Top Ten Tuesday: Books I Read In 2013

brought to you by the broke and the bookish

Jeni's Picks: Wow this is hard to narrow down…I will try my best. 

1. Blackmore by Julianne Donaldson: While I didn't like this book as much as her debut Edenbrooke, I did enjoy it. I hope this author well keep creating more stories.

2. Drops of Gold by Sarah M. Eden. This is by far my favorite book from this author. I read it 3 times this year. Her next book comes out at the beginning of January. I will probably do a little dance when it comes in the mail.

3. Once a Witch and Always a Witch by Carolyn MacCullough: My sister Emily recommended this duet to me. I love books about witches and these two books are perfect for a weekend read. The ending didn't disappoint and I even better I didn't have to wait three years for it to end. 

4. The Runaway King by Jennifer A. Nielsen: This book was amazing. Such a great sequel to The False Prince. I can't wait until the third and final book in the trilogy is released. February seems so far away.
5. The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie by Alan Bradley: This was another recommendation from my sister Emily. She has been begging me to read this for awhile now. I read it out loud to my girls and they loved it too. It helps that the main character is around their age. 

 

 

 

Emily's Picks

 

1. Divergent by Veronica Roth. This one took me by surprise, and I like being surprised.  I need to finish this series, and have them waiting for me.

 

2. Something Strange and Deadly by Susan Dennard I liked this book, it was interesting, it had non-scary zombies, and I liked the characters. And it was something I could let my 13 year old read.

 

3. The Light Between Oceans by M.L. Stedman this book was something I would have never read on my own.  It is not a book I would pick up and think oh, I'm going to love this one!  But I thought the story was thoughtful, and invoking, and it meant something.

 

4. Enclave by Ann Aguirre I liked this book, it was interesting.  I liked the ending, and honestly, I thought it could end right where it did.  I had no interest in furthering the story, but I liked it.

 

5. Unenchanted by Chanda Hahn this was a book I got on Amazon, and I actually liked it. I bought the whole series.  It was cute, unique, and funny, plus my 13 year old loved it.  So, that's a plus. 

Top Ten Tuesday: New to me authors of 2013

brought to you by the broke and the bookish

Jeni's picks:

1. Stephanie Bond: I read her Body Movers series and loved it. It reminded me a little of the Stephanie Plum novels but I actually think I liked these more. I hope the 7th book comes out soon. 

2. Rhonda Pollero: The Finley Anderson series were a fun read. They got better with every book. My sister introduced me to this author after I made her read The Body Movers series. 

3. Gayle Forman: I actually bought her book If I Stay a long time ago but it sat on my shelf for awhile. When I finally read it I was kicking myself for not reading it earlier. It was one of my favorite books of the year. 

4. Huntley Fitzpatrick:  My Life Next Door was a great read. It reminded me so much of my large family. 

5. M.L. Stedman: The Light Between Oceans. I was so excited to read this book. I bought it while I was in England on vacation. It is a bit melancholy so beware you might need some tissues while reading it. 

Emily's Picks

1. Susan Dennard: Something Strange and Deadly Series. This popped up on my TBR list and having a hard time deciding what to read next, I picked this up. I liked it and bought the next book in the series, A darkness strange and lovely. The third book doesn't come out till next year, but I thought this was interesting. It was recommended for those that liked the Clockwork Angel. 

2. Maggie Stiefvater: Lament was the only book I have read of hers, although I understand her werewolf series is popular.  I have yet to read it. I loved this book. There was something haunting and strange about this faerie tale. And I would love to have her write more about the story line, I know there is another book, but I understand the story follows another character.

3. Julianne Donaldson: Edenbrooke.  This was a fun read, and honestly, it wasn't something that I would have picked up on my own, but having it recommended, by someone I trust, I read it.  And liked it. So, I would have missed out on a fun adventure if I hadn't listened. 

4. Teri Brown: Born Of Illusion. I picked this book up on a whim in the YA section in my library.  And was surprised by the results. Magic, illusion, seance, romance, all combined in this nicely written story.  It's too bad I have to wait until next year sometime for the next instalment.  I enjoyed this book.

