Tuesday, March 31, 2015

top ten books daisy added to her tbr list recently




Jeni is on vacation so, it's just me this week. 

Emily's Picks

  1. Tallow by Karen Brooks. I love books that involve magic and a female lead. This has been on goodreads list for a while now.  I say it's about time I read it. 


2. In the After by Demitria Lunetta . I never knew I could like dystopia novels until Hunger Games, a now I am willing to give them a try.  So, i am willing to give this one a try.  I hope it doesn't disappointment, because I didn't enjoy the last one I read. 

                                               
 3. Nameless by Lili St. Crow. This one sounds interesting.  A mute orphan girl, picked up by a powerful man, who brings her into his family. Will she discover who she is?
 4. Born Weird by Andrew Kaufman. This book I actually heard of in NPR, the new radio station of all places.  So, I thought I would give it a go.

 5. The Sacred Lies of Minnow Bly by Stephanie Oakes. This is not out yet, I am still waiting to read this one, but I am counting down.  A girl from a cult, who gets taken away and is given a deal, tell what she knows and she can have freedom. Will she take it?

6. The Taking by Kimberly Derting. Kyra wakes up behind a dumpster with no memory of where she has been, and discovers she has been missing for five years. Sounds interesting, and it might be a good read.  We shall see.

7. Between the Spark and the Burn by April Tucholke

8. Wake by Lisa McMann. Janie gets sucked into people's dreams.  It's a power she doesn't want and can't control. She gets caught in a nightmare where she is not longer just an observer, but a participant.
9. Lockdown by Alexander Gordon Smith. I'm a sucker for anything that sounds remotely like The Maze runner or the Hunger games.  So this one is game.


10. The Cure for Dreaming by Cat Winters. Olivia is a strong willed girl living in the 1900's. Her father, wishing to cure of this, convinces a stage mesmerist to hypnotise her, instead he gives her a gift. She can see people's true nature, while taking away her ability to speak her true mind. 

Tuesday, March 24, 2015

Top 10 Books From My Childhood (Or teen years) That I Would Love To Revisit
brought to you by: the broke and the bookish

Jeni's Picks:
1. The Awakening by L.J. Smith:  I read this when I was 18 years old. I'm sure I'll laugh my way through them now but it would be fun to read again. 

2. Loves Music Loves to Dance by Mary Higgins Clark. I read a lot of adult books when I was a teenager probably because my grandma gave me all the books she read. This one I remember being my favorite Mary Higgins Clark along with All Around Town. 

3. Intensity by Dean Koontz: I remember reading this in one day.  After, this book I went on a Dean Koontz reading rampage. I think I was 16 years old. I can't believe my parents let me read his books at that age.

4. The Doll House Murders by Betty Ren Wright : I read this so many times growing up. 

5. Wait Till Helen Comes by Mary Downing Hahn: Another scary book I loved when I was  kid. Apparantly studies show the if you can read scary books when you are young it gives you confidence to overcome your fears.

6. The Sign of a Beaver by Elizabeth George Speare : I read this when I was a sixth grader and couldn't wait to go to school and talk to my teacher about it. 

7. Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery: My grandma bought me the box set when I was in 6th grade. I remember just loving Gilbert Blythe. I need to read these to my girls.

8. Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O'Dell: I have been begging my girls to read this book but they keep saying they think it looks boring.

9.The Tales of Fourth Grade Nothing by Judy Blume: I actually just started reading this series to my son.

10. The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis: I remember my dad reading us this series growing up and then watching the PBS movies.

Emily's Picks:

1. The Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O'Dell.  I remember reading this in 5th grade.  I think I read it 5 times.  I loved this book.

2. Jackaroo by Cynthia Voigt. I thought this book had everything when I was 14.  A strong female lead, a hero, and mystrey.

3. Manwolf by Gloria Skurzynski. This book fascinated me when I was younger.  It's historical fiction based in Poland.  It's about a young girl who meets a knight. A beauty and the beast story.  I loved this book. I also liked her action/adventure books like Lost in Devil's Desert, or Trapped in Slickrock Canyon

4. The Witch of Blackbird Pond by Elizabeth George Spear. I loved the main character Kit, in this book and thus began my fascination with YA and witches.

5. Emily of New Moon by L.M. Montgomery.  I loved this series.  I actually like it better than her Anne series.  It's a little more serious.  Maybe it's because I am an Emily.

