Monday, February 24, 2025

Love Your Library: Jan. 27-Feb. 24, 2025 Hosted by Bookish Beck

 

February is the month of love. It is also National Library Lovers Month! This sounded like the perfect blog to write during this month. This month I finished a book I've been reading since last summer and started some other titles I have been on my TBR list since fall. Keep reading until the end for the link to my recent book review and for the link to one of my favorite stories. I love the characters in that story and have fun writing them.

READ

  • Spider-Man: The Gathering of the Sinister Six by Adam-Troy Castro- A new villain gathers a revised Sinister Six, as Mysterio goes on a deadly crime spree of revenge. I am surprised by how dark this Spider-Man audiobook gets. It started slow, but by the end I was here for the drama, the mystery and the romance between Peter and MJ. It's the first book in a trilogy, but the library doesn't have the other two 😞.  ★★★★☆ Read on Hoopla
  • Spy X Family, Vol. 9 by Tatsuya Endo - The epic conclusion to the Cruise Ship Saga. I absolutely love this pretend family and their hilarious and over-dramatic antics. ★★★★☆ Read on Libby
  • Hearts Overboard by Becky Dean - Tanner is the thorn in Savannah Moore's side. Most recently he stole the Astronomy club presidency from her, but after her boyfriend publicly dumps her, she's dubbed, Moore the Bore. Since Savanna's parents are making her get along with Tanner while their families are both on a company cruise, she asks him to help her try new things and get her ex back. This is the sweetest and funniest romance I've read in a long time. ★★★★★
  • Finlay Donovan Is Killing It by Elle Cosimano - This is the second book from the 12 Recs from 12 Friends list. I am obsessed with this comedic tale about a down on her luck single mother who accidentally becomes a contract killer. Finlay Donovan feels like Nancy Drew for grown-ups. The first book starts slow, but when it gets good, it is too good to put down. ★★★★☆ Read on Hoopla
  • Finlay Donovan Knocks ‘Em Dead by Elle Cosimano - This book picks up where book 1 left off, except this time her ex-husband is the target. Finlay again dawns the guise of a contract killer to protect her ex. There is so much humor and action in this story, mix in the romance and I just had to keep listening on. ★★★★★ Read on Hoopla
  • Breaking the Dark: A Jessica Jone Marvel Crime Novel by Lisa Jewell - A slow burn thriller starring one of Marvel's most famous anti-heroes. I had not read or watched any Jessica Jones going into the story, but by the end I wanted more. Magic and technology intersect, as Jessica travels from New York City to the English Countryside investigating the unusual behavior of two teenagers recently returned from visiting their father abroad. ★★★★☆ IG Post
  • Perfect World, Vol. 6 by Rie Aruga - At six books into this series, the story has taken a turn away from the original characters. The romance wasn't about Itsuki and Tsugumi, most of this compilation is focused on another couple as Keigo wants to build a barrier-free house for his partner with a degenerative disease and needs Tsugumi to convince Itsuki to take on the job. ★★★☆☆ Review on IG
  • Finlay Donovan Jumps the Gun by Elle Cosimano - Book Three was not my favorite in the Finlay Donovan series, but I am hooked. Finlay and Vera might have saved her ex's life, but now they are being blackmailed by a mob boss to find the real contract killer. Figuring out it's a dirty cop, they sign up for the civilian police academy and get more than they bargain for. ★★★★☆ Read on Hoopla
  • Ultimate Spider-Man, Volume 7: Irresponsible by Brian Michael Bendis and Mark Bagley- The Spider-Man reboot from the 2000s, this saga follows young Peter as he meets the X-Men. I found this volume comical and entertaining, but it wasn't anything special. ★★★☆☆ Read on Hoopla

Currently Reading

  • Michael Vey: The Colony by Richard Paul Evans
  • Wednesday: A Novelization of Season One by Tehlor Kay Mejia -Reading as an eBook via the Libby app.
  • Perfect World, Vol. 7 by Rie Aruga
  • The Happy Writer: Get More Ideas, Write More Words, and Find More Joy from First Draft to Publication and Beyond by Marissa Meyer
  • Under the Surface by Diana Urban IG Post

