Book Review: Indiscretion by Charles Dubow

Pages: 400

Genre: Adult Fiction

Pub. Date: February 5th, 2013

Source: Publisher for review

My Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Goodreads says, "We’ve all been around a couple who can engulf the attention of an entire room merely by occupying it. Harry and Madeleine Winslow are that set; the natural ease between them is palpable and their chemistry is almost tangible. He is a recent National Book Award winner with a promising career ahead of him, and she is blessed with family money, but radiates beauty, elegance, and humility. Whether they are abroad in Italy after he receives the Rome Prize, in their ambrosial East Hampton home, or in gritty Manhattan, they are always surrounded by close friends and those who wish to penetrate their inner circle. During a summer spent at the beach, they meet 26 year-old Claire and, as the summer blazes on, she is slowly inducted into their world. Claire can’t help but fall in love with Harry and Maddy and at the end of the summer, it is no longer enough to just be one of their hangers-on. Told through the omniscient eyes of Maddy’s childhood friend Walter, Indiscretion is a juicy, page turning novel with writing that is sophisticated and lyrical. Deeply textured, full of light and darkness, and overwhelmingly sensual, this book will be the sexiest, most intimate story you read all year."

Harry Winslow lives the perfect life.  He has a beautiful wife, Maddy, an adorable son and a fantastic career as a successful author.  To top it all off, he spends his summers at the Hamptons with his friends and family enjoying his charmed life.  One day at the beach he meets a young girl named Claire who he ends up running into again at one of his parties, so finally, he and his wife, Maddy, take her under their wings as she is sort of down and out on her luck.  Initially, they make Claire one of their many friends at the beach, but things take an awkward turn when Claire develops feelings for the larger-than-life author, Harry.  Even though it's Labor Day weekend and the end of summer, Claire wants this summer to never end and can't say goodbye to Harry, especially since he is going to be living in Rome to write his next book.  Indiscretion by Charles Dubow is a steamy read that explores serious issues about marriage, friendship, infidelity, and the choices we make in life.  

Harry and Maddy are such charismatic characters; it's no wonder Claire was drawn to them like a moth to the flame.  Their lifestyle, their friends, the parties, the money...it's all very appealing and to someone like Claire who really hasn't found her way, it was like opening a a whole new world to her.  This is all well and good until she gets too close for comfort.  

Indiscretion is told from Walter's (Maddy's childhood friend) point of view. This type of narrator reminded me a bit of The Great Gatsby as I wanted to know exactly what Maddy, Harry or Claire was thinking, but we only could see it through Walter's eyes.  This made for an interesting read and definitely had me flipping pages.

Indiscretion is VERY steamy. I don't often read romance novels or anything of the sort really, so this took me by surprise.  But I will admit, all of the sensual details definitely added to the drama in Indiscretion.  If this kind of thing bothers you, then I would avoid this novel, but don't get me wrong, the whole book isn't sexual, but I'm just warning that they are some graphic scenes.  

Part of what attracted me to this book is the setting.  East Hampton during the summertime is my kind of read; plus, it follows the characters through the seasons and readers will find themselves in New York City and Rome.  My favorite parts of Indiscretion are Dubow's descriptions of the Hamptons and the summer fun to be had there.  In this freezing January weather, I really relished in those descriptions.

Indiscretion put me through the ringer.  It made me feel serious at times, had me blushing, feeling angry or sometimes sad.  It really made me feel a ton of emotions and I think that Dubow truly illustrates how one small decision can have consequences that reverberate throughout not only your life, but the people that you love.  

My only issue with Indiscretion was the ending. I can't say anything else about it, because I would spoil the plot, but let's just say, it wasn't what I was hoping for.

So, if you are looking for a juicy adult read that has serious undertones, is well written, and is thought provoking then get your hands on a copy of Indiscretion.  I think it would be perfect to curl up with this winter or to bring with you to the beach this spring break or summer.

