Bite-Sized Reviews :: Edition Fourteen

And hello again, my lovelies! I am finally getting my reviews caught up and since I am so very far behind, I figured mini reviews was the best way to go. But please don't take that to mean these stories are forgettable. Indeed, most of them I quite liked a great deal! Yet to attempt to write a regular review for each of them would inevitably end up with me never getting caught up. So! Mini reviews it is. Hope you enjoy! :)

Also, since I have such a great list to write about, I thought I'd separate them between YA and Christian Fiction (as those are the genres most fall under on my list). In other words, there will be more bite-sized reviews coming soon!

Just Like the Movies by Kelly Fiore
This is a story that'll make you smile. If you want a quick and easy read guaranteed to be full of cute romance and fun friendships, I think you'll enjoy it. Just like any teen movie these days, from the meet cute to the dramatics of teenagers, overall it's a sweet story. Turn off your brain and have fun!

Not In the Script by Amy Finnegan
So much adorableness! For a bit of fluff that made me grin the whole way through, this one has a lot of heart as well. That's not to say Emma and Jake didn't frustrate me at times, but not so much that I couldn't enjoy their bantering back and forth. They were cute, which was all I was looking for. :)

Illusions of Fate by Kiersten White
A bit of magic, romance (full of bickering, naturally :), and mystery all taking place in a historical time period (when? we'll never know). A few darker moments interspersed with cuteness between the leads. Ms. White hooked me in pretty quickly and I quite enjoyed the ride!

I Was Here by Gayle Forman
Everything I've heard about Ms. Forman's skill with a pen is true. This book deals with extremely difficult issues, yet there are moments of lightness which make the story easier to handle. I was uncertain if I'd enjoy it, and while it's not on my top ten favorites list, it was exceptionally well written and I'm very pleased I read it.

Gilded Ashes by Rosamund Hodge
If you enjoyed Cruel Beauty or Crimson Bound, I can promise you'll enjoy this little novella. And if you haven't read either of those yet and have been wondering whether you'd like them, this is an excellent story to get a feel for her wonderful writing. Loved it!

Meant To Be by Lauren Morrill
As someone who would love to visit London someday, I liked getting the chance to vicariously travel the city. :) Julia and Jason were adorable, and watching the two circle around each other, clashing at every turn yet unable to deny their chemistry made for an entertaining few hours.

Being Sloane Jacobs by Lauren Morrill
I'm still not 100% convinced that these girls could have actually carried off such a switcheroo in real life, but it doesn't really matter. Their individual character arcs were fun to watch and their romantic escapades very sweet. By the last page I was grinning happily and what more could you want in a story? :)

Mind Games by Kiersten White
Very different from what I had anticipated, but quite intriguing nonetheless. There were times I wasn't sure whether I liked the characters and times where I really did. For sure, the best relationship of the story is Annie and Fia's. Regardless of anything, they understand one another inherently and each will always put their sister before themselves. I ended the book truly anxious to find out what happens next!

Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell
Why I put off reading this I will never know. I should know by now that Ms. Rowell's books will always be exceptional. She excels at creating amazing characters. And these two nerdy kids are awesome! Watching them slowly stumble their way into being friends and then something more is so very delightful. Definitely one I'll be rereading in the future! :)

Bite-Sized Reviews :: The 2015 INSPYs Edition

As some of you may or may not know, I had the privilege of being a part of the INSPY Awards earlier this year. It was such a fun opportunity and I got the chance to read a couple authors that I hadn't yet! Ultimately my fellow judges and I chose Meant To Be Mine by Becky Wade for our category, but the other four books were very wonderful. I am long past due writing these reviews since those awards were given back in June. June! I know! Still, better late than never, right? :) So! On with the reviews!

