Helllooo from Scotland!

Just kidding! How great would that be though...?!

No, I've actually just finished reading Outlander (for Erin's 6.0!), and spent a lot of the springy overcast weekend watching (most of) the first season of the show. So I feel like my mind is kind of still in Scotland.

Le sigh. You guys, I did not expect to be so swept up in this book...

I had the full gamut of emotions. I was smiling, laughing, sobbing, cringing, throughout the whole thing, and I loved every. minute.



Seeing the on-screen adaptation is surprisingly awesome as well. The trailer looked tad cheesy... so I was nervous, but it's actually really well done for the most part!



KC has been watching it with me and I think he's mostly enjoying it as well. He heard me talk about the book... all week... so he knew a lot of the plot, but we've been chatting about it a lot when we're not watching.



^^^ uh yeah ^^^

Also as a bonus, one of my favorite dwarves from The Hobbit (Dwalin) is in Outlander. You guys know how I love the Hobbit... I just love seeing the actor (Graham McTavish) in another role! Makes me want to watch everything he's been in. So much talent!! (also you guys, he's 56 and he's in crazy good shape!)

I don't have a ton to say... because I don't want to give spoilers... other than... if you enjoy action adventure/romance/historical fiction type books you should pick this one up! The size is a bit daunting, but I think you'll really enjoy it!

Tonight we'll probably finish the last few episodes.. and then I'll have to wait to get the next book from the library. :)

Unless the weekend's library book sale gets the better of me... and I end up finding and then buying them all... haha

Have you read these? If so, what did you think? (no spoilers please!!)

What have you been reading lately?!

XO,

Alexandra

12 Witchy Reads for Halloween // Bookworm

Hi Friends!

I've been posting a ton about liking darker movies, music, etc. in the fall. Well, books are no exception, and this year I am getting really into books about witches.

From historical fiction and magical realism, to urban fantasy and YA, there are so many good options!

All of these are on my TBR or Read lists!

*all ratings and synopses are from goodreads*

1) A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness - 3.98 on goodreads

Synopsis: A richly inventive novel about a centuries-old vampire, a spellbound witch, and the mysterious manuscript that draws them together. 

Deep in the stacks of Oxford's Bodleian Library, young scholar Diana Bishop unwittingly calls up a bewitched alchemical manuscript in the course of her research. Descended from an old and distinguished line of witches, Diana wants nothing to do with sorcery; so after a furtive glance and a few notes, she banishes the book to the stacks. But her discovery sets a fantastical underworld stirring, and a horde of daemons, witches, and vampires soon descends upon the library. Diana has stumbled upon a coveted treasure lost for centuries-and she is the only creature who can break its spell. 

For those who enjoy this book, this is the first book in a trilogy.

2) Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling - of course! - 4.42 on goodreads

Synopsis: Harry Potter's life is miserable. His parents are dead and he's stuck with his heartless relatives, who force him to live in a tiny closet under the stairs. But his fortune changes when he receives a letter that tells him the truth about himself: he's a wizard. A mysterious visitor rescues him from his relatives and takes him to his new home, Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

After a lifetime of bottling up his magical powers, Harry finally feels like a normal kid. But even within the Wizarding community, he is special. He is the boy who lived: the only person to have ever survived a killing curse inflicted by the evil Lord Voldemort, who launched a brutal takeover of the Wizarding world, only to vanish after failing to kill Harry.

Though Harry's first year at Hogwarts is the best of his life, not everything is perfect. There is a dangerous secret object hidden within the castle walls, and Harry believes it's his responsibility to prevent it from falling into evil hands. But doing so will bring him into contact with forces more terrifying than he ever could have imagined.

Also a series, but you knew that! My sister and a close friend recently started reading this series for the first time, eep! :)

3) Witches of East End by Melissa de la Cruz - 3.51 on goodreads

See my review, here.

Synopsis: The three Beauchamp women--Joanna and her daughters Freya and Ingrid--live in North Hampton, out on the tip of Long Island. Their beautiful, mist-shrouded town seems almost stuck in time, and all three women lead seemingly quiet, uneventful existences. But they are harboring a mighty secret--they are powerful witches banned from using their magic. Joanna can resurrect people from the dead and heal the most serious of injuries. Ingrid, her bookish daughter, has the ability to predict the future and weave knots that can solve anything from infertility to infidelity. And finally, there's Freya, the wild child, who has a charm or a potion that can cure most any heartache.

For centuries, all three women have been forced to suppress their abilities. But then Freya, who is about to get married to the wealthy and mysterious Bran Gardiner, finds that her increasingly complicated romantic life makes it more difficult than ever to hide her secret. Soon Ingrid and Joanna confront similar dilemmas, and the Beauchamp women realize they can no longer conceal their true selves. They unearth their wands from the attic, dust off their broomsticks, and begin casting spells on the townspeople. It all seems like a bit of good-natured, innocent magic, but then mysterious, violent attacks begin to plague the town. When a young girl disappears over the Fourth of July weekend, they realize it's time to uncover who and what dark forces are working against them.

This book is a series, and a (so far, imho) even better TV show. 

4) The Witch of Blackbird Pond by Elizabeth George Speare - 3.96 on goodreads

Synopsis: Orphaned Kit Tyler knows, as she gazes for the first time at the cold, bleak shores of Connecticut Colony, that her new home will never be like the shimmering Caribbean island she left behind. In her relatives' stern Puritan community, she feels like a tropical bird that has flown to the wrong part of the world, a bird that is now caged and lonely. The only place where Kit feels completely free is in the meadows, where she enjoys the company of the old Quaker woman known as the Witch of Blackbird Pond, and on occasion, her young sailor friend Nat. But when Kit's friendship with the "witch" is discovered, Kit is faced with suspicion, fear, and anger. She herself is accused of witchcraft!

5) Chocolat by Joanne Harris - 3.94 on goodreads

See my review, here.

Synopsis: Greeted as "an amazement of riches ... few readers will be able to resist" by The New York Times, Chocolat is an enchanting novel about a small French town turned upside down by the arrival of a bewitching chocolate confectioner, Vianne Rocher, and her spirited young daughter.

For those who enjoy this book, this is the first book in a series.

6) The Witch's Daughter by Paula Brackston - 3.53 on goodreads

Synopsis: My name is Elizabeth Anne Hawksmith, and my age is three hundred and eighty-four years. Each new settlement asks for a new journal, and so this Book of Shadows begins.

In the spring of 1628, the Witchfinder of Wessex finds himself a true Witch. As Bess Hawksmith watches her mother swing from the Hanging Tree she knows that only one man can save her from the same fate at the hands of the panicked mob: the Warlock Gideon Masters, and his Book of Shadows. Secluded at his cottage in the woods, Gideon instructs Bess in the Craft, awakening formidable powers she didn't know she had and making her immortal. She couldn't have foreseen that even now, centuries later, he would be hunting her across time, determined to claim payment for saving her life.

In present-day England, Elizabeth has built a quiet life for herself, tending her garden and selling herbs and oils at the local farmers' market. But her solitude abruptly ends when a teenage girl called Tegan starts hanging around. Against her better judgment, Elizabeth begins teaching Tegan the ways of the Hedge Witch, in the process awakening memories—and demons—long thought forgotten.

Part historical romance, part modern fantasy, The Witch’s Daughter is a fresh, compelling take on the magical, yet dangerous world of Witches. Readers will long remember the fiercely independent heroine who survives plagues, wars, and the heartbreak that comes with immortality to remain true to herself, and protect the protégé she comes to love.

For those who enjoy this book, this is the first book in a series.

7) Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia - 3.76 on goodreads

Synopsis: Lena Duchannes is unlike anyone the small Southern town of Gatlin has ever seen, and she's struggling to conceal her power, and a curse that has haunted her family for generations. But even within the overgrown gardens, murky swamps and crumbling graveyards of the forgotten South, a secret cannot stay hidden forever.

Ethan Wate, who has been counting the months until he can escape from Gatlin, is haunted by dreams of a beautiful girl he has never met. When Lena moves into the town's oldest and most infamous plantation, Ethan is inexplicably drawn to her and determined to uncover the connection between them.

In a town with no surprises, one secret could change everything.

For those who enjoy this book, this is the first book in a series.

8) Garden Spells by Sarah Addison Allen - 4.06 on goodreads

Synopsis: The women of the Waverley family -- whether they like it or not -- are heirs to an unusual legacy, one that grows in a fenced plot behind their Queen Anne home on Pendland Street in Bascom, North Carolina. There, an apple tree bearing fruit of magical properties looms over a garden filled with herbs and edible flowers that possess the power to affect in curious ways anyone who eats them. 

For nearly a decade, 34-year-old Claire Waverley, at peace with her family inheritance, has lived in the house alone, embracing the spirit of the grandmother who raised her, ruing her mother's unfortunate destiny and seemingly unconcerned about the fate of her rebellious sister, Sydney, who freed herself long ago from their small town's constraints. Using her grandmother's mystical culinary traditions, Claire has built a successful catering business -- and a carefully controlled, utterly predictable life -- upon the family's peculiar gift for making life-altering delicacies: lilac jelly to engender humility, for instance, or rose geranium wine to call up fond memories. Garden Spells reveals what happens when Sydney returns to Bascom with her young daughter, turning Claire's routine existence upside down. With Sydney's homecoming, the magic that the quiet caterer has measured into recipes to shape the thoughts and moods of others begins to influence Claire's own emotions in terrifying and delightful ways. 

As the sisters reconnect and learn to support one another, each finds romance where she least expects it, while Sydney's child, Bay, discovers both the safe home she has longed for and her own surprising gifts. With the help of their elderly cousin Evanelle, endowed with her own uncanny skills, the Waverley women redeem the past, embrace the present, and take a joyful leap into the future. 

For those who enjoy this book, this is the first book in a series.

9) Witch Child by Celia Rees - 3.79 on goodreads

Synopsis: Enter the world of young Mary Newbury, a world where simply being different can cost a person her life. Hidden until now in the pages of her diary, Mary's startling story begins in 1659, the year her beloved grandmother is hanged in the public square as a witch. Mary narrowly escapes a similar fate, only to face intolerance and new danger among the Puritans in the New World. How long can she hide her true identity? Will she ever find a place where her healing powers will not be feared? 

For those who enjoy this book, this is the first book in a series.

10) The Witch of Portobello by Paulo Coelho - 3.51 on goodreads

Synopsis: How do we find the courage to always be true to ourselves—even if we are unsure of whom we are?

That is the central question of international bestselling author Paulo Coelho's profound new work, The Witch of Portobello. It is the story of a mysterious woman named Athena, told by the many who knew her well—or hardly at all.

11) The Keeper of the Crystal Spring by Naomi & Deborah Baltuck - 4.08 on goodreads

Synopsis: The year is 1086, twenty years after the Norman Conquest, and the new Norman lords are squeezing their Saxon subjects mercilessly. To survive, the townspeople of Enmore Green band together under the wise leadership of Father Edmund and Sirona, the local seeress who is teaching the healing arts to her foster daughter, Aldyth. Beautiful, sensitive, and feisty, Aldyth has decided not to marry but instead to dedicate her life to serving the Goddess of the Crystal Spring.Her decision is complicated, though, by her companion in the resistance movement -- a sexy Robin Hood figure who has vowed to win her. She also attracts the attention of Gandulf -- the son of the hated Norman lord -- a gentle handsome man who, despite his upbringing, has an affinity for his Saxon subjects. Their tempestuous love triangle is played out against the turbulence of Saxon and Norman life and is dramatically resolved when a mysterious stranger reveals to Gandulf a secret from his past that will change everyone's future.

12) Truthwitch by Susan Dennard - 3.95 on goodreads

Synopsis: In a continent on the edge of war, two witches hold its fate in their hands.

