The Truth About Forever {by Sarah Dessen}

Title: The Truth About Forever

Author: Sarah Dessen

Genre: YA Contemporary

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Source: publisher



Expect the unexpected.
Macy's got her whole summer carefully planned.
But her plants didn't include a job at Wish Catering. And they certainly didn't include Wes.
But Macy soon discovers that the things you expect least are sometimes the things you need most.

There are no words for how much I love Sarah Dessen. I once explained that I couldn't rate my favorite book by her. Instead, I have tiers: most favorite, second most favorite, etc. Because there is no way I could pit one against the other. The Truth About Forever is a first tier book (next to This Lullaby and Along for the Ride, if you were wondering).

Back to The Truth About Forever. I love rereading Sarah Dessen books, because they never get old. Every time I read one, I feel the same way I did when I first read it. I see new things, find new appreciation for things I might have missed before, and just an overall feeling of love for her books. They're liking coming home after a trip, comfortable and familiar and amazing.

Dessen's books may be classified as romances, but one reason I love them is that they are so much more. They are real and honest and just so true. I think I've always loved this one because I relate to Macy a lot more than her other characters. I thankfully have not had to watch a parent die, but I just get her. One thing I noticed more this time, was the little nuances and details about the quirks of each character, that make them seem like real people.

Macy is obsessed with being perfect. Since her father's death, she fakes her way through being okay. She doesn't want to be a burden to her mother, but also because if she pretends to be okay, no one will ask questions. She has the perfect boyfriend, perfect job, perfect hair. Until she starts to crack. Then, she meets to people of Wish catering. Messy, dysfunctional, imperfect. And it starts to call her in.

Like I said, I related to Macy. She isn't perfect. None of the characters were, which makes them seem so real. But like I said, this book was more than just a romance. Macy has to learn to find herself, but also figure out how to feel like a family again. I love stories where family is a main focus, and this was one. Macy and her mom have gone so long pretending they're okay, that they've forgotten how to actually be okay. Until her sister Caroline comes in, forcing them to confront their grief.

And Wes. Let's talk about Wes. Sa-woooon. (You'll get that when you read the book). Sometimes you get those love interests that are hot, but seemingly perfect and I don't like those. Wes isn't perfect, and acknowledges that he's messed up. But he isn't ashamed to admit that his past got him where he is now. And honestly, Wes is just one of my favorite love interests in the history of ever.

This was a beautiful book, for more reasons than just romance. It's about life, and learning how to live, and the balance between perfect and imperfect. Although it's YA, and the characters may be teenagers, I think this is a story that is relatable for all ages, and all stages of life. If you're new to Sarah Dessen, this is a really, really great one to start with.

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A Darker Shade of Magic {by V.E. Schwab}

Title: A Darker Shade of Magic

Author: V.E. Schwab

Series: A Darker Shade of Magic, #1

Genre: Adult Fantasy

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Source: finished copy from publisher

 

Kell is one of the last Travelers—rare magicians who choose a parallel universe to visit.
Grey London is dirty, boring, lacks magic, ruled by mad King George. Red London is where life and magic are revered, and the Maresh Dynasty presides over a flourishing empire. White London is ruled by whoever has murdered their way to the throne. People fight to control magic, and the magic fights back, draining the city to its very bones. Once there was Black London - but no one speaks of that now.
Officially, Kell is the Red Traveler, personal ambassador and adopted Prince of Red London, carrying the monthly correspondences between royals of each London. Unofficially, Kell smuggles for those willing to pay for even a glimpse of a world they’ll never see. This dangerous hobby sets him up for accidental treason. Fleeing into Grey London, Kell runs afoul of Delilah Bard, a cut-purse with lofty aspirations. She robs him, saves him from a dangerous enemy, then forces him to another world for her 'proper adventure'.
But perilous magic is afoot, and treachery lurks at every turn. To save all of the worlds, Kell and Lila will first need to stay alive — trickier than they hoped.

 

There are no words. You know those books that you love so much, that there really aren't words to describe how much you love it? You just want to throw it at everyone you know. It's been a long time since I've read a book like that, but this was one of them. I was only halfway through when I ordered Vicious, as well as the UK edition of ADSOM. And I have never ordered the UK edition for a book before, much less for one I already owned. So that is seriously the highest praise. This was the first book I've read by Schwab (I can feel the glares) but it definitely won't be the last.

Kell is a Traveler, one of only two existing. He can travel between the parallel universes, between the Londons--Gray, Red, White. He legally is only allowed to bring letters from the monarchs between worlds, but illegally he smuggles items for people who want a taste of magic. Lila lives in Grey London, the one that is boring, plain, and magic-less. She is an aspiring pirate, although at the moment, she is just a, well, criminal. The two cross paths when Lila steals something quite dangerous from Kell, and their paths are tied from then on.

