Stacking the Shelves {December 2013}

Hey y'all! Lesley Anne here. Jenny and I are taking a break from Top Ten Tuesday today to enjoy New Year's Eve with family and friends, buuuut...I did want to drop in real quick and show you guys the books I got for Christmas! I'm linking up with Tynga's Reviews, so head over here if you want to check out what everyone else has added to their shelves this month. 

Gifted for Christmas:
Great Expectations by Charles Dickens
The Southerner's Handbook: A Guide to Living the Good Life by the Editors of Garden & Gun
Suck Your Stomach In and Put Some Color On! by Shellie Rushing Tomlinson
Celebrating Pride and Prejudice: 200 Years of Jane Austen's Masterpiece by Susannah Fullerton
The Hobbit (75th Anniversary Edition) by J.R.R. Tolkien
Z: A Novel of Zelda Fitzgerald by Therese Anne Fowler
ESV Study Bible

Bought With Christmas Gift Cards:
The Lord of the Rings (Deluxe Edition) by J.R.R. Tolkien
Four Classic Novels: Sense and Sensibility, Pride and Prejudice, Emma, and Persuasion by Jane Austen
Grimm's Complete Fairy Tales by Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm

Added for Free to Nook:
The Choice by Suzanne Woods Fisher
A Feast of Dragons by Morgan Rice
Stealing the Preacher by Karen Witemeyer
Picture Perfect by Janice Thompson
Fall for You by Cecilia Gray
A Constant Heart by Siri Mitchell

Bought for Nook:
Fracture Me by Tahereh Mafi
Outlander by Diana Gabaldon

Grabbed From My Parents' House Because They Were Cleaning Out the Basement:
Tuck Everlasting by Natalie Babbitt
My Side of the Mountain by Jean Craighead George
Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
The Incredible Journey by Sheila Burnford
Misty of Chincoteague by Marguerite Henry
Little House on the Prairie by Laura Ingalls Wilder
The Last of the Mohicans by James Fenimore Cooper
Finding God in The Lord of the Rings by Kurt Bruner and Jim Ware
The Ocean Within by V.M. Caldwell

Treasures of the North by Tracie Peterson
Ashes and Ice by Tracie Peterson
Rivers of Gold by Tracie Peterson

Whew! Just thinking about all those books makes me tired (but also excited!). What books did you add to your shelves this month? I hope everyone has a safe and Happy New Year! 

Review: The Dante Club

The Dante Club by Matthew Pearl

Release Date: 10 Februrary 2004

Pages: 380

Genre: Historical Fiction, Mystery 

Target Audience: Adult

Series: No

Source and Format: Bought; Paperback

Summary (From Goodreads):
Boston, 1865. A series of murders, all of them inspired by scenes in Dante’s Inferno. Only an elite group of America’s first Dante scholars—Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, Oliver Wendell Holmes, James Russell Lowell, and J. T. Fields—can solve the mystery. With the police baffled, more lives endangered, and Dante’s literary future at stake, the Dante Club must shed its sheltered literary existence and find the killer.

Thoughts on The Dante Club:

Plot- I really enjoyed the storyline of this book. Pearl chooses a very unique setting- post- Civil War Boston. All of the politics of the time really help move the plot foward and you learn a lot without realizing it. The group of poets mentioned in the summary above are working on translating The Divine Comedy (the trilogy of which Inferno is the first part) and are meeting with religious and political oppostion. The group is slowly splintering apart under the pressure until a series of murders straight from Inferno begins to happen. The poets must come together to solve the murders because they are the only ones who are capable of doing so. Sound far-fetched? Actually, it isn't. The Divine Comedy was not published in America until Longfellow and these men translated it in the 1860s. The only copies available were in England and Italian was not widely taught. So, the Dante Club, as the translators call themselves, must find the killer and stop him so a) more people don't die and b) so Dante does not get a bad reputation before he can even be published.

Characters- The main group of characters were done really well. Pearl does a nice job of giving each member of the group a distinct personality. The two main characters are Oliver Wendell Holmes and James Russell Lowell. We spend a lot of time in these men's heads, hearing their thoughts.  We get to know the other members of the group- Longfellow and Fields- mainly through Holmes and Lowell. The killer is also a very interesting character that Pearl uses to explore issues that I cannot mention here without giving it away.

Pros- The amount of historical issues Pearl crams into this book is really impressive-  race, war, religion, and gender, just to name a few. As I said before, you learn a lot about Boston and America without realizing it. The mystery is also very well done. I was unable to guess the murderer. It was very plausible; there was no deus ex machina employed to conveniently tie things up.

Cons- The secondary characters were neglected. Some of the family members of the Dante Club members were really intriguing and I was left wanting to know more of them. I also felt like Pearl left the (small) plot line involving Holmes and his son unresolved. Also, the pacing of the book was very, very slow. It took about 100 pages or so until I was really interested and able to start putting some pieces together. Pearl introduces so many characters so quickly that it is hard to keep them straight at first.

Overall, I enjoyed this book. I gave it three stars on Goodreads because it was okay; I liked it but I didn't love it. If you have the time, I would recommend reading it. If you already have a stack of books to read then I would not recommend it. The historical aspects of the book do much to recommend it, so if you are a huge American history buff you will probably enjoy it for that alone.

Mini Review: Fire by Kristin Cashore

Fire by Kristin Cashore  

Release Date: 5 October 2009

Pages: 461
Genre: Fantasy

Target Audience: Young Adult

Series: Graceling Realm #2

Source and Format: Bought; Kindle e-book

Summary (From Goodreads):
It is not a peaceful time in the Dells. The young King Nash clings to his throne while rebel lords in the north and south build armies to unseat him. The mountains and forests are filled with spies and thieves and lawless men.

This is where Fire lives. With a wild, irresistible appearance and hair the color of flame, Fire is the last remaining human monster. Equally hated and adored, she had the unique ability to control minds, but she guards her power, unwilling to steal the secrets of innocent people. Especially when she has so many of her own.

