Search This Blog
2026 Bookish Books Reading Challenge (hosted by Yours Truly)
2026 Cover Lovers Reading Challenge (hosted by Yours Truly)
2026 Literary Escapes Challenge
- Alabama
- Alaska (1)
- Arizona (2)
- Arkansas (1)
- California (8)
- Colorado (2)
- Connecticut (1)
- Delaware (1)
- Florida (3)
- Georgia (1)
- Hawaii (1)
- Idaho (2)
- Illinois (2)
- Indiana (2)
- Iowa (1)
- Kansas
- Kentucky (1)
- Louisiana (2)
- Maine (4)
- Maryland (1)
- Massachusetts (2)
- Michigan (2)
- Minnesota (2)
- Mississippi (1)
- Missouri (1)
- Montana (1)
- Nebraska (1)
- Nevada
- New Hampshire (2)
- New Jersey (1)
- New Mexico (1)
- New York (5)
- North Carolina (2)
- North Dakota (1)
- Ohio (4)
- Oklahoma (1)
- Oregon (2)
- Pennsylvania (1)
- Rhode Island (1)
- South Carolina (1)
- South Dakota (1)
- Tennessee (2)
- Texas (3)
- Utah (1)
- Vermont (2)
- Virginia (1)
- Washington (2)
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin (3)
- Wyoming(1)
- Washington, D.C.*
International:
- Australia (7)
- Austria (1)
- Canada (3)
- England (26)
- Fiji (1)
- France (1)
- Ireland (3)
- Italy (2)
- Mexico (1)
- Morocco (1)
- New Zealand (1)
- Norway (1)
- Scotland (3)
- The Bahamas (1)
- Vatican City (1)
2026 Historical Fiction Reading Challenge
2026 POPSUGAR Reading Challenge
Booklist Queen's 2026 Reading Challenge
2026 52 Club Reading Challenge
2026 Build Your Library Reading Challenge
2026 Craving for Cozies Reading Challenge
2026 Medical Examiner Mystery Reading Challenge
2026 Mount TBR Reading Challenge
2026 Around the Year in 52 Books Reading Challenge
Shelf Reflection Candy Reading Challenge for Kids (and Adults)
2026 Countdown Reading Challenge
Dragon Rambles' Law of Fives Bingo
2026 Southern Literary Reading Challenge
2026 Reading Challenge (by Linz the Bookworm)
2026 Pioneer Book Reading Challenge
European Reading Challenge 2026
2017 Pick Your Poison Reading Challenge (retired challenge - doing old boards for fun)
2026 Reading Challenge Addict Reading Challenge
The 100 Most Common Last Names in the U.S. Reading Challenge
The Life Skills Reading Challenge
Wednesday, January 14, 2015
Novella Collection a Quick, Swoony Read (With a Giveaway!)
1:00 AM
(Image from Barnes & Noble)
With Valentine's Day right around the corner, it's the perfect time for a little romance. Fictional ones are particularly nice since they always end with a swoony HEA (Happily Ever After). This is especially true in Love Unexpected: A Storybook Romance. The new collection includes three sigh-worthy novellas by favorite LDS authors Melanie Jacobson, Jennifer K. Clark and Julie Daines.
Since I'm a big Jacobson fan, it's no surprise that her contribution, Storybook Romance, was my favorite of the three. The story stars Ellie Hanover, a 20-something New York City book editor who loves championing quality novels. Her old boss trusted her instincts; with his passing, the publishing house where she works is being run by a shrewd woman whom Ellie has never liked. Apparently, the feeling is mutual. When Ellie plucks a promising novel out of the slush pile, she hopes she can convince her boss to take on the project. Especially since the more Ellie chats online with its author, the harder she's falling for him.
The second novella, He Loves Me Not by Jennifer K. Clark, revolves around Kenedee Roberts, a young woman who manages the office of a river rafting company in Utah. She's in love with her handsome boss who, despite having a girlfriend, leaves fresh flowers on Kenedee's desk every morning. As soon as the timing is right, she knows he'll make his move. Can she stand to wait around for him? Or will Kenedee have to take matters into her own hands?
Fools of Us All by Julie Daines rounds out the collection. It features Jane Ricks, a 26-year-old who's always lived in the shadow of her dynamic twin sister. While Jennica is off trying to become a star, Jane's home taking care of their mother, who's been physically and mentally disabled since the car accident that killed the girls' abusive father. When Mason McIntyre, the guy Jane has pined for since high school, asks her out, she can't say no. Even though Mason thinks she's Jennica. Will the case of mistaken identity end in disaster or a destiny more delightful than Jane ever could have imagined?
While the first and last stories appealed to me more than the middle one (which just seemed silly and far-fetched), all of them are light, clean, and romantic. Predictable, of course, but fun, too. At 162 pages, the whole book can be enjoyed in an hour or so. If you're in the mood for a quick, heart-happy read, look no further.