The world-building in this one was phenomenal. To create, in a sense, not only one London, but THREE. Each was done so well, in such detail, that distinguished each one from the other. The settings were described so detailed that I could see the palaces in my mind, the streets, the taverns. Each was unique, and I could tell how each one was different from the other, what made them stand out.

Some might say the story starts out slow, but Schwab needs time to build the world. Between the world-building, and the magic-building, you will be entranced by this crazy awesome world that Schwab has created. My biggest issue with fantasy novels is that I usually get confused, on what's going on, or how things work. But Schwab takes time to set up the magic and the systems of this world, and I wasn't confused at all.

Of course, we also have our characters. Kell is one of my favorite characters of all time now. He was a complex character. He's a prince, sort of, yet still has this urge to smuggle artifacts, even though he knows it's illegal and could get into serious trouble. I loved the interactions between him and Rhys, and the different sides of him that were shown. And I loved Lila. Strong, sassy, independent. Both of these characters fall into some gray areas, but I love how that was explored, and how that made way for some serious character development. I also loved how well-written the side characters were, especially Rhy. But even the side characters were written with such depth and precision, that you could really understand where they were coming from, or their purpose in the story.

Above all, this was just a really well-written book. I usually don't tab quotes in books, but there were so many I had to mark in this one, and more I'm sure I'll mark every time I reread it. If you haven't seen the hype for this one, or have seen it and it makes you wary, I'll just let you know that this book is worth every bit of it. I already want to reread it (and probably will when my UK copy gets here) and cannot wait for the sequel.

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A.D. 30 {by Ted Dekker}

Title: A.D. 30

Author: Ted Dekker

Genre: Christian fiction, historical fiction

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Received from publisher

A sweeping epic set in the harsh deserts of Arabia and ancient Palestine.
A war that rages between kingdoms on the earth and in the heart.
The harrowing journey of the woman at the center of it all.
Step back in time to the year of our Lord...A.D. 30.
The outcast daughter of one of the most powerful Bedouin sheikhs in Arabia, Maviah is called on to protect the very people who rejected her. When their enemies launch a sudden attack with devastating consequences, Maviah escapes with the help of two of her father's warriors--Saba who speaks more with is sword than his voice and Judah, a Jew who comes from a tribe that can read the stars. Their journey will be fraught with terrible danger. If they can survive the vast forbidding sands of a desert that is deadly to most, they will reach a brutal world subjugated by kings and emperors. There Maviah must secure an unlikely alliance with King Herod of the Jews.
But Maviah's path leads her unexpectedly to another man. An enigmatic teacher who speaks of a way in this life which offers greater power than any kingdom. His name is Yeshua, and his words turn everything known on its head. Though following him may present even greater danger, his may be the only way for Maviah to save her people--and herself.

Ahh more Ted Dekker! This book was vastly different from anything else Ted Dekker has written, so I was excited to see how it turned out. You guys know how much I love my Biblical fiction, so I couldn't wait to see how my favorite Christian fiction author did with it. And it was amazing.

The first thing that struck me was how well researched this was. To know the culture and customs of Maviah's Arabian tribe, as well as the Jews and the Romans, it's a lot to know. Yet it the differences between the different groups of people were so clear. I have always admired the amount of detail Dekker puts in his stories, making you really understand and feel what it's like. From the buildings to the people to the road, everything is described so well that you aren't confused. There was a lot of traveling in this book, but Dekker made sure that each place was different enough.

Maviah was an interesting character. She was born the illegitimate daughter of the sheikh, sold in slavery, and was sent back home with a illegitimate son. All things to bring even more shame in a time when just being born a woman is shameful. But through it all, she is strong. Sure, there are moments when she doesn't think so, but I admired her. She was born in a time when women were oppressed, and although she was outspoken and more vocal than other women, she also knew when to step back and act submissive. She was smart, and cunning, and made for an interesting character.

I will say, the other characters weren't too memorable. All the kings and queens seemed the same. Repeats of the same characters, almost. The politics that were involved did confuse me some, and I found myself skimming when it came to parts like that. Saba and Judah were more fleshed out, but I would have liked to see more from them. I will say, I like how he didn't try to "mortalize" Jesus. The words that He said were always direct quotes from the Scripture, which was interesting, but also kept Him true.

The book does focus quite a bit on Jesus's teachings and the Scriptures. Judah is a Jew who wants nothing more than to meet his Yeshua. Meviah is a Gentile, "unclean" by the Jewish standards. Yet, Jesus came for the Jews and the Gentiles, and this really illustrated the differences in how His teachings were perceived by the different groups. Dekker brings a lot to think about, and points out Scriptures in new ways that will make you think about them and how you are really applying them to your life.

This was a fascinating book. It was fast-paced and such an interesting story. But although fictional, it was also filled with eye-opening truths. It was a great read, one that I would definitely recommend.

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First World Problems {by Leigh Ann Kopans} & GIVEAWAY!

