Top Books of 2019

Why hello there! Yes, it's me. I just wanted to check into this mostly forgotten corner of the internet to share my top books of 2019. I know I'm not writing book reviews here, but I'm still reading! This was actually one of my best reading years in a long time. The best since having kids, really. So here are my favorites, listed in the order I read them. I did manage to narrow my list down to 10, but there were others I was sad to be leaving off that I have included at the end as honorary mentions.

1. The Rise and Fall of the Dinosaurs: A New History of a Lost World by Stephen Brusatte
I was dinosaur obsessed as a little kid and I loved getting back into that world with this book. I was surprised how much research continues to happen in the field. There continues to be many dinosaurs discovered all the time, which I hadn't realized. The author is around my age as well, and I think the idea of being a paleontologist is so cool.

2. Rebel Queen by Michelle Moran
This was so fascinating to read. It tells the story of Queen Lakshmi, one of the last queen's of India prior to the British conquest. It's told from the point of view of Sita one of her female guards. I loved the details and the historical aspects of this one. Months later it's still one that I can't forget.

3. We Were the Lucky Ones by Georgia Hunter
This is one that's been on best of lists since it was published in 2017. A Holocaust survival story that almost too good to be true, and yet it is since it was based on the author's family's survival story. There were a lot of siblings and at times it can be hard to keep them all straight. But there's several haunting scenes in it that you can't forget.

4. The Red Scrolls of Magic by Cassandra Clare & Wesley Chu
I read 3 of Cassandra Clare's Shadowhunter books this year. I enjoyed them all by this one narrowly beat out Ghosts of the Shadow Market to make the list. I loved getting to go back in time and see how Magnus and Alec's love story began. At this point there's so many Shadowhunter books it would seem a little intimidating to get started, but I continue to enjoy them! (It also helps that my mom introduced me to them when there were only 3! Little did I know 10 years later they would still be published.)

5. Sold on a Monday by Kristina McMorris
Another of those haunting stories that just stays with you. It's a story of a newspaper reporter and the aftermath of having one of his stories go nationwide. There's a bit of a love story in it, which helped offset the sad mystery throughout. Another one that shows some of the dark times of history that we don't want to forget.

6. The Island of Sea Women by Lisa See
Such a fascinating story of a culture I knew nothing about going in. This takes place on the Korean Island Jeju starting just before World War 2. I've read several books by Lisa See, but I think this might be my favorite. It has some familiar themes as others, showing the ups and downs of female friendship, but yet it's also so different than her others. Like many others on this list, this isn't an easy one to get through, but it's one that's hard to put down and impossible to forget.

7. We Must Be Brave by Frances Liardet
Out of all the books I read this one made me cry the most. It takes place during England and starts with a little girl being sheltered in the midst of an air raid. I wouldn't describe this one as haunted though. For taking place during a war it isn't full of a bunch of atrocities. Instead so much is about love and loss and parts are heartbreaking.

8. Christmas Shopaholic by Sophie Kinsella
Out of all the books on this list this is by far the lightest. It was so much fun getting back into the world of Becky Brandon (nee Bloomwood). There were times that I was laughing so hard I had to put the book down. This has all my favorite parts of the early Shopaholic books and was especially the perfect read around the holidays.

9. Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens
Another you continue to see on best lists. This was different than I though it would be, but I completely get what all the hype if about! There was a bit of a twist near the end that I didn't see coming at all. (Although it's a little obvious, given some of the clues, I just didn't let myself believe it.)

10. It's a Whole Spiel: Love, Latkes, and Other Jewish Stories Edited by Katherine Locke & Laura Silverman
This is a collection of YA short stories all with a Jewish theme. There's been several similar Christmas themed books out there and I was so excited to see that this existed. It seems to be marketed as a Hanukkah book and while there are Hanukkah stories in it, it's more of a collection of being Jewish as a teen or young adult now. There were many different perspectives, feeling too-Jewish as well as not Jewish enough. There were stories on Birthright trips and Jewish summer camps both experiences I, as well as many other, have found memories off. I was a little surprised at the number of stories with a LGBTQ-slant, although I get how that makes sense today. I loved reading it so much now, but I think if I had read it in college, I would have loved it so much more.

Honorary Mentions
Daughters of the Nile by Stephanie Dray
The Gown: A Novel of the Royal Wedding by Jennifer Robson
The Other Einstein by Marie Benedict
The Perfect Couple by Elin Hilderbrand
Ghosts of the Shadow Market by Cassandra Clare
The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah
Disney's Land: Walt Disney and the Invention of the Amusement Park That Changed the World by Richard Snow
Front Desk by Kelly Yang

To see my favorite books from years' past go here:
2018
2014
2013
2012

Best Books of 2018

There's a lot of things I miss about blogging regularly. I use to love sitting down and writing book reviews after finishing a book, as something to refer back to on why I might have loved it so much. (But the last one I posted was back in 2016!) Also, I used to love wrapping up a year reflecting back on what occurred. (The last time I did one of those was even longer in 2015!) So on a whim I decided to bring them both back with a list of my favorite reads from the past year. In years past I've actually ranked books where #1 was my absolute favorite, but for simplicity sake, I just have them all in the order I read them.

