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

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

***

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Enter here

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

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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?

Mailbox Monday (129)

It's been a while since I've gotten a Mailbox Monday post up. So much so, that I'm sharing the books Elley received for Valentine's Day. And it's May... Yeah. Better late than never, right?
From PJ Library
Today by Kyra Teis
The title of this book, todah, means thank you. As you'd expect each page shows a baby saying thank you for some aspect of their life. I think the illustrations, which looks like children's artwork on pieces of paper, are adorable.

Where is the Afikomen? by Judyth Groner and Madeline Wikler
This is a Passover book in which a little girl looks for the afikomen, the last piece of matzah, to end the meal. Elley isn't quite old enough to go looking for the afikomen yet, but hopefully next year we can try hiding it for her.

Purchased
Lady Midnight by Cassandra Clare
I really try to avoid purchasing books now, but my one exception is Cassandra Clare's shadowhunter books. This one is the first of a new trilogy and takes place a few years after the last book in The Mortal Instruments series. I've actually finished this book and really enjoyed it, so I'll have a bit more to say in my review... whenever I get around to writing it that is!

From Paperbackswap
Crossed by Ally Condie
The next in the Matched series. To be honest, the last book is a little blurry but I do remember liking it. I'm sure as I get into this one it will start coming back to me.

For Review from the Author
Painting the Moon by Traci Moon
I'm not quite sure how this one made its way to me. But it looks like a cute romance-y novel about a California girl who moves to a little cottage in England. Hopefully it's as adorable as it sounds.

Gifted
Olivia by Ian Falconer
This is the first of the two books Elley received for Valentine's Day. Like most of her board books, we keep this one in the living room. While I think it's adorable, sadly Elley hasn't quite gotten into it yet. But I'm hopeful that as she gets old she appreciates it a little more.

The Day the Crayons Quit by Drew Daywalt
I absolutely adore this book! I've bought it several times before, but always as a gift, so I'm really excited to finally own a copy. In case you haven't discovered this gem yet, in it each crayon writes a letter of complaints to their owner. For example, orange and yellow argue over which is the color of the sky, grey doesn't like being used to draw big animals like elephants and whales, but after reading all their letters the owner find a way to make all the crayons happy.

Just for fun, here's a photo of Elley opening up her Valentine's Day books, all decked out for the holiday.
What did you find in your mailbox this week?

Mailbox Monday (127)

For the first time in well... forever, I'm actually managing to get my Mailbox Monday post up on time!
Borrowed From a Friend
Shadow of Night by Deborah Harkness
The Book of Life by Deborah Harkness
I've yet to actually read the first of these books, but now once I do I'm ready to complete the trilogy.

Purchased
The Isle by Jordana Frankel
I'm so excited for this one! It's the sequel to The Ward, but more importantly, at least in my opinion, is that it was written by one of my good friends. Jordana and I met when we were roommates freshmen year of college. She was even one of my bridesmaids. Obviously I have a biased opinion here, but I really did LOVE her first book and I can't wait to see where this one goes, especially knowing how the last book ending on a cliffhanger.

Spot Goes to The Park by Eric Hill
Since Elley seems to love Where's Spot so much I went out and bought her another book from the series. It even has a blue hippo in it which is perfect for her since she's obsessed with her blue stuffed hippo. Of course Elley loves this book so much she's already ripped off one of the flaps.... sigh... but at least it lasted a few days, right???

What did you find in your mailbox this week?

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?

From NYC to Paris {Giveaway}

The Witch of Painted Sorrows by M.J. Rose
(historical suspense / paranormal)
Published: March 17, 2015 byAtria Books/Simon & Schuster
ISBN: 978-1476778068
Hardcover, 384 pages
Also available as ebook

Author’s page | Goodreads

It's interesting that reading this book reminder me of so many others. The aspect of a young girl painting in France and want to take classes was quite similar to A Mad, Wicked Folly. The Jewish mysticism reminded me of the Rashi's Daughters Trilogy. And of course, I couldn't help but be reminded of the last M.J. Rose book I read The Collector of Dying Breaths. Yet, with that said, this book is still so uniquely itself.

There's a sense of magic about this book. Yes, the title tells you it's about a witch, but it's more than that. It's hard to really articulate, but it's the whole mood of the book. It may sound a bit crazy, but I think the cover actually captures this pretty well. In a way the beauty and magic of the cover is exactly how it feels to read this book.

