Sunday, September 30, 2018

My September 2018 Wrap Up & Book Haul!

Happy Sunday, Bookworms!!

Can you believe that today is the last day of September??
This month has FLOWN by!!

But, wow... It's been a pretty great reading month!!
I'm super excited to get started on October!

Here's my recap for the month...


Ruined by Amy Tintera
Josh and Hazel's Guide to Not Dating by Christina Lauren
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reed
The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfeld
The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah
The Diviners by Libba Bray
A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness
Vengeful by V.E. Schwab
Wildcard by Marie Lu
Two Dark Reigns by Kendare Blake
As She Ascends by Jodi Meadows
The Gentleman's Guide to Vice and Virtue by Mackenzi Lee
The Dark Descent of Elizabeth Frankenstein by Kiersten White
An Absolutely Remarkable Thing by Hank Green
Escaping from Houdini by Kerri Maniscalco
Hunting Prince Dracula by Kerri Maniscalco



Scarlett by Marissa Meyer
The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater *
Josh and Hazel's Guide to Not Dating by Christina Lauren
Prodigy by Marie Lu
Always and Forever, Lara Jean by Jenny Han *
P.S. I Still Love You by Jenny Han *
Wildcard by Marie Lu
Two Dark Reigns by Kendare Blake
The Gentleman's Guide to Vice and Virtue by Mackenzi Lee
The Assassin's Blade by Sarah J Maas
Clockwork Princess by Cassandra Clare *
Strange the Dreamer by Laini Taylor

* re-reads


(Audiobooks & eBooks)

The Other Side of Lost by Jessi Kirby
The Glass Ocean by Beatriz Williams
All Your Perfects by Colleen Hoover
For a Muse of Fire by Heidi Heilig
When We Caught Fire by Anna Godbersen
The Storm Runner by J.C. Cervantes
Broken Things by Lauren Oliver
Sawkill Girls by Claire Legrand



Soooooo, September was a pretty awesome book month!!
Not only did a read a lot of pretty awesome books,
but I added some pretty great ones to my collection as well,
including some for my October/Halloween TBR that I can't wait to read!!

Here's hoping that October is yet another great reading month!!
*fingers cross*

How was your reading month??

October Bookstagram & Blog Challenge!! #AlltheBooksOct18 #BookBlogtober

Happy Sunday, Bookworms!!
Can you believe that October is just ONE DAY away??
I'm super excited. It's probably my most favorite time of the year!!

If you're looking for some fun challenges to do this October,
I have two for you to check out!!

https://www.instagram.com/p/BoHHQNFA7O5/

Instagram friends, join Lori (PureImagination) and I this month for AlltheBooksOct18,
our October Book Photo Challenge!!

Book Photo Challenges are a great way to feel your Instagram feed with awesome Bookish goodness! It's also a great way to discover new books, and new people as well!

#AlltheBooksOct18 starts tomorrow!! For more information on how to join along,
check out THIS post!!


I'm also going to try to participated in Blogtober, (#BookBlogtober)
hosted by Jenniely.com, and I'm super excited for it as well!

This challenge, along with a few fun blog ideas that I'm hoping to start this month,
should fill have my blog hopping in October!!
(I just hope I can keep up!)


If you're looking for inspiration for your blog or Instagram this month,
do check out these challenges!!


Friday, September 28, 2018

My Thoughts: Broken Things by Lauren Oliver

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/37859646-broken-things
Broken Things
by Lauren Oliver
Website | Twitter | Instagram

Publication Date: October 2nd 2018
Publisher: HarperCollins
Pages: 416
ISBN: 9780062224132
Genre: Young Adult | Mystery | Fantasy
Source: Edelweiss Review Copy

Add to Goodreads

Available for Purchase:
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | The Book Depository

It’s been five years since Summer Marks was brutally murdered in the woods.

Everyone thinks Mia and Brynn killed their best friend. That driven by their obsession with a novel called The Way into Lovelorn the three girls had imagined themselves into the magical world where their fantasies became twisted, even deadly.

The only thing is: they didn’t do it.

On the anniversary of Summer’s death, a seemingly insignificant discovery resurrects the mystery and pulls Mia and Brynn back together once again. But as the lines begin to blur between past and present and fiction and reality, the girls must confront what really happened in the woods all those years ago—no matter how monstrous. (Goodreads)


Lauren Oliver is one of the very first authors I checked out when I started reading YA books, and I’m always on the lookout for something new by her. The summary for her newest book, Broken Things, sounded really awesome, and I absolutely couldn’t wait to check it out!