1. Apprentice by Maggie Anton
I LOVED Anton's Rashi'a Daughters Trilogy and was so excited to read another one from her. It's a time period that I haven't read much about (Persia in 300s), and I found everything fascinating. There is a sequel to it, which I can't wait to pick up.

2. Juniper: The Girl Who Was Born Too Soon by Kelley Benham French and Thomas French
This is such an incredible memoir about a couple recollecting their duaghter's premature birth. Thankfully, everything worked out for the family and they now have a healthy daughter years later. I just remember not being able to put this down, because even though you know how it works out, you just had to see the journey there.

3. The Forgotten Room by Karen White, Lauren Willig, Beatriz Williams
This was a fun book written by 3 different authors told over three time periods. Of the authors, I had only read Willig before (whose Pink Carnation series I love!), but I've heard great things about Williams especially. It was definitely fun trying to match either author up with the story they likely guided the most. Each story centers around a room in a NYC house and features a different love story. It was so fun trying to figure out how the characters and stories were all interwoven.

4. Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell
So far, I've loved everything I've read by Rowell. Which actually is now only two, but I'm still excited to read the rest. I felt like this book so captured the feeling of being in college. I also loved the fan fiction aspect of it, which brought me back to when I used to read and write it back in high school. (Yes, seriously! Backstreet Boys fan fiction in case you had to know! Sadly, or maybe not so, anything I wrote no longer exists.)

5. The Royal We by Heather Cocks and Jessica Morgan
I feel like I'm so late to this one! But like everything else, reading has also dropped off lately. I picked this up just in time for The Royal Wedding. It really was just as good as everything said, and I'd love to read a sequel to check in on Nick and Bex.

6. Somerset by Leila Meacham
After reading Roses by Meacham years ago, I've been meaning to read more by her. This was actually the second by her I read this year (the first being Titans), but the one I liked better. It had such an interesting perspective. It is another epic family story. I loved some of the details, things like the discovery of dinosaur bones and the idea of adoption in the early 1900s. Actually this was one of many books I read this years that discussed adoption in the early 1900s, definitely a bit of a rabbit hole I fell into.

7. Pachinko by Min Jin Lee
Another epic family historical story. This one though taking place in Korea and Japan. Like many of the others, it's a period I knew little about which is part of the reason I loved it. There are a lot of characters and a lot of time passing in this book, which meant certain aspects weren't as developed as they could have been. Still I absolutely loved the book and getting to hear the family's story.

8. All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr
I remember being intrigued by this one when it came out, and can't believe it's taken me so long to read. It's an interesting perspective of WWII, one I hadn't read before. There's 2 separate stories told throughout, and I loved how they finally intertwined at the end.

9. Crazy Rich Asians by Kevin Kwan
Another one I know I'm crazy late on! I haven't seen the movie yet, but based on the previews, I'm not sure it can compare to the book. The title of this one definitely lives up to its name. I've since gone on and finished the trilogy and while I loved them all, I think the first is the best because you really go into it not knowing what to expect.

10. Before We Were Yours by Lisa Wingate
Remember a couple of paragraph's ago mentioning how I read several books about adoption, this is one of those. (The other big one was The Orphan Train, which just missed this list.) It's another one with two story lines that intertwine by the end. I actually loved the historical one so much more than the present day story, although I do realize the importance of having the other perspective.

11. A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman
I just couldn't stop at 10, and for those of you that have read this, you understand why. It's a book you start and don't quite get, but as you continue to read and understand the story it's heartwarming and one you can't put down.

I feel like 2018 was the first year in a while where I really, really loved what I read. Hence the reason I wanted to write this post. I didn't hit my goal of 52 books in a year, although assuming I finish the book I'm currently reading, will be only 7 books away. I'm hoping that now that the babies are getting older and I'm starting to feel a bit more like myself again, I can get back to reading and blogging more often!

