Rowena Writes

The Plot The Twin, written by Natasha Preston is a psychological thriller/suspense young adult novel which centres around identical twin sisters Iris and Ivy. They have been separated for six years because of their parents' divorce. Ivy, the more studious and reserved one has lived with her dad, while Iris, the popular, more outgoing twin lived with their mother.  Tragically, their mom died while out on her routine jog and so Iris returns to live with her sister and father. It's a huge adjustment for each of them but Ivy and her dad try to make Iris feel as at home as they can. Ivy is perplexed by Iris' nonchalant attitude regarding their mom's death. She evades talk of the subject, seeming more interested in the details of Ivy's life and what her new high school will be like. It seems to Ivy as though Iris is taking over her whole life. But she pins it down to Iris trying to adjust to her new life as well as grief. Her twin couldn't possibly be hidi

The Sun is Also a Star is based on the novel by Nicola Yoon and it's a story of how a single day can change your life. It's about the choices we make in everyday life and how that can impact the rest of our lives. Natasha and Daniel are strangers, but when they meet, they form a connection that turns a day into a life-changing journey. 

It's no secret that the world we live in is a chaotic one. There seems to be a constant hustle and bustle, everyone is scrambling to get somewhere and there's a perpetual rush within us. An urgency to reach goals by a certain time we've set for ourselves, to meet deadlines and never be late for appointments.  When you hear the term 'self-published author', you might assume that since there's no publishing house involved which means no deadlines(except for the ones you set yourself, of course), there isn't that same level of pressure involved. And while being an indie author no doubt comes with an abundance of perks like having full creative control and escaping the uncertain waiting period that occurs between the time you've written your manuscript and getting published, the pressures are definitely there. Because we as indie authors have full control over our works, we have a number of tasks to tackle. One of the lovely things about writing

Written in free verse, this young adult novel deals with the lives of identical twin sisters Kaeleigh and Raeanne. On the surface they have the perfect life with their father who is a judge and their politician mother. Underneath appearances lurks an unimaginable horror. Kaeleigh has been sexually abused by her father with Raeanne witnessing it all from her bed. Both sisters have secrets that they want to keep hidden.  There was also an accident that created a rift between the twins' parents.  There's a lot going on in this book. From incest to alcohol abuse to mental illness, it was a lot to take in. There were many times while reading where I got painfully uncomfortable. Particularly the scenes of Ray molesting Kaeleigh. Also the fact that Raeanne secretly wished it was her in her sister's place. The imagery is vivid and the descriptions are so detailed. The plot twist was shocking although when you go back, there's things that foreshadow it. I appreciate

This is the story of June, a girl who lives with her father, stepmother and stepsister. When her father is working, her stepmother relentlessly taunts her and force-feeds her. She and her daughter make June feel miserable. All the while, June's father is oblivious. He doesn't see her suffering or he chooses not to see. June feels trapped and wants to spread her broken wings and fly.  At school June is bullied by the other students. She's the only student of colour at a predominantly white school. They treat her in such a cruel manner and the teachers don't see. June doesn't tell them about what they do to her or about how difficult life is at home. She is afraid of not being believed.  A ray of sun shines through when she meets a boy called Blister. He is kind and doesn't see the colour of her skin. He sees her as a human being with a heart and accepts her whole-heartedly. Blister and his family love June completely and unconditionally. They show her

A beautiful and raw story about a young woman who would do anything for those she loves and a close-knit community that stands together through many hardships.  The Ryans are a family who struggles to get by, but their coal- mining business has kept them afloat. When a tragic fire causes them to lose everything they worked so hard for, a dark cloud hangs over them. Molly Ryan seeks help from her husband's brother and he seems kind and willing to lend a hand. However, they quickly realise that he has aggressive tendencies and a drinking problem.  When tragedy strikes once more, it's up to Ellen Ryan to foster peace and put her father's dream back together. Although she was young, she had a strong and wise head on her shoulders. With the help of the community and her willpower, Ellen did the best she could to get herself and her family through dark times.  Her stepsister Annie leaves her infant son Daniel on the Ryan's doorstep. Ellen cares for for