Sacrifice by Kelly Komm

5 Stars

ISBN-10: 0-7414-4254-X
Publish date: December 2007
Trade paperback; 194 pages; $13.95
Fiction, Fantasy, Adventure
Recommended for: YA/Teens and Adult

Mystical and rich with vivid description.

After her parents are slaughtered by the evil Garshu, young Nell is raised by Garick, a wise elf who shelters her and protects her from danger by passing her off as an elf child. Until the day Nell discovers the truth. She is Human, a race that is thought to be nearly extinct.

Accompanied by Garick and a band of fascinating characters, Nell sets off on a perilous journey to rid the world of the bloodthirsty Garshulan soldiers, to destroy once and for all the Garshula and their nests, and to find justice for her parents’ death.

Kelly Komm’s writing is lyrical, moving and engaging. Mystical and rich with vivid description, Sacrifice is a mix of fantasy and adventure that will keep you turning the pages until the very last one. It is one of those rare finds, and although it is marketed as young adult fiction, even adult readers will enjoy this entertaining novel. I certainly did.

You can order Sacrifice HERE.

Judge a Book by the Cover!

Want to see the original cover of Whale Song (2003)?

You can read about my book covers, how they came to be, who created them and then

the 2003 cover with artwork by my good friend and internationally acclaimed marine artist David Miller...

or the new 2007 edition cover by the talented Kam Wai Yu of Persona Corp.

Check out the Whale Song book covers at:
Judge a Book by the Cover

Cheryl talks about her passion for books on Fair's Fair

Golden Words: From Reader to Author...

I was born with a passion for books that started at a young age. One day, when I was about three, my mother caught me scribbling lines under each sentence of Dr. Seuss’ The Cat in the Hat. She was appalled. She thought I was defacing the book.

When she asked me what I was doing, I said, “I’m writing the story.” I think even then I realized how important books would become in my life.

Read the entire article on Fair's Fair!

Cheryl Kaye Tardif in the Edmonton Journal

I was featured in the Edmonton Journal on the front page of the CityPlus section - Dec. 13th issue. I was interviewed about the nonprofit organization Alliance for Children's Enrichment in Newnan, Georgia.

Read about Cheryl in the Edmonton Journal.

Celebrity Chefs: author Cheryl Kaye Tardif (Video)

"Edmonton's own best selling author shares a Christmas story that mixes with her Strawberry Dumplings."

Watch the video!

For the recipe, please go HERE!

*Please note: No fire extinguishers were harmed in the making of this film.

"Whale Song is one of those stories--like all truly remarkable stories--that stays with you for a long time"

In an Amazon review, K.S.R. Kingworth, author of The Mysteriel, says:

"Cheryl Kaye Tardif's remarkable novel, Whale Song is an unexpectedly good read. With the dinner dishes left undone and staying up into the wee hours of the morning, I closed the last page and just sat there, staring, seeing compassion in a whole new way.

Tardif's language is compelling and engaging, and her ability to handle character motive is skillfully done. The pace of the story is quick, yet possesses remarkable depth, imagery and beauty. The reveal at the end left me surprised and saddened, yet touched.

When you buy Whale Song, you might want to get one for a friend, otherwise you'll find you've given your only copy away. But in my case, no matter, since Whale Song is one of those stories--like all truly remarkable stories--that stays with you for a long time to come.

Whale Song would make a great gift if you know someone who has lost a loved one, or for any teenager for that matter. Many teenagers experience loss every day in one form or another. "

She recommends Whale Song to: "Young adult to adult readers. In particular, those who may have lost a loved one."

Divine Intervention and The River -- favorites of Honourable Gene Zwozdesky

Tonight my husband Marc and I attended a Christmas party, hosted by the Honourable Gene Zwozdesky, Associate Minister of Capital Planning, Deputy Government House Leader and MLA - Edmonton Mill Creek.

Gene and I met a few years ago when I was searching for ways to improve Edmonton's (and Alberta's) publishing options for writers. Since then, he has been a huge supporter of my work. In an interview in an Edmonton newspaper, Gene mentions my suspense novel Divine Intervention as one of his favorite reads. Tonight he told me and others how much he enjoyed The River too.

I was very surprised to see a table set up with door prizes, and on it a copy of Divine Intervention. I immediately sent my husband out to the car (yes, he is wonderful!) to get a copy of Whale Song and The River. He came back with the latter. It seems that somehow I had forgotten to stock up my plastic bin with Whale Song. (What the heck was I thinking??!!)

During the door prize giveaways and with a crowd of nearly 1000 people, I was honored to receive a lovely introduction and endorsement by Gene right before he gave away my books. Thank you also to Charlie--one of the winners--who came up to me afterward and asked me to sign his prize.