A Broken Kind of Beautiful by Katie Ganshert
It's not every single book title that aptly fits the story within, but this one certainly does! It is a heartbreaking, yet ultimately beautiful kind of story. Ivy is one of those characters that has to grow on you. At least she did for me. But it doesn't take that many chapters for you to realize how broken she truly is and once she, herself, realizes that? Once she begins to see the beauty that is found even in the things that the world says is ugly? That's when I knew I was beginning to like her. As she struggled to see beyond her hurt and pain, as those around her strove for the same, they grew closer together and soon became a part of me as well. I don't think you could read this story without feeling each character's emotions and being right there with each of them as they slowly opened up to one another and most especially to God. Sort of like how sunflowers open up to the sun! A beautiful story indeed. And it convinced me that I need to read more of Ms. Ganshert's books! :)

Somebody Like You by Beth K. Vogt
The idea that this story is based around could so easily have become quite a different story than it did. But Ms. Vogt took such care with her characters and her storyline that I never doubted the gentle way she led them around to each other. Instead of huge dramatics and constant angst, it felt real. Both Haley and Stephen grappled with understanding themselves, how their pasts had shaped them, and where they wanted to go in the future. And as I journeyed along with them, I could appreciate the confusion of emotions they both felt, yet their connection was undeniable. It made me grin and sigh happily once they were finally able to be on the same page! Such a sweet story. (On an extremely shallow note though, I just have to mention that the more I looked at the cover, the more I wanted to push her hair out of her face! Or at least make her turn around so the wind could blow it away from her eyes. :)

A Table By the Window by Hillary Manton Lodge
I confess that while I read this one, I got very, very hungry! Ms. Lodge's descriptions of the food made them sound delicious. :D It's a quiet story that begins slowly and works its way into your heart (and stomach! ;) until you're salivating to know what's going to happen next. And can I just say that I loved Jules' family? The siblings interactions were fun and felt very real. And the love and care they have for one another is wonderful. Even as they sometimes frustrated each other. And the romance? Oh my, there's just something awfully romantic about a man who writes letters! The gentle way Neil and Jules interact with each other is so sweet. With yummy food, an interesting mystery, and cute romance, this story is mix of things that somehow flow together into a wonderful story! My only complaint is that it ends with a teensy bit of a cliffhanger and I have to wait for the next book to find out where Jules goes from here. At least it's already published though, right? :)

Beowulf: Explosives Detection Dog by Ronie Kendig
Every single thing I've ever read about Ms. Kendig's books is true! She is an amazing writer, my friends. With great characters (especially Beowulf! :) and edge-of-your-seat climaxes, this is one book that had to be read in one sitting. No other possibility, because there was no way I was going to be able to sleep without finding out what was going to happen! And if you like dogs, then I can guarantee Beowulf will make you fall in love with him with no trouble at all. He's awesome! And made me laugh so many times, especially during a few moments of tension. Timbrel caused me some frustration at times, I will admit, but once she got over her stubbornness I could forgive her. She and Tony were awfully cute together! :) If you haven't read one of Ms. Kendig's books yet, then may I suggest that you remedy that? This was a wonderful story and I plan to read more of her books in the future! So should you.

Sweater Weather {a tag}

Amber, at Seasons of Humility, tagged me a few weeks ago. It took me a bit, but I'm finally responding. Thanks, Amber! This was a fun set of questions. And fall is such a great time of year, even if it does happen to usher in the dreaded winter. *sigh* But speaking of winter, HUGE news folks! Tomorrow marks the publishing of Winter by Marissa Meyer!!!! So y'all know without any question exactly what I'll be doing then! :D

Favorite candle scent?

Hmmm. I light candles so very rarely that I don't really have a favorite. But I know that I usually like to smell cinnamon candles, so I'll go with that.

Coffee, tea, or hot chocolate?

Tea! Most definitely tea. And extra points if it's chai tea! :D But I do love hot chocolate as well.

What's the best fall memory you have?

