Book mail this week (3)

I was fortunate to receive book mail this week!

Alyssa (@WithTheBanned) was sweet and sent me this ARC. Thank you!  Excited to read! 

I won this gem from a Twitter giveaway (thank you @CAhnbooks and the #EnsconcedinLit Twitter party!) but I didn't know it would be personalized! How awesome! 

What did you get this week/weekend??

My first book signing event - 6.28.14

I was scrolling through Twitter Wendesday evening and saw a flyer for a book signing event at Murder by the Books for Saturday afternoon where the speakers were Joy Preble, Jennifer Mathieu, and Kristin Rae. I had never been to a book signing event so I was excited when I realized I had no plans and could go! 

I was nervous to get to the event on time since it was Pride weekend in downtown Houston and the weather want exactly playing nice. I left super early not knowing what traffic might be like. Little did I know I would arrive a full hour before the event. Oops! But know that having to wait in a book store isn't really that terrible. 😉 

Here is the table where the authors would be signing. Since I was first to arrive, I was able to pick the best seat! 

Here are the lovely ladies talking about what they like about the other speaker's books, how important setting is in their book, what nobody warned them about when it comes to being an author, and what they are working on for upcoming stories. I felt it was a great experience to have a close one on one interaction with all of them. 

I was the fangirl who asked if I could get a picture with all of them, but I didn't want to interrupt Joy and Jen as they were signing books. Kristin told me to just walk behind the table and say I was taking a picture. She said since she was on the panel that it was ok. I adore her so much. 💖

I also asked for my books to be personalized, I'm a book nerd that way. Here is what they all wrote! 

Jen is SUCH a sweetie!! I want to just hang out with her and drink coffee sometime. 

Joy was so funny and had so much energy, I couldn't get enough of her.

Kristin was adorable!! She kept saying she had 'baby brain' so she would ask for the questions to be repeated. Poor thing. She did bring cookies so nobody really minded. ☺️

I really had a great time with these ladies!! They were so welcoming that I didn't want to leave the store. I hope everyone has a chance to meet them someday - they are so much fun.

Book Review - Hollow City by Ransom Riggs

Hollow City by Ransom Riggs

The basis of the book:

The extraordinary journey that began in Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children continues as Jacob Portman and his newfound friends journey to London the peculiar capital of the world. But in this war-torn city, hideous surprises lurk around every corner. Like its predecessor, this second novel in the Peculiar Children series blends thrilling fantasy with never-before-published vintage photography to create a one-of-a-kind reacting experience

My thoughts on the book:

I really liked the story. Really, really liked it. I like how he has taken actual photographs and made an usual story from them. It is nice to have an usual and different type of story to read in a growing sea of sameness.

I truly wanted to know what would happen once I started reading. I did have moments when things didn't click for me or make sense but it didn't stop me from finishing. I could have just been tired from reading, who knows. I thought there was some good character development from the first book, which made me happy. I didn't want these characters to stay flat the entire way through however long the series might be. The way he has weaved this tale makes me anxious for the next book and it cannot get here soon enough. I cannot wait to see where he takes this story.

Overall, I give this book 4 out of 5 stars. It is one of the better books I have read and hope everyone enjoys it as much as I did.

Book Review - We Were Liars by E. Lockhart

 We Were Liars by E. Lockhart

The basis of the book:

A beautiful and distinguished family.
A private island.
A brilliant, damaged girl; a passionate, political boy.
A group of four friends—the Liars—whose friendship turns destructive.
A revolution. An accident. A secret.
Lies upon lies.
True love.
The truth.

We Were Liars is a modern, sophisticated suspense novel from National Book Award finalist and Printz Award honoree E. Lockhart. 

Read it.
And if anyone asks you how it ends, just LIE.

