#SCSBC14 Recap

This challenge ends in a few days, so I thought I'd recap the books I read for it. Last summer,  I participated in and was one of the first finishers of the Semi Charmed Summer Book Challenge 2013. Then, I attempted to participate in the Autumn Book Challenge and failed miserably. These challenges are hosted by Megan at Semi-Charmed Kind of Life. I like some of the changes that she recently made to the challenges. She now hosts less of them in a year and she has extended the time to complete the challenge.

When I set out on this challenge, I honestly didn't think I'd get this far. I didn't actually finish the challenge because I could never figure out a book to read that was published before I was born. The thing I liked about doing this challenge this year is that I didn't read anything I wasn't already planning to read. I just made the things I was reading fit into the categories. I also didn't let the challenge keep me from reading anything else that I wanted to read. So, these are not the only books I've read between May and August.  

5 points: Freebie! Read any book that is at least 200 pages long.

Wedding Night by Sophie Kinsella (464 pages, 3 stars)

I didn't like this book as much as some other Sophie Kinsella novels I've read. I didn't find it as funny as it was promised to be. Longer review can be found here. 

10 points: Read a book that was written before you were born.

This is the one category I didn't find a book for. 

10 points: Finish reading a book you couldn't finish the first time around. (You must have at least 150 pages left in the book to use it for this category.)

 Confessions of a Shopoholic by Sophie Kinsella (312 pages, 3 stars)

This is another category that I didn't think I'd find a book for. I have very few books I haven't finished and if I haven't finished them, I really have no desire to. Then, I remembered I started this book in college after seeing the movie, but couldn't get into it. After reading it, I enjoyed the movie better, but I'm still trying to get through the whole series. It's an easy read. Longer review coming up on Monday.

10 points: Read a book from the children’s section of the library or bookstore.  

City of Heavenly Fire by Cassandra Clare (725 pages, 3 stars)

This was the final book in the Mortal Instruments series and overall I was disappointed. Instead of just focusing on ending this series, the author was trying to get you interested in reading her next series. Longer review can be found here. 

15 points: Read a book that is on The New York Times' Best Sellers List when you begin reading it.

One Plus One by Jojo Moyes (384 pages, 4 stars)

I have seen so many bloggers rage over Jojo Moyes, so I finally read one of her books and loved it. I will definitely be reading more. Longer review can be found here. 

15 points: Read a historical fiction book that does not take place in Europe.

One Thousand White Women: The Journals of May Dodd by Jim Fergus (434 pages, 4 stars)

I had seen a few bloggers who really enjoyed this book so I decided to read it too. It definitely was an interesting story and unlike anything I'd ever read before. Longer review coming Monday. 

15 points: Read a book another blogger has already read for the challenge.  

Dark Places by Gillian Flynn (349 pages, 4 stars)

I liked this one better than Gone Girl. The way the chapters are divided into different people's point of view and the past and present make it VERY hard to put down. Longer review here.

20 points: Read a book with “son(s),” “daughter(s)” or “child(ren)” in the title.  

The Preacher's Daughter by Beverly Lewis (349 pages, 3 stars)

This book is a part of a series and at first I wasn't sure if I was going to finish the series. Then, something happened at the end that made it impossible for me not to see what would happen next. Longer review coming Monday. 

20 points: Read a book that was/will be adapted to film in 2014. (Here are 16 ideas to get you started, but I know there are plenty more options.)  

A Long Way Down by Nick Hornby (333 pages, 2 stars)

I'm not really sure what to think of this book. It's definitely not one I'd go around recommending to people, but it wasn't awful either. Longer review here.

25 points: Read a book written by a blogger. 

Goodbye for Now by Laurie Frankel (289 pages, 2 stars) (blogs here)

I found the concept of this book very intriguing which is why I picked it up to read. However, I was disappointed with the execution. It was not what I thought it would be. Longer review here. 

25 points: Read a biography, autobiography or memoir.