I was immediately drawn to Broken Things not only because it was written by Lauren Oliver, but also by that super eye-catching cover. How gorgeous is that?? The summary sounded really awesome as well. It’s been a few books since I’ve read a good murder mystery, and this book was exactly what I needed at the moment.

The storyline for the book was very mysterious, and while I guessed what happened pretty early in the book, the book still made me doubt myself more than a few times throughout. And I love that while this was a mystery story, there was also a fit of fantasy in it as well, from the book the girls were so addicted to. That was really interesting, and one reason why I flew through the pages! The end of the book felt a little bit rushed, but other than that, it was really fascinating.

The other interesting thing in the book was the characters. I immediately liked Brynn and Mia, and sympathized for all that they had been through since the death of their friend. And not only after their friend died, but before as well. There were some things that were super easy to relate to in the story. I also liked Abby, who happens to be Mia’s best friend, who was probably my most favorite character in the book. I really enjoyed her storyline, and wish she had been in the book a bit more. Also, there’s a bit of romance in the book as well for a few of these characters, but I’ll say no more on that subject!

Overall; Broken Things was a quick, mysterious read that will keep you guessing as you turn the pages. The storyline was fascinating and addictive, and the characters were interesting as well, and it all made for a really nice read! I definitely feel to the need to re-read more of Lauren’s books now that I’ve read this one, and I just realized that I have not yet read Vanishing Girls, so I must do that soon! Do check out Broken Things!

Thursday, September 27, 2018

My Thoughts: The Other Side of Lost by Jessi Kirby

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36435651-the-other-side-of-lost
The Other Side of Lost
by Jessi Kirby
Website | Twitter | Instagram

Publication Date: August 7th 2018
Publisher: HarperTeen
Pages: 312
ISBN: 9780062424242
Genre: Young Adult | Contemporary
Source: Edelweiss Review Copy

Add to Goodreads

Available for Purchase:
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | The Book Depository

Girl Online meets Wild in this emotionally charged story of girl who takes to the wilderness to rediscover herself and escape the superficial persona she created on social media.

Mari Turner’s life is perfect. That is, at least to her thousands of followers who have helped her become an internet starlet. But when she breaks down and posts a video confessing she’s been living a lie—that she isn’t the happy, in-love, inspirational online personality she’s been trying so hard to portray—it goes viral and she receives major backlash. To get away from it all, she makes an impulsive decision: to hike the entire John Muir trail. Mari and her late cousin, Bri, were supposed to do it together, to celebrate their shared eighteenth birthday. But that was before Mari got so wrapped up in her online world that she shut anyone out who questioned its worth—like Bri.

With Bri’s boots and trail diary, a heart full of regret, and a group of strangers that she meets along the way, Mari tries to navigate the difficult terrain of the hike. But the true challenge lies within, as she searches for the way back to the girl she fears may be too lost to find: herself. (Goodreads)


I absolutely LOVE discovering new books by authors that I enjoy, so of course I was pretty excited when I first discovered The Other Side of Lost by Jessi Kirby. I’ve read a few of Jessi’s book in the past, and really enjoyed them, and have a few of her books that I still need to read as well. But, once I discovered this new book, I just HAD to check it out, and I’m so glad that I did!

I want to start this by saying that I *really* enjoyed the storyline for this book SO much more than I expected to. I’m not at all a nature/outdoorsy person, and while I love the idea of hiking, especially like the main character in the story did, I doubt I could ever pull it off. BUT, I did enjoy reading all about Mari’s adventure, especially the descriptions of the hike, and I have to wonder if the Jessi Kirby has made this hike herself.

Also, there are some really great characters in this book. I love all the friends that Mari meets during her hike, and I think I could totally do a hike if I had a group of friends like these there to support and cheer me on. Some pretty awesome friendships are made throughout this book, and there’s quite a bit of romance along the way as well, which was really sweet.

That being said, as much as I liked this book, as a mom I feel like I need to add… Mari totally should have checked in with her mom before and during her adventure!! (Especially after what happened to her cousin.) I would have been completely terrified if I was her mom, and Mari blowing her off didn’t work for me. This was the only part of the book that I really didn’t care for. As a mom, it just seemed really selfish to me. But, that’s just me!

Overall; While I had one small issue with The Other Side of Lost, I still found it to be a very enjoyable read! I definitely think fans of Jessi’s will definitely enjoy this new book as well! I will most totally be keeping my eye out for new books by Jessi in the future, and I also am really looking forward to reading the few books of hers that I haven’t read yet!! If you’re looking for a good contemporary novel, do check this book out!