Waiting on Wednesday: A Hundred Summers

This is a weekly meme hosted by Jill from Breaking the Spine.  "Waiting on Wednesday" spotlights upcoming releases that I'm eagerly anticipating.

A Hundred Summers by Beatriz Williams

Pub. Date: May 30, 2013

Goodreads says, "Memorial Day, 1938: New York socialite Lily Dane has just returned with her family to the idyllic oceanfront community of Seaview, Rhode Island, expecting another placid summer season among the familiar traditions and friendships that sustained her after heartbreak.  That is, until Greenwalds decide to take up residence in Seaview. Nick and Budgie Greenwald are an unwelcome specter from Lily’s past: her former best friend and her former fiancé, now recently married—an event that set off a wildfire of gossip among the elite of Seaview, who have summered together for generations. Budgie’s arrival to restore her family’s old house puts her once more in the center of the community’s social scene, and she insinuates herself back into Lily's friendship with an overpowering talent for seduction...and an alluring acquaintance from their college days, Yankees pitcher Graham Pendleton. But the ties that bind Lily to Nick are too strong and intricate to ignore, and the two are drawn back into long-buried dreams, despite their uneasy secrets and many emotional obligations.  Under the scorching summer sun, the unexpected truth of Budgie and Nick’s marriage bubbles to the surface, and as a cataclysmic hurricane barrels unseen up the Atlantic and into New England, Lily and Nick must confront an emotional cyclone of their own, which will change their worlds forever."

You had me at Memorial Day and 1938.  This book would look great in my beach bag this summer! What do you guys think? 

Book Review: The Diviners by Libba Bray

Pages: 578

Genre: YA Fantasy/Historical Fiction

Pub. Date: September 18, 2012

Source: Personal copy

My Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Goodreads says, "Evie O'Neill has been exiled from her boring old hometown and shipped off to the bustling streets of New York City--and she is pos-i-toot-ly thrilled. New York is the city of speakeasies, shopping, and movie palaces! Soon enough, Evie is running with glamorous Ziegfield girls and rakish pickpockets. The only catch is Evie has to live with her Uncle Will, curator of The Museum of American Folklore, Superstition, and the Occult--also known as "The Museum of the Creepy Crawlies." When a rash of occult-based murders comes to light, Evie and her uncle are right in the thick of the investigation. And through it all, Evie has a secret: a mysterious power that could help catch the killer--if he doesn't catch her first."

Evie O'Neill likes to have fun and there's not much fun in her hometown of Ohio.  She gets into some trouble at home by using her "gift."  She can read objects and learn people's secrets and while at a party, she announces a  shocking secret about the resident popular guy.  There's some scandal and to make matters worse, she's been drinking and getting a bit rambunctious.  Her parents have had it with her, so they send her to New York City to spend time with her scholarly Uncle Will.  He runs the Museum of Creepy Crawlies, officially known as the Museum of American Folklore, Superstition and the Occult.  Evie thinks things will be oh-so-much fun in the big city; she imagines she will going to speakeasies every night, but things start to get serious.  There's a serial killer on the loose in Manhattan and the police force elicits Uncle Will's help as the murders seem to point to the occult, which is his speciality. Evie finds herself actively involved in helping figure out who or what is committing these heinous crimes.  The Diviners by Libba Bray is a whirlwind ride through the 1920s in New York City and there's no denying that readers will be glued to this paranormal thriller.

Evie is such a fun protagonist. She's the epitome of a spunky outgoing girl and I really enjoyed her.   She isn't just an aspiring flapper, she's got a "gift" which allows her to read objects and in turn, this makes her a valuable commodity when it comes to figuring out who the killer is.  There were times that Evie frustrated me as she is super selfish and never follows rules, but that's how I like my heroines.  

Evie isn't the only focus in The Diviners.  There are many points of view in this large tome, but I'd have to say Evie's is my favorite.  There's also a numbers runner and aspiring poet of the Harlem Renaissance, Memphis.  Admittedly, I found his chapters to be a little dull though.  There's also Theta, a Ziegfield girl, and Sam Llyod, a charismatic pick-pocket.  We can't forget Jericho, her uncle's assistant.  He has a few secrets himself.  And these are just a few of the characters!  Obviously there are a ton of characters in The Diviners and Bray does a good job weaving this tale and interlacing all of the subplots and backstories. 

