December 2016 Wrap Up & Book Haul

*December Book Haul*

Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (The Original Screenplay) by J.K. Rowling
Let it Snow by John Green, Maureen Johnson & Lauren Myracle
All Fall Down | See How They Run | Take the Key and Lock Her Up
by Ally Carter

The Edge of Everything by Jeff Giles
These Broken Stars | This Shattered World | Their Fractured Light
by Amie Kaufman & Meagan Spooner
Illuminae by Jay Kristoff and Amie Kaufman

*December Wrap Up*

Twelve Days of Dash and Lily by Rachel Cohn & David Levithan
What Light by Jay Asher
Quidditch Through the Ages by J.K. Rowling
Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them by J.K. Rowling
The Tales of Beedle the Bard by J.K. Rowling
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J.K. Rowling
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince by J.K. Rowling
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child by J.K. Rowling

*not pictured*
Mary Poppins by P.L. Travers
The Lightning Thief : Graphic Novel by Rick Riordan
The Sea of Monsters : Graphic Novel by Rick Riordan
The Titan's Curse : Graphic Novel by Rick Riordan
The Vile Village by Lemony Snicket
The Hostile Hospital by Lemony Snicket
 The Carnivorous Carnival by Lemony Snicket
The Slippery Slope by Lemony Snicket
The Grim Grotto by Lemony Snicket
Adulthood is a Myth by Sarah Andersen
The Penultimate Peril by Lemony Snicket
The End by Lemony Snicket


Can you believe 2016 is almost over?!
I'm equally excited and completely terrified for what 2017 is going to bring.
Sigh.

December was insane, but I managed to pull everything together by the end.
I finished my reading goal for the month, barely... but I did finish it!
125 books for the year is not too bad.
I did, however, finish up with a LOT of audiobooks and a few graphic novels.
Next year I'm going to keep my goal a little more simple. Haha!

I didn't get any books for Christmas from the family,
as they never seem to know which ones to get,

so I treated myself a few of the books in my book haul!
I've had the Starbound series on my wishlist for a while now,
and I'm excited to finally have all the books and I can't wait to start book 3.
I also picked up a copy of Illumia and Let it Snow, as I enjoyed both books,

but didn't have my own copy yet.

I also got two Harry Potter Funkos from my daughter!
I love Hermione in her pink dress, and Luna Lovegood!!

This year was a mess, but it came with some good in with the bad.
I hope you all had a lot of good in your lives,
and here's hoping for a lot of good next year!!

My Thoughts: What Light by Jay Asher

What Light
by Jay Asher
Website | Twitter | Facebook

Publication Date: October 18th 2016
Publisher: Razorbill
Pages: 251
ISBN: 9781595145512
Genre: Young Adult | Contemporary | Holiday
Source: Own

Add to Goodreads

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

From Jay Asher, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Thirteen Reasons Why, comes a romance that will break your heart, but soon have you believing again. . . .
Sierra's family runs a Christmas tree farm in Oregon—it's a bucolic setting for a girl to grow up in, except that every year, they pack up and move to California to set up their Christmas tree lot for the season. So Sierra lives two lives: her life in Oregon and her life at Christmas. And leaving one always means missing the other.

Until this particular Christmas, when Sierra meets Caleb, and one life eclipses the other.

By reputation, Caleb is not your perfect guy: years ago, he made an enormous mistake and has been paying for it ever since. But Sierra sees beyond Caleb's past and becomes determined to help him find forgiveness and, maybe, redemption. As disapproval, misconceptions, and suspicions swirl around them, Caleb and Sierra discover the one thing that transcends all else: true love.

What Light is a love story that's moving and life-affirming and completely unforgettable. (Goodreads)

My Thoughts...
I absolutely couldn't wait to get started on What Light by Jay Asher for a few different reasons. One is because I hadn't read a book by Jay since I read 13 Reasons Why a few years ago. The second is because I LOVE a good holiday story. They are great for putting me in the holiday spirit, and I unfortunately don't have enough holiday reads in my collection. This book was a really excellent holiday read.

There were a lot of interesting characters in the story, including the main character, Sierra, who was raised on a Christmas tree farm in Oregon, and who every year travels to California with her family to sell the trees they grow. I love that she has a really great family, and really great friends in both Oregon and California. And of course, there's Caleb, the bad boy she meets in California who has an interesting, but not as bad as I expected, past life. So many interesting characters to meet in this story, and so many of them will make your heart warm and cozy.

I love the setting for the book. I can't imagine living on a Christmas tree farm, but it sounds pretty amazing, and I can only imagine how beautiful it would be. The descriptions in the story were perfect, and I could picture not only the farm, but the lot in California where they sold the trees, perfectly in my mind. I've never had a live Christmas tree before, but the book totally makes me want to have one. The story was really sweet, and even made me tear up a time or two. It was also a really quick read, which was just what I needed during this crazy holiday season. 

