Wednesday, March 28, 2018

A Blog Break


If you celebrate Easter, I hope you enjoy it with your families. I will be taking some time off from blogging to enjoy the holiday. I wish the weather was going to be better, but what can you do? Spring will eventually come.....right?

I'll be reading More Than We Can Tell by Brigid Kemmerer, which is a spin-off of Letters to the Lost, one of my favorite YA novels of 2017.  What are you guys reading? Let me know!

Don't forget to enter my Friday Five Giveaway and have a great week!


Tuesday, March 27, 2018

Book Review: The Neighbors by Hannah Mary McKinnon

Pages: 384
Genre: Adult Fiction
Pub. Date: March 13, 2018
Publisher: Mira
Source: Publisher for review
My Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars 

Goodreads says, "In 1992, a car accident kills a young man and forever changes the lives of three people… Now, twenty years later, they’ll all come to regret the choices they made that day, as the secrets and lies they’ve told to protect each other become the very things that tear their lives apart.  After a night of fun, Abby was responsible for the car crash that killed her beloved brother. It is a sin she can never forgive herself for, so she pushes away the man she loves most, knowing that he would eventually hate her for what she’s done, the same way she hates herself.  Twenty years later, Abby’s husband, Nate, is also living with a deep sense of guilt. He was the driver who first came upon the scene of Abby’s accident, the man who pulled her to safety before the car erupted in flames, the man who could not save her brother in time. It’s this guilt, this regret that binds them together. They understand each other. Or so Nate believes.  In a strange twist of fate, Liam (her old lover—possibly her true soulmate) moves in with his own family next door, releasing a flood of memories that Abby has been trying to keep buried all these years. Abby and Liam, in a complicit agreement, pretend never to have met, yet cannot resist the pull of the past—nor the repercussions of the dark secrets they’ve both been carrying… "

Nate and Abby Morris live a seemingly average life in England. That is until Abby's ex-boyfriend, Liam, moves in next door with his family. But you see, Nate doesn't know that Abby knows their new neighbor intimately.  Abby and Liam's history isn't just the average dating tale either.  Abby and Liam were majorly in love until an accident kills her brother. Abby blames herself for his death and decides that she doesn't deserve happiness and her former perfect life with Liam. So, she pushes him away and they break up. Except her feelings for Liam never truly stop even though she has married Nate and moved on with her life.  Unexpectedly, Liam moves in next door with his son and his wife, Nancy, and he is just as surprised to find Abby as his neighbor.  Things get really, really complicated, especially when Liam's son, Zac, shows an interest in Abby's daughter. Can we say awkward?  Many secrets are revealed not only about the accident, but also about Liam and Abby's former relationship.  Some of the secrets readers may see coming from a mile away, but others will definitely surprise readers. If you like domestic suspense, The Neighbors by Hannah Mary McKinnon will keep you entertained.

So, I really didn't like any of the characters in The Neighbors. I wanted to like Abby and did just a little bit towards the beginning of the story, but as things progress, I couldn't get past some of her selfish actions. I did feel bad with how she beats herself up regarding the death of her beloved brother, but, ultimately, she was a tough character to enjoy. That doesn't mean I didn't get sucked into her story, because I definitely did. It was like a train wreck. I couldn't stop reading even though just about every chapter made me cringe.

Their new neighbors, Liam and Nancy, were just as despicable in The Neighbors.  I knew Liam was holding some major secrets surrounding his past with Abby and I wanted to feel badly for him, but I just couldn't. He chose to marry Nancy and he has a son with her, so he needs to act like an adult. But of course, that didn't happen...not really by any of the adults in the novel.  Nancy is the worst. That's all I am going to say about that.

I had a few issues with the plot and some of the story lines surrounding cheating, but other than that I thought it was a quick and fun read. It definitely kept me entertained despite the fact that I didn't agree with the characters one bit.  The ending of The Neighbors was a tad rushed, but overall, I thought it was soapy fun just like a guilty pleasure or watching your favorite show on Lifetime.


Sunday, March 25, 2018

Stacking the Shelves (65)


Book Review: The Princes of Ireland by Edward Rutherfurd
Can't Wait Wednesday: The Secret of the Irish Castle
Top Ten Tuesday: Spring TBR List




I'll be sharing my thoughts on The Neighbors by Hannah Mary McKinnon next week.  Fans of domestic suspense novels will like this one!  I will also taking a blog break for the Easter holiday.  





