Tag Archives: Monthly Wrap-Up

Monthly Wrap-Up: October 2018

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October 2018 Monthly Wrap-UpSo Thankful for November

Can I just be honest? I am so glad October is finally over. Whew. My family is in the middle of getting ready to move from the house we’ve rented for four years to a more permanent place. That means we’re packing plus getting the new space ready (paint, carpet, etc) plus showing our current house to the next potential renters. Plus the littlest got two teeth in twenty-four hours and seems to be working on two more. ALL THE TEETHING. Fun!

On the upside, I organized two blog tours this month (one to take place next month), which was a blast! I’m seriously considering whether I should try to do blog tours as a regular thing. I’ve had the pleasure of working with three authors this month as their virtual assistant, and really enjoyed that, too.

Top Ten Tuesday Returns

You might have noticed I’m starting to do Top Ten Tuesday posts again. The truth is it gives me another chance to talk about books I love, and it helps keep me popping over to other blogs to see what’s what. It also helps new people find my blog. So it’s a pretty big win-win. If you missed them, take a peek at my Top Ten Villains post about books whose protagonists are characters normally considered a story’s villain, or my Top Ten Books Over 600 Pages post featuring some of the best long books I’ve ever read.

This month I also caught up on a few of my backlist titles by listening to them as audiobooks. I finally finished the Everland series by Wendy Spinale and listened to both Strange the Dreamer and Muse of Nightmares by Laini Taylor. So all of those reviews will be coming soon! (Fun fact: Steve West reads one character’s point-of-view in the Everland books and narrates Strange the Dreamer and Muse of Nightmares. I am officially a huge fan and already have plans to listen to An Ember in the Ashes by Saaba Tahir, which West also narrates.)

Other October favorites for me were The Echo Room by Parker Peevyhouse and Louisiana’s Way Home by Kate DiCamillo. Please check out those reviews if you missed them. The Echo Room is an intense sci-fi with a story that kept me guessing and characters that had me at the first page. Louisiana’s Way Home has an incredible voice that’s unlike anything else I’ve ever read. I’ve been a Kate DiCamillo fan since Because of Winn Dixie, and this book only proves why all over again.

We’ll be moving to our new space on November 10, so the next few days are going to be a whirlwind of packing and prepping before we take the plunge. I’ll try to post some pictures on my Instagram feed, but y’all, I’m so bad at social media. Ha. I will try, though. The new space has– get this– a library. Yep! A whole room for books with a lovely built-in bookcase on one wall. So I’m really excited to get in there.

That’s all I’ve got for now. Happy reading!

Do you read scary books at this time of year?

What are your favorites? Leave me a comment and tell me about a book you’re looking forward to reading this fall.

Monthly Wrap-Up: February 2018

Lists, Middle Grade 8-12, News and Fun, Young Adult/Teen 12-18, , , , ,

February 2018 Reviews

Romance and dystopian stories, favorites and books I just didn’t get… here’s what you missed this month in reviews.

The Returning (Seer #3) by Rachelle Dekker

Review | Amazon | Goodreads

I liked the fast-paced storytelling and the way you could read this book without remembering what happened in (or without reading) the earlier books. I had some issues with the theology, which you can read about in my review.

Everless by Sara Holland

Review | Amazon | Goodreads

A friend suggested that I read this book, and I’m so glad she did. Really fascinating concept and characters I enjoyed.

The Unicorn Quest by Kamilla Benko

Review | Amazon | Goodreads

I think you pretty much can’t go wrong with a book about unicorns! This was a fun read, perfect for readers aged 8 to 12.

For Love and Honor (An Uncertain Choice #3) by Jody Hedlund

Review | Amazon | Goodreads

Another book from one of my daughter’s favorite authors. It’s a sweet, light romance, great for readers just starting out in the genre.

The Ruby Moon by Trisha White Priebe and Jerry B. Jenkins

Review | Amazon | Goodreads

I had a hard time following the story in this book. It’s got a wide cast of characters and a lot happening. If the story interests you, I’d recommend starting with the first book in the series instead of this one.

Hawk’s Flight by Carol Chase

Review | Amazon | Goodreads

One of my favorite books of all time– though it’s out of print. I love the characters, and the story still feels fresh to me even after reading it easily a dozen times.

Duels and Deception by Cindy Anstey

Review | Amazon | Goodreads

Gabrielle says: Overall, I give this book 4 stars. While not terribly life-altering (it leans more to the ‘fluff’ side than the profound), it was a delicious read, and as such, merits my approval. Fellow Janeites looking for a quick, easy read will enjoy this one.