I Didn't Come Here to Make Friends: Confessions of a Reality Show Villain by Courtney Robertson (262 pages, 3 stars)

I haven't watched the Bachelor or Bachelorette since about 2009, so I wasn't familiar with this person or her season on the Bachelor. Mainly, I read it because I was interested in getting a look at the making of a reality show. I liked that aspect of the book. Longer review coming Monday.

 
30 points: Read a pair of books with antonyms in the titles.  

Twenties Girl by Sophie Kinsella (435 pages, 4 stars) 

 I enjoyed this Kinsella novel better than the other ones I read for this challenge. It was silly and unrealistic, but it was fun. Longer review here.

and About a Boy by Nick Hornby (307 pages, 3 stars)

This book was more depressing that I had expected. I read it, but it wasn't really enjoyable. It was more that I just wanted to finish the book. Longer review here.

I'm also trying to complete a 50 State Challenge and A-Z Challenge. You can read more about my challenges here or you can follow me on Goodreads here.

Have you read any good books lately? I'm always looking to add to my to-read list.

Journey to Motherhood

A little over a year ago, I came across the blog Adoption Love and started following along. In that year, their family has adopted an adorable little girl and I've enjoyed reading their journey.

I even made two adorable ornaments for them last year during Ornaments for Adoption.

Kristen decided to host an Adoption link up so that adoptive families can "meet" and connect with one another.

So, I know adoption is something I've written about on here a lot. However, I thought I'd give a recap or our journey and throughout, I'll link other posts I've written if anyone is interested in reading more details. 

Where did it begin?

I'd say it was early 2012, when God really began to work in my life and show me that there are a lot of hurting people in this world and I have the means to help them. Not only did I want to help them, but I learned that Scripture instructed me to help them. In March of that year, I read a book (Kisses from Katie) that really changed my life. Shortly after that while browsing on Pinterest, I was lead to a blog post about orphans and adoption. (I can't link the blog post because it is now private.) I remember sitting on my couch crying at the thought of all these children without families. God broke my heart and I wanted to do something to help. At the time, I was trying to start an Etsy business and decided to try and sell headbands to help an adoptive family raise money. This was very unsuccessful and I took it kind of hard, but it didn't stop me from wanting to help. I almost became obsessed with reading about adoptive families and orphans. I was donating money left and right to adopting families or buying the items they were selling to raise money.

Did we feel called to adopt?

For a while, I just focused on helping other families who were adopting. I didn't give it too much thought as something we would do. At this time, my husband was a part time youth pastor at a church that was about an hour drive from where we were living. Every Sunday, we did a lot of driving and had a lot of time to talk. I can remember driving to church and just kind of blurting out "I think we should adopt." I think I even surprised myself in saying this. Unknowingly, God had been working in both of our hearts through my new-found passion for adoption to lead us to consider adopting. We decided that we would adopt regardless of whether or not we were able to have biological children. Throughout the next year, God continued to work out this desire in our hearts and I have shared in the past why adoption is important to me and how adoption plays into my testimony.

What is Ornaments for Adoption?

As I mentioned, in early 2012 I had a failed attempt to raise money for an adopting family. Later that year, this idea hit me. I could make ornaments to sell and raise money for an adopting family. I liked this idea because it was a seasonal thing, so it wouldn't be overwhelming to take on. Plus, ornaments are something people are always buying. I first presented the idea in September 2012. I also decided to share an adoption related post every Monday while I was selling ornaments. Overall, the first year was a success. I revamped some things to make it better in 2013 and OFA 2013 was also successful. I'm not sure what will happen this year. I'm still thinking it through. 

When did we begin the adoption process?  