The time period is one of my favorite aspects of The Diviners and Bray brilliantly brings it to life.  She makes it feel as if readers are living in the Jazz Age of New York City and it's obvious that she put a lot of research into this book.  Everything down to the newspaper headlines and the 1920s slang made the time period jump off the page and come to life.  

I must admit that The Diviners is an extremely creepy book and I know I've said that I don't make it a habit of reading scary books; however, I was completely engrossed in The Diviners due to Bray's writing. There's no doubt in my mind that she is a fantastic author and an expert at creating such bone-chilling atmosphere.  If you get easily scared, The Diviners is not a book you should read, at least late at night.  It reminded me of a terrifying episode of Dexter except with a paranormal twist. Let's just say, parts were frightening and I made it a personal rule to not read The Diviners at night.

The ending of The Diviners sets readers up for book two as Evie's adventures in New York City continue.  I, for one, can't wait to see where Bray is going with this new addictive series, but I definitely will be reading it in the daytime...that's for sure!

Stacking the Shelves (12)

This week I am sharing two books that I received for review and a few that I bought with my holiday gift cards.  If you want to learn more about these books, click the title and it will take you to the Goodreads page.

Bought:

The Coincidence of Callie and Kayden by Jessica Sorensen

.99 cents e-book!

Everneath by Brodi Ashton

I need to read this series!

Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi

Can't wait to start this series!

For Review:

Riptide by Lindsey Scheibe

Thanks Flux and Netgalley

Poison by Bridget Zinn

Thanks to Disney Hyperion and Netgalley

So what do you guys think? Have you read any of these books? Let me know! This new meme is hosted by Tynga at Tynga's Reviews, so check it out!

My 3rd Blogoversary and Giveaway

Apparently, my third blogoversary was last month and I forgot all about it!  Wow! I can't believe it's been three years.  A lot has happened in three years! Here are some highlights:

       *Written over 820 posts
       *Met some amazing authors--some of my favorites include: Sara Shephard, Cassandra Clare,  Holly Black, Emily Giffin, Richelle Mead, Michelle Zink, Melissa Marr, Adele Griffin, Dianne Salerni, Cyn Balog, Amy Brecount White, Jeri Smith-Ready, and Jennifer Hubbard.
       *Met some awesome bloggers and bookish friends
       *Traveled to Key West (twice!), Ireland, Italy, Outer Banks, Jamaica (twice!), Sanibel Island, and of course, the shore!
        *Had a baby, which has changed my life for the better!
        *My recommendations for summer reading were featured in Woman's World magazine
        *My photograph of Key West was used for an invitation to a company's party in Chicago
        *Taught middle school English and literacy, which means I get to talk about books everyday!

Check out some of my popular posts (according to page views) from the past three years:
       *Divergent by Veronica Roth
       *2012 Beach Reads and Summer Reading List
       *We'll Always Have Summer by Jenny Han
       *2011 Beach Reads and Summer Reading List
       *The Truth About Forever by Sarah Dessen
       *The Help by Kathryn Stockett
       *The Best Beach Reads For This Summer According to My Favorite Bloggers- Part I

When I first started this blog for professional development at work, I never thought I would continue with it and I am so glad I did.  Thanks so much for sticking with me and making this hobby worthwhile.  I truly appreciate it.

And to celebrate, I am hosting a giveaway. I am giving away one copy of any of the books pictured below. They just happen to be my favorite books that I reviewed in the past three years. If I picked a book that is part of a series and you've read that book already, feel free to pick another book from that same series.

This giveaway is open internationally or wherever the Book Depository ships.  Please refer to my giveaway rules.  The deadline is February 16th and good luck!  Thanks again for helping me celebrate three awesome years.