 

Sweet Black Waves by Kristina Perez - Thanks to Macmillan and Netgalley
California Summer by Anita Hughes - Thanks to St. Martins and NetGalley




Bring Me Their Hearts by Sara Wolf - Thanks to Entangled Teen
Love & Luck by Jenna Evans Welch - Thanks to Simon Pulse 





Congrats to the following winners: 

The Belles - Rachel K.
Emergency Contact and a PopSocket - Clarisa R.


Have you read any of these books? Are they on your TBR list? Let me know your thoughts. Thanks for visiting! This meme is hosted by Kimberly at Caffeinated Book Reviewer.

Friday, March 23, 2018

Friday Five and a Giveaway (45)


Guys, it's been awhile since my last Friday Five! Sometimes I like to talk about what I am currently into that is not necessarily book related. Here's what I have been up to/thinking about/enjoying lately.



1.  Starz and The Constant Princess - Yes! I have always wondered why Starz doesn't just continue with the Cousins' War series as it is SO good, but I love that they are branching off to other Philippa Gregory novels. You can read about it here.  I believe The Constant Princess is what the show will be based off of and I am thrilled; it's definitely one of my favorite of Gregory's novels.




2.  To All the Boys I've Loved Before and Netflix - Did you guys hear this news? It has me super excited!  I am so happy for Jenny Han, because not only is she one of my favorite authors, she is a nice person and I love when good things happen to nice people. I consider meeting her one of the most coolest moments of my life. #fangirl 




3.  Spring Break - Ugh. This weather. The weather here in PA is less than stellar. I definitely imagined more springlike weather over spring break and Easter. We've been hit hard with a lot of snow this March, which has me completely bummed. 



4. Good TV - What are you watching? What's your favorite show to binge? I am in desperate need for  a new TV show. I feel like there aren't many good TV shows on currently. Let me know some recommendations in the comments.





5.  Giveaway - Today I am giving away a book from my list below.  Good luck and please refer to my giveaway rules. This giveaway is open to US readers only.
a Rafflecopter giveaway


Happy Friday,

Thursday, March 22, 2018

Book Review: The Princes of Ireland by Edward Rutherfurd

Pages: 778
Genre: Adult Historical Fiction
Pub. Date: December 16, 2003
Publisher: Ballantine
Source: Personal Copy
My Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars


Goodreads says, "Brilliantly weaving impeccable historical research with stirring storytelling, Edward Rutherfurd explores our shared Celtic roots in a magnificent epic of Ireland spanning eleven centuries. While vividly conveying the passions and struggles that shaped particularly the character of Dublin, Rutherfurd portrays the major events in Irish history: the tribal culture of pagan Ireland; the mission of Saint Patrick; the coming of the Vikings; the making of treasures like the Book of Kells; and the tricks of Henry II, which gave England its first foothold in medieval Ireland. Through the interlocking stories of a memorable cast of characters–druids and chieftains, monks and smugglers, noblewomen and farmwives, laborers and orphans, rebels and cowards–Rutherfurd captures the essence of a place and its people in a thrilling story steeped in the tragedy and glory that are Ireland."


Rutherford takes us through Irish history starting with when the Irish were pagans. The year was 430 AD and we meet Deirdre and her father, Fergus, who is currently the Chieftain.  Things aren't simple for Deirdre though as she is in love with someone whom she isn't betrothed to.  Disaster ensues and as the years pass we watch the Irish people take on various transformations with one being the start of Christianity and the arrival of St. Patrick.  Then there's the Vikings arrival, the Tudor conquest, and so much more in between. All the while there are betrayals, romance, battles, rebellions, and religious issues.  Rutherfurd presents some of the information in The Princes of Ireland as a history lesson, but for the most part, facts are weaved with story and in turn it makes for a compelling tale.

Rutherford showcases Irish families throughout history in The Princes of Ireland and just as readers are starting to get invested in a particular character, the years go by and we move on to new ones. I would say that I found myself more interested in certain time periods than others as I find the time of Brian Boru most interesting.  In fact, some sections  of the novel were truly captivating while others sort of dragged on. I guess that is expected when a novel is 700+ pages.

However, there was a lot that I loved about The Princes of Ireland.  I really enjoyed learning more about Brian Boru and his interactions with the Vikings. I also thoroughly enjoyed learning more about the different clans, such as the O'Neills, O'Briens, and the O'Connors as well as their mark on Irish history.   I also thought it as very compelling how Rutherfurd took readers through how the Vikings terrorized Ireland for years and their influence on the island as well as the unrest amongst the various Irish clans.  The novel covers famous Book of Kells, the High King of Tara, Council of Cashel and so much more.  This would be an excellent read to delve into before a trip to visit Ireland or fans of the show Vikings as there are many similarities.

