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.

Stacking the Shelves #5

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:

Used book Store:

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

Book: Longing for Home: Hope Springs

Author: Sarah M. Eden

Release Date:  March 2014

Sequel to Longing for Home.  

The One

Book: The One

Author: Kiera Cass

Release: May 2014

The Finale to The Selection

The Selection changed the lives of thirty-five girls forever. And now, the time has come for one winner to be chosen.

America never dreamed she would find herself anywhere close to the crown—or to Prince Maxon's heart. But as the competition approaches its end and the threats outside the palace walls grow more vicious, America realizes just how much she stands to lose—and how hard she'll have to fight for the future she wants.

From the very first page of The Selection, this #1 New York Times bestselling series has captured readers' hearts and swept them away on a captivating journey... Now, in The One, Kiera Cass delivers a satisfying and unforgettable conclusion that will keep readers sighing over this electrifying fairy-tale long after the final page is turned

brought to you by: the broke and the bookish

Top Ten Tuesday: Character Names I Love

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Jeni's Picks:

1. Tavish from Longing for Home by Sarah M. Eden

2. Creel from Dragon Slippers by Jessica Day George

3. Cooper from the Body Movers series by Stephanie Bond

4. Savage from the Addison Holmes Mysteries by Liliana Hart

5. Crispin from The Kiss of a Stranger by Sarah M. Eden

Emily's Picks

1. Kerrigan from The Green Rider by Kristen Britain
2. Bryony Ashley from Touch Not the Cat by Mary Stewart
3. Amberle from the Elfstones of Shannara by Terry Brooks
4. Harry Crewe from The Blue Sword by Robin McKinley
5.  Alaizabel Cray from The Haunting of Alizabel Cray by Chris Wooding

Stacking the Shelves:#4

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.

Bought:

Emerald Green by Kerstin Gier

Kindle buys: 

The Brandy Alexander Mysteries by Shelly Fredman

These books were hilarious. I liked them better than the Stephanie Plum novels.  They were fast reads too. 

Library: 

The Parasol Protectorate series by Gail Carriger. I read the first book forever ago and never finished the series. I keep hearing the rest are just as good as the first so I'm willing to give it a try. 

Waiting on Wednesday: As You Are

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

Book: As You Are

Author: Sarah M. Eden

Relase: January 2014

I love Sarah M. Eden's books.  This is the third book in the Jonquil series. I can't wait to read Corbin's story!!!!!

From Goodreads: 

Life has taught Clara Bentford that men are not to be trusted. She keeps her distance from everyone, finding security in isolation. But she can't seem to keep herself from noticing her handsome and baffling neighbor, Corbin Jonquil. Could he really be so different from every other man she's known? By far the quietest of the Jonquil Brothers, Corbin has tended to go unnoticed, content to fade into the background. But when he falls for Clara Bentford, a lovely young widow who doesn't even realize he exists, Corbin has to learn to stand out. Soon his family decides to help him win his fair lady, and Corbin has a Jonquil-sized disaster on his hands.

Next book I'm waiting on. I had to do two this week because both of the covers were just released. 

Of Neptune

Book: Of Neptune

Author: Anna Banks

Release Date: May 13th. 

This is the 3rd book in the Syrena legacy. 

brought to you by: the broke and the bookish

Top Ten Tuesday: Books I was forced to read

brought to you by: the broke and the bookish

Jeni's Picks:

1.  The Thief by Megan Whalen Turner : My dad seriously begged me to read this book so we could discuss it. It was a little slow to start but I loved the ending. The next two books in the series blew me away. I loved them more then the first. 

2. Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn: Bloggers ranted and raved about this book. I'm sorry to say I was disappointed. Not at all what I was expecting. And the surprise twist ending wasn't really a surprise. I felt let down. Like when you go to a movie everyone has liked and you are the only the only that hated it. I've heard people tell about how dark this novel is but I felt The Girl with a Dragon Tattoo was darker. I was mad I wasted my time. 

3. Divergent by Veronica Roth: My niece really wanted me to read this book.  It took me about 1/3 of the way through before I really started liking it but by the end I loved it.  It felt like a mix between Hunger Games and Matched. 

4. Jane Eyre by Jane Austen: My sister couldn't believe with all the reading I do that I hadn't read this. It took me a week because the language is just off but I loved it. It's amazing that it was written so long ago but the story still feels real today. I'm glad my sister finally persuaded me to read it. 

5. The Forgotten Garden by Kate Morton: This book intimidated me and I didn't want to read it but a good friend who is also a Rosamunde Pilcher fan convinced me to give it a try. It was amazing. I loved the flip from present  to the past. Intriguing and sad. I have since read her book the Secret Keeper which I loved even more. 