To see my favorite books from years' past go here:
2014
2013
2012

Mailbox Monday (132)

It's been forever since I've posted for Mailbox Monday (Years, literally.) To the point where I wasn't sure if it existed anymore. But you do! And I purchased a couple of books I couldn't help but share, so here I am, back again!
Purchased
We're about to head on vacation, and I was in search of a couple of beach reads to bring along for both me and the kids. I'm so excited by what I found, and can't wait for us all to enjoy these.
Star Wars Block Illustrated by Peskimo
I've heard of these block books for a while and was really intrigued. But finally seeing one in person, plus the fact it was Star Wars sucked me in. This really is unlike any book I've seen, and I'm hoping Bear loves it just as much. Especially since I want to buy all the others in the series!
How to Code a Sandcastle by Josh Funk
I was really hoping to find a fun story about going to the beach, and I feel like I hit jackpot here. This is a story of a little girl who wants to build a sand castle, but instead of doing it by hand, figures out how to code a robot to do so. It's such a fun concept, and so well done. I really think it's a perfect book, and hope Elley feels the same.
An Elephant & Piggie Biggie! by Mo Willems
This is actually five Elephant & Piggie stories in one collection. I've heard great things about the series and Mo Willems, but there was just something that stopped me from buying any. I did recently pick up Elley at daycare and see her reading one of the stories, which reminded me of them. Plus this was Barnes & Nobles children's book of the month and hence 50% which inspired me to finally take the plunge.
A Certain Age by Beatriz Williams
I've heard such great things about Beatriz Williams, although have never read anything she's written. (Unless you count The Forgotten Room in which she was one of three authors.) I'm really excited to finally she what she's about, especially knowing how many other books of hers are out there!
All We Ever Wanted by Emily Giffin
I love, love, love Emily Giffin. Although I can't say I've loved everyone of her books, because there was that one. But when we lost our house in the flood and had to evacuate, the "luxury item" I brought with my was her First Comes Love which I was reading at the time. I'm so looking forward to laying out on the beach and getting lost in this book (at least assuming someone else will be watching the kids!) and I really hopeful this is like so many of her others that I can't stop reading!

It was so much fun to be back posting for Mailbox Monday, and I'll do my best to not let another 2 years go by before joining in again!

A Novel of Marlene Dietrich

Marlene by C.W. Gortner
Published: December 16, 2016 by William Morrow (An imprint of Harper Collins)
I remember the first book I read by Gortner (The Last Queen, almost 7 years ago!). From that first book, I've loved everything I've read by him. What stood out to me about that first book was that while it was about a time period I was familiar with, it told the story of a historical character I knew little about. Basically I knew enough about the topic to be excited, but there was still an element of surprise. I'm excited to say, once again, that was the case with Marlene.

Here you get to meet Marlene Dietrich, a German actress who became a Hollywood star in the 1930s and 1940s. If you're more cultured than me, you probably know who she was, but until I picked up the book she was one I hadn't heard of. Although there are a ton of characters mentioned that I was familiar with (John Wayne, Ernest Hemmingway, Bette Davis, and more) and it was fun recognizing all the cameos. With that said, I'm sure there are a ton more I didn't get the significance of.

I've read a lot about WWII, but I can't remember reading anything else with such a take on it. Marlene is German but also American, and it's really interesting seeing her grapple with the Germany she loved growing up and the horrors of what it became.

This is the 5th book I've read by Gortner, and each time I've loved what I've read. There's still a few of his I haven't gotten to, but it's only because there isn't enough time in each day.

5/5

Disclosure: I was provided this book through TLC Book Tours. All opinions expressed are my own.

Another Daughter of La Lune {Giveaway}

The Secret Language of Stones by M.J. Rose
(historical fiction)
Published: July 19, 2016 by Atria Books/Simon & Schuster
Series: The Daughters of La Lune #2
ISBN: 978-1-4767-7809-9
320 pages
Author’s page | Goodreads
I was pleasantly surprised when I started this book to realize it was the next in The Daughters of La Lune series. Not that I would have missed out by not reading the first since each one stands on its own as each is about a different member of the family. But still, it was nice to catch up with Sandrine from The Witch of Painted Sorrows and see how her life turned out.

With this book we're in the midst of WWI in Paris. Opaline is Sandrine's daughter and makes jewelry. Except being a Daughter of La Lune, she has a bit of a magical ability that she's not too sure of. What she does know is that she's able to use her power to help others talk to their dead loved ones after creating pieces of jewelry for them.

This book had all I've come to expect with Rose's books. A bit of eerie magical-ness mixed with historical fiction. There's a few passionate love scenes, and of course it ends with a somewhat surprising ending.

Overall I really enjoyed my time in Paris (with a trip to England actually) with Opaline. Except the book read kind of slow to me. I can't quite put my finger on why though. But maybe it was a good thing, since I got to stay wrapped up in the world a little longer. Either way I know I'll be coming back to Rose's work again, and I especially can't wait to read what she writes about Opaline's future daughter (because you know that has to be what's coming!).

