My top 7 favorite books of 2019

What books did you read this year?
Which ones did you love?
And which ones have you recommended to other readers?


I read 80 books this year and have picked the top ten that I loved. In no particular order, here they are:

THE WILL AND THE WILDS by Charlie Holmberg

Enna knows to fear the mystings that roam the wildwood near her home. When one tries to kill her to obtain an enchanted stone, Enna takes a huge risk: fighting back with a mysting of her own.

Maekallus’s help isn’t free. His price? A kiss. One with the power to steal her soul. But their deal leaves Maekallus bound to the mortal realm, which begins eating him alive. Only Enna’s kiss, given willingly, can save him from immediate destruction. 

 Opening line:
"A chill wind snakes its way through the wildwood, whispering of misfortunes to come."

Enna and Maekallus's story is an unlikely story, let alone a romantic one, since they are from two different worlds. Enna is from the mortal realm and Maekallus is from The Deep, where creatures with no soul live.
When Enna's home is invaded by a 'gobler' she realizes she has to be proactive in protecting her dad and her home. She makes a bargain with a narval that doesn't go as planned. When the bargain goes wrong, Enna and the narval, Maekallus have to race against death to save each other. 


SHADES OF MILK AND HONEY by Mary Robinette Kowal
 

 Shades of Milk and Honey is exactly what we could expect from Jane Austen if she had been a fantasy writer:.
Jane and her sister Melody vie for the attentions of eligible men, and while Jane’s skill with glamour is remarkable, it is her sister who is fair of face. When Jane realizes that one of Melody’s suitors is set on taking advantage of her sister for the sake of her dowry, she pushes her skills to the limit of what her body can withstand in order to set things right—and, in the process, accidentally wanders into a love story of her own.

Opening line:
"The Ellsworths of Park Longmead had the regard of their neighbors in every respect." 
 
A magical Pride and Prejudice...literally.
Pride and Prejudice meets The Paper Magician.



DUTCH GIRL: AUDREY HEPBURN AND WWII by Robert Matzen

 According to her son, Luca Dotti, “The war made my mother who she was.” Audrey Hepburn’s war included participation in the Dutch Resistance, working as a doctor’s assistant during the “Bridge Too Far” battle of Arnhem, the brutal execution of her uncle, and the ordeal of the Hunger Winter of 1944. She also had to contend with the fact that her father was a Nazi agent and her mother was pro-Nazi for the first two years of the occupation. But the war years also brought triumphs as Audrey became Arnhem’s most famous young ballerina. Audrey’s own reminiscences, new interviews with people who knew her in the war, wartime diaries, and research in classified Dutch archives shed light on the riveting, untold story of Audrey Hepburn under fire in World War II.


Opening line:
"Baroness Ella van Heemstra stood in the office of Adolph Hitler and offered her hand to the most famous man in the world, the man whose name was on simply everyone's lips."

I thought this was a fascinating read! I'd like to read more books from this author about stars and their war years.
Audrey was in the Netherlands when the Germans invaded. Her story is incredible; how she survived is a miracle. Ironically, during the same time frame, a young Jewish girl, Audrey's age, lived not too far away in a hidden part of a building. Anne Frank died in a concentration camp and her diary affected Audrey deeply. Anne's father, Otto, begged Audrey to portray his daughter in the movie, but Audrey couldn't. The pain of practically living through the war again was too hard.

I want to watch all of Audrey's movies now! I'm fascinated by this quiet, shy, compassionate woman who loved children and volunteered for UNICEF because of her years during the war. I would have liked to have met Audrey Hepburn. I've always thought she was so beautiful and graceful. 


LOVE IN DISGUISE by Anneka Walker

Marion Watt is set to embark on her first London Season, and her parents have spared no expense to help her secure a suitable husband. What she does not anticipate, however, is that the attentions of the insufferable Lord William Everton will be placed squarely on her. He might be the most sought-after bachelor of the Season, but she sees in him nothing but a frivolous cad.

Until William inherits his father's title and seat in parliament, he must rely on his own devices to change the world. Dressing like a ridiculous dandy serves its purposes, but he is certain his newest disguise will help him find a wife to please his parents and further his own agenda. From among the glittering group of debutantes, William finds only one woman who passes his test. Unfortunately, the perfect choice is the only woman in all of London who despises him.