Well, I'd say this year my favorite fall memory is spending a week at the beach in October! ;) The weather was awesome, the ocean glorious and soothing, and the city was beautiful. But I realize that's not really a memory that has anything to do with fall. I'm drawing a blank on specifics, but I do recall that I loved to jump in the leaves as a kid. After all that work of raking them, the joy of running and jumping into the soft piles of leaves made me grin. Happiness! :)

Best fragrance for fall?

Baked goods. Whether pie, pastries, pumpkin something or other, or cakes, the smell of fresh deliciousness just out of the oven is comforting and delightful.

Favorite Thanksgiving food?

I always cannot wait until the dressing gets passed around to me! And of course, the pumpkin pie with loads of whipped topping (No dollop for me! The top must be covered so every bite has some. :). Those are the two things I most look forward to the closer Thanksgiving Day gets.

Most worn sweater?

This year it's a blue zip-up with a hood. But if sweatshirts count, I've had one for at least 17 or 18 years (I got it sometime during high school). It's worn very thin and the neck and sleeves are really stretched out, but it's still so comfortable. I'm pretty sure I'll wear it until it's completely shredded.

Football games or jumping in leaf piles?

Leaf piles! Football is one sport beyond my comprehension. My high school gym teacher tried to explain it to us, I've had multiple friends attempt to explain it, and it still goes over my head. And really. I'm okay with that! I am perfectly happy in my ignorance. :) But give me a leaf pile and I will immediately revert to childhood and desire to jump in it!

Skinny jeans or leggings?

Legging, I suppose. I tend to wear those or tights all winter long. But I don't usually wear either one in the fall.

Combat boots or Uggs?

Having never worn either one of those, I can't really say. I do think Uggs look pretty warm, but I'm not certain that's why people wear them these days. :)

Is pumpkin spice worth the hype?

I have tried it before and thought it pretty tasty. But since I'm not a coffee person, I don't really get into all the hype about it. I will say that I have friends who absolutely love it though, so they'd have a different opinion for sure.

Favorite fall TV show?

Can I pick You've Got Mail instead? I know it's not a TV show, but it's one of my favorite movies ever! "Don't you just love New York in the fall? It makes me want to buy school supplies." Clearly I need a rewatch soon!

What do you want to be for Halloween?

Halloween is past, but this year I spent it just like I've spent every other year, at home cozy in bed. :)

Hats or scarves?

Scarves for sure! I have a huge appreciation for scarves these days. There are so many cute ones and they keep my neck warm, yet are easy to remove when I go inside. Plus they can be used as hats of a sort, since you can wrap them around your head as well. So they're versatile! Win win. :D

My favorite is like this one, it has Captain Wentworth's letter on it. It's cozy and makes me happy.

What's your #1 favorite thing about fall?

Okay, I loved how Amber answered this question, so I wanted to share it: I love the symbolism of the season - the letting go that is all at once freeing and beautiful and melancholy. It's that indescribable something that makes autumn a time of long nights, thought-provoking sights, and harvest joys.

There's just something about this time of year. It's new beginnings, fresh, crisp air, watching the earth prepare for cold, all the beautiful colors everywhere (the leaves, but also the decorations people put out). It's a time of year where people are inside a little more because of the warmth there, so it brings people together. And it's cozy. There's just something so comforting when I pass by homes with lights in the windows, or even candles. It kind of gets my creative juices flowing somehow. I'm not even sure I can describe why, but it does. :) I love it!


And there you go! Hope you enjoyed. I think I'll tag the following lovely ladies: Hamlette of The Edge of the Precipice and Naomi of Wonderland Creek. But should any one of you want to join in, then please feel free to do so! :)

Bookish {and Not So Bookish} Thoughts :: Edition Four

This is a weekly meme hosted by Bookishly Boisterous where we write about stuff. I happened to see this via Birdie at Lady of the Manor and thought I'd join in.