6. The Farthest Away Mountain by Lynne Reid Banks.  My Dad read this to us.  And whenever I start this book, his voice is what I hear.  I love this book because of that.  And the changing mountain, funny gargoyles, and lovable frog, you really can't go wrong. You can't forget her other book, The Fairy Rebel either.

7. Dealing with Dragons by Patricia C. Wrede. If you haven't read this book, I suggest you do so now.  I read this when I was 15.  I loved it then, and I love it now.  Her wit is amazing, and you really will love it. I promise.

8. Beauty by Robin Mckinley.  This was the first book I read of hers, and I was an instant fan.  This has been my favorite retelling of a fairy tale. Some have come close. But I guess this one just stays with me.

9. The Wizard's Daughter by Barbara Michaels. This is one of the first books I read of Ms. Michaels.  I devoured it.  So, I had to keep reading her!  Who doesn't love Gothic romance novels?

10. Coming Home by Rosamunde Pilcher. Every year since I was about 15, I re-read Ms. Pilcher. There is something so divine about the way she writes her love stories.  This is the first one I read of hers.  By no means is it my only favorite.  I love Sleeping Tiger, Under Gemini, and Snow In April.  If you want a good summer/beach read I would suggest Ms. Pilcher. 

Tuesday, March 17, 2015

Top Ten Books for Spring to Read List

Top Ten Tuesday: Books on My Spring TBR List
brought to you by: the broke and the bookish


Emily's Picks
1. All The Paths of Shadow by Frank Tuttle.  Meralda Ovis is the first female mage appointed to the Crown.  She is given a seemingly impossible task, move the tower's shadow for the king. Here's the rub though, inside the Tower holds secrets that can destroy her land.

2. Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi. Juliette's touch is fatal and no one knows why. The Reestablishment has plans for her, but she has plans of her own. Stuck in a place where she can't touch anyone, suddenly that all changes when a boy is placed with her.  And for the first time, she might just have a chance at a future. 




















3. The Glass Arrow by Kristen Simmons. Born in a world where women are seen as property and sold, Aya has spent her life in the wilderness hiding away in the mountains with her family. She is stolen and taken to be groomed for auction.  It is all she can do to keep away from the stocks. Her only ally is a mute boy, and she needs to trust that he might just be enough.




















 4. Nil by Lynne Matson. There is a mysterious island called Nil, Here there are rules too follow.  The most important? You have 365 days to escape or you die. Charley has just arrived, naked and alone.  She doesn't know the rules yet, but she is determined to defeat Nil. And then she meets Thad and all the rules change.




                                                 


















5. In The Land Of Tea And Ravens by R.K. Ryals.  Lyric Mason has come to say good-bye to her grandmother and to take over a family legacy that would burden her. What she hadn't counted on was Grayson Kramer. 





















Jeni's Picks:
1. The Winner's Crime by Marie Rutkoski: I just finished The Winner's Curse and loved it. I'm a little nervous to start the next book because the final book doesn't come out till 2016. 



















2. 7 Brides for 7 Bodies by Stephanie Bond: This book has taken forever to be released. Its supposed to download today on my kindle. We shall see. 























3. The Mistborn Trilogy by Brandon Sanderson: I started this series last year and then realized I had rented out the last two books. By the time the person brought them back I had lost interest. So my goal is to actually finish the trilogy before summer. 

















4. Flora and Uylsses by Kate DiCamillo: We are reading this for my daughters book club. It looks super cute. 

5. Liar and Spy by Rebecca Stead: This one I'm reading with my older daughters book club. We loved Stead's When You Reach Me so we have high hopes for this one. 



Saturday, March 7, 2015

Re-Read: The Maid at Fairbourne Hall  and 
The Silient Governess
by Julie Klassen

Genre: Historical Fiction, Christian Fiction
Publisher: Bethany House
Publication Date: January 2012
Source: Bought









From Good Reads
Pampered Margaret Macy flees London in disguise to escape pressure to marry a dishonorable man. With no money and nowhere else to go, she takes a position as a housemaid in the home of Nathaniel Upchurch, a suitor she once rejected in hopes of winning his dashing brother. Praying no one will recognize her, Margaret fumbles through the first real work of her life. If she can last until her next birthday, she will gain an inheritance from a spinster aunt--and sweet independence. But can she remain hidden as a servant even when prying eyes visit Fairbourne Hall? 