4.5/5

SYNOPSIS

AS WORLD WAR I RAGES AND THE ROMANOV DYNASTY REACHES ITS SUDDEN, BRUTAL END, A YOUNG JEWELRY MAKER DISCOVERS LOVE, PASSION, AND HER OWN HEALING POWERS IN THIS RICH AND ROMANTIC NOVEL BY NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING AUTHOR M.J. ROSE.

Nestled deep within Paris’s historic Palais Royal, safe inside La Fantasie Russie’s once-bustling workshop, young, ambitious Opaline Duplessi spends her days making trench watches for soldiers at the front and mourning jewelry for the mothers, wives, and lovers of those who have fallen. Opaline has a rare gift, a form of lithomancy that allows her to translate the energy emanating from stones. Certain gemstones enable her to receive messages from beyond. In her mind, she is no mystic, but merely a messenger giving voice to soldiers who died before they were able to properly express themselves to loved ones. Until one day, one of these fallen soldiers communicates a message—directly to her. So begins a dangerous journey that will take Opaline into the darkest corners of wartime Paris and across the English Channel, where the exiled Romanov dowager empress is waiting to discover the fate of her family.

Full of romance, seduction, and a love so powerful it reaches beyond the grave, The Secret Language of Stones is yet another “entrancing read that will long be savored” (Library Journal, starred review).

“Spellbinding.” —Alyson Richman, author of The Lost Wife

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

M.J. Rose grew up in New York City exploring the labyrinthine galleries of the Metropolitan Museum and the dark tunnels and lush gardens of Central Park —and reading her mother’s favorite books before she was allowed.

She is the author of more than a dozen novels, the co-president and founding board member of International Thriller Writers, and the founder of the first marketing company for authors, AuthorBuzz.com. She lives in Greenwich, Connecticut.

Please visit her website, her blog: Museum of Mysteries.
Subscribe to her mailing list and get information about new releases, free book downloads, contests, excerpts and more.
Or send an email to TheFictionofMJRose-subscribe at yahoogroups dot com

To send M.J. a message and/or request a signed bookplate, send an email to mjroseauthor at gmail dot com

Follow her on Facebook and Twitter

Buy the book: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Indiebound | Books A Million

***

You can enter the global giveaway here or on any other book blogs participating in this tour.
Be sure to follow each participant on Twitter/Facebook, they are listed in the entry form below.

Enter here

Visit each blogger on the tour: tweeting about the giveaway everyday of the Tour will give you 5 extra entries each time!
[just follow the directions on the entry-form]

Global giveaway open to US residents only:
9 participants will each win a print copy of this book.

***

CLICK ON THE BANNER TO READ REVIEWS, GUEST-POST AND EXCERPT

Mailbox Monday (130)

I'm managing to check in for a bit and post a Mailbox Monday update!
For Review from France Book Tours
The Secret Language of Stones by M.J. Rose
I've read two other books by M.J. Rose and have enjoyed them both. Each one was historical fiction with a bit of magic thrown in, and I'm pretty sure based on the cover that will be the same this time.

Purchased
The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins
I feel like I'm the last one to jump on the train here (Get it?!?), but I've finally arrived. I've actually already read this, and loved it. I totally see where the hype is coming from. Review to come... hopefully in the next year or so!

From Paperback Swap
Demonglass by Rachel Hawkins
So five years ago, I read Hex Hall, the first in this series. Obviously, I've forgotten quite a bit, but do remember enjoying it. Hopefully this is as good as I remember, and maybe I'll even finish the series before the decade is over!

What did you find in your mailbox this week?

The Morlands in Tudor England

The Dark Rose by by Cynthia Harrod-Eagles
Published: July 1, 2010 by Sourcebooks Landmark
First Published: 1981
Series: The Morland Dynasty Series # 2
More from the Morland family! This book takes place several generations after the first, although considering how many years went by in the first book several characters are still alive. As with the first, it is difficult to keep all the family relations straight, but the main characters are easily kept track of.

This book takes place during the reign of Henry VII and our main character, Nannette Morland, becomes good friends with Anne Boleyn. Several years ago, I probably would have loved this book. But over the years I've read so many books that deal with Henry VII, and Anne Boleyn specifically, I was kind of over those part of the book. Nevertheless, I still enjoyed reading this, and can't wait to continue through history with the Morlands.

4/5

Mailbox Monday (128)

It's another Sunday. But lucky for me, I don't have work tomorrow! Instead I'll be in New Orleans recovering from tonight's Nick Carter concert. I can't wait, but first, here's a look at my Mailbox Monday, sharing the books I've picked up recently.
For Review from TLC Book Tours
America's First Daughter By Stephanie Dray & Laura Kamoie
This is a historical fiction about Thomas Jefferson's daughter. It's one I've actually already read and reviewed. As for the short version, I loved it and felt I learned a lot reading it.