5. Veronica Roth: so, I was really late in the game on this one. I was a little burnt out on the whole dystopian world idea.  How many more are coming? ugh. And I wasn't impressed by Divergent, at first, until half way through, when suddenly this book grew. And then I wanted more. But please, please, please, Hollywood, stay true to the story! Thank you. (Hunger Games, you came close)

Top Ten Tuesday: Our Winter To be Read List

Top Ten Tuesday: Our Winter To be Read List

brought to you by the broke and the bookish

Emily's List.

1. Something Strange and Deadly by Susan Dennard this book has been on my tbr list on goodreads for a while, and I needed to review a new book series for my daughter to read. I have this on my kindle, and so far, it looks promising.

2. Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas. So, I sort of bought this book a couple of months ago, and then promptly forgot about it. It happens when you have a long list of tbr's. Shrug. It's on my winter list. 

3. Insurgent by Veronica Roth. So, there was this book series everyone read, and someone was avoiding...oh that would be me. I read the first book, wasn't sure until half way into the first book if it was even something I would enjoy..so, I am starting over, because I tend to forget things. But I will happily do so before diving into this series for REAL. 

4. A Red Herring Without Mustard (Flavia De Luce #3) by Alan Bradley. Who doesn't love Flavia? I have to read the rest of this series. It's coming, it is. Like poison running through my veins..slowly but surely.

5. Of Triton by Anna Banks. So, I am not usually a mermaid type of gal. I tried and didn't love it. But then there was this book called Of Poseidon, and I thought, maybe I do like some mermaid books when they aren't silly. 

Jeni's
1. The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie by Alan Bradley: I'm reading this to my girls and so far we have enjoyed it. 
2. Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card: I haven't read this series yet but everyone tells me it is really good. So I figured it would be a fun winter read. 
3. Hood by Stephen R Lawhead: I've loved his others series and this one is a Robin Hood retelling. I'm pretty sure I'm going to love it. 
4. Boundless by Cynthia Hand: I have been meaning to read this book forever. I even started it awhile back but just wasn't in the mood. My goal is to finish by the end of the year. 
5. Friends and Foes by Sarah M. Eden:  I read this book every year around Christmas time. 

Waiting on Wednesday: The Dancing Master

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

Book: The Dancing Master

Author: Julie Kalssen

Release date: January 2014

From Goodreads:

Leaving London, dancing master Alec Valcourt moves his mother and sister to remote Devonshire--but is stunned to discover that dancing is prohibited! He finds an unlikely ally in Miss Julia Midwinter, but her questions about his past are becoming harder to evade. Together, can they bring new life to this quiet village--and heal long-kept-secret scars?

Why I'm waiting: Julie Klassen is one of my favorite authors. I preorder all her books. 

Grave Visions

Book: Grave Visions

Author: Kalayana Price

Release date: July 12, 2014

From Goodreads:

If you want to hear voices from the dead in Nekros City, you call Alex Craft. She's a Grave Witch with reasonable rates and extraordinary powers, who specializes in revealing the secrets of the dead. But now she's the one fighting to keep her own secret. She's not human—and her newly discovered heritage is causing havoc for her both in the human realm and in Faerie. But her status as an unaffiliated fae also makes her an ideal candidate to investigate a new street drug that has surfaced in several of the spaces between the human and fae worlds. 

This glamour-infused drug causes hallucinations that turn real—at least for a while and often with deadly consequences. Searching for the source of this drug—and its purpose—lands Alex front and center in the conflict brewing in Faerie and she must find answers before she's dragged so deep she loses her freedom.