(Borrowed from Goodreads.com)

My thoughts of the book:

Skip this book. I fell into the hype and wanted to experience for myself. I had such high, high hopes for this book. Sadly this turned out to be my first DNF of the year. The story had such promise but was poorly executed. It felt like a story of rich people and rich people problems. I got halfway through when I realized that I simply didn't care what happened. Not one bit. For those who loved this book and sing its praises, yay for you. This book just wasn't meant for everyone, mainly me. 

I give this book 1 star out of 5.

Book Review - The One by Kiera Cass

The One by Kiera Cass

The basis of the book:

The Selection changed America Singer's life in ways she never could have imagined. Since she entered the competition to become the next princess of Illéa, America has struggled with her feelings for her first love, Aspen--and her growing attraction to Prince Maxon. Now she's made her choice . . . and she's prepared to fight for the future she wants.

Excerpt from Goodreads

 My thoughts on the book:

So. Many. FEELS! Will Prince Maxon choose America or will she ruin her chances by being too head-strong? She wants to stay true to herself but will it cost her everything?? And will she finally let go of Aspen?! So many questions that were finally answered!

Aspen... *sigh* I felt she hung on to that a lot longer than she should have. Aspen dumped her in book one, magically appeared at the palace as a guard, and made sure he was still in her life. I wish America wouldn't have lead him on as long as she did and he would have taken the hint sooner. That constant story line made me roll my eyes a little. I know, it added a depth to the story but it seemed too much. America had enough going on without him adding to the trouble.

Maxon... I was pulling for him to just be happy. Poor guy was tormented by his father, had the nation judging his every move, and women fighting to be the princess because they wanted the crown - not him. That sounds like a rough upbringing, not glamorous at all. 

America... She certainly was head-strong and stubborn. She had the best of intentions but didn't always think too clearly or think things through. (Uh... Diary, anyone?) 

I felt the last few chapters might have been rushed because it seems everything was suddenly over. Meaning Maxon made his decision and then a wedding was happening. What happened to the rebels? What happened to Maxon's plans to eliminate he castes? It left me with some unanswered questions, but only a couple. Overall I really liked the book and would probably read the series again in the future. 

I give this book 4 stars out of 5; the overall series 4 out of 5 stars. I would suggest this book/series to anyone and everyone. 

Book Review - The Selection by Kiera Cass

The Selection - by Kiera Cass

Basis of the book:

America Singer wants a normal life and to marry her boyfriend, Aspen. Sadly that isn't how things work, nor is it that easy. Everyone is classified by a number, that number determines their jobs, pay, house, family size, EVERYTHING. Aspen is a lower caste (ranking) than America so that makes everything difficult and very secretive. It is certainly not wise for a female to marry down a class, she must set her sites higher. 

Prince Maxon wants to find love but has a hard time doing so because of who he is and the state of the nation. That is where The Selection comes in. America is hesitant because she doesn't want to try for the affection of the Prince when she has Aspen, but does anyways since she was pushed to sign up by Aspen and her mom. That is when America's world is turned upside down. She starts to see things with a fresh pair of eyes and an open mind, wondering if she could in fact be princess one day. Living life as a higher class means she takes nothing for granted when others do. Plus, is she willing to risk her heart to someone new?

How does it work? Think of Cinderella when the Prince sends out letters to all eligible ladies in the land. Girls between a certain age are encouraged to enter by filling out a form and having their picture taken. A committee selects 35 random girls to participate for the Prince's hand in marriage. Now think of The Bachelor, where all girls are battling to win Maxon's affections, and the crown. Things get down right cut throat at times.

My overall thoughts:

Doesn't that cover look like a great party? I want to go to that party! I would find another pose but regardless, looks like a great time! But after I started this book I realized that I probably don't want to be at this party.... Ever.

I was hesitant about the Selection book/series. Maybe it is the look of the girl sniffing her armpit (what is that pose about??) or that fact that most critics compared this to The Hunger Games (stop doing that!), but in the end I was HOOKED.  I couldn't get enough of this book. Will her heart stay with Aspen? Could she possibly love Maxon and become princess? This was NOT the sappy love story I feared it would be (Matched series, anyone?). I truly wanted to find out what would happen. I was one of the better reads I have found this year and so happy I picked up the series (yes, I wait until the entire series comes out before reading/buying...). 

