Sunday, December 29, 2013

It's Monday, What Are You Reading?

Brought to you by Sheila at Book Journey!

The last of these posts in 2013! I am enjoying a wonderful winter break with my family and friends, and I hope all of you are as well. I also received some fun books for Christmas!

I haven't been posting much, but that changes this week.  But, after this week, everything changes again. Work starts, and so do my classes! I can't believe I am submitting myself through college again! I am nervous but excited! I don't know how much time I will have available to read and blog, but hopefully I can manage at least one a week.

Read Last Week(s):

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (Chronicles of Narnia, #2)  A Christmas Promise (Christmas Stories, #7)
Rant  Christmas Bliss  
City of Thieves

City of Thieves by David Benioff: I could kick myself for not reading this sooner. Amazing, one of the best books I have read this year! Review this week.

Christmas Bliss by Mary Kay Andrews: I love this series!  

Rant by Chuck Palahniuk: Weird. Weird. I don't get it. We read this for book club. I probably won't review it, just discuss it in my book club post. Mainly because it was strange and I really didn't understand.

A Christmas Promise by Anne Perry: Meh, this was ok. Not great.

The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis: I loved this! It was another book that it was about time that I read.


Reading This Week:

Free Spirit : growing up on the road and off the grid  The $64 Tomato: How One Man Nearly Lost His Sanity, Spent a Fortune, and Endured an Existential Crisis in the Quest for the Perfect Garden  

Free Spirit by Joshua Safran: I am staring this on New Year's Day, as my first book of the year! It seems like a good one to kick the year off with.

The $64 Tomato by William Alexander: I am feeling very memoir this week.


The few posts I managed to put up:
















Friday, December 27, 2013

My Favorite Books of 2013





This is always such a struggle to decide every year - I fall in love with most every book I read! These are a few of the books that really stood out to me, made an impact upon my life in some way, made me think, or I that I just was really entertained by. Click on the titles to read my review.

 In no particular order, whether new or old, here they are.


The Thinking Woman's Guide to Real Magic by Emily Croy Barker - I guess I am old enough to start reading fairy tales again. I LOVED this book!


Doctor Sleep by Stephen King - Of course Stephen King is on my list.


The World's Strongest Librarian by Josh Hanagarne: Amazing story of fortitude and will. And he is a librarian!


My Backyard Jungle by James Barilla: I loved this book!! I feel so inspired by it, and learned so much.


Clockwork Princess by Cassandra Clare: The perfect end to this series, IMO. 


The Mourning Hours by Paula Treick DeBoard: I was blown away by this book!


Ever After by Kim Harrison: Not only did this book rock, I met Kim Harrison as well!


Under the Tuscan Sun by Frances Mayes: I really loved this book! I never reviewed it, but I do feel a reread coming on..It is such a good story to read when it is cold out, I think.


City of Thieves by David Benioff: Holy crap was this book good. I highly recommend it!I just read it recently, and my review is upcoming.


Between Shades of Gray by Rupta Sepetys: This was the kind of book you live along with the characters, and feel their every hurt, pain, tragedy and triumph.

And this book snuck in at the last minute, breaking my heart in the process. I cried big real heaving sobs, but I loved it.



What did you read this year that knocked your socks off or inspired you or that you simply just loved?







Sunday, December 22, 2013

Happy Holidays!

I am taking a short week long break this week to celebrate the holidays with my family and friends. I hope all of you are enjoying your December with loved ones, whether this is a holiday time for you or not! 

Happy Holidays, and talk to you soon!

Thursday, December 19, 2013

Book Review: Snow Day

Title: Snow Day
Author: Shannon Stacey; Jennifer Greene: Barbara Dunlop
Source: NetGalley

Goodreads Summary:


Tucker's Point three-day forecast:  stormy with a chance of romance. Prepare to be...

HEART OF THE STORM by Shannon Stacey

Brody Rollins is back in tiny Tucker's Point, Maine, for the first time in five years, and now he can't escape...from former neighbours, old regrets or maddening glimpses of his ex-fiancée.

SEEING RED by Jennifer Greene

Stranded at her grandfather's seaside cottage, Whitney Carr prepares to face the blizzard alone. But unexpected help soon arrives-in the form of her secret high-school crush.

LAND'S END by Barbara Dunlop

Tessa Ambroise is desperate to ditch the charming, infuriating hotelier circling her late aunt's century home like a vulture. But the snow piling up outside the mansion puts both their plans on hold.