In summer 2013, my husband and I began discussing starting the adoption process ourselves. I admit, it took me a while to get started because I didn't really know where to start. We told our families in September what we were doing and we started the process in October by applying to the Children's Home Society. Our application was approved and we met our social worker within the next month. We had a few more paperwork things we could do, but due to the holidays coming up we wouldn't be able to do much else until early 2014. During that waiting time, we took care of some paperwork things. The CHS requires people adopting from foster care to take about 30 hours worth of classes as well as being CPR/1st aid certified. So, in February we began these classes and they pretty much consumed every Tuesday and Thursday evening as well as a few Saturdays. We were very busy. On top of that, we moved to a new apartment in order to have a second bedroom for our future child (or children). There was also a lot of snow this past winter, so school for me kept getting cancelled and some of our classes had to be cancelled and rescheduled.

Where are we now?

Along with everything else we were doing in February, we also conceived a child. After our classes at CHS were through, I noticed my period was late and took a pregnancy test at the very beginning of March. It was positive and I couldn't believe it. So, we had to put our adoption on hold for now. It is still something we hope to do one day. We also have begun talking about not only adopting, but becoming foster parents as well. For now, we're focusing on the November arrival of our little girl. Until the time is right for us, I will continue to be an advocate for orphans, children in foster care, and adoption. I hope once things settle down, we can go back to doing some volunteer work for a local organization that focuses on foster care adoption. I also want to continue to support adopting families through our own giving and through Ornaments for Adoption.

I'm also linking up here:

My Alternative to the #IceBucketChallenge

Well...it finally happened. I'd kind of hoped it wouldn't so I could just stay quiet about the whole thing. However, since I've been challenged to the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge I knew I had 2 options - ignore it or accept it (with a twist) and explain my reasoning for the twist.

I know from reading similar articles and posts that what I'm about to say may make some people angry or upset and I've seen ugly comments people have left on similar posts and articles. I'm not here to argue with anyone. These are my beliefs and I hold firm to them. I'm going to try to state them as gracefully as possible.

I'll admit...I didn't like this Ice Bucket Challenge thing from day one. I'm not a jump on the bandwagon type of person. Please know, I'm not against advocating for a cause or donating to charity. Giving is one of my spiritual gift and I love doing it. One of the missions of my blog is to use it as a way to help others. In the past, I've shared about numerous causes that I support. One of the biggest things I've always advocated for on my blog has been adoption. We even started the adoption process about a year ago. I know I haven't written about many of these things in a while, but I've been lax on the whole blogging thing for most of this year due to a lot of personal factors and finding out we are expecting.

Just because I haven't been sharing about it, doesn't mean I haven't been doing things. We still support 2 children through Compassion International. We support a local missionary who is currently serving in eastern Europe. We also give to families that we hear about who are raising funds for adoption and I'm in the process of trying to figure out if there's any way I can make Ornaments for Adoption work this year considering Baby Hall is due in November. I don't say this to brag on us, but to brag on what the Lord has blessed us with that we are able to give. I'll also admit that this giving is not as abundant as we've done in the past and if nothing else, this challenge has challenged me to fix that (which I'll explain more of later).

Please don't get me wrong here, I don't think there's anything wrong with donating to ALS research. It's a terrible disease that I can't imagine watching a loved one go through. I know many people get passionate about it when people don't want to participate because they have experienced this firsthand. However, there are a lot of terrible diseases in this world that need money for research. Watching a loved one suffer through cancer, Pulmonary Fibrosis, and Alzheimer's isn't easy either, but those are all sicknesses that loves ones of mine have suffered through and passed away from. I don't think it's fair to consider research for one disease more important than another. All diseases are difficult for the one dealing with it as well as the ones caring for them. In a perfect world, scientists and doctors would find cures for all of these things.

So, I said all that to say that there are a lot of worthy causes out there and you can't support them all. I'm all for donating money to help people in need; but I, personally believe you should donate to causes that you feel led to donate to, causes that mean something to you, and causes that you're passionate about. I don't believe you should donate to a cause just because someone "challenged" you to or you feel guilty about it if you don't or you want to do "what everyone else is doing." I'm more likely to listen to a person share about a cause if they have a story to share, a personal connection to it, or are truly passionate about it.

