Review: Underwater by Marisa Reichardt

Underwater
by Marisa Reichardt
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Publication Date: January 12th 2016
Publisher: Farrar, Straus, & Giroux
Pages: 288
ISBN: 9780374368869
Genre: Young Adult | Contemporary | Realistic Fiction
Source: For Review

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“Forgiving you will allow me to forgive myself.”

Morgan didn’t mean to do anything wrong that day. Actually, she meant to do something right. But her kind act inadvertently played a role in a deadly tragedy. In order to move on, Morgan must learn to forgive—first someone who did something that might be unforgivable, and then herself.

But Morgan can’t move on. She can’t even move beyond the front door of the apartment she shares with her mother and little brother. Morgan feels like she’s underwater, unable to surface. Unable to see her friends. Unable to go to school.

When it seems Morgan can’t hold her breath any longer, a new boy moves in next door. Evan reminds her of the salty ocean air and the rush she used to get from swimming. He might be just what she needs to help her reconnect with the world outside.

Underwater is a powerful, hopeful debut novel about redemption, recovery, and finding the strength it takes to face your past and move on. (Goodreads)

My Thoughts...
When I first discovered Underwater by Marisa Reichardt, I knew this was a book I would have to read. I purposely avoided any reviews of the book before I started it, as I wanted to go into the book with a completely clear mind. I'm glad I did. I had an inkling of what happened throughout the story, but the mystery as of what happened kept me turning the pages. I really enjoyed this book.

When we first meet Morgan in the story, she is confined to her house, not on purpose, but by her choice alone. After the horrible events that took place on October 15th, she finds that she can no longer safely be outside her house, and chooses to stay in her apartment at all times, where she knows she can be safe. From there she attends online school and generally avoids the world. Until Evan moves in next door, and reminds her of the life she used to have.

It was really easy to relate to Morgan throughout the story, and to be honest, I probably would have reacted the same way to the events that she experienced. I think a lot of people would. But eventually, you would miss being in the world, and would want to get back to it. In order for Morgan to do that, she not only needed to learn to forgive, not only herself, but others as well. And doing this was not an easy experience for her.

There were so many great secondary characters in the story, all of them great supporters of Morgan's.  Her mom, while she was having a rough time of it as well, was always there when Morgan needed her. Also, her therapist, Brenda, was pretty awesome. Her brother, Ben, completely stole my heart, and had to be the best little brother of all time. And then there's Evan, who shows up and changes Morgan's world forever. So many great characters.

I'm not going to go into many details about the storyline for the book, because it would totally give the story away, but the event that happened that made Morgan the way she was, was completely horrific, and unfortunately, all to realistic.  That being said, while this event took place, it doesn't overwhelm the novel. The novel is more about what happens after. It was really interesting to read it all through Morgan's eyes.

Overall; I do believe Marisa Reichardt has a winner on her hands with this debut novel! I enjoyed reading Morgan's story, and I'm really, really looking forward to reading more by this author in the future! Add this to your TBR today!

Review: The Love That Split the World by Emily Henry

The Love That Split The World
by Emily Henry
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Publication Date: January 26th 2016
Publisher: Razorbill
Pages: 400
ISBN: 9781595148506
Genre: Young Adult | Fantasy | Time Travel
Source: First To Read

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Natalie Cleary must risk her future and leap blindly into a vast unknown for the chance to build a new world with the boy she loves.

Natalie’s last summer in her small Kentucky hometown is off to a magical start... until she starts seeing the “wrong things.” They’re just momentary glimpses at first—her front door is red instead of its usual green, there’s a pre-school where the garden store should be. But then her whole town disappears for hours, fading away into rolling hills and grazing buffalo, and Nat knows something isn’t right.

That’s when she gets a visit from the kind but mysterious apparition she calls “Grandmother,” who tells her: “You have three months to save him.” The next night, under the stadium lights of the high school football field, she meets a beautiful boy named Beau, and it’s as if time just stops and nothing exists. Nothing, except Natalie and Beau.

Emily Henry’s stunning debut novel is Friday Night Lights meets The Time Traveler’s Wife, and perfectly captures those bittersweet months after high school, when we dream not only of the future, but of all the roads and paths we’ve left untaken. (Goodreads)

 My Thoughts...

I was super excited to read The Love That Split the World, especially when I found out that it was a time-travel story. I've been reading a lot of these types of stories lately, and I love how each of them have been so very different from each other. The Love That Split the World was no exception!

I really liked the characters in the story, especially the main character, Natalie. It was interesting to follow her through the story as she tried to figure out what was going on in her world, as well as who she was exactly. There are a lot of great secondary characters in the story as well. Natalie has some really awesome family members, and some great friends also. Oh, and there's also a boy in the story that you will love to swoon over as well.