When a child goes missing, this perfect storm of cramped quarters and freezing temperatures brings old flames and new acquaintances closer together...but will they go separate ways once the sky clears?



My Thoughts:

I requested this book from NetGalley in the hopes of snow in my neighborhood. I LOVE snow, and we have had a few snow-less winters in my area recently, so I have definitely been dreaming of a white Christmas. However, I probably wouldn't want as much snow as is in this book! Even I have limits of how much snow I can take.

The book is divided into three short stories by three different authors. All share the same theme: Old love rekindled during a three day long blizzard. I found the theme of rekindling an old romance more believable than instant love within that short time span, and I am sure this was a deciding factor for the authors as well. All the characters are snowbound in one place or another, and the obvious emergencies and disasters occur as well, including road accidents, power outages, a missing child, and fires.

Heart of the Storm
by Shannon Stacey: Five years ago, the love of Delaney's life slipped out of town during the night, without even a goodbye. She has soldiered on, but has not found a love like the love that she shared with him. Now he is back, and while the same demons torment him, he finds that this time he can't say goodbye to Delaney again.

Seeing Red by Jennifer Greene: Whitney, like Delaney, suffered a broken heart from the boy she loved in high school. They had a plan for their future, and he bailed on them for reasons unknown to her.  When Whitney's mother and sister read about a secret treasure in the attic of her grandma's house, they ask her to go and find it for them. It sounds like her mom and sister often make demands of her like this, and being used to it, she complies. Unfortunately, her visit coincides with a blizzard, and she becomes snowbound. And lucky for her, the man who broke her heart is on the emergency crew in charge of her neighborhood, and pops in when she is not expecting him. This story was full of good things and revelations, and was my favorite in the trio.

Land's End by Barbara Dunlop: If Seeing Red was my favorite story, Land's End was my favorite setting. A castle on the coast of Maine! What an amazing place to be snowed in at! The characters however were my least favorite. This time, the woman was the cause of the break up. Tessa breaks up with her fiancee Colton, no explanations given. Once her reasons are revealed, they are very weird! Tessa left Colton because she felt that he wanted someone perfect, and that wasn't her, although he had never said anything to give her that impression. He visits her hometown on a location scouting trip for one of his new resorts, with plans to buy her castle and childhood home and tear it down. And gets snowed in. They are forced to communicate with each other in an honest way, and to work through their issues.

Oh and that snow I wanted? I got it. Yay!

Wednesday, December 18, 2013

Book Review: Night of Cake and Puppets

Title: Night of Cake and Puppets
Author: Laini Taylor
Source: Amazon

Goodreads Summary:

In Night of Cake & Puppets, Taylor brings to life a night only hinted at in the Daughter of Smoke & Bone trilogy—the magical first date of fan-favorites Zuzana and Mik. Told in alternating perspectives, it’s the perfect love story for fans of the series and new readers alike. Petite though she may be, Zuzana is not known for timidity. Her best friend, Karou, calls her “rabid fairy,” her “voodoo eyes” are said to freeze blood, and even her older brother fears her wrath. But when it comes to the simple matter of talking to Mik, or “Violin Boy,” her courage deserts her. Now, enough is enough. Zuzana is determined to meet him, and she has a fistful of magic and a plan. It’s a wonderfully elaborate treasure hunt of a plan that will take Mik all over Prague on a cold winter’s night before finally leading him to the treasure: herself! Violin Boy’s not going to know what hit him.


My Thoughts:

For a short book, this sure packs a punch of wonder and magical moments that made me sigh.This book is the story of Zuzana and Mik. It is a story of wonder and first love in a snowstorm, of magic, of treasure hunts, a night of cake, and puppets, and violin music  in the dark and snowy night. Of first kisses.

Violin Boy has no idea what is in store for him,one snowy evening. The rabid fairy has set her sights (and scuppies) on him, and is ready to make her feelings known. In true Zuzana style of course, fully orchestrated into a very charmed evening, in more ways than one. It all begins with a map with a prize, slipped secretly into a violin case, and continues with a surprise at every stop, culminating into one of the most enchanting first date stories. Complete with cake, kisses and peacock footprints.

I really loved this short little story. A few quotes that I particularly liked:

"People might try to pat me. I see them think it. My height triggers the puppy-kitten reflex - Must touch - and I've found that since you can't electrify yourself like a fence, the next best thing is to have a murderer's eyes." 