Wednesday, September 26, 2018

My Thoughts: When We Caught Fire by Anna Godbersen

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/37789599-when-we-caught-fire
When We Caught Fire
by Anna Godbersen
Website | Twitter | Instagram

Publication Date: October 2nd 2018
Publisher: HarperTeen
Pages: 384
ISBN: 9780062679826
Genre: Young Adult | Historical Fiction
Source: Edelweiss Review Copy

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Available for Purchase:
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | The Book Depository


It’s 1871 and Emmeline Carter is poised to take Chicago’s high society by storm. Between her father’s sudden rise to wealth, and her recent engagement to Chicago’s most eligible bachelor, Emmeline has it all. But she can’t stop thinking about the life she left behind, including her childhood sweetheart, Anders Magnuson. Fiona Byrne, Emmeline’s childhood best friend, is delighted by her friend’s sudden rise to prominence, especially since it means Fiona is free to pursue Anders herself. But when Emmeline risks everything for one final fling with Anders, Fiona feels completely betrayed.

As the summer turns to fall, the city is at a tipping point: friendships are tested, hearts are broken, and the tiniest spark might set everything ablaze. Sweeping, soapy, and romantic, this is a story about an epic love triangle—one that will literally set the city ablaze, and change the lives of three childhood friends forever. (Goodreads)


When We Caught Fire is the very first book that I’ve read by Anna Godbersen, even though I’ve had her Luxe and Bright Young Things series on my TBR for the longest. I jumped on the opportunity to read this newest book by Anna, and I was beyond glad to finally read something by her. Unfortunately, while summary for this book sounded interesting, this book didn’t really work out for me as I hoped it would.

The first thing that drew me to When We Caught Fire was the gorgeous book cover. (Seriously, I can’t help it! I love a pretty cover!!) The story set during the 1870’s, and revolves around the well-known Chicago Fire. That alone made me curious, as I’m trying to read more historical fiction stories, and this sounded right up my alley. Those parts of the story I did enjoy, especially the descriptions of the time period and the absolutely tragic event. I don’t think I’ve ever read a book about that before, so I was really curious, and horrified by what happened. (And, of course, once the story was over I HAD to look up as much information as I could on the event.)  This was definitely the most interesting part of the book for me.

With that being said, there were a lot of things about the book that were a bit harder for me to enjoy. For instance, I had a really hard time connecting with ANY of the characters in the book, which doesn’t happen really often to me, and felt a little weird. I didn't really buy the love triangle either, to be honest. The story was also a bit on the slow side, and I found my mind wondering from time to time, making it hard to focus as I tried to read. It did pick up a bit at the end though, and I did finish the book all the way through, and I am glad that I did.

Overall; While I found When We Caught Fire to be an intriguing read, I didn’t enjoy it as much as I had hoped I would. The storyline was interesting, but also slow paced, and I didn’t really connect with any of the characters as well. That being said, if this book sounds interesting to you, do check it out! Just because it didn’t work for me, doesn’t mean that it will not work for you. *smile* And I’m still interested in checking out Anna’s other books, as I’ve heard nothing but good things about both the Luxe and Bright Young Things series. I’m hoping to work those onto my TBR soon!

Waiting on Wednesday #332 - Kingdom of Ash & The Boneless Mercies

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/33590260-kingdom-of-ash
Kingdom of Ash
(Throne of Glass #7)
Website | Twitter | Instagram

Publication Date: October 23rd 2018
Publisher: Bloomsbury YA
ISBN: 9781619636101

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Available for Pre-Order:
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | The Book Depository

Years in the making, Sarah J. Maas’s #1 New York Times bestselling Throne of Glass series draws to an epic, unforgettable conclusion. Aelin Galathynius’s journey from slave to king’s assassin to the queen of a once-great kingdom reaches its heart-rending finale as war erupts across her world. . .

Aelin has risked everything to save her people―but at a tremendous cost. Locked within an iron coffin by the Queen of the Fae, Aelin must draw upon her fiery will as she endures months of torture. Aware that yielding to Maeve will doom those she loves keeps her from breaking, though her resolve begins to unravel with each passing day…

With Aelin captured, Aedion and Lysandra remain the last line of defense to protect Terrasen from utter destruction. Yet they soon realize that the many allies they’ve gathered to battle Erawan’s hordes might not be enough to save them. Scattered across the continent and racing against time, Chaol, Manon, and Dorian are forced to forge their own paths to meet their fates. Hanging in the balance is any hope of salvation―and a better world.