(Readalikes: Reminded me of Melanie Jacobson's novels, The List; Not My Type; Twitterpated; Smart Move; Second Chances; and Painting Kisses)
Grade:
(for the whole collection)
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
for nothing offensive -- the stories are just geared toward adult readers (although they're perfectly appropriate for teens)
.jpg)
To the FTC, with love: I received a finished copy of Love Unexpected: A Storybook Romance from Covenant in exchange for taking part in the book's blog tour. Follow along on the tour here:
*Jan. 12th: http://mybookaday.
*Jan. 13th: http://
*Jan. 14th: http://
*Jan. 15th: http://lisaisabookworm.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Tuesday, January 13, 2015
Top Ten 2014 I-Really-Really-Meant-To Books
7:49 AM
My hands-down favorite thing about a new reading year is how hopeful I always feel at the beginning of it. I psych myself up to *finally* reach that goal of reading 200 books. My body hums with excitement as I add titles to my list of books I'm definitely going to get to before December 31st. Then comes December and all I can do is laugh at how little the reality of what I accomplished during the year matches the fantasy of what I thought I could get done! Ah, well. It just means I still have lots of great books to look forward to in the next year.
This week's question for Top Ten Tuesday (which is hosted by the lovelies over at The Broke and the Bookish) asks which 2014 releases we really, really, really meant to get to and didn't. I could list hundreds, but here are the first ten that came to mind:
1. We Were Liars by E. Lockhart—This twisty mystery got all kinds of great buzz last year. I'm definitely planning to read it soon!
2. Cruel Beauty by Rosamund Hodge—Rave reviews have put this Beauty and the Beast retelling high on my priority list for 2015. I'm going to read it as part of the Book Blogger Recommendation Challenge.
3. Panic by Lauren Oliver—This novel, about teens playing a high-stakes Fear Factor type of game, looks intriguing.
4. Landline by Rainbow Rowell—I enjoyed both Fangirl and Attachments, so I'm very interested in Rowell's newest.
5. After the End by Amy Plum—I'm not sure exactly what this one is—Post-apocalyptic? Psychological thriller? Action/adventure?—but it looks good.
6. Illusions of Fate by Kiersten White—I've enjoyed the books I've read by Kiersten White. As this one also promises to be a big contender for the 2014 LDS literary awards (Whitney Awards; AML Awards), I'm going to be reading it soon.
7. Stitching Snow by R.C. Lewis—Another fairy tale retelling that I'm planning to read for the Book Blogger Recommendation Challenge.
8. Landry Park by Bethany Hagen—I bought a copy of this post-apocalyptic caste system romance thriller/romance (thromance?) as soon as it came out and, yeah, there it sits on my bookshelf just waiting to be noticed ...
9. Compulsion by Martina Boone—I adore books set in mysterious Southern plantation homes, so this one looks like something I'd enjoy.
10. Trust Me, I'm Lying by Mary Elizabeth Summer—This teenage con artist mystery/thriller just looks fun.
Have you read any of these? What did you think? And what great 2014 releases are you planning to get to in 2015?
*All book images from Barnes & Noble
Monday, January 12, 2015
Chilling Needful Things Is King at His Twisted, Depraved Best
1:00 AM
(Image from Barnes & Noble)
There was a time—not so many moons ago—when reading in public was the fastest way to get your teenage self labeled a nerd. And, unlike today, nerdy definitely did not equal cool. Nobody bragged about being a nerd, nobody tried to be a nerd, nobody wanted to be a nerd. Including me. Thus, even though I was as voracious a reader in high school as I am now, I never committed the unpardonable sin of reading a book where I might be seen by one of my peers. Unless, of course, it was authored by Stephen King. He was cool. Reading his horror-filled stories was cool. Therefore, back in the day, I read a lot of King. These days, I have trouble stomaching his particular brand of storytelling, although I admit I still find his books compelling. Still, I can only digest him at the rate of one book every few years.
At Halloween-time (I did mention that I'm a *little* behind on reviews, right?), I got a hankering for some old-school King. So, I picked up Needful Things, a story that had stuck in my head more from watching the 1993 film version than from reading the book. The premise of the novel is brilliant in its eerie simplicity: A mysterious new shop opens in small-town Maine. Its inventory—incredibly enough—includes the very trinkets most desired by the good folk of Castle Rock. Normally, such treasures would not be attainable on the townspeople's modest salaries, but Leland Gaunt, the shop's inscrutable owner, is always willing to negotiate. All he requires of eager shoppers is a small, "harmless" trick played on a neighbor. It's nothing serious, Mr. Gaunt assures them, just good, clean fun. A trifle, a bargain, a small price to pay to possess your heart's desire.
Of course, as the townspeople soon discover, Mr. Gaunt's prices might be irresistible, but they're never small. He takes your charity, your dignity, your sanity—and then, he takes your soul ...
