August Reads 2016

I tried book blogging before...it didn't work out. I ramble too much. A few years I decided to post once a month with a small blurb about each book I read that month. It works better for me. So much so that I'm going to continue this year. You can click on any picture and it'll take you to the Goodreads page.

 

Take Off Your Pants Outline by Libbie Hawker

  

 

The Distance Between Us, On The Fence and The Fill In Boyfriend by Kasie West

 

I adored these books. It's been so long since I've read them that I had to re-read them before her latest book.

 

 

P.S. I Like You by Kasie West

 

Very cute story but not my favorite West book. Cute story. Too predicable and I felt myself skimming in some spots.

 

 

52 Reasons To Hate My Father by Jessica Brody

 

	If you're iffy on this book JUST READ IT!!! So much more than a quick, fun read. Love it. That's all I can say. This was a re-read for me and it was just as good as the first time.

 

 

 

July Reads 2016

I tried book blogging before...it didn't work out. I ramble too much. A few years I decided to post once a month with a small blurb about each book I read that month. It works better for me. So much so that I'm going to continue this year. You can click on any picture and it'll take you to the Goodreads page.

The Summer Series by Jenny Han

I ADORE this series. This is my 3rd or 4th time reading through it. It never gets old and it doesn't feel like summer without a read.

The Broken Hearts Series by Katie Finn

This is a super fun, summer, beach read series. I loved each one. 

The Hundred Oaks Series by Miranda Keeneally

I've read each book in the series as it relesased but before the newest one I wanted to do a complete reread. And I'm so glad I did. Each book in the series gets better and better. 

Defending Taylor by Miranda Kenneally

Simply adore this series. So far the next book has become my favorite. While I thoroughly enjoyed this story it's not my top pick. I think that belongs to Things I Can't Forget. 

Blood Red Road by Moira Young

Took me a while to get through but really enjoyed the book overall.

Currently July 5th 2016

To keep up blogging I decided to join Katy Upperman in her CURRENTLY blog posting. Plan to do it every other Tuesday (you can see her original post here).

Loving...



Vacation. I'll say that a bunch today.


Reading...


Like six books in one weekend. The Summer Series (Jenny Han) and The Broken Heart Series (Katie Finn). 


Watching...


Orange is the new black. Finished up the season yesterday....sniff sniff. 

Listening To...


The Dustland trilogy. I started reading Blood Red Road when it first released but never finished. Glad I'm taking the time for the audio book, so far it's really engaging.   


Thinking about...


VACATION!!!!!!!!!!! One more day. Vegas, baby.


Anticipating...



Our flight. It's been 20 years since I've been on a plane. And this time I'll be bringing a nervous 8 year old.

Wishing...


It was 2:00 tomorrow.  VACATION!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Making me happy...


Memories, though sad, I'm glad I have them.

What's currently making you happy?

June Reads 2016

I tried book blogging before...it didn't work out. I ramble too much. A few years I decided to post once a month with a small blurb about each book I read that month. It works better for me. So much so that I'm going to continue this year. You can click on any picture and it'll take you to the Goodreads page.

The year is half over! This month I read 17 books bringing my total to 65. Upped my goal from 60 to 100.

The Elite, The One, The Heir, The Crown, The Queen, The Prince, The Guard and The Favorite by Kiera Cass 

Really enjoyed re-reading the first books in the series before The Crown.

Me Before You by Jojo Moyes

This book gutted me alive. I was not prepared for what went on at all. I knew it would be sad, but the level caught me off guard. And then I went ant watched the movie the day after I finished it. Haven't been able to bring myself to read the next in the series. Incredibly thought-provoking story.

Love Blind by Christa Desir and Jolene Perry

I adore this book. As someone with poor (though not as bad as H's) it was refreshing to "see" into someone else's life like this. And K...so cute and such a sweet guy. Definitely the type of guy I would have gone for in HS. Loved the fear list idea. Something I kind of want to do now. Except there's no way I'm holding a giant spider! Overall a great read. Well done, ladies. Well done!

Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children, Hollow City and Library of Souls by Ransom Riggs

This was one crazy ride series. And I enjoyed every bit of it. While the first book is my favorite you can't complete it without the other. Ransom does such a great job of keeping your attention and making you want to believe in the Peculiar. 

Fixing Delilah by Sarah Ockler

Heart-ache, summer romance, mystery...all of the best things rolled into one incredible book. While I thought I have Delilah's past figured out (I was only partially right), I enjoyed the adventure of getting to the end. 