Then of course there's the ending. I wouldn't call it a cliffhanger exactly, since you aren't left wondering what happens, but more that it's so hard to believe that's it. I had to double check that there wasn't more, especially since I wasn't quite ready to say good-bye to this characters.

This is the first in a series, and while I'd love to see these same characters again, I'm not sure that will happen. Given that this is the first book in the The Daughters of La Lune series, and La Lune was a distant ancestor of Sandrine, the main character here, I'm assuming that the other books will have to be about Sandrine's daughter or grandmother to start. Either way I can't wait to see where Rose decides to go with this series.

5/5

SYNOPSIS

Possession. Power. Passion. New York Times bestselling novelist M. J. Rose creates her most provocative and magical spellbinder yet in this gothic novel set against the lavish spectacle of 1890s Belle Époque Paris.

Sandrine Salome flees New York for her grandmother’s Paris mansion to escape her dangerous husband, but what she finds there is even more menacing. The house, famous for its lavish art collection and elegant salons, is mysteriously closed up. Although her grandmother insists it’s dangerous for Sandrine to visit, she defies her and meets Julien Duplessi, a mesmerizing young architect. Together they explore the hidden night world of Paris, the forbidden occult underground and Sandrine’s deepest desires.

Among the bohemians and the demi-monde, Sandrine discovers her erotic nature as a lover and painter. Then darker influences threaten—her cold and cruel husband is tracking her down and something sinister is taking hold, changing Sandrine, altering her. She’s become possessed by La Lune: A witch, a legend, and a sixteenth-century courtesan, who opens up her life to a darkness that may become a gift or a curse.

This is Sandrine’s “wild night of the soul,” her odyssey in the magnificent city of Paris, of art, love, and witchery.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

New York Times Bestseller, M.J. Rose grew up in New York City mostly in the labyrinthine galleries of the Metropolitan Museum, the dark tunnels and lush gardens of Central Park and reading her mother’s favorite books before she was allowed. She believes mystery and magic are all around us but we are too often too busy to notice… books that exaggerate mystery and magic draw attention to it and remind us to look for it and revel in it.

Please visit her website, her blog: Museum of Mysteries
Subscribe to her mailing list

Follow her on Facebook and Twitter

Buy the book: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Indiebound

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Be sure to follow each participant on Twitter/Facebook, they are listed in the entry form below.

Entry-Form

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]

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Open internationally
$20 gift card

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

More From Magnus

The Bane Chronicles by Cassandra Clare, Sarah Rees Bennan, & Maureen Johnson
Published: November 11th 2014 by Margaret K. McElderry Books
I'm not normally a fan of short story collections, but being that this was Cassandra Clare, I couldn't really turn away. Yes, I'd much rather be ready a full novel from her, but I'll still take what I can get. Also, I do realize these have all been published previously as short e-stories, but since I'm still anti-e-reader, knew the only way I'd be able to read them was by buying them all packaged together.

The first story is "What Really Happened in Peru," and reading it made me realize just why I'm not a big fan of short stories. Nothing really seemed to happen in it. There just wasn't enough time to really develop a plot, and I just didn't quite see the point of it. Definitely not the way I'd want to start off a collection and reading it had me skeptical for the rest.

But thankfully the next story took a turn for the better. As a historical fiction fan I really enjoyed "The Runaway Queen" which was about Marie Antoinette. I may not be an expert on the French Revolution, but from what I've read, it seemed historically accurate. I don't necessarily think it was necessary to building Magnus' character and the world of Shadowhunters, but it was still a lot of fun.

From there we got into the stories involving the characters from Clare's other trilogies. There were a few on Magnus and Alex's relationship, and while the were enjoyable, I liked the others more. The chapter on Raphael, which I had been looking forward too, definitely lived up to my expectations. And I really loved the stories that took place around The Infernal Devices trilogy, both with Will's father and Will and Tessa's children.

But my favorites of them all had to be the ones involving Jocelyn Fray. There were two, one that shows Valentine's rise to power and another with a baby Clary. These I think these, more than the others, really helped flesh out the Shadowhunter world. It was pretty awesome to be able to actual see moments we had referenced in the book before, but this time be able to see how they actually played out.

Overall, I really enjoyed this collection, and I don't just mean as a collection of short stories. I wouldn't necessarily list it as my favorite of Clare's but do think if you've read all her others, you'd regret not picking up this one as well.

4.5/5

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

Say Good-bye to Mara

The Retribution of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin
Published: November 4, 2014 by Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
Series: Mara Dyer #3
This book is seriously messed up. Except the adjective I really want to use there is one I'd rather not have written out on my blog. Seriously, this is the type of book where every time you finish a chapter you have to close the book and ask yourself, "What did I just read?"

