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.


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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

Stacking the Shelves

acking 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

  

The Movement of Crowns by Nadine Keels

Catalyst by Marc Johnson

Falling Behind on Friday - Doon

Falling Behind on Friday is a meme hosted by Moira the Fates book reviews, where we share a book that have been sitting on our shelves waiting be read, or have been on your wishlist.

Doon by Carey Corp




DoonGoodreads Summary
Veronica doesn't think she's going crazy. But why can't anyone else see the mysterious blond boy who keeps popping up wherever she goes? When her best friend, Mackenna, invites her to spend the summer in Scotland, Veronica jumps at the opportunity to leave her complicated life behind for a few months.

But the Scottish countryside holds other plans.

Not only has the imaginary kilted boy followed her to Alloway, she and Mackenna uncover a strange set of rings and a very unnerving letter from Mackenna's great aunt—and when the girls test the instructions Aunt Gracie left behind, they find themselves transported to a land that defies explanation. Doon seems like a real-life fairy tale, complete with one prince who has eyes for Mackenna and another who looks suspiciously like the boy from Veronica's daydreams. But Doon has a dark underbelly as well. The two girls could have everything they've longed for...or they could end up breaking an enchantment and find themselves trapped in a world that has become a nightmare.

DOON is loosely based on the premise of the musical Brigadoon, with permission from the ALan Jay Lerner Estate and the Frederick Loewe Foundation.


I have been wanting to read this book since it came out, and I promise myself, right now, that I am going to buy it soon. I don't know why I didn't read it sooner, I guess I just never got around to buying it. Doon sounds extremely interesting, like a book that I would really like. First of all, it takes place in Ireland. Second, it says enchantment, fairy-tale, and mysterious. Third, just look at that cover! it's so pretty. Put all of that together and it just sounds amazing!

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Manor of Secrets by Katherine Longshore

Manor of Secrets by Katherine Longshore
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Manor of SecretsGoodreads Summary
The year is 1911. And at The Manor, nothing is as it seems . . .

Lady Charlotte Edmonds: Beautiful, wealthy, and sheltered, Charlotte feels suffocated by the strictures of upper-crust society. She longs to see the world beyond The Manor, to seek out high adventure. And most of all, romance.

Janie Seward: Fiery, hardworking, and clever, Janie knows she can be more than just a kitchen maid. But she isn't sure she possesses the courage -- or the means -- to break free and follow her passions.

Both Charlotte and Janie are ready for change. As their paths overlap in the gilded hallways and dark corridors of The Manor, rules are broken and secrets are revealed. Secrets that will alter the course of their lives. . . forever.


My Review
First of all, I love books that take place in Europe (and other countries), and in past centuries, so I was looking forward to reading Manor of Secrets. It definitely did not disappoint!

I loved how it showed that life was difficult in the early 1900's and earlier, especially for women. No matter whether you worked in the kitchen, cleaned houses, or lived in the upper part of the manor with lots of money, you still didn't necessarily have any freedom and choices in your life (though your problems may have been different,  everyone, no matter what social standing, had them).

This book is about two girls with completely different circumstances who are more alike than would first appear. Charlotte longs to write and see the world. She wants more from life than just the season and marriage, calling cards, and planning menus. Janie is the chef's daughter and works in the kitchen. She is happy with her place, but deep down she wants more. As these two girls meet in unlikely events, and get to know each other, they become like sisters as they break down the boundaries between mistress and servant. But will Janie get in trouble for "trying to rise above her station"? Will Charlotte be able to stand up for herself and what she wants, and will she ever stop feeling like she's a burden to her mother?

What about all of those secrets? There were quite a few secrets in this book and not just between Charlotte and Janie! Some were intriguing, some were life changing, they were all interesting and perfect for this book!

The descriptions in this book were very nicely done, and painted a lovely picture of the 20th century.

What's the deal with Andrew, Harry, and Lawrence!?

With great lessons of family, friendship, love, trust, adventure, and more, Manor of Secrets was a very entertaining read.

