February 2016 Wrap Up

I started February a bit slower than January, but I did read! I've been busy with a few other things. This month also had some interesting happenings. New features starting today! I'm actually going to be adding the rating I gave a book at the end of the little bit about it.

Overall I read 5 books for this month.

Book #1: Meet Me in the Garden by Rosa Sophia

Memories of another life, and the garden where it all began, keep Amalie Jarvis awake at night. A columnist for a popular magazine, she attends a function in Palm Beach at the famous Breakers Hotel, only to cross paths with graphic designer Ian Gardner—who appears to hold the key to her visions. The more time they spend together, the more Amalie realizes how much she wants to be with him. And how much she fears admitting that she loves him. Ian can’t remember the past, but he is drawn to Amalie with an intense passion he’s never felt before. Many moons ago, they met in a garden. Different names, different faces—but their souls were still the same. Unable to resist her, Ian falls deeply in love. He remains by her side as she battles severe facial pain, not knowing what it is or if it could kill her. Frightened for her, he swears his adoration without ever speaking the words. But their devotion has dangers, and they’re about to be faced by hazards neither of them could have foreseen…

Oh my gosh. This didn't end how I thought it would at all. I got it from Rosa in return for an honest review (forthcoming). I wasn't sure how I was going to feel about it, since I don't actually happen to like contemporary romances. This wasn't bad though. I enjoyed the ending. 5/5 stars!

Book #2: Deep and Dark and Dangerous by Mary Downing Hahn

Just before summer begins, 13-year-old Ali finds an odd photograph in the attic. She knows the two children in it are her mother, Claire, and her aunt Dulcie. But who’s the third person, the one who’s been torn out of the picture? Ali figures she’ll find out while she’s vacationing in Maine with Dulcie and her four-year-old daughter, Emma, in the house where Ali’s mother’s family used to spend summers. All hopes for relaxation are quashed shortly after their arrival, though, when the girls meet Sissy, a kid who’s mean and spiteful and a bad influence on Emma. Strangest of all, Sissy keeps talking about a girl named Teresa who drowned under mysterious circumstances back when Claire and Dulcie were kids, and whose body was never found. At first Ali thinks Sissy’s just trying to scare her with a ghost story, but soon she discovers the real reason why Sissy is so angry....Mary Downing Hahn is at her chilling best in this new supernatural tale that’s certain to send shivers down her readers’ spines.

I read just about the entire thing in one night. It was that good of a story. Very compelling. I wasn't pleased overall with how exactly things were revealed to the girls. After a few paragraphs, it was kind of a little obvious to me exactly who Sissy was. I enjoyed it still, it worked as a YA paranormal book. 3/5 stars~


Book #3: Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince by J.K. Rowling

It is the middle of the summer, but there is an unseasonal mist pressing against the windowpanes. Harry Potter is waiting nervously in his bedroom at the Dursleys' house in Privet Drive for a visit from Professor Dumbledore himself. One of the last times he saw the Headmaster was in a fierce one-to-one duel with Lord Voldemort, and Harry can't quite believe that Professor Dumbledore will actually appear at the Dursleys' of all places. Why is the Professor coming to visit him now? What is it that cannot wait until Harry returns to Hogwarts in a few weeks' time? Harry's sixth year at Hogwarts has already got off to an unusual start, as the worlds of Muggle and magic start to intertwine...

I loved it. Having read the first book at least a dozen times and seeing the first three movies many dozens of times, I sort of forgot what happened beyond book three. I'm so glad I decided to re-read it. Entire scenes have escaped my mind. I wish they would have included the funeral scene with Grawp in the movie, but that's cool. These will be among my absolute favorite book series in the world forever. 