I read the first two books in the series a little less than a year ago, which really isn't that long ago. But even so I wish they were a bit fresher in my mind, especially since this one doesn't give you the chance to catch-up. You're immediately in the story without any type of summary or flashback to remind you of what happened. It does eventually come back, but considering how quickly the book goes from 0 to 100, by the time things come back to you're already pretty invested with what's happening in the moment.

I do think the ending was probably the weakest part of the story. Not that there was anything wrong with it per se. It's more that so much happened throughout most of the book with so much over the top, the end just feels like a bit of a let down. It does still tie the series up and you aren't really left with questions. But even so, comparing the first 3/4 of the book with the last 1/4, it's almost as if you're reading two different books.

I definitely was a bit amazed by how well everything came together in this final book and never would have been able to see it coming from the way the trilogy started. I pretty sure I'd enjoy reading more from Michelle Hodkin, but considering how crazy and over the top this one was at times, I may need to prepare myself a bit for her next one!

4.5/5

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

Top 10 Books of 2014

Back in July I posted my Top 10 Books of the Year So Far since I hated the idea of of not having time at the end of the year to write out a favorites post. But thankfully I have been able to find the time, especially since it quite interesting to see how the posts differ. There are a lot more books on this list from the second half of the year than the first, which makes me wonder if it's because they're fresher in my mind or because I just happened to read better books the second half. There are also books that I'm listing ahead of others this go round, which I think is due in part to how well they stayed with me, but also by how relevant they are to what's happening in my life right now. But without anymore rambling, these are my favorite books from 2014.

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

1. Somewhere in France by Jennifer RobsonTechnically I read this book in 2013, but after I had already posted my top 10 list of the year, and it would be a crime to not have it on any top 10 of the year list. I absolutely adored this book and I'm happy to say I've lead a number of other people to it this year. It's one I've been dying to reread, which I'm hopefully able to do before the author's follow-up comes out next month.

2. The Night Circus by Erin MorgensternI've been meaning to read this one for years, and now can't believe I was able to wait so long. This book is beautiful and magical. Reading it is a bit like being transported into another world. It's interesting because while part of my would like to reread it, I'm afraid in doing so it may loose a bit of its magic now that I know what to expect.

3. Isla and the Happily Ever After by Stephanie PerkinsNo surprise that this one it here. I have a feeling every time I read something from Stephanie Perkins it's going to make my top 10 list. I've loved all her books so far, and can't wait to see what she comes up with next. Especially knowing her next book seems to be with a completely new set of characters and I think a horror story which is a big change of pace.

4. City of Heavenly Fire by Cassandra ClareI have such a love/hate relationship with Cassandra Clare. Whenever I'm not reading her books I'm not a huge fan, but still... her books manage to capture your attention. I do think this was such a fitting end to the Mortal Instruments series. While I think I'd be quite satisfied if this were the last shadowhunter book, I know I won't be able to stay away from anything else she writes.

5. Natural Childbirth the Bradley Way by Susan McCutcheonI read several books on natural childbirth, and while this one my not have been the most enjoyable to read, it's the one I found to be the most helpful. This is book I credit the most to have the childbirth experience I wanted. While I know a lot of it is due to myself what I wanted to accomplish, I'm not sure how I would have been able to get there without some of the advice I found in its pages.

6. Three Souls by Janie ChangThere's just something about this book. I think part of it is due to the fact it takes place in an area and time period that's new to me. But I think a lot of it is also due to the way the story itself is told, from a soul looking back on her life seeing the mistakes she's made. It's a really interesting way of telling a story and I can't wait to see what comes next from this author.

7. This Dark Road to Mercy by Wiley CashAnother book where I can't quite articulate why I loved it so much. But there's just something darkly beautiful about the books Wiley Cash writes, and the more I read from him the more he's becoming one of my auto-buy authors.

8. A Mad, Wicked Folly by Sharon Biggs WallerI love historical fiction and I love YA books, and yet there aren't many historical YA books I seem to enjoy or even be able to find. Which is a lot of the reason I enjoyed this one so much. While it does tell a slightly familiar tale, I still found myself wrapped up within it's pages. Once again this is an author I can't wait to see more from.

9. Where'd You Go Bernadette by Maria SempleI feel like I'm a little late to be discovering this one, but at least I'm reading it before the movie comes out. It's definitely a book unlike anything out there, both in the plot and the way the story is told.