  Opening line:
"Marion's fingers trembled with anticipation." 

 How the two come together is cute and I wish the 'scheme' would have been drawn out a little more.
Who comes between them adds tension to the story in all the right parts. I just wish Marion would been a little more brave and told the woman off.
Why someone adds tension and concern (the subplot) either didn't need to be in the story, or needed more fleshing out.
Throw in a death, a desperate woman and a gambling man and you have the makings for an intriguing romance.
BUT I did enjoy reading the story. I tried to put the book down around midnight and had to read 'just one more chapter' before going to sleep.
I've heard this is a debut novel, and it's fantastic. Good for Ms. Walker for writing flawed and human characters, bringing their world in vivid colors, and creating a story I wanted to keep reading. 


 THE UNWANTED: STORIES OF THE SYRIAN REFUGEES by Don Brown

Starting in 2011, refugees flood out of war-torn Syria in Exodus-like proportions. The surprising flood of victims overwhelms neighboring countries, and chaos follows. Resentment in host nations heightens as disruption and the cost of aid grows. By 2017, many want to turn their backs on the victims. The refugees are the unwanted.


Heartbreaking story that hasn't ended yet. Millions of displaced people who want a safe life. When I was in Greece, I toured a refugee camp. I met doctors, teachers, soldiers, bakers--all who escaped from violence, all who may never see their native lands again. The children...what will they know? What will they remember? What will they become?






DANCE OF THIEVES by Mary E Pearson
 

 A formidable outlaw family that claims to be the first among nations.
A son destined to lead, thrust suddenly into power.
Three fierce young women of the Rahtan, the queen's premier guard.
A legendary street thief leading a mission, determined to prove herself.
A dark secret that is a threat to the entire continent.
When outlaw leader meets reformed thief, a cat-and-mouse game of false moves ensues, bringing them intimately together in a battle that may cost them their lives―and their hearts.


 Opening line:
"Write it down, he had told me."

I couldn't put this put down! 



VOW OF THIEVES by Mary E. Pearson

Kazi and Jase have survived, stronger and more in love than ever. Their new life now lies before them―the Ballengers will be outlaws no longer, Tor's Watch will be a kingdom, and the two of them will meet all challenges side by side, together at last.

But an ominous warning mars their journey back, and in their rush to return to Tor's Watch, just outside the fortress walls, they are violently attacked and torn apart―and each is thrust into their own new hell.

Unsure whether the other is alive or dead, Kazi and Jase must keep their wits among their greatest enemies and unlikeliest allies. And all the while, Death watches and waits.




 Opening line:
"A dusty beam of light wormed its way through the stone, and I leaned in, hoping to steal some warmth."

I thoroughly loved Dance of Thieves, and so when I saw the next book was coming out, I grabbed it and I'm so glad I did.
First off: how can a human being write such intricate details about people, places and intrigue? What kind of brain does this amazing thing called storytelling and keeps the reader reading and trying to guess and falling in love with characters and wanting to stab the villains??
Second: Dual points of view chapters. Sometimes, one wasn't there...
Third: Kazi! She is a strong, strong woman and human being and she doesn't think she is but she is inside and out. "I'll take one for the team because I love my team." Every. Single. Time. Go to jail, get out of jail, fight someone or lots of someones, thrown in a cell, beaten, rescued and lovedlovedloved for her bravery and strength and dedication.
Fourth: HELLO JASE. That is all.
Fifth: Pacing was almost perfect. Okay, it was perfect.

11 of the best Christmas books ever

These are a few of my favorite Christmas books that I love to read and reread over the holidays.

Do you have favorite Christmas books? What are they?

THE MIRACLE OF THE WOODEN SHOES by Deborah Pace Rowley

(one of my very favorite Christmas stories)

 Ten-year-old Walter, a German boy, has tried to be grown-up and help as much as possible since realizing that his father is dying, but as Scripture passages and gifts fill his shoes on St. Nicholas Day and the days following, his family receives the help they really need.