Summer of Sloane by Erin L. Schneider

Great read for the summer. Though now I really want to go to Hawaii! Erin does an amazing job of describing the island and it's gorgeous settings that you feel like you are there. And Sloane is a character that you want to root for and can't wait to see how her story ends.

Second Chance Summer by Morgan Matson

Apparently I forgot how sad and heartbreaking this book is and wanted to torture myself. Finished it late one night in a puddle of ugly tears. Amazing story with tons of laughter and heartache.

Amy and Roger's Epic Detour

Another re-read for me. There are books to know you'll like before you start to read. And then you're really liking the book as you read it. And at some points you love it. But you get to the last few lines and you fall head over heels for it. This book is one of those books. All the pieces fit perfectly into place.

May Reads 2016

I tried book blogging before...it didn't work out. I ramble too much. A few years I decided to post once a month with a small blurb about each book I read that month. It works better for me. So much so that I'm going to continue this year. You can click on any picture and it'll take you to the Goodreads page.

Right of First Refusal by Dahlia Adler

I love love love Dahlia and her books. RoFR was no exception. From story to characters to scenery I feel like these girls could be friends and their setting a place I'd like to hang out. Can't wait for the next book in the series. 

The Raven King by Maggie Stiefvater

Wow...this book. This series!!!! I can't believe it's over. I couldn't get through it fast enough. So sad to see it end.

  

Dead Island, Dead Escape and Dead Frozen by Tim Moon

If you're a fan of zombies you'll really enjoy these horror and gore filled books set in beautiful, remote locations. Tim does a wonderful job of mixing friendship and humor with a not so happy outcome.

The 5th Wave, The Infinite Sea and The Last Star by Rick Yancey

The 5th Wave and The Infinite Sea (not sure why pic is backwards, dumb internet) were a re-read for me. I was SO super excited for the Last Star to release this month. And now I wish it would go to that special place where books die. The only other book that has disappointed me this much was Allegiant. So there's that.

All American Boys by Jason Reynolds and Brendan Kiely

Rashad is absent again today. Such ordinary words that grow and gain so much power through this amazingly written, tough story. There's two sides to every story. Which will you be on? Right or wrong? I don't think this book could be read or listened to or discussed enough. Boys of Summer by Jessica Brody Best way to describe this is friendship of Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants meets the angst of The Summer Series from a boys POV. I loved it. Each character felt so real and different that the chapters stood out in their own way with each POV change. The Winner's Kiss by Marie Rutkoski Now THIS is how you end a series. Though book three dragged a little here or there I overlooked that because the plot made sense, the characters stayed true to themselves and it wrapped up nicely. The Selection by Kiera Cass Another re-read (had to before the 5th and final book) and a favorite. I adore this series. I didn't think I would when I first started it but it quickly changed my mind.  When We Collided by Emery Lord Can't even breathe (in a good way) after this ending. All emotions were bottled up until he realizes what "how we say goodby" is really about and then they came crashing down. A messy love story, beautifully told.

Currently May 24th 2016

To keep up blogging I decided to join Katy Upperman in her CURRENTLY blog posting. Plan to do it every other Tuesday (you can see her original post here).

Loving...


That school is coming to an end. Only 7 days left. Yes, I'm a working mom and my son goes to day care but it is a lot less stressful to drop him off for a day of friends and fun than making sure homework is done and tests are studied for.

Reading...

The Winner's Kiss. I'm going slow. Not ready for the series to end.


Watching...

The OC. I adore this show!

Listening To...

The Last Star by Rick Yancey FINALLY! I downloaded it as soon as I woke up this morning and got started on it.


Thinking about...

Putting yourself out there.


Anticipating...
The weekend! Two three day weekends in a row!! 

Wishing...

 That my house sells.


Making me happy...

Field day! It was fun watching kiddo with his classmates all day. And as long as we were in the shade it wasn't too hot.

 

What's currently making you happy?

Currently May 10th 2016

To keep up blogging I decided to join Katy Upperman in her CURRENTLY blog posting. Plan to do it every other Tuesday (you can see her original post here).

Loving...
The past weekend. Saturday was spent with family. Sunday morning kiddo and I went to the beach where I had a vegan carrot cake cupcake for breakfast, followed by a trip to the bookstore and then back to my parents for more family time. 

Reading...

A friend recommended In Her Defense by Julianna Keyes so of course I had to get it, read it and I LOVED it. Followed that up with two re-reads, Last Will and Testament by Dahlia Adler and The Winner's Curse by Marie R. Both so good in their own way. Now I'm working on the companion/sequel to those two.

Watching...

