Adult Review: Fitzwilliam Darcy: Such I Was

Fitzwilliam Darcy is one of the most romantic heroes in all of literature. Here's a re-imagined view of his life prior to meeting him in Hertfordshire. 

In this novel, you'll see how he became proud - in his family, his legacy, and his duty.  You'll get a glimpse into his private life with his relationship between him and his father, him and his sister, and finally how his relationship changed with Wickham. From the time of his young childhood, learning about Pemberley to his days at school, this book shows off Fitzwilliam's personality. 

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this book. I liked the re-imagined life of Fitzwilliam and the moments the define his life. I loved seeing how the relationships came to be - especially between Darcy and Bingley. I loved the moments between him and Georgiana. The language gives the book an Austen feel, making it an entertaining read perfect for those with a love for Austen's characters and story.

Cover Thoughts: Nice
Source: Sent for review by the author

What's on My Hold's List (65)

My Librarian friend Jess from I Read to Relax came up with a great idea.  It's to highlight the books we read from the library. These are some of the books that are on hold for me at the library.

This week it's about sequels...

Just One Year: Recently I finished Just One Day and I need to read more!

Mad About the Boy: Love the Bridget novels.

Third Lie's the Charm: Great mystery series - can't wait for the conclusion!

Tween Tuesday Review: Double Vision Code Name 711

* Sequel to Double Vision *

Linc has a visit from a government agent asking for his help. There's been a threat to the President's life. Pandora's working on it - bringing in their big guns. Linc and his twin look-a-like are needed to help uncover clues to the whereabouts of a very important coat from George Washington. The coat makes the wearer invincible. Along with the coat, there appears to be a mole in the White House - one who wants the President dead.

Now it's up to Linc and Green to find and recover the coat. The boys, who dislike each other, make a bet to see which secret agent will recover the coat first. Linc has some help from Henry, the tech guy, and Amy, the first daughter. Together, they uncover an ancient spy ring. With some help, they just might be able to unravel the plot against the President and her family.

My Thoughts: I really like this series - it's fun with lots of action and danger. I love how Linc finds himself in trouble - most of the time. I enjoy his relationship with Benjamin Green and Henry. I really liked Amy and how she insisted on helping and not remaining behind. I love the idea of the ancient spy ring, passed down through generations and involving key players in American History. I can't wait to see what happens next with Linc, Green, and Henry.

Cover Thoughts: Fun
Source: Sent for review

If you think these sound great, you're in luck.
HarperCollins giving away a set of books to one winner: a copy of Double Vision and Double Vision: Code Name 711 (Us Only)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Top Ten Tuesday

This week's list is Top Ten Scariest Looking Book Covers. I'm not a fan of scary books because I hate being scared...but book covers are fun to look at - even if they are creepy. That being said, I haven't read any of these.

- meme from The Broke and the Bookish

 

The Starters
End Games
Dust and Decay

   

Contaminated
Dead Strange
Zom-B

  

Execution
Blood on My Hands
Knife that Killed Me
Anna Dressed in Blood

NELA Presentation

On Tuesday, Kimberly White and I gave a talk on our work with Skyping with Authors at the New England Library Association Conference.

We've talked with several authors with various aged students This was our first big event with 120 students and illustrator M. Sarah Klise. You can take a look at our presentation and some of the resources at the conference page: http://www.nelaconference.org/skype-author-talks.html

Review: Fall of Night

*Morganville Vampires Series #14*

Claire has the chance to study at MIT and leave Morganville behind. After what happened with Shane, she's ready for some time to herself to figure things out.

She's always wanted to go to MIT. She has the chance to work with a scientist for an independent project. The first time she meets her mentor, Claire tells her about an invention that she's been working on.

It has the ability to shock vampires and take away their abilities. Her new mentor is very interested in this project, but mentions that it needs to be kept a secret from the rest of the vampire world.  Her mentor has a vampire watching over her; Claire's shocked to see a vampire outside of Morganville. While part of her still craves the normal college experience, she can't risk it. Especially when others learn of her invention. Claire's not the only one interested in it's powers and those people will do anything to get their hands on it. 