Young witches Safiya and Iseult have a habit of finding trouble. After clashing with a powerful Guildmaster and his ruthless Bloodwitch bodyguard, the friends are forced to flee their home.

Safi must avoid capture at all costs as she's a rare Truthwitch, able to discern truth from lies. Many would kill for her magic, so Safi must keep it hidden - lest she be used in the struggle between empires. And Iseult's true powers are hidden even from herself.

In a chance encounter at Court, Safi meets Prince Merik and makes him a reluctant ally. However, his help may not slow down the Bloodwitch now hot on the girls' heels. All Safi and Iseult want is their freedom, but danger lies ahead. With war coming, treaties breaking and a magical contagion sweeping the land, the friends will have to fight emperors and mercenaries alike. For some will stop at nothing to get their hands on a Truthwitch.

For those who enjoy this book, this is the first book in a (new!) series.


What are you reading this Halloween?

Have you read any of these books?

Let's be friends on goodreads!

XO,

Alexandra

April Reads // Fairy Tales and Witches

Hmm April was not much of a reading Month for me... but I did enjoy most of what I read. I hope to read more in May. When I get stuck on a book that I don't like, it definitely slows my progress. I think I need to start abandoning sooner! haha

Linking up with Steph & Jana today for Show Us Your Books!

Witches of East End by Melissa De La Cruz

3.5 stars - I recommend if you like reading about witches or contemporary real-world set fantasy. I sadly did not like the book more than the show.

After reading the entire Blue Bloods series in 2015-2016, I hadn't planned on reading this book for quite a while. However, when I abandoned my "four word title" book for Erin's 4.0 book challenge, I needed a new one. Enter, Witches of East End. I will disclose, that I watched the show first, and yes I was terribly sad when it was cancelled! C'MON NETFLIX! REBOOT ALL OF OUR FAVORITES PLEASE!! Moving right along, I read this book in two evenings, it's pretty short and definitely a quick read. I was both relieved and a little bummed that the book was pretty different than the show. On the one hand, I didn't want to be bored. On the other, I liked some elements of the show, more than the book. At least so far, there are a few more books. The story follows mother Joanna, and her two daughters Freya and Ingrid as they live out their existence as mortals in North Hampton, NY. They have been banned from using their magic, but along the way they each find a reason to do a little white magic here and there. Freya is a bartender who is recently engaged to the town's most eligible bachelor, Bran Gardiner, and when his brother Killian comes into town she finds it difficult to resist his charms. Ingrid is the local librarian who is cataloging blue prints of the town's oldest homes. When she gets a hold of the Gardiner mansion's blue prints, she quickly learns that everything is not quite what it seems in the old home. Joanna, who has been estranged from her own son for thousands of years, finds solace in spending time with a little boy. The story unfolds and the three women are quickly in trouble for using their magic. Overall I liked this book, but I missed Wendy's character. In the show she is the younger aunt. It seems a little off without her. It ended on a cliff hanger which was fun. The book delves more into their past before they were banished, which creates a new feel to the plot. I think ... I preferred the way the show was... but we'll see. There are a few more books, and that could change! Whew, were some of Freya's chapters steamy. (not surprising I suppose!)

Entwined by Heather Dixon

3.5 - 3.75 - I recommend if you like re-tellings or regency. I didn't love this as much as I wanted to, but it was a fun read.

I won't lie. This one started a little slow for me. It's very wholesome, lots of sisters... etc. I liked some of the imagery of the dancing, and the gardens, and the balls. But then all of a sudden, plot happens. It's sort of a mix of Little Women, Edenbrooke, and something dark and creepy. For those who missed this when I intro'd it... this book is a re-telling of The Twelve Dancing Princesses. It follows the Azalea and her younger sisters as they navigate grieving their mother's death. While in mourning, they can't do their favorite thing... dancing. So, when they discover magic in the castle and find a way to dance at night, they don't realize what kind of magic they are playing with. One part fairy tale, one part regency-esque tale, a little bit of darkness. Overall, this book was pretty good! I think reading it more quickly would probably help with fluidity. I think the regency-esque part was done well. I liked the parts with the sisters and the various suitors. The darker part left a little bit lacking for me... like I wanted just a little bit more from it. But I'm not sure what. Overall I think it's a pretty solid 3.5-3.75 stars. I would recommend it if you like retellings and regency.

A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas

5 Stars - I recommend if you like fantasy (this nudges the "high fantasy" genre), romance (I would not call this YA!), and dystopian type books.

First thing's first: I have not read any of the Throne of Glass series yet. So, my opinions come based on knowing nothing about those books, or the author's prior work.

Wow, you guys. Can we start by talking about how intense this book is?! I thought that it was YA... but then I read quite a bit of it on the plane to SF and was like... this MUST be adult. There is NO WAY this is YA. Sure enough... it got even more intense. Gruesome battles, super steamy romance, etc. I finished it, went to mark it on goodreads sure enough, it's published under a children's imprint. Goodness. Maybe, I just haven't read a ton of YA... but I haven't read anything nearly that steamy that falls into the YA category before. I'm not at all offended by the content, but my 14 year old self would have been blushing hardcore, and may not have even finished it.

Anyhow, this is another loose retelling of a fairy tale. This one is based on Beauty and the Beast. It follows Feyre, a young huntress (the sole provider of her family) as she struggles to make end's meet. When she is hunting, she finds a wolf and she kills it. However, she didn't know that there is a consequence for killing a wolf. Until she's snatched from her home and taken to the dangerous land across the wall. She's made to live with a cruel beast and his court. She soon discovers that a mysterious curse is plaguing the land, and threatens to harm the humans on the other side of the wall as well.

I read a lot of this on the plane, and then finished it in our hotel room two nights later. I found it extremely compelling. I did not expect where the plot would go in the end. I'm very excited for the next installment to come out! & now to read Throne of Glass which has been chillin' on my ipad for months and months.

Abandoned:

They Hypnotist's Love Story by Liane Moriarty

This book was my first Moriarty. I will admit, I knew nothing about this book going into it!