Game of Thrones with the husband. So glad it's back on, even though half the time I'm lost. And Girl Meets World with kiddo. SO bummed that we've already finished season 2. Season 3 needs to hurry up! Oh, I got to catch the Tampa Bay Lightening game Sunday and THEY WON! Next up, Eastern Conference Finals!!!

Listening To...

The Raven King....OMG! THIS BOOK! I have half of the last chapter to go before I had to go to work. UGH.

Thinking about...

Moving. We've put our house on the market as of today and are in the process of looking for land and building. Scary stuff. 

Anticipating...
The weekend! We're going to look at plans for a house and hit up the local minor league base ball game. 

Wishing...

 That field day wasn't canceled. Was all set and ready to go and then rain happened. So not my day.

Making me happy...

Flowers from my dad. He buys all the moms flowers every year and every year my mom yells "I'm not your mutha". I love it.

What's currently making you happy?

April Reads 2016

I tried book blogging before...it didn't work out. I ramble too much. A few years I decided to post once a month with a small blurb about each book I read that month. It works better for me. So much so that I'm going to continue this year. You can click on any picture and it'll take you to the Goodreads page.

The Dream Thieves by Maggie Stiefvater

I didn't like this book as much as the first the first time around. But I seemed to pick up on a few more things on my second listen. 

Summer Skin by Kirsty Eagar

This book was utterly incredible. The story, the setting, the characters, the WRITING...amazing. I thought Raw Blue was great and then this happens. Jess is one of those characters you can't help but root for. She's imperfect and broken and real. I want to be her best friend. And Mitch, damaged, redeemable Mitch. Must read book. A favorite for sure.

Blue Lily, Lily Blue by Maggie Stiefvater

So much mystery! Second time listening to the series and I picked up on a lot more this time around. I can't wait to see how it ends with The Raven King. 

Always Second Best by Elodie Nowodazkij

	Sometimes you read a book thinking this is really good, I'm enjoying this book and then the plot twist smacks you in the face and wow and then it ends and you're thinking how did I not read this sooner all while in tears. That was this book.

In Her Defense by Julianna Keyes

Wow! What a book. Nothing like your friend mentioning a hot IT guy to make you want to read a book. And hot nerd Eli was. I really enjoyed the chemistry between the main characters and the growth they both went through. There was an OH SHIT moment where I wanted to deck Eli. I won't say more.

The 100 Series by Kass Morgan

The 100, Day 21, Homecoming

So different from the show but so good in it's own way. It's more like the book and show have a similar premise and character names, similarities stop there. 

The Winner's Curse by Marie Rutkoski

THIS BOOK! I higly enjoyed it the first time around when it was originally published. I'd heard how crushing the second book was so I waited until I had book three in my hands to start it. Of course I had to do a reread before going 

Last Will and Testament by Dahlia Adler

I absolutely adore this book. This is a re-read for me and a very much enjoyable one. It is full of heartache, friendships, new love and laughter. Dahlia spins such wonderful stories I can't wait to read them all.

The Siren by Kiera Cass

This book was oddly compelling. I wasn't sure at first how I would like it and where the story would take me but in the end I found myself in tears as the heartache came crashing to an end.

The Winner's Crime by Marie Rutkoski

Wow oh wow. There's not much I can say about this book other than it brought so many more questions I can't wait to get answered. I'm not a big fantasy reader but I want more of this.

Currently April 26th 2016

To keep up blogging I decided to join Katy Upperman in her CURRENTLY blog posting. Plan to do it every other Tuesday (you can see her original post here).

Loving...

My new running shoes. Haven't tried them out or anything...but they're just so pretty! 

Reading...

A friend recommended In Her Defense by Julianna Keyes so of course I had to get it, read it and I LOVED it. Followed that up with two re-reads, Last Will and Testament by Dahlia Adler and The Winner's Curse by Marie R. Both so good in their own way. Now I'm working on the companion/sequel to those two.

Watching...

It's weird for me to type but my husband and I have been watching a lot of Fixer Upper and Tiny House Hunters. I'm all for moving to Texas and finding a fixer upper but now he wants to buy land and build a tiny house. I think we'll just stay put!

Listening To...

I finished up The 100 series. So different from the show yet so very good! I also listened to The Siren by Kiera Cass. It was oddly wonderful. Highly recommended. Next up, RAVEN KING which is out TODAY!  

Thinking about...

Dogs. Puppies. Basically want a pet...but it's a big decision. 

Anticipating...

My aunts visit next month! She's coming down the weekend of Mother's Day and staying a week. 

Wishing...

 For more time in the day to read and write.

Making me happy...

Strangely enough, snap chat. Well, maybe no snap chat as much as the filters. Kiddo and I get a kick out of checking out the new ones each day.

What's currently making you happy?