Title: First World Problems

Author: Leigh Ann Kopans

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Purchase: Amazon

Received from author

Sofia's had a really rough year - busted for cheating at prep school, dumped - dumped! - for the first time ever, and her new non-profit working stepmother is turning out to be an uppity bitch.
She deserves to treat herself. But when she throws herself a birthday party with 20 of her closest friends in Paris and (accidentally!) maxes out her dad's credit card in the process, he’s had enough of her attitude. As punishment, he switches her planned gap year touring Europe to one doing community service work with the evil stepmother’s relief organization in Guyana.
The rural village of Dabu needs help in every area from education to getting safe drinking water. But Sofia’s more concerned about her roommate Callum, the gardening expert, who calls Sofia "Princess" and scoffs at her distaste for sweaty, muddy, iguana-eating, outhouse-using life in Guyana.
Eventually, life on the equator, her work in the village, and especially Callum - with his brooding eyes and bewitching New Zealand accent - start to grow on Sofia. Life is rough in Guyana, but it’s roughest on the girls, whose families are too poor to send only the most promising boys in school. They’re trapped in a cycle that will keep them from ever making a better life for themselves, or for the village. Worse, Callum doesn’t seem to think any of the changes Sofia envisions are actually necessary.
Determined to change the girls’ futures, she comes up with a strategy to help them and, ultimately, the village. But what starts out as a plan to convince Callum and her father that she’s fallen in love with Guyana, turns into the realization that maybe she’s falling for Callum, too. And that by changing these girls’ lives, she might also be changing her own.

You guys know how much I loved Solving for Ex, so of course when I heard she was writing a companion about Sofia getting what was coming to her, I had to have it. And it did not disappoint.

This was interesting to begin with, because if you've read Solving for Ex, you already have an opinion of Sofia. And let's face it, it's not a pretty one. Which means its going to take a lot more for her to win you over, to prove that she's changed. I will say, I admire that Sofia knows what she is and doesn't try to hide it. She knows that she's manipulative, and she has perfected it down to an art form. She knows her father just throws money at her and her twin, Vincent, to "make up" for her mother dying, but she isn't above taking the money and making him pay for mentally checking out of their life. But when Sofia makes him pay a little too much, her dad takes notice and decide he's had enough. So, he cancels her year abroad in Paris and makes her go volunteer for her stepmother's company in third-world Guyana.

Sofia is very hard to like in the beginning, but she's supposed to be that way. She's used to being the queen everywhere she goes. She's used to her money and looks being able to get her everything she wants. But, now she no longer has her daddy's money, and for some reason, her usual flirtations aren't working on the only boy in this awful place, Callum. But Sofia knows how to play her cards right: play along enough for Callum to send good reports to her stepmother, and she can get out of this place early. But she never thought that she would fall for Callum and Guyana.

Seeing Sofia struggle in the beginning was, I admit, humorous. But I have to hand it to her, she did survive. Here she is, thrown into a place with no running water, no toilets, much less any of the luxuries she was used to. Heck, I don't know if I could do that well. But Sofia proved that she wasn't just a dumb cheerleader type persona (cue Taylor Swift...I got nothing in my brain...at least that's what people say....mmhmm). She decided that she was going to stick it out and prove to everyone that she wasn't just a "princess". And she did it.

And Callum.......I loved watching their relationship progress from not being able to stand each other to falling in love. It was definitely fun and entertaining to watch them banter back and forth, but also had its sweet moments. I loved that the relationship didn't progress too fast, but worked perfectly for the book, even adding to the plot instead of taking away from it like I so often see romances do sometimes in books.

I also really loved all the characters in this book, from the bus driver to the other housemates, to the little girls that Sofia falls in love with in the town. It's obvious that a lot of research went into writing this book, to write the town and the people and the problems they face so accurately.

But I think most of all, I loved seeing how much Sofia changed. From being the spoiled princess that she was, to actually seeing the townspeople and their troubles, to wanting to help them. It wasn't an unrealistic change that happened over night, but one that happened gradually, so that we could really see that she was genuine.

So yes. I looooved this book. I loved everything about it. And while I may never love it more than Solving for Ex, it was pretty darn close. Plus, I hear the finished version has pictures. I mean, you can't beat that.

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Leigh Ann Kopans:

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Leigh Ann has been kind enough to provide some Kindle copies to giveaway! This giveaway will go until Tuesday, September 9, and is INT as long as you can accept Kindle gifts. So, in order to win, leave a comment below telling me YOUR worst #FirstWorldProblem! 

As an optional second entry, follow @LeighAnnKopans on twitter and leave your twitter @username below so I can verify.

I'm also giving away a second copy on Twitter!

RT+Follow to win a Kindle copy of FIRST WORLD PROBLEMS by @LeighAnnKopans! Ends 9/5 10pm CST. (Another chance here: http://t.co/ueuXmt4N40)
— RachelMarie (@nerdherdreads) September 2, 2014

Solving for Ex {by Leigh Ann Kopans}

Title: Solving for Ex

Author: Leigh Ann Kopans
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | author website

1 crush on your best friend +

1 gorgeous, scheming new girl +

1 Mathletics competition =

1 big mess

SIMPLIFY.

