Waiting on: Finale by Becca Fitzpatrick

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, where we highlight our most anticipated future books. 

This week's pick...

Finale (Hush, Hush, #4) by Becca Fitzpatrick

Hardcover, 448 pages

Expected publication: October 23rd 2012 by Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing

Nora is more certain than ever that she is in love with Patch. Fallen angel or no, he is the one for her. Her heritage and destiny may mean that they will always be enemies, but there is no turning her back on him. But now they face their biggest challenge. Can their love survive a seemingly insurmountable divide. And in the end, will there be enough trust left to rebuild what has been broken? The lines are drawn - but which sides are they on?

I loved Hush, Hush. I loved Cresecendo. I did not like Silence. Regardless, I am dying to know what is going to happen to Nora and Patch. Actually, I don't really care what becomes of Nora to be perfectly honest, but Patch on the other hand...I am very invested in his story.

What are you waiting on this Wednesday?

Book Review: THE FAULT IN OUR STARS by John Green

The Fault in Our Stars by John Green 

Hardcover, First Edition, 318 pages

Published January 10th 2012 by Dutton Books

Diagnosed with Stage IV thyroid cancer at 13, Hazel was prepared to die until, at 14, a medical miracle shrunk the tumours in her lungs... for now.  

Two years post-miracle, sixteen-year-old Hazel is post-everything else, too; post-high school, post-friends and post-normalcy. And even though she could live for a long time (whatever that means), Hazel lives tethered to an oxygen tank, the tumours tenuously kept at bay with a constant chemical assault.  

Enter Augustus Waters. A match made at cancer kid support group, Augustus is gorgeous, in remission, and shockingly to her, interested in Hazel. Being with Augustus is both an unexpected destination and a long-needed journey, pushing Hazel to re-examine how sickness and health, life and death, will define her and the legacy that everyone leaves behind. (Goodreads summary)

“But it is the nature of stars to cross, and never was Shakespeare more wrong than when he has Cassius note, ‘The fault, dear Brutus, is not in our stars / But in ourselves.” ― John Green, The Fault in Our Stars

This book is so incredible that I am left befuddled as to how to convey how amazing it is. I've tried to start this review in a multitude of various ways, but I keep hitting a wall when I realize that my words are plain compared to what The Fault in Our Stars has to offer. So to put it as plainly as I can, READ THIS BOOK. IT IS GREAT.

Oh this book. It hits below the belt! I was prepared for tears, but I was not prepared for the knife that sliced my chest open and left my heart exposed and vulnerable. This story got to me in a really, really great way. It is more than a tearjerker. It is a sobfest. And there is nothing better than a completely unselfish cry brought about by the mere use of words and the incredible writing of a love story.

Hazel had given up on making relationships. She was content watching America's Next Top Model and rereading her favorite book on repeat. But when Augustus Waters, beautiful and charismatic, stared at her during support group, Hazel was unable to hide from his sparkling eyes. A witty exchange about the correct use of literally begins a relationship that expands throughout the 318 pages, painting a beautiful, breathtaking and heart wrenching story.

Side note. Two words for you: AUGUSTUS WATERS. Enough said. New favorite book character, hands down.

My favorite characters in books are the ones with clever lines and witty comebacks, which is no wonder that Hazel and Augustus became instant favorites. They are SO witty. Sure people in real life are not quite that clever, but man do I wish they were. My next favorite trait in characters is vulnerability. So enter Hazel and Augustus, witty beyond belief and cancer patients. I fell for them, hard. I feel like I know them, and that I will always think of them as these two people I was lucky to meet along my life road. They might be fictitious but the impact they have had on my life is very real.

This book transformed me. Since reading it, I have found a way to sneak it into almost all of my conversations, culminating in this line, "Oh my goodness, you have to read this book." But beyond a fantastic book to review and recommend, it is also an incredible message to life. It is eye-opening and life changing. And I don't know, but any book that leaves me still teary-eyed a week after reading is a book that I will have on my shelves forever. It is a book that I will always say, "Damn, that book is good."

Writing Advice (1): Even if you suck

As a young writer (young in the sense of new to this field), one of my favorite things to do is research and read writing advice from all sorts of levels of writers. I especially love reading the blogs of my favorite YA authors. You can find them here: Veronica Roth (Divergent), Kiersten White (Parnormalcy), Rachel Hawkins (Hex Hall), and Kathleen Peacock (Hemlock) -- just to list a few.