I loved that the storyline for the book felt very unique and different from the other novels I've read. It had a very magical feel to it that none of the other time-travel novels I've read have not had in them. The story was very captivating, as well as mysterious, it definitely kept me guessing a few times, and I was holding my breath throughout, waiting to see what was going to happen next.

Overall; I found The Love That Split the World to be a very enjoyable read, with a unique storyline, likeable characters, and the cover is stunning as well. I'll definitely be checking out more books by Emily Henry in the future. Time-Travel fans, please add this book to your TBR, and I hope that you enjoy it as much as I did!

Waiting on Wednesday #229 - A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas

A Court of Mist and Fury
(A Court of Thorns and Roses #2)
by Sarah J. Maas
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Publication Date: May 3rd 2016
Publisher: Bloomsbury USA Childrens
ISBN: 9781619634466



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

Feyre survived Amarantha's clutches to return to the Spring Court--but at a steep cost. Though she now has the powers of the High Fae, her heart remains human, and it can't forget the terrible deeds she performed to save Tamlin's people.

Nor has Feyre forgotten her bargain with Rhysand, High Lord of the feared Night Court. As Feyre navigates its dark web of politics, passion, and dazzling power, a greater evil looms--and she might be key to stopping it. But only if she can harness her harrowing gifts, heal her fractured soul, and decide how she wishes to shape her future--and the future of a world cleaved in two.

With more than a million copies sold of her beloved Throne of Glass series, Sarah J. Maas's masterful storytelling brings this second book in her seductive and action-packed series to new heights. (Goodreads)

So last week the cover for A Court of Mist and Fury was released, and OMG it's so gorgeous!! I seriously can't wait to have this book in my hands.
If you have not yet read the first book, A Court of Thorns and Roses, I highly recommend that you do so. It's great!
I can't wait to continue the story. :)

**"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've Recently Added To My TBR

January 19: Top Ten Books I've Recently Added To My TBR

1. The Girl I Used to Be by April Henry - Is this cover stunning, or what? I am really looking forward to reading the story as well!

2. The Square Root of Summer - This time travel novel sounds very promising! I've read quite a few of them lately, and I'm pretty excited to read more. And that cover is also super stunning.


3. Leave Me by Gayle Forman - A new book by Gayle Forman, and it's Adult fiction as well! I managed to snag a copy of this from Edelweiss, and I'm super excited to start it!

4. The Extraordinary Adventures of Alfred Kropp by Rick Yancey- This book is the first in a new series by Rick Yancey! The first book came out in December 2015, and I need to get a copy ASAP!


5. Eligible by Curtis Sittenfeld - It's a PRIDE & PREJUDICE RETELLING, you guys!! I love anything P&P, so I'm sooooooo super excited to read this. I was approved on Netgalley to read it, so it's on my list to start super soon. :)

6. After Alice by Gregory Maguire - Confession -- I've never read a book by McGuire before, although I have almost all of his books on my TBR. I love Alice in Wonderland, so I'm really excited to read this!


7. Zero Day by Jan Gangsei - This book sounds SO good! I was a little late to the party for adding it to my TBR, but I'm really excited to  read it.

8. The Outliers by Kimberly McCreight - This book sounds super mysterious, and I'm highly intrigued! I'm really looking forward to starting this one.


9. Fates and Furies by Lauren Groff - I'm reading this with the ladies in my book club soon, and I can't wait to finally start it!!

10. Brooklyn by Colm Toibin - So I pretty much put this on my TBR because of the movie. It looks SO interesting, so I wanted to check out the book as well!

Review: Salt to the Sea by Ruta Sepetys

Salt to the Sea
by Ruta Sepetys
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Publication Date: February 2nd 2016
Publisher: Philomel Books
Pages: 400
ISBN: 9780399160301
Genre: Young Adult | Historical Fiction
Source: First to Read

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The author of Between Shades of Gray returns to WWII in this epic novel that shines a light on one of the war's most devastating—yet unknown—tragedies.

In 1945, World War II is drawing to a close in East Prussia, and thousands of refugees are on a desperate trek toward freedom, almost all of them with something to hide. Among them are  Joana, Emilia, and Florian, whose paths converge en route to the ship that promises salvation, the Wilhelm Gustloff. Forced by circumstance to unite, the three find their strength, courage, and trust in each other tested with each step closer toward safety.

Just when it seems freedom is within their grasp, tragedy strikes. Not country, nor culture, nor status matter as all ten thousand people aboard must fight for the same thing: survival. (Goodreads)

 My Thoughts...

I couldn't wait to get started on Salt to the Sea, as I had heard so many great things about its author, Ruta Sepetys, and I was super curious to finally read something by her. I have to say, I was completely blown away by this book, I can't even begin to describe how I feel about it. It was very much an enlightening read, but also one that was also completely terrifying as well, and it left me wanting to know more about the historical events that really happened in the story.