10. The Seduction of the Crimson Rose by Lauren Willig (Review to Come)These books a definitely a bit of a guilty pleasure. Historical fiction meets chick lit, there's not a lot of ways this could go wrong. Plus there's still a ton of books left in this series, so I know I'll be enjoying myself for quite a while longer.

What books would make up your top 10 reads of 2014? And have you read any of the books on my list?

Back to the Woods

Linger by Maggie Stiefvater
Published: July 13, 2010 by Scholastic Press
Series: The Wolves of Mercy Falls #2
Back when I read Linger I enjoyed it, but I didn't quite get what all the fuss was about. This time though, while I may not have fallen in love, I am starting to get why people love these books so much.

I feel like a lot more happened in this one than the last. Yes, there were a few plot points that you could see coming, yet there was still a need to keep reading to see how it would unfold. Even expecting it, the ending was still shocking and has me dying to read the third of this series.

This book was told from the perspective of four different characters, Grace, Sam, Isabel, and Cole. In general, I actually liked this arrangement since we were able to see what so many were thinking. But even so, it did get a bit confusing at times, and there were several occasions where I had to double check to see which character I was on.

I had heard that this series gets better, which I'm definitely finding to be true. My hope now is that the third book is even better than this. Considering that overall this series has been a bit of a letdown for me, although still very much enjoyable, I'm trying not to build the hype too much, but I can't wait to see how everything will resolve itself.

4.5/5

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

Mailbox Monday (98)

I'm thinking I just might get to my 100th Mailbox Monday post before the baby arrives! It'll be close, but I guess we'll have to wait and see. For now though, these are the books I've brought into our home this past week.
Purchased
The Bane Chronicles by Cassandra Clare, Sarah Rees Brennan, & Mauren Johnson
Like every other Clare book that comes out I had to go and purchase this as soon as it came out. Now I know these have all be released electronically as short stories, but since I still refuse to own an ereader this is my first chance to read them all.

Borrowed From a Friend
The Retribution of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin
Yet another newly released YA book. While these books wound up not being quite what I expected, I did overall enjoy it. Plus the last one ended on quite a cliffhanger, and I can't wait to see how the trilogy ends.

From Paperback Swap
The Happiest Baby on the Block by Harvery Karp, M.D.
Out of everything I'm most apprehensive about having a baby, loss of sleep is on the top of my list. I've always been one who needed a ton of sleep, and I'm not quite sure how I'll be able to function without it. But I have heard great things about this book and how it can actually get babies to sleep. I'm really hopeful about it, and hopefully not only do I enjoy reading it, but find it to be useful as well.

What did you find in your mailbox this week?

The Nice and Accurate Prophecies of Agnes Nutter, Witch

Good Omens by Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman
Published: January 1, 1990
I don't do very well with comedic books. There's just some part of me that reads everything as if it were serious. (The same happens with me for movies sometimes too.) Unfortunately for me, that's probably my biggest problem with this book.

Don't get me wrong I still enjoyed it, and could remark that parts were funny. But never to the point where I found myself laughing, either internally or out loud. After all even though I see the humor in it, I'm sure knowing that the book is about the apocalypse, I read everything far my serious than what was needed.

There was a lot going on in this. A lot of characters and at lot of going back and forth between scenes. At first it confused me a bit, and while it was less confusing by the end I still found myself paying more attention to certain characters than others. The main ones being Crowley and Aziraphale, a demon and angel respectively, whose sections I always found myself looking forward to.

I'm not quite sure what I was expecting with this book. I can't quite say that I loved it, but I'm happy to have finally read it. And knowing how much I do love Neil Gaiman's movies, I'm excited to read more from him.

4/5

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

Mailbox Monday (88)

First can we talk about how well my Mailbox Monday books match this week? Not really intentional on my part, but hopefully it makes up in a way for posting this so late. Although it is technically Monday that I'm posting it, so I guess I could still be considered on time!
From Paperback Swap
Linger by Maggie Stiefvater
Back in January I posted my review of Shiver, the first in the series. I can't say I fell in love with it, but I did enjoy it enough to continue. Maybe this is one series that gets better and better with each book, and I wind up a much bigger fan this time.

From Goodreads
The Forgotten Girl by David Bell
I don't know much about this one, but from the cover and summary it has a feel similar to Gone Girl which I loved. I've yet to read anything by David Bell, but maybe after this I'll be wanting to read more from him.