A CHRISTMAS CAROL by Charles Dickens

On the night of Christmas Eve, Ebenezer Scrooge is visited by three Christmas spirits. The Ghost of Christmas Past confronts Scrooge with his youth, the Ghost of Christmas Present reveals the Cratchits' struggle amid poverty, and the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come harrows Scrooge with dire visions of the future if he does not learn to treat his fellow man with kindness, generosity and compassion.











SILENT NIGHT: THE STORY OF THE WWI CHRISTMAS TRUCE by Stanley Weintraub

In the early months of World War I, on Christmas Eve, men on both sides of the trenches laid down their arms and joined in a spontaneous celebration. Despite orders to continue shooting, the unofficial truce spread across the front lines. Even the participants found what they were doing incredible: Germans placed candlelit Christmas trees on trench parapets, warring soldiers sang carols, and men on both sides shared food parcels from home. They climbed from the trenches to meet in "No Man's Land" where they buried the dead, exchanged gifts, ate and drank together, and even played soccer.
Throughout his narrative, Stanley Weintraub uses the stories of the men who were there, as well as their letters and diaries, to illuminate the fragile truce and bring to life this extraordinary moment in time.






CHRISTMAS DAY IN THE MORNING by Pearl S. Buck 
 

Rob wants to get his father something special for Christmas this year—something that shows how much he really loves him. But it's Christmas Eve, and he doesn't have much money to spend. What could he possibly get? Suddenly, Rob thinks of the best gift of all...













THE CHRISTMAS MIRACLE OF JONATHAN TOMMEY by Susan Wojciechowski

 Jonathan Toomey is the best woodcarver in the valley, but he is always alone and never smiles. No one knows about the mementos of his lost wife and child that he keeps in an unopened drawer. But one early winter’s day, a widow and her young son approach him with a gentle request that leads to a joyful miracle. The moving, lyrical tale, gloriously illustrated by P.J. Lynch, has been widely hailed as a true Christmas classic.







HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS! by Dr. Seuss

“Every Who down in Who-ville liked Christmas a lot . . . but the Grinch, who lived just north of Who-ville, did NOT!” Not since “’Twas the night before Christmas” has the beginning of a Christmas tale been so instantly recognizable. This heartwarming story about the effects of the Christmas spirit will grow even the coldest and smallest of hearts. Like mistletoe, candy canes, and caroling, the Grinch is a mainstay of the holidays, and his story is the perfect gift for young and old.









A CHRISTMAS DRESS FOR ELLEN by Thomas S. Monson

 On Christmas Eve, 1927, in the prairie town of Hillsspring, Alberta, Canada, a young mother, Mary Jeppson, was getting her five small children ready for bed. Her heart was full of sorrow, for there was nothing to fill the stockings, and there would be only a little mush for breakfast. Mary had written to her sisters in Idaho, asking for help with such necessities as wheat, yeast, flour, and cornmeal. She had also asked for clothing and some old, used quilts, for all of hers were thin and full of holes.

At the close of the letter, she had written, "If you could just find a dress that someone has outgrown, I could make it over to fit Ellen. She is far too somber for such a young girl. She worries so about the family and about our needs. She has only one dress that she wears all the time, and it is patched and faded."

Her letter had gone unanswered, it seemed, and their Christmas would be far from merry. But George Schow, their mailman, had a surprise in store. Could he brave the coming storm and bitter cold to deliver a Christmas miracle? And would there be a special present for Ellen? Find out in this classic tale of Christmas sacrifice and service.



SNOWMEN AT CHRISTMAS by Caralyn Buehner

 Snowmen at Night shared with us the magical, slip-sliding adventures of snowmen after dark . . . but have you ever wondered what snowmen do for Christmas? Well, now's your chance to find out! The snowmen are back, and this time they're celebrating Christmas--the snowman way!This snappy and entertaining companion to the New York Times bestseller Snowmen at Night depicts all the best parts of the holiday, replete with icy treats and a snowman Kris Kringle.








