6 Fairy Tale Re-tellings to Add to Your TBR // Bookworm

Did you know that Monday was "Tell A Fairy Tale Day"? I didn't either! Since I've spent a lot of time over the past few years reading fantasy, and specifically fairy tale retellings, I wanted to share this post of 6 fairy tale retelling recommendations today!

Everyone loves a good story. Fairy tales, myths, and legends filled with love, adventure, and danger captivate as children into adulthood. C.S. Lewis said, "Some day you will be old enough to start reading fairy tales again." He brings up a point that fairy tales stand the test of time and have no one audience. You can fall in love with the magic of a good tale at any age, and learn from them whether you are 5 or 85. That being said, sometimes a twist on a classic is a good way to go.

Here are six highly rated Fairy Tale Re-tellings from my list to add some magic to your TBR. All links lead to Goodreads!

1) The Lunar Chronicles by Marissa Meyer

Retellings Of Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, Rapunzel, Snow White

Imagine classic fairy tales that take place in a futuristic setting. Earth is threatened by a horrible plague, androids, cyborgs, and humans must coexist, and an evil queen living on the moon poses a huge threat to Earth. This series starts with Cinder and along the way you will be swept up in a fantastic world, fall in love with so many characters, and enjoy little bits of familiar tales woven into these novels. I highly recommend if you are looking for quick reads!

2) Sisters Red by Jackson Pearce

Retelling of Little Red Riding Hood

When two sisters lose their grandmother to a wolf attack, they make it their mission to fight off the wolves, and keep them from harming others. When their old friend comes back to town, he tells them they embark on a mission to find out who the new wolf recruits are and kill them. Scarlett is dedicated to her task, but Rosie finds herself wanting to follow a different path. I really enjoyed this spin on Little Red Riding Hood, and enjoyed that this story wasn't all fantasy, or romance, but focused on sisterhood too. I see that Pearce has a lot of other fairy tale retellings as well, I would be interested in picking them up!

3) Entwined by Heather Dixon

Retelling of The Twelve Dancing Princesses

Azalea and her siblings are mourning their mother's death. While in mourning they can't do their favorite thing: dance. When they discover a magic that allows them to dance at night, they don't realize what darkness they are dealing with. This tale is one part fairy tale retelling, another part regency-esque family tale. I really enjoyed how different it was, and would honestly like to read it again.

4) A Court of Thorns and Roses (Series) by Sarah J. Maas 

Retellings Beauty & the Beast, and more.

This series follows Feyre, a human huntress in a poor family. She's desperate to feed her sisters and father, so one day she kills a wolf, however she doesn't know that there is a price for killing it. When a mysterious beast comes to claim her and take her into the faerie realm she must use her instincts to survive. It is SO impossible to sum up this series without giving away too much.. so I won't try. But this series has a high fantasy feel, with quite a bit of romance, and a decent chunk of action as well. It's very vividly written, and I'm absolute trash for it!

5) Throne of Glass (Series) by Sarah J. Maas

Retellings of Cinderella, and more.

This series follows Celaena, an assassin who is pulled out of life in prison to compete in a competition to become the king's champion. She must defeat 23 other contestants in order to win her freedom. During the competition, something evil is manifesting inside the castle.I have not read this entire series yet, but I am sure that once I do, I will be in love with it. Especially since I love ACoTaR so much! Plus all of you say it is fantastic!

6) Scarlet (series) by AC Gaughan

Retellings of Robin Hood

Will Scarlet is a part of Robin Hood's band of Merry Men... however, Will is not a man at all, but a woman. Scarlet keeps her identity among the town of Nottingham a secret, as she's hiding from a dangerous past. When a new sheriff comes to Nottingham, Scarlet and the town are in more danger than ever before. This is a three part series, and I absolutely loved it. This story is told in first person with a dialect, which I found charming, and Audrey hated! hehe So do with that info what you will. I really enjoyed this retelling and found the whole series to be good, no last book slump. It reads a little more like action-packed historical fiction, and there isn't any magic for those who are not into that kind of thing!