Observing both brothers as an "invisible" servant, Margaret learns she may have misjudged Nathaniel. Is it too late to rekindle his admiration? And when one of the family is nearly killed, Margaret alone discovers who was responsible. Should she come forward, even at the risk of her reputation and perhaps her life? And can she avoid an obvious trap meant to force her from hiding?

On her journey from wellborn lady to servant to uncertain future, Margaret must learn to look past appearances and find the true meaning of "serve one another in love."

When I First Read
September 2012

What I Remember
The first book I read from Julie Klassen was The Girl in the Gatehouse. I enjoyed it and decided to go and buy some of her other books. The Maid at Fairbourne Hall was a fantastic read. I finished it in one sitting much to my husbands dismay. 
Why I wanted to Re-Read
Every once in awhile I get in a reading slump and nothing sounds good to read. So I go back to some of my favorites. I've re-read this book three times but it's been a good six months or so. 

How I Felt After Re-Reading
 Still love this book. 

Would I Re-Read Again
I would definitely re-read this again. I don't think it will ever get old. 


Genre: Historical Fiction
Publisher: Bethany House
Publication date: January 2010
Source: Bought








From Goodreads:
Believing herself guilty of a crime, Olivia Keene flees her home, eventually stumbling upon a grand estate where an elaborate celebration is in progress. But all is not as joyous as it seems.

Lord Bradley has just learned a terrible secret, which, if exposed, will change his life forever. When he glimpses a figure on the grounds, he fears a spy or thief has overheard his devastating news. He is stunned to discover the intruder is a scrap of a woman with her throat badly injured. Fearing she will spread his secret, he gives the girl a post and confines her to his estate. As Olivia and Lord Bradley's secrets catch up with them, will their hidden pasts ruin their hope of finding love? 
When I First Read
November 2012
What I Remember
This was the third Julie Klassen book I read.  I didn't love it as much as The Maid at Fairbourne Hall but it had its own appeal.  
Why I wanted to Re-Read
Since I re-read The Maid at Fairbourne Hall I just figured I would re-read this book too. I think I might end up re-reading all of her books. I'm still in the reading slump I mentioned. 

How I Felt After Re-Reading
 I enjoyed it. The Maid at Fairbourne Hall is still my favorite. I know this book is my nieces favorite by this author. 
Would I Re-Read Again 
It might be a couple of years but yes I would re-read it. 

Tuesday, March 3, 2015

Top Ten Books You Would Classify As ALL TIME FAVORITE BOOKS from the past 3 years
brought to you by: the broke and the bookish

Jeni's Picks:
1. Drops of Gold by Sarah M. Eden: I loved this story and have read it several times. Sarah is one of my favorite authors. I'm lucky enough that she lives in my home state so I'm able to attend  her book events. This book was originally published in 2008 but  was taken out of print. It was republished in January 2013. 

2. Cinder by Marissa Meyer: This one surprised me. It sat on my shelf for awhile because I was to nervous to read it. I was afraid I would hate it. I usually hate hyped up books. I can't remember why I finally picked it up to read but I loved it. The sequels were amazing and I'm patiently waiting for Winter. 

3. Me Before You by JoJo Moyes: This book was amazing. I know many people didn't like the ending but as a nurse that has taken care of quadriplegic's before, I thought the ending was well done. I might not agree with the decision but I can try and understand it. I'm looking forward to watching the movie. 

4. Counting by 7's by Holly Goldberg Sloan: We just read this for book club last month. I didn't love the ending because it was to unrealistic for me but I thought the rest of the book was wonderful. It made me laugh and cry. Best middle grade book I've read in awhile. 

5. The Ascendance Trilogy by Jennifer A. Nielsen: This is by far the best middle grade series I've read. I loved the characters and the writing. My family was so sad when it ended. This author also lives by which is awesome because we have attended many of her events.  

6. Sky Jumpers by Peggy Eddleman: Another middle grade novel but the girls loved it. 

7. Of Beast and Beauty by Stacey Jay: I loved this rendition of Beauty and the Beast. 

8. A Lady at Willowgrove Hall by Sarah Ladd: I seriously love everything this author has written. Her books get better and better. I can't wait till her next book The Curiosity Keeper which comes out in July. 

9. The Maid at Fairbourne Hall by Julie Klassen: My favorite book from this author. I re-read it all the time. I wish they would make a movie!!!

10. Edenbrooke by Julianne Donaldson: Another book I wish they would make a movie of and they author lives close by too.