First off, I like the way she writes, The description is nice, the way she describes inner thoughts of the characters is interesting, and each chapter has a little note or quote, etc. related to the plot of the story at the beginning.

This book follows a hypnotist named Ellen in her relationship with Patrick. When he starts acting strangely, and admits he is being stalked, Ellen is fascinated. Who is this woman? Why can't she let go of the relationship? What are her motivations? What does she look like? etc. As the story unfolds, Ellen becomes less fascinated, and more vulnerable to the tolls the stalking takes on her relationship.

Ultimately I had to stop reading this one. I would sit down with it for hours, and I was just bored. I didn't feel like I was getting very far, and I wasn't entertained. It also had this strange thing happening with the plot, it was like it was moving too slowly, and too quickly all at once. I think I abandoned it at about 45% in, and I was like I don't know where she has left to go with this... but I'm not that interested to find out.... So I quit. I could go back to it someday, I'm not quite sure I want to. Oh well!

Currently Reading:

Pretty Happy by Kate Hudson
Posession by A.S. Byatt
Me, My Hair, and I: Twenty-Seven Women Untangle An Obsession Edited by Elizabeth Benedict
Sisi: Empress On Her Own by Allison Pataki - which apparently is a sequel ... whoops!

Other recent book posts: March Reads, February Reads, 5 Books to Add to Your TBR (If I Could Only Recommend 5!), January Reads, & Erin's Book Challenge 4.0.

What are you reading? Or hoping to read?

Let's be friends on Goodreads!

XO,

Alexandra

March Reads // Finishing the Lunar Chronicles & Beautiful Non-Fiction

March Reads

Technically... I read Dumplin' and finished it on March 1. It was amazing, so if you want to hear my thoughts on it, click here.

I'm not going to say a lot in the Lunar Chronicles reviews, mostly because I know a lot of you are reading them, and I don't want to give any spoilers. Also, I don't think that I need to be the reason anyone gets more info about a book later in a series! If you want that info, I'd rather you look it up! :)

Cress by Marissa Meyer

5 Stars - I recommend if you have read Cinder & Scarlet. This is tied for first place as my favorite of the series with Scarlet!

OMG. I continue to love the Lunar Chronicles. This book is based upon Rapunzel. Cress is made to live in a satellite by herself, and hack into Earthen news feeds and secure documents to feed Queen Levana information. Little does she know, Cinder is looking for her. When things go wrong upon her rescue she and Thorne end up living out my life's worst nightmare. (ok maybe not worst... but it sounds AWFUL). During this book, you learn about Cress and various things going on on Luna, the plot develops between the other characters, you meet Jacin (a Lunar), and just very briefly... Winter. This one kept me so hooked, I immediately ran out to buy Winter. (even though I was not planning on reading it next!)

Winter by Marissa Meyer

5 Stars - I recommend if you have read Cinder, Scarlet, and Cress. I gave it 5 stars because I think it is a good ending to the series, well written, etc. It is not my favorite of the series though.

Wow you guys, this is a long book. It is best enjoyed consistently, unfortunately I had quite a few days where I didn't do any reading, so it was a tad disjointed for me. Overall though, I really liked this one. The final installation in The Lunar Chronicles, where the characters battle to put Princess Selene back in power on Luna. There were times when I laughed, gasped, cried...  I was an emotional mess. No spoilers from me though, you'll have to read it yourselves.

SOMEONE PLEASE MAKE THIS SERIES INTO MOVIES!

Sisters Red by Jackson Pearce

4 Stars - I recommend if you like YA and fairy tale re-tellings, but are looking for something a little bit different.

I read this book in two evenings, it was very quick and compelling. This story is based around the fairy tale "Little Red Riding Hood." Two sisters are attacked by a wolf as children. Their grandmother dies, and the eldest sister loses an eye and gains some scars in the process of fighting it off. When they are grown, they become wolf hunters. When their friend Silas comes back to town, and the population of wolves increases, they hear of a rumor that the wolves are seeking a potential new wolf. They head to the city to track down more wolves, and figure out who these potential wolves are. This story is a lot of things... it's a little bit fairy tale retelling, it's a little bit of a love story, and a little bit Frozen. It's ultimately a story about sisterhood and following your heart. I will admit, I was worried it would get really predictable on me... but it ended up having some nice twists and turns. I also appreciated that the wolf part wasn't based around what we think of as stereotypical werewolves. It looks like this author writes more fairy tale re-tellings, I don't know that they are related at all, but I would be interesting in reading more of her books!

Radical Self Love by Gala Darling*

4 Stars - I recommend if you like "self help" books that are practical with specific examples built in. It's written from a fresh perspective.

Radical Self Love is a "Self Help" type book written by blogger Gala Darling. She put her heart and soul into changing her own life, and passes some information along to readers in this book. Most of the "self" chapters in this is book are about mindfulness, and the different forms it comes in. How thinking in certain ways can affect how you feel and how you are perceived outwardly. This goes much further than positivity alone, it also includes shaping the life you *want* to have, by visualizing and taking it on mentally. Then turning those thoughts, and desires into actions. I appreciated the way it was organized, easy to read sections, with examples and bullet points with ideas, as well as "homework" at the end of the sections. I found this book really interesting and helpful and assessing where I am right now. I sometimes feel like I can look back at myself at 17 or 20 and think, "wow, I had so much more zest for life then..." - it doesn't have to be that way, I am working hard to eliminate negativity, and focus on creating the life that I want. This book, is PERFECT for that time in your life. I found it extremely enlightening, and I appreciated all of the specific and creative ideas that Darling shares in this book. I am excited to look into some of these topics more on her blog, and possibly read more books from her in the future! I thought that the social and relationships chapters at the end of the books were a little bit out of line with the other chapters, but I can sort of understand why she put them there. I almost think they would have made a good start to a second book.... or maybe they just weren't what I needed to read.. ?  Overall, I definitely recommend this one for anyone who is working on themselves right now!

Food Swap: Recipes and Strategies for the Most Irresistable Gourmet Foods to Barter and Share by Emily Paster *

4 Stars - I recommend if you are looking to learn about food swaps, to host swap nights in your home, or even just give hand-made share-able food to friends and family.