 THE THREE GIFTS OF CHRISTMAS by Anita Stansfield

When her father remarries, LeNay Parkins finds her home, so impossibly changed, that she feels she can no longer stay. As she bravely sets out in search of a new life, she is overcome with illness the moment she steps off the bus into a strange town. Alone and frightened, LeNay accepts a kind offer from a passer-by to recuperate at her home. The name of this stranger is Alexandra Byrnehouse-Davies. Alexa is a widow whose spacious home and heart has more than enough room for LeNay.
In time, LeNay forms a unique bond with Alexa's two grandsons. Then war comes between them. Time and again, happiness seems to slip through LeNay's fingers as she encounters a series of losses that cut into her soul and wear away at her faith.





THE CHRISTMAS TRAIN by Thomas S. Monson

In this children's picture book, President Thomas S. Monson recounts a Christmas memory from his childhood. As a boy, he yearned for an electric train. To his delight, on Christmas morning he got exactly that—a train that operated through the miracle of electricity. Then he noticed a second train that his mother had purchased for the boy down the street whose family was struggling. 

Although it was only a wind-up train, it had a beautiful oil tanker car, which little Tommy wanted for his own. Soon after, Tommy's mother invited him to accompany her to the neighbor's home to deliver the gift. 

Young Mark was thrilled with his new train and, of course, didn't notice the missing train car. However, a remorseful Tommy did. What happened next will bring the spirit of Christmas into every heart and home. Illustrated by renowned artist Dan Burr, The Christmas Train is sure to be a classic Christmas story and a beautiful addition to every Christmas library.


THE FORGOTTEN CAROLS by Michael McLean

  

For more than a decade, Michael McLean's "The Forgotten Carols" has entertained sold-out audiences around the country. This endearing story and beloved music have truly become a Christmas classic. The holiday tale of Uncle John and Connie Lou have touched the hearts of millions and taught all of us about the true meaning of Christmas.

Cranberry-Chocolate Chunk Cookies with Betty Crocker

I found a new favorite Christmas cookie! This is a recipe from Betty Crocker, where they use their own sugar cookie pouch, but I used my own recipe. It was delicious! 

There must have been some magic baking up in the Betty Crocker Kitchens when this recipe was developed, because this deceptively simple cookie is about to steal the show (and your heart). Perfect for bake sales, book clubs, Christmas cookie exchanges and anything in between, this genius recipe will disappear in almost the same short amount of time it takes to make them—maybe even faster. 

To keep it simple, we started with Betty Crocker’s sugar cookie mix, added a few heaps of dark chocolate chunks, tossed in dried cranberries and for a dazzling finish we sprinkled these confections with coarse sparkling sugar. We could have picked a different dried fruit, but the sweet-tart cranberries balance out the rich dark chocolate so perfectly that we’d say this combination is a match made in flavor heaven. Plus, with just 20 minutes of prep, you can make this always-impressive cookie in almost no time flat!

Ingredients

1 pouch (17.5 oz) Betty Crocker™ sugar cookie mix 

 

Butter and egg called for on cookie mix pouch for drop cookies 

 

1 bag (6 oz) 70% cacao bittersweet chocolate chunks (about 1 1/4 cups) 

 

3/4 cup dried cranberries

Steps

• Heat oven to 375°F. 

   
• Make dough as directed on pouch for drop cookies. Stir in chocolate chunks and cranberries. Drop dough by rounded tablespoonfuls 2 inches apart onto ungreased cookie sheets. Sprinkle sugar on tops. 

   
•  Bake 10 to 12 minutes or until edges are set. Cool 2 minutes; remove from cookie sheets to cooling racks. Cool completely, about 30 minutes. Store in airtight container. 

   

  TIPS

   

  70% cacao bittersweet chocolate chunks give this recipe its premium flavor and texture. 

   

  Using a cookie scoop makes quick work of dropping the cookie dough. It also ensures cookies will be the same size and will bake the same length of time. Use a #40 scoop to make 1 1/2-inch balls, using about 2 tablespoons dough each.

GLASS SLIPPERS, EVER AFTER AND ME by Julie Wright

Can the fairy tale bring Charlotte the happiness she’s looking for, or was he always there to begin with?

A modern, reimagined Cinderella story.

When aspiring author Charlotte Kingsley finally gets published, she thinks all her dreams have come true. But the trouble begins when her publicity firm reinvents her quirky online presence into a perfectly curated dream life. Gone are the days of sweatpant posts and ice cream binges with her best friend, Anders, replaced instead with beautiful clothes, orchestrated selfies, and no boyfriend. Only, that carefully curated fairy tale life is ruining her self-esteem and making her feel like a fraud.