Then Prince Brigan comes to bring her to King City, The royal family needs her help to uncover the plot against the king. Far away from home, Fire begins to realize there's more to her power than she ever dreamed. Her power could save the kingdom.

If only she weren't afraid of becoming the monster her father was.

Thoughts on Fire:
I have really mixed feelings about this book. So mixed, in fact, I only gave it 2 stars on Goodreads. It has all the elements necessary for a solid fantasy book, but somehow manages to fall short for me. I even re-read it, just to make sure I perhaps missed something. This turned out to not be the case. Before you come to the conclusion that I hate it, let me set out some positives for you.

Pros: the characters. I adored every character except the main character, Fire. Cashore did an excellent job of creating characters that you can connect with and feel for. The hero, Brigan, is one of my favorite heroes of the fantasy genre. He is one of the main reasons why I am glad I purchased the book.  Also, the world building is wonderful. You really get a feel for the kingdom of Dells and the culture. This book has a really solid storyline; it is completely ruined for me, however by the eponymous (vocab word! See definition here) character.

Cons: Fire herself. She is filled with so much angst I honestly cannot understand her internal monologues. I get lost amidst all of the emotions. She has a very tough life and is the only one of her kind left. I get it; that really sucks. When Fire is interacting with other characters everything is fine. When left to her own devices, however, she tends to have lots of meltdowns. Another con for me was the way the ending seemed a bit rushed. Cashore adds a character from the first book and it doesn't seem to come together as smoothly as it should. There...that was vague enough that you can't accuse me of spoiling the ending. ;)

So. Would I recommend it? Perhaps with a warning. I didn't love it but I didn't hate it. If you like angst, this is the book for you. I think it is worth reading so you can get to know Brigan and his family.

Memorable Quote:
“While I was looking the other way your fire went out
Left me with cinders to kick into dust

What a waste of the wonder you were
In my living fire I will keep your scorn and mine
In my living fire I will keep your heartache and mine
At the disgrace of a waste of a life”

Under Our Tree

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly feature hosted by The Broke and the Bookish. This week's topic is - you guessed it - Top Ten Books We Wouldn't Mind Santa Bringing Us. First up, Jenny's wish list!

1. Elizabeth of York: A Tudor Queen and Her World by Alison Weir. The lives of historical figures always interests me. It helps me to remember that they were three dimensional people, not simply a collection of flat, static facts from a textbook.

2. Skyscrapers by Judith Duprè. She has an updated version of this book to include new buildings that have been built since 1996. I hate heights but love the intricacies of skyscrapers. Now I can enjoy this with my feet firmly on the ground!

3. Cinder by Melissa Meyer. Actually, since Santa is buying, he can bring me the whole series (or rather, the whole series thus far). This book keeps popping up and I am very intrigued by the storyline.

4. Hild by Nicola Griffith. For those of you who do not know, the people of the British Isles during the 7th - 11th centuries are my people. It is a most fascinating and little known time period. This book seems- I haven't read it yet- to highlight the best parts of this period and its people.

5. One Thousand Gifts: A Dare to Live Fully Right Where You Are by Ann Voskamp. The ability to stop and just be aware of your blessings is something I long to cultivate. Rather than living for the future, I want to live in the present. 

6. Grendel by John Gardner. Grendel is one of the monsters from the Anglo-Saxon epic Beowulf. Gardner flips the story around and tells it with Grendel as the narrator. I could go on and on about the intricacies of a character such as Grendel, but I will not subject you, our dear Reader, to that. 

7. The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien. I am more than a little embarrassed that this is on my list. It's even more embarrassing that I'm a medievalist whose area of interest includes Anglo-Saxon and Old Norse. 

8. Innocence by Dean Koontz. I have never read a Koontz book before, but the cover of this one caused me to click on it to see what it is about. You should check it out as well, if you haven't already. I think it will intrigue you also.

9. Christ and the Media by Malcolm Muggeridge. Ravi Zacherias quotes him all the time and the quotes are always so profound. I need this book in paperback so I can write all in it. 

10. The Sebastian St. Cyr series by C.S. Harris. These books are murder mysteries set during the Regency period. I have been eyeing them for quite sometime, as they come recommended on Goodreads based on Ariana Franklin, whom I adore.

1. The Southerner's Handbook. Coming from the editors of Garden & Gun magazine, this book promises to be a slice of Southern heaven. I love reading about the place I've called home my entire life, even if I will probably never "bet on the Kentucky Derby and whip up a proper Sazerac," haha!

2. Celebrating Pride and Prejudice: 200 Years of Jane Austen's Masterpiece. One of my reading goals for the new year is to finish all of Jane Austen's novels, including, of course, the one and only Pride and Prejudice. I know after reading the classic novel I will be ready to get my hands on all things P&P, especially this gorgeous non-fiction piece.

3. 36 Hours: 150 Weekends in the USA & Canada. There are so many places I want to visit in the world, but there are also so many things to do and see right here in the United States. I know after flipping through this tome I will be seriously ready to buy some plane tickets!

4. The Lord of the Rings. Whatever Jenny says, do not be embarrassed if you find one of Tolkien's books on your list. You have amazing taste and are awesome if you do. Haha! ;) For me, I would like to have a prettier (and more comprehensive) copy of The Lord of the Rings than my current worn-out mass market paperbacks, so this 50th Anniversary edition would be the perfect addition to my shelves.

5. The Hobbit. Likewise, I think the navy blue and green anniversary edition of The Hobbit is soooo pretty. I just love this cover. I want to read it and also find a way to incorporate it into my home decor.

6. Longbourne. Jo Baker is one smart gal. Writing a book that will appeal to both Jane Austen and Downton Abbey fans? Sounds like a winner to me!

7. Mr. Boddington's Classics. If we're being honest, I think these are some of the prettiest book covers I have ever seen. The bright and colorful style is right up my alley. Granted, the covers for Jane Eyre and Wuthering Heights don't match the mood of the stories inside, but when I first saw the collection on a display table in Anthropologie, I literally had to keep myself from drooling. I would love to have all six of these books on my shelves!