From PJ Library
It's Tu B'Shevat by Edie Stolz Zolkower
This is a cute picture book on Tu B'Shevat, which is the birthday of the trees. Think of it as Earth Day for Jews. To give you an idea on how behind I am in sharing book, Tu B'Shevat was back in January. Although it's not entirely my fault since the book was late arriving as well.

From Paperback Swap
Wedding Night by Sophie Kinsella
I used to be obsessed with Kinsella's books and buy them all the week they came out. Clearly not the case anymore since this first came out in 2013. But I think at this point there's only one or two of her books that I haven't read, so I'm catching back up.

The Dark Rose by Cynthia Harrod-Eagles
Another book I've already read, although still need to review. It's the second book in The Morland Dynasty Series. It takes place during King Henry VIII's reign. I don't think I liked it as much as the first, but still enough to keep reading.

150 Pounds by Kate Rockland
To be honest, the reason I want to read this book has nothing to do with the plot. Instead it's that the main character has my name, Shoshanah, although she spells hers without an h on the end. Although even so, it does look like a cute chick lit book, so I'm sure I'll have fun with it.

What did you find in your mailbox this week?

From Monticello to Jefferson's White House

America's First Daughter by Stephanie Dray & Laura Kamoie
Published: March 1, 2016 by William Morrow Paperbacks
My mom used to always say Jefferson was her favorite president. But I never quite got it myself. Obviously, like I'm sure everyone else who grew up in America, I knew the basics about him, that he wrote the Declaration of Independence, that he was our third president, and most infamously had an affair with one of his slaves. Besides that I really never really knew much about his actual life.

This was the first reason why I was so excited to read this book. As for the second, it's because one of the co-authors was Stephanie Dray and I love her Cleopatra's Daughter trilogy, even though I've yet to read the final installment. Clearly there were some similarities between her two books. After all both are about the daughter of a famous historical figure. Also, both had a similar structure where we got to know the daughter as a young girl, and then saw her grow up.

As for a difference, this is a single book not a trilogy. Although the book is so long I think it could easily have been divided up into one. But even with it's length the book never dragged and kept my attention throughout. Not only that I was disappointed when it ended, only because I wasn't ready to be finished.

In a lot of ways, Martha "Patsy" Jefferson, lived a heartbreaking life. And yet when you try to compare it to an average girl in Colonial times, I think hers was better than most. Considering who her father was she likely had more opportunities and new experiences than she ever would have otherwise.

Overall I loved my time with the book. I wouldn't consider myself an expect on Jefferson after reading it, but do think I know far more than I would have expected going into it.

5/5

Disclosure: I was provided this book through TLC Book Tours. All opinions expressed are my own.

From England to France

Moonlight Over Paris by Jennifer Robson
Published: January 19, 2016 by William Morrow Paperbacks
Two years ago I read Somewhere in France by Jennifer Robson and fell in love. But then was let down by her follow-up After the War is Over last year, partly due to my high expectations. So when it came to her next book I was a little apprehensive but still really, really excited.

Thankfully this book brings the magic back! The story follows Lady Helena, who had cameos in Robson's other books, but this is the first time we really get to know her. And yes, for those wondering characters from Robson's first two books do have cameos here. Not necessarily large ones, but similar what you find in Emily Giffin's book.

While the first two books took place during WWI and its aftermath, this one moves us forward in time to the roaring 20s. I do think the book really captured the period and brought it alive. There's even cameos by those celebrities you'd expect to see in Paris in the 1920s, like Hemingway and Fitzgerald.

Once again this was a book that I couldn't put down! I absolutely adored the love story. Yes, it had it's moments of frustration, but it made sense and felt real.

I loved how Paris was featured in the story, one aspect I felt was missing from Somewhere in France considering the title. I loved the art school aspect, something that reminded me of another favorite book, A Mad, Wicked Folly.

To me this book proves that Somewhere in France was no fluke and has cemented Robson in my auto-buy list. While I may not know what her next book will be, there's definitely a character in her that would be perfect for her own story and if that is what happens, I can't wait to read it!

5/5

Disclosure: I was provided this book through TLC Book Tours. All opinions expressed are my own.

Mailbox Monday (126)

My last two Mailbox Monday posts have just been the books Elley received for her birthday and the holidays. While I love sharing children's books, it does mean that I haven't had a chance to share my books lately, and they've been piling up. Finally then, here are the books I've brought into our house lately, this time for me.
From a Friend
Paper Towns by John Green
A friend of mine was going through her books recently realizing she really didn't need to keep them all. Since I clearly have a reputation, they made their way to me.

The Smart One by Jennifer Close

Bad Girls Don't Die by Katie Alender

Lady Catherine, the Earl, and the Real Downton Abbey by The Countess of Carnarvon
This one I've already even read and reviewed.