Why I am waiting: I loved the first three books in this series and this fourth one has been a long wait. The author posted she was having some problems so her series were put on hold. July seriously can't come fast enought

brought to you by: the broke and the bookish

Top Ten Tuesday: 2014 Release I'm Dying To Read

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Jeni's Picks: 

1. The One by Keirra Cass: Can't wait to finish this series. I've been putting off reading number 2 so I can finish the series all at once. (release date: May 6, 2014)

2. The Dancing Master by Julie Klassen. I love her books and I'm so excited for her new book. (release date: one site says December 24, 2014 and another says January 1, 2014) 

3. As you Are Sarah M. Eden: I love this author. She has had a tough last year because she was diagnosed with RA but she keeps on creating. So excited to read Corbin's story in this next book of the jonquil brothers. Seriously, she gets better with every books. (release date: January 2014)

4. The Shadow Throne by Jennifer Nielsen: My girls and I are huge fans of her first 2 books. We have been waiting anxiously for this last book in her Ascendance trilogy. Yeah!!!! (release date: February 25, 2014)

5. Defy by Sara B. Larson: A debut that looks amazing. I love stories where the girl dresses like a boy to be a knight. (release: January 7, 2014)

Emily's Picks
*disclaimer I don't usually check to see what books are coming out. Jeni usually keeps me informed (it helps she is the best sister ever.), so I'm a little behind and might not be "dying" for these books, because as of today, I might not have been aware any of these books were coming out. :) *

1. The Blood of Olympus  (The Heroes of Olympus #5) by Rick Riordan. I have really enjoyed this series, and considering I still need to read the last two books in the series, I am content to wait until October for this release.
2. City Of Heavenly Fire (The Mortal Instruments #6) by Cassandra Clare. I truthfully thought that she could have ended this story on book 4, but it will be interesting to see where she takes this series.
3. Renegade (Mila 2.0 #2) by  Debra Driza. I actually saw the first one on someones list on goodreads, and thought: this is too weird for me.  I am not usually a Sci-fi type gal.  But I am willing to give a try.  And the second one is due out next year. So, i might wait until all three are out to start reading.
4. Evertrue (Everneath #3) by Brodi Ashton. I read the first book, thinking I would love this story, because I usually like retelling's of Greek mythology.  This one didn't thrill me at all. But I have the second book, and I like a finished set. So, eventually, I will take a gander and read this series.  Who knows?  This might end up like Myra Dryer and I might just end up loving it the second time around.
5.  After the End (After the End #1) by Amy Plum.  I was scanning books on goodreads and this came on my radar. It looks pretty good and sounds like a mix of the movie The Village and the Hunger Games type book so I would most likely enjoy it.

brought to you by: the broke and the bookish

Top Ten Tuesday: Bookish Things I am Thankful for

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Jeni's Picks:

1. I am grateful I was taught how to read.  I can't imagine not being able to read. 

2. I am so thankful for my Kindle: I wish I could've owned one when I was a teenager. Although my minimum wage job back then wouldn't of been able to pay for my reading habit.

3. Authors. I love to read but I hate writing so I am so grateful for people that love to write and share. I love curling up on the coach and just getting lost in someone else's world. Love it. So thanks to all the authors out their willing to take a risk and show people what you got.

4. Used Book stores: I save so much money going to local used book stores especially on kids classics for my daughters. 

5.  Translators. Thank you, Thank you for working so hard so that I can read books from around the world. 

Emily's Picks

1. I am grateful for diligent editors, who take the time to edit the books we all love. (and I am even grateful for the little mistakes I find in books, let's admit that they are fun too find)

2. I am thankful for a Grandmother who showed me that reading could be a wonderful past time..she did this by reading, a mountain of books in a week's time. I can still picture her, on her couch, with a book resting on her lap, with her reading glasses perched on the tip of her nose.

3. Imagination. Without it, we wouldn't have places to go, like Middle Earth, or Narnia, or even the coasts of Cornwall.

4. I am thankful for books that have changed me in some small way, like The Help, or The Hiding Place, Number the Stars, Night, or even Jane Eyre.

5. I am thankful for stand alone novels. I love a good trilogy (or series), but there is something beautiful about finishing a book, and knowing the story is resolved, for good without having to wait a year or longer for THE END

Waiting on Wednesday: 

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

Running On Empty

Book: Running on Empty

Author: Colette Ballard

Release Date: May 6, 2014

From Goodreads:

What does it feel like when you die—in those final moments? Do you feel the physical pain, or just the pain of your regrets? What does it feel like when you realize you can’t answer these questions because you’re not the victim?