Overall; I really enjoyed What Light. It was short and sweet read, and is definitely going to be read annually by me at Christmas time. It definitely helped to put me in the holiday spirit. I can't wait to read more from Jay Asher as well in the future!

Waiting on Wednesday #264 - Caraval by Stephanie Garber

Caraval
(Untitled #1)
by Stephanie Garber
Website | Twitter | Facebook

Publication Date: January 31st 2017
Publisher: Flatiron Books
ISBN: 9781250095251


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

Welcome, welcome to Caraval―Stephanie Garber’s sweeping tale of two sisters who escape their ruthless father when they enter the dangerous intrigue of a legendary game.

Scarlett has never left the tiny island where she and her beloved sister, Tella, live with their powerful, and cruel, father. Now Scarlett’s father has arranged a marriage for her, and Scarlett thinks her dreams of seeing Caraval, the far-away, once-a-year performance where the audience participates in the show, are over.

But this year, Scarlett’s long-dreamt of invitation finally arrives. With the help of a mysterious sailor, Tella whisks Scarlett away to the show. Only, as soon as they arrive, Tella is kidnapped by Caraval’s mastermind organizer, Legend. It turns out that this season’s Caraval revolves around Tella, and whoever finds her first is the winner.

Scarlett has been told that everything that happens during Caraval is only an elaborate performance. But she nevertheless becomes enmeshed in a game of love, heartbreak, and magic with the other players in the game. And whether Caraval is real or not, she must find Tella before the five nights of the game are over, a dangerous domino effect of consequences is set off, and her sister disappears forever. (Goodreads)

Ok, who ISN'T waiting for Caraval to come out next month??
This book sounds really awesome, and I've heard nothing but good things so far.
I'm really, really excited to get started on it.
AND, it releases the day after my birthday! I can't wait to add it to my collection. :)

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

Waiting on Wednesday #263 - Defy The Stars by Claudia Gray

Defy the Stars
(Untitled Series #1)
by Claudia Gray
Website | Twitter | Facebook

Publication Date: April 4th 2017
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
ISBN: 9780316394031

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

Noemi Vidal is a teen soldier from the planet Genesis, once a colony of Earth that's now at war for its independence. The humans of Genesis have fought Earth's robotic "mech" armies for decades with no end in sight.

After a surprise attack, Noemi finds herself stranded in space on an abandoned ship where she meets Abel, the most sophisticated mech prototype ever made. One who should be her enemy. But Abel's programming forces him to obey Noemi as his commander, which means he has to help her save Genesis--even though her plan to win the war will kill him.

Together they embark on a daring voyage through the galaxy. Before long, Noemi begins to realize Abel may be more than a machine, and, for his part, Abel's devotion to Noemi is no longer just a matter of programming. (Goodreads)

If you know me at all you'll know that I'm a pretty huge fan of Claudia Gray's books,

so you can only imagine my excitement when I discovered this new series!!
(Seriously, Claudia's Firebird series is one of my most favorite series ever.)
This new book sounds awesome, and that cover is stunning!
My copy of Defy the Stars has already been preordered,
and I can't wait for it to arrive in April!

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

Top Ten Tuesday: Books I Wouldn't Mind Santa Leaving Under My Tree

December 20: Ten Books I Wouldn't Mind Santa Leaving Under My Tree
(or non-book bookworm items)

1. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone: The Illustrated Edition by J.K. Rowling - I just recently finished reading the Harry Potter series all the way through, and I'M OBSESSED!! I must add these to my collection!!

2. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets: The Illustrated Edition by J.K. Rowling - See above. :)


3. The Darkest Minds by Alexandra Bracken - I've had this book (series) on my TBR for a while now, but haven't yet added it to my collection. I did, however, love her book Passengers, so I'm hoping to add this to my shelf soon!

4. Falling Kingdoms by Morgan Rhodes - Same as above, I've wanted to read this book (series) for a while, especially when I realized Morgan Rhodes is also Michelle Rowen, who I love. I need these books on my shelf!!


5. These Broken Stars by Aime Kaufman and Meagan Spooner - I read the first two books in this series a while back and LOVED them, but I still need to read the third book, and I STILL Need to add these books to my collection! Seriously, they are so great. :)

6. Illuminae by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff - I read Illuminae back when it first came out, but I don't have a finished copy yet! I do have the sequel, Gemina, so I need to get Illuminae soon. :)


7. Something Real by Heather Demetrios - This is yet another book that I've had on my TBR for forever, and I'd love to have it in my collection! I really enjoyed Heather's *I'll Meet You There*, and I imagine that Something Real is just as great!

8. Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty - I've picked up this book multiple times at the store, and even borrowed it from the library twice, but still haven't read it. I really, really want to do so soon, and add it to my collection as well!


9. The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah - I have seen SO many great things about this book, and I want nothing more than to add it to my collection. It's definitely going to be a must read/buy for me next year.