8. The Kinfolk Table. I'm not a regular reader of Kinfolk magazine, but from browsing around their website, I can tell they place a lot of importance on simple and clean photography and design, which I looovvveee in my cookbooks. I also like that The Kinfolk Table places emphasis on the relationships that surround eating, rather than fancy recipes and table decorations. What a concept!

9. Rags & Bones: New Twists on Timeless Tales. I am a complete sucker for retellings, so an entire volume that includes new twists on stories like Sleeping Beauty, Rumpelstiltskin, and The Awakening?  Sign me up!

10. How to Hepburn. If you were to visit my office at work, the first thing you would notice is my huge canvas of Audrey Hepburn on the wall. I love Audrey's classic style, but I would like to know more about her Hepburn counterpart, Kate the Great. Books like this don't have much practical advice, but hey, they are so much fun to read!

What books are you hoping Santa will bring you tomorrow?! No matter what's under the tree, we hope you all have a GREAT Christmas! 

Review: Clockwork Princess

Clockwork Princess by Cassandra Clare

Release Date: March 19, 2013
Pages: 570
Genre: Urban Fantasy; Paranormal
Target Audience: Young Adult
Series: Infernal Devices #3
Source and Format: Library; Hardcover

Summary (From Goodreads):
A net of shadows begins to tighten around the Shadowhunters of the London Institute. Mortmain plans to use his Infernal Devices, an army of pitiless automatons, to destroy the Shadowhunters. He needs only one last item to complete his plan. He needs Tessa Gray.

Charlotte Branwell, head of the London Institute, is desperate to find Mortmain before he strikes. But when Mortmain abducts Tessa, the boys who lay equal claim to her heart, Jem and Will, will do anything to save her.

As those who love Tessa rally to rescue her from Mortmain’s clutches, Tessa realizes that the only person who can save her is herself. But can a single girl, even one who can command the power of angels, face down an entire army?

Danger and betrayal, secrets and enchantment, and the tangled threads of love and loss intertwine as the Shadowhunters are pushed to the very brink of destruction in the breathtaking conclusion to the Infernal Devices trilogy.

Thoughts on Clockwork Princess

Honestly, I was so scared to start this book. I knew I was in for a heartbreaking read, and I wasn't sure if I was ready for it. This series is loosely based on A Tale of Two Cities, and we all know how tragically that story ends. Basically, my feelings going in to this book can be summarized by this one quote from Tessa:

"You know that feeling...when you are reading a book, and you know that it is going to be a tragedy; you can feel the cold and darkness coming, see the net drawing close around the characters who live and breathe on the pages. But you are tied to the story as if being dragged behind a carriage, and you cannot let go or turn the course aside."

It's almost as if Cassandra Clare knew what she was doing to her readers and wanted to express her sympathy. Being dragged behind a carriage perfectly describes how I felt while reading this book. I know that probably makes Clockwork Princess sound like the worst book ever, but it actually has been my favorite read of the year so far. All in all, this was the best conclusion to a series I've read in a long, long time.

At the heart of the story is the love triangle between Jem, Will, and Tessa. For me, one of the things that makes this love triangle so tricky is the relationship between Jem and Will. I have never seen a friendship portrayed in a more beautiful, symbolic way. Jem and Will are not just best friends, they are parabatai, and I love the connection Clare makes between parabatai and the covenant made by Jonathan and David in the Bible. This story wouldn't be nearly as heartbreaking without Jem's selfless love for Will, and Will's selfless love for Jem in return.

The whole time I was reading this series, it wasn't blatantly obvious to me where Tessa's heart lied...until this book. Clockwork Princess basically centers around two of the main characters, while also giving us a glimpse into the relationships developing among the secondary characters. Beyond the love story is a breathtaking adventure in which the characters face many life and death situations. The pacing of this book was relentless. Additionally, all of the big questions were answered and loose ends tied up.

Which brings me to the epilogue. I can't write this review without mentioning the ever-controversial epilogue! I have to admit it jerked me back to reality a little too soon, but overall I am glad Clare included it. I think my feelings for this series would be completely different if it wasn't there. There needed to be a little more closure for one character in particular, and that's exactly what we got. I saw in Rachel's review that Clare wrote a post explaining why she included it, and I think it would be a good read for anyone who has read this series and feels kind of meh about the epilogue (you can find it here - DON'T READ if you haven't finished Clockwork Princess, though!).

Overall, just wow. I absolutely loved this series. Well-written, fantastic story. These characters will stay with me for a long time to come.

Memorable Quotes:

"Life is a book and there are a thousand pages I have not yet read. I would read them together with you, as many as I can, before I die-"

"And now I need you to do for me what I cannot do for myself. For you to be my eyes when I do not have them. For you to be my hands when I cannot use my own. For you to be my heart when mine is done beating."

"Our hearts, they need a mirror, Tessa. We see our better selves in the eyes of those who love us. And there is a beauty that brevity alone provides."

Disclosure: This review was originally posted on my lifestyle blog on July 30, 2013.

Review: Clockwork Prince

Clockwork Prince by Cassandra Clare

Release Date: December 6, 2011
Pages: 510
Genre: Urban Fantasy; Paranormal
Target Audience: Young Adult
Series: Infernal Devices #2
Source and Format: Library; Hardcover

Summary (From Goodreads):
In the magical underworld of Victorian London, Tessa Gray has found safety with the Shadowhunters. But that safety proves fleeting when it becomes clear that the mysterious Magister will stop at nothing to use Tessa’s powers for his own dark ends.

With the help of the handsome, tortured Will and the devoted Jem, Tessa discovers that the Magister’s war on the Shadowhunters is deeply personal and fueled by revenge. To unravel the secrets of the past, the trio journeys from mist-shrouded Yorkshire to a manor house that holds untold horrors. When they encounter a clockwork demon bearing a warning for Will, they realize that the Magister knows their every move—and that one of their own has betrayed them.