When Light Left Us by Leah Thomas

Review | Amazon | Goodreads

I read this book because I so enjoyed Thomas’s other books about Moritz and Ollie. This one is very different, but I found the same compelling characters and great descriptions of emotion in here that made me fall in love with the other books.

The Messengers: Discovered by Lisa M. Clark

Review | Amazon | Goodreads

This might be the best Christian dystopian book I’ve ever read. I really enjoyed reading it and liked that the story so seamlessly supported its Christian message.

Tess of the Road by Rachel Hartman

Review | Amazon | Goodreads

I struggled with this book. While I found the story interesting, I feel like it was really issue-driven, to the point that everything else seemed to take a back seat to the issue of women’s sexual equality. It’s an important issue, for sure, but I felt like it dominated the story too much for my taste. If you like issue-based books, though, it might be a good one to check out. See the notes after the review for content information.

What did you read in February 2018?

What about you? Did you find any books you have to talk about or books you want to recommend? Leave a comment below sharing them with us.

Also, if you’ve read any of the books we reviewed, leave a comment telling us how you liked the book or what you thought about it!

Monthly Wrap-Up: December 2017 and January 2018

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It’s hard to believe another year has come and nearly gone. We had some big changes around here– most notably, the amazing addition of Gabrielle as reviewer and contributor. She’s been amazing. If you haven’t stopped by her own blog, you should check it out.

We read and reviewed some great books this year. Gabrielle posted a list of some of our top favorites here, which you won’t want to miss, if you haven’t already browsed through it. If you’re still looking for books to spend a Christmas Amazon or Barnes & Noble gift card on and need some suggestions on what books to fill the rest of your holiday break with, I recommend taking a look through our list!

You probably also noticed yesterday’s Top Ten list featuring some of our most anticipated reads coming out this year. Check them out if you haven’t already, and see if any of your favorite authors are on the list!

What We Read in December 2017 and January 2018

 

Dark Breaks the Dawn by Sara B. Larson

Review | Amazon | Goodreads

Gabrielle calls retelling of Swan Lake perfect for fans of high fantasy in the vein of Tolkein and gives it 4 out of 5 stars.

The Illusionist’s Apprentice by Kristy Cambron

Review | Amazon | Goodreads

Gabrielle says: ” This book is chock-full of great characters, and will especially entice those who enjoyed The Lost Girl of Astor Street by Stephanie Morrill.”

Recipe for Hate by Warren Kinsella

Review | Amazon | Goodreads

Boys at the center of the local punk scene are murdered, and evidence suggests a hate crime. The victim’s band members investigate to stop the killers before they strike again. The attitude and descriptions in this book totally reminded me of the movie SLC Punk.

The Rithmatist by Brandon Sanderson

Review | Amazon | Goodreads

Gabrielle highly recommends this blend of magical realism, alternate reality, and steampunk.

Not Now, Not Ever by Lily Anderson

Review | Amazon | Goodreads

A whole summer camp of the smartest kids compete for a college scholarship in this story inspired by The Importance of Being Earnest. Fans of Anderson’s debut will love the appearances of characters from The Only Thing Worse Than Me Is You.

The Thing with Feathers by McCall Hoyle

Review | Amazon | Goodreads

A girl obsessed with Emily Dickinson and diagnosed with epilepsy goes to public school for the first time. Of course, the hottest boy notices her and seems genuine. Loved this gentle romance and representation of a character with epilepsy.

The Forgetting by Sharon Cameron

Review | Amazon | Goodreads

Gabrielle says: “The plot was engrossing. I was continually mystified as it progressed, and was only able to say ‘Aha! So that’s explains it,’ at the very end.”

Little & Lion by Brandy Colbert

Review | Amazon | Goodreads

At its heart, Little & Lion is about a brother and sister looking to reconnect after his diagnosis with bipolar disorder. It’s also about her journey to accept him and herself as they are. Lots of heart, and a very diverse cast of characters.

History’s Mysteries by Kitson Jazynka

Review | Amazon | Goodreads

Ever wondered why the Easter Island heads were erected? Explore this and lots of other unsolved mysteries with pictures and notes on new research. A pretty quick, fun read.

Life Just Got Real by Sadie Robertson with Cindy Coloma

Review | Amazon | Goodreads

Readers looking for a clean reality show novel will want to put this one on their lists. If you liked Life in a Fishbowl by Len Vlahos or liked the concept but wanted a clean alternative, Life Just Got Real should be on your reading list.

 

A Bird, a Girl, and a Rescue by J. A. Myhre

Review | Amazon | Goodreads

A young girl leaves her family and her African valley home to go to a boarding school. When rebels attack the school and take some of the girls hostage, Kiisa and her companions track the rebels to rescue them.