I seriously had no clue what to expect from this book when going into it. All I really knew was that it took place during World War II. While the novel is completely fictional, it does revolve around a tragic event that really took place during the war. (I'm not going to tell you what event, I'd prefer you read the story and find out for yourself.) I keep wondering how I'd never before heard of this massive disaster, one of the largest in maritime history, and I am so glad that someone wrote a story around it, because now I know, and it left me wanting to learn even more.

The story is told from multiple characters points of view, and while each of the characters come from different backgrounds, we see how the same events affected each one of them differently, yet the same still. I loved that despite the horror, relationships were formed, some with a bond so strong it was heartbreaking. These characters made me laugh, and they made me ugly cry, and I just loved them all so much.

At 400 pages, I didn't expect to finish the book as quickly as I did, but the chapters are short, and highly addictive, and I flew through the pages in no time. Also, unlike a lot of historical books I've read in the past, this one didn't feel like I was reading a history book, loaded with facts I would attempt to remember. The facts are there, but they are written into the story in such a way that they feel like they just belong there, not like they are actual facts someone is telling us about.

Overall; Salt to the Sea completely blew me away. There was so much beauty in the story even though the events were completely horrific and terrifying. I loved the characters who found a special place in my heart. I really just don't know how to put into words how much I 'feel' for this book. It's so much, and I could go on and on. I hope that you'll read it yourself so that you can understand what I mean. Add it to your to-be-read stack today, and pick up a copy as soon as you can. I hope you love it just as much as I did.

Happy 5th Blogoversary Giveaway Day 5 - A New KINDLE FIRE Tablet!!

Hey, Bookworms!!

Today is the 5th and FINAL day of my Blogoversary Giveaway!!

(Don't forget to check out Day 1 , Day 2 , Day 3, and Day 4!!

Today I'm giving away the New Kindle Fire Tablet!!

(7" Display, Wi-Fi, 8 GB)

You can read more about the tablet HERE.

Kindle Fire's are great for reading ebooks, browsing your favorite apps,

watching your favorite shows and MORE!!

Already have a tablet? You can always use another!
* wink *

*Giveaway Rules*

• ONE winner will win a *New Kindle Fire Tablet*.
• Open to US and International Followers
• Must be 13 or older to enter
• Giveaway ends February 5th, 2016
• Winner will be contacted via email. If you do not respond within 48 hours, a new winner will be chosen.
• By entering this Giveaway, you are agreeing to the terms listed above.

That's it, guys! The last giveaway for my 5th Blogoversary!
I hope you guys have enjoyed it!
Now, go enter to win!!

Good luck, Bookworms!!

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Happy 5th Blogoversary Giveaway Day 4 - $ 25 Society 6 Gift Card!!

Welcome back!!

It's Day 4 of my Blogoversary Giveaway!!
(Don't forget to check out Day 1 , Day 2 , and Day 3)

Today I'm giving away a $25 Gift Card to Society 6!!

If you don't know what Society 6 is, it is
home to thousands of artists from around the world
selling their original work as fine art prints, apparel, tech and home products.

There's SO much awesome stuff you can get from the site...

Like this *Professional Bookworm* tote bag from Bookwormboutique...

Or this lovely pillow from Evie Seo!

Visit Society 6 and browse through all the loveliness on the site!!
And don't forget to enter to win!!

*Giveaway Rules*

• ONE winner will win a $25 Society 6 Gift Card.
• Open to US and International Followers
• Gift card will be delivered via EMAIL, so use the email address where you would like it sent to.
• Must be 13 or older to enter
• Giveaway ends February 4th, 2016.
• Winner will be contacted via email. If you do not respond within 48 hours, a new winner will be chosen.
• By entering this Giveaway, you are agreeing to the terms listed above.

Good luck!!

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Review: The Impostor Queen by Sarah Fine

The Impostor Queen
(The Impostor Queen #1)
by Sarah Fine
Website | Twitter | Facebook

Publication Date: January 5th 2016
Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books
Pages: 432
ISBN: 9781481441902
Genre: Young Adult | Fantasy
Source: Netgalley

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Sixteen-year-old Elli was a small child when the Elders of Kupari chose her to succeed the Valtia, the queen who wields infinitely powerful ice and fire magic. Since then, Elli has lived in the temple, surrounded by luxury and tutored by magical priests, as she prepares for the day when the Valtia perishes and the magic finds a new home in her. Elli is destined to be the most powerful Valtia to ever rule.

But when the queen dies defending the kingdom from invading warriors, the magic doesn’t enter Elli. It’s nowhere to be found.