Tessa is drawn more and more to Jem, though her longing for Will continues to unsettle her. But something is changing in Will. Could finding the Magister free Will from his secrets and give Tessa answers about who she really is? As their search leads to deadly peril, Tessa learns that secrets and lies can corrupt even the purest heart.

Thoughts on Clockwork Prince:

Something I think worth pointing out that I did not include in my review of Clockwork Angel is that while I really loved this series, these books are probably not for everyone. I think it's one of those series that you either love or hate. If reading about half-angels fighting demons in a Victorian London setting doesn't sound like your thing, you might want to take my gushing over these books with a grain of salt. ;)

With that said, I enjoyed this book even more than the first! Sometimes the middle book in a trilogy sort of falls flat and nothing really happens, but that is not the case with Clockwork Prince. There were plenty of adventures to be had and we find out a great deal about pretty much every character except Tessa. We still don't know exactly what she is and why she can do what she does. I expected a little more development on this front, but instead Clare focused on exploring the secondary characters and their stories, which still made for a compelling read.

On that note, one of the things I loved about these books is the different POVs. The story is told in third person omniscient - not just from Tessa's limited perspective - which allows us to see how the other characters develop relationships and deal with their own struggles. All of these interconnecting story lines played out just like a movie in my head!

If I had to point out one thing that bothers me about this series, it would be that some of the major conflicts were resolved a little too easily for me. I found myself thinking "That's it?!" quite a few times, but perhaps that was Cassandra Clare's purpose all along? Either way, I found myself disappointed with the resolution of a few plot lines in this one.

And don't worry, I am still sticking by my man Jem. Even though Will says some pretty amazing things to Tessa and the ending was one of the most heartbreaking things I have ever read -- drama drama drama! Without spoiling anything, I need to say this about the ending as well -- it definitely read like a season finale for a TV show. Cassandra Clare just hits you with one shocker after another. I'm glad I was able to go straight into reading Clockwork Princess so I didn't have to hang out with that cliffhanger of an ending for too long.

Basically I feel like I didn't say much of anything in this review, but if you do get one thing out of it, it's that you need to READ THIS SERIES NOW. Like yesterday. That's all. :)

Memorable Quotes:

"We live and breathe words...It was books that made me feel that perhaps I was not completely alone. They could be honest with me, and I with them. Reading your words, what you wrote, how you were lonely sometimes and afraid, but always brave; the way you saw the world, its colors and textures and sounds, I felt--I felt the way you thought, hoped, felt, dreamt. I felt I was dreaming and thinking and feeling with you. I dreamed what you dreamed, wanted what you wanted--and then I realized that truly I just wanted you."

"When two people are at one in their inmost hearts, they shatter even the strength of iron or bronze."

Disclosure: This review was originally published on my lifestyle blog on July 24, 2013.

Throwback Thursday: Ella Enchanted

Lesley Anne and I (Jenny) are life-long readers; that is, we have loved reading our whole lives. Sure, we played football at recess with the boys, but we also had at least 4 books checked out from our school library at all times. We thought it would be fun to showcase some of the books that solidified our love of literature. If you, too, started your love affair with books as soon as you learned to read, you will probably recognize a lot of these. If your love of reading was something acquired later in life, you might have missed these gems. These books are near and dear to our hearts in a special way; it is through them we first learned the hidden power of words and imagination. The beauty of these books is that they remain just as wonderful to re-read as an adult. Ahh, the power of nostalgia :)

Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine

Release Date: 1 January 1997

Pages: 240

Genre: Fantasy

Target Audience: Children, Middle Grades

Source and Format: Library; Softcover 

Summary (from Goodreads): 

At birth, Ella is inadvertently cursed by an imprudent young fairy named Lucinda, who bestows on her the "gift" of obedience. Anything anyone tells her to do, Ella must obey. Another girl might have been cowed by this affliction, but not feisty Ella: "Instead of making me docile, Lucinda's curse made a rebel of me. Or perhaps I was that way naturally." When her beloved mother dies, leaving her in the care of a mostly absent and avaricious father, and later, a loathsome stepmother and two treacherous stepsisters, Ella's life and well-being seem to be in grave peril. But her intelligence and saucy nature keep her in good stead as she sets out on a quest for freedom and self-discovery as she tries to track down Lucinda to undo the curse, fending off ogres, befriending elves, and falling in love with a prince along the way. Yes, there is a pumpkin coach, a glass slipper, and a happily ever after, but this is the most remarkable, delightful, and profound version of Cinderella you'll ever read.

Thoughts on Ella Enchanted:
I love Ella. She is spunky and true to herself. She does not try to conform to others' expectations. True to the Cinderella story, Ella is mistreated by her father, stepmother, and stepsisters. What I love (now that I'm old and can see these things more clearly) is how Ella fights her way through all of the challenges and obstacles life throws at her. She bears her burdens and does not complain (well, she only complains a little and only to her fairy godmother. That is what they are for, after all). She takes what life gives her and does not try to avoid living, even though her curse is really terrible. Instead of running away from her problems, she confronts them with a grit and determination that helps shape her into a very strong heroine. The best part? It is Elle herself who solves her problems. What a novel thought!

This book was my first taste of "love". The relationship between Prince Char and Ella is really, impossibly cute. You will be rooting for them more than any YA love triangle. (Did I mention I hate love triangles?). The way Gail Carson Levine works out what true love is will bring a tear to your eye, even if you would rather die than admit that.

Memorable Quote: 

“It is helpful to know the proper way to behave, so one can decide whether or not to be proper.” 

Yes, I am aware I am talking about a book for children/preteens. If you have not read it yourself, go do so. You will see I am 100% right and will probably thank me for introducing (or reintroducing) you to this wonderful young lady.  What about you? What books from your younger years did you absolutely fall in love with?