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Book Review: The American Heiress by Daisy Goodwin

Pages: 468

Genre: Adult Historical Fiction

Pub. Date: June 21, 2011

Source: Personal copy

My Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Goodreads says, "Traveling abroad with her mother at the turn of the twentieth century to seek a titled husband, beautiful, vivacious Cora Cash, whose family mansion in Newport dwarfs the Vanderbilts’, suddenly finds herself Duchess of Wareham, married to Ivo, the most eligible bachelor in England. Nothing is quite as it seems, however: Ivo is withdrawn and secretive, and the English social scene is full of traps and betrayals. Money, Cora soon learns, cannot buy everything, as she must decide what is truly worth the price in her life and her marriage."

Cora Cash is one of the richest girls in America and her mother is extremely determined to find her a good match.  It's the beginning of the twentieth century, so where better to go than abroad to find a husband with a title?  While over in England, Cora accidentally falls off her horse on the Duke of Wareham's land and of course, the Duke, Ivo, finds her.  Cora thinks it's love at first sight and believe it or not, they are married not too much later.  All should be perfect for Cora, especially now that she is the Duchess of Wareham, but things aren't as they seem.  Ivo is elusive and she can't quite figure out his mood swings. Often times, Cora is walking on eggshells around him and to make matters worse, his mother doesn't approve of Cora.  But nobody can deny how great it is to have some American money to restore the aging estate.  Cora, who was the center of the social life back home, doesn't quite understand English customs and their ways and has a hard time finding her place in England.  She finds herself committing many social faux-pas and blunders. On top of it, she hasn't found too many friends...at least ones that she can trust easily.  Daisy Goodwin's The American Heiress is filled with all of the ingredients that make an outstanding historical read: there's drama, romance, a beautiful turn of the twentieth century setting, betrayal, and a grandiose way of life that has long been forgotten.

Cora is the the kind of protagonist that I love to hate. She's SUPER rich, beautiful, used to getting what she wants, and smart.  At first I didn't like her, but I enjoyed her much more when she went to England as she was definitely a fish out of water.  I enjoyed watching her squirm a bit, but as The American Heiress went on, I truly felt for her, because she was just simply trying to be happy despite many obstacles in her life.  It just goes to show you that it doesn't matter how much money you have....money doesn't buy you happiness.

It took me awhile to warm up to Ivo. I really didn't trust him and readers don't really get to know him too well for the first half of The American Heiress. He's mysterious and secretive, but as the story continued, it was pretty easy to figure out what was going on.  Let's just say, Ivo is no Mr. Darcy.

The varying points of view in The American Heiress made me nervous as I have struggled with that before in historical fiction, but Goodwin did a wonderful job making it all flow swimmingly.  There are sections of The American Heiress that are narrated by Cora's maid, Bertha.  These sections are also very entertaining as she is able to comment on the events in The American Heiress from a very different point of view.

Who doesn't love the Gilded Age? I adore this time period and Goodwin really brings it to life. The extravagance is incredible...the clothing, the dinners, the servants...all very captivating.  I mean they used live hummingbirds to entertain guests at one party and they discuss the fact that cigarettes rolled in hundred dollar bills were favors at another party.  Seriously, there are no words....So, needless to say, if you are a fan of Upstairs, Downstairs or Downton Abbey, you'll enjoy The American Heiress.

If you are looking for a captivating historical read that is well written and researched, check out The American Heiress. It sure doesn't lack in drama, witty dialogue, dark secrets, and an incredible setting; I highly recommend it for fans of historical fiction.

Waiting on Wednesday: Poison

This is a weekly meme hosted by Jill from Breaking the Spine.  "Waiting on Wednesday" spotlights upcoming releases that I'm eagerly anticipating.