I also love reading advice from people who have not yet been published. People just like me who have discovered a love for this strange craft, are working hard at it and offering advice to other people like them.

Thus, I've decided to start a new post that I am calling, "Writing Advice from a Novice Writer." I would like to think of it as writing advice that can pertain to normal life as well.

(source)

This week's topic:

IF YOU LOVE IT, DO IT EVEN IF YOU SUCK

I am a perfectionist. I like to be good at things. Thus, things that I knew from the get go I was not going to be good at, I just simply did not do. I never played sports because I knew I would be bad at them. I never tried out for the school play, because I probably couldn't dance, sing or act. And I didn't go to clown school because I probably could not master that freakish, painted on grin (this one has nothing to do with fear of failure but fear itself).

See the flaw here. I never did any of these things. Things that maybe I had some small interest in merely because I thought I would be bad at them. Well...hello...of course I would be. If I never tried to begin with then I would never have even give myself the chance to be bad at them. Limiting any hope of ever getting better.

Writing is just like this. So often people think, no, no, no, I couldn't write a book. I thought this very same thing. I thought, I don't form words like this author. Or...my characters could never be that well fleshed out. But by using the word never and comparing ourselves to people who have succeeded, we commit a tragic crime. And the crime is that of never trying at all.

So step one: if it interests you, do it. Perhaps at first you won't be very good at it. Do you think Michael Phelps could break world records the first time he swam the 200m Butterfly? Of course not. He practiced. He worked hard. He trained. He got better. And then he won lots and lots of gold medals.

But here comes step two. Listen up because this is very important. Even if you practice, most of us probably will never break world records like Michael Phelps. Most of us will probably never have our own amusement park at Universal studios like J.K Rowling's, Harry Potter World. Sometimes, we just might never get that good. But even if that is the case, that does not mean we have to stop doing something. You can suck at everything you do, but as long as you love it, keep doing it. Do it for the love, not the talent. Do it because it makes you happy not because it could make you rich.

Step three: We can always get better. Sure, if you love it and are happy with your current skill level, by all means, stay there. We don't have to work at getting better. But don't expect some incredible outcome if you don't ever work on improving. Since this is about writing, take classes, read, read, read, write every day, learn from authors who did have success. Slowly but surely, you will improve.

So that is my advice for you today. Advice I've had to learn to really take to heart. Do it even if you suck. The reality though, the only people who suck at something are those who never try. 

Top Ten Books for Summer 2012

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by The Broke and The Bookish.

This week's TOP TEN:

Books on my TBR summer list

In High School, my summer reading list included books like Moby Dick, A Farewell to Arms, Grapes of Wrath and 1984. All great books. Probably. I only read about half of them. Shh, don't tell my English teachers, but yes...I used sparknotes. Guilty. That's because summer isn't for heavy reading. It is for fun, lightweight, entertaining and romantic books. Books that make you laugh, cry, and fall in love. 

1. Rapture by Lauren Kate: Will Daniel and Luce finally get to be together forever or will fate tear them apart, this time for good?
2. Endlessly by Kiersten White: Will Ellie and Lend workout their immortality issues? And will she get to wear pink to the prom?
3. Sloppy Firsts by Megan McCafferty: I've heard nothing but good things about this series. Why I haven't I read it? No clue. I'm going to change that this summer.
4. Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas: I just think this book is going to be amazing. 
5. My Life Next Door by Huntley Fitzpatrick: From what I've heard about this book, it has an adorable premise that I am pretty sure I will devour in one sitting. 
6. Game of Thrones by George R.R Martin: Love the show. Have the book. Perhaps I should read it. 
7. Where She Went by Gayle Foreman: I read If I Stay last summer and spent an hour crying in the pool. I think I am due for another good torrential downpour. 
8. Flirting in Italian by Lauren Henderson: Italy, flirting, romance. This just screams -- SUMMERTIME READ! 
9. The Fault in Our Stars by John Green: Confession, I've never read anything by John Green. Just started this one and am already hooked. I'm probably going to have to add all of the rest of his books to my summertime list. 
10. Ten Things We Did by Sarah Mlynowski: Summer is the season for YA contemp. This is a book I've had waiting on my shelf and intend to finally read.  

My summer list could go on and on. And though I have great intentions of one day reading Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand and Lolita by Tolstoy, they probably won't make the cut until about mid-october. What books made your top ten list? Even though my list is long, I could always add a few more...