If you love Irish history and historical fiction, definitely give The Princes of Ireland a try. Although it was slow in a few parts, I did learn a lot and it sure beats reading a textbook on the topic. I look forward to checking out book two of The Dublin Saga and learning even more about Irish history.


Wednesday, March 21, 2018

Can't Wait Wednesday: The Secret of the Irish Castle

Can't-Wait Wednesday is hosted by Wishful Endings and helps us spotlight upcoming releases we're eagerly anticipating!

The Secret of the Irish Castle by Santa Montefiore
Pub. Date: August 14, 2018



Goodreads says, "1939: Peace has flourished since the Great War ended, but much has changed for the Deverill family as now a new generation is waiting in the wings to make their mark. When Martha Wallace leaves her home in America to search for her birth mother in Dublin, she never imagines that she will completely lose her heart to the impossibly charming JP Deverill. But more surprises are in store for her after she discovers that her mother comes from the same place as JP, sealing her fate.  Bridie Doyle, now Countess di Marcantonio and mistress of Castle Deverill, is determined to make the castle she used to work in her home. But just as she begins to feel things are finally going her way, her flamboyant husband Cesare has other ideas. As his eye strays away from his wife, those close to the couple wonder if he really is who he says he is.  Kitty Deverill has come to accept her life with her husband Robert, and their two children. But then Jack O’Leary, the love of her life, returns to Ballinakelly. And this time his heart belongs elsewhere.  As long-held secrets come to light, the Deverills will have to heal old wounds and come to terms with the past if they hope to ensure their legacy for the future."

I have been waiting for this final book in the trilogy for awhile now. If you enjoy historical fiction, do yourself a favor and read this series, The Deverill Chronicles. It's one of the best that I've read!  What do you guys think?

Tuesday, March 20, 2018

Top Ten Tuesday: My Spring TBR

Is today really the first day of spring? The weather here in PA sure doesn't feel like it. I'm ready for some warm days reading my favorite book on the patio with a cool drink. What about you all? Here's the books I have my eye on this spring.


Young Adult Fiction:



1.  Sky in the Deep by Adrienne Young
2.  9 Days & 9 Nights by Katie Cotugno




3.  August and Everything After by Jennifer Salvato Doktorski
4.  Love & Luck by Jenna Evans Welch



5.  The Last Summer of the Garrett Girls by Jessica Spotswood



Adult Fiction:



1.  My Dear Hamilton by Stephanie Bray and Laura Kamoie
2.  The Husband Hour by Jamie Brenner




3.  The Summer I Met Jack by Michelle Gable
4.  Secret to Southern Charm by Kristy Woodson Harvey




5.  The High Tide Club by Mary Kay Andrews


What do you hope to read this spring? Let's hope spring gets here sooner than later for those of us on the East Coast. I am in total denial about the possibility of more snow. For now, I'm going to daydream of daffodils, birds chirping, and some spring sunshine.   This is hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl


Sunday, March 18, 2018

Stacking the Shelves (64)


Book Review: The Wedding Date by Jasmine Guillory
Can't Wait Wednesday: The Secret to Southern Charm 
Giveaway: Emergency Contact by Mary H.K. Choi and a PopSocket 




I'll be sharing my thoughts on the epic tome that is The Princes of Ireland. I had been meaning to read it for a long time and I thought the week of St. Patrick's Day was the perfect time. It had a Vikings vibe to it and I loved learning more about Irish history. This week I'll also be sharing the books on my spring TBR. Bring on the warmer weather!







Beach House Memories by Mary Alice Monroe - Thanks to ? and NetGalley
Love & Luck by Jenna Evans Welch - Thanks to Simon & Schuster and NetGalley
All We Ever Wanted by Emily Giffin - Thanks to Ballantine and NetGalley


Have you read any of these books? Are they on your TBR list? Let me know your thoughts. Thanks for visiting! This meme is hosted by Kimberly at Caffeinated Book Reviewer.

Thursday, March 15, 2018

Book Review: The Wedding Date by Jasmine Guillory

Pages: 320
Genre: Adult Fiction/Romance
Pub. Date: January 30, 2018
Publisher: Berkley
Source: Publisher for review
My Rating:  3.5 out of 5 stars 


Goodreads says, " A groomsman and his last-minute guest are about to discover if a fake date can go the distance in a fun and flirty debut novel.  Agreeing to go to a wedding with a guy she gets stuck with in an elevator is something Alexa Monroe wouldn't normally do. But there's something about Drew Nichols that's too hard to resist.  On the eve of his ex's wedding festivities, Drew is minus a plus one. Until a power outage strands him with the perfect candidate for a fake girlfriend... After Alexa and Drew have more fun than they ever thought possible, Drew has to fly back to Los Angeles and his job as a pediatric surgeon, and Alexa heads home to Berkeley, where she's the mayor's chief of staff. Too bad they can't stop thinking about the other...   They're just two high-powered professionals on a collision course toward the long distance dating disaster of the century--or closing the gap between what they think they need and what they truly want..."