Lesley Anne: Top Ten New-to-Me Authors in 2013

When I first saw this week's Top Ten Tuesday topic, I thought I wouldn't have much of a list to share. But after I thought about it, I realized I read nine new-to-me authors this year! Not quite ten, I know, but considering the abysmal number of books I read last year, the fact that I read books from nine new authors in 2013 is a major win for me. 2013 has all around been an amazing reading year, but I'll discuss that more in our End of Year Book Survey. For now, let's talk about some fun and amazing authors!

Lesley Anne's Top Ten Nine New-to-Her Authors in 2013  

Veronica Roth - Whenever I hear stories like Veronica Roth's, I always wonder what I'm doing with my life. She's my age (25), she wrote Divergent while she was in college, and now is an internationally known author of three bestsellers, the first of which has been made into a movie. I mean, really?! What an inspiration. Plus, she is totally rocking that pixie cut right now. I just love her.

Richelle Mead - If I'm being honest, I didn't totally love Vampire Academy. I've only read the first two books in the series, but I hear they get better and better as the series goes on, so I definitely plan on finishing. Plus, I feel like I am missing out on all the Bloodlines fun!

Diana Peterfreund - YOU GUYS!!! I just love Diana Peterfreund! After reading glowing review after glowing review of For Darkness Shows the Stars (check out Jamie's and Hannah's reviews), I knew I had to experience this goodness for myself. And y'all...everyone was SO RIGHT. For Darkness Shows the Stars is one of my favorite reads of the year. Diana is also the reason I read my first ever Jane Austen novel (Persuasion), so I really have a lot to thank her for!

Cassandra Clare - Hello! Author of one of my new all-time favorite series! I gobbled up her Infernal Devices series this summer, and all I have to say is homegirl knows how to actually write a love triangle that works. I can't say the same for her Mortal Instruments series, but man did The Infernal Devices blow me away. If you haven't read this series yet, get your butt on the couch (or wherever you like to read) and meet Jem Carstairs and Will Herondale! You can thank me later.

Tahereh Mafi - I feel if I try to talk about my love for Tahereh Mafi's books, it will all just come out as one big fangirly blob of gibberish. Her Shatter Me series is amazing, plain and simple. This series is not for everyone, though, as her writing style tends to have a polarizing effect on people. Mafi has a talent for making you feel exhilarated, sympathetic, frustrated, and in love with her characters all at the same time, all the while leaving you begging for more. And speaking of more, the Fracture Me novella from Adam's perspective comes out today! WIN.

Markus Zuzak - So, The Book Thief. That is the only book I have read of Zuzak's, but I've heard good things about his other standalone novel, I Am The Messenger. I'm not sure if I will read any other works by Zuzak, just because it took me f-o-r-e-v-e-r to get into The Book Thief. As I've said before, it turned out to be such a beautiful read, but I might just leave my experience with Zuzak's novels at that.

Jennifer E. Smith - My first read of 2013 was Jennifer E. Smith's The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight, and it was a really cute read. It didn't change my life or anything, but if Smith's other novels are anything like Statistical Probability, then I know they are just the thing if I am ever in need of a pick-me-up. I'm just waiting for the day when they turn Statistical Probability into a movie -- the plot is straight out of a romantic comedy!

Jane Austen - Ok y'all, this is so difficult and embarrassing to admit. Up until this year, I had never read a Jane Austen novel from cover to cover. In high school, I was supposed to read Pride and Prejudice for one of my English classes, but my stupid high school self thought, why read the book when I've seen the BBC adaptation with Colin Firth so many times? I practically knew the story like the back of my hand. Oh, the logic of a teenager! But now my biggest sin as a reader has been remedied, and all is well with the world. My first Jane Austen novel was Persuasion, and I absolutely LOVED it. I mean, seriously, where has Captain Wentworth been all my life?!

C.S. Lewis - Likewise, I have been surrounded by the stories from C.S. Lewis' The Chronicles of Narnia my entire life, but I've never actually sat down and read them until now. I asked Jenny and Brenna if I should start with The Magician's Nephew or The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe to kick off my experience with Narnia, and they both agreed I should start with The Magician's Nephew. I ended up liking it more than I thought I would! I also want to read Lewis' other more mature works, like The Screwtape Letters and Till We Have Faces. His writing is so well done, but it's the kind you have to sit and chew on for a while, as opposed to soaking in all at once.

So, what new (to you) author discoveries did you make this year? Let's discuss!

Jenny: Top Ten New-to-Me Authors in 2013

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly feature hosted by The Broke and the Bookish. This week's topic is Top Ten New-to-You Authors in 2013. For this topic, we are going to split it into two posts - one with Jenny's picks and one with my picks. First up, Jenny!

Jenny's Top Ten New-to-Her Authors in 2013

1. Erin Morgenstern. Yes, she only has one book, but what a book! Beautiful, beautiful world building.

2. Veronica Roth. I really loved Divergent. I didn't really love Insurgent or Allegiant. Too much angst and one super weird plot development I just couldn't get behind.

3. Umberto Eco. This is for the intellectual. He is clever, profound, and subtle in a way few authors are able to be. His commentary on human nature is superb.

4. Neil Gaiman. I can't believe how I have gone this long without reading him! I have read The Graveyard Book and quickly went out and bought more on my kindle. Lovely, unforgettable characters.

5. Robin McKinley. I had been eyeing her books for awhile and found Sunshine in a used bookstore. I didn't enjoy it. It seemed like half a story. Neat premise, weird ending.

6. Julia Quinn. I don't read romance novels but I love the Regency period for some reason. Her books are cute but not my favorites.

7. Elizabeth Hunter. The first book in her Elemental Mysteries series was free on kindle. You should go check it out. A strong, quirky heroine who turns the hero down- what's not to love?

8. Taylor Longford. Her books are definitely unlike any I've read; they involve gargoyles. This series is cute and oddly endearing. Perfect for when you only have an hour or two to read.