Disgraced, Elli flees to the outlands, the home of banished criminals—some who would love to see the temple burn with all its priests inside. As she finds her footing in this new world, Elli uncovers devastating new information about the Kupari magic, those who wield it, and the prophecy that foretold her destiny. Torn between the love she has for her people and her growing loyalty to the banished, Elli struggles to understand the true role she was meant to play. But as war looms, she must align with the right side—before the kingdom and its magic are completely destroyed. (Goodreads)

When I was first approached to review The Impostor Queen, I didn't really know what to expect from the book. I had seen the cover around a few times, but hadn't had a chance to check out the summary for the book. Once I did, I knew this book was going to be something special, and it totally was!

Sixteen year old Ellie has been raised to one day be the Valtia, the queen who protects her kingdom with the magic of ice and fire. But when the current queen dies, and the magic doesn't find it's home in Ellie like it's supposed to, disgraced, she flees to the outlands to live among the banished. Here she discovers who she truly is, and that things on the inside are not exactly as she always thought they were.

Ellie was a great main character. I loved watching her grow from the pampered princess into a young lady who actually has to take care of herself, and more. Oh, but did this poor girl have a rough time of it at times. When the magical power did not flow into her, the 'trials' she had to go through in attempt to summon the power was absolutely brutal. I seriously cringed more than a few times. And once she's in the Outlands and has to fend for herself, it definitely wasn't easy for her. But she grew so much throughout the story, and became such a strong young lady. A true queen. And with the help of her new friends, she finds out who she truly is, and more.

There are also a lot of secondary characters in the story that you're absolutely going to love. One in particular completely captured my heart, and I will forever be in love with Oskar. Be prepared to swoon over this young man, because he's totally swoon-worthy. I love his family as well.  And with any good story, there are some characters that you're going to love to hate in the story as well. Everyone was so  well written, and I can't wait to see what's going to happen for them next.

The storyline for the book was completely engrossing, and the world-building was absolutely captivating. The descriptions for everything in the book were so well written, I could see it all perfectly in my mind as I flew through the pages. And the end, oh, that ending just left me wanting more, but in a good way! I can't wait to get my hands on the next book, I NEED it to be in my hands as soon as possible, because I have to know what is going to happen next for these characters and this story.

Overall; The Impostor Queen was such a great read! I enjoyed it SO much more than I expected to, and I'll be anxiously awaiting the release of the sequel. If you haven't yet read this book, or haven't added it to your to-be-read list, I promise you, you're going to want to read this book, so check it out already!!

Happy 5th Blogoversary Giveaway Day 3 - $15 Amazon Gift Card!!

Hey there!!

It's Day 3 of my Blogoversary Giveaway!!
(Don't forget to check out Day 1 and Day 2!!)

Today I'm giving away an $15 Amazon Gift Card!!
(Or a $15 Book Depository Gift card, if you don't have Amazon in your area.)
You can spend this however you like, although you could always 

use a new book in your life, right?!

*Giveaway Rules*

• ONE winner will win a $15 Amazon Gift Card.
• Open to US and International Followers
• If you do not have Amazon in your area, I will send you $15 to TheBookDepository.com instead.
• Gift card will be delivered via EMAIL, so use the email address where you would like it sent to.
• Must be 13 or older to enter
• Giveaway ends February 3rd, 2016.
• Winner will be contacted via email. If you do not respond within 48 hours, a new winner will be chosen.
• By entering this Giveaway, you are agreeing to the terms listed above.

Good luck, Friends!!

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Waiting on Wednesday #228 - The Problem With Forever by Jennifer L. Armentrout

The Problem With Forever
by Jennifer L. Armentrout
Website | Twitter | Facebook

Publication Date: May 17th 2016
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
ISBN: 9780373212057

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

For some people, silence is a weapon. For Mallory “Mouse” Dodge, it’s a shield. Growing up, she learned that the best way to survive was to say nothing. And even though it’s been four years since her nightmare ended, she’s beginning to worry that the fear that holds her back will last a lifetime.

Now, after years of homeschooling with loving adoptive parents, Mallory must face a new milestone—spending her senior year at public high school. But of all the terrifying and exhilarating scenarios she’s imagined, there’s one she never dreamed of—that she’d run into Rider Stark, the friend and protector she hasn’t seen since childhood, on her very first day.

It doesn’t take long for Mallory to realize that the connection she shared with Rider never really faded. Yet the deeper their bond grows, the more it becomes apparent that she’s not the only one grappling with the lingering scars from the past. And as she watches Rider’s life spiral out of control, Mallory faces a choice between staying silent and speaking out—for the people she loves, the life she wants, and the truths that need to be heard. (Goodreads)

 I was just recently introduced to the awesomeness that is Jennifer L. Armentrout,
and I really, really enjoyed the book I read of hers a while back.
The cover for this book is SO pretty, and the story sounds like it
will be completely engrossing as well.
I can't wait to check it out!!

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