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


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Insurgent by Veronica Roth

Insurgent by Veronica Roth
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

InsurgentOne choice can transform you—or it can destroy you. But every choice has consequences, and as unrest surges in the factions all around her, Tris Prior must continue trying to save those she loves—and herself—while grappling with haunting questions of grief and forgiveness, identity and loyalty, politics and love.

Tris's initiation day should have been marked by celebration and victory with her chosen faction; instead, the day ended with unspeakable horrors. War now looms as conflict between the factions and their ideologies grows. And in times of war, sides must be chosen, secrets will emerge, and choices will become even more irrevocable—and even more powerful. Transformed by her own decisions but also by haunting grief and guilt, radical new discoveries, and shifting relationships, Tris must fully embrace her Divergence, even if she does not know what she may lose by doing so.

My Review
This series is very intriguing and kept me turning the pages until I was done! There was so much suspense, secrets to uncover, and more to learn about the factions and characters! There are so many twists and turns in this book, some that I definitely did NOT see coming (and then smacked myself in the forehead because I should have). Who could be trusted? What should they do? Will they be able to stay safe? What are the Erudite hiding?

It's nice that Tris isn't perfect. She feels guilt. She misses her parents and her friends that didn't make it. She doesn't know who she can definitely trust or the best thing to do when faced with some situations. But she STILL TRIES! That is, perhaps, my favorite thing about Tris. She doesn't give up. Even when things feel or look impossible (though she might have come close once or twice). She truly is selfless most of the time, and dauntless (though almost to the point of crazy at times), and intelligent. She is DIVERGENT! How do people feel about that, and can being divergent help save the society?

Four was still amazing, because he was always there for Tris. He never completely doubted her and always tried to save her and keep her safe.

There were places in this book that made me bite my nails and file them against my teeth! Places that made me cry. Places that made me hit my forehead against my hand and/or groan. And, yes, places that made me want to throw the book!

I did have a couple small problems with this book though, but I understand why they happened. First of all Four and Tris fought with each other a lot in this book and kept things from each other. I just found that kind of sad, because they are so perfect for each other and things could have been so much easier if they had trusted each other even when they wanted to keep things to themselves. I do believe that relationships grow stronger if the people involved can get through it together. Can Four and Tris? Also, some of the deaths in this book (and the last) are just so not right.

But overall this really is a great series, and I am so glad I finally decided to read it! I will have to wait until the third book is available in my local Library (uuuggghhh) since I promised myself to only buy books that my Library doesn't have. It's going to be a long wait!


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Waiting on Wednesday - Snow Like Ashes

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

Snow Like Ashes by Sara Raasch
Publication: October 14, 2014
Snow Like AshesA heartbroken girl. A fierce warrior. A hero in the making.

Sixteen years ago the Kingdom of Winter was conquered and its citizens enslaved, leaving them without magic or a monarch. Now, the Winterians’ only hope for freedom is the eight survivors who managed to escape, and who have been waiting for the opportunity to steal back Winter’s magic and rebuild the kingdom ever since.

Orphaned as an infant during Winter’s defeat, Meira has lived her whole life as a refugee, raised by the Winterians’ general, Sir. Training to be a warrior—and desperately in love with her best friend, and future king, Mather — she would do anything to help her kingdom rise to power again.

So when scouts discover the location of the ancient locket that can restore Winter’s magic, Meira decides to go after it herself. Finally, she’s scaling towers, fighting enemy soldiers, and serving her kingdom just as she’s always dreamed she would. But the mission doesn’t go as planned, and Meira soon finds herself thrust into a world of evil magic and dangerous politics – and ultimately comes to realize that her destiny is not, never has been, her own.

Sara Raasch’s debut fantasy is a lightning-fast tale of loyalty, love, and finding one’s destiny.


Why I'm Waiting
This book sounds so interesting and original. I mean magic, adventure, restoring their world, fantasy, and a king? Not to mention a character finding her her own destiny and a kingdom called Winter? That sounds like a fascinating book, and I can't wait to read it and find, hopefully, a wonderful new author in Sarah Raasch.

Such a long wait though!    

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Liebster Blog Award

I would like to say a huge thank you to Rimsha Salam at Ramblings of a Bookwarm for nominating me for the Liebster Award! Thank you so much I'm honored.

What is this?
The Liebster Award is an award to bloggers with less than 200 followers from fellow bloggers, and its goal is to spread the word and introduce us to new blogs. It's so wonderful how wonderful new blogs appear all the time!

The Rules
List 11 facts about yourself.
Answer the 11 questions asked by whoever nominated you.
Ask 11 new questions to 9 bloggers with less than 200 followers (you can't re-nominate the blog that nominated you).
Go to their blog and tell them they have been nominated and leave a link to their post.

11 facts about me
1. I love to spend time with my family, friends, and pets (black lab Princess and cat Hannah), walking my dog, working in my grandparents garden (can't have one at home because my mom is allergic to flowers), help others, bake, be outside, ice skate, learn, and more. I also love to reading and writing, but wait, you already knew that!

2. My faith is extremely important to me, and my biggest dream is to go on at least one mission trip in my lifetime. My Church is doing a mission trip this summer, and I would love to go, but I'm a minor and it's expensive so we'll see.

3. I love inspiring books.

4. I am shy and quiet, until you get to know me, then I talk a lot, though I do talk more than I used to. Some people who just meet me think I'm to serious, but they don't know/understand me.

5. I laugh a lot (like, a lot, a lot), I'm emotional and cry and laugh while reading, and I'm easily embarrassed (pale skin can be a curse when embarrassed, because even if you are wearing foundation, blushing is still visible).

6. I play the flute and picallo.

7. I am fascinated by other cultures and countries and would love to travel around Europe someday (maybe other countries too, but mostly ones in Europe).

8. I teach the 2-year old class at my Church, and I want to become an elementary school teacher.

9. I love summer because there is no school, I can read more, there are flowers, I can take my dog for a walk, and I can be outside all day long (my favorite place to read is on my porch or in my grandparents gazebo when it's warm). I also love snow, but feel like it should only be cold if it is going to snow.

10. I love Christmas, because of the reason for the season, and it is a season of hope, joy, love, and giving. I sing Christmas songs from Thanksgiving until the day after my Birthday, which is in January, and I make my parents leave the tree up until then too. I also drive my parents nuts by filling up the DVR when I record and watch all Hallmark (and some other) Christmas movies. I just love the spirit of Christmas.

11. I love animals.

11 Questions from Rimsha Salam of Ramblings of a Bookworm
1.Why do you love to read and blog?
I love to read, because it transports me to knew places allowing me to relax/escape to other worlds, places, or time periods, and experience things that I may never/will never get to experience in real life. I meet new characters that become like BFF's or fall in love with. Books inspire, entertain, and teach me, as well as help me be more creative, and have bigger dreams for myself. I love to blog because it's an outlet that allows my love of writing to flow, I get to share the books I read and/or love with other people, I meet new readers/bloggers/friends, oarticipate in memes, and I get to interact with authors (free books are also a great bonus, though I really wasn't expecting them).

2.What are your hobbies?
Other than reading and blogging I love to spend time with family and friends, walk my dog, help other people, learn, sing, play my flute and a little keyboard, garden, ice skate, babysit, and much more.

3. What kind of person you are describe in three words?
Hmmm, this is hard.
quiet, kind (I hope), and bookworm

4. Fictional crush?
Oh my! Marcello in the River of Time series has been a fictional crush of mine for a while now, but he really is just so wonderful, smart, kind, caring, brave, and has a strong faith, I could go on. I also really like Ren in the Tigers Curse series, because of his personality, he's caring, brave, smart, I really could go on again. Two totally swoon-worthy guys!