I give this book 3.5 stars out of 5, it is such an enjoyable read. Can't wait to see what happens in the America/Aspen/Maxon love triangle!

Book Reveiw - Finale by Becca Fitzpatrick

FINALLY. The last book in the Hush, Hush saga.

The overall of this book:

Nora has finally discovered who she is and now has a to fulfill a vow to her dead father, The Black Hand. She is now in command and must lead his army of Nephilim into battle against the fallen angels (and win), but if she fails she and her mother will die. (No pressure, right?) Along the way Nora has rely on Patch a lot for guidance but is torn between wanting to fight for freedom for her people or doing what is right.Nora wants to do what is right but she also wants to be with Patch, how can she do that when he's the enemy?

My overall take of this book:

I couldn't wait for this story to be over. I felt it went on a book longer than it should have. I didn't feel there needed to be four books, it could have all been told in three. I still didn't feel a great connection between Nora and Patch, like a *real* connection/attraction to their relationship. I wasn't pulling for them to be together. I think Patch would have been better somewhere else but the heart wants what the heart wants, right? I didn't feel their relationship was a focus during this story, if really felt like a second, third, or fourth story line. It was more of her time with Vee, her best friend (whom I do not like at all).

I felt there were a lot of gaps in the story, holes big enough to drive a truck through. Some of the "main characters" showed up for a few pages and then disappeared for chapters at a time. Maybe they were just fillers to keep the story moving but the story didn't move very well. Nobody seems to care that Nora is never in school, not even her Mom. I didn't find that believable. At one point Nora had a job and only worked for one night then never again. Uh... huh? Also, in the first book the author made a huge deal about Nora being on iron pills but then never mentions them again through the last three books. C'mon... what good reader wouldn't notice something like that?

Honestly I was bored with this one. I was super excited to read this series because of the covers. *SIGH* Yes, I am one of those people that judges a book but the cover and I fell hard for this one. (Just look at that cover! It screams, "READ ME!") I'm here to tell you - DON'T. Pass on this one. You might be drawn to the battle of Heaven vs. Hell or Angels vs. Evil but you won't finish this feeling satisfied.

I give this book 2 out of 5 stars, and the overall series 2.5 stars. I will not be reading this one again and currently fighting the urge to sell the series to Half Price Books.

Book Review - Silence by Becca Fitzpatrick

Look at that cover... Just take a moment to take it in. Why? Because he cover is far better than the actual book and yet has NOTHING to do with it.

Silence is the third book in the Hush, Hush saga and was released in 2011. Regardless, it does still read like a current story. This book really is better than the first two and part of it makes you want more - more of Nora & Patch, more of this bizarre world, just more.

In Silence, Nora has just been returned from being kidnapped and suffering memory loss. It is a bit frustrating at times because she seems to make things far more difficult than they should be. Yes, short term memory loss is tough, but she just seems to make it harder for no reason. She struggles to remember Jev/Patch too much. She almost makes it too painful and unbelievable. It seems she just tries too hard, if that makes sense.

And don't get me started on her inner-monologuing. UGH. Enough of that already. I am starting to realize that it is just part of the author's writing style but it is still annoying.

Nora still has her never-there-for-her Mom, BFF Vee (still don't really like her), Scott, Marcie, and Marcie's dad to "help her" through her memory loss. Yes, these characters play a big part in the overall story (not her Mom...) but they don't seem to develop as characters as the story goes on. They don't seem to grow with the experiences or with life in general. I don't feel I connected with them.

Thankfully this is a quick read and was over before you know it. It does make you want to read the 4th book immediately to find out what happens but only to find out what happens. I don't feel the premise of the story remains focused on Nora and Patch, it feels it has shifted to Nora and her possible future. I thought this was supposed to be a YA romance? Not feeling a lot of that as the book went on. I was disappointed to say the least.