"I have scuppies in my pocket and lust in my heart."

"You almost hold up your piece of paper and say 'The girl I like just gave me a treasure map to herself.' "

"I want to warm my face against he neck and steam her up like a mirror and write my name on her with my fingertip."

If you are a fan of the Daughter of Smoke and Bone series, you might like this short novella that is a small part of the series. It is definitely a love story though, so be prepared. It was a nice break from fighting and monsters, and I love Zuzana so to me it was perfect, but I know that is not everyone's cup of tea. But if you are a romantic at heart, this book is definitely for you.

Tuesday, December 17, 2013

Newbery Reading Challenge 2014

Smiling Shelves 

As 2013 comes to a close, I am thinking ahead to the challenges I want to participate in during 2014. I like to switch it up, and this year one of the challenges I am excited to join is Julie at The Smiling Shelves' Newbery Reading Challenge. I definitely should be reading more Newbery books for work, and this will help me do that. I have read quite a few, but there are so many, I am a bit behind. Last year I read two Honor Books, Breaking Stalin's Nose and Inside Out and Back Again, and they were amazing.

I am hoping to reach level Avi, which is 45-59 points.  I don't know what I am reading yet, but I am looking forward to it!

Sunday, December 15, 2013

It's Monday, What Are You Reading?

Brought to you by Sheila at Book Journey!

My sister in law freezing in Detroit.

I got my wish for snow! Yay!! It has been snowing like the Dickens out there this weekend, and there are piles and piles of fluffy snow all around. And it is still going! We also woke up early to battle the snow and to go to the first showing this morning of The Hobbit - which I loved!

I have been preparing for the holidays, and having so much fun! I hope all of you are having a wonderful December as well. 

Read Last Week:

Night of Cake & Puppets (Daughter of Smoke and Bone, #2.5)    Ethan Frome

Night of Cake and Puppets by Laini Taylor: This book was full of magical moments that made me feel all dreamy. Review Tuesday.
Snow Day by Shannon Stacey: I read this in the hopes of snow, and I got it! Thanks book! Review this week. Review Wednesday.

Ethan Frome by Edith Wharton: Pretty crazy time but I still enjoyed it.  

Reading This Week:

City of ThievesThe Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (Chronicles of Narnia, #2) 
City of Thieves by David Benioff: My brother gave me this to read a few years ago, I think. Yikes. I am reading it now though, so that's ok right? 

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis: Can you believe I have never read this book before? Another wrong I am righting. 

Saturday, December 14, 2013

Book Review: Ethan Frome

Title: Ethan Frome
Author: Edith Wharton
Source: Library

Goodreads Summary:

Ethan Frome works his unproductive farm and struggles to maintain a bearable existence with his difficult, suspicious, and hypochondriac wife, Zeenie. But when Zeenie's vivacious cousin enters their household as a "hired girl", Ethan finds himself obsessed with her and with the possibilities for happiness she comes to represent. 

In one of American fiction's finest and most intense narratives, Edith Wharton moves this ill-starred trio toward their tragic destinies. Different in both tone and theme from Wharton's other works, Ethan Frome has become perhaps her most enduring and most widely read novel.

My Thoughts:

I am just going to get this out of the way, and say this book is screwed up like a soup sandwich. I felt a little run over by a train at the end of it, but that doesn't mean that I didn't like the book.

I picked this book up because I recently read two articles online - one for classics so short that you should be ashamed not to have read the, and one about books to put you in a holiday spirit. I am a reader that needs the atmosphere to be perfect for books, and I love to read wintry books in the winter, summery books in the summer, and so on. Ethan Frome sounded perfect for one of the coldest weeks of the year so far. So I retired to the couch, bundled up, hot chocolate at hand, and read the slim novel of Ethan Frome.

The introduction warns you from the very first, that upon the books first publication, newspapers and journals reviews were harsh; The Saturday Review even declared that they wished they had never read it. I don't feel like I wish I hadn't read it, but the book is bleak. Desolate. Stark and cold and isolated and desperate. The novel begins when the narrator first glimpses Ethan Frome, and wonders what in the world happened to this man with a limp, and the look of a man who is dead and in hell already. He is told that Ethan has been in "Starkfield too many winters" and is only 52 years old, although he appears much older.