You’re the killer.

River Daniels lives an ordinary life as a high school junior growing up in the confines of rural Texas until her boyfriend’s brutal attack leaves her both a murderer and a fugitive. When River’s closest girlfriends come to her aid, they make a hasty decision to not only help her, but leave their own troubled lives behind and join in her escape. The girls manage to elude police for months, but with every near-miss, River’s life spirals further out of control, until she finally hits rock bottom. Realizing she must stop endangering her friends and find evidence proving she acted in self-defense, the girls decide to make a risky move. River must face her ugly past and the one person she was protecting the night her world caved in, the guy she has loved for as long as she can remember

Prince of Shadows

Book: Prince of Shadows

Author: Rachel Caine

Release Date: February 4, 2014

From Goodreads: 

A standalone built around the character of Benvolio, from Romeo and Juliet. The novel will be told from the point of view of Benvolio, who is Romeo’s cousin and, in Shakespeare’s play, attempts to get the lovelorn Montague interested in other girls after it’s discovered that Juliet is a member of the clan his family despises: the Capulets. Caine’s novel, her agent said, explores a scenario in which Romeo and Juliet are not the only couple to fall into dire romantic straits and is “a tale of intrigue, betrayal, hatred, and tragedy,” about “lovers lost, and lovers found.” 

brought to you by: the broke and the bookish

Top Ten Tuesday: Top Ten Books I'd Recommend to X Person

brought to you by: the broke and the bookish

Jeni's Picks:

1. Teenagers:  The Only Alien on the Planet by Kristen Randle or Heart on a Chain by Cindy C Bennett

These books both deal with abuse and bullying. Hard topics but I think both authors did an excellent job. These are books that stay with you for awhile after you finish reading them. 

2. Friends to read to their daughters:  The Goose Girl by Shannon Hale or The Princesses of the Midnight Ball by Jessica Day George

My mom read a lot to us when I was a kid and she loved fairy tales. I think that is where my love of fairy tale retelling comes from.  

To read to their boys: The False Prince by Jennifer A. Nielsen

This book is so much fun to read out loud. You could read it to your girls too. Mine loved it. 

3. Dad: The Harry Bosch Series by Michael Connelly

My dad loves mystery/police/crime books. When I was a teenager we read all of David Morrell's books together. This is another great series. I think my dad is on book 8. 

4. Historical Fiction loving Friends:  I love historical fiction and recommend The Maid at Fairbourne Hall by Julie Klassens, Friends and Foes by Sarah M. Eden, Edenbrooke by Julianne Donaldson and The Merchants Daughter by Melanie Dickerson. 

I've read every book by Julie Klassen and have loved them all. I preorder every Sarah M. Eden book. Edenbrooke is one of my favorite books. I've read it numerous times. Melanie Dickerson books are great fast reads. 

5. Paranormal Loving Friends: Mercy Thompson Series by Patricia Briggs, The Hallows series by Kim Harrison and The Hex Hall Series by Rachel Hawkins. 

Patricia Briggs Mercy Thompson series are the best werewolf books out there. 

Kim Harrison series are a mix of witch, vampire, werewolf and demons. I love this series. 

Rachel Hawkins is an awesome author to meet in person. Her books are full of sarcasm and I love it. 

Emily's Picks: 

1. Pre-Teenagers: The Grimm Legacy by Polly Shulman. I recommended this book to my daughter who at the time was 11, and had just finished Percy Jackson.  She loved this book.

2. Mystery Lovers who like strong female leads: The Beekeepers Apprentice by Laurie R. King. This book was filled with adventure, a witty, smart and strong female lead, and Sherlock Holmes. I recommend this series to any one who loves mysteries, light romance, and suspense.