Beauty by Robin McKinley

Review | Amazon | Goodreads

One of my childhood favorites, and pretty much the standard by which I judge all re-imagined fairytales. The writing style is a little distant, but the rich characters make it work. If you’re a fan of fairytales retold, check out this book, along with Spindle’s End, McKinley’s re-imagining of Sleeping Beauty.

You’ll Miss Me When I’m Gone by Rachel Lynn Solomon

Review | Amazon | Goodreads

Twin sisters face the results of a genetic test to determine if they’ll have Huntington’s disease. One relies on her faith to get her through, the other seeks comfort in a forbidden relationship. Great characters, lots of emotion.

Ember Falls (Green Ember #2) by S. D. Smith

Review | Amazon | Goodreads

I think my problem with this book is that I wanted it to be Watership Down, and it isn’t at all the same kind of book. I struggled with the descriptions (or lack of them) but it might be a good pick for fans of The Ruby Moon by Trish Priebe and Jerry Jenkins.

In the Hall of the Dragon King by Stephen Lawhead

Review | Amazon | Goodreads

An old favorite. This might be the first high fantasy novel I ever read as a teenager. It’s a bit dated– mostly in the way it’s written– but I still found myself enjoying the way the characters form an unexpected team to stop an evil necromancer.

The Phantom of the Fortress by Aaron M. Zook, Jr.

Review | Amazon | Goodreads

Kids assist police to solve a murder mystery in Austria. This one wasn’t my cup of tea, but younger readers (maybe 4th or 5th grade?) might enjoy it.

Before I Let Go by Marieke Nijkamp

Review | Amazon | Goodreads

A girl returns to her small Alaskan hometown after her best friend’s death, and finds the town mired in secrets and its people treating her like an outsider. Fast-paced, highly emotional.

Storm (Stone Braide Chronicles #3) by Bonnie Calhoun

Review | Amazon | Goodreads

The third book in Bonnie Calhoun’s broad-scale series is about a girl racing the clock to solve the mystery of a gift she possesses before it kills her.

Blue Moon Rising by Simon R. Green

Review | Amazon | Goodreads

This is one of those stories I’ve read almost a dozen times. The writing is not perfect, but the dialogue makes me laugh and the characters make me want to cheer for every victory. If you like fantasy that doesn’t take itself too seriously, you need to check this one out.

What’s on your reading list for the new year?

Do you have a list of books you want to read this year? Are you setting a goal to read a certain number of books? Leave a comment and let us know what you most want to read next or what your reading goals are for this year.
We’ve already started our To Be Read list for next year! See what Gabrielle and I plan to review by visiting our 2018 Reading List. Have a recommendation for a book we don’t have on our list? Leave a comment! We are always looking for great books to add to our list.

Monthly Wrap-Up: November 2017

Young Adult/Teen 12-18, ,

This year it has been easy to find things to be thankful for. Books, of course, and great author friends always make my list. Family and friends. Delicious snacks. You get the idea.

As we get into the holiday season, we’re not only preparing to celebrate the birth of Jesus as our Christmas celebration, but also the birth of our own new family addition. This month family and friends gathered to celebrate with us and help us get ready for our new little bundle. I forgot how much stuff babies need, y’all. It’s a LOT of stuff. My husband teases me because whenever we get a new thing (not just now, but any new thing, any time) my first question is always, okay, but where are we going to put it? So we’ve had a lot of shuffling things around from place to place in our house during the last several months, which has left our furry friends a little disoriented.

In the midst of all of that, I’m mostly reading books I choose from my ridiculously long to-be-read stack and only accepting a few review requests since I’m afraid I’ll over-commit and end up letting authors down by not being able to fit in books I promised to read. I’m hoping by next spring I’ll be back to my usual frenzied, request-accepting self. We’ll see how things go.

For now, between Gabrielle and me, we were still able to share nine reviews this month. Here’s a bit about them in case you missed a few in all the holiday bustle.

November 2017 Reviews

Puritan Girl, Mohawk Girl by John Demos

Review | Amazon | Goodreads

The style of this book was more like creative nonfiction than a novel. It’s based on a true story about a girl who grows up adopted by a Mohawk family after she’s kidnapped from her Puritan settlement.

The Griffin of Darkwood by Becky Citra

Review | Amazon | Goodreads

A friend recommended this one to me. I liked how offbeat and unusual it was. If you’re looking for a middle grade fantasy set in the real world, this is a good one to check out.

