Top Ten Books on My Fall 2013 TBR List

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 Books on My Fall 2013 TBR List"

The books I'm most excited about are The House of Hades (published in October) and United We Spy (released today). I love these book covers and I can't help but notice that there is a lot of red...

The House of Hades by Rick Riordan

United We Spy by Ally Carter

Allegiant by Veronica Roth

The Fiery Heart by Richelle Mead

Crash Into You by Katie McGarry

The Burning Sky by Sherry Thomas

All Our Yesterdays by Cristin Terrill

Rose Under Fire by Elizabeth Wein

These Broken Stars by Amie Kaufman

The Passion of the Purple Plumeria by Lauren Willig

What books are on your top ten to read this fall?

Review: Love Overdue

Love Overdue

By Pamela Morsi

Published: August 27, 2013

Meet Dorothy Jarrod: devotedly unsexy librarian 

Buttoned-up book lover DJ is all sensible shoes, drab skirts and studious glasses. After an ill-advised spring-break-fueled fling left her mortified, she's committed to her prim and proper look. When she's hired by a rural library in middle-of-nowhere Kansas, she finally has the lifestyle to match-and she can't wait to get her admin on. 

But it's clear from day one that the small-town library is more interested in circulating rumors than books. DJ has to organize her unloved library, win over oddball employees and avoid her flamboyant landlady's attempts to set her up with the town pharmacist. Especially that last part-because it turns out handsome Scott Sanderson is her old vacation fling! She is not sure whether to be relieved or offended when he doesn't seem to recognize her. But with every meeting, DJ finds herself secretly wondering what it would be like to take off her glasses, unpin her bun and reveal the inner vixen she's been hiding from everyone-including herself.

My review:

I like contemporary romance and because this one features a librarian, I decided to give it a try. While the description plays up some of the stereotypes about librarians, I think the depictions of working in a small town library are believable. 

DJ is still trying to live down the mistake of a drunken one night stand-the only time she's strayed from her straight laced existence. As an antidote for what she considers a serious lapse in judgment, she has become the stereotypical dowdily dressed librarian. Unluckily for her, her new job happens to be in the same small town where her partner in indiscretion happens to live. He is now a divorced and respectable pharmacist, considered to be quite a catch in his small town. To make matters worse, his mother Vivian who is DJ's landlord, is trying her best to push them together.

 It takes DJ and Scott some time to warm up to each other. DJ is frosty towards Scott but he doesn't even recognize her as the hot temptress from years ago he's never been able to forget. Both DJ and Scott have some issues to work through. Scott is dealing with a painful divorce and the loss of his dad while DJ is trying to fit into her new job and handle strife and heal from her own losses. It is nice to see Scott come to care about DJ as herself and DJ really starts to bloom and let down the walls she has put up around her heart.

I thought Love Overdue was a fun romance set in a small town with quirky characters. The only disappointment to me was the ending. Everything in the story builds up to this dramatic point that just fails to materialize and the story jumps ahead to a happy epilogue scene instead. Still I really liked the setting and the characters and the details about library work in a small town environment. It has humor and some touching moments as well. If you like lighthearted contemporary romance set in small towns with quirky characters then consider giving this book a try.

Note: I received an ARC for review purposes courtesy of Netgalley and the publisher

It's Monday, What Are You Reading (155)

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.

I had a pretty productive reading and reviewing week and this past weekend I wrote some more reviews for the next few weeks. I still have a lot to do to catch up but I am making progress! I am planning to sign up for the Dewey 24 Hour Read-a-Thon in a few weeks too.

I can't believe how quickly this month is flying by! It is already time for me to start cramming in my book discussion books. I know I could make life easier for myself by reading the books earlier but then I forget stuff when it is time for discussion...

Books reviewed:

Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell

Blackmoore by Julianne Donaldson

The Hero by Robyn Carr

Books read:

Where the Stars Still Shine by Trish Doller

This was a really good YA contemporary novel that deals with issues like abuse, family relationships, and healing from the past. My review will be up next week.

The Runaway Wife by Rowan Coleman

I liked this contemporary novel for adults about a woman and her daughter who start over in a small English village.

The Naturals by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

This was a suspenseful book involving gifted teens who help the FBI hunt down a serial killer. Another winner from Jennifer Lynn Barnes though without anything paranormal this time.