Ashley Price doesn't have much in life after being bullied so hard she had to leave her old school to live with her aunt and uncle in Pittsburgh. But the camera she borrowed from her best friend and secret crush Brendan, and her off the charts math abilities, make things a lot more bearable. Plus, since Brendan is the captain, making the school Mathletes team should be easy. 

But when gorgeous new girl Sofia rolls in and steals Brendan, Ashley's place on the team, and her fragile foothold on the Mansfield Park Prep social totem pole, it’s on. Sofia is everything Ashley left her old school to escape. The only thing Ashley didn't count on is Sofia’s sexy twin brother Vincent.

Vincent is not only the hottest boy in school, he’s charming, sweet, and he’s got his eye on Ashley. He’s also not taking no for an answer. There's no real reason Ashley shouldn't like Vincent, but with the battle lines being drawn between her and Sofia, Ashley’s not sure which side he’s on. Or which side she wants him to be on.

She does know Sofia is trouble with a capital T, and she’s determined to make Brendan see it.

SOLVING FOR EX is a YA contemporary romance that remixes Mansfield Park as Clueless meets Mean Girls in a crazy mix of high school society, mathletic competition, and teenage romance.

If you haven't already seen me flailing about this book, well, I don't know where you've been. I absolutely love this book. I love main characters who are nerds, so that was all I needed to know that I had to read this book. And I was not disappointed. (I have not read Mansfield Park. Or, um, any Jane Austen novel. So if this mirrored that, which supposedly it does...then cool. I wouldn't know.) 

Ashley has moved in with her aunt and uncle after being bulled in her old school. Brendan has been there for her since she moved, and Ashley realizes she has fallen in love with him. She decides this is going to be her year, to tell Brendan how she feels, and get on the Mathletes team. Until Sofia, that is. 

I definitely loved the characters in this one. Ashley was a main character that you could relate to. We all know how terrible high school can be. Usually, I have issues with female main character's because they annoy the heck out of me. Of course, Ashley had her stupid moments, just like any other teenage girl. But for the most part, she was sensible and fun to read about. 

Brendan. Oh Brendan. I wanted to smack him upside the head a few times. He is definitely your cute, sweet, nerdy boy but he could be quite dense. Then again, so are all teenage boys. I can understand some of his feelings and the actions that went with them, since Ashley had never told him she liked him and he had no way to know (he's a guy after all). He with all his faults and stupid decisions, he is still probably one of my favorite swoony boys.

Sofia. There isn't much to say except that she was your perfect, stereotypical preppy girl. I can only say that, even being part of the nerd crowd in high school, there were never really any girls like this that I had to deal with. Or if there were, they left us alone. I can't say I hated her or anything, but she did have plenty of really unlikable moments.

Although there is a love triangle, it was done very well. Usually I hate them, but not this time. I think it's also more because Ashley herself was never sure with Vincent. Wasn't sure whether to like him, to trust him, or to be suspicious of him. I wasn't ever sure what to think of him myself. I just didn't trust him either. He was just way too good to be true, which was Ashley's problem as well.

I also loved the setting, how normal everyday school activities were shown. Most of the time, books just gloss over that, unless it's lunch or talking in the hallway etc. It wasn't in a mundane way, but instead showcasing how teens really do act. I suppose the book being centered around mathletes helped with that. I also loved how the interaction with Ashley's aunt and uncle, who were actually a part of her life and not absent parents. 

The writing was very well-done. The book kept me intrigued and interested all the way through. Even though what happens at the end is pretty predictable, it was still very well executed. I'm not really a romance person, but I absolutely loved this book, which is definitely saying something. The little math notes throughout the book were so cute and just added to the overall effect of the story. (And I could figure most of them out! yay!)

But even all of that isn't suffice to really tell you guys how much I love this book. I just really, really...do.

So...yeah. If you haven't already realized, I love this book. So, so much. And I think every one of you should read it too. (Hey, it would make a great Valentine's Day read.) I also can't wait for the companion novel about Sofia, First World Problems. Definitely sounds like it's going to be amazing too.

Check out Leigh Ann's dream cast!

I received an eARC from the author in exchange for my honest review. This does not affect my opinion in any way.

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Destination Unknown {by Amy Clipston}

Title: Destination Unknown

Author: Amy Clipston
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Purchase: Amazon / Barnes & Noble

It's senior year, and Whitney Richards is tired of the constant pressures to be perfect. When she gets a D in Calculus, her mother immediately hires a tutor, worried Whitney won't get into the 'right' college---her alma mater---with imperfect grades. Her tutor, Taylor, is a quiet, mysterious boy who is unlike anyone Whitney has met before. But Taylor's rougher upbringing has her mother and friends discouraging any type of relationship. Tired of having to play a part for everyone else, Whitney quits the cheerleading squad that once defined her social identity, and begins spending more time with Taylor. Her mom and friends worry Whitney is making a huge mistake, and even Taylor begins to show concern for some of her choices. But for the first time, Whitney is in the driver's seat of her life. Will she be able to find her identity---and God's plan for her life---before she throws everything away?

