My Ireland Reads

Happy St. Patrick's Day! (Yes I am wearing green!) Since today is St. Patrick's Day and it's all about Ireland, I thought that I would share the books that I have read that are set in Ireland or have Irish characters in them. Soooo, without further ado

Here are my Irish books

  

Irish Books on my TBR List (for a while)

Sorry guys. I'm kind of disappointed that there aren't more, but that's all I found. I really wish there were more books set in Ireland, it's such an interesting setting! Any recommendations? 

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. 

Reviewed

Fall for You by Cecilia Gray

So Into You by Cecilia Gray

The Movement of Crowns by Nadine C. Keels

Other Posts

My Biggest Dream

Top Ten Tuesday - Top Ten Historical Fiction

Waiting on Wednesday - Circle of Spies

Stacking the Shelves

Up Next
(in no particular order and subject to change)
Clonmacs Bridge by Jeffrey Perren
Catalyst by Marc Johnson
The Movement of Rings by Nadine C. Keels
When I'm With You by Cecilia Gray
Suddenly You by Cecilia Gray
Death is Overrated by Jeffrey Perren
Cossacks in Paris by Jeffrey Perren
Luminary by Krista McGee
Elite by Kiera Cass
 Swipe by Kathy Reichs and Brendan Reichs
List so far for this month! The first half of this list is from requests and Netgalley and the last three are what I have bought.

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.

What I Received this Week

    

Clonmacs Bridge, Death is Overated, and Cossacks in Paris, all by Jeffrey Perren

Movement of Rings by Nadine C. Keels
The Diamond Thief by Sharon Gosling

The Movement of Crowns by Nadine C. Keels

The Movement of Crowns by Nadine C. Keels

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


The Movement of CrownsGoodreads Summary
At the point when kingdoms’ ideas of humanity differ…
The nation of Diachona is celebrating the twentieth birthday and rite of passage for Constance, the Diachonian king’s daughter and heir. Yet, the pause for festivity doesn’t erase collective doubts about Constance’s aspiration for a place with the men on the National Council, nor does it eliminate fears roused by oppressive threats from a neighboring, powerful empire. Amid increasing rumors of war and personal misgivings about her own future, Constance deems this an inopportune time to be falling in love with one Commander Alexander. Will Providence keep them all through international tensions and the changing of times, or is Diachona watching its territory in vain?

My Review
The Movement of Crowns was amazing! Nadine Keels has a phenomenal skill of creating, describing, and bringing to life Diachona and all of the characters present in this book; as well as bringing about many plot twists, information, and emotional feelings, even though it was only 116 pages long!

Constance was very strong emotionally, and so determined to be a part of the Council. I liked how a lot of the book emphasized her determination and work towards that while still having a relationship with Commander Alexander, and being there for her family.

Staid Alexander and Constance had been friends since childhood, and their feelings for each other grew. They were both very smart and kind, and wanted what was best for the kingdom. Their conversations made me smile, though they were short considering the length of the novella. Though more would have been nice, it still had the same effect and wasn't really necessary.

This was an amazing and intriguing story of a young woman's coming of age journey of faith, hope, determination, and more. It's a must read for all historical fiction fans as well as anyone that wants a shorter story that has everything that a novel has, and definitely one that I would be willing to read again!

I look forward to reading more by Nadine C. Keels in the future!

I would like to thank the author whom I received this book from in exchange for an honest review. This did not change my opinion in any way.



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So Into You by Cecilia Gray

So Into You by Cecilia Gray

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


So Into YouGoodreads Summary
Sweet and sensible Ellie hasn't met a problem her mom's yoga mantras can't fix. But when Ellie's parents threaten to pull her from the Academy just as her flirtation with the cutest boy in school heats up, will Ellie be able to keep her cool?

The last thing that the girls at the elite Jane Austen Academy need is guys. But over the summer the school has been sold, and like it or not, the guys are coming. And they're about to turn the Academy—and the lives of its students—totally upside down...

Dive into the fabulous, fun lives of six Academy girls as their friendships are tested, torn and ultimately triumph.


My Review
So Into You is the second book in Cecilia Gray's wonderful series of modern Jane Austin retellings. I loved the first book and was not disappointed in this one; it was a great retelling of Sense and Sensibility!

I really liked that the same characters were present in this book that were in Fall for You, so we got to learn a little more about all of them. Their friendships and relationships grew throughout this book as they met more people, worked through problems, discovered more secrets, and more. These friends are always there for each other and ready to fight for what they believe in, which is something I really like in a character.