A Few I Would Not Recommend:

Summerlong by Peter S. Beagle a retelling of Hades & Persephone
Briar Rose by Jane Yolen a retelling of Sleeping Beauty

Of course I have another volume of this coming your way soon, and I have a TON of fairy tale retellings on my TBR!

Have you read any of these? What did you think?

Do you have any to recommend to me?!

Interested in Other Booklists? Check out 12 Witchy Reads!

Let's be friends on goodreads!

XO,

Alexandra

January & February 2018 Currently

I don't do "currently" posts very often, but since I'm getting back into the swing of blogging, I thought I'd do a catch up post. :)

Reading: 

Really really liking this! ❤️ What are you reading? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . #read #reading #bookstagram #book #booksofinstagram #bookworm #simplyalexandrareads #thechaperone #historicalfiction #instadaily #flashesofdelight #liveauthentic #hygge #winter #cuddleup #thatsdarling #weekend #weekendvibes

A post shared by Alexandra Consolver (@simplyalexandra12) on Feb 19, 2018 at 7:24pm PST

I've been reading quite a bit since I've been better! I read 3 things from Netgalley, a few that have been on my kindle shelf forever, and generally am keeping my reading pretty diverse. I've got a few things on hold at the library, and some of them I have gotten before without time to read/finish! SO I will be dropping EVERYTHING in order to read those this time around! I have a book ban update coming soon! :) I am ahead on my reading goal for the year, so I am feeling really good about it!

Watching: 

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I know I'm the LATEST TO THE PARTY, but we saw The Greatest Showman for Valentine's Day and it was so great. Totally made for dreamers. The catchiest music. Visually stunning. I loved it. Loved, loved, loved it! I loved all of the actors, Zendaya is gorgeous, this renewed my High School Musical crush on Zac Efron, and Michelle Williams and Hugh Jackman were both fantastic too. :)

Lots of period dramas! I'm loving Audrey and I's "Roaring, Swinging, Fabulous, Groovy Blog Collaboration", and trying to watch a few more things so that I have more to recommend in the coming months. :) Also, I just kinda forget to watch movies, taking advantage of the library... because it's super lame to search on netflix struggle to find what you want. Have any good recommendations?! - leave 'em in the comments!

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+ the Olympics. I was really hot and heavy into the Olympics when they started. I LOVE FIGURE SKATING, and I love all of the athletes. Learning about their stories and seeing them overcome obstacles is fantastic! I've got a little bit tired of it after about a week though. I can only do the same thing so many nights in a row before I need a change of pace, really badly! hehe The Knierims were my favorites. So in love, so happy to be there, such a great story. "Come What May" was the perfect song choice, and it meant more for their skate than the other (several!) Moulin Rouge skates. I was very happy for the German team that won though! They were definitely my other favorites! :)

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We've also been watching a few Marvel movies that we hadn't seen so we (kind of) know what's going on before seeing Black Panther. I'm so excited about Black Panther, the movies we caught up on were "meh"... I think we'll see it sometime this week or weekend!

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Another time we are LATEST TO THE PARTY... we FINALLY watched (season 1) of Stranger Things! It was great, I knew I would likely enjoy it once we started. We just started season 2! NO SPOILERS PLEASE!

Creating:

Struggling to figure out what I want to do with this book exactly... but I’m sure I’ll get there eventually! Does anyone do an art journal or goals based scrapbook?! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . #goals #resolutions #newyear #newyearsresolution #invest #onelittleword #adventures #travelersnotebook #artjournal #scrapbooking #documentyourdays #simplyalexandraminialbum #youtube #youtuber #watercolor #paint #art #journal

A post shared by Alexandra Consolver (@simplyalexandra12) on Feb 25, 2018 at 2:42pm PST

Working on a fun goals/journal type of Traveler's Notebook this year. I'm having so much fun playing with it. Check out the video, here.

Planning:



NOLA - AHHHH! Soon! :)

Bentonville, AR - sounds weird, but museums + cute shops = the perfect weekend trip!

Havana + Cozumel! - is it summer yet?!

Celebrating:

Happy birthday little boo! One year of knowing you has been the best! 💕💕 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . #nephew #babyboy #auntiea #gratitude #thankful #blessed #thankfulthursday #stressfree #goals #selfcare #instdaily #liveauthentic #thatsdarling #notentirelyperfect #baby #1stbirthday #birthday

A post shared by Alexandra Consolver (@simplyalexandra12) on Feb 17, 2018 at 8:33pm PST

My nephew just turned 1 on the 17th! Happy bday little boo! I love you so!

Trying:

Today we tried a new (to us) restaurant for lunch. KC suggested it and I was like, “for lunch? Wouldn’t dinner be better...?” Clearly hesitant to be spontaneous... And it was absolutely delicious! An adventurous life is made up of small choices: a new book, a new restaurant, a new walk though your city. My friend @jesmil13 shared this quote of Viola Davis’s from Berne Brown’s book today and I could definitely relate it to this situation and life in general: “Braving the Wilderness” - “There’s an unspoken message that the only stories worth telling are the stories that end up in history books. This is not true. Every story matters. My father’s story matters. We are all worthy of telling our stories and having them heard. We all need to be seen and honored in the same way that we all need to breathe.” Yes, yes, yes! 💕💕💕 Thanks for sharing Jessica! #everydayadventure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . #ramen #ramenbowlslawrence #lfk #lunch #foodie #adventure #tellyourstory #inspiration #insprationalquotes #quote #bernebrown #violadavis #instadaily #liveauthentic #flashesofdelight #seekadventuredaily

A post shared by Alexandra Consolver (@simplyalexandra12) on Feb 5, 2018 at 8:12pm PST

We FINALLY tried the ramen place in town. It was legit. YUM. I want to go there every day until it gets warm. I know I will not want soup once its warm.

We are also on the hunt for the best takeout in the city. So far, findings are not great. Though we did find some good food near my sister! LOL

Linking up with Kristen & Gretch for What's New With You!

What have you guys been up to lately? 

Did you get into the Olympics?

Have you seen Black Panther?

Any good period dramas to add to my TBW?

XO,

Alexandra

Have You Heard? // Vance Joy - "We're Going Home"

TODAY VANCE JOY'S NEW ALBUM IS OUT! WOOHOO! Also, we got tickets yesterday to see him again in April! YAY!

So far, I am loving all of his new songs, and I can't wait to get my hands on the album this weekend! :)



Squee! Are you guys going to any fun shows this year? Right now we just have tickets to Vance Joy and Taylor Swift. :)

This week has been nuts! Monday was normal, Tuesday we had a thunder ice storm (BIZARRE!), Wednesday I was sick, Thursday we had a snow day... and no snow or ice came. hehe So today is my second day of work. Oh well, I will take it! :)

What are you guys up to this weekend?

We don't have any plans right now, but I would like to get in some reading and to start working no my NYC travel album pages. :) We've also talked about running in to the mall for a pretzel (obvs.) but I also have a B&N gift card! 

Other Posts This Week: 2018 Goals & Word of the Year (FINALLY).

On YouTube This Week: Maggie Holmes "Flourish" Unboxing, Kelsey & Jacob's Wedding Weekend, and My Birthday Week 2017!

Year of Gratitude: Which Childhood Treasure Brings You Joy? 

Have a great weekend!!

XO,

Alexandra

Goals & Word of the Year 2018 // FINALLY

Whew, this year is off to a slow start, but I am feeling back to my old self more or less. I want to stay up late to finish books or projects, I want to go out and do things, etc. So, I finally have some finalized goals for the year, and some thoughts on my word of the year as well.