Borrowed from Another Friend
A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness
This one isn't for keeps, understandably so considering all the great things I've heard about it. It's slowly been making its way through my group of friends and I guess it's now my turn.

For Review from TLC Book Tours
Moonlight Over Paris by Jennifer Robson
I've already read this one and loved it! Although you'll have to wait till next week to read my review.

From Paperback Swap
Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell
This one was most definitely out of order, but I promise paperback swap IS where it came from.

The Duff by Kody Keplinger
Why yes, I've already read this one as well. I haven't actually written my review yet, but I'm sure I will be soon.

Sever by Lauren DeStefano
Once again to show how long its been since I've shared books of my own, my review of this went up last year!

What did you find in your mailbox this week?

Meeting the Morlands

The Founding by Cynthia Harrod-Eagles
Published: April 1, 2010 by Sourcebooks Landmark
First Published: 1980
Series: The Morland Dynasty Series #1
Starting this book I knew what I was getting into, and I was so excited to get going! The Founding is the first book of The Morland Dynasty. It's a book series that follows one family from the 1400s to the 1900s. There's currently 35 books in the series, and the author is working on the 36th. It's definitely an investment, and I imagine by the time I've gotten to the 36th book, they'll be even more in the series since she's only up to the 1930s and plans to go to WWII.

As for the book, I really enjoyed it. I think that even if this was a standalone book I would have loved it, but knowing that I get to keep reading about this family (and reading and reading) is even more exciting. Especially since with one book it already has become a multi-generation saga.

If I had any complaint about this book it was keeping all the family members straight. There was a family tree in the front that helped, but depending when you referenced it, you were met with minor spoilers. It does make me worried that it will be hard to remember exactly who everyone is in books to come. Although I do imagine as time passes there will be far less children to deal with.

This book definitely lived up to my expectations, and then some! If this book is any indication of what to come then I know I'm going to have a lot (and I mean A LOT) of good reading ahead!

4.5/5

A Pink Carnation Christmas

The Mischief of the Mistletoe by Lauren Willig
Published: October 28, 2010 by Dutton
Series: Pink Carnation #7
I really love this series, and once again this one is no exception! In some ways it feels a bit early to be reading Christmas books, although it is after Halloween and that's when holiday season is seems to be starting now. Even so, it isn't too over the top Christmas-y, but more that the holiday provides a backdrop to the story.

This book actually takes place at the same time of The Temptation of the Night Jasmine, which was an interesting take. You also get to check in with the couples from the last 5 books which was a pleasant surprise as well. Plus speaking of cameos, the famous historical character this time was Jane Austen, which I wasn't expecting, but so perfect.

This book is actually a tad bit different from the others in the series as there wasn't a modern day counterpart. In some ways I missed it, but I think part of that's only because I'm used to it being included. Especially since I don't feel like the book was lacking for not having it.

This is actually the fourth book of the series I've read this year and probably my favorite. I'm not sure if I'll have the chance to read anymore in 2015, but when I do I know it's one I'll have a lot of fun with once again!

5/5

Mailbox Monday (121)

So I'm averaging about one Mailbox Monday post a month, which is part of the reason my mailbox is so big. I haven't actually picked up that many books at once, but more that one or two each week and they just kind of add up. As for the books, well...
From Paperback Swap
The Mischief of the Mistletoe by Lauren Willig
I just love this series! I've actually started and almost finished this one, and it's just as good as the others. It may be a tiny bit too early to be reading Christmas books, but I'm loving it just the same!

For Review from the Published
Hidden Inheritance by Heidi B. Neumark
This is a memior with a similar topic as Between Gods. Knowing how much I loved reading that book it seems likely I'd enjoy this one as well.

Purchased
Alienated by Melissa Landers
This was our book club book of the month. Just to show you how behind this post really is, I've already read and reviewed it. I wasn't necessarily a huge fan of it, but it did have its moments.

Gifted
The Martian by Andy Weir
This was a gift from my dad for my birthday. I actually saw the movie (for my birthday as well!) and really enjoyed it. Given all the positive things I've read about this book I have high hopes for it.

The Night Before Halloween by Natasha Wing
This was a gift from my MIL to Elley. We actually read it a few times before Halloween. It's a cute book where they show both monsters and kids are getting ready for the holiday, but then the monsters are disappointed when the kids are scared and won't party with them.

From PJ Library
Bim1 Sings the Baby by Linda Glaser
Another adorable book from PJ Library! The baby in this book celebrates Shabbat with all types of rituals like giving tzadakah, lighting candles, and eating challah.

What did you find in your mailbox this week?

{Giveaway} The Tale of Mary Shelley and her Frankenstein

The Determined Heart by Antoinette May
Pubslished: September 29, 2015 by Lake Union Publishing
I love reading historical fiction books about historical figures. (I almost want to call them biopics, but that doesn't make sense since they aren't movies. So maybe biobooks?) I really enjoy learning new things about historical figures, and I'd rather read it in a fictional tale since I love having a story there as well.

Of course, there is a fine line between biography and "biobook", and when you cross over it's hard to fix, something I've experienced in several books lately. I think sometimes there's a need to put in as much fact as possible, that the story gets a little lost, which is the case here. There is so much detail about Mary Shelley's life and everything that happens to her that it feels like the majority of the book takes place over her entire life. Yet instead it's really only 4 or 5 years of her life, if that, which is almost unbelievable considering how much happened.

I realize this hasn't been the most positive way to start this review, which wasn't my intention, because I actually liked this book. I loved seeing the events that shaped Mary's life and lead her to write Frankenstein. I loved hearing pieces of the public's reaction to it. But was only a small piece of the book.

Instead so much of the book was about Mary's relationships, with her husband, sister, step-sister, children, and friends including the poet Lord Byron. Again here, I actually feel like I got to know so many of the characters that made up Mary's life, but there were almost too many and it was a little too much. There were just so many players and so much that was always happening that it was hard to keep up.

I feel somewhat conflicted writing this review. So much of what I enjoying reading historical fiction was here, and yet in some ways it was too much of a good thing. I can at least say that I know far more about Mary Shelley than I ever would have anticipated, and don't see myself forgetting her or this book.

3.5/5

I have one copy of The Determined Heart to giveaway to one lucky reader. (US and Canada only.) Please use the rafflecopter form below to enter.
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Disclosure: I was provided this book through TLC Book Tours. All opinions expressed are my own.

Mailbox Monday (119)

Not only is today the end of the weekend, but it's the end of the Jewish year. Tomorrow I'll be heading to services with Elley in tow. We may only be staying for the children's service, but it will be the first year of many for her of High Holy day services. First though, here's a look at the books that have made their way into our home in the recent weeks.
From PJ Library
Sammy Spider's First Book of Jewish Holidays by Sylvia A. Rouss
Speaking of Jewish holidays, in this book Sammy Spider shows how we celebrate Jewish holidays throughout the year. I love the illustrations and think it's adorable. I'd even say it's my favorite of all the PJ Library books we've received so far.

Gifted
Math at the Art Museum by Group Majoongmul
Me and Earl and the Dying Girl by Jesse Andrews
While visiting my dad in California (which I'll be finishing up writing about this week), he gifted me and Elley these two books. The first, for Elley, shows various famous paintings and explains the concepts of perspective, composition, and symmetry through them. The second, instead for me, is a YA book, one that was recently made into a movie.

From the Publisher
The Sea Beach Line by Ben Nadler
This one surprised me a bit. It's a mystery, which isn't the type I normally read. But it's about a Polish-Israeli street vendor, which intrigues me a bit, and I'm guessing is part of the reason I wound up receiving it.

From My Mom
Brick Lane by Monica Ali
Going through my mom's books I found this one, about a Bangladeshi woman who is sent to London for her arranged marriage. It's a book I wound have likely picked up on my own, but knowing it was one of my mom's makes me want to read it even more.

Childbirth Choices in Mothers' Words by Kim Selbert
It may be a bit odd adding a book about childbirth 9 months after my daughter was born. Except this book, which is a collection of birth stories, includes my mom's. As in the birth stories she wrote about having me and my brother. It's a little bittersweet reading it, especially when she talks about having her mother with her when I was born, since she couldn't do the same with me, but I'm so happy to have it. So far hers is the only one of the stories I've read, but I do plan on reading the rest.

For Review from TLC Book Tours
The Determined Heart by Antoinette May
I started this book last night, and so far really like it. It's a historical fiction about Mary Shelley, the author of Frankenstein. Even now I really have no idea who Mary Shelley was, and only recently put together the fact that Frankenstein was written by a woman, so I know it's one where I'll learn a lot and hopefully enjoy along the way.

Broken Homes & Gardens by Rebecca Kelley
I've actually already read and reviewed this one. It's a cute chick lit type book that I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed it.

What did you find in your mailbox this week?

A Novel of Zelda Fitzgerald

Z by Theresa Anne Fowler
Published: March 4, 2014 by St. Martin's Griffin
First Published: March 26, 2013
Going into this novel I knew nothing really about Zelda Fitzgerald. Only that she lived in the 1920s and was married to F. Scott. Actually while I have read The Great Gatsby, I knew little about the author himself, so I was really looking forward to this.