I loved this book. I will start out by saying that this book may not be for everyone. It is Christian fiction, but it isn't preachy, and I think that this is one that can be enjoyed by all people. I loved it (did I already say that?) but more on that later.

Whitney is a senior in high school. If that doesn't come with enough stress, her mother's pressures to be "perfect" are causing Whitney to crack. She doesn't even know who she is, but it's about time she figured it out. Then she meets Taylor, a loner, and starts to rethink some of her life choices.

I think one of the reasons I loved this book so much was because I could relate to it so much. Me personally, more than most, because I went through some of these exact same things. What Whitney was experiencing, I knew for a fact how it felt, and Clipston relayed the feelings so realistically and perfectly. I can't say I went through everything Whitney did (I never hid a boyfriend from my mom, if you were starting to question me), but as a recent high school grad, I knew that Whitney and her struggles were portrayed very realistically.

I realize that some people might not like Whitney, or the story, as much because of how much Whitney lies and deceives her mother. I'm not saying I agree with that either, but Whitney's struggles and internal turmoil were very clear and realistic. Teenagers make mistakes. It's a fact of life. But this highlighted how much Whitney matures by the end of the book, and how she realizes her mistakes and the consequences of them.

Although, I will say, I wouldn't even know how to deal with a mom as crazy as Whitney's. I mean, even telling her what color her hair should be? That is just extreme. Her nonacceptance and judgmental attitude of Taylor and his family made me want to slap her. And wonder what in the world she was doing in a church. (Which, I realize, it judgmental of me. Sorry.) .

Speaking of Taylor...man, I wish there had been guys like that in my high school. Sure, he was your stereotypical "loner who rode a motorcycle but had a heart of gold" which is way overdone, but do we fall for it every time? Um YES. Just the way he cared for him mom and sis was so sweet. There is no way this kid will not win over your heart.

I also loved the appearances from characters from the companion novel, Roadside Assistance, like Emily and Zander. All in all, I think this is a great book that (hopefully!) you will love. 

Companion Novel:

Roadside Assistance

*This novel is Christian fiction

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I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for my honest review. This does not affect my opinion in any way.

Amy Clipston:

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Cruel Beauty {by Rosamund Hodge}

Title: Cruel Beauty

Author: Rosamund Hodge
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Purchase: Amazon / Barnes & Noble

Based on the classic fairy tale Beauty and the Beast, Cruel Beauty is a dazzling love story about our deepest desires and their power to change our destiny.

Since birth, Nyx has been betrothed to the evil ruler of her kingdom-all because of a foolish bargain struck by her father. And since birth, she has been in training to kill him.

With no choice but to fulfill her duty, Nyx resents her family for never trying to save her and hates herself for wanting to escape her fate. Still, on her seventeenth birthday, Nyx abandons everything she's ever known to marry the all-powerful, immortal Ignifex. Her plan? Seduce him, destroy his enchanted castle, and break the nine-hundred-year-old curse he put on her people.

But Ignifex is not at all what Nyx expected. The strangely charming lord beguiles her, and his castle-a shifting maze of magical rooms-enthralls her.

As Nyx searches for a way to free her homeland by uncovering Ignifex's secrets, she finds herself unwillingly drawn to him. Even if she could bring herself to love her sworn enemy, how can she refuse her duty to kill him? With time running out, Nyx must decide what is more important: the future of her kingdom, or the man she was never supposed to love.

I loved this book. It was a beautiful, imaginative, different, gorgeous retelling. Of course, having my two favorite things (Greek mythology and fairy tale retelling), I was probably destined to love it. Add in that gorgeous cover, and I was sold.

First off, I will say that this book may not be for everyone. I know many people who love it as much as I do, some who were torn, and some who don't like it. (Guess which category I fall into.) If you are going to read this book, you must go into it with an open mind. I think the problem is, people see that this is a Beauty and the Beast retelling, and they go into it thinking Belle. You can't do that. Belle is kind, caring, compassionate, loving, and sweet. Nyx is not. I mean, just think about the fact that her name is Nyx (and what it means), and realize that she is the exact opposite of Belle. If you can get past that, you'll be fine.

I am a huge sucker for Greek mythology in anything. This story was full of it, and that's what made me love it from the start. (Actually, the beginning of this reminded me less of Beauty and the Beast and more of Cupid and Psyche. Or am the only one here nerdy enough to get that?) I will say that the beginning might be a little slow, because of all the world-building. But every name, reference, or anecdote that was mythology-inspired just made me happy. (I have a problem. And I'm perfectly okay with it.)