3. Modern Readers tip toeing into the Classics.  I like a good Classic book every once in a while, but I don't read them all the time. The style of writing is different, they loved the English language, shall we say? So, for those Modern readers who have yet to try Classics, I recommend Pride and Prejudice. by Jane Austen. (and not just because it's been made  into three BBC mini series..including one with Colin Firth, or a film with Mr. Macfadyen)

4. Fantasy Lovers who also like fairy tales.(and no, these are not the same) I recommend The Hero and the Crown by Robin Mckinley. She has a way of weaving a tale. And you feel like you have stepped into a fairy realm. I love her older books, and would recommend them. another favorite of hers, is Beauty, which is a fairy tale.

5 Love Stories for beach day seeking readers, or my Spring. Sleeping Tiger by Rosamunde Pilcher. (or anything by this lady) She is the best at writing love stories, without writing sex. I love picking up one of her books. It feels like Coming Home. 

Waiting on Wednesday:

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

Book: My Name is Rapunzel

Author: KC Hilton

Release day: December 1, 2013

From Goodreads:

My tale has been told again and again, and I’ve heard each one. Except for my hair, I barely recognize the pitiful renditions. Muddled versions, crafted to entertain laughing children…but the children wouldn’t have laughed if they’d known the real story. It wasn't their fault. They didn't know the truth. Nobody did.

My name is Rapunzel. I will tell you my story. I will tell you the truth.

Why I am waiting: I love fairy tale retellings. I hope this one doesn't disappoint

Book: The Shadow Prince

Author: Bree Despain

Release date: March 11, 2014

From Goodreads: 

Haden Lord, the disgraced prince of the Underrealm, has been sent to the mortal world to entice a girl into returning with him to the land of the dead. Posing as a student at Olympus Hills High—a haven for children of the rich and famous—Haden must single out the one girl rumored to be able to restore immortality to his race.

Daphne Raines has dreams much bigger than her tiny southern Utah town, so when her rock star dad suddenly reappears, offering her full tuition to Olympus Hills High’s prestigious music program, she sees an opportunity to catch the break she needs to make it as a singer. But upon moving into her estranged father’s mansion in California, and attending her glamorous new school, Daphne soon realizes she isn’t the only student in Olympus who doesn’t quite belong.

Haden and Daphne—destined for each other—know nothing of the true stakes their fated courtship entails. As war between the gods brews, the teenagers’ lives collide. But Daphne won’t be wooed easily and when it seems their prophesied link could happen, Haden realizes something he never intended—he’s fallen in love. Now to save themselves, Haden and Daphne must rewrite their destinies. But as their destinies change, so do the fates of both their worlds.

Why I'm waiting:

I really liked her Dark Devine series so I'm excited to read something new from this author. I'm sure I'll like it. 

Top Ten Tuesday: Cover I would redesign

brought to you by: the broke and the bookish

Jeni's Picks

1. 

Mercy Thompson novels I'm just not a fan of these covers. If my sister hadn't read these before me and sworn to how good they were, I would have never bought them.  I

2. 

I love Marcia McClure's books. They are what I call Fluff reads; Silly, predictable but fun. I've been reading her books for years and I've always hated the covers but this last year some of her books have gotten new covers. Thanks goodness. It was time. 

3. 

The Brandy Alexander mystery series are some of my favorite books but the covers are just so boring. I liked this series better than stephanie plum and I wonder if the covers looked better would the series be more popular. 

4. 

The only alien on the planet is a great book and I recommend it to people all the time. I'm not sure if its the cover or the title but I seriously have to beg the person I'm recommending it too to read it. This book has a powerful message and its wonderfully written. Everyone that has borrowed it returns it with great reviews.  What do you think is it the title or cover that turn people off? 

5. 

The lexi Carmichael mysteries. I liked these books but the first book in the series could use a little make over. I just don't like it. 

Emily's Picks

1.  The Body Finder by Kimberly Derting. This one is a fail for me. Mainly  because out of all the beautiful YA covers out there, this one just is one note. A flower? Beautifully lite, yes, but a flower? I liked this book, and this is one of the first new YA novels I read as an adult and liked it. I just wish it was a better cover.