10. The Martian by Andy Weir - I originally borrowed this book from the library and read it before the movie was released, and enjoyed it SO VERY MUCH! I can't believe I still have not added it to my collection. I must do that soon.

These are just a few books I'd love to add to my collection,

and there are SOOOO many more I'd love to have as well.
Soon I shall have them all! Bahahaha!

Waiting on Wednesday #262 - Alex and Eliza: A Love Story by Melissa de la Cruz

Alex and Eliza: A Love Story
by Melissa de la Cruz
Website | Twitter | Facebook

Publication Date: April 11th 2017
Publisher: G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers
ISBN: 9781524739621


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

From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Witches of East End and The Descendants comes the love story of young Alexander Hamilton and Eliza Schuyler.

1777. Albany, New York.

As battle cries of the American Revolution echo in the distance, servants flutter about preparing for one of New York society’s biggest events: the Schuylers’ grand ball. Descended from two of the oldest and most distinguished bloodlines in New York, the Schuylers are proud to be one of their fledgling country’s founding families, and even prouder still of their three daughters—Angelica, with her razor-sharp wit; Peggy, with her dazzling looks; and Eliza, whose beauty and charm rival that of both her sisters, though she’d rather be aiding the colonists’ cause than dressing up for some silly ball.

Still, she can barely contain her excitement when she hears of the arrival of one Alexander Hamilton, a mysterious, rakish young colonel and General George Washington’s right-hand man. Though Alex has arrived as the bearer of bad news for the Schuylers, he can’t believe his luck—as an orphan, and a bastard one at that—to be in such esteemed company. And when Alex and Eliza meet that fateful night, so begins an epic love story that would forever change the course of American history.

In the pages of Alex and Eliza, #1 New York Times bestselling author Melissa de la Cruz brings to life the romance of young Alexander Hamilton and Elizabeth Schuyler. (Goodreads)

I know I'm not the only Hamilton fan that is SO EXCITED for this book!
I've been waiting for Hamilton inspired books to come out,
and we're finally going to get one.
I already have my copy pre-ordered, and now I just need it to be April 2017 already!!

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

Top Ten Tuesday: Books I'm Looking Forward To For The First Half Of 2017

December 13:  Top Ten Books I'm Looking Forward To For The First Half Of 2017

2017 is going to be another great year for books!

It was super hard to make this list, so my list includes not only my Top Ten picks,
but some more honorable mentions as well!

1. Always and Forever, Lara Jean by Jenny Han -I'm sure I'm not the only person that has this book on their list today. I absolutely can't wait to get my hands on this! I adored To All the Boys I've Loved Before and P.S. I Still Love You!!

2. Once and For All by Sarah Dessen - As if I could resist a new Sarah Dessen novel! Her books will always be on my list of books I'm looking forward to. And Once and For All sounds great!!


3. The Wish Granter by C.J. Redwine - The Shadow Queen just happens to be one of my most favorite Snow White retellings, and I absolutely can't wait to get my hands on this sequel!!

4. The Name They Gave Us by Emery Lord -Emery Lord is another author who will always be on my *most anticipated* lists!! I can't wait to get my hands on The Name They Gave Us.


5. Caraval by Stephanie Garber - I've heard SO many good things about this book, and I can't wait to get my hands on it! I have an e-Arc of it, but I'll be excited to have the finished copy on my shelf as well.

6. Wayfarer by Alexandra Bracken - Passenger was SO good! I'm super excited to get back into this story, as I enjoyed the first book so much!!


7. By Your Side by Kasie West - I love, love, LOVE Kasie West's books, and super excited to read something new by her! P.S. I Like You was one of my favorite reads of this year!

8. The Upside of Unrequited by Becky Albertalli - I just recently listened to the audiobook for Simon vs the Homo Sapiens Agenda, and I absolutely loved the story. I'm really excited to read more by Becky now!


9. Defy the Stars by Claudia Gray - Oh! I'm SO excited for this new series by Claudia Gray! I LOVE her Firebird series, which I still need to read the last book for, and this new series sounds awesome!!

10. Flame in the Mist by Renee Ahdieh - The Wrath and the Dawn is another of my most favorite retellings, so I really can't wait to dive into Flame in the Mist for this new retelling!

More Honorable Mentions:

Midnight Jewel by Richelle Mead
Alex and Eliza: A Love Story by Melissa de la Cruz
Fireworks by Katie Cotugno
The Great Pursuit by Wendy Higgins


Starfall by Melissa Landers
Roseblood by A.G. Howard
Given the Sea by Mindy McGinnis
Blacksouls by Nicole Castroman

Excited to Read (but still need to catch up on):

Long Way Home by Katie McGarry
King's Cage by Victoria Aveyard
A Court of Wings and Ruin by Sarah J. Maas
Lord of Shadows by Cassandra Clare

Can you believe this list is one for the FIRST HALF of 2017?!?!
It was super hard to pick, there are SO many great releases coming out next year.
And I absolutely can't wait to read them all!!