When a bestselling author takes Charlotte under her wing—almost like a fairy godmother—she helps Charlotte see the beautiful person she already is and the worth of being authentic. But is it too late to save her relationship with Anders? The clock is quickly ticking towards midnight, and Charlotte must decide between her fairy tale life and the man she loves, before he's gone forever.


 Opening line:
""If fairy godmothers existed, there would never be an empty space in the freezer where the ice cream goes.""

What a great way to start the book! Julie Wright is witty, smart and a fantastic creator of characters. She knows how to pull in the reader, make them laugh, cry and swoon, all in one book.

The main character, Lettie, is funny and hopeful and a writer. Her best friend, Anders, is a drool worthy Swede, who lives just down the hall. They both support each other as they each pursue their dreams. Dreams can come true, they just don't always come true in the way the characters wanted, which of course means, they have conflict, and discussions, and sassy times.

Thanks to netgalley for the early read!

CHRISTMAS JARS Movie blog tour

 

MOVIE SYNOPSIS: 

Based on the New York Times best- selling novel by Jason F. Wright

MOVIE SYNOPSIS: 

Hope is an aspiring reporter who has had her fair share of tragedy in life. Abandoned at birth, she's grieving the recent death of her adopted mother when her apartment is burglarized of all her possessions. While reporting the burglary to the police, Hope discovers a jar full of money, labeled "Christmas Jar." Shocked and grateful for this act of kindness, Hope discovers that people all over her hometown of Columbus, Ohio have been receiving Christmas Jars for years during times of need. The jars are always anonymous and always contain different amounts. In this heartwarming Christmas classic, Hope goes undercover to discover the secret behind the Christmas jars, putting into motion a series of events that will change her life, and her community, forever.

Buy the DVD on AMAZON or DESERET BOOK

Movie trailer link

RAFFLECOPTER GIVEAWAY: Rafflecopter Giveaway- $50 Amazon Gift Card a Rafflecopter giveaway http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/c3e6ea7714/? MOVIE REVIEW: 
 

The Miracle of one jar is quite literal in this story from the best-selling book by Jason Wright (who has a cameo!).

The miracle is how one family gave freely of themselves one Christmas and how that was paid forward and how many lives they touched.

One life was Hope. After recently losing her mom to cancer, Hope is on her own but strong enough to know she needs to get back to work for an online newspaper. Not too long afterwards, someone breaks into Hope’s place and robs her. In the midst of her despair, she finds a brown bag with a jar of money. Who gave it to her? And why?

After hearing about other’s receiving the same kind of jar, she pitches the idea of the story of finding the original Christmas Jar and who started it. Her boss loves the idea and Hope starts interviewing people who’ve received a jar, just when they needed.

Hopes story leads her to a family, who opens their home and arms to her and Hope soon falls in love with all of them. But she misleads them with little white lies, that grow and soon Hope in tangled in a web of her lies. How will things work out for Hope?

CHRISTMAS JARS is a touching movie about redemption, forgiveness and giving whole-heartedly. The cast was well chosen, the storyline flowed and the romance was sweet. I personally don’t like the arc of a character lying, getting caught lying and a blow up. I loved one scene in particular, even though it was a predictable scene (one of many predictable scenes).

All in all, Christmas Jars is a lovely Christmas movie that can be watched every year.

 

DANGEROUS ALLIANCE by Jennieke Cohen BLOG TOUR & Review GIVE AWAY

Dangerous Alliance: An Austentacious Romance

by Jennieke Cohen
Publisher: HarperTeen
Release Date: December 3rd 2019

Genre: Young Adult, Historical, Romance, Fiction

Synopsis:

The Gentleman’s Guide to Vice and Virtue meets Jane Austen in this witty, winking historical romance with a dash of mystery!

Lady Victoria Aston has everything she could want: an older sister happily wed, the future of her family estate secure, and ample opportunity to while her time away in the fields around her home.

But now Vicky must marry—or find herself and her family destitute. Armed only with the wisdom she has gained from her beloved novels by Jane Austen, she enters society’s treacherous season.

