angst haben, sie nicht zu verstehen. Ich selbst kenne ebenfalls nicht alle und hatte überhaupt keine Verständnisprobleme. Dennoch habe ich mir die ein oder andere Autorin gemerkt, auf deren Bücher ich jetzt mehr als neugierig bin.

Insgesamt ist 'Stories for Amanda' absolut jedem zu empfehlen. Die Geschichten sind bewegend, authentisch, aufrüttelnd und meistens auch mit dem kleinen Funken Hoffnung versehen, den so viele Kinder, Jugendliche und auch Erwachsene brauchen. Mich jedenfalls haben sie zum Nachdenken angeregt.

100% der Einnahmen aus 'Stories for Amanda' kommen dem Amanda Todd Trust zugute, was nur noch ein weiterer Grund ist mal in diese Geschichten hinein zu lesen.

[Heidi R. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having just finished this anthology of short stories, I cannot think of a better way to support an organization that fights bullying.

One of my favorite stories is Defying the Dust, by Karina Halle. It is a part of her The Artist's Trilogy where Camden and Ellie first meet as young teens who are facing bullying.

Another favorite was Priceless, by Raine Miller. I am very much looking forward to reading this story in its entirety in 2014!

And E.L. Montes' Jacob and Noelle was just so sweet.

Seriously, I loved ALL the stories and the ones mentioned above are just the tip of the iceberg. This book is well worth the money and I highly recommend it.

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful compilation of short stories, for a great cause. Everyone must get this! Not only are the stories good, but helps this wonderful organization to stop bullying! A presious, beautiful girl was lost to the world because of people whom were probably jealous of her. Rest in peace Amanda Todd, and know that all people are not like that and you have made my children and I better aware of the seriousness of bullying, and how this MUST stop!

[D · Rating 5 out of 5]

full review to come

[Wendy LeGrand · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've had this anthology on my Kindle for a long time, having originally purchased it to support the Amanda Todd Legacy society and to read Priceless by Raine Miller. I pulled it back up this weekend because a friend commented on another author's story that I had forgotten was included in the book.

I have made it through about half of the stories in here over the past two days and I have loved each of the ones I've read so far. Hoping by E.k. Blair gave me more insight into the life of Mark, a character I first read about in her book Freeing. Meeting his sister's Erin and Emily and seeing what his life was like before he left for college and met Jase was just an added bonus. And to see how Erin gets treated because of Mark just brought home for me the stigma that gay people and their families are subjected to.

Love is Blind by Claire Contreras was a very heartfelt look at what gay people go through when people bully them, they aren't accepted by family members, and how difficult it is for them to find the strength to make it through each day and find the good in the world, and hopefully someday to find love and happiness.

Defying the Dust by Karina Halle was fantastic!! I absolutely loved seeing Ellie and Camden when they were in high school! Her Artist's Trilogy is probably in my top five favorites of her books and going back and seeing these two years before those books took place was such a treat! I can never get enough of Ellie and Camden.

Priceless was my absolute favorite of the stories. Seeing Gaby and Ivan's first official introduction to each other was the best! Raine writes the most amazing characters and I just love reading her books. She has created a beautifully intricate world of characters, both historical and contemporary and I can honestly say I will never, ever get tired of reading about her beloved characters.

Just Breathe was a fantastic little short story from Madeline Sheehan. It was an honest look into what high school life is like. How ruthless and mean kids can be to each other, and how amazing and refreshing it is to meet a kindred spirit. I would absolutely love for Madeline to turn this short story into a full length book, giving us more of Katie and Nick. Really, really good story!

And Rock the Beginning by Michelle Valentine gives us the before story of Lane and Noel!! Her Black Falcon series is one of my favorite rocker series of all time. Seeing Lane and Noel in high school and what their hopes and dreams were before we meet them for the first time in Rock the Heart was a great inside look. Reading Rock the Heart, we get a little background on what happened but Rock the Beginning gives us the meat and potatoes of their past and what they meant to each other, how they felt about each other and what they had hoped to achieve together. Great little story!

Those are the ones I've read so, I'll update my review as I finish reading the rest.

[Joood Hooligan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was given an arc in exchange for an honest review.

It is so great that these authors donated their work to this project, and it was an absolute joy to be able to read and review it for them.

There are some stories in this anthology that are wonderful, truly. They're written well, and I enjoyed them. I can't say that for every story in this book. Some authors clearly spent more time on their story, and it showed.

For a more detailed review you can click here:
http://onemorechapterreviews1.blogspo...

[GTR33GURL · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this is a great cause and I'm honoured to support it and the stories these great authors were fabulous and there was so much talented writing well worth it for me well done for thinking of this wonderful concept to make everyone aware of how bullying affects people and suicide in teens is on the rise so please support this great cause!!!

[Reva Wiley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't stand bullies so I loved that this book was for Amanda Todd and the money went to help kids that are being bullied. I liked all of the stories but my favorite one was Just Breathe by Madeline Sheehan.

[Martha · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was for a great cause and the stories in it did not disappoint. All the stories were good, but I loved, loved, loved Raine Miller's and Madeline Sheehan's. What can I say, they are both one of my favorite authors. Loved them to bits.

[Celine · Rating 3 out of 5]

So I came across this because I wanted to read more of E.L Montes, and I got more than that!

Jacob & Noelle's story was indeed a dear, and other stories here really made me curious.

Such a good story to remind people that difference isn't always bad.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very nice collection of stories to support a wonderful cause.

[Anne]

** Only worked on the short story by Karen Avivi, "Out of It."

[Joanna Palmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

the stories where great

[Michelle Surtees · Rating 5 out of 5]

All I can say is Amazing !!!!!

[M.]

Touching video about bullying