The novel flashes back to when Ethan is a young man of 28. He is a farmer barely ekeing out an existence, and every day requires hard laboring. His wife Zeena is a hypochondriac, spending his hard earned money on medications and doctors. Zeena's cousin Mattie is a down on her luck relation, and she lives with the Frome family as a hired girl, helping about the house. Where Zeena is described as tall and emaciated, with an exacting, shrewish demeanor, Mattie is her opposite, pleasant to look at, and to be around with her vivacious, friendly nature. When we enter the story, Ethan is in love with Mattie, and obsesses over her, wanting to be with her. He is jealous of her flirtations with Denis Eady, the son of a prosperous grocer, and stresses out that she will leave the Frome residence to be married to Denis. Ethan is a bit of a creepy stalker with Mattie - one night she is in town at a dance, and Ethan is to pick her up to walk back to their house. He watches in the window as she dances with Denis, and waits in the shadows when the dance is over, and Mattie and Denis walk outside. He is waiting to see if Mattie is going to accept Denis' offer of a ride in his wagon before he announces himself. And when she turns Denis down, Ethan feels triumphant before greeting Mattie and walking her home.

They love each other, but there is no torrid affair, burning up the sheets in the spare bedroom while his wife's back is turned. No, they love each other in shared glances and walks home, where they don't even do so much as kiss. And when Zeena, who has a glimmer of what is going on between her husband and cousin, announces that she is going out of town for an overnight visit, Ethan is excited to be able to "play house" with Mattie, and eat dinner together, him in his stocking feet at the table, just the two of them. And the cat..

This can only end one way - disaster. You know from the beginning that these people are doomed. The tension builds, you wonder, is Ethan going to man up and get a pair, and do what he wants, run away with Mattie? Or what will happen?  We are not expecting this instrument of destruction - this child's play toy gone rogue, destroyer of lives. But a moment of play leads to an act of desperation, crazy as it is, further dooming them all.



These characters are all so flawed and hopeless, and trapped by their own devices, yet tragic because their is a goodness in them as well. Zeena was a healer once - we learn that she was one of the best at doctoring and nursing around, and helped when Ethan's mother was dying. But her greatest gift is her downfall, maybe left with no one to help she turns this inward, and becomes a selfish hypochondriac. Ethan is weak, never able to follow through on anything he desires, giving up and taking the easy path his whole life. Yet he doesn't like to see anything, like his old sorrel horse or anyone in pain, and can't cause anyone harm either, like when he dreams of leaving Zeena to go west he can't do it, although he can't bear the thought of sending Mattie away either. At the end of the story, everything is a twisted mess, even Ethan's formerly strong young body.

This tragedy is written beautifully - if you haven't read it, I really recommend you do. It won't take you long, at less than a hundred pages. If possible, pick a freezing cold day. 



Thursday, December 12, 2013

A Few of My Favorite Things - Winter Edition



"Bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens
Brown paper packages tied up with strings
These are a few of my favorite things"
- The Sound of Music

I love winter! I love the sound of crunching snow underfoot, or the silence of a snow covered woods. I love getting cold and then coming in to a cozy house and drinking hot chocolate or peppermint mochas. I love snuggling under the quilt my great grandma made and reading books in a peaceful house, all snug and warm. I think of Dr. Zhivago, Little Women, Laura Ingalls Wilder and The Long Winter and all the Little House books, The Golden Compass, and now Ethan Frome.  Here are a few things that have caught my eye this winter.






Sled the Word Sweater from Modcloth - This delicious yummy sweater should serve you well during multiple winter time activities from reading on your couch to sledding or snowshoeing!

Bronte Sisters Christmas - Christmas Card - Holiday - Snow - Writer's House - Literary Lives - Snowmen - Foxes - Moon - Naive Art - Collage
Bronte Sisters Christmas Card - This is the most adorable card I have ever seen! This Etsy shop by Amanda White has many more literary Christmas Cards to choose from, I just happen to like the Bronte Sister one best. You can also get a set of six cards.



The Shiver Trilogy by Maggie Stiefvater - Perfect for those cold winter nights, and for young adult or adult readers!


Arctic Fox
WWF Adopt an Arctic Fox - For your environmentally conscious friend or loved one. These beautiful animals are an endangered species, and you can "adopt" an arctic fox for $25, $50, or $100! And kind of goes with the Shiver gift if you adopt a wolf! 

Mischief Maker Scarf by Modcloth - Because I really love foxes.

