Library Loot #43

Library Loot is a weekly event co-hosted by Claire from The Captive Reader and Linda from Silly Little Mischief that encourages bloggers to share the books they’ve checked out from the library.

** Even though I am still gathering more books from the library rather than reading them, I just can't help myself.

My Library Loot

1. Not only does this sound good, but I think it would be a good choice for a book talk for work.

2. I loved this author's first book and I can't wait to read this one!

3. Do you see that cover? Have you read the synopsis? 

4. I'm always down with a Sherlock story.

TTT #58: Ten Books On My Spring TBR List

Hosted by The Broke and the Bookish

Even though I rarely stick to it, I love making a TBR list for each season. I always tend to read certain books depending on the time of year. This time around I had a hard time coming up with my list. I feel like I am in this weird reading mood lately and that may be why. Who knows. All that matters is that I still had fun making this list and I look forward to reading these books! Share your spring picks in the comments below!

Sequels on My Spring TBR List

All New Books on My Spring TBR List

Review: Stars Above by Marissa Meyer

Stars Above (The Lunar Chronicles) by Marissa Meyer (Feb. 2, 2016)
369 pages
Genre: Young Adult Fantasy
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends
Source: I bought it!
Purchase: Barnes & Noble | The Book Depository | Amazon
My Rating:

Goodreads Summary: The enchantment continues....

The universe of the Lunar Chronicles holds stories—and secrets—that are wondrous, vicious, and romantic. How did Cinder first arrive in New Beijing? How did the brooding soldier Wolf transform from young man to killer? When did Princess Winter and the palace guard Jacin realize their destinies?

With nine stories—five of which have never before been published—and an exclusive never-before-seen excerpt from Marissa Meyer’s upcoming novel, Heartless, about the Queen of Hearts from Alice in Wonderland, Stars Above is essential for fans of the bestselling and beloved Lunar Chronicles.

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My Review

The Keeper: This was the perfect story to kick-start this collection. I loved getting to read more about Scarlet's grandmother and Scarlet's life when she was younger. I also really enjoyed getting to read about this story first hand, the story where Cinder first makes her appearance on earth. I can't wait to read the next story. I already have so many feels!

Glitches: I don't think there is going to be a single story I won't enjoy in this collection. This story really sets up Cinder's life with her stepmother. I am glad I got to see a little bit into her past. Plus, spending more time with Peony was beautiful and heartbreaking. What a lovely girl.

The Queen's Army: This story wasn't as strong as the other two. The events that took place were nothing surprising, and I think that is why I didn't enjoy it as much. It did give me more respect for Wolf, but that is about it. I did like the story, but I am not sure it brought anything new to The Lunar Chronicles like the other ones have so far.

Carswell's Guide to Being Lucky: I can never get enough page time with Thorne. He was just as cocky and adorable when he was 13. This was a sweet story that highlighted a little bit of how Thorne grew up. I enjoyed getting to meet his parents. If only all the short stories were about Thorne's entire life, then I would be even more happy. ;) He is too charming for his own good.

After Sunshine Passes By: This story features Cress, who just so happens to be as cute and lovable as ever. We get a short glimpse of her life as a shell before she was stationed in the Satellite. My heart goes out to her. I liked this one a lot.

The Princess and the Guard: Honestly, Winter is the best. She is cute, captivating, and broken, yet stronger than anyone. Seeing Jacin and her together always makes me smile. This may be my favorite short story to date. I loved getting to see these two friends when they were younger. I really enjoyed getting to know them both a little better.

The Little Android: I am not sure how to put my feelings into words for this one. It was really good, and nothing like what I was expecting. This story isn't about any of the main characters from the series but a whole new one. It was interesting.

The Mechanic: I totally forgot there was going to be a short story where Cinder and Kai meet for the first time but is written from Kai's point of view! I do adore him so. This story just made me want to go back and read the whole series all over again!

Something Old, Something New: Sweet. Beautiful. Enchanting. Charming. Hilarious. I WANT MORE! I am forever thankful that Marissa Meyer gave us this little epilogue wedding story, but it still didn't fully fill my cravings for these characters. However, it really was a magical ending to a long and hard and wonderful series. I will miss these characters. Luckily I can always read the series again.

In the end... you are going to want to add this book to your collection! Don't miss out on these wonderful short stories. Who wouldn't want more time with these memorable characters? Read it. Read it now!

Review: Walk on Earth a Stranger by Rae Carson

Walk on Earth a Stranger (#1) by Rae Carson (Sept. 2015)
432 pages
Genre: YA Historical Fiction/Fantasy
Publisher: Greenwillow Books
Source: The library.
Purchase: Barnes & Noble | Amazon | The Book Depository
My Rating:

Goodreads Summary: Gold is in my blood, in my breath, even in the flecks in my eyes.

Lee Westfall has a strong, loving family. She has a home she loves and a loyal steed. She has a best friend—who might want to be something more.

She also has a secret.

Lee can sense gold in the world around her. Veins deep in the earth. Small nuggets in a stream. Even gold dust caught underneath a fingernail. She has kept her family safe and able to buy provisions, even through the harshest winters. But what would someone do to control a girl with that kind of power? A person might murder for it.

When everything Lee holds dear is ripped away, she flees west to California—where gold has just been discovered. Perhaps this will be the one place a magical girl can be herself. If she survives the journey.

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My Review

It's time for a goodreads reading update style review! I only do these types of reviews when I start reading a book and just know sharing my reading updates with you will be the best review I can give you. Walk on Earth a Stranger turned out to be a pretty darn good book. Here are my reading updates from goodreads and my final thoughts on this book.

