BookWormin'

Hello again!  I was once again gifted an ARC from SocialButterflyPR - this time the book is Overdue by Miranda Elaine.  While I haven't read anything by this author before, the synopsis was really cute and I was so excited to get an advanced copy of this story to read! Below is my honest review, which you can also find on my Goodreads profile: Neighbors and best friends + romance = a story I could fall for. Griffin and Leni both know what they want, but taking the final step is something neither of them are sure about. I love that as we go through the story, we see scenes from both the present and the past of their dedicated friendship, and see where it all started!  I will admit to being a little impatient with the characters at times, especially Leni, but in the end the wait is totally worth it. And all the in between parts are urged on by a sassy grandmother (Nana is the best!) and the fact that Leni lives out my ideal librarian life, honestly. Plus I love the nerdy ...

 Hello all!  I recently was given an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) of Drowning in Stars by Debra Anastasia and her team at Social Butterfly PR.  I've read several of her books before and LOVE the Poughkeepsie series, so this was such an honor to have the chance to read this book before its release date and give it an honest review. Below is my review, which you can also find on my Goodreads profile. Out of the frying pan and into the fire accurately sums up much of the life of Gaze and Pixie, the two main characters of Debra Anastasia’s newest book Drowning in Stars. In their lives full of too many struggles for young people to carry, they encounter several guardian angels along their way, but truly all they really need to get through their hardships is each other.  I loved following Gaze and Pixie from their middle school meeting to their senior years! Debra Anastasia portrays beautifully their pure friendship, the magic of a chosen family, and the importance of havin...

My last post was in March, so my blogging schedule has been just about the same as always - non-existent.  But, as usual, lack of blogging doesn't mean lack of reading!  Here's my 2018 summed up in books.  (For my full list, check out my 2018 Reading List .) According to my goodreads profile (add me as a reading buddy!), I read 108 books this year! 10 of those books were in e-books format, meaning I read them on my Kindle or using the Kindle app There are 53 different authors on the list Speaking of authors, Nora Roberts was the most popular - I read 13 of her books I managed to resist for once and didn't read any books more than once this year (although I did reread some books I've read in past years; ACOTAR is too tempting). During the months of May and July , I read 20 books - the most I read in a month this year September and October were my slowest months - I read ONE book each of those months I know I'm not great at blogging on specific bo...

There is a huge debate in the literary world and book lovers are extremely vehement about defending their side (which is of course the correct side).  The question?  Book vs. movie. As book lovers, we've been burned before.  The Percy Jackson movies were honestly a wreck, and extremely disappointing after all the time I devote to loving those books with my whole heart.  Hunger Games can go either way really, because a lot of it was correctly done, but at the same time there were definitely changes made.  Harry Potter is iconic, and personally I feel like it's one of the best to movie transitions every (although extreme fans will point out inconsistencies, such as Lily and Harry's eyes).  And of course there was this scene... Image found on google.com So the point is, there are a lot of different ways a movie adaptation of a book can go.  It can be good, it can be the bane of the bookworm's existence.  In some rare cases, it can be neither,...

A devotional is defined as something "of or used in religious worship."  Even if you're not religious, stick with me, because this is important in more ways that one. In many situations, a devotional is a book designed so that there is one short reading for each day of the year, often with an introduction giving background to the readings and use of the devotional, and each month might have its own intro as well.  Typically, the readings are prayers with a short reflection.  Often, the pages are only half full -  it really is just a short thing to read daily and reflect on; it's not meant to drag on and emphasize and reemphasize the same point over the course of five pages. In my perspective, a devotional is so important in daily life. From a religious standpoint , it's wonderful to be able to greet each day with a new prayer and reflection meant specifically to guide me through the day and color my viewpoint of the events that happen.  I often forget to m...

I finally got around to reading Wonder by R. J. Palacio , and let me tell you, it is such a wonderful book (pun intended).  The main character, August aka Auggie, is endearing and honest and through his eyes we see a lot and understand a lot about the world we live in.  We also get to experience the story through the point of view of multiple characters - not just Auggie, but also his sister, her ex-best friend, Auggie's best friend, Auggie's sister's boyfriend, and a few more friends.  They're all connected by Auggie, and each new perspective tells us more about the character speaking but also more about August himself and how different people perceive him. Image from target.com Really, that's what the story is all about.  The way so many different people see one person, and all the thoughts that interconnect and overlap, crossing one way and doubling back.  We see the nitty-gritty details and feelings when someone first notices Auggie's facial deformity...

Have you ever felt as if you were in need of a miracle?  The Soria family of Bicho Raro, Colorado, can grant you one.  Or, half of one, at least.  The first miracle is performed by the Saint of the family. This is the miracle that reveals your inner darkness.  The second miracle is one only you can perform - understanding the darkness and banishing it.  Pilgrims visit Bicho Raro all the time to have a miracle performed.  Unfortunately, many of them are stuck in Bicho Raro, unable to leave before the second miracle, yet unable to solve their darkness. Photo credit is mine Here is a thing the Soria family wants: for the pilgrims to perform their miracle and move on.  Here is a thing the Soria family cannot do: interfere with the second miracle.  Any Soria who interferes with the second miracle in any way immediately falls prey to their inner darkness.  For safety's sake, the family stays away from the pilgrims, providing them with shelter ...