The main character in So Into You was Ellie, and she was very sweet, smart, and skilled at hiding her feelings. She was very responsible. She would have to be, considering that she had to pay her parents bills half of the time. When her parents move to Guatemala and want her to move with them, what will Ellie do?

The only problem I had with this book was that it could have been a little longer and included more details, but it wasn't a huge issue.

You should read this book if you like sweet romances and great friendships that are strong enough to last through anything. Or if you just like Jane Austin!

I received this book for free from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This did not change my opinion in any way.

View all my reviews

Waiting on Wednesday - Circle of Spies by Roseanna M. White

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Breaking the Spine, where we share a book that we are waiting for.


Circle of Spies by Roseanna M. White


Circle of SpiesGoodreads Summary
This exciting and adventurous romantic spy novel is the third book in the Culper Ring series from Roseanna M. White. Circle of Spies combines fascinating cloak-and-dagger secrets with a tale of love and intrigue at the end of the Civil War.

Baltimore, 1865--Marietta Hughes never wanted to be a spy...but espionage is thrust upon her as the War Between the States rolls on. Unbeknownst to her, a Confederate secret society bent on destroying the Union she loves has been meeting in her basement. When she discovers the plots and papers covering her walls, she feels as though she is losing her world.

Slade Osborne, an undercover Pinkerton agent, is determined to do whatever is necessary to help end the conflict between the North and the South. When he infiltrates this secret cell, it isn't just their inner workings that baffle him--it's the beautiful woman who seems to be a puppet for the new leader and yet...somehow not an enemy of the Union.

Can he trust her? Will she trust him? Will their shared faith sustain them? And can Marietta and Slade stymie the enemy long enough without being discovered to see their beloved country reunited?

Why I'm Waiting for April 1
I have read and loved the last two books in Roseanna M. Whites Culper Ring series. It has mystery, intrigue, and so much more. They were so interesting and entertaining, and I learned a lot of history from them. I can't wait for this one to come out!



View all my reviews

Top Ten Tuesday - Favorite in X Genre

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 Favorite Books in X Genre (you pick the genre)
Genre I picked - YA Historical Fiction

I love historical fiction, it takes me to another time period, and lets me see what life used to be like. It's not boring in any way, like history class is at times, and what better way to see it than through a book? Besides, I just felt like doing this genre!
You can say that I have issues, but if there are any books that are in the same series or by the same author, I am putting them together!

River of Time series by Lisa Tawn Bergren

    

Sweeter than Birdsong by Rosslyn Elliott

Edenbrooke by Julianne Donaldson

Blackmoore by Julianne Donaldson

Aurelia by Anne Osterlund (also Exile)

Secret Letters by Leah Scheier

The Merchants Daughter, The Healers Apprentice, The Fairest Beauty, The Captive Maiden, all by Melanie Dickerson

  

Bewitching Season, Betraying Season, Courtship and Curses, by Marissa Doyle

Keeping the Castle by Patrice Kindl

Entwined by Heather Dixon

What are your favorite historical fiction books, any to recommend? Don't forget to share your Top Ten Tuesday with me!

My Biggest Dream

Sorry guys, I just need to write this!
P.S. This is where I eventually mention two of my favorite songs.

My biggest dream is to go on Mission Trips and spread the word of God to those who don't have the opportunity to learn about God. I realized this dream a couple of years ago, when I realized how compassionate I feel toward people that live in less developed environments (I know it's normally less developed countries but I feel compelled to say environments for various reasons). I was always that person who cried, at least a little, during the history or geography videos we watched in class of people/groups of people living in poverty or being treated unfairly. I always wanted to do something to help them instead of just watching the videos and wishing for the end of poverty. Then you combine the poverty with the realization that they have no way to form a relationship with God, and it is the most devastating feeling that just brings tears to my eyes instantaneously.

These people don't have that everlasting relationship with God, that ever present hope and peace that can only come from God, through the tough living conditions they face day after day. They don't have the chance or the opportunity to get to know him/about him, because they have no one to teach them, no one to tell them about the one who created them and loves them no matter what. The one who sent his one and only son to them to die on the cross and save us from our sins if we only believe in him.

On top of that I feel called to go on a mission trip. It's kind of hard to explain, but it's like this really strong feeling that I'm supposed to go. That it's what God wants me to do. I don't want to ignore it.

Matthew West's song Do Something is an amazing song, and I guess you could say my theme song for this journey I'm going through.

So
My church is taking a group to Sardu, Romania this summer, on a mission trip to a large group of Roma gypsies, through Great Commissions Europe. I am hoping and praying that I get to go, and I really do feel like God wants me to go (that feeling I talked about before, full volume).