Checked Out, To Be Read

  • Artifice by Sharon Cameron IG Post
  • Your One & Only by Adrianne Finlay
  • My Life Uploaded by Rae Earl
  • Blind Date with a Book: Perfect Girl by Tracy Banghart
  • The Perfectionist's Dilemma: Learn the Art of Self-Compassion and Become a Happy Achiever by Tara Cousineau
  • Batgirl Possession by Jade Adia
  • Writing an Identity Not Your Own: a guide for creative writers by Alex Temblador
  • Finlay Donovan Rolls the Dice by Elle Cosimano
  • Fairest by Marissa Meyer
  • Know Your Newlywed by Heather Taylor

In The Reservation Queue

  • Bunny Made Tea by Amanda Baehr Fuller
  • Sunrise on the Reaping: A Hunger Games Novel by 
  • Michael Vey: The Colony by Richard Paul Evans
  • The Swarm by Andy Marino
  • Better Than the Movies by Lynn Painter
  • The Wishing Game by Meg Shaffer
  • City Spies by James Ponti
  • Ready Player Two by Earnest Cline

On Hold, To Be Picked Up

  • None at this time.

Returned Unread

  • Under the Surface by Diana Urban-I've had it for a while, saying it was going to be my next read. I had to return it and then re-check it out this month.
  • The Official Disney Parks Cookbook: 101 Magical Recipes from the Delicious Disney Vault by Pam Brandon-The recipes all looked so good, and my sister was at Disney World without me, but I wasn't actually able to eat any of the recipes since they all use pre-made shortcuts, because I have food allergies and a limited diet.
  • Save the Date by Morgan Matson-I was going to use this in a video for social media, but I didn't finish the video. IG Post
  • Pumpkin Spice and Everything Nice by Katie Cicatelli-Kuc-I grabbed this one for the fall vibes but didn't get the chance to read it during the fall. IG Post
Probably because February is a short month, I didn't return very many books. However, I checked out a ton of different library books and put many more books on hold. I've read several, but the number I've read hardly puts a dint in my TBR. Also, many of the items I placed on hold are for the 12 Recs from 12 Friends. I plan to write a blog and post to Instagram to release them at the same time, but the blog is taking longer than expected.

In March I will be doing a March Madness Bracket with my TBR reads. Please follow me on Instagram to join in on the March Madness vote. I will include the bracket template here in case anyone else would like to run a March TBR Madness poll!


While you're here please check out some of my other blogs. Here is the latest review on my blog for Spy School by Stuart Gibbs. and here is one of my favorite stores I've written to this day, it's written to look like a comic book script, so it does have an unusual format, Black Thunder: Day of the Living Nightmare.

#LoveYourLibrary

Thank you, Rebecca for coming up with this blog challenge and I hope to do it again. Check out her blog Bookish Beck
I love making Bookish Friends! Follow me on Instagram Skai_BooksAndBracelets
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Monday, January 27, 2025

Love Your Library, January 2025, Hosted by Bookish Beck


I discovered this blog challenge at the end of last year and decided that I would like to participate this month. So, all January, I have been taking notes on what books, audiobooks and eResources I have checked out, read/watched, and/or returned. Let me tell you, it’s a lot. Every year I read one nonfiction title, so this month I have checked out a bunch of nonfiction books to find my annual read. This year I am also reading Reb’s Recs, books my sister is recommending and 12 Recs from 12 Friends, my fabulous Instagram community has recommended 12 of their favorites and I am tackling them this year, too, so books a couple of books on this list are for those. I also am highlighting my favorite library eResources, with the books I finished from this month.