 *Another reason I won't donate to the ALSA is because I don't believe that the way they're conducting research fully lines up with my beliefs. I know there's a lot of gray areas that can be argued and I am wrestling through my thoughts on it all. So, I do encourage you to research a charity or organization before you donate to them to make sure you truly know what you're supporting. I won't go into further details because they can be found here or here.*

So, in light of everything I just shared, I won't be donating to ALS research. Instead, I'm going to share with you what I will donate to and why.

• GI Motility disorders research- My husband suffers from Functional Abdominal Pain Syndrome (along with all the sensitivities mentioned in the linked article). Like the article states, this keeps him from working regularly, adds up in medical bills, and affects our quality of life. Not a lot is known about FAPS. I can't tell you how many doctors we visited before we finally found one who put a name to his condition. I also can't tell you how much time and money was wasted on doctors treating his symptoms in a way that actually did more damage than good. There's also not a very definitive treatment for it. Sometimes, I feel like the treatments he is on are helping things and other times I feel like things are just getting worse. I would love for researchers to find a cure or effective treatment for FAPS so that my husband's suffering can end and so that our daughter doesn't have to experience watching a loved one go through this. (You can read more of our experiences here, here, or here.) I'm specifically looking into donating to the International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders or UNC Center for Functional GI and Motility Disorders which works closely with Lee's doctor. 

• Mercy for America's Children- I'm pretty sure at some point, I've mentioned this organization before. When we started our adoption process, this is an organization we were working with. We have also done some volunteer work with them and plan to continue that in the future when our lives are a little more settled. They specifically work to advocate for children in foster care and assist with foster care adoption. We have been meaning to set up monthly donations to them for some time now, but haven't gotten around to it. So, this challenge is challenging me to set that up so that we can support their work.

I'm not going to call out anyone specific and "challenge" them. Instead, I challenge everyone reading this to find a cause or a few causes that really mean something to you and donate to them, advocate for them, and support them. If that cause is ALS, great! If not, find an alternative. 
 
Oh...and also...in case you didn't figure it out already...I won't be pouring ice water on myself. Sorry not sorry...I'll eat ice cream instead. #icecreamchallenge

Total Social: Guilty Pleasures

Today's topic is definitely a fun one: guilty pleasures! I have many, so let me share some of them with you.

Eating Cookie Dough

I'm a little bit addicted to eating raw cookie dough. I have been known to buy some simply to eat as cookie dough and never as cookies. If I am making cookies, I buy a large container so I have plenty of cookie dough to eat as well. Since becoming pregnant, this has been a hard thing to give up. Even when I want some yummy cookies, I refuse to buy cookie dough because I'm not sure I can resist eating it! 

image via Quick Meme

Self Serve Frozen Yogurt

This is another food addiction of mine. Whoever invented these types of places was a genius. I have no shame...I pile mine high with everything chocolate imaginable. Unfortunately, my husband refuses to eat at these places so I either have to go alone or find friends to go with. 

image via this fun Buzzfeed article

Reality TV or Competition Shows

I can pretty much get into any reality/competition show. So, I often just keep myself from watching them because I know once you start...it's hard to stop. Some channels will do marathons of one reality show all day and in college, I definitely got sucked in like that a time or two. I have a few that I do watch on a regular basis- Dancing with the Stars, Dance Moms, Catfish, Shark Tank, and Next Great Baker. Although, I have been known to watch Duck Dynasty, Toddlers & Tiaras, Dating Naked, Whodunnit?, The Bachelor, Myrtle Manor, Keeping up with the Kardashians, Say Yes to the Dress, Supernanny, Undercover Boss, Pawn Stars, The Voice, etc. etc....the list could go on and on.

image via someecards

Throwback Music

I love listening to a 90s or 00s station on Pandora or busting out the Backstreet Boys, NSYNC, Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, etc music on my ipod. I think part of it is the nostalgia of it all. Another part is that music is fun. I can remember when that type of music started going out of style and it was embarrassing to be caught listening to it still. However, now #throwbacks are cool. 

(How many of you had the original Now CD?)

image via another fun Buzzfeed article

Okay...if I have to be completely honest...none of these things make me feel too guilty. :)

What about you? What are some of your guilty pleasures?

Anniversary/Babymoon Trip

Several months ago, Lee and I decided to go to the Outer Banks in July to celebrate our 4 year anniversary and the upcoming arrival of our daughter. Unfortunately, Lee got sick a week and half before our trip and stayed sick up until the trip. He wasn't 100% better when we left on Saturday morning. In the end, I think it was beneficial to him to get out of the house and get his mind on other things. Overall, we had a great time.

I really love the Outer Banks and I enjoy going to the beach, but I've already told Lee that our next vacation is to the mountains. I don't go there nearly as much, but it's my favorite vacation spot. We honeymooned in the mountains in Tennessee and my first choice of a Babymoon was to return there. For many reasons, that didn't work out. So, we made the best of what we could do.

Here are some pictures from our trip.

 On our drive, we saw a bear. 

On the first day, we went to see the Lost Colony play which was something we weren't able to do the first time we went to the Outer Banks. 

 

 One day, we went in search of wild horses which is also something we weren't able to see on our first Outer Banks trip. We ended up seeing a lot of them.

I always enjoy seeing the lighthouses. 

We didn't end up doing any laying out on the beach, but we did drive on it, walk on it, and collect some shells and driftwood.

If you've had a baby or are expecting a baby did you or are you planning to take a Babymoon? If you're married, do you take trips to celebrate your anniversary?

Linking up with Mommy Moments.

It's Never Enough

This summer, I participated in a Bible Study by Kelly Minter called No Other Gods. During the study, I reread some familiar Bible stories including the story of Rachel and Leah and the story of Eve. It can be easy to miss things in these familiar stories that I've heard since childhood. However, this time something really struck me.

It reminded me of a quote I read on Facebook from the Christian rapper, Lecrae and something one of my pastors had said at Christmas time when they were preaching through Ruth.


What were these things that God revealed to me? Head over to Satisfaction Through Christ where I'm posting today to find out...

Potter Fix Friday: HP Tattoos

I am so excited that this link up is back. It has had a few different names since its birth and has had various hosts. It is now back as Potter Fix Fridays held every second Friday of the month with hosts, A Party of Four and A Dose of Paige.

I have been wanting to reread the Harry Potter series for a few years now. It's been too long and I haven't really read them as a adult. (I think the last time was in college). I haven't reread them yet because I feel like I have a never ending "to read" list which isn't a bad thing. I'm thinking that once the Semi Charmed Summer Book Challenge is over, I'm going to start reading through them again.

This month's theme is Harry Potter tattoos. I don't have any, but I'll admit...I've thought about it.

The one I've mainly thought about is getting the 3 stars that are in the corner of all the HP books. I like it because it's subtle and I would consider it not only a tribute to my favorite book series, but also a tribute to my love of books overall. My choice would be to put it on my wrist, but I also think it's cute on the foot and collar bone area.

 Maybe inside? But I'd only do one wrist.

 

image via Buzzfeed  

Or maybe outside?

image via Tattoo Lit

Also like these options, but don't know if this would be my first choice for placement:

 image via Pinterest (couldn't find an original link)

image via Pinterest (couldn't find an original link)

 I also really like the tattoos a lot of people have on the outside of their wrist going up their wrist with a word written in a pretty, cursive font. "Always" would look great as that kind of tattoo. 

A pretty font like this:

 image via Pop Geek Tats

But with this placement:

image via Tattoo How

So, those are two I personally like and would be the most realistic for me to get. I don't see myself ever getting a major tattoo. However, it is fun to search "Harry Potter tattoos" on Pinterest. There are ALL KINDS. Some people are really creative. 

Some of my favorites you can check out are this one with a secret message, this one of one of my favorite Harry Potter quotes, and this one because it's like an ode to all things Harry.

I'd love to have you follow my Harry Potter board on Pinterest or all my boards on Pinterest.