Book #4: Wicked Sense by Fabio Bueno

Witches inhabit our world, organized in covens and hiding behind a shroud of secrecy—the Veil. Skye’s London coven sends her to Seattle’s Greenwood High to find the Singularity, an unusually gifted witch who may break the Veil and trigger a dangerous new era of witch-hunting. Things get complicated when Skye meets a charming new classmate, Drake. Skye’s job becomes even trickier when she clashes with Jane, an intimidating rival witch. Drake falls for the mysterious Skye, but odd accidents, potion mix-ups, and the occasional brush with death kind of get in the way of romance. Once he discovers Skye is a witch, he goes to war for her, even though his only weapons are a nice set of abs and a sharp sense of humor. Fighting off wicked Jane and the other dark forces hell-bent on seizing the Singularity's immense power, Skye and Drake will risk everything to save the covens. Going on a date has never been harder.

I liked this book pretty well for how it was written. It was very good. I took the star off because it was only just barely almost not believable as far as the actual plot was concerned. There were a few parts where I didn't really understand the point he was trying to make. I rated this book a 4/5 stars and am more than likely going to pick up the next book in the series.

Book #5: Trinity Blood vol. 1 by Sunao Yoshida

In a dark and distant future, Armageddon has giving rise to the fabled Second Moon--and a perpetual war between the vampires and the humans! Esther is a nun in the city of Istavan. When she crosses paths with Abel Nightroad, a priest sent from the Vatican to combat the local order of vampires, the two form a holy alliance to battle the most evil of threats: Gyula, the leader of the vampires. In this gorgeous, gothic-action series--part of the super-popular Trinity Blood franchise--the very survival of the human race is at stake!

I actually forgot I had these books. I have the first four volumes of the manga series and I definitely plan to get more when I have the money for them. I love the art and the characters. Father Nightroad makes me laugh so hard. I gave this book 4/5 stars because of some of the printing it had, and a few minor errors. Beyond that it was just as funny as I remembered from the first time I read it and I will be reading the other three shortly. 

25 Bookish Things About Me

I saw this tag a few different times on YouTube and I thought I would do it myself. I think that the original tag video is long gone, but I liked the ones that I did see. So I came up with my own list of 25 bookish things about myself and wow was it hard! I hope you enjoy it and I tag all of you who want do it to do it and link me so I can see!

1. I prefer reading soft cover books. I don't know why this is, I just like the feel of mass market paperback books instead of trades or hardcovers.

2. I have to have plain black tea while I drink. Why? I have no idea. It needs to be black, with 2 teaspoons of sugar and 1 teaspoon of cream.

3. I always buy way more books than I have room for, and I have a difficult time letting go of the ones that I've already read or have no interest in reading. It's just...I am a hoarder. They look pretty.

4. I can't read my Kindle at night. I know some people do, but I have to read a physical print book at night before bed. It helps me unwind and turn off my mind for the night.

5. I have a strict reading schedule that I stick to about what format I read and what times. I'm weird. I have to read my Kindle from 9-11:30am and then only print books from 10-11pm.

6. I carry at least two physical books and my Kindle with me everywhere I go. Always. Even if I know I won't be in the place very long.

7. I cannot listen to audiobooks. I tried. I tried a lot, but nothing at all from the book seems to stick in my head.

8. My least favorite genre is contemporary. Most of it seems to be romance and I am not a fan of romance, but I don't mind it being in books. I just don't understand why people want to read television soaps.

9. I like to make my own bookmarks. I end up with a lot of blank index cards and beads I don't know what to do with, so I've begun making my own bookmarks to keep for myself and to sell (to get book-buying money) to other readers. I also found that each one has to have exactly 14 beads. 7 on each strand of the yarn.

10. I can't stand highlighting in Kindle books because it actually covers the words. I hate it. Why?

11. I have to take notes in a little notebook while I'm reading to organize my thoughts for Goodreads reviews later. Otherwise my own thoughts are going to be a jumbled mess.

12. I keep my reviews both on Goodreads and in a little Readers Journal my mother bought me for Christmas.

13. I don't like watching adaptations of books. Most of the time they get it so off from the original book that it makes me mad. I understand that a lot of it happens because they can't do a ten-twelve hour movie, but I still just don't like it.

14. I have more books in my wishlist on Amazon than any other item. I love keeping hoards of books there.

15. I have a difficult time getting into YA dystopian novels. I don't know why this is. I managed to read The Selection by Kiera Cass with no problems, but for the life of me I just can't read The Hunger Games by Susanne Collins. I can't do it. I never get beyond page ten.