This book was such a unique concept, I just had to read it. The author co-founded one of the largest food swaps in the world in Chicago. She dispenses her knowledge is food swaps and swappable recipes in this beautiful and useful how-to manual. From discussing strategies to starting and operating a food swap, to sharing particular recipes to take to a food swap this book covers it all. Is this book specific? Yes! Do you have to want to join or start a large-scale food swap to enjoy it? No! While Paster gives excellent specific advice on how to start a food swap, what type of location to pick, supplies to have on hand during your swap etc. she also shares alternative ways to use these recipes and ideas. A soup swap, a harvest swap, a holiday swap etc. She gives great advice on packaging, display, and swapping item of choice as well. I also like that she slips in sections that talk about real-life food swaps across the country. From Austin, TX to Philadelphia and everywhere in-between, it's interesting to read her interviews with the folks who run these swaps and how they organize their swaps. Last thing to note, is that the design, photography, and organization of this book is just lovely, and makes it easy to find what you are looking for!

I doubt that I will ever be involved in a large-scale food swap, but I can definitely see hosting a small one at our home. We tried having a soup-swap (where we didn't swap so much as ate a lot of soup) last fall and it was really fun! I could see pulling friends together to do something like this in the future. If nothing else, these recipes are fabulous ideas for giving food gifts! Mother's Day Gifts, New Mothers Gifts, a Thank You Gift, Holiday Packages for friends and family... this book has over 80 recipes to get you started. Giving gifts and being with loved ones are two of my very favorite activities, so I can't wait to take what I've read and apply it practically throughout the rest of the year! :)

The Flower Workshop by Ariella Chezar *

5 stars - I recommend if you are looking to learn more about flower arranging from top to bottom. This book is a valuable resource! Also, just very very beautiful to flip through!

I have made it a goal the past few years to learn how to arrange flowers, but I never seem to make it. This book was an incredible one to read, because Chezar's passion for flowers as well as incredibly approachable advice really help you dive into the idea of arranging flowers. She gives very helpful insight into choosing a palette, arranging by size, working in rules of three, tools you need, etc. She even goes so far as to share which flowers come in various colors seasonally. So you can search for yellow spring flowers, and not feel like you might get to the market to purchase your flowers... only to find out they aren't in season. Chezar takes it one step further in showing you specific arrangements, and exactly how to reproduce them. I think this is an incredibly helpful addition to the book, that allows beginners and experienced floral arrangers alike the chance to copy a successful arrangement. The last thing I want to note, is that this book is absolutely gorgeous. It is filled with passion, understanding, helpful advice, as well as some of the most beautiful floral arrangements and photography I have ever seen. If you have been looking for a source on flower arranging, I highly recommend this one!

ABANDONED:

The Summer We Read Gatsby by Danielle Ganek

I just couldn't get into this one. I was hoping to, it sounded interesting enough... two step sisters inherit a beach house in the Hamptons... they are very different but have to work together to decipher a clue their aunt left them related to "the most valuable thing" that she left them. I just really didn't like one of the sisters, and the other one wasn't showing a lot of personality, it's like she was overshadowed and therefore just reflected her sister. I don't know, it just wasn't my thing. Even the voice it was written in was just fast paced and self-important. I had to abandon it. I don't like to abandon books... Oh well!

Currently Reading:

Pretty Happy by Kate Hudson
Posession by A.S. Byatt
Entwined by Heather Dixon

Other recent book posts: February Reads, 5 Books to Add to Your TBR (If I Could Only Recommend 5!), January Reads, & Erin's Book Challenge 4.0.

What are you reading? Or hoping to read?

Let's be friends on Goodreads!

XO,

Alexandra

* Asterisks denote titles that I was given advance access to by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. These reviews are my own opinion, and based on the edition of the book I was given at the time. Thank you Netgalley!

February Reads // Delightful

February Reads... :)

Scarlet by Marissa Meyer

5 Stars - Tied for first as my favorite in the series with Cress. I would recommend if you have read Cinder and enjoy dystopian themes, science fiction, and fairy tale re-tellings.

Ok, so if you remember my whole rambly... "I have a hard time identifying with the dystopian female lead..." blah blah ... "but I think I'll be more attached to the story and characters as I read more books..." Well I was right. I really really really liked Scarlet. Both the character and the book. I felt like the second installation in The Lunar Chronicles had all of the plot development, unpredictability, character development, and fast paced plot I was hoping for. I loved how the story lines were woven together, I loved Scarlet and Wolf, I loved Cinder so much more, and Kai too. Thorne was excellent comic relief as well. I feel like I know so much more about all of the characters and the plot now. LOVE. I'm about to start Cress now! Eep!

Bridget Jones's Diary by Helen Fielding

4.5 Stars - I recommend if you're an Anglophile, who loves to laugh, or someone who could use a dose of "I've been there!". I thoroughly enjoyed this even though I'd already seen the movie!

I will be honest and say, I wasn't expecting to love this book. I was expecting it to be a little boring even, having seen the movie. (I just don't usually watch before reading) To my happy surprise, this book was very entertaining! It's really funny, and I think Bridget does a good job of portraying how women often feel. At times, I totally sympathized with her. "This is me!" I thought, just cracking up at how real the situations were. Other times I thought, "At least I can find something to wear in the morning and get to work before 10am!" There were times when it was also so sad, the way we view ourselves, the lack of confidence we have... it's kind of awful. But the delightful thing about Bridget is that she never gives up... even when she's not doing well at all. I found myself oddly motivated to start a load of laundry, or clean out a drawer in the bathroom, in between reading this. All in all, I really liked it, and it made me feel like we are all just fine, right where we are, just now. We are making progress, and baby steps do count. :)

The Heir by Kiera Cass

4 Stars - I recommend if you have read The Selection Series and enjoyed it.

Based on what I'd heard about The Heir, I wasn't expecting to LOVE it. However, after the whole whiny lack of communication thing between Maxon and America in The Selection Series... I found Eadyln very refreshing. Is she spoiled? Yup. But, her annoying-ness is more a product of her independence ... which for me, is much more relate-able. I think I am also really enjoying seeing the plot from the POV of the person who is having to choose from the selected. I think The Selection Series would have been very different from Maxon's perspective. The brother sister bond is really a sweet element of the story as well. I had read maybe 5-6 chapters of this, and then picked it up at about 9 pm one night. I was very tired before hand. But at 2:30 am I went to bed, having finished the book. So, I guess you could say I liked it. Very excited to read the next installment. I also purchased The Siren. Has anyone read it yet?!