Poison by Bridget Zinn

Pub. Date: March 12, 2013

Goodreads says, "Sixteen-year-old Kyra, a highly-skilled potions master, is the only one who knows her kingdom is on the verge of destruction—which means she’s the only one who can save it. Faced with no other choice, Kyra decides to do what she does best: poison the kingdom’s future ruler, who also happens to be her former best friend. But, for the first time ever, her poisoned dart . . . misses. Now a fugitive instead of a hero, Kyra is caught in a game of hide-and-seek with the king’s army and her potioner ex-boyfriend, Hal. At least she’s not alone. She’s armed with her vital potions, a too-cute pig, and Fred, the charming adventurer she can’t stop thinking about. Kyra is determined to get herself a second chance (at murder), but will she be able to find and defeat the princess before Hal and the army find her? Kyra is not your typical murderer, and she’s certainly no damsel-in-distress—she’s the lovable and quick-witted hero of this romantic novel that has all the right ingredients to make teen girls swoon."

This is one debut that I am really looking forward to.  It's been sooo long since I've read a really good high fantasy and I'm hoping this one doesn't disappoint. Plus, there's a magical pig in Poison!! This reminds me of Hen Wen from The Black Cauldron by Lloyd Alexander, which happens to be one of my favorite fantasy series when I was a kid.

Top Ten Tuesday: Settings I'd Like To See More Of

This week Top Ten Tuesday is focusing on settings that we would like to see more of in books. I also thought I would share a few of my travel photos with you guys.  Let me know what you think!  

1.  Paris - Who doesn't love a book set in Paris? I really fell in love with this setting when I read Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins.  Amy Plum's Die For Me is also a good example of a memorable Parisian setting.

Here I am at the Vatican- they are setting up for  the Easter service

2.  Rome- After visiting Rome, I realized what an awesome place it TRULY is and the perfect setting for a book.  Angels and Demons by Dan Brown is an example of how Rome can be an incredible setting for a novel.

This is me at the Southernmost Point - Key West, Florida

3.  The beach- I love a good summertime beach read and I never get sick of a beach setting.  Along for the Ride by Sarah Dessen and Jenny Han's Summer series are two examples of my favorites! Also, I loved the setting of Key West in Turtle in Paradise by Jennifer Holm and Hemingway's Girl by Erika Robuck. 

This is me on a boat outside of Rick's Cafe - Negril, Jamaica

4.  The Caribbean- I haven't read many books set in the Caribbean, but I would love to.  Steel by Carrie Vaughn is one of the only books that comes to mind with that setting.  If there were some Johnny Depp-ish pirates in it, I wouldn't complain either.

Here's a picture of me hiking at Hana, Maui

5.  Hawaii- I actually don't think I've read many books with Hawaii as the setting.  The only one that I can think of is Sweet Life by Mia King. There needs to be more books with Hawaiian settings; it's one of my absolute favorite places in the world. 

Me at the Cliffs of Moher, Ireland

6.  Ireland- I visited Ireland a few years ago and I desperately want to go back.  I've read only a few books with this setting, such as Angela's Ashes by Frank McCourt and Circle of Friends by Maeve Binchy.

7.  An amazing Fantasy world- And not just the usual fantasy setting....I am talking about an all-consuming high fantasy setting with some kind of Tolkien-eque map.  I haven't read a good high fantasy in a long time...not since Graceling by Kristin Cashore.

8.  A dystopian world- I would like to see more of this, but done really well à la The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins or Suzanne Beth Pfeffer's Life As We Knew It.

9. New York City or London during the Gilded Age- It's one of my favorite settings for historical fiction. Luxe series by Anna Godbersen is an example that comes to mind.

10.  Post-Edwardian Era in England- Can you say Downton Abbey? Yes, I am not sick of it....yet. There are some books coming out this year with this setting that I've had my eye on, such as Summerset Abbey by T.J. Brown.


So, there you have it! What about you? Which settings do you want to see more of? Let me know. Also, Top Ten Tuesday is a meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish, so check it out!

