Weekend Wrap Up

I think I might start doing my Stacking the Shelves and  Weekend Wrap Up updates on the same day most weeks. After this week. Except on weeks when I know I won't have time to post something else like a review!

Read this week
A Match Made in Texas by Karen Witemeyer, Regina Jennings, Carol Cox, and Mary Connealy
Where Courage Calls by Jannete Oke and Laurel Oke Logan
Cress by Marissa Meyer (review tomorrow)

Additional Reviews this week
A Charmed Life by Jenny B. Jones (read last summer)

Added to my Series Challenge
Cress by Marissa Meyer - 3rd book of the Lunar Chronicles series (review tomorrow)

I am also so excited to be participating in the Anna was Here by Jane Kurtz blog tour February 23-28. I will be reviewing Anna was Here and doing an interview with Jane Kurtz one day that week. This will be my first interview, so I'm a mixture of nervous and excited! Any advice or suggestions?

Stacking The Shelves

Stacking the shelves is hosted by Tynga's Reviews.

What I received this week from publishers and Netgalley
   
Don't Even Think About it by Sarah Mlynowski
Bobby Ether and the Academy by R Scott Boyer

What I received from an author

bound copy of Succubus Tear by Andreas Wiesemann

What I bought this week
       
Cress by Marissa Meyer
Luminary by Krista McGee
The Elite by Kiera Cass

My TBR shelf is now fuller than it has been for a long time. Happy Reading! Don't forget to let me know what you stacked you shelves with this week!

A Week of Rapunzle

A Week of Rapunzle is hosted by A Backwards Story to celebrate Cress by Marissa Meyer, and I saw a great post by Alice in Readerland a blog I follow. The post was so creative and goes with Cress - which I am currently reading- so well that I thought I would share the link with you guys! 

http://aliceinreaderland.com/2014/02/06/r/

Check it out!

If you haven't read Cinder or Scarlet yet - they are the first two books of this fantastic series- the post this link goes to is sure to make you want to! 

Where Courage Calls by Janette Oke and Laurel Oke Logan

Where Courage Calls: A When Calls the Heart Novel by Janette Oke

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Where Courage Calls: A When Calls the Heart NovelGoodreads Summary:
Her courage and her heart will be tested in ways she never expected...
Beth Thatcher has spent her entire life in the safe, comfortable world of her family, her friends, and the social outings her father's wealth provides. But Beth is about to leave it all behind to accept a teaching position in the rugged foothills of western Canada. Inspired by her aunt Elizabeth, who went west to teach school several years ago, and gently encouraged by her father, Beth resolves to put her trust in God and bravely face any challenge that comes her way.
But the conditions in Coal Valley are even worse than she'd feared. A recent mining accident has left the town grieving and at the mercy of the mining company. The children have had very little prior education, and many of the locals don't even speak English. There isn't even a proper schoolhouse. In addition, Beth's heart is torn between two young men--both Mounties, one a lifelong friend and the other a kind, quiet man who comes to her aid more than once.
Despite the many challenges, Beth is determined to make a difference in the rustic frontier town. But when her sister visits from the East, reminding her of all the luxuries she's had to give up, will Beth decide to return to her privileged life as soon as the school year is over?


A special companion story to Hallmark Channel's "When Calls the Heart" TV series(less)

My Review:
Where Courage Calls by Janette Oke and Laurel Oke Logan will captivate readers minds and most of all their hearts. A beautiful book of giving hope and love to those in need, seeking and following God's plan for your life, fulfilling your purpose, and inspiring characters that make a difference. This book is filled with that and so much more.

I was so excited when I saw this book on Netgalley, and realized it was a companion novel the the Hallmark series When Calls the Heart! That series show is my favorite, so I knew as soon as I saw it, that I just had to read it.

The book did not disappoint! I loved how it was different enough from the movie and show to be interesting, but close enough to be connected.

Beth Thatcher was an amazing character, she quickly became one of my favorites. I loved how she was so determined to make a difference, even when the circumstances and situations around her were tougher than she had expected. I also liked that she always wanted to do God's will for her and follow his plan. I was so proud of her when she stood up for what she believed in, even when others thought she couldn't.

There were so many wonderful characters in this book. Frank and Molly, the children Beth taught, the mothers,Jarick, Edward, Philip, the Italian miners. They all played a huge role, and were each inspiring In their own way.

I promise there is something for everyone in this book! Not only inspiration, hope, and love through tough circumstances, but also mystery and relatable characters and problems. You will smile, laugh, possibly cry (I did) hope with these characters, and so much more! These authors definitely have a talent for writing books and characters that are both interesting and inspiring!

