It's Monday, What Are You Reading (103)

It's Monday, What Are You Reading is a fun weekly meme hosted by Sheila at Book Journey where we share what we've read and reviewed over the past week and what we plan to read next.


This past weekend I went to visit my sister and attended a fun fundraiser that she co-chaired. Each year The Parkview Foundation in Fort Wayne holds Cookin' Men, a fundraiser that supports a mobile mammography program. The local "chefs" made appetizers, main dishes, desserts, and drinks and I had plenty to eat (especially the desserts!). I had hoped to get some reading done during my visit but we were pretty busy with the fundraiser and then today we had brunch with friends before I had to head back home. I didn't get much sleep this weekend and I nearly fell asleep on the road a couple of times today but made it back safe :)



I only finished one book this past week but it was a fantastic book. I had hoped to finish another but I am still stuck halfway through the Nora Roberts book and I've started reading a review book on my Kindle. This week of course is Insurgent week and most of my reading will be YA books...

Books read:

Touch of Power by Maria V. Snyder

I really liked this book and while it did remind me a little of Poison Study, it was unique at the same time. Can't wait for book two!

Books reviewed:

Grave Mercy by Robin LaFevers

Currently reading:

The Witness by Nora Roberts

I thought the first part of the story flowed really well and then it slows down when she is an adult in hiding. The romance and small town life kind of take over from there and I miss the suspense! I hope to finish this book but it is easy to put it aside at the moment.

The Unbearable Book Club For Unsinkable Girls by Julie Schumacher

I like that this book involves a book club and the story finds a way to incorporate the books that the club members are reading. I do have a hard time liking a couple of the characters. CeeCee drives me nuts and the main character Adrienne is acting stupid and following CeeCee's lead. Hopefully that changes by the end...

What I plan to read next:

Starters by Lissa Price

I kind of wanted to read this before Insurgent because I know it won't compare but somehow I don't think I'll get to it first.

Divergent by Veronica Roth

I plan to reread this before reading Insurgent as a refresher. I hope I will enjoy it just as much the second time around.

Insurgent by Veronica Roth

This is my most highly anticipated book of the year. I am a little nervous that it won't live up to my high expectations...

The Red Pyramid by Rick Riordan

After reading more serious books like Divergent and Insurgent, I have a feeling I'll be ready for something laugh-out-loud funny so I thought I'd reread The Red Pyramid. I will of course be getting The Serpent's Shadow this week too but may not read it yet.

I hope you have a fantastic week and enjoy your reading! 

Thanks for stopping by!

Review: Grave Mercy

Grave Mercy

By Robin LaFevers

Publication date: April 3, 2012

My review:

Grave Mercy has been compared to Graceling by Kristin Cashore and while both protagonists are skilled female assassins, I prefer Grave Mercy's Ismae as a character. On the surface she may be a "strong female heroine" but she has flaws and she is not afraid to own up to her mistakes. Ismae endured a lot of pain and sadness in her young life before she came to the convent of St. Mortain and joined the sisterhood. Considering the way she was treated and sold off to the highest bidder, it isn't a surprise that Ismae has a negative view of men.  She is only too glad to find purpose in serving her true father, St. Mortain the god of Death, as an assassin. Ismae finds a home among the sisters and a higher calling. She truly believes wholeheartedly in the mission of the convent and the orders they carry out. It doesn't occur to her to question the guilt of their victims or the decisions of the convent. 

Ismae grows from being a victim into a highly skilled poisoner and assassin but internally her growth has been stunted because of the emotional damage inflicted on her. Her friendships in the convent with Annith and Sybella help but it isn't until she is sent out on a mission to the court of Brittany that she really begins to deal with what has happened to her. When she starts out, Ismae is unable to trust any men except perhaps Chancellor Crunard, the patron of her convent. She especially doesn't trust Gavriel Duval and understandably hates having to pretend to be his mistress as a cover story while at court. Gradually Ismae begins to see that not all men are evil and she even develops feelings for Duval inspite of herself. Ismae is not a cold hearted killer though she appeared that way at first. She genuinely cares for the Duchess and the ailing young Princess. She even shows mercy to someone who perhaps doesn't deserve it.