Book Review: The Twisted Tragedy of Miss Natalie Stewart by Leanna Renee Hieber

Pages: 332

Genre: YA Fantasy

Pub. Date: November 1, 2012

Source: Publisher for review

Series: Darker Still (Magic Most Foul #1)

My Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Goodreads says, "I'm coming for you. The whispers haunt her dreams and fill her waking hours with dread. Something odd is happening. Something...unnatural. Possession of the living. Resurrection of the dead. And Natalie Stewart is caught right in the middle. Jonathon, the one person she thought she could trust, has become a double agent for the dark side. But he plays the part so well, Natalie has to wonder just how much he's really acting. She can't even see what it is she's fighting. But the cost of losing her heart, her sanity...her soul."

In Darker Still, it ends with Jonathan (Lord Denbury) and Natalie on a train leaving New York City.  They are pretty much on the run along with the help of Mrs. Northe, who is staying in New York.  Just as in Darker Still, all three are still trying to solve the mystery. Natalie and Jonathan are running away from the evil that still lingers in the city; however, once they get to Jonathan's friend's house, they find something disturbing there as well.  They decide to regroup and Natalie to heads back to the city. Jonathan makes an executive decision: to pretend to be on the dark side in order to figure out what is going on, including the mystery surrounding his murdered family.  The Twisted Tragedy of Natalie Stewart is book two in the Magic Most Foul series by Leanna Renee Hieber and although it is deliciously gothic and entertaining, I didn't find it quite as absorbing as Darker Still.  

One of the best parts of The Twisted Tragedy of Miss Natalie Stewart is the relationship between Natalie and Jonathan. Although I definitely wanted more of this in book two, I still really liked them together as a couple. Another thing I enjoyed about The Twisted Tragedy of Miss Natalie Stewart is Hieber's writing. She really creates such a spine-chilling atmosphere that I was thinking about long after the story was over.

I am not big on horror stories and was afraid that this series might push me to the edge, but I think it's more gothic than a horror story.  But don't get me wrong! In The Twisted Tragedy of Miss Natalie Stewart, there's still a demon running loose, a creepy doctor, a scary hospital, and an evil society; so, there's plenty of eerie parts to this novel.  However, what I find most enjoyable are the gothic elements and the Victorian time period.  Hieber does a really good job bringing it all to life. 

Although The Twisted Tragedy of Miss Natalie Stewart wasn't as good as Darker Still, it was still an entertaining read with gothic undertones truly as the star of the show. 

Winner of The Farm

And the winner of The Farm by Emily McKay is..............

#60 Brynna N.

Congrats, Brynna! I hope you enjoy the book and thank you for entering.  

Happy Friday,

Book Review: The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

Pages: 313

Genre: YA Realistic Fiction

Pub. Date: January 10, 2012

Source: Personal Copy

My Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Goodreads says, "Diagnosed with Stage IV thyroid cancer at 13, Hazel was prepared to die until, at 14, a medical miracle shrunk the tumours in her lungs... for now. Two years post-miracle, sixteen-year-old Hazel is post-everything else, too; post-high school, post-friends and post-normalcy. And even though she could live for a long time (whatever that means), Hazel lives tethered to an oxygen tank, the tumours tenuously kept at bay with a constant chemical assault. Enter Augustus Waters. A match made at cancer kid support group, Augustus is gorgeous, in remission, and shockingly to her, interested in Hazel. Being with Augustus is both an unexpected destination and a long-needed journey, pushing Hazel to re-examine how sickness and health, life and death, will define her and the legacy that everyone leaves behind."

Hazel has been dealt a tough hand in life.  She has stage IV thyroid cancer that spread to her lungs and she was told that she wasn't going to make it.  Thankfully, a new drug shrunk the tumors in her lungs and she survived, but she doesn't know for how long.  She doesn't go to school anymore (she got her GED) and spends most of her time in a depressed state at home with her oxygen tank, her parents, and America's Next Top Model.  Her mom convinces her to go to a support group and there she meets Augustus Waters, who also suffered from cancer, but is currently in remission.  He's good looking, smart and charismatic; Hazel isn't sure why he likes her.  As they get to know each other, they deal with issues that no teenager should have to deal with; nonetheless, they are both irrevocably changed in John Green's beautiful story, The Fault in Our Stars.