Sadly, Miss Austen has little to say about Vicky’s exact circumstances: whether the roguish Mr. Carmichael is indeed a scoundrel, if her former best friend, Tom Sherborne, is out for her dowry or for her heart, or even how to fend off the attentions of the foppish Mr. Silby, he of the unfortunate fashion sensibility.

Most unfortunately of all, Vicky’s books are silent on the topic of the mysterious accidents cropping up around her…ones that could prevent her from surviving until her wedding day.

 MY REVIEW:

 Opening line:
"The lichen-kissed stone dropped onto the rock pile with a clack."

Victoria Aston loves the modern authoress, Jane Austen, and often tries on the female heroines to make herself be better/do better. She could spend her days reading and reading PRIDE AND PREJUDICE, but when her oldest, married sister escapes her abusive husband, someone has got to save the family name and Vicky vows to do just that. She's goes out for walks or rides with eligible men her mother approves of, but there are only two she would even consider in a long term relationship, and one she doesn't trust.
Tom Sherborne, an old family friend, has been gone a long while, but time did not erase the immaturity he remembered of his neighbor, Vicky. When he first sees her, she's muddy and a man is about to attack.
So starts the romantic arc of Tom and Vicky. She gets in a bind and Tom rescues her. BUT in this trope, Vicky proves that she can indeed take care of herself, even to the point of aiming a gun at a man's head, while at the same time, Vicky is smart.
There was a bit of mystery mixed in the with the romance as well. I can't give anything away! If you like Jane Austen stories, try this one!

Thank you to @FFBC for the early read!

Jennieke Cohen (JEN-ih-kah CO-en) is used to people mispronouncing her name and tries to spare her fictional characters the same problem. Jennieke writes historical fiction for young adults inspired by real people and events because life is often stranger than fiction. She studied English history at Cambridge University and has a master’s degree in professional writing from the University of Southern California. Jennieke loves exploring new locales but always returns home to Northern California where the summers are hot, the winters are mild, and life is casual.

November 27th

The Unofficial Addiction Book Fan Club - Welcome Post

November 28th

A Dream Within A Dream - Official Dream Cast

A Court of Coffee and Books - Review + Favourite Quotes

Library of a Book Witch - Review

Snark & Squee - Review

Struck by Stories - Review

November 29th

Wishful Endings - Top 5/10 List

Moonlight Rendezvous - Review + Favourite Quotes

Phannie the ginger bookworm - Review + Favourite Quotes

Bookishly Nerdy - Review + Favourite Quotes

Ficticiouswonderland  - Review

November 30th

BookCrushin - Interview

Kait Plus Books - Victoria Aston's Mood Board/Aesthetic

A Book Addict's Bookshelves - Review

Book Rambler - Review + Favourite Quotes

Susan Heim on Writing - Review

December 1st

Here's to Happy Endings - Coffee/Tea Break with the Characters of DANGEROUS ALLIANCE

Book Slaying - Review + Favourite Quotes

Book Blog London - Review

Gwendalyn’s Books - Review

Fanna Wants The World To Read - Review

December 2nd

That Georgia Gypsy - Top 5/10 List

The Clever Reader - Review + Favourite Quotes

Booked On a Feeling - Review + Playlist + Favourite Quotes

Reading Is My SuperPower - Review + Favourite Quotes

The Bent Bookworm - Review + Favourite Quotes

December 3rd

NovelKnight - Interview

The Reading Life - Review

The Reading Faery - Review

Amy's Booket List - Review

Twilight Reader - Review

Prize: 
Win (1) of (2) copies of DANGEROUS ALLIANCE by Jennieke Cohen (US Only)
Starts: 27th November 2019
Ends: 11th December 2019

 a Rafflecopter giveaway

Direct Link: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/d9681b86433/?

DARING GREATLY by Brene Brown

There are a lot of many delicious morsels in this book. I think I'll buy it and reread it and mark it and reread it again and mark it again. 



Researcher and thought leader Dr. Brené Brown offers a powerful new vision that encourages us to dare greatly: to embrace vulnerability and imperfection, to live wholeheartedly, and to courageously engage in our lives.