As chilling and depraved as Stephen King's novels always are, they're also undeniably engrossing. The horror master creates full, rounded characters, then shoves them into tense, high-risk situations that beg the question, "What's going to happen?" Good luck bailing before you find out! Needful Things, one of King's best in my opinion, is no exception. Although the story starts quietly, things get awfully intense awfully quick. I cared about the cast, so I stuck around to see what happened to them. Even though I wanted to stop reading at certain points, I never did. I couldn't. Such is the seductive charm of Mr. King and his warped (but very imaginative) mind! Needful Things showcases his talent for characterization, plot intensity, and revealing evil in all its various forms. If you're a King fan, you don't want to miss this one.
(Readalikes: King's other Castle Rock stories [The Dead Zone; Cujo; The Dark Half; etc.] have related characters and a similar writing style, though different subject matter)
Grade:
If this were a movie (and it is!), it would be rated:
for strong language, violence, blood/gore, sexual content, and depictions of illegal drug use
To the FTC, with love: I bought Needful Things with a portion of the millions I make from my lucrative career as a book blogger. Ha ha.
Newbery Medal Winner Full of History and Heart
1:00 AM
(Image from Barnes & Noble)
Tree-Ear, an orphan living in 12th Century Korea, has one desire: to create beautiful celadon pottery like the skilled artisans for which his village is known. He has little opportunity to do so, however, since his time is occupied by eking out a meager living for himself and his guardian. Crippled and elderly, Crane-man has always insisted they do so honestly, without stealing or begging. Tree-Ear may be poor, but he's a good boy who's enjoyed a relatively happy life. Even if his greatest desire has remained unfulfilled.
While spying on a local potter in the hopes of learning some of his secrets, Tree-Ear accidentally breaks some of the man's wares. Tree-Ear promises to work off the debt and more, if the artist will only take him on as an apprentice. Overjoyed by the prospect of finally learning to create beautiful pottery, Tree-Ear does not realize what he has gotten himself into. The cranky potter will not make the apprenticeship easy, especially when he receives a royal commission that will, ultimately, require every ounce of skill and courage young Tree-Ear possesses.
Filled with history and heart, A Single Shard by Linda Sue Park tells a unique, inspiring story about one boy's quest to live his dream. Winner of the 2002 Newbery Medal, this quiet tale is a testament to the power of hard work, determination, and bravely soldiering on against insurmountable odds. Even though it's not my absolute favorite Newbery winner, A Single Shard is absolutely worth the read. It's a simple, but affecting story that teaches some great lessons.
If you're interested in seeing real Korean potters at work, check out this video that I discovered via Linda Sue Park's website. It's pretty amazing!
(Readalikes: Hm, I can't think of anything. Can you?)
Grade:
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
for violence and intense situations
To the FTC, with love: Another library fine find
Subscribe to:
Posts
(Atom)
Readin'
The Traitor in the Tunnel by Y.S. Lee
Listenin'
Death By Demo by Callie Carpenter
Followin' with Bloglovin'
Followin' with Feedly
-
-
-
-
-
Top Ten Tuesday2 days ago
-
-
Brooks, Geraldine "Memorial Days3 days ago
-
-
-
Week in Review #394 days ago
-
-
The Blonde Who Came In From the Cold6 days ago
-
A short fall break....1 week ago
-
The Wild Season2 weeks ago
-
-
-
-
TTT- Favorite Indie Authors2 weeks ago
-
Top Ten Tuesday: Indie Books on My TBR2 weeks ago
-
-
American Nightmare By Kelly McWilliams2 weeks ago
-
Sheer by Vanessa Lawrence2 weeks ago
-
Fruit Fly by Josh Silver2 weeks ago
-
The Tailor by Tim Sullivan2 weeks ago
-
-
-
Books read in August2 weeks ago
-
-
Seasonal TBR: Fall3 weeks ago
-
-
Sparked My Interest: August 20265 weeks ago
-
-
-
Madrigals and Mayhem by Elizabeth Penney7 months ago
-
-
Sunday Post #5681 year ago
-
-
Girl Plus Books: On Hiatus2 years ago
-
-
-
What Happened to Summer?2 years ago
-
6/25/23 Extra Ezra3 years ago
-
-
-
-
-
Are you looking for Pretty Books?3 years ago
-
-
-
-
-
-
Grab my Button!
Blog Design by:
Blog Archive
- ► 2021 (159)
- ► 2020 (205)
- ► 2019 (197)
- ► 2018 (223)
- ► 2017 (157)
- ► 2016 (157)
- ► 2015 (188)
- ► 2014 (133)
- ► 2013 (183)
- ► 2012 (193)
- ► 2011 (232)
- ► 2010 (257)
- ► 2009 (211)
- ► 2008 (192)
2026 Goodreads Reading Challenge
2024 - Elementary/Middle Grade Nonfiction
2023 - Middle Grade Fiction
2022 - Middle Grade Fiction
2021 - Middle Grade Fiction
2020 - Middle Grade Fiction