A Question of Honor by Charles Todd

This is the first Bess Crawford mystery I've read but I loved it. The cover suggests that it is set in India and though part of it is, most of the story takes place in England and France during WWI.

The Perfect Match by Kristan Higgins

My first Kristan Higgins book but not my last. The Perfect Match is a modern take on the marriage of convenience trope. I was surprised to find that I liked the characters and the family relationships.

Currently reading:

Lay That Trumpet in Our Hands by Susan Carol McCarthy

Lay That Trumpet in Our Hands is the evening book discussion pick for September and it is based on true events. Parts of the story remind me of The Help and so far I like it.

What I plan to read next:

Ordinary Grace by William Kent Krueger

This is the afternoon book discussion pick for September. It is also historical fiction and involves a murder and various other deaths. We pick such cheerful books to read for book group...

If You Could Be Mine by Sara Farizan

I've already started this book but had to put it aside to start on book discussion books. This is the story of the forbidden love between Sahar and Nasrin, two teen girls living in Iran where homosexuality means the death penalty. I have a feeling this book will have a sad ending.

The Burning Sky by Sherry Thomas

I've heard a lot of good things about The Burning Sky and Rae Carson loved it and gave it a blurb. I like the cover change though the other cover was also nice but it looked more dystopian and this one emphasizes fantasy.

Her Perfect Earl by Beth Pattillo

I happened to come across this book while browsing Netgalley. I hadn't heard of it before but I have read Beth Pattillo's contemporary Christian fiction like Jane Austen Ruined My Life and Mr. Darcy Broke My Heart. This is an actual Regency romance so I'm eager to see what the author does with it.

What have you been reading lately?

Any suggestions for good book discussion reads?

Review: The Hero

The Hero

By Robyn Carr

Published: August 27, 2013

With warmth and sensitivity, #1 New York Times bestselling author Robyn Carr shows readers that falling in love can be the bravest act of all. 

In a moment of desperation, Devon McAllister takes her daughter and flees a place where they should have been safe and secure. She has no idea what is around the next bend, but she is pretty certain it can't be worse than what they've left behind. Her plan is to escape to somewhere she can be invisible. Instead, an unexpected offer of assistance leads her to Thunder Point, a tiny Oregon town with a willingness to help someone in need. 

As the widowed father of a vulnerable young boy, Spencer Lawson knows something about needing friendship. But he's not looking for anything else. Instead, he's thrown his energy into his new role as Thunder Point's high school football coach. Tough and demanding to his team, off the field he's gentle and kind...just the kind of man who could heal Devon's wounded heart. 

Devon thought she wanted to hide from the world. But in Thunder Point, you find bravery where you least expect it...and sometimes, you find a hero.

My review:

This is the third book in the Thunder Point series, a spin off from the Virgin River series by popular novelist Robyn Carr. I had not read the Virgin River series or the first two books in this series when I picked up The Hero but I was able to follow the story without any problem. The author gives readers plenty of backstory about the various characters populating Thunder Point so I didn't feel lost.

Devon and her daughter have escaped from a cult-like commune and the clutches of an evil man. Through her memories as well as scenes involving the current plight of the women left behind, we get to see what life was like in the commune. Devon has trust issues because of the way she was duped by the cult leader and she has emotional trauma to heal from but I admired her spirit and determination. 

Devon finds an unlikely hero in Rawley, a loner who takes her in and becomes a kind if a little gruff father figure. I kind of liked Rawley more than Devon's love interest and thought he should be the "hero" of the title but as this is a romance that wouldn't work. Devon's love interest is Spencer and honestly I kind of found him to be bland. I didn't see much chemistry between them. It felt kind of forced. He was a nice guy but nothing special. I did like how he treated Devon with kindness but their romance (and its obstacles) was one of the weak points of the story.

The people of Thunder Point are an interesting bunch. They were friendly and helpful to Devon though she was an outsider. I liked getting to know the various characters but at times their own stories intruded a little too much on the main story between Devon and Spencer. 

Overall I thought this was a pleasant escape and I liked the protagonist and reading about her escape from the cult and the suspense. The romance could have been stronger and I think Devon didn't really need Spencer to be her hero. While I didn't care for all the details/plot lines about the other secondary characters I think that people who are fans of Robyn Carr would enjoy it and know to expect it. For those who enjoy following characters' lives throughout a series, this might be a good choice for you. I prefer a love story that focuses on the main couple.