Purchased
Isla and the Happily Ever After by Stephanie Perkins
I really wasn't planning on buying this the day it came out. But then Barnes & Nobles e-mailed me a 20% coupon, and I figured it was I sign. I absolutely adored the first two Stephanie Perkins book, so I have no doubt, especially after reading the first few reviews, that I'll fall in love with this one too!

What did you find in your mailbox this week? And when was the last time you rushed out to buy a book the day it was released?

While you're here, be sure to check out my giveaway for 2 A.M. at The Cat's Pajamas by Marie-Helene Bertino!

The Top 10 Books of 2014 So Far

I debated a while as to whether I wanted to write this. After all at the end of each year, I try to write a post listing out my favorites of the year. What if my post halfway through the year was the exact same as the end of the year?!?! Would it even be worth writing? Except, I know how silly that sounds since I have a whole year of reading ahead of me. Yes, books on this list will likely be on my end of the year list (and likely in different spots since my thoughts change with time), but it won't be a carbon copy.

But while I have every intention of writing a top 10 post at the end of the year, I'll have a newborn baby then too. Yes, I have every intention of keeping up the blog after baby, but who knows how crazy life may be. So just in case, I wanted to write this that way I can much sure my favorite, up till now, have their time in the spotlight.

1. Somewhere in France by Jennifer RobsonWhile this review went up in 2014, I technically read it in 2013. Except I read it after my Top 10 of 2014 had already been written. It's too bad because it would have been number 1 of 2013, and is number 1 on this list as well. I can't wait to reread it, so much so that I've suggested it as our book club selection so hopefully they love it too.


2. City of Heavenly Fire by Cassandra ClareAs much as I love Clare's books I wasn't expecting this to be here. But I can't help but think this was the perfect way to end this series, and a great way to build excitement for her next two series. As much as I want to hate Clare at times I really can't, especially when she's so good at drawing you in.


3. Three Souls by Janie ChangThis was such a haunting book, but it's definitely one that left an impression. I think the cover is perfect for the story, and I loved getting to explore China in this. I know this is a debut which makes me even more excited for what's to come from Janie Chang.


4. Driving Lessons by Zoe FishmanI feel like I was so vague in my review of this book because I wasn't quite ready to share what was going on with me. In this book the main character is in her early 30s and not quite sure if she wants to have kids, but then unexpectedly she gets pregnant. Not realizing this story line would be the main point in this, I read this only a week or two pregnant and found it to be such a pleasant surprise. The cliched moment on food tasting weird for so perfect for me since I had my own version only days before. It pained me a little while writing my review that I couldn't reveal just WHY it spoke so much to me, but now that my secret is out I'm so happy to be able to finally share!


5. Where'd You Go Bernadette by Maria Semple2013 seemed to be the year of Bernadette, but better late than never, right? Especially since there's still a movie on the way. I really loved the way the story was told, through e-mails, documents, and such. And Bernadette came off as so out there and crazy you couldn't help but love her. I do feel quite a bit late with this, but if you haven't read it yet, definitely do it before the movie


6. When the Cypress Whispers by Yvette Manessis CorporonI still can't get over some of the food description in this. Yes, there was a love story too, but what I remember most about this one is how easily it transported me to Greece to be part of the culture there.


7. The Care and Management of Lies by Jacqueline WinspearThis likely would have been higher without Somewhere in France to compare it to, but it's still a pretty amazing look at WWI. It is a bit heartbreaking, and I'm not sure I'm quite up for rereading it yet. But it's definitely one I'd love to come back to.


8. Cancel the Wedding by Carolyn DingmanI only finished this one yesterday, and have yet to even write my review of it, so it only barely made the list. But it definitely deserves to be here. From the title you'd guess this is a basic chick-lit, and while it does have a romantic story line, that's not the part that spoke to me. Instead it was the parts where the main character researched her mother's life after her death. I think there's definitely someone about one's death that makes you realize all the questions you never asked, and considering my mom's passing it really resonated with me.


9. Beautiful Ruins by Jess WaltersAnother book I feel like I was a bit late too. It's hard to describe succinctly, but it really is a beautiful book. There is a lot going on at times, but overall it really managed to work.


10. The Collector of Dying Breaths by M.J. RoseGoing into this book I wasn't sure I would enjoy it as much as I did. Especially knowing that it's 6th in a series I've yet to read, but it didn't really matter. I think one reason I enjoyed this so much so because it was the type of book my mom always loved, and reading it as I imagined she may have, made me enjoy it that much more.

Have you had the chance to read any of these books? And which books would you include on your top 10 list of the year, so far?