2. The Iron King by Julie Kagawa. This book cover is alright. But for me, it's just a little busy. Either have the pretty girl on the cover, and not the vines, or have the vines and not the pretty girl. I don't like cluttered covers. But again, this is a book I really liked and would recommend reading if you enjoy YA and faerie novels.

3.  Lament: The Faerie Queen's Deception. by Maggie Stiefvater. I loved this book.  It was a great faerie read. But the cover(s)? Awful. They need a new edition, with a new beautiful cover. Not one of the old editions have a beautiful cover, and the book I have? Is the ugliest one of all.  So, thank goodness I didn't judge this book by it's cover.  

4. The Sword Of Shannara by Terry Brooks. I could have picked any High Fantasy novel cover, and told you that it needed a revamp. I don't know why these covers tend to lean towards the ultra cheesy, because inside is not cheese..well, in most. But inside these misguided covers are well written thought out prose, and it's sad that more people do not read High Fantasy. But I think it gets a bad rap, mainly because hello? Look at the cover, would you read a book with covers that look like cartoons? Admittedly, some have gotten better over the years, but they still cling to the cheese. 

5. Hex Hall by Laura Hawkins. I thought this was a fun series. But the covers? I don't know.  I thought they could have come up with something prettier. I thought some of the other editions have better covers. But again, that is just my opinion.

Stacking the Shelves #6

Stacking The Shelves is all about sharing the books you are adding to your shelves, may it be physical or virtual. This means you can include books you buy in physical store or online, books you borrow from friends or the library, review books, gifts and of course ebooks! Hosted by Tynga's Reviews.

Kindle buys: 

Waiting on Wednesday: The Shadow Throne

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

Book: The Shadow Throne (The Ascendance Trilogy, #3)

Author: Jennifer A. Nielsen

Release Date: February 25, 2014

From Amazon:

War is coming. . . . Join Jaron as he embarks on his final adventure!

 Second Choice

Book: The Mirk and Midnight Hour

Author: Jane Nickerson

Release Date: March 11, 2014

From Goodreads: 

Jane Nickerson's second novel, also set in the "Strands" world, is based on the Scottish 'Ballad of Tam Lin,' and is set in Mississippi during the Civil War. Violet Dancey, a 17-year-old whose father has left to fight in the Civil War, is forced to confront Thomas, a hurt Union solider near her home. She must decide how to approach the enemy--and how to deal with her growing attraction to him.

brought to you by: the broke and the bookish

Top Ten Tuesday: Sequels We Can't Wait For

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Jeni's Picks

1. The Shadow Throne by Jennifer A. Nielsen: My kids and I are anxiously awaiting the release of the this book. The first two books in the series were so good. I can't wait to see what happens in the third. If you haven't read The False Prince go out and buy it. 

2. As You Are  by Sarah M. Eden: Third book in the Jonquill brother series. I can't wait to read Corbin's story. 

3. The Retribution of Mara Dyer (Mara Dyer, #3) by Michelle Hodkin: I loved the first book but I haven't read the second one yet. I'm waiting till the series is done to finish all the books. 

4. The One (The Selection, #3)by Kiera Cass: This is another series I am waiting to read all together.

5. Of Neptune (The Syrena Legacy, #3) by Anna Banks: I'm so happy she decided to write another book in this series. Yeah!!!.

Emily's Picks

1.  Mirror Sight (Green Rider #5) by Kristen Britain. Miss Britain takes forever to write her books.  I loved the first book in this series, and was happy that it was only a trilogy, and then it turned into a fourth..and then a fifth book. I loved the characters, so I'm hoping I enjoy the rest of the series.

2.  The House of Hades (The Heroes of Olympus, #4) by Rick Riordan. I have yet to read the third book in this series, it was taken over by my daughter. So, I really need to finish this.  The fifth book is coming out next year, The Blood of Olympus, so I'm not in a huge hurry to read this series.