9. Robin LaFevers. Assassin nuns. I don't think I need to say anything else.

10. Orson Scott Card. I am so glad they decided to make a movie out of Ender's Game so it came up on my radar. Ender is a compelling mix of man and child. This is now on my Read Every Year list.

Review: Clockwork Angel

Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare

Release Date: August 31, 2010
Pages: 478
Genre: Urban Fantasy; Paranormal
Target Audience: Young Adult
Series: The Infernal Devices #1
Source and Format: Library; Hardcover

Summary (From Goodreads)
When sixteen-year-old Tessa Gray crosses the ocean to find her brother, her destination is England, the time is the reign of Queen Victoria, and something terrifying is waiting for her in London's Downworld, where vampires, warlocks and other supernatural folk stalk the gaslit streets. Only the Shadowhunters, warriors dedicated to ridding the world of demons, keep order amidst the chaos.

Kidnapped by the mysterious Dark Sisters, members of a secret organization called The Pandemonium Club, Tessa soon learns that she herself is a Downworlder with a rare ability: the power to transform, at will, into another person. What’s more, the Magister, the shadowy figure who runs the Club, will stop at nothing to claim Tessa's power for his own.

Friendless and hunted, Tessa takes refuge with the Shadowhunters of the London Institute, who swear to find her brother if she will use her power to help them. She soon finds herself fascinated by—and torn between—two best friends: James, whose fragile beauty hides a deadly secret, and blue-eyed Will, whose caustic wit and volatile moods keep everyone in his life at arm's length . . . everyone, that is, but Tessa. As their search draws them deep into the heart of an arcane plot that threatens to destroy the Shadowhunters, Tessa realizes that she may need to choose between saving her brother and helping her new friends save the world. . . . and that love may be the most dangerous magic of all.

Thoughts on Clockwork Angel

HOLY CRAP, this book! I originally gave it 4 stars on Goodreads, but the more I thought about it, the more I thought it deserved a 5, so I went back and changed it. Yep, this one is a new favorite! I don’t know what it was about this book, maybe I was just in the perfect mood for this genre and it was a right place at the right time kind of thing, but I LOVED it!

Because I like being mean to myself, I started reading this the weekend before we closed on our house, which resulted in some major book guilt. I needed to spend my free time packing, and then once we moved, unpacking. But all I really wanted to do was READ THIS BOOK. I finally finished it 15 days later, but that certainly isn’t a reflection on my feelings for this novel. If I had been able to, I would have gobbled this thing up in one day!

I went into Clockwork Angel having not read The Mortal Instruments series, so one advantage of being late to the party is reading all of these books “in order” and not knowing what will eventually happen in the future. But before I get away from myself and gush all over the place with this review, here are the top three things I loved about Clockwork Angel:

The characters:
From the moment I met each of the characters in this book, I was fully engrossed in their story and wanted to know more about them. Even the servants had me intrigued! What happened in their past to make them the way they are today? What are their motivations? Cassandra Clare does an outstanding job of slowly peeling back the curtain to reveal important pieces to the puzzle, and how those pieces fit together. I just can't get enough of Will, Jem, and Tessa! My only complaint is that I wanted to know more. But this is the first novel in the series, so of course we can't know everything yet!

The world-building:
This book was kind of an instant win for me because it combined two of my favorite genres: historical fiction and fantasy. If historical fiction is not your jam, don't worry. There were times I often forgot this book was set in the 1800s because it was so character driven. Which leads to why I loved the world-building. Cassandra Clare has woven such an intricate and compelling world that I absolutely loved to get lost in, mainly because the Shadowhunter world relied on the identity of the characters. Downworlders, Shadowhunters, mundanes, parabatai--what the heck does all that mean?! You'll have to read to find out!

TWO swoonworthy boys:
Ok, ladies. Cassandra Clare has given us a dilemma here. First we have Jem, the fair-skinned but handsome gentleman who shows nothing but the utmost respect for Tessa. He is dealing with a mysterious illness, but maybe Tessa will be the one to find his cure? And then we have Will Herondale. Prepare yourself for some major swooning! He is dark, mysterious, and confuses the heck out of Tessa with the way he treats her. He gives off a bad boy vibe, but I'm thinking there is a tender side underneath that hard shell. He likes to talk books with Tessa, which hints that in fact there is a soft side to him. I am so torn between these two, but at the end of the day I think I am gonna have to go with Team Jem. That little stunt you-know-who pulls on the rooftop is just not gonna cut it! I am hoping there is a hidden reason behind that revealed sometime in the next two books. In the meantime, here's to hoping nice guy Jem doesn't finish last. :)

Memorable Quote

"Sometimes," Jem said, "our lives can change so fast that the change outpaces our minds and hearts. It's those times, I think, when our lives have altered but we still long for the time before everything was altered-- that is when we feel the greatest pain. I can tell you, though, from experience, you grow accustomed to it. You learn to live your new life, and you can't imagine, or even really remember, how things were before."

Disclosure: This review was originally published on my lifestyle blog on June 26, 2013. 

Mini Review: The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight

The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight by Jennifer E. Smith

Release Date: January 2, 2012
Pages: 236
Genre: Contemporary
Target Audience: Young Adult
Series: No
Source and Format: Bought; Nook eBook

Summary (From Goodreads)
Who would have guessed that four minutes could change everything?

Today should be one of the worst days of seventeen-year-old Hadley Sullivan's life. Having missed her flight, she's stuck at JFK airport and late to her father's second wedding, which is taking place in London and involves a soon-to-be stepmother Hadley's never even met. Then she meets the perfect boy in the airport's cramped waiting area. His name is Oliver, he's British, and he's sitting in her row.

A long night on the plane passes in the blink of an eye, and Hadley and Oliver lose track of each other in the airport chaos upon arrival. Can fate intervene to bring them together once more?

Quirks of timing play out in this romantic and cinematic novel about family connections, second chances, and first loves. Set over a twenty-four-hour-period, Hadley and Oliver's story will make you believe that true love finds you when you're least expecting it.