Dumplin' by Julie Murphy - Ok... so I finished this March 1... it still counts...

5 Stars - I recommend to anyone and everyone. This book is brimming with heart, colorful characters, and relate-ability.

I will be honest and say, the cover of this book is what drew me to it initially. I knew people had enjoyed it as well, so I was happy to give it a try. Overall, I didn't know much beyond it was about a "self-proclaimed fat girl," living in the south, and something about pageants.... Well, this book is just delightful you guys! There is so much heart and truth in this story. It's colorful too-boot. I love love LOVE the Dolly stuff. Because, I think she's an American treasure. So, that was a fun surprise. Overall it's just a really honest and colorful look at what it's like to grow up. What it's like to figure out who you are. There is so much bravery in this book. I'm not particularly into pageants, books about high school, or Texas.... but I thought that this book is so worth reading. Wow. 5 stars on goodreads from me. :)

Have you all read any of these books?! What did you think of them?

XO,

Alexandra

* Asterisks denote titles that I was given advance access to by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. These reviews are my own opinion, and based on the edition of the book I was given at the time. Thank you Netgalley!

January Reads // Literary Ladies January Book Linkup

Ah, January 2016, the month when I read #allthebooks. 

I'll be honest and say, that my anxiety started getting the better of me this month. Juggling the #fulltimefulltime thing is hard, and I'm also just trying to do better at normal things like flossing and working out. KC, being the great man he is, spent many January evenings doing things like dishes and vacuuming, knowing that I needed that time to decompress more than ever. I appreciate it so much, love. 

... so, as a result, I read 13 whole books in January! (2 non-fiction!)

Here we go!

Wolf Pact by Melissa de la Cruz

4 Stars - I recommend if you have read the all but the last book of the Blue Bloods series...

So, if you read any of my book posts in the past few months, you'll know that I had been reading the Blue Bloods series... forever. It is LONG. But it was also a pretty darn good series. The holidays caught up with me and I finally finished the last two books in January. This one is a supplemental book that comes right before the last one. It isn't essential to read, but it definitely helped with some background I needed before everything in the finale went down. It's interesting how she tied The Witches of East End story line into this one a little. - this is not an interesting review for those of you who have not or do not want to read this series... lol, sorry!

Gates of Paradise by Melissa de la Cruz

5 Stars - I recommend if you have read the rest of the Blue Bloods series as well as Wolf Pact (above).

The final book in the Blue Blood series is a battle between good and evil (and sometimes those inbetween) for the gates of paradise. Not going to give any more info there. But I CAN SAY: for being such a freakin' long series... I did like the way everything played out, and how it ended. Unlike some series... I'm lookin' at YOU, Allegiant.

The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin

4.5 Stars - I recommend if you like dark, twisty, psychologically thrilling, YA. 

This book was a very wild ride for me. The premise follows Mara, who wakes up in the hospital as the only one who survived a terrible accident, but she has no memory of what happened. She spends the entire book trying to navigate the blurry line between PTSD hallucinations and some sort of extremely scary psychokinetic kind of ability. As the book goes on, she remembers pieces of what happened the day of the accident. She also meets a guy at her new school that seems to have a mysterious understanding of what is going on with her. This book is very dark (for YA) but I was absolutely riveted.  At the end of the book, I have to say... I still did not know what was going on with her. There's something about an unreliable narrator that keeps you just enough in the dark... you have to find out what's going to happen. There are (just!) two more books, and I'm really excited to read them, especially after the cliff hanger ending! 

Cinder by Marissa Meyer

4 Stars - I recommend if you like YA, science fiction, and fairy tale re-tellings.

I finally got my hands on a copy of Cinder, and it was such a fun read. I will disclose, that I don't typically personally identify with the post apocalyptic/dystopian heroine. Tris, Katniss, Cinder... etc. They just aren't "me". That being said, reading is a glorious thing because it expands your horizons, and you can read from a different POV, etc.... so I guess what I'm saying here is: I really enjoyed this book, though I did not get super invested in Cinder's character. Which probably made me LOVE it just a little bit less. Does any of this make sense?!! 

Ramblings aside: I thought this book was a quick read, a fun spin on the story of Cinderella. Cinder is a mechanic, and a cyborg. She meets the prince by chance, and sort of falls for him, but he can't know that she's a cyborg. I found the society in this book really interesting, it takes place much into the future, and there are quite a few changes to the world as we know it now. Hover cars, micro ID chips, plague sweeping the world... I appreciated that there was more depth to the society than uprising (the hunger games, divergent). I thought the android, medical research, and plague elements were really interesting and rounded out the setting. As a former community health major I got really into the pandemic part of this... is that strange?  I didn't find myself shocked or surprised by any of the plot, but again did enjoy it. I'm excited to see how things develop and progress as a series. Hoping for more surprising moments in the next few. Anyhow, I thought it was really good, and I am excited to read the next books, I just started Scarlet. I think that the more I read into the series, the more invested I will become! :)