I look forward to reading everyone else's post and seeing their HP tattoos.

Do you have a tattoo? Or are you considering getting one? I'd love to hear your story-Harry Potter or not!

Book Review: Thirteen Reasons Why

When I did my July book review, I forgot to include this book because I read it at the end of the month. That turned out okay, though, because I feel like this book deserves it's own review. 

Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher

Book Description:

Clay Jensen returns home from school to find a mysterious box with his name on it lying on his porch. Inside he discovers thirteen cassette tapes recorded by Hannah Baker, his classmate and crush who committed suicide two weeks earlier.


 On tape, Hannah explains that there are thirteen reasons why she decided to end her life. Clay is one of them. If he listens, he'll find out how he made the list.


My Review:

This is one of the best books I've read this year. First of all, the idea of having someone commit suicide and leave behind tapes to tell their story is haunting. I like how even when the book is finished, we haven't been given the full story. This makes it more realistic to me. In life, we don't always know everything about every situation. I also liked the main character, Clay, and empathized with him right away. I liked how his thoughts were interjected right into Hannah's narrative. This also added to the realness of the story.

*Possible Spoiler* One thing I didn't like was that the tapes were supposed to go to the people who played a vital role in Hannah committing suicide. Yet, she says that Clay didn't really do anything wrong. I liked Clay and he did seem like a good guy, but I think she could have at least blamed him for being nice to her, liking her, yet not trying hard enough to help her. Clay blamed himself for that, so it would have fit. *Possible Spoiler Over*

I read some reviews that didn't like the story because they said Hannah's reasons weren't "good enough" for committing suicide. Obviously, I'm 100% against killing yourself, but who are we to say whether someone's reasons are "good enough." Until we've walked in someone else's shoes, we don't know what things are like for them. People interpret and handle situations differently. That is why some people can go through hard times, persevere, and come out stronger while other people crack under the pressure.

I think this is an important book for teenagers (and adults for that matter) to read because I believe it teaches the lesson that your words and actions matter. Things you may think are insignificant could have a big impact on someone. We never know what other people are going through and how a small unkind word or action could impact them. On the other hand, you never know what a positive impact a kind word or action could have on someone.

Fittingly, the sermon that was preached at my church on Sunday was about our words. It reminded me of this book. One of the verses that was focused on was Proverbs 18:21 which beings "Death and life are in the power of the tongue..." This is so true. Be careful with your words because unlike the playground rhyme we used to say (you know about sticks and stones...) WORDS DO HURT.

I give this book an A. Read it! :)

I thought I'd close with some quotes about kindness I found on Pinterest.

Have you read this book? If so, what did you think? Do you have any thoughts to share on kindness and the power of our words?

Something Had to Give

If anyone is paying attention...you may notice I haven't been blogging consistently at all. I admit, I've considered stopping altogether. But...I do enjoy writing when an idea comes along or the mood strikes. I've just had to resolve myself to the fact that I'm not now or will probably ever be a big blogger.

Shortly after finding out I was pregnant, I didn't blog a lot because I was SO. EXHAUSTED. When my energy picked up a little, I'd tried to get back into blogging but my heart wasn't in it anymore. I couldn't keep up with the demand of having a successful blog. I had new priorities.

Now that a new school year has started, I'm busier than ever. I'm trying to stay on top of things at my job and do the best that I can there. I'm also trying to keep our apartment clean and cook dinner on a regular basis. I'm trying to do things to prepare for our baby's arrival. I'm trying to get back into a routine of spending time reading my Bible and praying. I'm getting back into one of my favorite hobbies-reading. Plus, I have to have some relaxing time. Most days...I don't care to try and write a blog post, promote a blog post, or read other people's blog post.

Working full time, being a wife, and preparing to be a mom is no joke. It's time consuming, energy consuming, and stressful. I can't do it all. I'm not superwoman. I have to give myself some slack in some areas. One of those areas I decided to back off on was blogging.