2018 Goals:

"Invest" My Love, Money, and Time (see below for more)
Go to the Beach
Treat My Body Better
Watch 12 New (to me) Period Dramas
Buy A House - BUT DON'T SETTLE!
Eat Advenurously
Read 50 Books
See Family More
Get Warmer Socks
Have Adventures

Elaboration:

Where You Invest Your Love (& Time & Money), You Invest Your Life

This is something that I have been thinking about SO much lately. My word for the year is Invest, and here's why. Our world is kind of a mess sometimes. The news is terrifying, the internet is full of trolls, and sometimes I feel really really hopeless. One thing I thought of at the end of the year is this quote, which funnily enough was one of the first things I posted on this blog:

"Every time you spend money, you're casting a vote for the kind of world you want." - Anna Lappe

Wow, right? Its so true, and it is so easy to forget. I think that this quote definitely extends to the way you spend your time, and also your love.

This year I want to be more intentional about supporting the kind of world that I want.

Money: 

I've been thinking a lot about the word "invest". Not just in the sense of money, but in the sense of every resource and attention that I have. I want to invest my money in quality products, sustainable products, creative ones, things that will enhance my life and help me live a better one. Things that will allow me to create: paints, glitter, paper, and notebooks. I also want to invest my money in experiences, in learning, and in seeing new places. I want to hear live music, learn new skills, take classes, and see more of the world. I want to spend my money on sustainable goods, to sustainable companies. More quality clothing, more things made in the US, more things that are recyclable, used or ethically made.

Time, Love, and Attention:

I want to invest my time and attention in things that make my life and the world better. I want to spend more time an attention on taking care of my body. I want to move, stretch, get stronger and healthier, and get outside more. I want to have fun doing it, I want to start just doing it because it is what is good for me. What is necessary for me. An investment. I want to cook and eat better. Foods that I like, that my body craves, and that I need to remember to eat, because it is what is best for me. I want these things to help KC too by extension. Maybe there will be a fun hobby or means of exercise that we could both benefit from. 

I also want to invest my time in my marriage with KC. Over the years it becomes clearer and clearer that our life is about us. The two of us and our small family. We are so happy together, and I am so grateful for that, but putting more time and effort into getting quality time together, focusing more on his needs, and teamwork, etc. will only continue to make our relationship better.

As I learn new things, try new things, and explore I want to expand my world view. I want to gain perspectives, and become more involved in making the world a better place. I want to get involved in the community, volunteer, and have solutions or at least words or actions that can come at times when I don't know what to do or say. The world hurts so much right now especially, and I think that each person can make small differences if they try. I just need to come up with some practical and useful ways to do so. 

There you go only a month and a half late. heheh but I am happy with what I have. I have more elaborating to do on my own end, but it isn't necessary to post here.

What about you guys? What are your goals for the year and how are you doing with them?!

XO,

Alexandra

Have You Heard? // WE ARE GOING TO "Havana"! - Camila Cabello feat. Young Thug

WE ARE GOING TO HAVANA!!!!

I AM SO EXCITED! The six of us are taking a cruise to Havana and Cozumel in June! :)

Eeee!

I digress, but can you tell that I have some energy back? :P

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Today's song is obviously Havana by Camila Cabello. KC told me about this song a long time ago and I was like... I dunno babe... but I love it. It's stinkin' catchy. He loves the rap, and he tries to do it like Young Thug and it cracks me up to NO END. LOLOL

The actual music doesn't start until about 2:30... but this music video kinda cracks me up. It reminds me of Jane the Virgin. :)



I CANNOT WAIT TO GO TO HAVANA! & ALSO COZUMEL!

Ok, what are you guys up to this weekend? Are you planning any trips this year?!

This weekend is my nephew's FIRST BIRTHDAY! *sobbing forever* I love him so much. So, tonight we are helping my sister get ready for the party, and then Sunday we celebrate. I'm not sure what we are doing on Saturday.. .but I am hoping for a mix of the finer things in life... which in my opinion are breakfasts with KC, time for reading, cat snuggling, scrapbooking, and maybe a movie or two. :) 

Other Posts This Week: January Reads & Keep It Together: Planning & Memory Keeping Linkup!

On YouTube This Week: Mom's Birthday Scrapbook & 2018 Goal Traveler's Notebook.

On Year of Gratitude This Week: The Gift You Can Give Yourself

Have a great weekend!!