My Thoughts: Somehow I missed this one when it first came out. I love this vampire series; it's one of two that I still read. I loved the change in setting and the introduction of more characters. But I loved the way the main characters found themselves together again. There's always danger in their lives and they're good at watching each other's backs. I love the feel of family and togetherness - how your family is of your own choosing. I loved seeing the tiny glimpse into MIT and Claire's could be world if she never attended college in Morganville in the first place. What a very different life she would be leading. I love her intelligence and her determination to take care of herself (especially to show Shane she doesn't need rescuing). This book set up the next one perfectly, with a cliffhanger. I can't wait to see what happens next!

Cover Thoughts: Cute

Source: My Library

What's on My Hold's List (64)

My Librarian friend Jess from I Read to Relax came up with a great idea.  It's to highlight the books we read from the library. These are some of the books that are on hold for me at the library.

Christmas Romance Edition - I LOVE Christmas Romance books! I look forward to them all year.

Sleigh Bells in the Snow: Great cover, plus it's set in Vermont and deals with marketing. Sounds great

Merry and Bright: Love the Lucky Harbor series - excited for a Christmas special.

Trouble with Christmas:  Christmas in small town Colorado will never be the same after Madison.

Never Desire a Duke: This Christmas might just ignite passion for this married couple

Tween Tuesday Review: Sprinkles and Secrets

 * Companion novel to It's Raining Cupcakes *

Sophie and Isabel are best friends, but right now Isabel's in New York City and Sophie's feeling down. Her mother surprises her with tickets to see Wicked.

More than anything, Sophie wants to act. Her dream finally has a chance of coming true when a friend from camp calls with good news. Her mother saw Sophie's acting and wants to represent her.

Sophie's over the moon, until she learns her first audition is for a bakery  - the main competitor of Isabel's family business. Sophie's torn between loyalty to her best friend and her dreams. Which will she choose? It seems everyone has a different piece of advice for her.

My Thoughts: I really liked this sweet tale filled with friendship, Dreams, and sweets. I loved the mention of sweets throughout the book; it made me want to bake. I felt bad for Sophie and the choice she had to make. I loved Dennis and his moments with Sophie. I love that they were a little nerdy. I loved how Sophie wasn't afraid to dream big - or admit the truth. A very fun read.

Cover Thoughts: Cute
Source: My Library

Top Ten Tuesday

This Week's Topic is Top Ten Character Names I Love or Top Ten Unusual Character Names. Most of these 

- meme from The Broke and the Bookish

1.  Arya Stark
2.  Sirius Black
3.  Steelheart
4. Katness Everdeen
5. Gandalf the Grey 
6. Peregrin Took
7. Valek 
8. Luna Lovegood
9. Georgiana Darcy
10. Paige Turner

Review: Six Months Later

Chloe falls asleep during study hall - only to wake up when the room is dark. At first she thinks that everyone left her there, but slowly she begins to understand that six months have past and her life has drastically changed.

It seems like during that time, she got everything she ever wanted. Her crush is now her boyfriend. Her grades have dramatically improved. She's friends with the popular group. It's like a dream come true until...

Chloe realizes that she's no longer friends with her best friend. She has no idea what happened between them. She doesn't feel anything for her boyfriend and she can't stop thinking about Adam.

Can Chloe uncover what happened to her? 

My Thoughts: I devoured this book - I loved how Chloe uncovered and unraveled how her new life came to be. I felt horrible as she tried to patch things up with her former best friend. But I admired her for trying to recover the friendship they once had. I really liked Adam: he was funny, smart, and protective. I loved learning more about him as Chloe figured things out. I liked Chloe - how she was smart, but just discovering that about herself. I liked her loyalty, her courage, and her sense of morality. A fantastic debut filled with friendship, love, action, tension, and suspense. 

Cover Thoughts: I actually liked the ARC cover better- the winter landscape without the girl on the cover
Source: Sent for Review
Similar Read: If you liked Forget You by Jennifer Echols, read this book.

Mysterious Saturday Review: Cloche and Dagger

*Hat Shop Mystery Series #1*

Scarlett just learned the truth about her boyfriend of two years - that's he's been married the whole time. She looses it at an anniversary party for him and his wife. She throws cake at him, which unfortunately is recorded and the video put up on YouTube. 

Now she's an internet star - or humiliated  depending on how you look at it. Since she's also lost her job, her cousin insists that she comes back to London to the hat shop. Scarlett and her cousin co-own her the hat shop her grandmother used to own. 