Lady Midnight by Cassandra Clare

Review | Amazon | Goodreads

I had a hard time with this one. Loved some elements– some of the characters especially– but struggled with how dark it is. Lots of people rave about the series. It just isn’t for me, I guess.

Gemina (Illuminae Files #2) by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff

Review | Amazon | Goodreads

Super. Fun. Read. I put this one off because I had so much fun reading Illuminae, the first book in the series, and worried this second couldn’t measure up. Yeah, no. I liked it a lot. It’s got some content, though, so see the notes in the review.

The Crystal Ribbon by Celeste Lim

Review | Amazon | Goodreads

Another really unusual story. I loved that it’s got a historical basis but blends a bit of magic into the tale as well.

The Beautiful Ones by Silvia Moreno-Garcia

Review | Amazon | Goodreads

Gabrielle’s reviews always make me want to read the books, and this one is no exception. This one gave her chills. You might need it on your Christmas list.

The Kiss of Deception (Remnant Chronicles #1) by Mary E. Pearson

Review | Amazon | Goodreads

Gabrielle recommends this one to readers 14 and up who love complex fantasy. Sounds like a win to me.

Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli

Review | Amazon | Goodreads

This is another book I’d been meaning to read for quite a while. It wasn’t quite what I expected– has a lot of profanity– but I loved the genuineness of the characters and found it to be a really quick read.

What did you read this month?

So what about you? Read anything interesting this November? Have you read anything on my list? If so, what did you think? Anything on the list look particularly intriguing to you? Leave a comment telling me about it!

Monthly Wrap-Up: September 2017

Lists, News and Fun, , , ,

September 2017 was another wild month packed with some of my favorite books this year. If you missed my review of Elsie Mae Has Something to Say by Nancy Cavanaugh, just stop and go check that one out. I reviewed nine books this month, and Gabrielle shared her review of the sequel to Wolf by Wolf. If you followed along, let me know which was your favorite. Which reviews made you add books to your reading list?

As we head into the fall, I’m mostly focusing on catching up on some books that have been sitting on the shelf next to my bed forever. Some are books I got last November at YallFest in Charleston. Others are titles I’ve had since last Christmas. Or, you know, longer. I will probably be accepting a few new titles for review here and there because I just can’t seem to help myself, but for the most part, look for some backlist titles to be coming up for review. For an idea which ones are on my radar, check out those left to review on my 2017 Reading List.

September 2017 Books Reviewed

Between the Lies by Cathy McPhail

Review | Amazon | Goodreads

This was a twisting, turning story that kept me guessing almost until the last page. I liked the voice and the fact that the main character was younger– I think she’s fifteen. If you’re looking for a fast-paced mystery, here’s one for you.

Blood for Blood (Wolf by Wolf #2) by Ryan Graudin

Review | Amazon | Goodreads

Gabrielle gave this one 4 out of 5 stars and though it’s darker than the first book, her description of the main character holding her humanity in the face of atrocities means this book is still pretty high on my own TBR list. Is it on yours?

A Snicker of Magic by Natalie Lloyd

Review | Amazon | Goodreads

No book has ever made me crave ice cream like this one does! The amazing flavors and unique story world made this book absolutely unforgettable.

They Can’t Kill Us All by Wesley Lowery

Review | Amazon | Goodreads

I know I’ve been reading a fair number of race relations non-fiction books lately (considering how few nonfiction books I review, it’s a fair number. I think in total it’s only like three.) but it’s something I feel like I need to be way better educated about. I liked that this book tried to examine what really happened as fairly as possible and to give larger context to problems facing police departments and communities across the country.

The Silent Songbird (Hagenheim #7) by Melanie Dickerson

Review | Amazon | Goodreads

My daughter LOVES this series, and I’m sure she’ll find this book to be no exception. To be honest, it wasn’t my favorite– I think I’m still hooked on the heroine in the first book of the series– but it’s a light, clean romance which is a great change of pace for me. Sometimes we all need a little something light to read, right?

The Time Machine by H. G. Wells retold by Terry Davis (graphic novel)

Review | Amazon | Goodreads

In order to review this graphic novel (a first for me), I felt like it would only be fair to go back and read the original classic story to kind of gauge how well the retelling represents the tale. Overall, I was impressed with the amount of story the illustrations captured. The panels show a lot of action and emotion. I enjoyed reading it.

Elsie Mae Has Something to Say by Nancy J. Cavanaugh

Review | Amazon | Goodreads

This book has to be one of my favorites this year, and that’s saying a lot considering some of the powerhouse stories I’ve reviewed in the last nine months. I loved the southern characters and Elsie’s visionary spunk. Henry James and his “Hallelujahs” were a sure win for me, too.