I received this book from the publisher and Netgalley for an honest review. I was not required to give a positive review, and all thoughts and opinions are my own.



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Waiting On Wednesday

Waiting on Wednesday hosted by Breaking the Spine
The One by Kiera Cass
Goodreads Summary
The One The Selection changed the lives of thirty-five girls forever. And now, the time has come for one winner to be chosen.

America never dreamed she would find herself anywhere close to the crown—or to Prince Maxon's heart. But as the competition approaches its end and the threats outside the palace walls grow more vicious, America realizes just how much she stands to lose—and how hard she'll have to fight for the future she wants.

From the very first page of The Selection, this #1 New York Times bestselling series has captured readers' hearts and swept them away on a captivating journey... Now, in The One, Kiera Cass delivers a satisfying and unforgettable conclusion that will keep readers sighing over this electrifying fairy-tale long after the final page is turned.

I am so excited to read this book! First of all I love the cover, that dress is beautiful! I honestly haven't read Elite yet, because I have been waiting until it's closer to the time that The One comes out, but I will hopefully be reading it soon. The selection was really interesting and intriguing, and I can't wait to find out what happens. The characters have so much depth and feelings.
expected publication - May 6, 2014


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Top Ten Tuesday

Top Ten Tuesday Topic: hosted by the Broke and the Bookish - Books that Made Me Cry 

I have to admit that, embarrassing as it is,  I am definitely a crybaby. I'm always crying during books, movies, TV shows, and videos, whether I'm happy or sad. I get it from my mom, and I honestly think I got my sister's dose of it as well as my own. Soooo

     
If I Stay by Gayle Forman - This book was probably the saddest book I ever read, considering I cried from about page sixteen (or before) to the last page. I had known when my mom got it that it was going to be sad, so I decided to read it all at once no matter what, so it was like three to four hours of nonstop crying. My eyes were so red and puffy by the time I was done; I was really glad we weren't going anywhere. It was just so sad.

Night by Elie Wiesel - This book takes place during the Holocaust, so how could it not be sad? I had to read this for school last year, and cried while reading it in class.

Blackmoore by Julianne Donaldson - This book was just so beautiful and heartbreaking.

Sweeter Than Birdsong by Rosslyn Elliot - Sweeter than Birdsong was amazingly inspiring, but it was so sad at times.

Where She Went by Gayle Forman - This author is just really good at making me shed tears.

Anomaly by Krista McGee - Anomaly made me cry, because of the uncertainty about what was going to happen, and the main characters beautiful new belief in Christ - what she said towards the end (I can't tell you, you have to read it!)

   

 The Unearthly series by Cynthia Hand - These were really great books, but they were so sad at times. I cried a lot during one of them.

The Tiger's Curse Series by Colleen Houck - Uggghhh! Was everything going to end up the way I wanted it to? Plus there were just some really sad moments! By the way, this is a must read series.

 The Help by Kathryn Stockett - I read this over the summer for my AP English class. It was a very inspiring book, but it was very sad because of the injustice and unfairness, plus certain moments or events.

Faithful by Janet Fox- It's been a while since I read this, but I remember that, mainly because of what happened to her mom, I cried.

I also must say that the movie Marley and Me is probably the movie that made me cry the most. I watched it at the movie theater, started crying when there was about 45 minutes left, and couldn't stop. Then for the rest of the day/night I felt like the least little thing would make me start crying again.

There are my crying confessions! Are you a crybaby like me, or a dry eyed like my sister? What books or movies make you cry? Feel free to leave a comment or a link to your TTT.

My New Button

If only I could have found something to match the sides of my Blog!

This button started out as an experiment on paint, but I thought it could look better. Then I figured out that I could use Google Drawing and the text could be the same font as the blog title and on the actual picture instead of a plain colored text box. It took all of five minutes to make the actual image, but much much longer to figure out how to get it on my blog, because it didn't want to be the correct size. The name of the blog was supposed to be on the print as Wonderous
                                                        Reviews, but then it wouldn't work, so I hope that looks okay.
If you saw the old button, I apologize, this one is nowhere near perfect, but at least it's a little better.
                                       Please be honest! Should I keep this button or not?

A Charmed Life by Jenny B. Jones

A Charmed Life by Jenny B. Jones
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A Charmed Life Goodreads summary:
New York's social darling just woke up in a nightmare: Oklahoma. Problem is, it's right where God wants her.