Alexa is a successful female who works for the mayor and while on her way to visit her sister, she ends up stuck in the elevator. Except she isn't alone. She's "stuck" with a hot doctor who just so happens to not only be single, but also be attending a wedding in San Francisco.  While stuck in the elevator, Alexa and Drew actually hit it off and sparks fly.  Somehow Drew convinces Alexa to be his date at this wedding since his previous bailed on him.  This isn't just any wedding though. This is the wedding of his ex-girlfriend and it would really stink if he showed up without a date. Alexa accepts, because what does she have to lose? This leads to a whole fake relationship that turns into something more plot line, but what separates this novel from the usual frothy and overly saccharine plot lines is the fact that it's a pretty real portrayal of a relationship and the big question that hangs over a couples head. Does the couple want to take the next steps and make it an official relationship?  If you like romance novels that will have you blushing and are like your favorite rom-com, then definitely give The Wedding Date by Jasmine Guillory one a try.

I really liked Alexa from the beginning. She's a successful confidant woman who is witty, charming, and funny. Her relationship with Drew, in the beginning, is just a physical one, but I liked how once they got to know each other better, they developed real feelings for one another.  Drew is sort of a "perfect" guy. He's a good looking pediatric surgeon who is somehow still single.  Like I said, he needs a date for his ex-girlfriend's wedding and spontaneously asks Alexa to go with him.  It was a lot of fun going along for their "fake relationship" ride at the wedding and even after the wedding as they still continued to see each other, but ultimately, the question remains.  To quote Old Dominion, "Are we written in the stars, baby, or are we written in the sand?" Meaning where does their relationship stand? Is it a real one? Can they actually share their true feelings or has this whole thing been a facade?

I rolled my eyes a few times reading The Wedding Date as so many circumstances seemed a little too good to be true, but the novel had some depth. It wasn't just your usual romance. It deals with interracial relationships as well as true relationship issues. I thought that Guillory portrayed the complexities of a new relationship very accurately. But that isn't to say it wasn't romantic. I mean this book got pretty racy and quickly. I wasn't completely expecting it and I didn't mind, but be forewarned, especially if that isn't your thing. 


I think The Wedding Date will appeal to romance fans the most, especially if you are looking for a rom-com type of novel with some depth.  This would be great spring break reading for sure! 



Wednesday, March 14, 2018

Can't Wait Wednesday: The Secret to Southern Charm

Can't-Wait Wednesday is hosted by Wishful Endings and helps us spotlight upcoming releases we're eagerly anticipating!

The Secret to Southern Charm by Kristy Woodson Harvey
Pub. Date: April 3, 2018





YES! Bring on the beach reads! I really loved the first book in the series, Slightly South of Simple, and am looking forward to continuing with the story.  Also, I am LOVING the cover! What do you guys think? 

Tuesday, March 13, 2018

Giveaway: Emergency Contact

I'm excited to share this fun giveaway with you guys! Thanks to Simon Teen, I have an extra copy of Emergency Contact by Mary H. K. Choi to give away to one lucky US reader along with your very own PopSocket for your cell phone.

Goodreads says, "For Penny Lee high school was a total nonevent. Her friends were okay, her grades were fine, and while she somehow managed to land a boyfriend, he doesn’t actually know anything about her. When Penny heads to college in Austin, Texas, to learn how to become a writer, it’s seventy-nine miles and a zillion light years away from everything she can’t wait to leave behind.  Sam’s stuck. Literally, figuratively, emotionally, financially. He works at a café and sleeps there too, on a mattress on the floor of an empty storage room upstairs. He knows that this is the god-awful chapter of his life that will serve as inspiration for when he’s a famous movie director but right this second the seventeen bucks in his checking account and his dying laptop are really testing him.   When Sam and Penny cross paths it’s less meet-cute and more a collision of unbearable awkwardness. Still, they swap numbers and stay in touch—via text—and soon become digitally inseparable, sharing their deepest anxieties and secret dreams without the humiliating weirdness of having to see each other."

Doesn't this YA debut sound like a lot of fun? The book hits shelves on March 27th, so keep your eye out for it. Please refer to my giveaway rules and good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway


 
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