Note: I received an e-ARC of this book for review purposes courtesy of Netgalley and the publisher

Review: Blackmoore

Blackmoore

By Julianne Donaldson

Published: September 10, 2013

Kate Worthington knows her heart and she knows she will never to marry. Her plan is to travel to India instead—if only to find peace for her restless spirit and to escape the family she abhors. But Kate’s meddlesome mother has other plans. She makes a bargain with Kate: India, yes, but only after Kate has secured—and rejected—three marriage proposals.

Kate journeys to the stately manor of Blackmoore determined to fulfill her end of the bargain sooner rather than later and enlists the help of her dearest childhood friend, Henry Delafield. But when it comes to matters of love, bargains are meaningless and plans are changeable. There on the wild lands of Blackmoore, Kate must face the truth that has kept her heart captive. Will the proposal she is determined to reject actually be the one thing that will set her heart free?

Set in Northern England in 1820, Blackmoore is a regency romance that tells the story of a young woman struggling to learn how to follow her heart.

My review:

I had the opportunity to read Edenbrooke earlier this year and I loved it. While Blackmoore is also set during the Regency, the story has a darker tone and less humor. The description of this book on Goodreads compared it to Wuthering Heights and Little Women "with a twist" and the synopsis on Barnes and Noble also compared it to the Bronte sisters. While the setting in in the moors of Northern England, that is where the similarities end.

Like Edenbrooke, Blackmoore also pays homage to Austen without trying to imitate her style. This book particularly reminded me of Northanger Abbey and Mansfield Park because of the mysterious setting and a few of the plot details. I thought the setting really added to the atmosphere of the book and I appreciated the descriptions of the estate and the ruins.

I really felt for Kate in this book. Her mother and Henry's mother both treat her abominably and her sisters behave like empty headed versions of her mother. It is because of the scandalous behavior of her mom and sister that Kate wants to flee to India though there is another reason that is gradually revealed. Her once close friendship with Henry's sister Sylvia has also been damaged and it is hard to see Kate come to that realization that Sylvia doesn't seem to care for her as much anymore. While I really felt bad for Kate,  I was disappointed by her behavior and decisions at times. She is supposed to be an intelligent character but she doesn't always come across that way. Kate does grow a little by the end of the novel which is good to see. She isn't perfect but I liked her anyway. 

Henry is a nice romantic interest, a decent and likable hero if not one who inspires strong emotions. He reminded me of Austen's Henry Tilney or Edmund Bertram. It is obvious that he has feelings for Kate but he continues to pursue someone else because Kate insists that she will not marry and his mother encourages him to look elsewhere. He is a good friend to Kate and I liked that their romance grew from a friendship. I did wish that Henry would stick up for Kate more. She was made to feel really unwanted at Blackmoore and it would have been nice if he had intervened more.

Overall I really liked Blackmoore though I thought Edenbrooke was a more enjoyable romance because of the humor and chemistry of the couple. If you are a fan of Regency romance and the idea of a "clean" love story appeals to you, then you should definitely check out Julianne Donaldson's novels.

Note: I received an ARC for review purposes courtesy of Netgalley and the publisher

Waiting on Wednesday (130)

Delia's Shadow by Jaime Lee Moyer

Release date: September 17, 2013

Description from Goodreads:

A dark, romantic fantasy set against the backdrop of San Francisco devastated by the Great Quake

It is the dawn of a new century in San Francisco and Delia Martin is a wealthy young woman whose life appears ideal. But a dark secret colors her life, for Delia’s most loyal companions are ghosts, as she has been gifted (or some would say cursed) with an ability to peer across to the other side.

Since the great quake rocked her city in 1906, Delia has been haunted by an avalanche of the dead clamoring for her help. Delia flees to the other side of the continent, hoping to gain some peace. After several years in New York, Delia believes she is free…until one determined specter appears and she realizes that she must return to the City by the Bay in order to put this tortured soul to rest.

It will not be easy, as the ghost is only one of the many victims of a serial killer who was never caught. A killer who after thirty years is killing again. 

And who is now aware of Delia’s existence.