Book Review: The Golden Lily by Richelle Mead

The Golden Lily (Bloodlines, #2) by Richelle Mead

Hardcover, 418 pages

Expected publication: June 12th 2012 by Razorbill

The second thrilling installment in Richelle Mead's Vampire Academy spinoff series. 

Tough, brainy alchemist Sydney Sage and doe-eyed Moroi princess Jill Dragomir are in hiding at a human boarding school in the sunny, glamorous world of Palm Springs, California. The students--children of the wealthy and powerful--carry on with their lives in blissful ignorance, while Sydney, Jill, Eddie, and Adrian must do everything in their power to keep their secret safe. But with forbidden romances, unexpected spirit bonds, and the threat of Strigoi moving ever closer, hiding the truth is harder than anyone thought. 

Populated with new faces as well as familiar ones, Richelle Mead's breathtaking Bloodlines series explores all the friendship, romance, battles, and betrayals that made the #1 New York Times bestselling Vampire Academy series so addictive. In this second book, the drama is hotter, the romances are steamier, and the stakes are even higher. (Goodreads summary.)

Bear with me as I sort out my multitude of thoughts on this book. Okay, they are sorted. EEEEK. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE. 

This book starts where we left off, with Sydney Sage and her mishmash of boxcar vampires. It is such a fantastic cast of characters led by my new favorite leading lady. Sydney, although an Alchemist (a secret sect of humans who deal in keeping the identity of vampires hidden), is essentially just your off-beat yet normal girl. She is quirky, socially awkward, and insanely smart. Despite the fact her job is to look after vampires, she worries about her weight, is oblivious to men’s affection, and is completely unsure of the proper way to hold a boy’s hand. She is impossibly normal. And, I love her. She was a fine character in Bloodlines (#1), but fresh off the kick-ass heroine that is Rose Hathaway, Sydney was a bit bland. In this book, she shows us that even the normal girl can kick some hard-core ass. She is loyal, devoted and intelligent. And, even in the midst of paranormal, she is extremely relatable.

Then we have Adrian Ivashkov. I’ve said it before and I will say it again, this time in all caps -- HE IS FANTASTIC! I was drawn to his character in The Vampire Academy series and am even more in love with him in this companion series. I am so proud of him. When Rose first meets Adrian, he is a chain-smoking, alcoholic, dead-beat with no real goal but to court as many women as he can. Now in this series, we get to watch Adrian grow up. We get to see him learn about responsibility and discover himself, all the while maintaining that fantastic wit and snarky demeanor. Thank you Richelle Mead for the beauty that is Adrian Ivashkov. 

The strong characters are supported by a strong story arc and excellent writing. This book demonstrates that not every page needs to be chock full of action for it to be both entertaining and meaningful. In fact, the action in this book is fairly minimal. It isn’t about the killer fight scenes. We will leave that to Rose and Dimitri. For Sydney, it is about the logical and analytical look, plus the building of the most unlikely friendships. It is done so in a way that kept me hooked from beginning to the inevitable end. 

In the end, the question this book faces is that of good verse evil. Sure many books face this same question, but this one pulls out a key factor that is sometimes overlooked. Is it the person or the group? Sydney wars throughout this book with her issues against vampires, witnessing the goodness in them and the evil in human beings. She fights against the lessons that have been ingrained in her head. Trying hard to decipher what she has been told from what she sees. 

I could go on and on about my love for this book. But that would result in me giving too much away. I think all I need to say is, READ THIS BOOK! Well, read The Vampire Academy, Bloodlines and then The Golden Lily. Trust me, it will all be worth it. 

Recommended for fans of: Hush Hush Saga by Becca Fitzpatrick, Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling, Half-Blood by Jennifer Armentrout, and Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins.

Waiting on Meant to Be by Lauren Morrill

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, where we highlight our most anticipated future books. 

This week's pick...

Meant to Be by Lauren Morrill

Hardcover, 290 pages

Expected publication: November 13th 2012 by Delacorte

Meant to be or not meant to be . . . that is the question.  

It's one thing to fall head over heels into a puddle of hazelnut coffee, and quite another to fall for the—gasp—wrong guy. Straight-A junior Julia may be accident prone, but she's queen of following rules and being prepared. That's why she keeps a pencil sharpener in her purse and a pocket Shakespeare in her, well, pocket. And that's also why she's chosen Mark Bixford, her childhood crush, as her MTB ("meant to be"). 