XO,

Alexandra

Keep It Together: A Planning & Memory Keeping Blog Hop - February 2018

Happy Thursday, Friends!

I'm so excited to be kicking off Keep It Together with Lauren from Shooting Stars Mag today! :) Sorry for any confusion, in our excitement we thought today was the 2nd Thursday of the month! Whoops! So, we've corrected the image, and we're going with third Thursday. :) This linkup is all about planners, memory keeping, bullet journals, etc. So please feel free to linkup your posts on the Third Thursday of every month! Make sure to hop on over to Lauren's page and check out her post too! :)

Here we go! :)

I love to do all kinds of planning and documenting, so today I thought I would share just a little about my recent projects. I may format this post differently each month... we shall see! :)

Bullet Journal:

I have started using my bullet journal more regularly. I tried it out for about half of 2016, but now I am getting more into it. See how I am formatting mine, and what I am using it for in this video. :)



Project Life:

For those not familiar with Project Life, it is a style of documenting or scrapbooking that is done in pocket pages.

I've been doing the 6x8 size and love it. I am about ready to finish up my last section of my 2017 Travel Album with my NYC pictures!! See this video for my plans and how I prep!



Gifts: 

I made this mini scrap album for my mom's birthday! I love how fun it is with lots of big embellishments and cute family pictures! My favorite part about these mini albums is that it takes just 2 hours to make!! AND I didn't buy any extra supplies! :)



If you are interested in following along with any of these projects, please follow me on YouTube! :) 

Are there any type of memory keeping, planning, or bullet journal videos or posts you'd like to see?! Let me know, I'd be happy to make them! :) 

Please linkup with Lauren and I below! And make sure to pop over to her page and see what she's been up to! :)

An InLinkz Link-up

XO,

Alexandra

January 2018 Reads // GREAT Reads & Excruciating Ones

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY MOM! :)

As many of you know, I started out the year pretty under the weather. As the month came to a close, I had a bit more energy for reading. I didn't read quite as much as I'd have liked, but I did really enjoy all three books that I read last month! I managed to read a few more at the beginning of this month, so I stuck those into this post as well! :) 

The Bear and the Nightingale by Katherine Arden*

*re-read*

5 Stars - I highly recommend if you are looking for gorgeously descriptive tale of coming of age, adventure, and a little bit of magic. It reads like historical fiction, and is beautifully woven.

Vasya is the youngest daughter of Petyor Petrovich and she is wild like her mother was. In the Northern part of Russia Vasya's city is caught between a primal and pagan past and the church. She is a disgrace to most of her city, but is perhaps the only one who can save them from what is coming.

I re-read this one so that I could get to my ARC of The Girl in the Tower, a little later than I would have liked. I was worried, especially with the lovely slow pace of the book that I wouldn't enjoy the second read nearly as much, I also rarely re-read... but I loved it just as much, if not more, the second time around. Every season is so lushly described, the setting is so fascinating, the mythology woven so seamlessly into the plot. I loved every moment of the re-read, and it definitely helped me upon reading the sequel!

The Girl in the Tower by Katherine Arden*

5 Stars - I highly recommend if you enjoyed The Bear and the Nightingale!

This book picks up right where the first one left off. I don't want to give any spoilers!

When I started this book, it was just a little bit hard to get into. There is a change of setting, which took me a bit of time to adjust to. However, at about 25% through the book, it really took off for me, and I was really invested in the next chapter of the story. This chapter of the story is a bit more political and societal than the last one was, but I really enjoyed that part of it. Again, I marveled at how Arden wove together folklore with historical fiction. Her writing was just as full of detail and magic as in the first book. I am just as in love with Vasya as ever. What a wonderfully headstrong character. I love Solovey. I love Vasya's brothers. I love Morozko. Goodness. I'm SO excited to get my hands on the last book in the series. :) :) :) 

The English Wife by Lauren Willig*

4 Stars - I recommend if you enjoy mysteries, historical fiction, and strong female characters.

When Janie finds her brother, murdered, at his mansion's opening costume party she knows there is more to the story that meets the eye. Her family, one of the richest in the United States, is very proud and suddenly has a ruined reputation. When no one else will seek to investigate her brother's murder more fully, she teams up with Mr. Burke, a journalist, in hopes of discovering the truth, and getting justice. The story shifts back and forth between Janie and Mr. Burke solving the murder, and her brother Bay and his wife Annabelle's past. Both plots reach their apex at once in an exciting revelation.