The relationship between Ismae and Duval slowly moves from mutual mistrust to grudging respect to love. The romance  is an important part of the plot but it does not overshadow the mystery and political intrigue at court. I really appreciated that part of the story. It gave the book the feel of a historical fiction novel. 

Overall, I thought this book offered a good blend of romance, character development, mystery, and a little fantasy. I think Grave Mercy would appeal to fans of Philippa Gregory because of the political intrigue and the romance. This is the first in a trilogy but the books are companion novels so while Ismae will be a character in the second book, a different member of the Sisterhood will be the main character. I look forward to reading the rest of the His Fair Assassin series.

Readalikes: Philippa Gregory, Mistwood by Leah Cypess, Poison Study by Maria V. Snyder, Shadows on the Moon by Zoe Marriott

Note: I received an e-ARC for review courtesy of NetGalley

Waiting on Wednesday (89)

"Waiting on" Wednesday is a weekly meme to discuss upcoming books we can't wait to get our hands on. Waiting on Wednesday is hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine.     

This week, I'm waiting on:

In Honor by Jessi Kirby

Published on: May 8, 2012

Description from Goodreads:

Hours after her brother’s military funeral, Honor opens the last letter Finn ever sent. In her grief, she interprets his note as a final request and spontaneously decides to go to California to fulfill it.

Honor gets as far as the driveway before running into Rusty, Finn’s best friend since third grade and his polar opposite. She hasn’t seen Rusty in ages, but it’s obvious he is as arrogant and stubborn as ever—not to mention drop-dead gorgeous. Despite Honor’s better judgment, the two set off together on a voyage from Texas to California. Along the way, they find small and sometimes surprising ways to ease their shared loss and honor Finn’s memory—but when shocking truths are revealed at the end of the road, will either of them be able to cope with the consequences?

I loved Moonglass and I am a fan of road trip novels so I have a feeling I will like In Honor.

Top Ten Favorite Characters in Books

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created at The Broke and the Bookish. There is a new subject each week and this week's topic is "Top Ten Favorite Characters in Books".

Rather than going with "all time favorites" which would be difficult for me to choose, I am just going to pick ten characters I really enjoy reading about.

My list, in no particular order:

1. Albus Dumbledore (The Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling)

In some ways, Albus Dumbledore seems to be that typical character in fantasy novels: the wise wizard/mentor who helps prepare the young hero for his quest. Albus Dumbledore is very wise and sometimes seems to be all knowing and he is a father figure/mentor for Harry Potter. He is kind and funny and compassionate and he loves his students to the point of putting their safety and well being ahead of his own. Yet Albus Dumbledore is not perfect as Harry finds out to his great disappointment. Dumbledore sometimes appears to be too trusting, especially of dodgy characters like Severus Snape. He also has the flaw of keeping secrets and as it turns out, he has even bigger flaws which Harry discovers in the final book in the series. Dumbledore may be far from perfect but he is still an honorable and admirable person. His flaws make him even more so because it shows that he is human and he has learned from his mistakes. 

2. Cammie Morgan (Gallagher Girl series by Ally Carter)

Cammie Morgan from Ally Carter's Gallagher Girls series is an incredibly talented and smart teen but when it comes to social interaction with boys, she is lost. I like that she can speak so many different languages and she has these mad spy skills but in the end she is someone that any teen girl could relate to. Cammie is loyal to those she cares about like her mom, her aunt Abby, and her three best friends, Bex, Macy, and Liz. She even refuses to believe that one of the people she loves could be on the wrong side. Cammie is brave and funny and a lot of fun to read about. She makes me wish I could have gone to spy school too, even if it meant wearing a plaid skirt :)

3. Lady Julia Grey (Lady Julia Grey mysteries by Deanna Raybourn)

Lady Julia Grey is the protagonist of Deanna Raybourn's historical mystery series. Just because she is a titled lady does not mean that Julia is above getting her hands dirty when it comes to solving crime. Her unwilling partner in investigations is Nicholas Brisbane, a man with a mysterious past. I love their interactions (and the sparks between them!) and the way Julia's well meaning interference often helps to crack open the case. Julia's family is also a lot of fun to read about. They are very eccentric and Julia is very modern in her sensibilities but that just makes the books more enjoyable.