But this spring break, Julia's rules are about to get defenestrated (SAT word: to be thrown from a window) when she's partnered with her personal nemesis, class-clown Jason, on a school trip to London. After one wild party, Julia starts receiving romantic texts . . . from an unknown number! Jason promises to help discover the identity of her mysterious new suitor if she agrees to break a few rules along the way. And thus begins a wild goose chase through London, leading Julia closer and closer to the biggest surprise of all: true love. 

Because sometimes the things you least expect are the most meant to be. (Goodreads summary)

Ooooh. True love! London! A game of cat and mouse! Rule breaking! This sounds like a really fun book with potential to be absolutely adorable. And this cover... gorgeous. I cannot wait!

What are you waiting on this Wednesday? 

Book Review -- The Night Circus

The Night Circus

by Erin Morgenstern

Hardcover, 387 pages

Published September 13th 2011 by Doubleday

Goodreads Summary -- The circus arrives without warning. No announcements precede it. It is simply there, when yesterday it was not. Within the black-and-white striped canvas tents is an utterly unique experience full of breathtaking amazements. It is called Le Cirque des Rêves, and it is only open at night. 

But behind the scenes, a fierce competition is underway—a duel between two young magicians, Celia and Marco, who have been trained since childhood expressly for this purpose by their mercurial instructors. Unbeknownst to them, this is a game in which only one can be left standing, and the circus is but the stage for a remarkable battle of imagination and will. Despite themselves, however, Celia and Marco tumble headfirst into love—a deep, magical love that makes the lights flicker and the room grow warm whenever they so much as brush hands. 

True love or not, the game must play out, and the fates of everyone involved, from the cast of extraordinary circus per­formers to the patrons, hang in the balance, suspended as precariously as the daring acrobats overhead. 

Written in rich, seductive prose, this spell-casting novel is a feast for the senses and the heart.

Before I read this book, these were two facts I attributed to myself 1) I preferred young adult books and 2) I didn't like the circus. Turns out I don't know myself very well because now 1) I love adult books (if a book about the circus can really be considered as for adults) and 2) I love the circus (at least I love Erin Morgenstern's beautiful portrayal of one). This book was so, so, so AMAZING!

I first discovered The Night Circus this past Christmas when it was found on countless Favorite Books of 2011 lists. The praise for this book sparked my interest. Thus, I purchased a copy. And for three months, it sat on my shelf collecting dust. Then last week, in search of something to read, I picked it up and began reading it. It didn't take long for this whimsical book of love, magic, devotion and quirky characters to kidnap me into their world.

Like the patrons who step foot into Le Cirque des Rêves, it is a peculiar world that you can't quite make sense of but leaves you breathless and longing to come back night after night -- or -- page after page.

The writing in this book is incredible. Yes, I love young adult books, but they tend to read the same way. This book is written in third person present tense, and I found the effect very alluring. The focus is spread out so we are given the full picture of the story instead of simply one characters POV. This lead to many moments where I literally gasped. The circus itself is complex and layered, as are the characters within and surrounding it.

Plus, the descriptions are so incredibly palpable! And for this book, the visual is everything. I could smell the caramel, feel the rain, hear the laughter and see the white flame of the bonfire. They brought me to the circus, so much so that when I was not reading, I felt like I had one foot still in that mystifying world. My mind whizzed with longing to return to it.

For people who don't often read adult fiction, like myself, this book is a great stepping stone. It is just childish enough that it captivates the reader but breathes a desire to explore and expand upon reading choices. This book is why I read. I read to fall deeply into a world created by the mere use of words. A world just believable enough that you are sure it doesn't exist but yet you maintain a lingering hope that maybe, just maybe, it does.

Brilliant.

My Funny Valentine

Valentine's Day

If you are like me, these two words mean the following:

-Large boxes of chocolate shaped like a heart

-Artificially colored roses and carnations

-Schmoopy couples out at the restaurants

-Candy hearts with fortunes

and

-a night in with the friends.

I have never had a Valentine's Day that fit into the cliche idea of what V-day is supposed to be. Of course, I say -- I wouldn't want that anyway. Who wants too sweet, artificial, and corny? Not me -- Well...that's not necessarily true. 