For Scarlett, it's like coming home. She hasn't returned to London in three years. Still, she would have preferred her cousin meet her upon her arrival rather than send someone else. When Viv doesn't show up, Scarlett attempts to manage the best that she can. However, when a difficult customer turns up dead wearing a hat of Viv's creation, the police find it curious. Viv's a major suspect in the murder. Scarlett's worries sick about her cousin and hopes that she'll turn up soon and she's just off on one of her adventures. 

My Thoughts: I devoured this book - what a perfect first book in a series. I felt horrible for Scarlett - learning about her boyfriend's betrayal. I loved the hat shop and all the hats. Very interesting to read about the creation of hats and the people who purchase them. Although, I like Viv, I enjoyed watching Scarlett try to navigate the shop and the customers on her own. I loved how Scarlett met Nick and Andre. I love them - they're funny, witty, and sweet. I found Harrison entertaining - especially when he shared barbs with Scarlett. I can't wait to read more of this series and spend more time with the characters.

Cover Thoughts: Perfect
Source: Bought

Cover Sighting

Are you a fan of action/thriller books? Have you read the Cold Fury books? FLICKER and BURN, is out now! I love these books for the danger, the action, and the streets of Chicago. Check out the cover for book 3! I really like it, especially the flames. What do you think?

For more info check out the author's webpage: http://www.tmgoeglein.com/index.php

Review: Russian Roulette

Alex and Yassen Gregorovich have a history - a long complicated one. While sworn enemies, one day Yassen saves the life of Alex Rider. Why would he do that when he had orders to kill him?

Yassen's history led him to this point at the top of the roof. He had a happy childhood with great parents and an even greater best friend. But everything vanished one day. His parents died along with everyone in town. Yassen was the only survivor. From that moment on, he did everything he had to do in order to survive. 

My Thoughts: I thought this book was the last in the Alex Rider series - but in actuality it's more of a companion novel than part of the series. Alex Rider makes a small cameo, but most of the book focuses on Yassen and how he came to become a ruthless killer. 

I liked learning more abut Yassen. My heart broke for his and all that he went through at such a young age. He was resourceful and intelligent. I found his history fascinating, especially his time with John Rider. 

Cover Thoughts: I like it!
Source: My Library

Little Brown Spring Preview 2014

Last week, I was lucky enough to attend the Spring Preview and boy are there some great upcoming books this Spring. Here's a few that I'm most excited about. For more info, check twitter under #lbyrpreview


This book looks fun for anyone!  I'm a dog person! Here's my dog as a puppy.
The pictures are fantastic and it's a time where stereotypes are welcome. It's time to choose a side.

A director wants to film an average Moose - but this moose and his friends are far from average. 

Lemony Snicket's new book come between books 2 and 3 in his series All the Wrong Questions. It has 13 short mysteries (roughly 4 pages). Solutions to the mysteries are at the back of the book.

Justina Chen has a new book and it talks about photography and a global romance.

I'm excited about the sequel to Boy Nobody! 

And of course for the new book by Jennifer E. Smith. We also heard that Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight might be made into a movie - deal is in the works.  

Wildflower is about a girl who gets thrust into the limelight of country music. The book will also feature sheet music. Great for fans of Taylor Swift or Nashville.

The author of this book wanted to make Lord of the Flies more real - where teens can work together. Everyone not going through puberty is killed. And Teens in NYC must learn how to survive. There's also a cameo by the NYPL.

Set in a Medieval World (but no fantasy) comes a political tale with Welsh background. Think Game of Thrones without the sex.

The Special Guest Star was Peter Brown who has a new book coming out  My Teacher Is a Monster! (No, I Am Not) in July 2014. He signed a print where the student meets the teacher in the park and the teacher is reading a book. He was funny and sweet -just what you'd expect. 

Books I'm Dying to Read: December Edition

Here's a list of books I can't wait to get my hands on come December! It's actually a slow month, which might mean I can play catch up on all the September-November books I haven't read yet!

Taste of Darkness: I LOVE Maria V. Snyder's books and I'm super excited to see how this trilogy will end.

Rebel Spring: I loved Falling Kingdoms and after that ending twist, I'm dying to see what happens next. 

Racing Savannah: Love these books! Excited to read about a female jockey.

Third Lie's the Charm: Love this series - and I need to find out what's going to happen next with Kate and the sisterhood.

Merry Market Murder: I'm a book behind, but I really enjoy this Farmer's Market series. Plus this one is Christmas edition! 

Buttoned Up: I love these button mysteries!

Roomies: Already Read - but Loved it! Review coming soon!