Pinterest Updated!

My Pinterest Board has been updated (pretty much) with the books I have read and reviewed! Feel free to follow my book board at 

http://www.pinterest.com/lilikin24/books/

I'll try to keep up with it this time!

Week of Wonder

Week of Wonder is what I call my Weekly Wrap-up. I will link up everything that I did on my blog this week - books I read, books I reviewed, what challenges I've added to, what I'm currently reading, all my other posts, etc. I will also let you know about any upcoming events that are coming up on my blog.

Reviews
The Strength of Ballerinas by Nancy Lorenz (Blog Tour)
Star of Deliverance by Mandy Madson Voisin (Blog Tour)
The Hesitant Heiress by Dawn Crandall

Other Posts
Top Ten Authors I've Only Read One Book From
Waiting on Wednesday - Becoming Bea by Leslie Gould
Stacking the Shelves

Coming Up (Subject to change)
Finding Mr. Darcy by Erin Butler
Top Ten Books On My Fall TBR Pile
Waiting on Wednesday
A Fun Discussion Post?

What was up for you last week? Anything exciting coming up?

Stacking the Shelves

Stacking the shelves is a weekly meme hosted by  Tynga's Reviews, where you show what books you got during the week.

Received From Cedar Fort
 
Becoming Beauty by Sarah Boucher
Softly Falling by Carla Kelly

Bought
   
Circle of Spies by Roseanna M. White
The Distance Between Us by Kasie West
Solving For Ex by Leigh Ann Kopans
First World Problems by Leigh Ann Kopans

What did you add to your shelves this week?

The Hesitant Heiress by Dawn Crandall

The Hesitant Heiress by Dawn Crandall
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Goodreads Summary
After being unjustly expelled from the Boston Conservatory of Music, Amaryllis Brigham sees her dreams of founding a music academy disappearing before her very eyes. Now the only way to achieve her goal comes with high stakes for someone set on avoiding men as much as possible: marry within the year to inherit her grandmother’s fortune. Amaryllis reluctantly takes part in her aunt’s society, intent on getting to the west coast on her own… and without a husband.

Despite her own misgivings, she soon finds herself falling in love with the most unlikely of men, Nathan Everstone, whose father not only had a part in her expulsion, but whose ominous presence has haunted her dreams for a decade since her mother’s tragic death. Nathan turns out to be much more than he seems and everything she never knew she wanted. But just as everything Amaryllis has recently hoped for comes to fruition, it all falls apart when she finds that the real culprit who has been managing her life isn't who she thought at all.

My Review
I fell in love with this story! It is one of my top reads so far this year! Drawn in by the beautiful flow of the writing from the very first page, I could not put this book down, and wished it was longer when I finished it! (I was also unable to stop smiling at many points while reading this book, as well as after I finished)

Why?

First of all, I love a good historical fiction novel. The setting was amazing, very realistic, and well depicted, making me feel as if I'm in the book. There were details and beautifully written similes/metaphors, but they weren't overwhelming - they added more to the book.

Most of all, though, I loved the characters. I felt what they felt - emotions, dreams, problems, etc., - I could imagine everything, they felt so real and relatable! Amaryllis was a fantastic heroine - complex, well thought out, humorous, human - I liked her instantly. Her determination, wit, faith, etc., were a great combination of characteristics, and I really enjoyed the peeks into her past. Nathan was another complex character that was so much more than he at first appeared, and everything that Amaryllis had heard about him! His wit and personality were perfection! I loved the eventual relationship that builds up between them romantic or not. - The bantering and easy relationship between Nathan and Amaryllis? Perfection! (and to avoid any type of spoiler that's all I'm saying, other than - I think they are so perfect for each other, if you hadn't guessed that already)! They a whole other side of the each other, and it's like he can read her mind! Smiles and aww alert!

There were also many other "minor" characters in the book that were pretty awesome! They were well thought out, and I am curious to know more about them and their stories.

Suspense and mystery alert! I wasn't expecting there to be such a sense of mystery and suspense, but there was, and I loved it! I honestly didn't realize that the bad guy was who it was, or that he was as horrible as he ended up being! I just thought he wasn't very nice and had issues!

I also loved the faith focus on love and forgiveness that the main characters went through. It went perfectly with the story and was portrayed in just the right way.

I can not wait to read the rest of the books in this series!

I won a free copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are solely my own.


View all my reviews

Blog Tour: Star of Deliverance by Mandy Madson Voisin

Star of Deliverance by Mandy Madson Voisin

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Goodreads Summary
Born a slave and outcast, the young healer Emi discovers an ancient disease spreading among her people. Desperate, she races to the Capital for a cure and unwittingly finds herself in a competition to win over the Crown Prince’s heart. Staying in the game provides time to search for a cure, but it may cost Emi her life—or her heart.