It's been a battle because I decided I didn't want to give it up completely; but if you're not consistent, you lose readers. I read the advice all the time that you need to blog several times a week and promote yourself on social media several times a day and you need to write engaging posts. I don't know how people do it! It's exhausting just to think about.

With my life changing, I know I don't want to be a mom blogger. There's nothing wrong with mom bloggers, it's just not the direction I personally want my blog to take. I also have decided that I want to keep some things private and guarded. I don't want to share all about my child on my blog. Again, I have no problem with people who do that...that's their choice. I, however, am choosing not to do that. So, I know that when our baby arrives, she'll consume much of my time. This leaves little time for blogging and I'll probably have little else to talk about in the beginning.

So, I've accepted the fact that my blog may not have the best posts, the most readers, and the most comments. I'm not writing my blog to build up an audience or have a business. I'm writing for me. I'm writing to share my thoughts and ideas when I have them. I'm writing because I do enjoy it and don't want to completely stop. I've noticed that in some bloggers "advice to bloggers" type posts, they make it sound like this is the wrong way to blog. Why does their have to be a "right" way? Why are their rules? Why shouldn't we be free to blog how and when we want to?

So, if you read this rambling post, thanks! If you still read this blog, thanks! I really do appreciate it.

What do you think? Do you think there is a certain or right way you should blog or should it be up to the individual person? What's your blogging philosophy?

July Book Review

*Be sure to check out my Bookshelf for more information on my rating system as well as the Book Challenges I'm currently participating in. You can also follow me on Goodreads.*

About a Boy by Nick Hornby

Book Description:
How cool was Will Freeman?'Too cool! At thirty-six, he's as hip as a teenager. He's single, child-free, goes to the right clubs and knows which trainers to wear. He's also found a great way to score with women: attend single parents' groups full of available (and grateful) mothers, all hoping to meet a Nice Guy. Which is how Will meets Marcus, the oldest twelve-year-old on the planet. Marcus is a bit strange: he listens to Joni Mitchell and Mozart, looks after his mum and has never owned a pair of trainers. But Marcus latches on to Will - and won't let go. Can Will teach Marcus how to grow up cool? And can Marcus help Will just to grow up?

Book description and image via Goodreads

My Review: 
After reading 2 Nick Hornby books now, I just don't think I'm a fan. This book wasn't bad, but it wasn't really enjoyable for me either. I've never seen the movie based on this book, but I have seen the TV show that recently started coming on NBC. Let's just say, I like the TV show a lot better. It's a lot more upbeat and happy. I guess that's what I went in expecting and that's not what I got. It was a lot more depressing and I didn't find the characters nearly as likeable as I did on the show.

I give it a C.

Enchanter by Joanne Wadsworth

Book Description:
To love and protect...across worlds. On planet Magio war rages between Peacio’s protectors and Dralion’s warriors. Friendships and soul-bonds are forbidden, yet deadly secrets lurk within a high-ranking inner circle. Eighteen-year-old Peacian Silvie Carver’s worst problem is completing finals until her best friend receives forewarning that Silvie is the key to keeping her enemy king from making a decision that will escalate the war. Silvie must save her loved ones’ soul-bonds from being torn apart, and all without revealing her emerging and rare fire skill during the mission. Dralion warrior and enchanter, Guy Moyer, has been fighting his soul’s demand to find his mated one…who also happens to be his enemy. Except Silvie shows up on Dralion’s off-world Australian Outback station and though they renounce their bond, his soul demands he aid and protect her. When Silvie finds herself impersonating a warrior, she’s pulled to the fiery edge of her control as she seeks to influence the king’s decision. Can the mated pair turn the tide of the war and find their place with each other?

Book Review and image via Goodreads

My Review:
I came across this series thanks to the author following me on Twitter. This is the third book in the series. Each book centers on a different couple. Little pieces of the overall story are revealed in each book, but they mainly center around a mated couple. All the stories are very similar and I admit I'm ready to see what's going to happen with the war between the two countries that keeps being alluded to. My favorite in this series is still Warrior, but this one takes the spot of my second favorite (with Protector being my least favorite so far). A brief scene in this book set up the couple for the next book. Overall, I enjoy these. I would recommend to people who like YA fantasy type books.