Cocktail-flavored lip balm from Aromaholic - Rum & Coke lip balm, Gin and Tonic lip balm and more - you choose flavor

Lip balm by Aromaholic - I recently bought their new flavor Moscow Mule, and I am in love. The Mimosa sounds good too. Perfect for stocking stuffers or small gifts. 

And finally, this big old cuff bracelet with one of my favorite quotes ever on it.
"So we beat on - boats against the current - borne back ceaselessly into the past. "The Great Gatsby.






Wednesday, December 11, 2013

Mini Book Review: Candlelight Christmas

Title: Candlelight Christmas
Author: Susan Wiggs
Source: NetGalley

Goodreads Summary:

A single father who yearns to be a family man, Logan O'Donnell is determined to create the perfect Christmas for his son, Charlie. The entire O'Donnell clan arrives to spend the holidays in Avalon, a postcard-pretty town on the shores of Willow Lake, a place for the family to reconnect and rediscover the special gifts of the season.

One of the guests is a newcomer to Willow Lake— Darcy Fitzgerald. Sharp-witted, independent and intent on guarding her heart, she's the last person Logan can see himself falling for. And Darcy is convinced that a relationship is the last thing she needs this Christmas.

Yet between the snowy silence of the winter woods, and toasty moments by a crackling fire, their two lonely hearts collide. The magic of the season brings them each a gift neither ever expected—a love to last a lifetime.

My Thoughts:

When I first started reading this book, I wasn't sure if I was going to like it. I didn't like the main male protagonist, Logan O'Donnell, very much at all in the beginning. He was working for a summer camp, and his son Charlie was staying at the camp as well. Aft first, it seemed like Logan was disappointed in his kid, for being to afraid to zip line. My reaction was "What a jerk!" And it was summer, so how could this be a Christmas book, at least in upstate New York?

Well, it turned out to be just the set up for the rest of the story, which I felt just kept getting better. Logan is a divorced father, a former top athlete, and adventurer. He meets Darcy, who is a pro athlete superstar and model, and when they meet it is not quite love at first sight, but there is definite interest. Darcy is good friends with Logan's sister, and is invited to spend the holidays with O'Donnell clan. Darcy and Logan are thrown together, and sparks soon fly. They each have a bit to learn about the other, as their personal pasts, situations, and hang ups threaten to doom their budding relationship.

I could have sighed with contentment when Christmas finally arrived! An old ski lodge, a blizzard that snows people in, and hot chocolate. I am a sucker for this story line (and I am actually reading another book that uses this same tried and true romance novel plot device right now!), and Candlelight Christmas did not let me down.

This book is perfect for getting into the holiday spirit and for snuggling up with under a blanket, hot chocolate in hand. A yummy sounding recipe for cocoa is even included!

Tuesday, December 10, 2013

Book Review: Little Women

  Title: Little Women
Author: Louisa May Alcott
Source: Personal Copy

Goodreads Summary

Little Women is recognized as one of the best-loved classic children's stories, transcending the boundaries of time and age, making it as popular with adults as it is with young readers. The beloved story of the March girls is a classic American feminist novel, reflecting the tension between cultural obligation and artistic and personal freedom. But which of the four March sisters to love best? For every reader must have their favorite. Independent, tomboyish Jo; delicate, loving Beth; pretty, kind Meg; or precocious and beautiful Amy, the baby of the family? The charming story of these four "little women" and their wise and patient mother Marmee enduring hardships and enjoying adventures in Civil War New England was an instant success when first published in 1868 and has been adored for generations.


My Thoughts:

I feel like this book is epic is scope and length and content, that I am going to break my review down a bit. This will contain spoilers so if you haven't read this book, then please do not read anything after this paragraph. Also, if you haven't read Little Women yet, I highly recommend it, especially at this time of year. I think it fills you with a lightness of spirit and generosity, and reminds you that what is important in life is not a what, but those that you love.

***

Beth's Death: I might as well start off with a big one. Sweet, kind, gentle, Beth dying. Do we know what she died from? She had scarlet fever as a young teen, that she got when she helped the Hummel family down the street that had a million kids. It is like she recovered from the scarlet fever, but not really. It was like all of a sudden Jo just knew Beth was dying, years later, and Beth was like yep I am. Yet she didn't want to see a doctor, and everyone in the family accepted that she was dying, and did nothing about it. I remember crying my eyes out when I read this when I was younger; as an adult, I was sad, but really only teared up when something of Beth's was pointed out in the narration, like her sewing that she put down one day and never picked up again. Poor Beth, who never really lived at all.