As a writer and an avid reader of YA books, I am not immune to the poison of romance. In fact, I only enjoy books, movies, and songs if they are somehow related to LOVE. That feeling of butterflies you get in your stomach when the love interest finally shows their affection. That moment when the walls come crumbling down and all that is left are two people madly in love. That ache when they are torn apart seconds after they confess their true desires! This is love. Right? 

I have fallen in love over a hundred times. Let me rephrase, I have fallen in love over a hundred times with fictional characters. The nature of a good book is one that makes you feel all of the emotions their characters are exuding at every given moment. And if well done, the love transcends the page and manifests itself in your own heart. 

And of course the romance for the girl is usually pretty easy. And if it is typical of the trends, there is probably a love triangle. Not only does she get to pick from gorgeous guy #1, she can also have handsome guy #2. Really? How is this fair? Someone is always going to get the short end of the stick-- know who that isn't? The girl with her pick of guy. Blech. But one guy is going home alone. And usually to simplify things that guy might not even make it home at all if you know what I mean. Yup, he gets killed. But each of these guys is more perfect than the next. And we, the reader, fall for them time and time again. 

A trend that I've really been enjoying recently is the more realistic guy. The guy with flaws. And I don't mean flaws like glittering in the sun. That's not a flaw. I mean like real human imperfections. Some of the best portrayals of imperfections are in contemporary books. Etienne St. Clair (Anna and the French Kiss) had already won my heart before I realized how short he was. His height didn't matter. My new favorite guy, Oliver (The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight) is not perfect. Sure he is adorable and nice. But we see him through Hadley's eyes. She likes him. And what she likes about him is that he is a bit lopsided. He isn't perfect and Hadley doesn't need him to be. 

Too often, we (girls) get caught up in this perfect image of what we are looking for. He needs to be driven, 5' 11'', brown hair, blue eyes, preferably good abs. He has to wear cool shoes and well fitting clothes. He has to get along with all of your friends and family. He should play the piano. Maybe volunteer at the homeless shelter. Likes thai food. Wants to travel. He reads Harry Potter. He went to Paris and his favorite painting at the Louvre was the Van Gogh, same as yours. He loves the sunrise and the color green. He needs glasses only when he drives at night and watches movies. 

Suddenly, we have so many ideas of what we are looking for that nobody we meet can ever live up to these standards. And then these standards become a defense mechanism. If nobody is ever as good as we want them to be then we never have to put ourselves out there.  We fall in love with the waiter at a coffee shop because no matter how many times we pretend like we might actually get to know him, he will always be perfectly out of reach. We fall in love with the hundreds of book boys because obviously we never have to feel rejected by them. 

But life isn't a series of perfect events woven together by an author. It is just life. We can't predict the ending. We can't create Mr. Perfect. And we probably don't want to kill off guy #2 just to simplify things. 

All we can do is live. And live openly to the opportunities that face us everyday. Live openly to the guy with powdered donut on his shirt because he might just be your soul mate. Maybe let him wear ugly sneakers because he really makes you smile. 

So to the young, old, single or taken, Happy Valentine's Day. May you leave behind your perfect idea of happily ever after and open yourself to the imperfections that only really living can bring you. 

May it be a schmoopy night out with your guy who likes the color blue instead of green or a night in with friends, enjoy it, for it is life. 

Book Review - Fallen In Love

Fallen In Love (Fallen # 3.5):

 by Lauren Kate

(Goodreads summary)
Library Binding, 160 pagesExpected publication: January 24th 2012
by Delacorte Press Books for Young Readers
What makes your heart race a little faster? Just in time for Valentine's Day, it's FALLEN IN LOVE, four wholly original new stories collected in a new novel set in the Middle Ages by Lauren Kate. FALLEN IN LOVE gives fans the much-talked about but never-revealed stories of FALLEN characters as they intertwine with the epic love story of Luce and Daniel. The stories include: Love Where You Least Expect It: The Valentine of Shelby and Miles , Love Lessons: The Valentine of Roland; Burning Love: The Valentine of Arriane; and Endless Love: The Valentine of Daniel and Lucinda.

The story of Daniel and Luce is not necessarily everyone’s favorite. I however fell in love with the Fallen Series this past summer and have since been eagerly awaiting Rapture, the fourth and final book in the saga. Thankfully, the dreadful waiting period has been graced with an in between book, Fallen In Love, a compilation of four love stories of some of our favorite characters in this series. As a fan of these books, I thoroughly enjoyed this addition.  