I know that I may not get to go, but if God wants to write a mission trip this summer into the story he is writing on my heart (I also love Francessca Batistelli's song Write Your Story), than I would be perfectly fine with that. My parents and I have talked about it and my mom completely understands how I feel and said that she had never seen my face light up like it did when I was talking about wanting to go on that mission trip. I just know that I feel like there's a light inside of me when I talk or think about it. The biggest issue is that neither of my parents can go (work and extra cost) so we have to find someone that is going who is willing to be my legal guardian for the week and also the money, but if God truly wants me to go and I work for this, I know that he will open up doors and windows to get me there.

I realize that it would be scary to go, it would definitely push me out of my comfort zone, but maybe that would be a good thing. I'm sure it would change my life and outlook on life in a positive way. I know for a fact that I would probably cry, but that I would have a whole new respect for the people in less developed environments, and possibly an even stronger determination to go on more mission trips.

I know I went on a lot about this, but it's something that I feel very passionate about. I just want to help others and give them a chance to learn about God more than anything.

I really could have said a lot more, but I was trying to keep it short! (I know that I didn't really succeed with that)

Fall for You by Cecilia Gray

Fall For You by Cecilia Gray
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Fall For YouGoodreads Summary
Dive into the fabulous, fun lives of six Academy girls as their friendships are tested, torn and ultimately triumph…

To say Lizzie and Dante are polar opposites is the understatement of the century. He’s a snooty Exeter transfer with more money than Google. She’s a driven study-a-holic just barely keeping up with tuition. It’s obvious that Dante thinks he’s way too good for Lizzie. And Lizzie knows Dante is a snob with a gift for pressing her buttons.

But things are changing fast this year at the Academy. And when Lizzie’s quest to stop those changes blows up in her face, taking her oldest friendship with it, she has nowhere else to turn but to Dante, with his killer blue eyes, his crazy-hot smile, and his secrets… Secrets Lizzie can’t seem to leave alone, no matter how hard she tries…

* * *

The last thing that the girls at the elite Jane Austen Academy need is hot guys to flirt with. But over the summer the school has been sold, and like it or not, the guys are coming. And it’s about to turn the Academy—and the lives of its students—totally upside down…

The Jane Austen Academy series are modern retellings of Jane Austen classics set at a beachside California boarding school. Don't miss the rest of the Jane Austen Academy series, where sassy girls, hot guys and Jane Austen collide!


My Review
I read most of Jane Austin's books a few years ago, and absolutely loved them. They are true classics, and while they never die, neither do their concepts of finding true love.

As I have mentioned before, I also love retellings of all kinds. So can you imagine how excited I was when I saw these books on Netgalley?

The Jane Austin Academy. How cool does that sound? I mean, seriously, I would be thrilled to go there. Plus the characters in this series are adaptions from the characters in Jane Austin's books! While the storyline is basically like Pride and Prejudice, things have been changed to make it more modern and relate-able.

Lizzie and Dante were perfect for the roles of Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy. Their personalities were so similar - Lizzie and Dante's misgivings and judgments of each other, Lizzie's determination, Dante's eventual obvious kindness. There were also wonderful added qualities such as how Lizzie always fights for everything she believes in, the newspaper, and justice of right from wrong. And what is Dante hiding?

Lizzie's prejudice was not limited to Dante though. She also didn't want to share her friend with Emma or get to know Anne. As she gets to know more about these two girls will her feelings change?

The conversations and banter between Dante and Lizzie were very well written (as were the description), and made me smile and laugh. They were so sweet and perfect for each other.

The only complaint I have about this book was that it could have been a little longer and told us a little more about the characters, but hopefully more will come with the other books in this series.

Friendships will be tested, and new people will be met as the Academy is turned upside down and flipped around, with the addition of guys, the secret of the new owners, headmistress Bergie. And what? Bergie is trying to get the name of the school changed? What can/will these friends do?

I received this book from Netgalley for free in exchange for an honest review. This did not change my opinion in any way.


View all my reviews

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. 

Reviewed

Divergent by Veronica Roth

Insurgent by Veronica Roth

Manor of Secrets by Katherine Longshore

Other Posts

Top Ten Tuesday - Popular Author I've Never Read

Waiting on Wednesday - Snow Like Ashes by Sarah Raasch

Liebster Blog Award

Falling Behind on Friday - Doon by Carey Corp and Lorie Langdon

Up Next

Fall for You by Cecilia Gray

The Movement of Crowns by Nadine Keels

Catalyst by Marc Johnson

So Into You by Cecilia Gray