I haven't read a ton of mysteries, and I had not read any of Willig's other books (though The Pink Carnation has been on my shelf for OVER 10 YEARS!), so I didn't know quite what to expect. I was immediately swept up in the intertwined stories. I loved Bay and Annabelle, I loved Janie as she sought to find her place in the world. I loved that there were so many layers to this mystery, so many people involved, so many moving pieces. There were several twists and turns in this story, which I appreciated, and did not see coming. I did guess the murderer, but only toward the end (about 70% through). The climax of the story kind of blew me away though, and I enjoyed the resolution. Overall, if you enjoy mysteries and historical fiction, I think that you will enjoy this book!

Briar Rose by Jane Yolen

2.5 - I *might* recommend if you are looking for a middle-grade novel with serious subject matter. I don't want to ruin this for those interested, so highlight the white text below. This is a sleeping beauty re-telling, but it is not fantasy based in any way.

When Becca's grandmother passes away, all she leaves behind is a box of documents and a rendition of Sleeping Beauty that she told over and over. Becca, a journalist, promises to solve the mystery by finding out her grandmother's past, where "the castle" is, and who "the prince" is. 

I didn't really enjoy this book. For one, I picked it up expecting it to be a fluffy middle-grade fairy tale re-telling. But for more reasons, the different plot pieces of the book felt kind of piecemealed together. Their childhood, Becca going to upstate New York to learn more about her grandmother, an overseas trip, etc. I like the idea behind what Yolen is trying to do, SPOILER - put a fairy tale in the place of an experience within a Nazi death camp to help the grandmother cope with the horrific experience. However, it took a really long time for Becca to figure it out, and within the mystery there were not that many moving pieces. She finally gets to Poland... and it's like a mini travelogue. After that they conveniently meet the man who saved her grandma. Ok then. That was tidy and anticlimactic. Then he re-tells his story about the war, Nazis, etc... and its the longest story ever, and it focuses on him, not her grandmother. I guess people are offended by the LGBTQ+ content in this book, which is VERY tame and virtually non-existent. This was written in 1988, but it is currently 2018 folks. (off soap box now) I did find it confusing that our protagonist was 23 years old, and it was written for middle-graders. I think? However, the protagonist's dad makes several not so subtle inappropriate jokes, and it mentions our main character watching a "soft core" movie. Who is this book written for? How confusing! There was a very surface level love story thrown in there, it felt unnecessary. I see what Yolen was doing with Sleeping Beauty, but it just felt like all of the pieces were a little too subtle or randomly woven together. 

Love, Rosie (or Where Rainbows End) by Ceclia Ahern

3 Stars - I recommend if you are looking for a fluffy read that has a very slow pace. It was cute, and  a little romantic, but mostly not.

This story follows best friends Rosie and Alex throughout their childhood, teen years, college days, and beyond. When Alex moves from Dublin to Boston with his family, they are brokenhearted at their separation. They won't get to spend their last days before college together. When Rosie gets into Boston College, they are so excited that they will be reunited. Life gets in the way, again and again. When will things line up?

I really wanted to love this book, but it was just too long and drawn out for me. Their mis-communication and missed opportunities to get together were excruciating after a while. I didn't feel like I understood either of their characters and lot of their decisions. I read this in a full day, so it wasn't THAT slow, but it was definitely getting to me. Finishing the last page I sat it down and went, "uuuughhhh!" KC's response... "oh no.. it didn't get better..." LOL It was ok, and probably great for many, but it wasn't my jam!