My Final Thoughts: I really did enjoy reading Walk on Earth a Stranger. I liked that it had some good surprises even when the action slowed down for a little bit in the middle. I loved Lee and all of the interesting and sometimes crazy characters she met on her journey. I do want to warn you that this story doesn't have a lot of romance just in case that is what you were looking for. Side Note: Reading this book really did bring back vivid memories of me playing Oregon Trail on the computer when I was younger, which I also love. There was really only one thing that really disappointed me, the lack of the fantasy elements the synopsis promises. I was thinking there would be a lot more times when Lee would be using her gold sensing abilities, but it just didn't happen all that often. However, I do think that will come more into play in the next book, which I do plan to read. Should you read Walk on Earth a Stranger? I think giving this book a whirl would be worth your time. 

I Binged Fuller House - My Recap of the First Episode

Full House was MY show when I was growing up. I was obsessed, and my obsession didn't stop when it was over. It was just so much fun, and as a kid it was my jam. Now I am all grown-up along with the cast and I have been both excited about and dreading this reboot. Now it is finally time to see if Fuller House lives up to the hype. Here is my moment by moment thoughts and feelings of the very first episode. (SPOILERS AHEAD!)

1. Old school opening credits! So many memories. Love this.
2. The house!
3. All three men are in the house! <3
4. I missed these people. They all aged well. Becky is adorable! (Becky and Jessi together make me smile.)
5. Steph looks a little weird, but I think it's just weird seeing them all grown up now.
6. That was a pretty funny dig at why Michelle isn't on the show.
7. So its a little funny so far, but definitely still in the 90's mode. I think that is on purpose though.
8. Look how big the twins are! Whoa. They are also kind of lame.
9. I do like how they keep slyly (but not so slyly) commenting that this is a reunion show.
10. Why does Steph have a British accent again?
11. It's getting a little more funny. I am really starting to dig this.
12. I always enjoyed the scenes centered around the dining table. This one was almost just as good. Almost.
13. The new opening was also very adorable and fun.
14. I just love seeing this house again. Have I mentioned that enough yet?
15. I see what they are doing... each girl represents the original three main guys. Duh.
16. Too cute scene from the past. I love it.
17. Mr. Woodchuck even makes an appearance. Is this too much for the first episode? Eh.
18. Will non-Full House fans enjoy this show nearly as much as us that grew up watching it? I am thinking perhaps not, but you never know!
19. Kimmy is still as cute and as annoying as ever.
20. One of my favorite appearances... Steve. I wonder where this is going to go.... hahaha It's so hard to guess...
21. I think my overall favorite is going to be DJ.
22. I can't get over how good Becky looks! I also love her character.
23. The Rippers are even here. They really did pull out all the stops for this first episode.
24. It's hard to care about the kids and not just the adults since they are new.
25. Max is pretty cute though.
26. I love the DJ and Steve interactions.
27. Why are they still not offering to stay and help DJ? Get to it!
28. Even Comet's legacy lives on.
29. This Max kid really is growing on me.
30. And "Cut it Out" has its moment of fame...
31. hahahahahhahaha
32. Man, this show now has me tearing up! Darn it.
33. I think these three girls together are going to make a fun show. It's time to pass the torch.
34. I really am enjoying this episode.
35. Cute. Very cute.
36. This was a very fun first episode giving the old show a nice homage.
37. Since the puppy woke me up and I have the day off I might as well keep watching....

FINAL VERDICT:  I binged watch the whole show on Friday when it came out! (It is only 13 episodes.) I had the day off and me and the puppy decided to sit back, relax, and enjoy the show. Fuller House may not be winning any awards, but it was very entertaining. I loved all the old catch phrases being brought back, I loved the character dynamics, and I loved that it was an adorable family show with both adult and kid jokes mixed in. I think Full House fans will not be disappointed. I just love how corny this show was and is.

Library Loot #42

Library Loot is a weekly event co-hosted by Claire from The Captive Reader and Linda from Silly Little Mischief that encourages bloggers to share the books they’ve checked out from the library.

** As I slowly being to pick up my reading pace that slowed down when I got the puppy, I continue to add to my rather large pile of library books.

My Library Loot

1. I have read a lot of mixed reviews of this one! We shall see what I make of it soon...

2. "THE NIGHT CIRCUS meets THE PEAKY BLINDERS in Lee Kelly's new crossover fantasy novel."

3. Do you see that pretty cover? What about that interesting title?

4. My graphic novel pick of the week!

5. I have a soft spot for Nora Roberts' supernatural trilogies. 

6. For some reason the word cannibals is what grabbed my attention in the synopsis. 

TTT #57: Books To Read If You Are In The Mood to Travel Back in Time

Hosted by The Broke and the Bookish

I loved having a little bit of wiggle room with this week's topic, but it also made it hard for me to decide which genre to write about. I debated between focusing on magic or swoons, but I decided to go with something completely different, books that take you back in time.

Historical Fiction I have Read and Loved

1. A Madness So Discreet by Mindy McGinnis

2. A Mad, Wicked Folly by Sharon Biggs Waller

3. These Vicious Masks by Tarun Shanker & Kelly Zekas

4. The Diviners by Libba Bray

5. Outlander by Diana Gabaldon

Historical Fiction I Can't Wait to Read

1. The Hired Girl by Laura Amy Schlitz

2. Salt to the Sea by Ruta Sepetys

3. Out of Darkness by Ashley Hope Pérez

4. Black Dove, White Raven by Elizabeth Wein

5. Flight of Dreams by Ariel Lawhon