4. Alexia Tarabotti (The Parasol Protectorate series by Gail Carriger)

While the later books in the Parasol Protectorate series are not quite as good, Alexia Tarabotti is still one of my favorite characters. She is highly intelligent and considered a "bluestocking" by her family. She is also "soulless" as a preternatural-someone who can temporarily nullify supernatural powers by touch. There is a humorous scene at the beginning of the first book where a vampire is trying to bite her and suddenly realizes that he no longer has fangs. Alexia is very funny too even when she isn't trying to be. I pick up the Parasol Protectorate books when I am in the mood for a laugh and it never fails to disappoint.

5. Mary Quinn (The Agency series by Y.S. Lee)

Mary Quinn had a rough young life but things change when she is saved from the gallows and given the opportunity to get a very unusual education. Mary is now a spy, part of an all-female agency. Mary is very smart and resourceful. She does have her flaws and she struggles with her identity as someone who is part-Chinese in Victorian England, something she keeps secret. Mary is a character with depth and in addition to figuring out the mystery, I enjoy learning more about her in each new book in the series.

6. Becky Bloomwood (The Shopaholic series by Sophie Kinsella)

Becky Bloomwood can be an annoying character but I love her for being such a dreamer. She is also a shopping addict and finds ways to rationalize her crazy purchases. She is endearing even when she is being stupid and I can't help but root for her anyway. Becky is a fiercely loyal friend and people often don't take notice of her intelligence and creativity.  When I read a Shopaholic novel, I know that Becky's latest adventure will make me laugh out loud.

7. Percy Jackson (The Percy Jackson and the Olympians series by Rick Riordan)

Percy is like a normal young teenage boy who just happens to be a demigod. I love his sense of humor and his bravery. He is a boy who is protective of his mom and his friends and he isn't afraid to take on nasty monsters, evil Titans, or badass gods and demigods with too high opinions of themselves, like Ares, the God of War and his daughter Clarisse. She'll never make the mistake of trying to stick Percy's head in the toilet again...

8. Rose Hathaway (The Vampire Academy series by Richelle Mead)

Rose is one of my favorite paranormal fiction heroines. She is tough as nails and not afraid to say what she thinks. She likes everyone to know how tough she is but that toughness hides her vulnerability and rarely does anyone see that side of her except maybe her best friend Lissa. Rose is fiercely protective of Lissa and she is a brave and determined person. Rose has a tendency to get herself into trouble because she acts without thinking but usually she can also find a way out of it. Rose is definitely not the typical teen and her character seems much older for her years. I admire Rose for her strength and her flaws. It was sad to see the end of the Vampire Academy series but she does have cameo appearances in the spin-off series.

9. Sookie Stackhouse (The Southern Vampire Mysteries series by Charlaine Harris)

While I am no longer a big fan of this series, I still like Sookie as a character. She has flaws (like falling in love with guys who are trouble) but she is smart and she looks out for her friends and family. Her ability to hear people's thoughts has made her an outcast but people who look past her strangeness find a good friend in Sookie. I hope that she will make the right choice for herself as this series comes to a close. I will keep reading just to find out what happens to her. (Pick Sam! Pick Sam!)

10. D.J. Schwenk (The Dairy Queen series by Catherine Gilbert Murdock)

I picked up Dairy Queen, not sure that it was a book I'd be able to get into. I know next to nothing about football so the idea of reading a book about a girl who loved football didn't seem like something I'd enjoy. Boy was I wrong. D.J. is such an amazing character. I like her personality and how determined she is to do something that many think she won't succeed at. She is so hardworking and loyal to her family. I loved learning about life on the dairy farm and I even gained a greater appreciation for football (though I still refuse to watch the Super Bowl). D.J. is the kind of character that readers root for.  She is up against some prejudice for wanting to join her school's football team and she also faces difficulties at home but she still perseveres. I love that D.J. stays true to herself and doesn't give up.