Thoughts on The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight
This book has so many fun things going for it -- an adorable cover, a quirky title, a meet-cute romance, and the perfect mixture of fluff and substance. It was a great choice as my first read for 2013, and at 236 pages, it was a quick read too. 

With the phrase "love at first sight" in the title, you'd think that insta-love would be all over this book, which is one of my biggest pet peeves with young adult novels (or any novel, really). But let me assure you, that is not the case with The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight. I am even a little bit of a believer in love at first sight myself, since the husband likes to say he knew I would be someone special when he first saw me. He ended up being right about that one, y'all! ;)

Another thing I particularly loved about this book was how Hadley's love for reading played into the story, especially in her relationship with her father. I really connected to this element of Hadley's character, and some of my favorite quotes from the book came from this aspect of the novel (one is included below).

This book wasn't anything groundbreaking, but if you find yourself facing a long flight coming up soon, or have a free afternoon to curl up with a short novel, this one might be the perfect light read for you. I'd recommend it!

Memorable Quotes

“It's not the changes that will break your heart; it's that tug of familiarity.”

“Even when she was old enough to read herself, they still tackled the classics together, moving from Anna Karenina to Pride and Prejudice to The Grapes of Wrath as if traveling across the globe itself, leaving holes in the bookshelves like missing teeth. And later, when it started to become clear that she cared more about soccer practice and phone privileges than Jane Austen or Walt Whitman, when the hour turned into a half hour and every night turned into every other, it no longer mattered. The stories had become a part of her by then; they stuck to her bones like a good meal, bloomed inside of her like a garden. They were as deep and meaningful as any other trait Dad had passed along to her: her blue eyes, her straw-colored hair, the sprinkling of freckles across her nose.”

Disclosure: This review was originally posted on my lifestyle blog on January 29, 2013. 

We'd Hibernate With These Books

This week's Top Ten Tuesday topic is all about our Winter reading lists. For me (Lesley Anne), Winter is one of my very favorite times to get some reading done! It's just the perfect season to stay cozied up inside with a good book and a warm cup of tea. And as you can see, I tend to crave me some fantasy reads during the colder months. But I do plan to make Jane Eyre a priority, which I know will make Jenny and Brenna really happy! ;) So without further ado, here are the Top Ten Books on our Winter TBRs.    

Top Ten Books on Lesley Anne's Winter TBR

1. A Game of Thrones by George R.R. Martin
2. Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte
3. Burial Rites by Hannah Kent
4. The Bone Season by Samantha Shannon
5. Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas

5. Crown of Midnight by Sarah J. Maas

6. Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo

8. Siege and Storm by Leigh Bardugo

9. Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis

10. Allegiant by Veronica Roth

Top Ten Books on Jenny's Winter TBR

1. The Chosen by Chaim Potok
2. Sula by Toni Morrison
3. Fledgling by Octavia Butler
4. The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie
5. The Woman Warrior by Maxine Hong Kingston
6. The Brief Wonderful Life of Oscar Wao by Junot Diaz
7. The Bone Season by Samantha Shannon
8. Me Before You by Jojo Moyes
9. The Two Towers by J.R.R. Tolkien
10. Return of the King by J.R.R. Tolkien

What books are you planning to read this Winter?

Gifts for Readers

Wondering what to get the reader in your life but they already own every book? Are you stumped as to what to tell your mom to get you for Christmas since she has explicitly stated she is tired of buying you books? Buzzfeed has the answer! I always love their book list. So creative. Here are a couple of lists for the book lovers (or yourself) in your life.

24 Insanely Clever Gifts - book accessories that you will be unsure how you've lived without

16 Fantastic Gifts for Lit Lovers - for the serious lit lover (I confess, I didn't understand all of these)

37 Ways to Proudly Wear Your Love of Books - you will want all of these

Happy shopping :)

If You Like...

One of my most favorite genres is that of the gothic novel. The heightened suspense, the way information is slowly revealed, the uncertainty of the veracity of said information, I love it all. It takes a talented writer to create the atmosphere needed to make a great gothic story. It has to be the perfect blend of creepiness and beauty, otherwise you start to slip into the genre of horror story or it becomes simply a caricature. Without further ado, here are some of my favorites to get you started.

1. Jane Eyre  by Charlotte Brönte. This is the classic gothic romance novel. It involves an orphaned girl, a handsome and surly single father, and a house with a secret. It can get a bit wordy in places and it has a slow start, but once the action moves to Mr. Rochester's house it starts getting good.

 Just a little taste: "I have for the first time found what I can truly love–I have found you. You are my sympathy–my better self–my good angel–I am bound to you with a strong attachment. I think you good, gifted, lovely: a fervent, a solemn passion is conceived in my heart; it leans to you, draws you to my centre and spring of life, wrap my existence about you–and, kindling in pure, powerful flame, fuses you and me in one.” 

2. Rebecca  by Daphne du Maurier. This book is deliciously creepy right from the get go. The book opens with our narrator and her husband far from home. We get a picture of them set in our mind, then Ms. du Maurier precedes to undo our preconceived notions. We find out that Rebecca was the husband's first wife (she is now deceased). Exactly who was Rebecca? Everyone has a different opinion and our protagonist must find the answer for herself, even as she fights to create her own identity and not to succumb to the ever-present memory of Rebecca. 

Just a little taste: “We can never go back again, that much is certain. The past is still close to us. The things we have tried to forget and put behind us would stir again, and that sense of fear, of furtive unrest, struggling at length to blind unreasoning panic - now mercifully stilled, thank God - might in some manner unforeseen become a living companion as it had before.” 


3. Nine Coaches Waiting by Mary Stewart. My favorite thing about this book is the characters. You simply do not know who to trust. The descriptions of the countryside, the house, and the characters are so vivid it is as if you are there, right beside the heroine. Few people can create an atmosphere the way Mary Stewart can. 