Emily's Picks:

1. The Adventure of Tom Sawyer  by Mark Twain. I was stubborn when I was younger and refused to read this in school, and I am still stubborn and refuse to finish to this book.  

2. Tess of the d'Urbervilles by Thomas Hardy. my 11th grade English Teacher noticed that I had finished the assigned book before the class, by weeks, and decided to give me another Classic to read. She told me I would love this book.  In my humble opinion, this book is the worst classic out there. Poor Tess, and Angel?  Can you find a more insufferable, male?

3.Ruby Red by Kerstin Gier: I was introduced to this series by my sister, and I wasn't sure about YA novels yet.  This series is great, and the best part is the last book just came out, and the covers?  beautiful.

4. Masque of the Red Death by Bethany Griffin this book was a struggle for me.  I had a hard time with the main character, and I didn't understand the world building. And the drug use bugged me. But it was an interesting idea, and it was different from a lot of YA out there. I hate forced love triangles however. why, why, why do YA authors feel the needs for love triangles?

5. The Light Between Oceans by M.L. Stedman this book was a challenge, in that I usually don't pick books up like this for myself. But I do have to say, that I was glad I did.  This book was poignant, and heartbreaking, and made you think about the human experience in a different way, and what it means to love. In all it's many forms.

Stacking The Shelves #3

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.

The Library Sale: This is one of my favorite sales events. 

Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet by Jamie Ford

The Amaranth Enchantment by Julie Berry

Redwall by Brian Jacques

Hoot by Carl Hiaasen

Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine

The Two Princesses of Bamarre by Gail Carson Levine

East by Edith Pattou

Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson

The Tail of Emily Windsnap by Liz Kessler

The Music of Dolphins by Karen Hess

The Circle of Magic by Tamora Pierce

This Lullaby by Sarah Dessen

Sea Glass; Spy Glass; Fire Study and Poison Study by Maria V. Snyder

The Witch of Blackbird Pond by Elizabeth Speare

River Secrets by Shannon Hale

The Ruby in the Smoke by Philip Pullman

The 39 Clues The Maze of Bones by Rick Riordan

The Winter Sea by Susana Kearsley

Timeless by Alexandra Monir

The City of Ember by Jeanne Duprau

The Bronze Bow by Elizabeth George Speare

Forest Born by Shannon Hale

A Constant Heart by Siri Mitchell

 Book Store for Book signing event

The Lucy Variations by Sara Zarr

Just one Year, Just one Day and If I Stay by Gayle Forman

I seriously could not find my copy of Where She Went but Gayle Forman said I could send it to her and she will sign it and send it back!!! Now I just have to find it. I probably lent it out and forgot to write down who has it. 

brought to you by: the broke and the bookish

Top Ten Tuesday: Best/Worst Series Endings

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Jeni's Picks:

Worst Endings

1. Blackveil by Kristen Britain: I was told when I started the Green Rider series that it was just going to be a trilogy and then the author decided on a fourth book and ended it so horribly I threw the book across the room when I was done. Now the fifth book is finally around the corner but I'm not sure I want to pick it up. I don't know if I can survive another cliff hanger.

2. Dead Ever After by Charlaine Harris: I loved books 1-8 and I read 9-13 reluctantly just to say I finished the series. The 12th book really disappointed me but I still can't believe who she ended up with in the final book. I just hated it. Worst series ender for me. 

3. Reached by Allie Condie: I really loved Matched and Crossed was good but I just didn't like where this series went. The end was a huge disappoint for me. 

Best Endings

4. Keys to the Demon Prison by Brandon Mull: I didn't love the whole series of Fablehaven but the 5th book was my favorite. 

5.  The Last Olympian by Rick Riordan: I had a hard time choosing Best Endings. I didn't realize how many series I've read where I hate the ending. Percy Jackson was the first middle grade book series that I read as an adult and I loved them all.  

Emily's Picks

Worst Endings

1.Mocking Jay by Suzanne Collins. I liked who Katniss ended up with, I am a Peeta fan, but I felt like the whole book was a disappointment after the excitement of the games and Katniss, where was she?  I felt dissatisfied with the entire thing. Catching Fire was a huge let down. Hunger Games was by far the best book in the series.

2. Everneath by Brodi Ashton. Okay, so this isn't the series ending, but I hated the ending on the first book, and I am not sure I will read the rest of this series.  I HATE CLIFF HANGERS.

3. The Sweet Far Thing by Libba Bray. I wasn't a huge fan of the first book, but I trudged on through the series.  It wasn't a great series, and the ending was..ehh.