1. Why hello there, my lovelies! October has been busy, busy for me, what with a vacation smack dab in the middle of it and lots of catch up to do after I was home again. So I've been scarce about these parts, but no worries! I hope to be back to my regular sporadic schedule now. :) And for the record? Vacations.......are THE BEST. Especially when they involve really good friends, bookshops, old buildings, glorious architecture, new cities to fall in love with, BEACH time, amazingly perfect weather, tea, and oh yeah, time with friends! It was wonderful, to say the least. And I did not want to come home again. *sadface* Alas, vacations can only last but for a moment and then they are a wistful memory from the past. Reminiscing about the fabulousness with my friends once home again does help though! Also, if you ever get the chance to visit Savannah, GA, I highly recommend it. :)

Beach reading is my favorite! :D

2. The other cool thing about vacations is that when they involve roadtrips, one tends to end up with hours and hours with which to be swept away in an audio version of a story! And guess which book I finally had the chance to listen to?! (There are some in the audience who will be thrilled with this info I am sure. :) The Fellowship of the Ring by JRR Tolkien. Yes! I did indeed listen to the entire thing and really enjoyed it! I think I mentioned last year, when I finished The Hobbit, that I wanted to listen to the trilogy sometime. I found the audiobooks at the library and now book one is done (getting ready to start book two, The Two Towers, in the next couple days I hope)!  And let me just say this about that....Sam. Is. AWESOME. I love Sam. I really, really do! Since I've watched all the movies and loved Sam already, I knew that book-Sam would probably make me love him more. And he did! There really aren't enough words to talk about how awesome book-Sam is. When I finally get around to writing my review, I am positive I will have more to say. Until then, just know that Sam is one amazing little Hobbit who is deserving of all the bestest things Middle Earth can offer! :D


3. One thing I quickly figured out about Mr. Tolkien though? He likes his details. He loves his details, actually. And I've decided that for my first read-through of the series (because I'm pretty sure I'll want to read them again :) going the audiobook route is definitely the best for me. I think I'd have a tendency to want to skim over some of the many details that go on for pages and pages. (I'm assuming.) (I acknowledge, as someone who hasn't really skimmed through the actual books yet, that I could be wrong.) (But I'm pretty sure I'm right.) (Maybe.) But listening to all those details hasn't bothered me yet, so there you go. Audiobook it is!


4. I apologize in advance, but this news needs to be shouted. MY FRIEND AMBER HAS A NEW STORY PUBLISHED!!! YAY!!! :D She has a novelette out called While You're Awake, and it is delightful! I say this as someone totally not biased at all. ;) But truly, it is a sweet and fun story. For those not in the know, a novelette is like a mini short story, so it's not a long read. But it's just long enough to make you smile and make your heart happy dance! So you should definitely click over to Amazon (right here) and check it out. My review should be up soon! (Amber has a Pinterest board with fun little tidbits about the story, check it out here.)

5. As always, I so far behind on my reviews. *big sigh* But am determined to get them caught up! Soonish.....I hope. But until that happens, here's a few stories that should be on your radar. The Bronte Plot by Katherine Reay (releasing next week!!!), Tiffany Girl by Deeanne Gist, and Spinning Starlight by R.C. Lewis (I mentioned Stitching Snow in a previous post and it is equally as wonderful as this second novel by Ms. Lewis, just fyi. :) Also The Gifting series by K.E. Ganshert is quite lovely as well!

6. And the bestest news of all?! Winter is coming!!!!! Only two weeks left, y'all! I AM SO EXCITED. (As if you can't tell, right? ;) This waiting for the final book has been torture. Pure torture, I tell you! I am beyond ready to find out what happens next to Cinder and the gang. I am most certainly ready for Queen Levana to get her comuppance! Two years is way too long to make us poor readers wait for this book. Nov. 10th cannot get here fast enough!

7. Since that torture is almost over, I will now happily end this exclamation-point-filled post. I hope y'all have been doing well! Read anything amazing recently? Do let me know, I am always up for adding to my towering TBR. :)