The Fault in Our Stars is the type of read that while I am reading it, I am laughing at a line or re-reading a line over and over and wanting to share a few sentences with someone. It's brilliant, thoughtful, smart and heartbreaking and those types of books make for memorable and life-altering reads.  I knew The Fault in Our Stars was going to be special as soon as I read the first page. 

Green is a magical author and I am kicking myself for not having read his books until now. I'm ashamed!  As I said before, Green's writing is the type of writing that you want to quote, analyze, and think about.  You want to discuss it and you want to marinate in it. I can't say it enough, but I am obviously now a huge fan of John Green.  

Here are some of my favorite quotes from The Fault in Our Stars:

       *“My thoughts are stars I cannot fathom into constellations.” 

        * “I fell in love the way you fall asleep: slowly, then all at once.” 

       *“That's the thing about pain...it demands to be felt.”

       *"I'm in love with you, and I'm not in the business of denying myself the simple pleasure of saying true things. I'm in love with you, and I know that love is just a shout into the void, and that oblivion is inevitable, and that we're all doomed and that there will come a day when all our labor has been returned to dust, and I know the sun will swallow the only earth we'll ever have, and I am in love with you.”

      *“What a slut time is. She screws everybody.”

      *“Grief does not change you, Hazel. It reveals you.” 

      * "But it is the nature of stars to cross, and never was Shakespeare more wrong than when he has Cassius note, ‘The fault, dear Brutus, is not in our stars / But in ourselves.” 

I don't want to give away too much regarding the plot, but Hazel and Augustus are such memorable characters. I adored every second of The Fault in Our Stars, even though cancer is so tremendously heartbreaking and scary.  Plus, I must admit that thyroid cancer really hits home for me, which is probably why I pushed off reading this book; however, I am so-so-so very glad I did. Green really pushed me to think about life, love, and what it all means after we are long gone.  

The Fault in Our Stars changed me and I don't say that about many books. It made me laugh, it made me angry and it sure made me cry. It's definitely one of my favorite books and I imagine it will be for a long time.

Waiting on Wednesday: The Book of Broken Hearts

This is a weekly meme hosted by Jill from Breaking the Spine.  "Waiting on Wednesday" spotlights upcoming releases that I'm eagerly anticipating.

The Book of Broken Hearts by Sarah Ockler

Pub. Date: May 21, 2013

Goodreads says, "Jude has learned a lot from her older sisters, but the most important thing is this: The Vargas brothers are notorious heartbreakers. She’s seen the tears and disasters that dating a Vargas boy can cause, and she swore an oath—with candles and a contract and everything—to never have anything to do with one. Now Jude is the only sister still living at home, and she’s spending the summer helping her ailing father restore his vintage motorcycle—which means hiring a mechanic to help out. Is it Jude’s fault he happens to be cute? And surprisingly sweet? And a Vargas? Jude tells herself it’s strictly bike business with Emilio. Her sisters will never find out, and Jude can spot those flirty little Vargas tricks a mile away—no way would she fall for them. But Jude’s defenses are crumbling, and if history is destined to repeat itself, she’s speeding toward some serious heartbreak…unless her sisters were wrong? Jude may have taken an oath, but she’s beginning to think that when it comes to love, some promises might be worth breaking."

I really enjoyed Twenty Boy Summer, so when I saw Sarah Ockler had another book coming out, I immediately added it to my TBR list.  It sounds like a great summertime read. What do you guys think?

Top Ten Tuesday: 2013 Debuts

There are so many great books coming out this year, but today I am focusing specifically on debut novels.  Check out the top ten 2013 debuts that I have my eye on:

1.  Chantress by Amy Butler Greenfield
2.  Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea by April Genevieve Tucholke

3.  Nantucked Blue by Leila Howland
4.  The Beautiful and the Cursed by Page Morgan

5.  The Sweet Revenge of Celia Door by Karen Finneyfrock
6.  Five Summers by Una LaMarche

7.  Poison by Bridget Zinn
8.  How My Summer Went Up in Flames by Jennifer Salvato Doktorski

9.  Belle Epoque by Elizabeth Ross
10.  Strands of Bronze and Gold by Jane Nickerson

Aren't the covers of all these debuts fabulous? Which debut are you looking forward to the most? Let me know! Top Ten Tuesday is a meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish. 