16. I hate it when people spoil a book's ending on me. I don't so much mind if they tell me the beginning or the middle, but if they tell me how the book resolves, I have problems.

17. I love classics. Even though they are basically the contemporary books of their time. It's more the language that I like. It's nothing like the way people speak and write today.

18. I have a habit of reading no less than five books at a time. People ask me constantly how I can keep the plots separate in my head. I don't know. I just...do.

19. I have caught myself forgetting to eat or go to the bathroom while I'm reading. Hours have gone by and I have not moved save for turning the page of swiping the screen.

20. I don't complete many series. The only one that I know I've finished is the Harry Potter series. I have not gone further than book 4 in any other.

21. Most of the books I own I bought at yard sales or the library book sale. Very few of them have actually come from a proper book store like Barnes & Noble. Even the ones I bought in stores were in second hand stores.

22. I hate movie tie-in covers. I can't stand them. I don't plan on ever watching the movie, so why would I want the movie cover? I will actually wait and find the book elsewhere with the original cover on it.

23. My bookshelves look like their disorganized, but really that's how I like it. I shelve them by their size. I don't understand how people can break up a book series to put them in rainbow order. My own inner book nut just can't cope with that.

24. I like writing or drawing in my books. I paid for it, it's mine. I also love seeing when other people have left notes in the books and getting a glimpse, even a small one, into their world when they were reading them.

25. I have several documents saved on my laptop that list the books I want to buy, the books I want to read during the year (two different lists for ebooks and physical books), the books I read and all sorts of book related topics.

A Massive UnHaul

There are about 160 books in this box that I'm going to be getting rid of. The books stacked up on the floor in front of the mirror are not going out, they are just there because I have no room at all left for other books. I went through all of the books that I own and I decided on which ones I don't have any interest in reading any more, which ones I've read and don't want, and which ones I have more than one copy of. 

These books will all be going to my local Goodwill store. I would do giveaways, but really now there are just so many. I actually had to use an old picture because the weight was so much that the boxes have started to come apart. They can't withstand the weight.

I plan to start doing more unhauls with much smaller batches of books so that way you can see the sort of things that I read and am getting rid of. Until then, read on!

The Coffee Book Tag

This was originally created by BangadyBangz on BookTube. I loved it and I've seen a few different BookTubers do the tag, so I thought I would do it myself for you guys.

1. Black - Name a series that's tough to get into, but has hard core fans.

The Hunger Games series by Suzanne Collins. I just I can't do it. I'm going to eventually try again and just power my way through the beginning. I've heard a lot of people rave about how good it was and I wanted to read it for myself. I actually bought the first book (and then accidentally passed up on the second) at a yard sale last year for like a quarter. I ended up giving it to my sister because she wants to read it as well.

2. Peppermint Mocha - Name a book that gets more popular during winter.

Oh god. I have no idea. Um. Probably one like Let It Snow by John Green, Maureen Johnson, and Lauren Myracle. I don't know what books I have that get more popular during winter/Christmas. Do the Harry Potter books count? People seem to be really into that series over the holidays.

3. Hot Chocolate - What is your favorite children's book?

My absolute favorite children's book has got to be The Giant Jam Sandwich by John Vernon Lord. I'm sure very few of the people who actually read this blog have heard of this book. It was originally published in 1975 (14 years before I was even born), and it actually belongs to my mother. She used to read it to us over and over for years. I couldn't get enough of it.

4. Double Shot of Espresso - A book that kept you on the edge of your seat from start to finish.

One that definitely held me like this was definitely The Alexander Cipher by Will Adams. It was so good. It was one of the rare like crime thriller books that I read and I couldn't stop. The other one that pops into my head is Grave Beginnings by R.R. Virdi. It was one of the few ebooks I actually paid for and I absolutely loved it. I actually forced myself to stay awake and coherent during a migraine so I could read it. It was that good!

5. Starbucks - Name a book that you see everywhere.

I keep seeing The Heir by Kiera Cass around. I haven't actually read up that far, but that and The Sword of Summer by Rick Riordan are everywhere. Every time I turn around, if they have a book section they will be there. Before that it was The Host by Stephenie Meyer.

6. That Hipster Coffee Shop - Give an indie author a shout-out.

How am I supposed to pick just one?! I know a lot of indie authors! I guess I can give Rosa Sophia a shout. I don't know if she's technically an indie author or not...but she's actually a friend of mine and I can't help a shameless plug when I see it. (Check out her books on Amazon, they're really good and you can see my reviews throughout the blog!)

7. Oops I Accidentally Got Decaf - What book were you expecting more from?

I feel terrible saying this, I really do, but The Book Thief by Markus Zusak. Everyone was talking about how it was so beautiful and how they were crying over it. I expected this huge literary masterpiece and was let down. It was not anything like I thought it was going to be. I'm glad I read it of course, but I just did not see how it had all these people crying unless they were not very strong-willed.

8. Perfect Blend - Name a book/series that was bitter and sweet, and ultimately satisfying.

I can't even think of anything...I guess The Book Thief fits here again. I was definitely expecting more, but was very satisfied with what I got. It was a sad, beautiful story that actually sparked a sudden hoarding of all the books even remotely related to the same topic as this one. I loved the way it was narrated and I hope to get my hands on more books by the author. 

~ * * * ~

That was the Coffee Book Tag! I hope you enjoyed it and I tag anybody who feels like doing it to do their own version. 

Review: Meet Me in the Garden by Rosa Sophia

This book was published on January 10th, 2015 by Limitless Publishing, LLC. I received a copy from the author in return for an honest review. 

A columnist for a popular magazine, she attends a function in Palm Beach at the famous Breakers Hotel, only to cross paths with graphic designer Ian Gardner—who appears to hold the key to her visions. The more time they spend together, the more Amalie realizes how much she wants to be with him. And how much she fears admitting that she loves him.

Ian can’t remember the past, but he is drawn to Amalie with an intense passion he’s never felt before.

Many moons ago, they met in a garden. Different names, different faces—but their souls were still the same. Unable to resist her, Ian falls deeply in love. He remains by her side as she battles severe facial pain, not knowing what it is or if it could kill her. Frightened for her, he swears his adoration without ever speaking the words.

But their devotion has dangers, and they’re about to be faced by hazards neither of them could have foreseen... - Goodreads.com

I liked this book more than I thought I would. I rated it a 4/5 stars because some of it did not really seem plausible at first. It was definitely interesting though. 

Amalie doesn't really know why she's dreaming what she is, but she doesn't seem to have any kind of interesting in finding out beyond brooding about it. I couldn't figure out why it was so important that we knew about the dreams she was so uninterested in. Why does the reader need to know if Amalie herself is just going to disregard them as not something she needs to research? 

Ian felt a little too convenient. Does that make any sense. It felt like he was there just because in the dreams that she had a mate. It was obvious who he was supposed to be right away. I didn't know why this was important to have him in there, especially when he was just doing nothing at all to help further the story.

What really made me give this story 4/5 instead of 3/5 was the actual story writing. I love the way Rosa writes. You sometimes forget that you're reading. You feel like your standing or sitting right there in the room as it's happening. I love how she hooks you with the story. I actually asked her about this one and it's very neat when you find out what is really going on in the book. I can't wait to get my hands on the next book of hers I have. (Orion Cross my Sky).

The Great British Bake-Off Book Tag

Like normal, I found this tag on Booktube. Being that I don't record videos I decided to do this tag on my blog. I love tags and finding out the various things that I actually think about books. Naturally, I've forgotten the name of the channel that I saw this on. I should start writing that down I think....on to the tag!

1. Cake: The cake has sunk in the middle. Pick a book that didn't rise to your expectations.

I have nothing. I have no idea of any books that I can think of that didn't rise to my expectations. I try not to actually have expectations when it comes to books. I want to be surprised and have things happen that I did not expect at all.

2. Biscuits: Once you've eaten one, you're hungry for more and each time you eat another they get more delicious. Pick a book series/trilogy that got progressively better.