Nyx is...different. She isn't your normal heroine (and definitely nothing like Belle). She resents her family, but she hates herself for it. She wonders if maybe she has a little bit of evil inside her too. She knows she is imperfect, flawed. In fact, she doesn't even think she's that good of a person. And that's completely different. I realize that this is where some people had problems with her, but I didn't.

All the characters were written beautifully. Each had their developments, their own personality. I loved Ignifex, and the relationship he and Nyx have. It's rocky in the beginning, and I realize the build-up didn't make complete sense (as in, there wasn't really much of it), but I did like it. The love triangle, if that's what it can be called, was well-done. It didn't make me want to hurl the book or hit the characters over the head. It was resolved in a way that worked beautifully for the story and the characters. 

The writing was just beautiful. It was flowed perfectly with the story. I loved how she made the house come to life, the magical elements, and the mythology seamlessly ingrained into the story. It was just really amazing, especially for a debut author and I can't wait to read more from her.

I will say, the ending had me...well, like this.

Because everyone needs some J-Law in their life.

I was kind of confused at the last part. Nyx suddenly finds out everything out and understands all the things, except we don't really go with her. It climaxes and ends pretty quickly, and I was confused as to what was happening. But that would be the only criticism I have for this book.

So would I recommend this story? Absolutely. It is such a beautifully written, different retelling. In fact, I know that's what it claims, but it was so unique that it almost doesn't seem like it was a retelling. I loved it. Hopefully you do as well.

I received an ARC as a gift from another blogger, because she's awesome.

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Rosamund Hodge:

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Jesus > Religion {by Jefferson Bethke}

Title: Jesus > Religion: Why He Is So Much Better Than Trying Harder, Doing More, and Being Good Enough

Author: Jefferson Bethke

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Purchase: Amazon; Barnes & Noble

Abandon dead, dry, rule-keeping and embrace the promise of being truly known and deeply loved.
Jefferson Bethke burst into the cultural conversation in 2012 with a passionate, provocative poem titled "Why I Hate Religion, But Love Jesus." The 4-minute video literally became an overnight sensation, with 7 million YouTube views in its first 48 hours (and 23+ million in a year). The message blew up on social-media, triggering an avalanche of responses running the gamut from encouraged to enraged.
In "Jesus > Religion," Bethke unpacks similar contrasts that he drew in the poem--highlighting the difference between teeth gritting and grace, law and love, performance and peace, despair and hope. With refreshing candor he delves into the motivation behind his message, beginning with the unvarnished tale of his own plunge from the pinnacle of a works-based, fake-smile existence that sapped his strength and led him down a path of destructive behavior.Bethke is quick to acknowledge that he's not a pastor or theologian, but simply a regular, twenty-something who cried out for a life greater than the one for which he had settled. Along his journey, Bethke discovered the "real" Jesus, who beckoned him beyond the props of false religion.

First off, if you haven't seen Bethke's "Why I hate Religion, but Love Jesus" video, you need to.

I know this isn't the type of thing I usually review. In fact, it isn't even the type of thing that I read. However, I was hooked. I couldn't stop reading. At least, when I had to, I didn't want to. 

Bethke talks about subjects that are tricky, maybe even controversial. But he does so in a way that can relate to teens and adults, but also in a way that is humorous. He isn't poking fun at anything, but he keeps you entertained so that you continue reading.

Bethke basically walks us through his walk with faith and God, expanding and using those issues to further his points. Because of that, this book had many little anecdotes, some hard and embarrassing for him to share, I'm sure. He does so with an open vulnerability, but also with his characteristic humor. Such as:

Hey, nothing wrong with books

Bethke digs deep into the Bible, supporting what he says with Scriptural evidence. He doesn't claim to be a pastor or theologian, and he's not ashamed to admit when he doesn't know something.

Drawing from personal experiences, especially as a teenager, Bethke tries to make this understandable for young adults and teens. He shows them that he relates to them, he understands them, that he went to the same thing. He encourages and uplifts, by just being someone who's there instead of someone who has all the answers.

After all, I'm pretty sure Jefferson Bethke is the only one who can get away with comparing the Bible to Jersey Shore. That's right. Jersey Shore.

Bethke also brings up points that are tough, but he doesn't do so in a self-righteous way, as someone who knows all the answers. Instead, as someone who is just asking the questions, like the readers. 

And can I just say, I am so glad someone finally brought up this point, because I have been wondering myself for a while now.

THANK YOU

Some of the things Bethke says might be controversial (maybe to the older generation) but I feel like they need to be said, and I'm glad he did. Jesus > Religion is such an eye-opener. It will really make you think in a way you hadn't before, and quite honestly, in a way you may not want to. 

I'm not sure what else that I could say that could adequately explain how I feel about this book. Like I said, I was hooked, and I hate reading this kind of stuff. I feel that every Christian should read this book, no matter where you are in your walk of faith. If you've ever had doubts or questions, this is the book to start with. If you're not a Christian, because you've been turned off by other Christians you've met, first off: I'm sorry. Second, you should read this book. 