We also met Gene's lovely wife Christine and spoke with Denis Tardif (no relation to us...at least we don't think so. :)

Two of our tablemates were Arturo and Carmen, a wonderful couple. Arturo is the editor of a Spanish newspaper. Hmmm...imagine that...imagine me sitting next to a newspaper editor. :) I believe I'll be featured in Arturo's newspaper. I might not be able to understand it...so let's hope it's all good.

And Marc and I met with Mayor Stephen Mandel. We discussed briefly the sad situation of some of the residents of Edmonton's downtown east. I think I need to have coffee with the mayor one day.

And all of this "schmoozing" after a successful book signing at Southgate Coles in Edmonton, where I met so many wonderful people, including the ever sweet Nahid, who has bought more books from me than almost anyone else I know--except Joe Li from Joe Li Tutoring and my mother-in-law!

Well, I am tired now and my husband is calling. It seems the hot tub is ready. So I'm going to go and soak for a while. It's about minus 16 outside, with a nice layer of snow and some stars in the sky. Perfect hot tubbing weather...

Want to win a copy of Whale Song?

Check out the new review of Whale Song at: http://www.uponfurtherreview.org/id2.html.

After the review, there is a short interview, plus a CONTEST.

To enter to win a copy of Whale Song, submit a comment to the guestbook. The link is at the bottom of the interview.

The winner will be announced under Raffle Winners in the first week in January.

Good luck! :)

Cookin' in the kitchen on "Celebrity Chefs"

As some of you know, I always manage to get myself involved in some of this wackiest things--like the time I was a contestant in a reality TV show for writers (A Total Write-Off!). Well, yesterday I had cameras rolling in my kitchen as CityTV filmed an episode of "Celebrity Chefs" for their "Your City" show. With my daughter Jessica as my sidekick, and a fire extinguisher as my other sidekick, we cooked up a delicious family recipe called Strawberry Dumplings.

The recipe was a favorite of my brother Jason and he used to beg my mom to make it. There were never any leftovers of this dessert to store in the fridge--Jason made sure of that! :) So in honor of my brother who died in 2006, I decided to make this simple and easy recipe.

"Celebrity Chefs" was a blast to film. You'll be able to see the video on CityTV's website next week. You'll see the wacky side of me that most people don't see at my book signings. (Really! I am much more professional, Mr. Publisher!) lol

As I was cookin' in my kitchen, we talked about Whale Song, movie possibilities, the death of my brother Jason and the 3 nonprofits I donate to in his honor, plus the Christmas wish list that I discovered online and my involvement with Alliance for Children's Enrichment in finding sponsors. Of course, by the time CityTV's done editing it, who knows what you'll see.

At the end of filming, Jessica and I sampled the Strawberry Dumplings and...sigh...they were just like I remembered. A wonderful, warm comfort food for a cold winter day. I'll post the recipe on Tuesday, Dec. 11th. When the cameras stopped rolling we invited Rhonda the producer and Steve the camera guy to have some. Nice job they have! Although, I don't think they sampled too much of what actor/comedian Tom Green made during his "Celebrity Chefs" episode.

"Celebrity Chefs" airs every Tuesday at 6:30 pm on "Your City" and my episode will be on this Tuesday, Dec. 11th. If you miss it, you'll be able to watch it on CityTV's site at:
http://www.citytv.com/edmonton/yourcity_34640.aspx

So to my mom who found me the recipe, thank you! The Strawberry Dumplings were a complete success.

And we didn't have to use the fire extinguisher! :)

"Celebrity Chefs" features author Cheryl Kaye Tardif

CityTV will be filming an episode of "Celebrity Chefs" (at Cheryl's house, in her kitchen). Filming is tomorrow at 1:00 pm. The segment is scheduled to air on the show "Your City" on CityTV Edmonton on Tuesday, December 11th at 6:30 p.m.

A past episode featured actor/comedian Tom Green. Celebrity Chefs with Tom Green (Video)

More information about this later, plus the recipe and the story behind the recipe that Cheryl will be making with her lovely 'sidekick', daughter Jessica. A link to the show will be posted too when available, so check back.

ACE Update #3 - Cheryl Kaye Tardif in the Times-Herald (GA)

W. Winston Skinner wrote about me and the Alliance for Children's Enrichment (ACE) in the Times-Herald, a Georgia newspaper.

But first, I have to share the lovely poem, written by Jan Taylor at ACE. She actually sold it to Hallmark years ago and it was on a greeting card. This is reprinted with permission.

