Waiting on Wednesday (5)

I don't often participate in Breaking the Spine's Waiting on Wednesday, but every so often there's a new release coming that I can't help but get excited about. Clearly, this week is one of those times.

Daughters of the Nile by Stephanie Dray
Expected Publication: December 3, 2013 by Berkley Trade
Series: Cleopatra's Daughter #3
Synopsis via Goodreads:Based on the true story of Cleopatra’s daughter…

After years of abuse as the emperor’s captive in Rome, Cleopatra Selene has found a safe harbor. No longer the pitiful orphaned daughter of the despised Egyptian Whore, the twenty year old is now the most powerful queen in the empire, ruling over the kingdom of Mauretania—an exotic land of enchanting possibility where she intends to revive her dynasty.

With her husband, King Juba II and the magic of Isis that is her birthright, Selene brings prosperity and peace to a kingdom thirsty for both. But when Augustus Caesar jealously demands that Selene’s children be given over to him to be fostered in Rome, she’s drawn back into the web of imperial plots and intrigues that she vowed to leave behind.

Determined and resourceful, Selene must shield her loved ones from the emperor’s wrath, all while vying with ruthless rivals like King Herod. Can she find a way to overcome the threat to her marriage, her kingdom, her family, and her faith? Or will she be the last of her line?

I loved the first two books of the series, and can't wait to see how it continues! I would imagine this is the last of the series, but hopefully I'm wrong. Either way, I definitely want to be savoring this once it's finally available.

Are they any books you're waiting on that you can't wait to see published?

Top 10 Books of 2012

In the next few days I'll be recapping December along with the entire year, but felt for me in order to really wrap up the entire year I had to include the books. It was interesting going through this, because some my opinion on some books changed with some time. (My number 1 pick wasn't even a 5/5 rating at the time I reviewed it.) So without further adieu, here are my top 10 books of 2012.

1. Celebrating Interfaith Marriages by Rabbi Devon A. LernerWhile I enjoyed this when I read it, it wasn't till I started thinking about our wedding ceremony that I realized how amazing it was. I realize I haven't blogged our ceremony yet, but when I do, I will be referencing this over and over again.

2. The Dovekeepers by Alice HoffmanI loved this one because it brought me back to my time in Israel. Although think even if you've never been, you will still absolutely love this one.

3. The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen ChboskyReading this brought me right back to high school (although not always in good way). I have read some negative reviews of this lately, which surprise me a little considering how much I enjoyed it.

4. Song of the Nile by Stephanie DrayI loved this book and was so excited when I heard a third book in the series was planned for 2013. I may have been swayed to put this here, by the fact that Stephanie Dray found my blog and commented on my post. But still, this was a fun read on a time period I hadn't really read before.

5. Divergent by Veronica RothI feel like I'm a year late reading this, but now can join the club of its fans. I do have Insurgent to read, although feel like the longer I wait to read it, the less time I have to wait for the third book of the trilogy.

6. Gone Girl by Gillian FlynnThis is the book that everyone is talking about this year. If you haven't read this one you need to, if only so you can read it before anyone spoils the twist for you.

7. Wither by Lauren DeStefanoI was so excited when I finally got my hands on this. I wasn't as big of a fan of the sequel, but can't wait to see how Rhine's story ends when the third book comes out later this year.

8. Courting Her Highness by Jean PlaidyI love all the Jean Plaidy books I've read, but this one has to be one of my favorites. It's interesting going back and reading how I lamented they were no longer republishing her books in that review, especially since they've started to again, just with a different publishing house.

9. Where We Belong by Emily GiffinEmily Giffin is an author, like Jean Plaidy, that I always seem to love. In my review I said this was probably my favorite of hers. As time has passed I'm not so sure on that anymore, but think because I read this so quickly I don't remember it that well. I guess that just means I probably need to go back and reread it!

10. The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Steig LarssonI didn't think I would like this one nearly as much as I did, but I guess I should have listened to everyone who recommended it sooner. I haven't picked up the next two books yet, but plan on doing so soon.

What books would make up your top 10 reads of 2012? And have you read any of the books on my list?