Someday, Someday Maybe by Lauren Graham

3.5 Stars - I recommend if you like contemporary fiction, The Big Apple, acting, humor, and the '90's.

I have had this book for years, and I finally read it as a part of the Semi-Charmed winter challenge. Franny is a young woman trying to make it big as an actress in 1995 New York. She goes on auditions that fail miserably, she navigates dating actors, she works as a waitress, she forgets to call her dad a lot. I think the beginning is HILARIOUS! I think Franny's character is really funny, and I love the '90's ness of it all. It's just amusing. Toward the middle of the book, I think I wanted more character development of her roommates and family... and the other actors, because it got a little bit slow for me. It picked back up and I enjoyed it, but I have to say that I am not super into the "life as a struggling actress plot" ... I just wasn't ever ultra curious about it. The ending felt a tiny bit rushed, but I was happy with how it resolved. There were a lot of really good elements, the humor, there's one scene toward the end that is just so fantastic.... I had a really hard time rating this on goodreads. Ultimately, it's a 3.5. or a 3.75 for me. A very good first book, for someone who wasn't initially a writer anyhow! :)

Chocolate by Joanne Harris

4 Stars - I recommend if you like magical realism, chocolate, or bohemian lifestyles.

Have you seen the movie Chocolat? I love it. I needed a food themed book for semi-charmed so I picked this one up at the library. To my (pleasant) surprise, this book is quite a bit different than the movie! It follows a young bohemian woman named Vianne and her daughter Anouk, as they move to a new town in France. She decides to open a chocolatrie right as lent begins. The corrupt priest in town does everything he can to try to get her to quit and move on to another town, but Vianne sticks it out making friends with the locals. In particular, her landlord Armande (played by Judi Dench in the movie) becomes a close friend. Vianne has the mysterious ability to discern what is going on in her customer's lives... some even think she's a witch. When a caravan of gypsies arrive on the river, the town is torn in two; those who welcome them, and those who deny them entrance into their businesses. Overall I found this book very interesting. I liked Vianne's character, she is so passionate and eclectic. There are some passages of the book that are just so interesting to read, filled with little folk stories, mixes of Catholicism and Paganism... it's just really really interesting. There are also some lovely pieces of description related to the cooking, the chocolate making, the settings... you get really immersed in this small provincial French town. If you love food, and aren't offended by pagan sort of themes I would definitely recommend this one! This doesn't end on a super tense cliffhanger, but there are more books. I think I would be interested in picking them up sometime, but I'm not in any rush!

The Girl Who Chased the Moon by Sarah Addison Allen

3.5 Stars - I recommend if you like Magical Realism and other SAA books. This is not one of my favorites of hers though...

I'm a big fan of Sarah Addison Allen's books. She writes lovely novels containing love, hope, mystery, and just a little bit of magic. It's hard to describe, but it's just so subtle. 

This book is no exception, it follows Emily, a girl who's mother has passed away. so she moves to North Carolina to live with her long-lost grandfather. His home is a mystery, the wallpaper in her room changes pattern, her grandfather is about 8 feet tall, and he has a strange fascination with his clothes dryer. She soon finds that her mother left town, and refused to come back, but why? And why are there strange glowing lights in the trees at night? Next door, Julia, is constantly baking cakes, which unexplainably draw her high school love to her. She's biding time, and saving money, so she can sell her father's restaurant and move back to Boston. But eventually, she's forced to confront some issues from the past that may draw her back to her high school love, as much as she's trying to avoid him. 

Overall, this was not my favorite of Addison Allen's books, but it still contained so much of what I love in her stories. I loved the pieces between Emily and her grandpa, as well as between Julia confronting her past. The "Mullaby Lights" piece was a little far fetched for me. I loved the baking element, the magical element, the back of the book even has a few recipes. I also liked the lore surrounding the meanings of full moons in different months. I think it's fun how many subtle elements Addison Allen weaves into her stories. Very interesting. I liked the ending a lot, and I would definitely read a sequel if she decided to write one. 

For people interested in her books: I would recommend Garden Spells, The Sugar Queen, or The Peach Keeper before reading this one, but I did enjoy it quite a bit! 

Starting Now by Debbie Macomber

2 Stars - I cannot particularly recommend this one. I like Debbie Macomber's books, but this one was really lacking some of the carefree heart that I so much enjoy in her novels. Read it if you are reading the rest of the series.

It may not be a well known fact about me, but it's certainly not one I'm hiding. I'm a sucker for Debbie Macomber books. She writes her stories like a RomCom, or a Hallmark movie (many of her xmas books have been made into (much worse) Hallmark movies...) but the books almost always leave me feeling hopeful. They're really good when the world is in a particularly bad state... ha

This book is part of a series about knitting. Yup, knitting. I don't knit... at all. I just picked up the first one one day... and I loved it. Pretty much all of the books in the "Blossom Street" series are about a woman or two who have landed on hard times, found themselves lost in life, etc. But they pick themselves back up with the help of community. Some of them have more focus on the knitting group than others, but overall they're just really happy, easy, fun books. 

This book comes later in the series (the order has almost no consequence...) when a lawyer expects to make partner, but unexpectedly gets fired instead. She takes the time of unemployment to find herself, and build a life outside of work. She starts going to the gym, re-kindles an old friendship, starts knitting hats for premises at the hospital, and volunteers to rock the newborns. This book was definitely one of the cheesier, but also one of the least happy of all the books. It didn't have the usual charm for me, and I thought the ending portion was really weird. : / 

Devoted by Hilary Duff

4 Stars - I recommend if you like, YA fantasy, travel, and romance.

I've wanted to finish the Devoted trilogy for... a long time. I wanted to read the final book last summer, but quickly realized that re-reading the first two would be wise. I finally re-read the second one this month... and then I can finally move on to finish it!! :) 

I love the first book, you can read my review of that here. I found on the re-read of the second book, that it was still pretty good too. It was very different than the first one, much more focused on finding a character rather than the over arching story. The ending is just crazypants. I'm really excited to see how it ends in the third book. Overall, (so far!) I would recommend the series if you like YA, and easy reads.  I'll let you know if the last book is worthwhile here in the next month or two... again, looking at YOU, Allegiant. 

Secret Sisters by Jane Ann Krentz

4 Stars - I recommend if you like mysteries, romance, and a quick read.

This was the Literary Ladies book club book for January. It is a murder mystery, and I haven't read this author before. Definitely pushing me a little out of my comfort zone, but I'm really glad I read it, because I thought it was really good!! 