Life's Perfect Balance

If all the days were sunny,
and the skies were always blue
except for maybe now and then
a rainbow's tinted hue.
Then life would be quite boring,
not too interesting at all.
Because for every Spring that comes,
there has to be a fall.
For each success...
a failure,
for every day...
a night,
for every moment of sadness,
there's another of pure delight.
And if we're able to accept
whatever comes our way,
we'll find a perfect balance
in our lives from day to day.
~*~

What great sentiments!

It was my publisher at Kunati Books who first pointed out to me that there was another article about me, Whale Song, Jan Taylor and the Alliance for Children's Enrichment in the Times-Herald. Reporter W. Winston Skinner follows this amazing story in his December 2, 2007, article titled 'Canadian author responds to wish on ACE Christmas list'.

I am so glad to know that my small efforts are actually helping. It was time worth spending. :)

Go to http://content.times-herald.com/searches.bsp and type TARDIF into the top search (Search the News). You'll see both articles that mention this story.

Also, please consider sponsoring a child this Christmas. It is immensely rewarding and truly puts the meaning of Christmas into the holidays. To sponsor a child through ACE, contact Jan Taylor at cjantaylor@aol.com or call her at 770-254-3339.

Happy holidays!
Cheryl Kaye Tardif

Want FREE bookplates and bookmarks?

Order any of my novels between now and December 10th, and I'll send you an autographed bookplate plus a bookmark.

Email me with the following information:

1. Your Amazon order number (found in the Order Summary section of your confirmation email from Amazon).
2. The number of books and titles you ordered.
3. Recipient's names (are they for you or are you buying gifts?)
4. Your complete mailing address.

This offer expires December 10th, 2007, so order now! All requests MUST supply me with steps 1-4 above. Order from Amazon now.

WHALE SONG THE RIVER DIVINE INTERVENTION

A Christmas miracle

There are times in my life when I have to stop and take a moment to just listen to that "still, small voice". Some of you may know what I'm talking about. That voice that says, "Hey! Listen up! You're meant to do something here. But you won't know what unless you stop and...breathe."

There are times when I am so glad I stopped. This is one of those times.

I've told you about the girl in Newnan, Georgia, who asked for a few things on the Alliance for Children's Enrichment Christmas wish list that was posted in the Times-Herald. I've told you how inspired and touched I was to see that she asked for "Cheryl Tardif books", in particular, Whale Song. I've told you that I decided to sponsor this teen and send her a Christmas I hope she'll always remember. And I believe I've told you that I contacted some other authors on the teen wish list, plus some author friends who aren't.

What I haven't told you is how honored I am to know Jan Taylor, my contact at ACE. Here is a woman who serves her community and "her kids" selflessly and tirelessly. And yet, Jan's own health is seriously declining. I was shocked when she told me she thought she might not make it to Christmas this year, or that it might be her last if she does make it. I was humbled, and continue to be, in the presence (albeit by phone) of this woman.

In an email that she sent out to board members and cc'd to me, she says, "I was quite apprehensive about the Christmas drive this year for several reasons." Jan talked about how low donations were this year, and how many more families they have that need to be helped. I know that this woman has personally cared for and paid for necessities for families. Sometimes for food, heat and electricity, clothing, shelter and prescription drugs. She was so apprehensive this year, worried for her 4000+ families, sad for the kids who will go without food or a Christmas gift.

I am so glad I stopped to listen...to breathe.

After contacting Jan and sponsoring my teen, I decided to see if there was anything else I can do. So I contacted all my author friends, some I knew, some I didn't. Some were on the wish list, some weren't. I contacted my family and friends, book reviewers and as many others as I could think of. I emailed them to let them know that someone (many someones) need help. And they are answering. These authors and friends are also stopping and listening...and helping. And I thank each and every one of them. You are true angels!

ACE still has many more teens and families that need help to get through Christmas and the winter, and I invite you to consider doing a Random Act of Kindness before 2007 is over. Send in a donation, sponsor a child or family...and be part of this Christmas miracle. I guarantee you won't regret it!

In Jan's words, "Christmas is the season of miracles, some small, some large and sometimes, one just needs to be able to recognize them. "

You can contact Jan Taylor at Alliance for Children's Enrichment

8 Carmichael Street

Newnan, Georgia 30263

770-254-3339

770-254-3330 (Fax)

cjantaylor@aol.com

If you wish to sponsor a child, please contact Jan first to see which children are left on the list and to get their real names, especially if you are an author who wishes to send an autographed book.

To read how this miracle began, please read A Christmas Connection.

For the latest wish list, go HERE.

Merry Christmas to you all!

~Cheryl Kaye Tardif