And across the sea, his companions unwavering beside him, Rowan hunts to find his captured wife and queen―before she is lost to him forever.

As the threads of fate weave together at last, all must fight, if they are to have a chance at a future. Some bonds will grow even deeper, while others will be severed forever in the explosive final chapter of the Throne of Glass series. (Goodreads)

Who else can't wait to get their hands on Kingdom of Ash??
I *just* started reading this series this year, and I'm actually all caught up,
and completely ready for Kingdom if Ash to be released!
I can't wait to find out what's going to happen next,
especially after that ending of Empire of Storms!!


https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36949995-the-boneless-mercies
The Boneless Mercies
by April Genevieve Tucholke
Website | Twitter | Instagram

Publication Date: October 2nd 2018
Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR)
ISBN: 9780374307066

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Available for Pre-Order:
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | The Book Depository

A dark standalone YA fantasy about a band of mercenary girls in search of female glory.

Frey, Ovie, Juniper, and Runa are the Boneless Mercies—girls hired to kill quickly, quietly, and mercifully. But Frey is weary of the death trade and, having been raised on the heroic sagas of her people, dreams of a bigger life.

When she hears of an unstoppable monster ravaging a nearby town, Frey decides this is the Mercies' one chance out. The fame and fortune of bringing down such a beast would ensure a new future for all the Mercies. In fact, her actions may change the story arc of women everywhere.
(Goodreads)

Confession: I've only read one book by April Genevieve Tucholke so far.
*gasp* I know, right?!
I have a lot of her books on my TBR, I just haven't read them yet.
The Boneless Mercies sounds really, really awesome though,
and I can't wait to check it out!! (Hopefully soon!)

**"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking The Spine,
that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.**



Tuesday, September 25, 2018

My Thoughts: For a Muse of Fire by Heidi Heilig

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/37811028-for-a-muse-of-fire
For a Muse of Fire
(For a Muse of Fire #1)
by Heidi Heilig
Website | Twitter | Instagram

Publication Date: September 25th 2018
Publisher: Greenwillow Books
Pages: 512
ISBN: 9780062380814
Genre: Young Adult / Fantasy
Source: Edelweiss Review Copy

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Available for Purchase:
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | The Book Depository

A young woman with a dangerous power she barely understands. A smuggler with secrets of his own. A country torn between a merciless colonial army, a terrifying tyrant, and a feared rebel leader. The first book in a new trilogy from the acclaimed Heidi Heilig blends traditional storytelling with ephemera for a lush, page-turning tale of escape and rebellion. For a Muse of Fire will captivate fans of Sabaa Tahir, Leigh Bardugo, and Renée Ahdieh.

Jetta’s family is famed as the most talented troupe of shadow players in the land. With Jetta behind the scrim, their puppets seem to move without string or stick—a trade secret, they say. In truth, Jetta can see the souls of the recently departed and bind them to the puppets with her blood. But the old ways are forbidden ever since the colonial army conquered their country, so Jetta must never show, never tell. Her skill and fame are her family’s way to earn a spot aboard the royal ship to Aquitan, where shadow plays are the latest rage, and where rumor has it the Mad King has a spring that cures his ills. Because seeing spirits is not the only thing that plagues Jetta. But as rebellion seethes and as Jetta meets a young smuggler, she will face truths and decisions that she never imagined—and safety will never seem so far away.

Heidi Heilig creates a vivid, rich world inspired by Asian cultures and French colonialism. Her characters are equally complex and nuanced, including the bipolar heroine. Told from Jetta’s first-person point-of-view, as well as chapters written as play scripts and ephemera such as telegrams and letters, For a Muse of Fire is an engrossing journey that weaves magic, simmering romance, and the deep bonds of family with the high stakes of epic adventure.
(Goodreads)


For a Muse of Fire is the first book in the brand new series by Heidi Heilig, and it’s also the very first book I’ve read by her as well, even though I’ve had her The Girl From Everywhere series sitting on my shelf for the longest, just waiting to be read. I was super excited to finally read something by Heidi, and For a Muse of Fire sounded like a great place to start. (And, I couldn’t resist that book cover. It’s pretty gorgeous!)

To be honest, I really didn’t know what to expect going into this book, but the summary sounded pretty awesome, and like nothing else I’ve read so far, so I was super curious to get started on it. There were a lot of things I like about this book, including the characters, all of who are interesting in their own way. I was completely (Fascinated) by Jetta, the main character in the story, and her ability as a shadow-player. (Like a puppeteer, but with a twist.) I enjoyed reading about her ability, and I loved her close relationship with her family as well.