Everyone loves a good romance and Daniel and Luce’s love is pretty epic. It appropriately dominates the focus of the series; however, as we follow their love, one can’t help but wonder about the stories of the other characters. Fortunately, Lauren Kate was well aware that us fans would enjoy reading more!

For me, this book does not further the series, but it is a positive addition nonetheless. I was very glad to see that Miles was not left to wallow after Luce but given his own little love story. And as the spunky sidekick, Shelby was definitely worthy of his affection. They were charming and in the series of bizarre occurrences, refreshingly normal. It was cute to see how their story progressed while Daniel and Luce were busy chasing the past. And as the loveable fallen angels from opposite sides, I enjoyed learning more about Roland’s past and Arrianne’s.

Overall, this is an adorable quartet of love stories. Appropriately coined a book for Valentine’s Day, if you are looking for a simple and quick love story, this is the book for you. It won’t blow you away, but it will warm your heart.

Rating: 3.3/5

(Thanks to netgalley and Delacorte Press Books for providing me with this book for review.)

Favorites

I play favorites. 

I have a favorite animal -- the rhino. A favorite season -- fall. Favorite television show -- Vampire Diaries. Favorite sister -- just kidding. Favorite movie -- Empire Records.

With favorites, there are also non-favorites. I do not like wasabi. I do not like playing any sports that involve a ball. I hate the movie Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. And I prefer not to sleep in a tent. 

I know what I like and what I don't like. I am a take it or leave it person. To me, there is no reason to rest on top of the fence, that is too tiring. Choose a side. And commit to it. 

As someone who plays favorites, naturally I have favorite books. The following are my top ten favorite books/series of all time:

1. East of Eden by John Steinbeck

I hope Steinbeck feels honored to make it on this list. I don't read many "adult" books. Nor many "classics."  But East of Eden is one of those books that I cannot help loving. I think it definitely hits on some of those elements that I love in a story. Growing up, rebelliousness, young love, belonging. It is my utmost favorite book. And Caleb Trask is one of my favorite characters. I love the wounded.  

2. Harry Potter Series by J.K. Rowling

A magical world full of witchcraft and wizardry.  A world so convincing that I truly think it might be real. 

3. The Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead

Action. Love. Heartbreak. Death. Vampires. Adrian Ivashkov. This series is  a commitment, but some stories are worth it. I walked into it apprehensive, but walked away a true fan. 

4. The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald 

A story of lost love and hidden secrets. Gatsby is the perfect love interest. And the 1920s are such a romantic and intriguing decade. 

5. The Mortal Instruments by Cassandra Clare

What could be better than a book with vampires, warlocks, fairies, and werewolves? Perhaps a book where the male lead is snarky and gorgeous Jace -- a shadowhunter. (Shadowhunters fight demons.) I accredit this series to my reawakened love for young adult books. It made me realize that it doesn't matter how old you are. If a book is this good, it is worth reading. 

6. The Outsiders by S. E. Hinton
I love this book. A story of class struggles that leads to self-discovery. The greasers are dirty and rowdy, yet loyal and supportive. And oh so troubled. They are at war with the Socs (the privileged). It is a war against each other that turns into a war within. I read this book in seventh grade, and it still falls on my favorites list. 

7. Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins

When Anna is forced to go to school in Paris for her senior year, she thinks this is the worst thing ever. Then she meets -- Etienne St. Clair. And oh my goodness. So cute. This story is adorable. And I simply loved both Anna and St. Clair. Sometimes I think a book becomes your favorite based on where you are when you read it. And I read this at the end of summer when I had only a few days left to soak up the sun and relax. It was the perfect book.  

8. Hex Hall Series by Rachel Hawkins

Okay, this is a strange choice. Not because it is a bad book -- it is great. But because it is about witches. I'm not really a witch fan. I like most paranormal stories, but witches can veer on the satanic side. This book is not one of those. It is lighthearted and Sophie Mercer is positively adorable. And so is her love interest, Archer Cross. 

9. Lucy Sullivan is Getting Married by Marian Keyes

When Lucy visits a psychic, she hears some unexpected news. In one year, she will be married. Only problem -- she doesn't even have a boyfriend. Now every guy she meets could be the one. Lucy meets some winners and some losers. And along the way to finding a husband, she finds herself. And thoroughly entertains us as she does.  Until just now, I had forgotten how much I love this book. 