Hmm....I'm tempted to go with the Percy Jackson books. I haven't read that many that are in a series or a trilogy. The only sets I can even think of are The Lord of the Rings, which I didn't finish....Harry Potter, which I didn't finish, and Percy Jackson...that I finished. This means I will just sort of have to go with Percy Jackson. It's the only book set that even fits the question that I've read the entire thing.

3. Bread: Kneading dough requires hard work and determination. Pick a book that you put off for ages and needed a lot of determination to pick up.

For this one I have to go with The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexander Dumas. I tried to read this last spring and actually put it down because it was halfway through summer and I still wasn't done with it. I got frustrated and DNF'd it. This year I thought I would give it another go because I want to read it. I've seen the movies and I want to know the original story.

4. Desserts: Foreign desserts such as creme brulee and Spanische Windtorte are on the menu. Pick a book set in a foreign country.

The only book I am even capable of thinking of right now is Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen. It's the one that sticks out the most in my mind even though I've read many books that were not set in the United States. I'm sure there are others I've read, I just can't actually think of them right now.

5. Alternative ingredients: Not usually used, but surprisingly good. Pick a book from a genre you wouldn't normally read, but ended up loving.

I don't like most contemporary books. Especially contemporary romance. It just is not my scene at all. So I was pleasantly surprised when I picked up Over the Ivy Wall by Rosa Sophia. It falls under a contemporary romance because it's love that actually frees the MFC from her "prison" of sorts and it was a well-written story and it very nearly made me cry.

6. Pastry: Shortcrust pastry can crumble easily. Pick a character you initially liked, but as you read more and more, your relationship with them crumbled apart.

I have no idea. Hmm...I really don't. I don't get particularly attached to characters in books. The default answer would of course be Professor Snape from the Harry Potter series, but I feel like that's kind of a cop out because everybody started to not like him. I might actually have to think about this and do another blog post with just this question.

7. Victorian/Old-Fashioned Bakes: Recipes from the past that still taste delicious today. Pick your favorite classic novel.

I have to pick Pride and Prejudice again here. I read it in four days. I had never read anything that quickly before. My dad had bought my sister and I the Dalmatian Press Classic Library sets that are almost entirely unaltered from their original manuscript forms. I got the Charles Dickens and my sister got the Famous Romances. Dad did not take into consideration that the only books my sister had read up until then were the ones she had to for school. I ended up with all twelve books. I decided to read Ms. Austen's book over the summer, thinking that I would do what I usually did and take weeks to read it. I sat out on the porch in our couch and was entirely absorbed for more than eight hours at a time. Finished it in four days.

8. Patisserie: You're eating a chocolate eclair, but there's barely any filling inside. Pick a book that lacked substance and fell apart.

I can only come up with one book here. Order of the Dimensions by Irene Helenowski. It was pitched so much better than it actually was. I was lead to believe it was going to be some fantastic sci-fi/fantasy book and it was just such a flop that I rated it one star and can't even read the rest of the series. It was just...terrible, and I hate to say it but I can't lie and say that I liked any part of it.

9. Chocolate: Chocolate is a comfort food for many people. Pick a book you could read again and again and still find comforting.

This for me would have to be Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Golden. I've read it already at least two times that I remember, and I'll probably read it many many more. I've always loved Japanese culture and I saw my copy (an old, crappy, falling apart mass market with the movie tie-in cover) at Barnes & Noble and bought it immediately despite my needing to use the money for other things. I love it. I feel like if Sayuri can make it, even with all the struggles she has to face...then I can make it, too, with my much less terrible situations.

10. The Grand Final: Everyone is out to impress with extravagant show-stoppers! Pick your favorite book of the year so far that really impressed you.

The Alchemyst by Michael Scott. I've only read eight books so far this year and of that five of them are Harry Potter novels which I am not counting for this. I had to pick among three. The one I liked most of those three, The Alchemyst takes the figurative cake. It's basically the tale of Nicholas Flamel and his wife, Perenelle, in the modern world. It's a middle-grade book I think, but it's still VERY worth it to read. I loved it very much. There is a bit more of a review in my January Wrap-Up.