Today I'm linking up with Blonde Undercover Blonde for Book Club Friday!

The Princess of Egypt

Song of the Nile by Stephanie Dray
Last year I read Dray's first book about Cleopatra's daughter, Lily of the Nile and absolutely loved it, so much that I picked up this sequel almost as soon as it came out. So it's almost ridiculous that I've waited so long to read this, especially since I love this one just as much if not more.

Since it had been so long since I read the first I was a little worried that I would be confused since I couldn't remember all the details. But Dray manages to subtly recap all the details of the first book without resorting to a Baby-Sitter's Club-esque chapter long recap. It didn't feel like I as hit over the head with the prior events, but I still felt more than adequately caught up.

Before reading this books I knew little about Cleopatra and had barely heard of her daughter, Cleopatra Selene, and afterwards I feel like I've learned so much. Granted these books take place in the 20BC, and we don't have a lot of details from that time. In the afterwards Dray mentions what details she used to base the story on, and those details seem to be few are far between. Which does mean that I can credit a lot of the world building to Dray herself, which I absolutely fell in love with.

Reading this I didn't want to put it down, and couldn't wait to find out the ending. Except I didn't want the story to end and would have gone on reading about Selene and her kingdom forever. I believe this is only Dray's second book, and I can't wait to see what she comes up with next!

5/5

Today I'm linking up with Blonde Undercover Blonde for Book Club Friday!

In My Mailbox (33)

It's Sunday so once again I'm linking up with The Story Siren's In My Mailbox!
From The Story Siren
Au Revoir, Crazy European Chick by Joe Schreiber
Sphinx's Princess by Esther Friesner
Stork by Wendy Delsol
Last week Kristi, of The Story Siren, posted some books for donation. There were several other books I had requested and was hoping to pick up, but by the time the e-mail was sent they had already been reserved. But I'm more than excited I was able to request any, and I'm awfully excited to read each one.

Won
Bunheads by Sophie Flack
I won this one from a giveaway at Elle Lit. (One of the only other Louisiana book bloggers I've found, but if there's more out there please say hello!) I can't help but think of Center Stage when I think of this book, and if it lives up to that comparison I think I'll love it.

Borrowed From a Friend
I Don't Know How She Does It by Allison Pearson
I haven't seen the movie yet for this, but to be honest I think the movie looks awfully cheesy. But I think that even if the movie looks cheesy the book has to be good otherwise they never would have thought to adapt it. I have heard it's a British book which makes me excited because I seem to always love books based out of England.

Definitely an awesome book week for me, and I'm hoping it was just as awesome for you! So what's in your mailbox this week? And any suggestions for which ones of these I should pick up to read first?

In My Mailbox (28)

I actually meant to share these book last week, but I've had some things going on and haven't really had the chance to till today. So here's my edition to The Story Siren's In My Mailbox!
Purchased
Mistress Shakespeare by Karen Harper
Right now I have so many book in my TBR pile that I really didn't need a lot more, especially since at the rate I'm reading it will probably take me about a year to get through all my books. But the red dot on the spine meant the book was on sale for only $2, so purchased it was.

Honolulu by Alan Brennert
This book has actually been on my list of recommended books on goodreads, and seeing it bargained priced I couldn't pass it up. It's a historical fiction that takes place in the early 1900s in Hawaii. I've never read anything that takes place there, so I'm hoping to really enjoy this one.

Song of the Nile by Stephanie Dray
I loved Dray's first book on Cleopatra's Daughter and so I bought this one almost as soon as it can out. I can't wait to read it, and hopefully it lives up to the first.

Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins
If you're into YA book blogging I know you recognize this. I've actually already read and reviewed it, and of course I loved it.

Royal Sisters by Jean Plaidy
I recently posted about my love for Jean Plaidy so this one shouldn't be a surprise. I actually have another Jean Plaidy book I haven't read (Courting Her Highness), and went to pick it up, but realized that if I did I would be reading them out of order since The Royal Sisters comes first in her Stuart Series. But now that I have it I can rest comfortably knowing I'll be reading them in chronological order.