The plot centers around something that happened 18 years ago on an island off the Seattle coast, two young girls are preyed upon by a man. In the present, hotel executive Madeline is dealing with the aftermath of the situation 18 years ago, and struggling in personal relationships due to the trauma. When the caretaker of the hotel where the incident took place 18 years ago, calls Madeline saying they need to talk, she quickly travels to the island to meet with him. The caretaker was calling to say that their dangerous secret from all those years ago, is in danger of being discovered. When she arrives to find him dying.... and the killer still on the premises things get interesting. Her head of security Jack, comes to help her figure out what's going on. Arson, murder, mystery, and a little romance ensue. 

I was really riveted by this one. I don't read a lot of murder mysteries, but this book had a lot of depth to the story lines, multiple POVs in the writing, and some character development that I thought was pretty good. Overall, I really liked this book at lot, and would definitely recommend it if you like suspenseful mysteries! I had to laugh by how glad they were to leave the PacNW and get to Arizona... I definitely felt that way coming back from Seattle! haha

Miss Moon: Wise Words from a Dog Governess by Janet Hill *

5 Stars - I recommend if you like art, dogs, quirky stories, and fun gift/children's books.

This is a quick little art book, that I absolutely LOVE. Janet Hill is an Etsy artist that I've been admiring for a while. She creates the most delightful paintings with full of old world glamour and a dash of whimsy. She created a series of paintings centered around a character called Miss Moon, who is a dog governess. She is charged with the care and teaching of 67 dogs, and the paintings show various aspects of their life together. Hill turned the series of paintings into a delightful little book, perfect for art lovers, dog lovers, children, and the young at heart alike. You guys, this book is just plain fun. The paintings are adorable! The little lessons are true to life. It's short and sweet, and I want to own a copy just to flip through on my own, but I have a suspicion that my little sister Olivia would enjoy it as a big dog lover. :) If you like art, whimsy, dogs, or just cute little gift or children's books, I would highly recommend this one! I believe she is currently working on another one, Lucy Crisp and the Vanishing House. I'm excited to see what comes of her other series.... and eternally hoping I will be gifted some of her prints.... that have been in the limbo of my pinterest wish list for ages!

Non-Fiction:

Cake Magic: Mix + Match Your Way to 100 Amazing Combinations - Caroline Wright * 

5 Stars - I recommend if you like to bake, and are looking for some truly AMAZING cake recipes!

Oh. My. Goodness. You guys, this book is glorious. I should probably mention that I don't usually choose cake of all of the desserts that exist... but these are so beautiful and they all sound amazing. I was having so much trouble deciding which one to make first... that I haven't tried any of them yet. Maybe for KC's birthday...? (shh!) All the same, I am sure I will love nearly every recipe in this book, and I really admire how it is laid out. Wright gives you combinations to try, but they are all made up of individual batter, syrup, frosting, and sometimes topping recipes that you can mix and match to make unique cakes. So for example, you can mix up a big batch of the dry ingredients for say, the vanilla cake... and then use it to make several different cakes throughout the year. It's absolutely brilliant. So, while I can't tell you which I want to try first... here are a few at the top for me: S'mores, Chai Pear Cake, Drunken Tuxedo Cake, Vanilla Olive Oil Cake with Rosemary and Lemon, Vanilla Chocolate Cherry Cake, New Orleans Cafe Au Lait Cake.... and a lot more. I also like, that she gives gluten free and vegan alternatives and baking info in each section and recipe. Great for cake lovers who don't want to worry about those details!! If you like baking, or cake, or pictures of cake... go pick up this book. It hit shelves in April! I'll let you know how trying a recipe goes!

This one made me think so much of Gina at Pink Wings! She's always baking the loveliest cakes and desserts! OOoh and Shea for that matter! :)

**Update: I have now tried two of the cake recipes... and they are SO GOOD. Seriously, I will be making more! I will blog about these after the book is released!**

Savor by Ilona Oppenheim *

3.5 Stars - I recommend if you are looking for a cookbook/simple living lifestyle resource related to foraging, homesteading, etc. Filled with truly rustic recipes.

This book is a beautifully photographed and documented portrait of Ilona Oppenheim's life. She lives in Aspen with her family, where they live in harmony with their natural surroundings. They forage and search for responsible local sources for their food. Just like the nature of their lifestyle, the recipes and information in many ways go back to the basics. The recipes are for things like oatmeal baked apples, pine needle tea, hearty soups, quiches, and breads. She even explains processes like making cheese, yogurt, etc. things that are not traditionally made at home in modern day American society. After reading this, I get the sense that Ilona and her family live life at a slow and comfortable pace, enjoying the natural environment surrounding them, and leaving a light foot print. It is filled with stories from her life, that really back up her lifestyle choices. It's a really lovely picture. I appreciate that a fair chunk of the recipes are also accessible to your average home cook, someone who does not live somewhere so scenic or remote, who may not be able to forage for mushrooms, etc. I bookmarked quite a few recipes that I would like to try myself! All that being said, some of the recipes were a little far out for me, especially things like making my own cheese or yogurt, it just isn't something I could do right now. But I do like that she presents it to you in a way that is useful, and perhaps a possibility for the future, should the reader decide to taper their life into a more from scratch type of lifestyle. I do have a handful of friends that I could see doing these types of things at home. Overall, I would recommend this book for people who are interested in a simpler, greener lifestyle, and for anyone who loves gorgeous rustic food and photography. I don't think this book is for everyone, but for those who are interested in this type of lifestyle, it would definitely be a treasure on their bookshelf.

Whew, congrats if you made it to the bottom, and certainly don't feel bad for skipping around! There's a lot going on here!

What have you been reading?!?!?! 

Here's a current book challenge I am participating in January-April 2016! :) 

XO,

Alexandra

* Asterisks denote titles that I was given advance access to by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. These reviews are my own opinion, and based on the edition of the book I was given at the time. Thank you Netgalley!