“It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; . . . who at best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly.” —Theodore Roosevelt

Every day we experience the uncertainty, risks, and emotional exposure that define what it means to be vulnerable, or to dare greatly. Whether the arena is a new relationship, an important meeting, our creative process, or a difficult family conversation, we must find the courage to walk into vulnerability and engage with our whole hearts.

In Daring Greatly, Dr. Brown challenges everything we think we know about vulnerability. Based on twelve years of research, she argues that vulnerability is not weakness, but rather our clearest path to courage, engagement, and meaningful connection. The book that Dr. Brown’s many fans have been waiting for, Daring Greatly will spark a new spirit of truth—and trust—in our organizations, families, schools, and communities.

 

ALL HEARTS COME HOME FOR CHRISTMAS by Sarah M. Eden Anita Stansfield Esther Hatch Joanna Barker Regency Christmas

 It's never too early for Christmas, right?! And you just know that all these authors will be amazing to read! 

I was so excited to read Christmas at Falstone Castle. The Duke of Kielder is one of my favorite characters from Sarah Eden. The love story of his mom was so sweet!

 The Heart of Christmas is a sweet story about lost, and found, love and healing hearts.


 I love romantic stories where the two main characters have no thoughts to love, but through wit and witty dialogue and circumstances, they always fall in love. Tis the Season to Be Daring is my kind of story!

A Christmas dress and a romance! What could be better! 


Christmas at Falstone Castle · Sarah M. Eden

The Dowager Duchess of Kielder eagerly anticipates spending Christmas with her son and his family. Though their relationship has been strained, the duchess is determined to heal the chasm. Even with the help of the widowed local vicar, her plan will take a Christmas miracle. But during this magical season, anything is possible . . . even two second chances for love.

The Heart of Christmas · Anita Stansfield

When a chance meeting brings together a gentle seamstress and a widowed banker, each lonely soul finds a first hint of hope. As their lives become entwined, it will take Christmas spirit to guide a broken family to love and healing.

’Tis the Season to Be Daring · Esther Hatch

Elizabeth Davenport has had quite enough of the London Season. Determined to evade a parade of unsuitable suitors, she seeks help from the one gentleman who has no regard for Society’s rules. All of Society knows Lord Hawthorne is not interested in marriage, yet he cannot deny Miss Davenport’s unique charm. And as the Christmas season works its magic, their charade begins to feel less like playacting and more like love.

The Christmas Dress · Joanna Barker

Seamstress Nell Addington is thrilled when her childhood friend Jacob Hammond commissions a dress for his sister. But when Nell realizes her feelings for Jacob run far deeper than friendship, an unexpected snowstorm—and some holiday cheer—may convince them both that love is worth fighting for.

VOW OF THIEVES (Dance of Thieves #2) by Mary E. Pearson

Kazi and Jase have survived, stronger and more in love than ever. Their new life now lies before them―the Ballengers will be outlaws no longer, Tor's Watch will be a kingdom, and the two of them will meet all challenges side by side, together at last.

But an ominous warning mars their journey back, and in their rush to return to Tor's Watch, just outside the fortress walls, they are violently attacked and torn apart―and each is thrust into their own new hell.

Unsure whether the other is alive or dead, Kazi and Jase must keep their wits among their greatest enemies and unlikeliest allies. And all the while, Death watches and waits.

 Opening line:
"A dusty beam of light wormed its way through the stone, and I leaned in, hoping to steal some warmth."

I thoroughly loved Dance of Thieves, and so when I saw the next book was coming out, I grabbed it and I'm so glad I did.
First off: how can a human being write such intricate details about people, places and intrigue? What kind of brain does this amazing thing called storytelling and keeps the reader reading and trying to guess and falling in love with characters and wanting to stab the villains??
Second: Dual points of view chapters. Sometimes, one wasn't there...
Third: Kazi! She is a strong, strong woman and human being and she doesn't think she is but she is inside and out. "I'll take one for the team because I love my team." Every. Single. Time. Go to jail, get out of jail, fight someone or lots of someones, thrown in a cell, beaten, rescued and lovedlovedloved for her bravery and strength and dedication.
Fourth: HELLO JASE. That is all.
Fifth: Pacing was almost perfect. Okay, it was perfect.