3. Evertrue by Brodi Ashton.  Everneath was an impulse buy, and I sort of bought into the story line. I need to finish the second book, but I would like to see where the author takes this series.

4.  Goddess Interrupted and The Goddess Inheritance by Aimee Carter I know that these have been out for a while, but I sort of forgot about this series, and would like to finish it. See I have trend going.

5. Night Broken (Mercy Thompson #8) by Patricia Briggs this is the urban fantasy series that keeps on giving.  I have looked forward to every book in this series. And I can't wait until this one comes out. I love Mercy Thompson and Patricia Briggs does a great job sustaining my interest.
 

Waiting on Wednesday: The Offering

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

                           Book: The Offering (The Pledge, #3)

            Author: Kimberling Derting

                      Release Date: December 31, 2013

From Goodreads: 

True love—and world war—is at stake in the conclusion to The Pledge trilogy, a dark and romantic blend of dystopia and fantasy.
Charlie, otherwise known as Queen Charlaina of Ludania, has become comfortable as a leader and a ruler. She’s done admirable work to restore Ludania’s broken communications systems with other Queendoms, and she’s mastered the art of ignoring Sabara, the evil former queen whose Essence is alive within Charlie. Or so she thinks.

When the negotiation of a peace agreement with the Queendom of Astonia goes awry, Charlie receives a brutal message that threatens Ludania, and it seems her only option is to sacrifice herself in exchange for Ludanian freedom.

But things aren’t always as they seem. Charlie is walking into a trap—one set by Sabara, who is determined to reclaim the Queendoms at any cost

Also Waiting on Isla and the Happily Ever After

Release date: May 13, 2014

Lets hope the release date stays the same. I preordered this on my Kindle back in January 2013 and the release date has changed three times. 

From Goodreads: 

From the glittering streets of Manhattan to the moonlit rooftops of Paris, falling in love is easy for hopeless dreamer Isla and introspective artist Josh. But as they begin their senior year in France, Isla and Josh are quickly forced to confront the heartbreaking reality that happily-ever-afters aren’t always forever.

Their romantic journey is skillfully intertwined with those of beloved couples Anna and Étienne and Lola and Cricket, whose paths are destined to collide in a sweeping finale certain to please fans old and new

brought to you by: the broke and the bookish

Top Ten Tuesday: Scariest Books

                                  brought to you by: the broke and the bookish

Jeni's Picks:

1. The Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan: I don't get scared that easy but this book gave me nightmares. I dreamt of a girl in red crawling after me forever.  I really wanted to finish the series but I was to nervous I wouldn't be able to sleep. 

2. The Restorer (Graveyard Queen) by Amanda Stevens: Another book that gave me nightmares. It was a little weird at times but held my interest. 

3. The Kingdom (Graveyard Queen) by Amanda Stevens: The second book wasn't as scary but it still creeped me out.

4. Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark by Alvin Schwartz: These books scared me to death when I was a kid but I still read them.  The cover gives me the creeps. 

5. Wait Till Helen Comes by Mary Downing Hahn: I loved this book when I was a kid. My daughters are reading it for school. Its not as scary as it was one I was a child but it's definitely a classic ghost story. 

Emily's Picks

1. The Crying Child by Barbara Michaels.  This one was creepy.  It takes the classic gothic styling, and twists it. I hated how the ghost was a child, ugh. It gave me nightmares.

2. The Shinning by Stephen King.  This and will only be the novel I will ever read by Stephen King.  It was sooo scary. I couldn't sleep for days after reading this one.  And who would ever want to sleep in a hotel? I mean, I love hotels, but I would never run a vacant one, that is for sure.

3.  Ammie Come Home by Barbara Michaels. This was the first "ghost story" I ever tried. I think I slept with a night light on. It was a good first read.

4. The Near Witch by Victoria Schwab. This book had what they call atmosphere. It was well thought out, and it was clever. And it was really creepy

5.  Anna Dressed in Blood by Kendare Blake.  I am still working on this one.  I read a little, and then I leave it, and then I come back. It's a good Halloween book that is for sure.