What did you think of my list?

What characters would be on your list?

It's Monday, What Are You Reading (102)

It's Monday, What Are You Reading is a fun weekly meme hosted by Sheila at Book Journey where we share what we've read and reviewed over the past week and what we plan to read next. 


Yesterday I participated in the Dewey Read-a-Thon so I was able to read more than I normally do this past week. I had a good week and felt like I accomplished a lot at work and with my reading. I even wrote several reviews this morning after a long dry spell. Now if I could just get caught up on the cleaning...

 Books read: 

Slide by Jill Hathaway 

This was an interesting suspense novel that reminded me of Wake by Lisa McMann and The Body Finder by Kimberly Derting. 

Timeless by Gail Carriger 

Timeless is a good conclusion to the Parasol Protectorate series though it fails to live up to the brilliance of the early books. I think it does a good job of setting up the spin-off series, The Parasol Protectorate Abroad.

Hissy Fit by Mary Kay Andrews 

I checked this out on a whim from my library's e-book collection. It was funny and I loved the Southern setting. I've only read one other book by Mary Kay Andrews but I will have to try more. Hissy Fit was the first book I read in the read-a-thon and it was perfect for that kind of thing.

The Backup Plan by Sherryl Woods 

I also found this on the library's e-book site and read it for the read-a-thon. I don't know if I will read the rest of the books in the series but it was also a fun book.

Spell Bound by Rachel Hawkins 

This was a really good follow up to Demonglass. Like that book, Spell Bound had plenty of surprises in store for the reader. Sad to see the series come to an end :(

A Girl Named Digit by Annabel Monaghan 

A Girl Named Digit reminded me a little bit of the Gallagher Girls books in a way. It was a good book to wrap up the read-a-thon.

 Books reviewed: 

The Springsweet by Saundra Mitchell 

Little Princes by Conor Grennan 

Currently reading: 

Touch of Power by Maria V. Snyder

This is what I'm currently reading on my Kindle. I haven't gotten that far but I have a feeling that I'm going to like it at least as much as Poison Study.

The Witness by Nora Roberts

I am not so sure about this book. I have read only one other Nora Roberts book, Vision in White, which I didn't care for. She is known for her romantic suspense however and this did receive a starred review in Booklist. I guess it's time to find out what all the fuss is about! So far, it's not bad. I certainly like it more than the writing in Vision in White and the main character is definitely more interesting. I like that she is intelligent and capable and the added danger from the Russian Mafia makes it more of a page turner.

What I plan to read next: 

The Unbearable Book Club For Unsinkable Girls by Julie Schumacher 

This is a review book that will be published early next month so I hope to get to it soon. I love that it is about a book club even if the teens are unwilling participants. I look forward to seeing what books they read.

The List by Siobhan Vivian 

I've heard good things about The List. The idea is so hurtful but I'm glad in a way that the book is told through the POV of both the "pretty" girls on the list and the "ugly" ones.

Starters by Lissa Price 

I hate the cover but I am eager to give this dystopian novel a try. It has received a lot of positive reviews.

What have you been reading lately?

Have you read any of the books on my list?

Read-a-Thon Update 2

It is now nearly 1 a.m. and my eyes are threatening to go on strike if I keep reading. I've managed to finish four books and read for 15 1/2 hours. I think I am going to call it a night and see if I can get up early enough tomorrow to read a little bit before the read-a-thon ends.


My reading list:

Hissy Fit by Mary Kay Andrews 

Spell Bound by Rachel Hawkins 

One For the Money by Janet Evanovich 

Starters by Lissa Price 

The List by Siobhan Vivian

The Unbearable Book Club For Unsinkable Girls by Julie Schumacher

A Girl Named Digit by Annabel Monaghan 

The Backup Plan by Sherryl Woods

Suite Scarlett by Maureen Johnson 

A Touch of Power by Maria V. Snyder

Big Stone Gap by Adriana Trigiani 

Dewey Read-a-Thon Update 1

So far, I have read for 10 hours and I finished two books.  I am taking a break for the next hour to have supper and rest my eyes!