And so I'll leave you with this.

Thank you to Thomas Nelson for the eARC in exchange for my honest review.
Page citations will be added after I get my hands on a physical copy. Sorry about that!
This review can also be found on   

Jefferson Bethke:

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45 Pounds (More or Less) {by K.A. Barson}

Title: 45 Pounds (More or Less)

Author: K.A. Barson

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Purchase: Amazon; Barnes & Noble

Here are the numbers of Ann Galardi’s life:
She is 16.And a size 17.Her perfect mother is a size 6.Her Aunt Jackie is getting married in 10 weeks, and wants Ann to be her bridesmaid.So Ann makes up her mind: Time to lose 45 pounds (more or less) in 2 1/2 months.
Welcome to the world of infomercial diet plans, wedding dance lessons, embarrassing run-ins with the cutest guy Ann’s ever seen—-and some surprises about her NOT-so-perfect mother. 
And there’s one more thing. It’s all about feeling comfortable in your own skin-—no matter how you add it up!

I loved this book. It was so fun and cute. It's a quick, light read. If you're not sure what to read next, or in a bit of a slump, I would definitely recommend this book. 

Ann is, well, fat. And she knows it. Thanks to her mother, who is obsessed with weight. Ann feels hopeless, alone, and insecure, which causes her to never lose the weight, no matter how many diets she goes on. But when her Aunt Jackie announces she's getting married, and wants her to be her bridesmaid, Ann decides it's now or never. And this begins her hilarious journey.

The book begins with a scene where Ann gets stuck in a dress in the changing room, which sets the stage for the rest of the book. Barson does such a good job of actually getting inside Ann's head. Her emotions are so real, and so accurate. She did a perfect job of relating the struggles of a fat girl who thinks she can't lose weight.

This book also spans a myriad of emotions. It's hilarious, sad, funny, and serious. We laugh when Ann gets stuck in the dressing room, we cheer her on when she finally goes for a run, we sympathize when she feels worthless and insecure, and we're sad when she emotional binge eats.

I also loved the different relationships shown throughout the book. Ann lives with her mother, stepfather, and twin half-siblings, who are four. Often, she feels like an outsider. Her father, who is remarried with two stepchildren, has mostly abandoned her. And her brother, the only one who understands, went of to college and abandoned her as well. This book could have easily been about her childhood problems that led to her being fat, blaming her parents and her circumstances. But it didn't. Sure, those are the issues in her life. But the book was about Ann overcoming. I also loved the dynamic of extended family, and how important family is, no matter how messed up they may be.

Ann isn't a perfect character. She may not even be the most likable character. She's whiny, she procrastinates to the point of frustration, she self-loathes, and makes excuses. But she isn't a hateable character either. She is perfectly flawed for her age, and what she is going through. She is hilarious, fun, and sweet.

Ann and her mother have such a rocky relationship. Her mother is skinny, hardly eats, and nags Ann for eating too much or not exercising. This makes Ann feel like her mother is against her, when in reality, it's the only way Ann's mother knows how to act. Ann's mother may be too much in Ann's face when she doesn't want her to be, but she also is there when Ann needs her to be. I think all girls go through a stage like this with their moms at around this age, and so young girls will be able to relate.

Her budding relationship with Jon is, in one word, adorable. It isn't love-at-first-sight. He isn't so amazingly hot. He's Jon. He's awkward, shy, and kind of dorky. She's awkward, shy, and kind of insecure. ("I like cheese", anyone?) But they are definitely so cute together. They had be smiling to myself on more than one occasion. 

But one of the things I loved best about this book, is that in the end, Ann realizes it's not about weight, it's about health. And that is such an important message that I think all teen/pre-teen girls need to know. It takes Ann and her mother realizing how they are already harming Libby (who's four!) to start working on overcoming their issues with weight.

This was such a sweet, fun book. Although light, it also deals with serious issues. I would recommend this book to anyone, and since it's pretty small, comparatively, it won't take much to read it :)

K.A. Barson

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Tiger Lily {by Jodi Lynn Anderson}

Title: Tiger Lily

Author: Jodi Lynn Anderson

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Purchase: Amazon |  Barnes & Noble

Tinkerbell narrates the magical, bittersweet love story between Tiger Lily and Peter Pan. Tiger Lily has never been truly accepted by her tribe, and now the elders have decreed marriage to a man she doesn’t love. She spends more and more time alone in the woods, where she meets wild, fearless Peter Pan, leader of the Lost Boys.
Tiger Lily is intoxicated by the freedom she feels with Peter, and falls under his spell. Their love is all-consuming, and she risks everything to be with him.
Then Wendy Darling arrives in Neverland.