Can you tell I enjoyed the book? And you know what else I love?? DUOLOGIES! I love that the writing/publishing world is getting away from the series and going to 2 books. love it.
I'm ready for any and all new books Mary Pearson writes. Bring. it. on.

EVERY STOLEN BREATH by Kimberly Gabriel BLOG TOUR

Every Stolen Breath
by Kimberly Gabriel
Publisher: BLINK
Release Date: November 5, 2019
Genre: Young Adult Fiction -- Mystery/Thriller


The Swarm is unrecognizable, untraceable, and unpredictable—random attacks on the streets of Chicago by a mob of crazed teens that leaves death in its wake. It’s been two years since the last attack, but Lia Finch has found clues that reveal the Swarm is ready to claim a new victim.

Lia is the only one still pursuing her father’s killers, two years after attorney Steven Finch’s murder by the Swarm. Devastated and desperate for answers, Lia will do anything to uncover the reasons behind his death and to stop someone else from being struck down. But due to debilitating asthma and PTSD that leaves her with a tenuous hold on reality, Lia is the last person to mount a crusade on her own.

After a close encounter with the Swarm puts Lia on their radar, she teams up with a teen hacker, a reporter, and a mysterious stranger who knows firsthand how the mob works. Together, they work to uncover the master puppeteer behind the group. Though if Lia and her network don’t stop the person pulling the strings—and fast—Lia may end up the next target.



Let's just take a moment and soak in the cover...
What does it remind you of? Movies, books, shows, music?

Have you seen INTERCEPTION with Leonardo DiCaprio, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Ellen Page and Tom Hardy?

 

 


This movie may not have anything to do with this book, the the two images reminded me of each other. What do you think?

And a character with asthma? The first movie I thought of was:

 And I'm sure the two aren't related, but asthma! The younger brother has asthma, and can't breath but that's what saves him in one of the scenes. 
What other movies or books can you think of where the characters have asthma or allergies that affect them daily?

And lastly, when I think of a hacker and reporter and a stranger, I'm reminded of this latest movie:

 Okay, okay, that movie may have been a stretch, but it was the first one that came to mind! 

Let's see you do better!
What do you think of when you see EVERY STOLEN BREATH book cover or read the synopsis??

Kimberly Gabriel started writing in fourth grade when she wrote, bound, and gave away books of terrible poetry to family and teachers as holiday gifts. Today she is an English teacher, who still squanders all free minutes to write and uses it as the best scapegoat for her laundry avoidance issues. When she is not teaching or writing, Kimberly is enjoying life with her husband, her three beautiful children, and a seriously beautiful boxer in the northern suburbs of Chicago. Every Stolen Breath is her debut novel and a Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection.

November 4

That Artsy Reader Girl - Welcome Interview with Kimberly Gabriel

November 5

Lisa Loves Literature - Book Review
Book Nerd Anonymous - Book Review (E)
Sometimes Leelynn Reads - Book Review, Creative Post (P)

November 6

The Reading Corner for All - Book Review, Creative Post (P)
Adventures and Reading - Book Review (E)
Clarissa Reads It All - Book Review (P)

November 7

A Book Addict's Bookshelf - Author Guest Post
Feed Your Fiction Addiction - Book Review
Books_AndPoetrii - Creative Post (E)

November 8

Savings In Seconds - Book Review, Instagram Post (P)
Bookishly Nerdy - Book Review + Favorite Quotes, Creative Post (E)

Kait Plus Books - Creative Post (E)

November 9

To All the Books I've Read Before - Author Q&A

Cafeyre - Book Review + Favorite Quotes (E)
bewitchingworlds - Book Review (E)
Twilight Reader - Creative Post

November 10

Lori's Bookshelf Reads - Book Review, Author Q&A (P)
Shalini's Books & Reviews - Book Review (E)
Confessions of a YA Reader - Book Review (E)

November 11

Wishful Endings - Author Guest Post, Creative Post
Ya It's Lit - Book Review + Favorite Quotes, Creative Post (P)
The Traveling Inkwell - Book Review (E)
The Reading Life - Book Review + Favorite Quotes (E)