I like the idea of a story with history, ghosts, and serial killers!

Top Ten Books I Would Love To See As a Movie/TV Show

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 Books I Would Love To See As a Movie/TV Show".

1. The Diviners by Libba Bray

I think this would be a fantastic movie with the horror, mystery, action, paranormal, and romance elements. Although she is British, I could see Lily James (Rose from Downton Abbey) as Evie.

2. Eleanor and Park by Rainbow Rowell

In the right hands, this would be a beautiful and poignant film. The soundtrack would be pretty amazing too.

3. Wedding Night by Sophie Kinsella

While it wasn't my favorite of Sophie Kinsella's books, I think Wedding Night would be a hilarious movie. The story of a young woman who rashly elopes with someone she hasn't seen in years and her older sister who does everything in her power to stop the wedding night proceedings sounds tailor made for a Hollywood R-rated comedy. Of course the last time a movie was made from a Sophie Kinsella book it really stunk...

4. Someone Knows My Name by Lawrence Hill

This could be an epic historical drama in the right hands the way Lee Daniels' The Butler is so well received. The story lends itself to a movie though it would need to be trimmed a little.

5. Mr. Churchill's Secretary by Susan Elia MacNeal

After watching The Bletchley Circle on PBS, I couldn't help but think of Maggie Hope and how the mystery series would be fun to watch on TV as a BBC miniseries.

6. Grave Mercy by Robin LaFevers

I think a movie about a female assassin who serves Death could be really popular. Especially if they cast Henry Cavill as Duval...

7. Tell The Wolves I'm Home by Carol Rifka Brunt

I thought this was a beautiful and moving story and I think it could be an amazing and touching film if it was done right. It would probably be Oscar bait too. I could see Abigail Breslin as Greta and maybe Willow Shields (Prim in The Hunger Games) as June.

8. The Husband's Secret by Liane Moriarty

This could be such a dramatic film about family relationships, forgiveness, and terrible secrets and choices. 

9. Girl in Translation by Jean Kwok

This story of a young girl and her mom who immigrate to New York and end up working in a sweat shop could be an inspiring and uplifting movie. 

10. The Hero's Guide to Saving Your Kingdom by Christopher Healy

This book is tailor made for an animated movie. I think that if the same people who brought Brave to the big screen were to adapt this movie, it would be fantastic.

Review: Fangirl

Fangirl

By Rainbow Rowell

Published: September 10, 2013

From the author the New York Times bestseller Eleanor & Park

A coming-of-age tale of fan fiction, family and first love. 

Cath is a Simon Snow fan.

Okay, the whole world is a Simon Snow fan . . .

But for Cath, being a fan is her life — and she’s really good at it. She and her twin sister, Wren, ensconced themselves in the Simon Snow series when they were just kids; it’s what got them through their mother leaving.

Reading. Rereading. Hanging out in Simon Snow forums, writing Simon Snow fan fiction, dressing up like the characters for every movie premiere.

Cath’s sister has mostly grown away from fandom, but Cath can’t let go. She doesn’t want to.

Now that they’re going to college, Wren has told Cath she doesn’t want to be roommates. Cath is on her own, completely outside of her comfort zone. She’s got a surly roommate with a charming, always-around boyfriend, a fiction-writing professor who thinks fan fiction is the end of the civilized world, a handsome classmate who only wants to talk about words . . . And she can’t stop worrying about her dad, who’s loving and fragile and has never really been alone.

For Cath, the question is: Can she do this?

Can she make it without Wren holding her hand? Is she ready to start living her own life? Writing her own stories?

And does she even want to move on if it means leaving Simon Snow behind?

My review:

I loved Eleanor and Park and when I found out that Rainbow Rowell had a new YA novel coming out this fall I knew I had to read it. Fangirl is not like Eleanor and Park but I liked it anyway.

Cath and her sister Wren are going off to college which is a difficult transition on its own. What makes it harder for Cath is that her sister has chosen this time to find her own identity-apart from Cath. This leaves the introverted Cath in a bind. She survives by turning to what has always helped her during troubled times: Simon Snow. A series similar to Harry Potter, the Simon Snow books inspired Cath so much that she started writing Simon Snow fan fiction and even has a huge online following under her online identity, Magicath. 