Book Review: Darker Still by Leanna Renee Hieber

Pages: 317

Genre: YA Fantasy/Historical Fiction

Pub. Date: November 8, 2011

Source: Publisher for review

My Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Goodreads says, "I was obsessed. It was as if he called to me, demanding I reach out and touch the brushstrokes of color swirled onto the canvas. It was the most exquisite portrait I'd ever seen--everything about Lord Denbury was unbelievable...utterly breathtaking and eerily lifelike. There was a reason for that. Because despite what everyone said, Denbury never had committed suicide. He was alive. Trapped within his golden frame. I've crossed over into his world within the painting, and I've seen what dreams haunt him. They haunt me too. He and I are inextricably linked--bound together to watch the darkness seeping through the gas-lit cobblestone streets of Manhattan. Unless I can free him soon, things will only get Darker Still."

Miss Natalie Stewart is your somewhat typical girl living in Manhattan in the 1800s.  Unfortunately, her mother died tragically and Natalie witnessed it, which led to her being selectively mute. She hasn't spoken in years and although she knows sign language well, her father doesn't and most people aren't sure how to deal with her.  That is until she meets Mrs. Northe, a very rich spiritualist, who also knows sign language and they it it off immediately.  Natalie finds out about a mysterious portrait of Lord Denbury who committed suicide, which is upsetting to most young girls of marrying age as he is extremely good looking.  Many people want this portrait, because it is rumored to be haunted and Mrs. Northe doesn't want it to fall into the wrong hands, so she acquires it herself.  Natalie finds out the most startling thing. She can actually enter Denbury's portrait and when she does, she has her voice!  She finds out that Denbury didn't actually commit suicide, but rather he is trapped inside of his portrait due to some extremely evil magic.  Natalie must figure out a way to save Denbury and her heart as well, because she has fallen for him.  Leanna Renee Hieber's Darker Still is an imaginative read that fans of historical fiction and fantasy will like, especially those who enjoy gothic tales.

Natalie Stewart is an interesting protagonist as she is selectively mute. Darker Still is told through her journal entries, which I thought was especially fun. Having a protagonist that is selectively mute makes for an interesting situation as most characters think she is "deaf and dumb", when in fact, she isn't and they make the mistake of whispering secrets in front of her.  Natalie has been dealt a tough hand in life, but thankfully has a supportive father who didn't cast her away upon finding out that she is mute after the accident that took her mother's life.  Her relationship with Mrs. Northe is also one of my favorite aspects of the book, especially because Natalie not only learned about spiritualism through her, but also was able to have a real friend who could sign and communicate with.  

When Natalie meets Lord Denbury through the painting it is a serious case of insta-love since she is Denbury's only connection with the outside world and Natalie is pretty much obsessed with him. Darker Still has many aspects of the gothic novel, so when it comes to Natalie and Denbury's relationship, there's a lot leading up to simply handholding and a forbidden kiss.  This is the 1800s after all and Natali tries desperately to be respectable even if it is hard to resist dreamy Denbury.

I don't handle a lot of dark or scary reads too well and there were a few moments in Darker Still that creeped me out, such as demons possessing bodies, evil magic, murder, scary dreams, etc, but I stuck it out and I was glad I did, because I think Hieber did a good job with the action and suspense in Darker Still.  There was a good mix of a lot of gothic elements and it wasn't overly dark, which I appreciated.

Although Darker Still isn't a perfect read by any means, it was entertaining nonetheless and the ending sets readers up for the sequel, The Twisted Tragedy of Miss Natalie Stewart, which I definitely plan on reading as well.  So, if you are a fan of gothic literature, check out Darker Still; in fact, the e-book is on sale now for $2.99, which is definitely a deal!