Wow. Guys, this story. I was not expecting this. It was captivating and sucked me in from the very beginning. It was such an emotional ride, and I loved every minute of it. I love how Jodi Lynn Anderson took our view of Neverland, of Peter Pan and Tiger Lily and Wendy and Tinkerbell, and completely changed it. Made us doubt everything we ever knew. 

(Little side note here...I have never seen Peter Pan. Not the Disney version, not a movie version even though we own the one with Jeremy Sumpter, not a play version, nor the real story version. Now, I do feel that I have at least seen the beginning of the Disney version, perhaps multiple times, but I never get very far in my recollections. Definitely never get to Tiger Lily. In fact, I had no idea she existed until maybe about a year ago, when I discovered DisneyBound and had no idea who she was. So I went into this story completely ignorant and unbiased.)

First off, I love that the story was narrated by Tinkerbell. Obviously, since she doesn't talk in the movies, we don't get much from her point of view. So I think that it's awesome that she gets to get a word in, but also since she's a fairy and can flit away and eavesdrop on things, we get a wider scope of view on what is happening. She is often portrayed as the petty little fairy, and here we see that she is so much more than that.

I also loved the characters and their portrayals. They were so different from how they are usually portrayed (unless I'm missing something because I've never actually watched it).

Tiger Lily: She was strong, independent, and didn't need anyone or anything. But she also had a soft heart, with the way she cared for her father. And as much as she didn't admit it, she also had a certain vulnerability. One that we see when everything starts to go wrong.
Peter Pan: I think Peter was actually still like the Peter we know, albeit maybe a little older. He falls for Tiger Lily because she is just as strong, independent, and invincible as he is. But soon he begins to realize that isn't enough. Peter has taken care of the boys for as long as he can remember, and we see a vulnerability also in him in the way that he's scared. He just wants to be the macho manly caretaker, and wants someone who can simply affirm that.
The Lost Boys: The Lost Boys were so cute. They added a fun and cute dimension to a book that would have otherwise been too serious. 
Pine Sap: Can I just say, I loved Pine Sap. Seriously, he was so sweet. Even when it was obvious to everyone but her that he loved Tiger Lily, and she went off to be with Peter, he just stuck by her. Even after her lying to him, and hurting him, he was still there for her even when Peter wasn't. Even if it wasn't ideal, I love the way this book ended for him.
Wendy: Anyone who loves Wendy will not like this representation of her. I can't really say that it's her fault, but still. Since the book is about Tiger Lily and Peter Pan, she wasn't in it until the end. Obviously, she plays her part in the story line, but other than that there isn't much to say about her. Except that Tiger Lily/Peter Pan shippers will hate her ;)
Reginald Smee: This character representation surprised me most, so I had to include him separately. Smee isn't your cowardly, wavering first mate in this book. Slightly creepy. Although Hook has instructed him only to kill Peter Pan and to not touch Tiger Lily, his strange fascination with her makes him obsessed with wanting to kill her too.
"Reginald didn't kill because he had no heart. He killed to make himself cry, and he only killed people he admired." -page 58
Hook: Hook is your typical Hook. Cowardly, drunk, miffed at Peter and bent on killing him and his lost boys. The origin is actually that Hook and Smee used to kidnap young boys to kill them, and Peter actually rescued quite a number of them. Hook would go around asking Neverlanders if they had seen his "lost boys" and the name stuck. Also, the story of how he got a hook for a hand is quite mundane and embarrassing :)

Tiger Lily was found abandoned as an infant by the Shaman of the Sky Eaters, and adopted by him. Much to the chagrin of the other villagers, he lets her run pretty free and wild. She saves an Englander that washed up on shore after the villagers elected to just let him die, and that is the last straw. They arrange her marriage to an oaf, and she starts slipping away to spend more and more time in the woods. It is here that she meets the fabled Peter Pan and the Lost Boys, and starts spending time with them. Drawn to Peter, who is very much like her, the two begin to fall in love. Things getting worse in the village, with her marriage looming and an Englander who has turned the villagers to his ways and against the Shaman, and Tiger Lily is left trying to find a way to be with Peter.

But also on the island, as Tinkerbell can tell us, are the pirates. Hook and Smee and the rest. Hook is plotting Peter's death, and Smee has an agenda of his own with Tiger Lily. But with the two lovebirds only focused on each other, will they not notice before it's too late? And then, Wendy Darling arrives in Neverland.

This story was very captivating and emotional. When everything was taken away from Tiger Lily, she lost herself. But she also finds herself again, and I'm glad. The majority of this book isn't too emotional. You don't even realize you have become invested with the characters until--wham, everything comes at the end.

Yes, this book is sad. The ending is probably not "ideal" (especially for Tiger Lily/Peter Pan shippers) but it actually is perfect for the story. But it's not a depressing book. It's filled with hope, love, sadness, a bit of grief, laughs, and a new view on life. I loved it, and I would absolutely recommend it to anyone.

Jodi Lynn Anderson:

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