BEST ENDINGS

4. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J.K. Rowlings. I actually didn't like this book until I watched the movie, and although I wasn't always in agreement with movies the last movie clarified things for me. I loved this series from the moment I read the first line in the first book.  So, this one has to be one of the best children series in the world, behind CS Lewis, of course.

5. Always A Witch by Carolyn MacCullough. One, this series is only two books long. Two, who doesn't love a heroine you can look up too? I liked this series and would re-read it again. Plus, it is a YA book I can recommend to my daughter, who is 13, and not worry about what she is reading.

Waiting on Wednesday: The Retribution of Mara Dyer
"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

Today I decided it would be fun to do a list of books I'm looking forward to next year. One for each month January-June. 

The Retribution of Mara Dyer

release date: June 3, 2014
This is the last book The Mara Dyer Trilogy. I can't wait to read it. Wish it was coming out on its original release date which was in October. 

Mirror Sight

release date: May 6, 2014

This is the 5th book in the Green Rider series. Lets hope it doesn't end in a horrible cliff hanger like 4th book in the series Black Veil did. 

Rebel Belle

release date: April 8th, 2014

I loved Rachel Hawkins Hex Hall series so I'm excited to see she is coming out with a new series. April can't come fast enough. 

From Goodreads: 

Harper Price, peerless Southern belle, was born ready for a Homecoming tiara. But after a strange run-in at the dance imbues her with incredible abilities, Harper's destiny takes a turn for the seriously weird. She becomes a Paladin, one of an ancient line of guardians with agility, super strength and lethal fighting instincts.

Just when life can't get any more disastrously crazy, Harper finds out who she's charged to protect: David Stark, school reporter, subject of a mysterious prophecy and possibly Harper's least favorite person. But things get complicated when Harper starts falling for him--and discovers that David's own fate could very well be to destroy Earth.

With snappy banter, cotillion dresses, non-stop action and a touch of magic, this new young adult series from bestseller Rachel Hawkins is going to make y'all beg for more

Night Broken

 release date: March 4th, 2014

The 8th book in the Mercy Thompson series. My favorite werewolf novels.  I love how she comes out with a new book in March, it's the best birthday gift. 

Split Second

release date February 11, 2014

The second book in the Pivot Point series. 

Evertrue

release date: January 21, 2014

The final book in the Everneath trilogy. So excited to see how it ends. 

Top Ten Tuesday: Book Turn-Offs

Top Ten Tuesday: Book Turn-offs

brought to you by: the broke and the bookish

Jeni's Picks:

1. Slow Pacing: If I'm not interested 1/3 of the way through I won't finish the book. 

2. Main characters that are hard to like: If I don't like them I'm not going to continue to read about them. 

3. Love Triangles. Over half of the time the girl chooses the boy I don't like so then I end up hating the book. 

4. Cheating: This topic makes me feel uncomfortable. To many of my friends marriages have ended because of cheating and reading about it is just sad. The books never describe the type of devastation that happens with cheating. So many people are affected by it. I just can't read about it and end up actually liking any of the characters involved. 

5. Sloppy editing: Awkward sentence structure, to many misspellings or words being misused ruin a book for me. 

Emily's Picks:

6. Unnecessary swearing: it's a pet peeve of mine.  Swearing.  Every time I read a swear word in a book, and it doesn't seem to match the character, or it seems out of place, or it is just plain unnecessary, I think back to one of my English teachers.  You  have the power of the English language at your finger tips, and you chose that word to express your emotion?  Really?  Over and over again?  Power of words..and we are using vulgar language to express emotion?  Um.

7. Long descriptive passages: I am all for an author describing something.  Go right ahead, but sometimes, authors can go overboard.  Some authors can describe every little detail, of every little thing.  It can get a little tedious. (some high fantasy authors, who I love, tend to do this) I once read a book, where the character spent almost twenty pages or more climbing out of a tunnel! 

8. Not Giving your reader some credit. My dad and I were discussing this the other day.  How sometimes an author tends to describe their main character(s), over and over again in the book, when it is unnecessary to the plot to do so. Or who writes in a way that makes the reader feel dumb through out the book, and continues to mention things that we are aware of through out the book.  GIVE YOUR READER SOME CREDIT.

9. SEX. I am not a prude.  And I don't mind love scenes in a book, what I do mind is pornographic scenes in a book.  I don't want to read about them. If I wanted that, I would pick up the dime store romance novels,or read S&M books which I don't read. I am reading YA, and I am reading Adult, but that doesn't mean we have to be graphic. Love making should be romantic and leave something to the imagination.  Some authors are great at this.  Patricia Briggs, Rosamund Pilcher..

10. Hate-able Main Characters. Have you ever picked up a book and hated a main character?  You just couldn't stand them?  It happens sometimes.