The Sun is Also a Star by Nicola Yoon

4 Stars - I recommend if you enjoy YA and are looking for diverse representation in your reading.

Natasha is being deported today. She's being deported because her father made a mistake. Because of his mistake, her future is ruined. Daniel is on the path that his parents want. Go to Yale, become a doctor, marry a nice Korean girl. Daniel would rather be a poet. He lets the wind blow him where it will before his interview for Yale. The wind blows him toward Natasha.

Nicola Yoon. Gets me every time. Her books are light and fluffy, but they also carry deeper things beneath the surface. This book is more emotional and complex than Everything, Everything. The depiction of two children of immigrant parents is absolutely vivid and intricate. I love that this book is written from multiple perspectives, and as always with Nicola Yoon, the chapters are short and you just fly through it. I enjoyed reading from both Natasha and Daniel's perspectives, but I will say that I REALLY love teenage male protagonists. So much sarcasm! :P I also liked how this book contains segments about their parent's history, perspectives of people they interact with, etc. The way it's all woven together is really lovely. I cried a bit, and I felt happy and sad for all of the characters. It's just a really thoughtful portrayal of growing up, families, immigration, etc. etc. With the way it ends, I would love to read a follow-up. :) I hope that she writes more books soon! :)

Haven by Katherine Bogle*

3 Stars - I recommend if you enjoy YA fantasy with strong female protagonists.

This story follows Haven, the newly crowned queen of her kingdom. She must learn to lead her kingdom as the entire world is under siege by an evil queen. She must encourage her people, form alliances, and make quick decisions. When the evil queen comes for her own kingdom, how will she react? How will she save everyone?

This one has been in my Netgalley queue for a good long time. I am glad that I finally got around to reading it. At first I didn't feel very connected to Haven or the story line, but the plot picks up fairly quickly. As the story went on, I felt more invested in the world and characters. I thought that some parts of the plot were resolved quickly, and that overall a lot happens in this book. I appreciated that Bogle added some diversity to her story, that Haven challenges tough issues like discrimination, slavery, rape culture, and consent. There are also some really strong female characters in this book, which is fantastic. This book is part of a series, which I did not know when I downloaded it. Since I was only medium on the story, I may or may not decide to keep reading it. I would imagine, however, that the world, writing, and characters only become more vivid and fleshed out as you read. We shall see!

Currently Reading:

The Beau and the Belle by R.S. Grey

On Deck:

I *think* I am going to start reading the rest of the Throne of Glass series. I didn't love the first one, but am convinced, mostly based on my obsession with ACOTAR that it will be really good starting with the second book! :)

Crown of Midnight by Sarah J. Maas

Linking up with Jana and Steph for Show Us Your Books tomorrow. :) 

What have you been reading? What do you hope to read this month?! 

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!

Announcing: Keep It Together: A Planning & Memory Keeping Blog Hop with Lauren at Shooting Stars Mag!

Happy Thursday, Friends! I am SO EXCITED to announce that I’m co-hosting a monthly link-up with the amazing Lauren at Shooting Stars Mag! We’re focusing on Planners, Project Life/Scrapbooking, Bullet Journalling, and any other form of memory keeping that you love.

On the Third Thursday of the month, starting on February 15th, Lauren and I will be sharing a link-up where you can join us in celebrating all things planning & memory keeping! Lauren is sharing quite frequently about her planner projects, and I know you've seen tons from me on project life and my other scrappy projects! We love writing these posts, but we also love reading blogs who write about similar topics, so we figured a monthly link-up would be a great way to find, and enjoy, all these type of memory keeping posts!

Whether you link up every month, or just every now and then, we hope that you will continue to come back and support Keep It Together. Who knows? You might just find some great inspiration and ideas to use in your own memory keeping goals - whether that’s a journal, a planner, a scrapbook, or something more.

Be sure to come back next week for the very first link-up! We can’t wait to see you!

Are you into planners or memory keeping?!