My list of books:

Hissy Fit by Mary Kay Andrews 

Spell Bound by Rachel Hawkins (currently reading)

One For the Money by Janet Evanovich 

Starters by Lissa Price 

The List by Siobhan Vivian

The Unbearable Book Club For Unsinkable Girls by Julie Schumacher

A Girl Named Digit by Annabel Monaghan 

The Backup Plan by Sherryl Woods

Suite Scarlett by Maureen Johnson 

A Touch of Power by Maria V. Snyder

Big Stone Gap by Adriana Trigiani 

Any suggestions for which book I should read after Spell Bound?

Dewey Read-a-Thon

This Saturday, I will once again be participating in the Dewey Read-a-Thon. For my timezone (EST), the read-a-thon starts at 8 a.m. Saturday morning and ends on Sunday morning. I am hoping to spend around 15 hours reading. It is supposed to be a rainy and much colder day so it is perfect for a read-a-thon! 

Some books I might read from my TBR pile:

Hissy Fit by Mary Kay Andrews 

Spell Bound by Rachel Hawkins 

One For the Money by Janet Evanovich 

Starters by Lissa Price 

The List by Siobhan Vivian

The Unbearable Book Club For Unsinkable Girls by Julie Schumacher

A Girl Named Digit by Annabel Monaghan 

The Backup Plan by Sherryl Woods

Suite Scarlett by Maureen Johnson 

A Touch of Power by Maria V. Snyder

Big Stone Gap by Adriana Trigiani 

Last time I participated in the read-a-thon, I only finished four books but I was also sick with a cold then and I hope to do better this time around. I tried to pick out a variety of books and most of these are under 400 pages long. Wish me luck!

If you are interested in participating, it is not too late to sign up. 

Review: Little Princes

Little Princes

By Conor Grennan

Publication date: January 27, 2011

My review:

Little Princes is Conor Grennan's memoir of his time spent volunteering at an orphanage in Kathmandu, Nepal, his subsequent journeys to reunite kids with their families, and the founding of his organization Next Generation Nepal to help save the kids who were victims of child trafficking.

I found Little Princes to be a touching story that had serious moments as well as plenty of humor. I really appreciated being able to listen to the audio book and hearing Conor Grennan recount his life-changing experiences in Nepal. I also enjoyed learning about a country I am so unfamiliar with. The memoir starts out with a suspenseful prologue where Conor is injured and alone without a way back to Kathmandu before backtracking to show us just how and why Conor came to be in Nepal. It was fascinating to read about Nepali culture and sad to hear about the suffering the kids had been through. I was also deeply inspired by Conor's desire to reunite the kids with their families at great personal risk.

I think some of my favorite parts of the book were just the everyday ordinary moments with the children at the Little Princes orphanage such as when Conor teaches them to say his name (they first pronounced it as "Crondor") or attempts to teach them something about science. I also enjoyed seeing Conor grow through his time at the orphanage and his founding of Next Generation Nepal. When he first arrives, he has this idea that this will be just a brief stop before his year of travel and adventure. He is changed by his time in Nepal and the people he encounters. I am glad that Conor is open with readers about his shortcomings and mistakes. It makes him more human and easier to relate to. His self-deprecating humor adds to the storytelling. I also liked the discussion of faith. This is not a "Christian" book and it does not have a preachy message but Conor discusses spirituality and the place of faith and religion in his life in a very real and unassuming way.  I enjoyed the anecdotes, hearing about the culture of Nepal, and Conor's depictions of people like Farid. The one thing I did not like as much is that the narrative starts to lag during the part when Conor is traveling with his buddies outside of Nepal. Still, this is a minor thing and overall I think Little Princes is one of the best books I've read this year. 

Conor Grennan's story and his life's work are inspiring. At times the book made me laugh out loud while other moments moved me to tears. Even if you don't typically read nonfiction, there is something for everyone: adorable kids that you can't help but care about, adventure, suspense, humor, and even a little romance as Conor meets his wife Liz. Little Princes is a book I won't soon forget. I am generally not a nonfiction reader so that is saying something!  You can find out more about Conor, Little Princes, and Next Generation Nepal at Conor's website.