Jo: I have always had a love/hate relationship with Josephine "Jo" March. I could relate to a character that loved to read and write and eat apples, but she also got on my nerves. She was always such a loud character to me, and I don't enjoy being around loud people very much. I also could relate to her temper getting her into hot water. I just wish she was a little quieter.

Jo and Laurie: Ok seriously? How do these two not happen? One of the reasons I get annoyed with Jo, I think is Laurie. Best friends from childhood, these two know and understand each other better than anyone else. They are always in each others pockets, getting into scrapes, helping each other through rough times, family in heart. It seems only natural that they would end up together one day. But they don't! Jo turns Laurie down, breaking the heart of Laurie - and the reader. If two character should ever have ended up together, it was these two. But Alcott didn't give us this happy ending. Instead we get...

Jo/Mr. Bhaer and Laurie/Amy: Talk about disappointing!! First, lets talk Laurie and Amy. Laurie runs off to Europe to nurse his broken heart, and hangs out with Amy, who is there with her aunt as a companion. Amy is the little sister, vain and selfish, grasping for aristocracy and the good life. And somehow, even though she is a complete opposite to his love Jo, he falls in love with Amy, and she with him. And they get married!!! NOOOOO!!! How could that happen?? But then to make matters worse, Jo falls in love with a German tutor/Professor, who is described as not very attractive and much older, but he does have a generous and giving heart. I did like the man, but not for Jo. Was Jo looking for another father, since her father was an absent father, due to the war? She even thinks to herself how much her father would like to have conversations with "her Professor". It's just not right. Laurie and Jo should be together.

The March Family: Oh, how I love this family. They may have archaic ideas about the gender roles of women and men, but that is due to the time period that it takes place in. The love they have for each other is very clear, as is their willingness to help each other out as much as possible, in any way they can. Fiercely loyal to one another, although they fight amongst themselves as is normal for sisters, they adore their mother, whom they call Marmee.Their goodness shines from the pages, inspiring the reader to their own good works, whether small or large.T

Amy and Meg:  I think these two sisters have similar qualities- both like the finer things in life, and covet them. Meg grows out of this, and marries Laurie's tutor. She enjoys her little home and family, and is content, with only the occasional flash of jealousy. Amy supposedly matures on her European trip, but I don't see it too much. I think it is weird she just marries Laurie without even checking with Jo. I mean, I guess she doesn't have to, since Jo has made her feelings known, but it does feel like she is breaking some sort of sister code.

Although the book frustrates me in parts, I genuinely did enjoy it. Everything works out in their little world, for better or for worse. It is so calming and peaceful, and in the end, the family is perfectly happy with their life.










Sunday, December 8, 2013

It's Monday, What Are You Reading?

Brought to you by Sheila at Book Journey!

I spent the weekend Christmas shopping local in Detroit! Saturday morning was the Detroit Urban Craft Fair, where I bought a few things for my husband Billy, as well as a little something for my friend Justin and sister in law Chrissy. Later in the evening, I went to Noel Night downtown, and found just the present I was looking for, for my little brother! It was a great time. 

I also bought a little something for me:

Baby Skunk Print 5x7 Giclee Print

Isn't this little baby skunk adorable!! My sister in law bought me a raccoon to go with him. I bought her the squirrel. We were with each other, so it's ok to say it on here. :) Everything in the store is super cute!


Read Last Week:

  Candlelight Christmas

Little Women by Louisa May Alcott: Ah the March family. What a great introduction to the holiday season.  Review, such as it is, will be up Tuesday.

Candlelight Christmas by Susan Wiggs: I think this book ended much better than it began. Review Wednesday.


Reading This Week:

Night of Cake & Puppets (Daughter of Smoke and Bone, #2.5)   Ethan Frome

Night of Cake and Puppets by Laini Taylor: Love this series, in particular the character Zuzanna, so I am excited to read this short story that focuses on her and Mik!

Snow Day: I am hoping for some snow soon - maybe reading this book will help? 

Ethan Frome by Edith Wharton: I read about this book twice over the weekend - once in an article of classic books so short you should read them and once in an article of the 12 books that will get you in the holiday spirit. It is described as intense and tragic, which is why I am going to read it with some fluffy books for balance.


Posts in the past few weeks:
Not many!