The book starts off quite promising and I loved meeting Zelda and hearing how her and Scott met and were married. It was a lot of fun reading about the early high-jinks in their marriage. If I was rating this book based the first half this would definitely be a 5.

Except, unfortunately, as their marriage fell apart so did the book. In the second half of the book we only hear again and again how miserable Zelda is. Nothing actually seems to happen. Scott tires to write and drinks instead...Zelda tries to do things but is held back by Scott. It's a vicious circle that repeats itself and quickly becomes monotonous.

I did appreciate Hemingway's cameos in here. I had no idea Hemingway and Fitzgerald were such good friends, but it does make sense. There's actually been several books recently written about Hemingway's wives and after this I'd love to read them as well to see how they compare.

Obviously I have mixed emotions about this, sad as I am to say it. I did love the insight to the lives of the Fitzgeralds. It makes me want to go back and reread The Great Gatsby as well as others by him. But unfortunately, I can't see myself taking the time to read this one again.

3.5/5

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

Laura and Almanzo

These Happy Golden Years by Laura Ingalls Wilder
Published: 1971 by Harper Trophy
First Published: 1943
Series: Little House #8
The main things I remembered going into it this were Laura being miserable at her first teaching job and the sleighing parties. Except once I started reading, realized that all happened in the first few chapters, and there's actually quite a bit more.

In elementary school I had a hard time understanding Laura and Almanzo's relationship. After all, when he started driving her she was only around 15 and he was around 20. I still don't think that kind of age difference would work today, at least until they were older. Instead a 23-year-old dating a 28-year-old seems quite possible. Plus considering the books took place almost 150 years ago, it makes sense to me now. But at age 8, I thought it was a little gross and couldn't quite understand it.

Part of that though, is that it isn't written in a fairy tale type way, which I'm sure I wanted back then. Instead it's a friendship that slowly turned into a romance. I do think it's adorable when Almanzo surprises Laura for Christmas and asks, "Can't you thank a fellow better than that?" It's probably the most lovey-dovey moment between the two of them, and I'm sure I didn't quite grasp it previously.

The is actually the last Little House book I'll be reviewing, at least for now. The set of books I've been reading, which were originally my mom's and are basically falling apart, didn't include The First Four Years, and I'm not planning on buying it anytime soon. I did read my friend's copy previously so I have at least read it before, and remember not liking how it didn't have chapters and felt different than the rest. Which is why I think it makes sense to end with the books that Laura herself had published. That and the fact I'm not planning on buying a new set of books for a while. But it's definitely been fun to find myself back in these books, and I'm sure at some point I'll be reading again.

5/5

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

It's a Quiet Village

Little Town on the Prairie by Laura Ingalls Wilder
Published: 1971 by Harper Trophy
First Published: 1941
Series: Little House #7
There were certain scenes I was looking forward to reliving when I picked this up. First was Laura getting to ride with Almanzo and the start of their courtship. Second was Nellie Oleson's return. I consider this my favorite of the series, which is why it was almost surprising how so much, besides the two events, felt new to me.

I couldn't believe how little I remembered of Laura's friends. Minnie, Mary, Ida, and Cap all felt new to me on this reread, like old childhood friends I had completely lost track of. Also all the literaries and parties were a pleasant surprise. I did remember that Mary goes off to college and that Laura winds up teaching by the end of this one, but I had forgotten how it happened.

One thing that did come back to me occurred when reading the calling card chapter. I remember how in 3rd grade I thought the idea of a calling card was the coolest thing, and decided that when I was a grown-up I would have my own, even if it was terribly out of fashion. Except now, I can't imagine myself ever having just a calling card with my name. A business card, maybe, but it's not quite the same.

5/5

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

From England to India

The Betrayal of the Blood Lily by Lauren Willig
Published: January 12, 2010 by Dutton Adult
Series: Pink Carnation #6
Going into this book I was really excited that it takes place in India. I can't think of another book I've read about India, and I was really looking forward to being transported. Except while it was clear that the story was in India, I didn't quite feel like I was there myself.

I'm not sure why, because all the details where there that should have made it happen. I think it's more that it's hard for me to picture India, so I couldn't quite get a clear picture. Even so, the parts of India I got to experience I really did enjoy.

I was much happier with the modern day story line this time. It still wasn't my favorite of the series, but I at least didn't cringe through the modern day chapters.

Similar to the last book, the Pink Carnation doesn't appear, which makes me wonder when she'll be back. There was still a mystery which I did enjoy, more than a lot of the others. Of course there was a love story too, even knowing that this books heroine starts off married. I wasn't quite sure how that would work, but when it happened it wasn't too much of a surprise.

Once again, upon finishing a book in this series I'm really excited for the next. This one is finally about Turnip” Fitzhugh which will be interesting, although what I'm most excited about is that it's a Christmas book.

4.5/5