5. Name three things you hate?
Poverty, many things in America's history, and cruel/rude people

6. Favorite book(s)/series
River of Time series by Lisa Tawn Bergren, Anomaly series by Krista McGee, Lunar Chronicles by Marissa Meyer, Tigers Curse series by Colleen Houck, and Melanie Dickerson's four books (sorry, they're just all so wonderful)

7. If you could live in a fictional world (Narnia, Hogwarts, Middle Earth, etc.) where would you live?


8. What are you studying/have you studied?
I am in high-school, but my favorite subject is English. My favorite class that I have ever taken is last years AP Human Geography class, because I am fascinated by other countries, and loved learning about culture, languages, and everything else about the class.

9. Any blogging advice?
The advice that is most important to me is - Try not to get discouraged by the number of followers you have and don't worry to much about what people think of your writing/reviews, because then you get nervous and self conscience. At first, what other people thought was a big fear of mine (and still is sometimes) but I decided to just be myself and write what felt.

10.Favorite Movie(s) TV show(s)?
I love Hallmark, and that's pretty much the only channel I watch except for occasional others. When Calls the Heart is actually my favorite TV show, and I like so many Hallmark channel movies that I can't pick a favorite as well as Frozen and Christmas movies.

11. Your role model(s) or inspirational person(s).
My mom is my biggest role model, because she's so kind, funny, always there for me, and more. I am inspired by so many people both throughout history and today, including historically famous people, anyone who has ever had the courage to stand up for what is right, everyone that has made a difference for the better, and many many more.

11 questions from me
1. When and why did you start a book blog?
2. What are your favorite things about reading and blogging?
3. When and where do you like to read?
4. Favorite genre.
5. Favorite fictional character.
6. Fictional crush and fiction BFF.
7. Favorite childhood book.
8. Most inspiring person in your life, and/or fictional character.
9. What do you like to do when you aren't reading?
10. Where would you like to go if you could go anywhere in the world?
11. What is your biggest dream or goal in life?

Nominated Blogs 
Each and every one of you is amazing! Please check out this fantastic blogs! (In alphabetical order)
Missie at A Flurry of Ponderings
Wolfie at Writer Person

Top Ten Tuesday - Popular Authors I've Never Read

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 Popular Authors I've Never Read

Oh, I shouldn't even do this weeks Top Ten Tuesday! You guys REALLY AREN'T going to like me very much after this! Please don't hunt me down! I'm going to warn you now that I don't read some of the extremely popular books, and some of them I probably will never read. I just don't get the whole vampire werewolf thing, and I don't like scary books at all. I'm just glad I read some Rainbow Rowell a few weeks ago, and some Veronica Roth last week (talk about embarrassing)! Sooo

Stephanie Meyer - That's right! I have never read the Twilight series, and to be honest I don't plan on reading it. I know that pretty much everyone loves them, but they just doesn't sound like my kind of books.

Suzanne Collins - I have never read the Hunger Games, and I don't plan on reading them anytime soon if ever. I know! I know! I guess I just have a unique taste in books.

John Green - Sounds so sad.

Tahereh Mafi - I might read sometime, but haven't yet.

Marie Lu - Just never really thought about reading them.

C.S. Lewis - I probably should read these, but haven't yet.

Markus Zusak - I want to read this, but I'm sure it's really sad. I'm also sure it's really good, and I will definitely read it someday.

Jennifer L. Armentrout - Everyone seems to like it, but I'm not a huge paranormal fan.

Cassandra Clare - I just never decided to read it.

Richelle Mead - I think I can honestly say that I will never read, they just aren't my kind of books.

RECOMMENDATIONS PLEASE
So what authors do you think I just have to read (trust me there are other popular authors I  haven't read, these are just the first ones I could think of). Some of these you could probably talk me into reading (a few I want to read anyway) but there are a few that I'm pretty dead set against reading, so let me know!

What popular authors have you not read? (I know mine's ridiculous, so you can at least give me one big one, right) Is anyone with me on any of these?