On a scale of 1 to 5, I give this 3.

Stay tuned for a quick review on Finale, the last book in the saga.

Book Review - Crescendo by Becca Fitzpatrick

After quickly going through the first book, Hush, Hush, I started Crescendo with moderate expectations. I have to admit I was very surprised! I was hoping for something better, just look at that cover!! A book with a cover like that has to be good.

The story actually kept me interested for longer than a chapter. Granted, I skipped the parts where Nora dialogues herself with a bunch of stupid questions the audience has already though about.

In this story Nora has found out that Patch is a fallen angel turned her guardian angel and some of the consequences that came from being on the outs with Heaven. She has more and more interaction with her mortal enemy - Marcy Millar. Marcie is a rather nasty character that seems to go overboard with her hate for Nora. The back history of the rival is not ever explained so just know it is there. An old childhood friend comes back into Nora's life, Scott Parnell. Scott is another bad egg that you just want to hate. I mean, he is a jerk.

All of these characters intermingle rather well and the story flows. I wasn't left questioning, "What the heck just happened?" Or "Why would they do that?? Why??" I had to remember that the overall storyline is Nora and Patch. Nora is fighting to be with Patch and Patch is fighting to protect her from the world. The chemistry between them is really good to read but always over too quickly. Always keep in mind this is a YA book so it doesn't get over complicated between the two characters. They don't do anything more than kiss and make out.

There were two things that annoyed me more than anything:

1. Nora's inner monologue. She is always thinking the same series of questions to herself. I skipped a lot of this monologue.
2. Why is Nora's mom never home?! I mean NEVER. Yes, she is trying to make a living but it seems like she threw her daughter into adulthood quickly. I hope she realizes she won't win Mother of the Year anytime soon.

On a scale of 1 to 5, I give this book a 4. I liked it a lot better than the first book and hope the rest of the series continues to improve.

A better introduction

I know I have only made one post thus far but I realized I should have had a better introduction. I feel I was rather short in my first posts let's try again, shall we?

My name is Sara and I live in the great, hot state of Texas. I moved from Oklahoma n 1996 and have been hooked on this state ever since. My love for reading started young with a book by Mary Higgins Clark called All Around The Town.

This book had me hooked and I couldn't get enough of her books. To this date I own nearly everything she has ever published, she will always be one of my favorites. But since I seemed to favor one author, it became clear I didn't know most of the other authors or books out. Not knowing what else to read I just stopped. I know that sounds crazy but it is true, for years I didn't know what to read so I just didn't. That was until I heard hype around a new book series that was being made in to a movie. Perhaps you have heard of it:

Yep! Harry Potter. This amazing series about a boy who found out he was a wizard brought me out of my reading dry spell. To date I have read this series three times and would reread again in a heartbeat. This is also when I realized Harry Potter wasn't just for the young, teens, or YA, it was for anyone who loved a good story. That is what I feel for and was on the hunt for- a good story. 

There really are so many good books out today - teen, young, or YA - that are meant for anyone who is after a good story. True, not everyone has the ability to read all of the book/series so they have to be selective. I have come to realize I have a soft spot for trilogies, dystopian books, and series. Plus if it deals with angels, heaven/hell, or vampires, I will probably read it. Knowing what books I like, find myself waiting until all of the books are out before reading, that way I can just pick up the next book and keep the story going. Plus it makes me feel like the characters are friends that have decided to stay around for a while. Sure, I like one off books after a good series but not always. I have decided to read the books that were popular but not many have read, or I have read just a little later than others. I have had a lot of current bloggers say they wanted to read these books but didn't get a chance. Amazon and Half Price Books are some of my great friends, even new friends who have done giveaways or contests on Twitter! *waves* Hi guys! My TBR list is rather large, growing everyday, and I may never get through it all but I certainly am going to try. 

Now that we have been properly introduced, welcome again! I hope you will come back and visit again.