My Review

Star of Deliverance takes place in Deshan, where Emi is a Savian in a world full of Brockans. Her people are slaves and outcasts, looked down upon, and in grave danger. When Emi, a healer,  has the courage and determination to travel to the capital for the cure of a deadly disease, her life turns upside down. Pulled into the midst of a competition to win Prince Corban heart, Emi will discover who she truly is, what it means to be Savian, meets new friends, and in the process she'll lose her heart one way or another.

Star of Deliverance was a great book loosely based on Queen Esther (pretty awesome)! It was so unique, with lots of twists, turns, and details, it captured my interest, making it hard to put down!

The world building - As soon as I started reading I stepped into Deshan, imagining what it would be like to live in Emi's position - a Savian with threats all around, a healer with people suffering and no cure in sight. What would I do?

Well, Emi handled it in the only way she knew how! I loved her courage, determination, wit, strength, fortitude, kindness, selflessness, love for her people and country, etc. It took a lot of all of these things to do everything she did! While missing Cen, the healer who raised her becoming her mentor and father figure, and the rest of her village, while keeping her true identity hidden at the palace, making both friends and enemies, and capturing the Prince's heart, not to mention saving her people, all of Emi's characteristics shine through like a star. I rooted for her all the way! Her worries, fears, struggles, and feelings became my own.

Then there was Prince Corban. He singled Emi out almost immediately, falling for her and her alone. What would he do if he found out that Emi isn't who she says she is? Will he ever be able to step out of his naive shell and see the kingdom for what it really is, what's really happening to it? I can't tell you, you must read the book! I did admire him as well, though, especially at the end! They both took risks.

Cen was also an exceptional character - brave,kind, and selfless, he taught Emi well - , along with, Maddock, Kirt, Hendrik, and Jessra. All of them loyal to Emi through everything. Cen, ever since birth, the others from the time she entered the palace. Love, friendship, loyalty, and trust played prominent  roles throughout the book.

Then there was the healing, horse riding, self defense lessons, mean girls, balls, hunts, races, secret meetings, treason, saving the Prince, escaping and outwitting soldiers, etc., that all added to the richness and excitement of the book and Emi's character development. 

There was mystery. The evil villain, calculating and cold, with the desire to kill all Savians. He was despicable. Could Emi figure out his plan and a way to stop it to save everyone? Would she be in time?

There was so much emotion, adventure,  beautiful writing,  wonderful messages, and awesomeness! I could go on and on about this book, but I think it would be best if you just read it yourself! I'm sure it's light will shine bright for you too!

I received a free copy if this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are solely my own.

View all my reviews

Waiting on Wednesday - Becoming Bea by Leslie Gould

Goodreads Summary

Publish Date - Oct. 21, 2014

Ben and Bea have always irritated each other. But when their friends push them together, can they cease bickering long enough to fall in love?

Why I'm Waiting

I recently just read my first (not specifically YA) Amish book, and really enjoyed. This one sounds really good as well, and I can't wait to read it!

What are you waiting on?

Top Ten Authors I've Only Read One Book From But Need To Read More

Top Ten Tuesday is a fun meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish, where we pick the top ten things that we choose for the topic of the week.
Topic: Top Ten Authors I've Only Read One Book From But NEED To Read More

There are so many books that I want to read, and authors that I absolutely MUST read more of! Here are some. I'm sticking to authors that have more than one book out.

     
Tamera Alexander (A Beauty So Rare)
Becky Wade (Meant to Be Mine)
Melissa Tagg (Here to Stay)
Rebecca H. Jamison (Sense and Sensibility)
Jamie Carie (The Guardian Duke)
Shelley Shepard Gray (Joyful)

   

Stephanie Perkins (Anna and the French Kiss)
Y.S. Lee (The Agency)
Rainbow Rowell (Fangirl)
Morgan Matson (Amy and Rogers Epic Detour)

What authors do you need to read more books from?

Blog Tour: The Strength of Ballerinas by Nancy Lorenz

The Strength of Ballerinas by Nancy Lorenz

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

All Kendra wants to do is audition for the Manhattan Dance Company. But when a debilitating illness threatens to overwhelm her, she must decide which dreams are worth fighting for.

My Review

The Strength of Ballerinas was remarkable and amazing. I loved every minute, and it is probably one of my top YA reads of the year so far! The writing was beautiful with a lot of scenic descriptions, imagery, similes, and metaphors. There were many parts throughout the book that I just wanted to highlight certain places, but it took me a while to figure out that you can still highlight on a PDF file, then my nook was giving me problems and wouldn't let me highlight so I'll just have to read it again later!

I really enjoyed reading about Kendra and her dedication and love for ballet. The story and Kendra's reactions and actions to all of the obstacles she met seemed very realistic. Ballet with the Manhattan Dance Company was her life. Then she moved to sunny, grape, and wine country California. She felt like her life was ruined - she couldn't find a new dance academy, school wasn't going well, etc. Then, she finally made friends, discovered the perfect dance academy and teacher, and everything was looking up. The disease struck. Would Kendra have the strength to dance through it all? Finding her own Ballerina strength?