Bella Kirkwood had it all-A-list friends, Broadway in her backyard, Daddy's credit card. Then her father decided to trade in her mother for a newer model. After that, her mom fell in love with a man she met on the Internet and moved the family to Truman, Oklahoma. To a farm no less!

But that's just the beginning of Bella's problems. Her semi-pro-wrestler stepdad signs up the family for a reality TV show. As if having a camera crew follow her around isn't bad enough, Bella discovers a conspiracy against the Truman High prom queen candidates.

And that's before the arrival of the Fritz Family Carnival with its creepy clown.

Bella is one skinny-mocha frappe away from a total meltdown. How can a girl go on when her charmed life is gone and God appears to be giving her the total smack down?

My Review:
Jenny B. Jones is a delightful author who has a knack for creating great books that are funny, interesting, and easy to relate to! You will definitely laugh while reading this, so beware when reading during class!

As Bella Kirkwood goes from literally having it all to living on a farm and stepping in cow paddies, she goes through the experience of her life, and her faith in God grows as she begins to accept that this seems to be the direction that his plan is taking her.

Bella is a very believable character, because she isn't perfect or snooty. Sure she complains a little and feels upset about the changes that have come up in her life, but who wouldn't? It is a huge change for her and far from what she is used to. Even though she is upset, she still tries to make the best of it, which is what I like about her.

Bella's determination to write for the school newspaper and Luke's, the editor's, reluctance and lack of trust in her were very entertaining. Will she be able to prove herself as a journalist? Will they ever get along? What about Bella's ex boyfriend that want's her back but just isn't right for her? Will her dad make another huge mistake by marrying the wrong woman? Will she be able to uncover what is going on before someone gets seriously hurt?

I love mysteries, and as far is this book goes, it did not disappoint! These mysteries will be written about in the school paper, and that means that Luke just might have to work with her. How will that go? I will just say that it was very entertaining!

As Bella meets new people, adjusts to her new life (including the new annoying brother and weird step dad with the embarrassing occupation), and solves three intriguing and dangerous mysteries, will she discover that there is more to life than Gucci, Prada, and Valentino?


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A Match Made In Texas

A Match Made in Texas by Karen Witemeyer
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
A Match Made in TexasA Match Made in Texas is a wonderful book of four novellas each written by a popular and amazing Christian Fiction author. When I found out that Karen Witemeyer, Carol Cox, and Mary Connealy were three of the authors, I just had to read this book, because I have read and loved a few books from each author.

I loved how someone was secretly setting up all of the first three matches, and that the last book was a group of people matching up the matchmaker! Each book had wonderful laugh out loud moments and sweet clean relationships.

Some things that I really liked.  All of the female characters were so strong, determined, and full of faith in God in very tough times and all of the male lead characters were kind, caring, sweet, and helpful in their own ways. I also loved that some of the stories showed characters from other books written by that author, it was nice to hear about them again, and hear the story of another character.

Each story was filled with laugh out loud moments and conversations, sweet moments, sad moments, hope, and faith. Each character had a unique personality, unique circumstances,  and a wonderful and entertaining story. I felt bad for many of the main characters at times, but had hope that everything would turn out right.

Two of my favorites were An Unforseen Match by Regina Jennings and No Match for Love by Carol Cox, but the other two were also great.

I won't say anything about the characters problems because I don't want to give to much away! Read this book you won't regret it!

I received this book from the publisher through Netgalley. I was not required to give a positive review, and all thoughts and opinions are my own.

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Reading in January

Read and/or Reviewed this month (click title to see my review)
Anomaly by Krista McGee
Waterfall by Lisa Tawn Bergren
Gods at War by Kyle Idleman
Trouble in Store by Carol cox
Love in Disguise by Carol Cox
Edenbrooke by Julianne Donaldson
Blackmoore by Julianne Donaldson
The Season by Sarah Maclean
Whispers from the Shadows by Roseanna M. White
Sweeter than Birdsong by Rosslyn Elliot
Ring of Secrets by Roseanna M. White
Glamorous Illusions by Lisa Tawn Bergren
Destination Unknown by Amy Clipston
One Realm Beyond by Donita K. Paul


TBR Pile Challenge Progress ~ 1
Anomaly by Krista McGee
You can check my progress on reading challenges on my 2014 Challenges page


Can't wait for Cress by Marissa Meyor (comes out Tuesday!) And Season of Wonder by Lisa Tawn Bergren.

What I have received for review so far
Match Made in Texas (see review tomorrow)
Where Courage Calls (so excited to read!)

What I hope to read in February
Where Courage Calls
Cress
Swipe
Divergent
Insurgent
Allegiant

We'll have to wait and see what else!