XO,

Alexandra

The Roaring, Swinging, Fabulous, Groovy Blog Collaboration // The 1900's and 1910's

It's a new week, of a new(ish) month. I think I'm going to be posting on different days depending on the week this year, since I've got some fun blogger collaborations planned! :) This week Audrey and I are talking about the 1900's (aka The Edwardian Era) & 1910's for the Roaring, Swinging, Fabulous, Groovy Blog Collaboration. So far, this challenge has me noticing that I want to watch more period movies and read more historical fiction this year! hehe SO MAKE SURE TO SHARE YOUR RECOMMENDATIONS BELOW IN THE COMMENTS! :) :)

Here we go:



On the first Tuesday of the month, February through November, we're highlighting books & films from/about specific eras that we recommend! (Television shows, too, sometimes!) There's no commitment or link-up during those months on your end, but in December we’ll host a recap/link-up for the entire year!

I'm learning a lot from this challenge already:

Mainly the that as much as I love historical fiction, classic novels, and period dramas... I haven't seen/read that many. So, please give me your recommendations for the decades and as we go so I can expand my horizons too! :) In the meantime, I'll plan to read and watch more when I can! :) Books, Films, and Bonus will be things that I HAVE read or watched. "On Deck": will be things that I am hoping to get to soon!



Anne of Green Gables (1908) - Check out my post about Anne, here.
The Secret Garden (1910) - Check out my post about The Secret Garden, here.



The Secret Garden (1910) - a classic from my childhood (Maggie Smith!)
A Little Princess (1905) - another classic from my childhood. I think I like this one better..?
Titanic (1912) - few are as dreamy as young Leo.
Finding Neverland (1903) - It's been a looong time! The story behind the inspiration for Peter Pan!
Anastasia (1916 - when it begins at least) - all time favorite (obviously)



When Calls the Heart (1910) - TV - I love mounty Jack. *swoon*
Downton Abbey (1912) - TV - I know it's shameful... but I haven't finished this!
Anastasia Broadway (1916) - Musical - AMAZZZZINNNNG!

A Tree Grows in Brooklyn (Book)
A Little Princess (Book)
Anne of Green Gables (other books + shows)
The Romanov Sisters: The Lost lives of the Daughters of Nicholas and Alexandra (Book)
Renoir (movie)
A Christmas Carol (book)
Sweet Land (movie)
The Ottoman Lieutenant (movie)
Joyeux Noel (movie)
A Very Long Engagement (movie)
Finding Neverland (musical) - has anyone seen this?

I clearly have a lot of work to do! 

What books, movies, or shows can you recommend that take place in the 1900's or 1910's? Is there a goodreads equivalent for movies?!

Be sure to hope over to Audrey’s blog and check out her recommendations!

Hopefully some of these selections appeal to your history-loving heart! In March we'll be foxtrotting our way through the 1920's! We hope you'll join us!

XO,

Alexandra

Have You Heard? // Vance Joy - "Saturday Sun"

Happy February Friends! I am well enough but still shaking off fatigue. Work has been absolutely insane, I'm hoping that things calm down soon! Send me good vibes if you have any!

image via google

I'm still working on my goals, and my intentions for the year. I guess with my health this year it makes sense for my "new year" to start February 1, rather than January 1. :) Stay tuned for those things! And tell me your goals, I want some inspiration!

Vance Joy comes out with his new album this month! :) Hooray! Yesterday he released another new song, called "Saturday Sun". It is SO catchy, I can't wait for February 23rd!



Alright, well this has definitely brightened my day! :) "No ray of sunlight's ever lost" - I love that!

What are you guys up to this weekend?

We are headed to my sister Olivia's basketball game, assuming she gets over her cold. :) Then I have plans to thoroughly enjoy the Kitten Bowl, and multi-task through the Super Bowl. :P I am hoping to do some reading, organizing (we still have our tree up... x_x), and scrapbooking. I've been playing with traveler's notebooks and water color... etc. and I just want to spend some time making a mess!

Other Posts This Week: The Roaring, Swinging, Fabulous, Groovy Blog Collaboration with Audrey!

On YouTube This Week: First Haul of the Year! // Hi-Five + Maggie Holmes

HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND!!!

XO,

Alexandra