But there was so much more to The Strength of Ballerinas than ballet and overcoming the disease. There was Petey, Kendra's autistic brother who was really sweet and brought out how caring and patient Kendra was. She did everything she could for her brother, especially since it was just her and her dad. Bullying, and finding out who your true friends are and what true strength and being mature takes. Hope and rediscovering faith. Figuring out what is important in life, and what's really worth fighting for. Deciding what makes you you, and what you truly want to do in life. There is more to a person than what a first impression may tell and Kendra begins to realize that in more ways than one.

This book makes me think of the song Overcomer by Mandisa, because of all of the obstacles Kendra had to face throughout the book and the strength she finds. The Strength of Ballerinas was very inspiring, encouraging us to overcome all the obstacles that may stand in our way. You may fall, but get back up again! I recommend this book to everyone, and I mean everyone - yes, that means you! Go read it!

Favorite Quotes!

"'Endure! Resist! Achieve!'" - The Strength of Ballerinas by Nancy Lorenz (multiple times)

"'People are like diamonds,' she continued.'They have many facets that can shine" - The Strength of Ballerinas by Nancy Lorenz (page 226 pdf file)

I received a free copy of this book in exchange of an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are solely my own.

Giveaway

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/2996193d1/" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway

Week of Wonder

Week of Wonder is what I call my Weekly Wrap-up. I will link up everything that I did on my blog this week - books I read, books I reviewed, what challenges I've added to, what I'm currently reading, all my other posts, etc. I will also let you know about any upcoming events that are coming up on my blog.

Another crazy week - 4 tests, 3 days of babysitting, band, reading, etc.!

Reviews
A Most Peculiar Circumstance by Jen Turano
Here To Stay by Melissa Tagg
The Guardian Duke by Jamie Carie

Other Posts
Top Ten Underrated books
Waiting on Wednesday - The Bound Heart by Dawn Crandall

Read This Week (reviews coming)
The Hesitant Heiress by Dawn Crandall
Joyful by Shelley Shepard Gray

Currently Reading
Star of Deliverance by Mandy Madson Voison

Coming Up This Week
The Strength of Ballerinas by Nancy Lorenz (Blog Tour)
Star of Deliverance by Mandy Madson Voison (Blog Tour)
The Hesitant Heiress by Dawn Crandall (Review)
Top Ten Tuesday
Waiting on Wednesday

What was up for you last week? Anything exciting coming up?

The Guardian Duke by Jamie Carie

The Guardian Duke by Jamie Carie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Goodreads Summary
The Guardian Duke is award-winning novelist Jamie Carie’s most exciting story yet, a uniquely arranged Regency-era romantic adventure where hero and heroine know each other through written letters but have yet to meet.

Gabriel, the Duke of St. Easton, is ordered by the King to take guardianship over Lady Alexandria Featherstone whose parents are presumed dead after failing to return from a high profile treasure hunt. But Alexandria ignores this royal reassignment, believing her parents are still alive and duly following clues that may lead to their whereabouts. Gabriel, pressured by what are actually the King’s ulterior motives, pursues her across windswept England and the rolling green hills of Ireland but is always one step behind.

When they do meet, the search for earthly treasure will pale in comparison to what God has planned for both of them.

My Review
This was a rich and captivating read. I've always loved a good treasure hunt type of mystery, and this was no different! As Alex searches for her parents following the clues they left behind on their "treasure hunt," she travels to the intriguing land of Ireland.

The descriptions of land, surroundings, culture, etc., made the story seem so real. I've always thought it would be amazing to go to Ireland! The action made it seem as if I was watching a movie inside my head, but then I could feel the emotions of the characters and was like being in the movie.

Most important, though, were the characters! And not just the main characters!

Alex. I loved her determination to find her parents, she never gave up her belief that were still alive, even when the trail started to dry up. Her kindness and faith, through the danger, were also very prominent throughout the book. Gabriel the Duke. Stubborn, determined, driven, etc, just to name a few personality qualities. Through all of the obstacles, disappointments, and hardships that came up, he was determined to find and protect Alex from the danger that surrounded her.

I found it very sweet and interesting these two get to know and possibly fall in love with each other - all through letters! Gabriel's undeniable attraction and wonder toward the woman that is his ward, who always manages to stay one step ahead of him. I'll admit that at first, I might have found it slightly exaggerating, but now I know that it's meant to be and what God planned! They both just want to be understood, loved for who they are, and trusted.

The minor characters! Alex had a pretty awesome knack for making fast friends (maybe I should take lessons), getting their friendship and loyalty with just a few words and/or a smile. I loved the many minor characters. They were all so real and important to the story. From Montague, to the Irishman, to the Duke's secretary, to the random people she met along her journey, they all captured my heart right along with the main characters, adding personality and richness to the story!

Then there was the writing. It actually made me grab a colored pen to underline certain sentences that I really really liked, a couple of times. I even starred a page - it was beautiful!

But
Grrrrrr. A. Cliffhanger! Ugh!

I received a free copy of this book in exchange of an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are solely my own.


View all my reviews