Ten Things: Women's History Month Anthems

In celebration of Women's History Month - here's ten songs that I think women of all ages should listen to and adapt as anthems. I made a playlist.
There are a few song on there that weren't available through this media - namely Girlfriends by Jamie O'Neal and Love Me for Me by Bomshel (I used the song of the same name by Ashley Tisdale, but I like this one better - it has a GREAT line: "One day I might just change the world, I'm going to do it being a just a girl."

What song speaks to you about the power of women?

Book of the Month: Jan and Feb

My favorite book read and reviewed during the month

For January (forgot to do this last month - oops) Last Sacrifice

For February: Paranormalcy

Review: Silver Sea

Freydis's father has never warmed to her. Still his anger shocks her when he returns home to find their village destroyed and his daughter the only survivor. Never mind that Freydis is badly hurt. She takes her father's words bravely, but it breaks her heart.

She doesn't know what happened to her brother. Her father will take to the seas searching for her brother. At first, he wants to leave her behind, but Blue Man, the slave he bought her, convinces him to take her along.

They head North. Blue Man and Freydis forge a strange friendship. Blue Man's pride makes him refuse to believe he's less of a man because he's a slave. Freydis doesn't push the issue. In fact, she enjoys their discussions.

When the two are left together with another Viking tribe, they realize their fates are entwined. They also begin to unravel a prophecy of two wolves who will engage in a great battle between her father's enemy and those loyal to him.

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this read. I picked this one up because I simply ADORED Julia Golding's Dragonfly. The Silver Sea has a similar feel. This historical fiction portrays the Vikings in an engrossing manner complete with raids, small tribes defending themselves, and pirates searching for revenge. The chapters alternate perspectives between Freydis, Enno (Blue Man), and Toki (Freydis's brother). All three must overcome danger and betrayal. They forge deep friendships. They must find their inner strength and stand firmly for their beliefs.

Cover Thoughts: I like it - I love the darkness of the blue.

Source: My Library

Challenge: YA Historical Fiction

Review: Toads and Diamonds

Diribani and Tana both meet a goddess while fetching water from the town. She grants each sister a gift. When Diribani speaks, jewels and flowers fall from her mouth. When Tana speaks, toads and snakes fall from her mouth.

When their secret is discovered, it changes the sisters' lives. Diribani finds herself traveling with the Prince and his family. Each jewel is recorded and taken to send back to her village. Diribani learns a new set of customs but struggles to keep part of herself intact.

Tana's gift brings fear. She, too, leaves her home and travels to a monastery. Before long, she sets off on a pilgrimage to learn the true meaning of her gift. Her travels bring her grief and destruction follows in her path.

Are their gifts a blessing or a curse?

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this read. I'm starting to adore Fairy Tales. The chapters alternated with each sister's story. As each sister struggles to understand her gift, they encounter danger, friendship, romance, hardships, joy, tests of their strength, and a strong desire to see her sister.

Cover Thoughts: I LOVE this cover - it's so different and vibrant!

Source: My library

Review: Darlings Are Forever

Jane, Victoria, and Natalya have all gone to the same school together their whole lives. High school is starting and they will each be on their own. Each is not sure how she'll survive without her other BFFs.

Jane's attending The Academy for Performing Arts where she'll concentrate on her acting.

Victoria is attending the same school where her almost perfect sister just barely graduated.

Natalya is attending Gainsford Academy for uber smart students like herself.

Separately they must navigate the halls of high school on their own. Their motto, May you always do what you're afraid of doing, might get them into hot water. Jane auditions for a production on the main stage, where almost no freshman gain admittance. Victoria tries to deal with her father's new career choice in politics and how it changes her life, especially her love life. Natalya struggles to fit into a crowd, maybe even the popular crowd if they will have her. As these girls

My Thoughts: I devoured this book. I loved the relationship between the three BFFs. I liked watching them branch out and bloom at their various high schools. Their growth from their struggles apart impacted their friendship as they changed. They dealt with love, new friends, loyalty, finding yourself, staying true to yourself, betrayal, and no fear. I'm already looking forward to The Darlings in Love

Cover Thoughts: I really like it!
Read the Cover Story from Melissa Walker's awesome blog series. She talks about YA book covers and their story about once a week. I highly recommend them!

Source: my library

Similar Read: The Daughters

Happy St. David's Day

Here's Penrhyn Castle - where many Northern Welshman worked in the slate quarry until the big strike in 1900. It lasted three years. Many Welsh people came to America searching for a better life. They settled near slate quarries, among them, the Slate Belt Region of New York and Vermont - the region I lived throughout my childhood.

Cymru am byth!

Happy Book Birthday: Liar Society

It's the day we've all been waiting for - the release of this amazingly awesome book. Run to your local store or library to grab your copy! It's that good. You read my review here.

And be sure to check out all the pink hair taking over the world in support of this event: