I’m thrilled to announce that Blessed is now available from Candlewick Press!

Check out the latest coverage:

Blessed: In Which I Interview Cynthia Leitich Smith by Joy Preble from Joy’s Novel Idea. Peek: “I’ve created a vampire society with its own history, political structure, and system of laws as well as, say, architectural predispositions. The undead, for example, are big fans of the Arts and Crafts movement.”

In Stores this Week (With Interviews and Giveaways) from Adventures in Children’s Publishing. Peek: “I wrote the proposal for my editor in March 2008…at the Arizona Biltmore. The place opened in 1929. It’s swanky, designed in the Craftsman tradition (think: Frank Lloyd Wright). Irving Berlin penned ‘White Christmas’ by the pool. Marilyn Monroe referred to that same pool as her favorite. …I grabbed a chair around that pool, then, later, another around the fire pit, and brainstormed.”

Read an excerpt of Blessed from Teenreads.com.

Look for the Blessed ads today in Publishers Weekly online and in the Baker & Taylor’s CATS Meow: Library Newsletter for Children’s and Teen Services for January 2011!

Latest Buzz

“Quincie is a capable, independent and appealing heroine who has matured considerably since her debut in ‘Tantalize.’ Smith plans one more book in the series; ‘Blessed’ raises expectations for a complex (and thrilling) conclusion.”

“I found this book intriguing and fun. The characters are well developed, and the plot is a definite attention keeper. This book is more for teens and up, and I’d rate it a 9.5 on a 10 scale.”

Mega Giveaways

Enter to win the Blessed Grand Prize Giveaway from Cynsations. Deadline: Jan. 31.

Blessed Blog Tour & ARC/Prize Package Giveaways by Kari from The Teen {Book} Scene. See individual sites on this online tour for specific prize entry information.

Blessed Online Countdown Event by Valorie from Truth Be Told. Valorie is posting reviews, book trailers, teaser excerpts, giveaways, and author-and-character interviews. Giveaway deadline: 11 p.m. PST Jan. 24. See details.

Blessed Tour

Blessed Central Texas and Northeast U.S. Tour from Candlewick Press. Note: YA authors Mari Mancusi and Daniel Nayeri will be joining Cynthia here and there along the way!

Cynsational Notes

This post features a sampling of the latest buzz surrounding Blessed. I’ll highlight more links as part of my weekly round-ups. Thanks to everyone who’s reading and discussing the novel!

I greatly appreciate y’all indulging today’s celebration. I’ll return to highlighting other authors, their books, and news of the publishing world, starting again tomorrow!