I give it a B.

Dark Places by Gillian Flynn

Book Description:
Libby Day was just seven years old when her evidence put her fifteen-year-old brother behind bars. Since then, she had been drifting. But when she is contacted by a group who are convinced of Ben's innocence, Libby starts to ask questions she never dared to before. Was the voice she heard her brother's? Ben was a misfit in their small town, but was he capable of murder? Are there secrets to uncover at the family farm or is Libby deluding herself because she wants her brother back? She begins to realise that everyone in her family had something to hide that day... especially Ben. Now, twenty-four years later, the truth is going to be even harder to find. Who did massacre the Day family?

Book description and image via Goodreads

My Review:
I liked this one a lot more than Gone Girl. Gillian Flynn has a knack for writing page turners. This book not only switched between narrators, but it also switched between the past and present. I had a hard time putting it down. I was trying so hard to figure out who the murderer was. As the title suggests, it is a dark book and some parts were rather disturbing. They're making this one into a film as well, so I look forward to seeing it.

I give it a B.

One Plus One by Jojo Moyes

Book Description:
Suppose your life sucks. A lot. Your husband has done a vanishing act, your teenage stepson is being bullied and your math whiz daughter has a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that you can’t afford to pay for. That’s Jess’s life in a nutshell—until an unexpected knight-in-shining-armor offers to rescue them. Only Jess’s knight turns out to be Geeky Ed, the obnoxious tech millionaire whose vacation home she happens to clean. But Ed has big problems of his own, and driving the dysfunctional family to the Math Olympiad feels like his first unselfish act in ages . . . maybe ever.

Book description and image via Goodreads

My Review:
I have seen Jojo Moyes name around the blogging world for a while now. Everyone seemed to love her books, so I finally got around to reading one and I agree. I really enjoyed this book. It had multiple narrators (which I'm learning is one of my favorite types of books). It had imperfect characters who were relateable and likeable. I will definitely be reading more of her books.

I give it an A.

The One and Only by Emily Giffin

Book Description:
Thirty-three-year-old Shea Rigsby has spent her entire life in Walker, Texas—a small college town that lives and dies by football, a passion she unabashedly shares. Raised alongside her best friend, Lucy, the daughter of Walker’s legendary head coach, Clive Carr, Shea was too devoted to her hometown team to leave. Instead she stayed in Walker for college, even taking a job in the university athletic department after graduation, where she has remained for more than a decade. But when an unexpected tragedy strikes the tight-knit Walker community, Shea’s comfortable world is upended, and she begins to wonder if the life she’s chosen is really enough for her. As she finally gives up her safety net to set out on an unexpected path, Shea discovers unsettling truths about the people and things she has always trusted most—and is forced to confront her deepest desires, fears, and secrets.

Book description and image via Goodreads

My Review:
No...just no. I have enjoyed all of Emily Giffin's previous novels. They were perfect summer/beach/light reading. I did not like this one at all. *The rest of this review may contain potential spoilers. I'll try not to give too much away.* Here were my problems: I never really connected with any of the characters. The hero worship of "Coach" was a bit much. I'm from Alabama where football is also a really big deal and I love football, but all the football talk was TOO much. The eventual love story was hinted at in the beginning and I kind of laughed and said to myself 'you have got to be kidding me...this cannot happen.' Um...yeah...it happened. Creepy! The age isn't what bothered me it was the fact that the man was a father figure in her life and her best friend's father. Lastly, I found the abuse story line just too convenient instead of realistic. I can't end this review without mentioning that I also didn't like how Walker (the small, private college featured in the book) beat my Alabama Crimson Tide in the championship game. Please... She could have at least made it realistic with them beating Auburn. :)

I know this is harsh, but I give it an F. 

Have you read any of these books? What are your thoughts?