I found it really easy to relate to Cath. She lives in a very internal world, afraid to connect with others because she doesn't want to be hurt and left again. She is afraid to put herself out there preferring to hide out in her dorm room and live off of protein bars because she hasn't found the dining commons yet (and doesn't want to go there by herself anyway). Cath derives a lot of comfort from the Simon Snow world and engaging with fellow fans. It is kind of sad that her main connection to people is online. Thankfully people at her school do try to reach out to her.

Cath's roommate Reagan is at first unwelcoming but slowly she decides to take Cath on as a project and they develop an unlikely and grudging friendship. There is also Levi, who persists in befriending Cath even when she does her best to discourage him. Levi is wonderful and sometimes Cath does not deserve such loyalty but he keeps trying. Levi and Reagan are my favorite characters aside from Cath and I love how they let her be herself while encouraging her to grow and expand her horizons at the same time.

Wren is difficult to like at times. While I get that she'd want her own identity and college can be the perfect time to reinvent yourself, Wren treats Cath horribly. Sometimes I just wanted to reach into the book and smack her. Cath tries to be a good sister to Wren and is looking out for her even when Wren doesn't want it. Both girls are still dealing with the mess made by their mom's abandonment and their dad's mental fragility but they do it in different ways. Cath locks herself away while Wren becomes a party girl. Although I didn't like Wren for much of the book, I was glad to see them find a way back to each other. I love when books explore sibling and family relationships with their complications and ups and downs.

There is a love interest for Cath and I won't spoil it by saying who it is (though I think it is obvious from the synopsis) and I loved the slow development of the romance and how it doesn't overshadow everything else in the book. I enjoyed the romance but my favorite part of this book was watching Cath grow and mature and work on her relationships.

Something else I must mention is the Simon Snow fan fiction. Rainbow Rowell actually writes little short stories and excerpts of Cath's fan fiction stories and they were really fun to read. I haven't read much fan fiction but I almost wish I could read Cath's stories. Her excitement over the real Simon Snow novels and the release of the final book reminded me of my own excitement over the Harry Potter books and the publication of  Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows.

Overall I thought this was a fantastic YA contemporary novel that looks at the first year of the college experience through a memorable protagonist. It is an exciting, scary, and confusing time in a young adult's life and I think Rainbow Rowell really captures it perfectly.

Note: I received an e-ARC for review purposes from Edelweiss and the publisher

It's Monday, What Are You Reading (154)

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.

I'm kind of sad that fall is around the corner but I am trying to find the silver lining this year and looking for all the things I do appreciate about this season like apple cider (had my first mugful today!), Halloween and Thanksgiving. 

I am also excited about some great books being released this fall like United We Spy, The House of Hades, and Allegiant. In the meantime I will be busy catching up on ARCs!

Books reviewed:

The Bitter Kingdom by Rae Carson

Scorched by Mari Mancusi

The Deepest Night by Shana Abe

Books read:

Once Upon a Prince by Rachel Hauck

This was a light Christian fiction novel that reminded me of movies like The Prince and Me or A Princess For Christmas. It wasn't very believable but it is supposed to have that kind of fairy-tale romance vibe. 

Star Wars: Razor's Edge by Martha Wells

I love how this cover shows Leia looking strong, capable, and in charge. This book takes place between the events of Star Wars: A New Hope and The Empire Strikes Back. 

Wild Cards by Simone Elkeles

I liked this YA contemporary romance featuring a female football player but it wasn't as good as I thought it would be.

Currently reading:

Where the Stars Still Shine by Trish Doller

I love this book so far. I really feel for Callie and what she has been through. It reminds me of Dare You To a little bit but with more of an emotional punch.

What I plan to read next:

Lay That Trumpet in Our Hands by Susan Carol McCarthy

This is one of my book group picks for September. It is based on a true story that takes place in Florida and involves hate crimes and the KKK. Should be riveting and emotional reading.

The Burning Sky by Sherry Thomas

I have read some really positive reviews of this from other book bloggers so I have high hopes that it will be a good fantasy story.

All Our Yesterdays by Cristina Terrill

Kirkus Reviews described this book as "time travel done right" and hopefully I will agree. I think the premise is really interesting and presents a sort of moral dilemma about sacrificing one to save many.

What do you look forward to this fall and what have you been reading lately?