21 Days to Happiness by Ingrid Kelada

Review | Amazon | Goodreads

I feel like I’m generally a pretty happy person, so I kind of picked this book up more for curiosity sake than anything else, and I’m so glad I did. I love the way the chapters are broken into useful, easy sections. The tips are so accessible and the resources make it so easy to implement changes in your life. I definitely recommend it.

The Prince Warriors by Priscilla Shirer

Review | Amazon | Goodreads

I’m always on the lookout for good Christian fiction, so I was excited to find this series. I liked the elements of spiritual warfare and the way the central characters grew and changed through the story.

What are you reading?

Did you read anything amazing this month? Looking forward to reading something special this fall? Leave a comment and tell me about it!

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Monthly Wrap-Up: August 2017

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August means the back-to-school rush, and this year that meant taking my girl through the halls of my former junior high school, which doesn’t even seem possible, to be honest. That much time can’t have passed, can it?

It also means finishing up some summer-time cleaning out and re-arranging, which means new and fun things for my bookshelves! This past month my husband built custom wall-mounted shelves for me and hung them up in our living room. I love the way they look.

Here are the reviews you may have missed this month and a bit about each book. You’ll notice a couple titles reviewed by the amazing and wonderful Gabrielle in addition to titles I’ve reviewed. Check them out!

Solo by Kwame Alexander and Mary Rand Hess

Review | Amazon | Goodreads

This is the first book I’ve read by Kwame Alexander, and I must have more. I loved the lyrical, deeply moving lines of poetry and the story of this boy trying to find himself.

Bullied by J. D. Jacobs

Review | Amazon | Goodreads

Bullying is a huge topic in YA, but sometimes the most compelling stories about it contain a lot of explicit content, which isn’t great for all readers. I am always looking for cleaner options for sensitive readers to turn to, and was glad to find this book.

Trashing the Planet:Examining our Global Garbage Glut by Stuart A. Kallen

Review | Amazon | Goodreads

I liked the way this book presented problems along with some exciting opportunities for solutions. The problem of too much trash can seem overwhelming, so I liked feeling empowered to make changes and the chance to be better educated about the issue.

Hedy’s Journey: The True Story of a Hungarian Girl Fleeing the Holocaust by Michelle Bisson

Review | Amazon | Goodreads

This was an unusual format for a book on my reading list as it had a lot of illustrations– which were lovely. I liked that they elevated the impact of the story. Definitely a great reminder of what some people faced during World War II.

The List by Patricia Forde

Review | Amazon | Goodreads

I am a total sucker for a good dystopian story, and this is exactly what I found in this book. Loved that it’s word-focused and has a bit of romance in it, too.

Unraveling by Sara Ella

Review | Amazon | Goodreads

I wasn’t as taken with this book as with the first in the series, but loved following the next part of the story. I gotta say, I’m mostly holding out as team Joshua.

The Waking Land by Callie Bates

Review | Amazon | Goodreads

If you like fantasy with engrossing culture or politics, I highly recommend this book. It’s got some sexual content, so check the notes in my review if that’s an issue for you.

Reintegration by Ashley Bogner

Review | Amazon | Goodreads

After reading Gabrielle’s stellar review, I’m eager to check out Reintegration myself. If you’re a dystopian lit fan like me, this sounds like one not to miss.

 

It Looks Like This by Rafi Mittlefehldt

Review | Amazon | Goodreads

This was a tough read for me because it made me reevaluate some of the experiences I had as a teen growing up in the kind of church where the main character, Mike, feels like such an outsider. I think that kind of reflection is ultimately healing and helpful, though. And I loved the power of Mike’s story and the raw emotion the author uses to convey it.

Wolf by Wolf (Wolf by Wolf #1) by Ryan Graudin

Review | Amazon | Goodreads

This book has been on my To-Read list for quite some time, and now that Gabrielle has had such great things to say about it, I’m even more eager. Definitely into the whole rewritten history aspects and the deep characterization.

Definitions of Indefinable Things by Whitney Taylor

Review | Amazon | Goodreads

I liked the snarky humor with which this story tackles depression and difficult teen relationships. It reminded me a little bit of a Matthew Quick novel.

A Single Stone by Meg McKinlay

Review | Amazon | Goodreads

Another really imaginative dystopian story about a female-dominated society. If you like the more literary-style dystopian tales, you need this one on your list.

What’s on your back-to-school reading list?

Are you reading anything interesting now that school has started up again? Still trying to squeeze in a few last-minute planned summer reads? Share the title and what you think of it so far in the comments below!

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