Just a little taste:  “I'm very much to blame for not seeing it before, but who on earth goes about suspecting an impossible outlandish thing like murder? That's something that happens in books, not among people you know.” 








4. The Distant Hours  by Kate Morton. Kate Morton is one of my favorite authors. I would read the phone book if she wrote it. Her writing style is so lyrical and unique. This books spans two generations and multiple relationships. The story focuses on three sisters and their relationships with each other, their lovers, and their father. One could almost say the sisters' house is a character all of its own. It has kept its secrets for a long time and is slow in giving them up. 

Just a little taste: "It was the sibling thing, I suppose. I was fascinated by the intricate tangle of love and duty and resentment that tied them together. The glances they exchanged; the complicated balance of power established over decades; the games I would never play with rules I would never fully understand. And perhaps that was key: they were such a natural group that they made me feel remarkably singular by comparison. To watch them together was to know strongly, painfully, all that I'd been missing.” 

Those are just a few of my favorites. What about y'all? Any you would add to the list?

Top Twelve Historical Fiction Releases in 2014

Today's Top Ten Tuesday is all about 2014 releases, which was an easy and hard topic all at the same time! Since I couldn't pick just ten -- especially ten out of all possible genres -- I went with my Top Twelve Historical Fiction Releases for 2014. Next to each title I list three reasons why I can't wait to read that particular book. 2014 is going to be a great year, y'all!

1. The Lost Sisterhood - Oxford University professor. The Amazons of Ancient Greece. Uncovering a secret family history.

2. A Mad, Wicked Folly - The gorgeous yellow dress on the cover (duh). A covert application to the Royal College of Art. Debutante balls and high society.

3. Fallen Beauty - The Jazz Age in Upstate New York. Costume design for poet Edna St. Vincent Millay. Female friendship.

4. Prisoner of Night and Fog - A girl who grew up under the care of Adolf Hitler. Falling for a young Jewish reporter. Solving the mystery of her father's death.

5. Revolutionary - The Revolutionary War. A woman disguised as a male soldier. Based on a true story.

6. The Mirk and Midnight Hour - Retelling of the Scottish "Battle of Tam Lin." Civil War Mississippi. Falling in love with the enemy.

7. Tsarina - Because I was obsessed with the movie Anastasia when I was little. The Romanov winter palace. A magical Faberge egg.

8. The Winner's Curse - Comparison to Kristin Cashore and Cassandra Clare in the synopsis. No love triangle. A mashup of historical fiction and fantasy.

9. The Crimson Ribbon - The cover! Set during the British Civil War. Based on the real historical figure of Elizabeth Poole.

10. The Daring Ladies of Lowell - The Lowell Mill girls. A romance with the mill owner's son. A murder and questions of loyalty.

11. Captured by Love - British invasion of Mackinac Island. Male POV. Because I love Christian historical fiction romance!

12. For Such a Time - 1944 Czechoslovakia. A false identity. Retelling of the biblical story of Esther.

What releases are you looking forward to in 2014? 

Mini Review: Madame Tussaud

Madame Tussaud: A Novel of the French Revolution by Michelle Moran

Release Date: February 15, 2011
Pages: 446
Genre: Historical Fiction
Target Audience: Adult
Series: No
Source and Format: Bought; Nook eBook

Summary (From Goodreads)
Smart and ambitious, Marie Tussaud has learned the secrets of wax sculpting by working alongside her uncle in their celebrated wax museum, the Salon de Cire. From her popular model of the American ambassador, Thomas Jefferson, to her tableau of the royal family at dinner, Marie’s museum provides Parisians with the very latest news on fashion, gossip, and even politics. Her customers hail from every walk of life, yet her greatest dream is to attract the attention of Marie Antoinette and Louis XVI; their stamp of approval on her work could catapult her and her museum to the fame and riches she desires. After months of anticipation, Marie learns that the royal family is willing to come and see their likenesses. When they finally arrive, the king’s sister is so impressed that she requests Marie’s presence at Versailles as a royal tutor in wax sculpting. It is a request Marie knows she cannot refuse—even if it means time away from her beloved Salon and her increasingly dear friend, Henri Charles.

Soon, there’s whispered talk of revolution. . . . Will Marie be able to hold on to both the love of her life and her friendship with the royal family as France approaches civil war? And more important, will she be able to fulfill the demands of powerful revolutionaries who ask that she make the death masks of beheaded aristocrats, some of whom she knows?

Spanning five years, from the budding revolution to the Reign of Terror, Madame Tussaud brings us into the world of an incredible heroine whose talent for wax modeling saved her life and preserved the faces of a vanished kingdom.

Thoughts on Madame Tussaud 
Let's cut to the chase--I LOVED this book! I was initially drawn to it because of the gorgeous cover, because let's face it, if I lived in France in the 1700s, I would be wearing that gorgeous yellow gown every.single.day.

What I really loved about this book was how much I learned about the French Revolution and what life was like for the people living through it without feeling like I was reading a history book. Marie was a fascinating character, and her connection with the royal family made my understanding of the Revolution from the aristocratic side so much more dynamic. I know this novel is historical fiction and not to be considered fact, but I've read many reviews praising Moran for her commitment to historical accuracy, and after reading just one of her novels, I would have to agree. I loved how she incorporated maps, epigraphs, and a glossary at the end to make for a well-rounded experience, but those things are hard to enjoy with an eBook (like in my case), so I would recommend getting this one in print if you are looking to add it to your shelves.

My only disappointment with the book is the timing of the ending, which I thought was rather abrupt. As I read through the epilogue, I would have liked to see more details of Marie's life in England in the actual novel. I would highly recommend this book if you like historical fiction or anything related to the French Revolution. I am excited to dive into another one of Moran's novels soon! 

Memorable Quote
“But we are all sorry when loss comes for us. The test of our character comes not in how many tears we shed, but in how we act after those tears have dried.”

Disclosure: This review was originally published on my lifestyle blog on December 17, 2012.