10. Dystopian 
I know this isn't a specific book, but I couldn't pick. So -- I decided it could count as one. The Hunger Games (Suazanne Collins), Matched (Ally Condie), Delirium (Lauren Oliver), Forest of Hands and Teeth (Carrie Ryan), Divergent (Veronica Roth), 1984 (George Orwell), Uglies (Scott Westerfeld), etc. I love them all. In societies where personal choice is taken away, what happens when people discover their own voice can lead to a multitude of intriguing stories. 


That's my list. And I think I recognize a trend. I like my romantic interests. I like them snarky, hot, loyal, vulnerable, slightly broken, and a lot rebellious. If a book gets that right, it makes the list. 

What are your favorite books? 

Book Review: Lola and the Boy Next Door

Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins: 

(Goodreads summary)

Budding designer Lola Nolan doesn’t believe in fashion . . . she believes in costume. The more expressive the outfit -- more sparkly, more fun, more wild -- the better. But even though Lola’s style is outrageous, she’s a devoted daughter and friend with some big plans for the future. And everything is pretty perfect (right down to her hot rocker boyfriend) until the dreaded Bell twins, Calliope and Cricket, return to the neighborhood. 

When Cricket -- a gifted inventor -- steps out from his twin sister’s shadow and back into Lola’s life, she must finally reconcile a lifetime of feelings for the boy next door.

This book was incredible. I think Stephanie Perkins may have been born to write books for me to read. Seriously, it is like she literally connects them to the strings of my heart.

Her first book, Anna and the French Kiss, was one of the most unexpected reads I have had in a while. After attempting to read several really bad books, I didn't expect much from a book with a cover like this (image to the right). I typically like an element of supernatural or fantasy in the books I read. Thus, I was astonished that I not only liked it but loved it. Like ... couldn't stop reading for one moment, read some chapters over again just because I couldn't get enough, and made my sister read it to share in the joy. It reawakened an interest in chick flick novels. Her books don't need vampires or fallen angels for me to fall in love with them. They just need her quirky and infectious stories. And incredible love interests. 

And she has proven herself again with Lola. 

These books aren't complicated. They are simple stories of girls who meet boys and the path to their relationship. What exists in between are complications that are created to prevent the relationship from ever happening. Throw in some fantastic characters, good dialogue and heart wrenching moments, and you have a book worth reading.

Perkins' characters are always so perfect in that they aren't perfect, but you love them anyway. They have their flaws, but that is what makes them realistic. I honestly want to be best friends with all of them. Lola seems so unique and fun. Always dressed in something crazy. And Cricket might be the best person (book character) ever. But not in that obnoxious, I volunteer for animal shelters, give all of my money to the poor, and never use petroleum. Instead, he is just a nice guy. Kind of really nerdy and bumbling. Adorable pretty much sums him up. And even though I usually go for the bad boys, Cricket won my heart.

The story has logical progression and the romance blossoms in a realistic amount of time. It is created and molded, instead of just simply existing. It makes sense. And it doesn't occupy the whole book with excessive schmoopiness.

And if you can't bear to read a Perkins book that isn't about St. Clair (the delicious brit that Anna gets to French kiss), then you are in luck, because he makes an appearance. Love him.

Overall, the book has a wonderful setting (San Francisco), beautiful characters, endearing friendships, and wishes made on the moon.

Though I loved Anna and the French Kiss more, that was like an out of this universe love, which means that my love for Lola and the Boy Next Door is reaching the moon. 

Marie Lifestyle Collection, creative spirit & love for design

Famed singer, actress, author, and entrepreneur Marie Osmond is embarking upon a new career in the design industry with a line of home decor and fashion products produced by Giftcraft. 

Launching in stores this month, the Marie Lifestyle Collection includes uniquely designed quilted bags and accessories, fashion jewelry, elegant table top and stylish home decor accessories.

"Creative expression has always been respected and treasured in my family. It is with that in mind, that I have poured my creative spirit and love for design and style into this new lifestyle collection," says Marie. "I am thrilled to offer stylish, functional products for women everywhere at a value-oriented price."

Marie was directly involved with the creation, design and development of the line which closely mirrors the aesthetic and values seen in Marie's own style. 

The entire Marie Lifestyle Collection retails will be available for purchase in Hallmark Gold Crown stores and fine boutiques across the US and Canada starting in November. 

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