Review: The Springsweet

The Springsweet

By Saundra Mitchell

Publication date: April 17, 2012

My review:

*Spoiler warning for those who haven't read The Vespertine*

Zora Stewart needs a change of scenery from Baltimore and all the sorrowful things it reminds her of. When her plans don't go the way she hopes, she purposely risks her reputation at a ball and is sent out west to help her Aunt Birdie in Oklahoma. It is there on the prairie that Zora begins to heal and believe in a future for herself. She also discovers that she is a Springsweet-she can call water forth from the ground. This discovery leads her aunt to hire her out as a springsweet to supplement their meager income. Birdie believes that this is a good chance for them but Zora knows from experience that gifts like hers come with a price. Zora also has to learn that in order to move forward she has to stop running from her past.

The Springsweet is a companion novel to The Vespertine but the story has a different feel to it partly due to the setting and partly due to the protagonist Zora. I think this is a much more thoughtful book and I actually prefer it to The Vespertine. Zora struggles with grief and guilt but she is also a determined and hardworking girl which I found admirable. Even though an Oklahoma soddy is a far cry from what she is used to, she pitches in and does her best to not be a burden to her aunt.  The romance is sweet and although there are magical elements, the book reads more like historical fiction than paranormal romance or historical fantasy.

It did seem that Zora adjusted to her new life rather quickly and she has no problem accepting her unusual abilities but that did not detract from my enjoyment of the book. The Springsweet is not described as a sequel to The Vespertine but it is best to read it in order or there will be major spoilers for The Vespertine. For fans who miss Amelia in this book, she will be back in the third book. The Springsweet combines adventure, prairie romance, and a hint of the supernatural to provide an entertaining read. I am quickly becoming a fan of this series and would suggest it to those who enjoy YA historical romance.

It's Monday, What Are You Reading (101)

It's Monday, What Are You Reading is a fun weekly meme hosted by Sheila at Book Journey where we share what we've read and reviewed over the past week and what we plan to read next.


After an incredibly stressful week, I was relieved to make it to the weekend! I only finished one book last week (First Lady) and the rest of the books on my list are from the time I was on blogging hiatus while I worked on my presentation for work. Thankfully it went really well and this week should be much quieter.

Books read:

Only the Good Spy Young by Ally Carter

I had fun rereading these books before reading the new book in the Gallagher Girls series. It was nice to realize that even though I knew what happened, the books were still enjoyable. I'd actually forgotten some things too.

Out of Sight, Out of Time by Ally Carter

This is definitely a darker book in the series and it shed some light on various secrets. It was also frustrating to read at first, kind of like Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix was.

Little Princes by Conor Grennan

This was an amazing book and I'm so glad I listened to the audio version! I will have my review up later this week.

Home Front by Kristin Hannah

I was surprised by how much I liked this book. I'd tried one other book by her last year but couldn't get into it (Between Sisters). I may have to check out some other Kristin Hannah books sometime. It kind of reminded me of Jodi Picoult.

First Lady by Susan Elizabeth Phillips

This was a fun diversion though I rolled my eyes through parts of it at the end. The writing style reminded me of Jennifer Crusie when it was good.

Books reviewed:

Ripper by Amy Carol Reeves

Currently reading:

Slide by Jill Hathaway

Timeless by Gail Carriger

Some of the books I might read:

This Saturday, I will be participating in the Dewey Readathon and I hope to make a dent in my ever expanding TBR pile.

The Orchid House by Lucinda Riley

Spell Bound by Rachel Hawkins

The Descendants by Kaui Hart Hemmings

I just saw the movie and it was really good though I thought some of the language was gratuitous. The acting was superb, especially by George Clooney. 

One For the Money by Janet Evanovich

I want to read this before I watch the movie next month when it is released on DVD. Though the movie got bad reviews, the book looks really funny and exactly what I'm in the mood for.