Though the storyline for the book was a little hard to get into at first, but once I got used to the language and the writing, it was a bit easier for me to move along with the story. The setting and the world-building in this book were pretty interesting. Heidi has a nice way with words, and I enjoyed her descriptions. The Asian and French cultures were absolutely fascinating, and I can’t say that I’ve read any books in the past that have included this before. I’m super curious about the way the story ended, and I’m looking forward to the next book in the series, which is at this moment currently untitled and without a release date. Hopefully we will get some information on that soon.

Overall; For a Muse of Fire is the first book in what should prove to be a really great series by author Heidi Heilig! I absolutely can’t wait to get more information on the second book, and I will be checking that out ASAP. I also plan to move The Girl from Everywhere series up on my TBR to get to as soon as possible, as I’m super curious about it now as well! (Even more than before, if that’s even possible!) If you’re looking for a great series to start, do check out For a Muse of Fire!!

Top Ten Tuesday: Books By My Favorite Authors That I Still Haven’t Read


September 25: Books By My Favorite Authors That I Still Haven’t Read

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23734628-carry-on https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/28421168-renegades

Carry On by Rainbow Rowell
Renegades by Marissa Meyer

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/30025336-all-the-crooked-saints

Turtles All The Way Down by John Green
All the Crooked Saints by Maggie Stiefvater

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13406425-burn-for-burn https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17623975-just-one-day

Burn for Burn by Jenny Han & Siobhan Vivian
Just One Day by Gayle Forman

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/31423196-defy-the-stars https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22465597-vanishing-girls

Defy the Stars by Claudia Gray
Vanishing Girls by Lauren Oliver

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1902241.The_Adoration_of_Jenna_Fox https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17331828-talon

The Adoration of Jenna Fox by Mary E. Pearson
Talon by Julie Kagawa


There you have it, friends! My short list of books that I STILL need to read by my most favorite authors. (This list could have been SO much longer!) I really need to read all of these, and soon!!

What made your list this week? Feel free to leave your link in the comments so I can check out your picks!!


Monday, September 24, 2018

10 Books I'm Reading This Fall

Fall has finally arrived, Bookworms!! And with it comes my Fall themed TBR!
I don't know if you guys have noticed this, but I LOVE Fall!!
It seriously feels like the best season for reading. (To me, at least.)
Here are a few books that I'm hoping to read this fall!!

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/9361589-the-night-circus https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/40440.The_Thirteenth_Tale

1. The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern - Last year I read The Night Circus for the very first time, and fell completely in love with the book. I made a plan to re-read it every Fall, and I can't wait to read the story again!

2. The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield - I've had this book on my TBR for forever, and it sounds like it would make a really good fall read. I'm looking forward to knocking it off my TBR!

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36244389-hocus-pocus-the-all-new-sequel https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/38255342-the-dark-descent-of-elizabeth-frankenstein

3. Hocus Pocus & the All-New Sequel by A.W. Jantha - I've had this book sitting on my shelf for a few weeks now, and I really want to read it already! I've been holding out for October, and I can't wait to finally start it!

4. The Dark Descent of Elizabeth Frankenstein by Kiersten White - I just discovered this book recently, and immediately pre-ordered it! It will definitely make a great fall read!

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/7728889-the-diviners https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/8667848-a-discovery-of-witches?

5. The Diviners by Libba Bray - This is yet another book that has been on my TBR for waaaaay too long, and I'm hoping to work it into my TBR this fall! I'm so curious!

6. A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness - Annnnnnnd another book that has been on my TBR for too long! I'm super curious about this book, and I'm super curious to finally read it!

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/38212843-every-breath https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/37584991-the-proposal

7. Every Breath by Nicholas Sparks - It's been a while since I read anything by Sparks, and I'm super curious about this book! I already the book on hold at the library, and I can't wait for it come in!

8. The Proposal by Jasmine Guillory -  I am really looking forward to reading The Proposal! I am looking forward to reading both it and The Wedding Date together!

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/39280445-nine-perfect-strangers https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/38496738-welcome-to-paradise

9. Nine Perfect Strangers by Liane Moriarty - A new book by Liane Moriarty? Count me in! This sounds like it's going to be an interesting read, and I'm looking forward to starting it and reading some of Liane's other books as well!

10. Welcome to Paradise by Elin Hilderbrand - I just recently finished my very first book by Elin Hilderbrand, and now I'm HOOKED! Welcome to Paradise sounds awesome, and I'm hoping to start it asap!!