So that's it for me this week. What's in your mailbox this Sunday?

From Egypt to Rome

First before I get to my review (which I really think you should read because I loved this book!), just wanted to send out a friendly announcement that Book Blogger Appreciation Week 2012 has been announced for September 12 - 16. Last year I wound up on the long list for best historical fiction blog, which I thought was impressive since I wasn't a huge part of the book blogging community. But in the past year I've gotten so much more involved in the community and read some many more book blogs, I'm excited for the festivities to start! So if BBAW is something new to you I highly recommend you check it you, but now... onto the review!

Lily of the Nile by Stephanie Dray
Obviously I've heard of Cleopatra, Mark Antony, and Julius Caesar. But in truth I don't know that much about them. Surprising I think I learned far more about them from this book than I knew before, and this book actually about any of the three of them.

Instead it tells the story of Cleopatra Selene, the daughter of Cleopatra and Mark Antony. Within the first few pages both of her parents are dead, and Selene and her brothers are taken as prisoners to Rome to be raised in the household of the Roman Emperor.

I really enjoyed reading Selene's story and almost more so loved the history. Being that this is historical fiction, I have to wonder just how much is based on actual fact. Obviously given when these event occurred (about 40 B.C.E) we don't have a lot of concrete information. But while I'm not a scholar and don't know how much is the truth, it felt real to me and I very mush so enjoyed reading and learning what ancient Rome was potential like.

I don't want to say I'm surprised by how much I enjoyed the book, because I was expecting to love it based on the subject matter. I am happy I finally had a chance to read it and am now looking forward to sequel's release this fall, and would also love to read Cleopatra's Daughter by Michelle Moran to read about Selene from another author's perspective as well.

5/5

In My Mailbox (11)

I'm so excited to share this week's In My Mailbox (hosted by The Story Siren)! This past week our Borders had a tent sale. It looked like books left over from closing sales that hadn't sold so they had been sent to our store (which thankfully isn't closing) to finish them off. The prices were slashed and not only that they were buy 1, get one free. I definitely made the most of this deal! And without any more chatter, here are the books!
Saving CeeCee Honeycutt by Beth Hoffman
Amber recently read this one and made note of it on her goodreads account. I haven't heard a lot about it, but knowing Amber enjoyed it I'm excited to read it.

Peace, Love and Baby Ducks by Lauren Myracle
This was another one I've seen reviewed on a blog recently. (I don't remember whose, so if you have reviewed it recently let me know and I'll give you a shout out!) It sounded cute, I love the title, and considering the cost it was well worth the cost.

Someday my Prince Will Come by Jerramy Fine
I keep seeing the memoir in bookstores and think about picking it up. The subtitle is True Adventures of a Wannabe Princess, and is about how she moves to London in hopes of rubbing shoulders with royalty. I have a mild royalty obsession myself, so I'm sure I'll be identifying with this one.

The Queen Mother: The Official Biography by William Shawcross
Speaking of royalty... this was not a tent sale buy, but I've been wanting to read it since I saw The King's Speech and finally picked it up. It's a huge book and I know it'll take sometime to get through it, but I can't wait to dive into it!

The Help by Kathryn Stockett
Also not a tent sale buy, but I wanted to make sure I saw it before the movie comes out. I've actually already finished it (and loved it!). Review will b e coming soon on the blog!

That Summer by Sarah Dessen
I've never read anything by Sarah Dessen, but I've heard so many great things about her and her books I can't wait to give them a try.

O, Juliet by Robin Maxwell
I read the back of this book seeing it was a retelling of Romeo & Juliet and immediately picked it up. It wasn't till after I noticed the author, and realized I've read most of Robin Maxwell's books and loved them all. I'm sure I'll be loving this one too!

Lily of the Nile by Stephanie Dray
Another book I keep wanting to pick up. It's a novel about Cleopatra's and Marc Anthony's daughter. I'm not completely sure the plot line, but being that's it's historical fiction how could I not wind up loving it.

It was definitely an epic week for me, and I dying to read all of these! If only there was more time in the day... So tell me, what's in your mailbox this week?