READ

  • Later On We'll Conspire by Kortney Keisel - This is a most adorable CLEAN holiday spy rom-com. It is laugh out loud funny as a small-town girl, and a super spy boy fall in love at Christmas. ★★★★★ Read on Hoopla
  • Smile by Raina Telgemeier - A heartfelt and funny middle graphic novel inspired by the author's experience with her teeth. When Raina loses her two-front adult teeth in an accident she faces braces, bullies and her own self-worth. ★★★★★ Read on Hoopla
  • I Am Legend and Other Stories by Richard Matheson - A 1950s collection of horror stories. The title story is about the last living man killing zombies. My co-worker recommended but wasn't my style. ★★☆☆☆ Read on Libby
  • Spy X Family, Vol. 8 by Tatsuya Endo - This is a hilarious manga about an adorable fake family goes on a cruise and has to protect another family from assassins. ★★★★★ Read on Libby
  • Snow White with the White Hair, Vol. 11 by Sorata Akiduki - This manga is a cozy retelling of Snow White working as a court herbalist and the second prince who fall in love with her. In this volume Shirayuki moves into the castle and Prince Zen has to declare his intentions of marriage. ★★★★★
  • Spy School by Stuart Gibbs - The first book from Reb Recs list, one of her two January choices. This a fun and action back spy novel for middle grade readers about the new kid in spy school. ★★★★☆ Read on Libby Review on IG
  • Divine Rivals by Rebecca Ross - The first of 12 Recs from 12 Friends. This heart-felt romantasy is about a war between the gods and two mortals two who are rivals at work but slowly falling for each other as the write letter with magical typewriters. It starts slow but is fabulous story about love and the effects of war. ★★★★★ Read on Hoopla
  • Marvel Storm: Dawn of a Goddess by Tiffany D. Jackson - This a reimaging of the origin of the X-Men icon: Storm as a young girl in Egypt when she comes into her power. While the writing is solid, and the story pacing is good some of author's views make it feel trite and like she didn't research her settings very well. ★★★☆☆ Read on Libby

Currently Reading

Checked Out, To Be Read

  • Southeast Asia: Phrasebook and Dictionary by Berlitz Publishing (already returned)
  • Burmese Phrasebook and Dictionary by Berlitz Publishing (already returned)
  • Essential Burmese Phrasebook and Dictionary by A Zun Mo (already returned)
  • What If Love Is the Point?: Living for Jesus in a Self-Consumed World by Alexa and Carlos PenaVega
  • The Perfectionist's Dilemma: Learn the Art of Self-Compassion and Become a Happy Achiever by Tara Cousineau
  • The Perfect World, Vol. 6 Rie Aruga
  • I Am Number Four by Pittacus Lore - Rereading for a future blog post. Read my review on Instagram IG Post 
  • Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer

In The Reservation Queue

  • The Happy Writer: get more ideas, write more words, and find more joy from first draft to publication and beyond by Marissa Meyer
  • Ready Player Two by Earnest Cline
  • Michael Vey: The Colony by Richard Paul Evans
  • Fairest by Marissa Meyer IG Post
  • Know Your Newlywed by Heather Taylor

On Hold, To Be Picked Up

  • None at this time.

Returned Unread

  • Fairest by Marissa Meyer-Checked is one out for an IG reel and didn't have time to read it before I had to return it.
  • Prince of Song & Sea by Linsey Miller-Checked is one out for an IG reel and didn't have time to read it before I had to return it.
  • Lady of Disguise by Melanie Dickerson-Checked is one out for an IG reel and didn't have time to read it before I had to return it.
  • Southeast Asia: Phrasebook and Dictionary by Berlitz Publishing (already returned)-Thought I needed to learn Burmese for a family reunion, and it turns out the reunion is in Boston.
  • Burmese Phrasebook and Dictionary by Berlitz Publishing (already returned)-Thought I needed to learn Burmese for a family reunion, and it turns out the reunion is in Boston.
  • Essential Burmese Phrasebook and Dictionary by A Zun Mo (already returned)-Thought I needed to learn Burmese for a family reunion, and it turns out the reunion is in Boston.
  • Near Misses and Cowboy Kisses by Katrina Emmel-Checked it out for Summer of Love Stories on IG but it didn't come to the library in time and then I had to return it before I could read it.
  • Crank Palace: A Maze Runner Novella by James Dashner Read The Maze Runner Death Cure Review on IG-I read the original trilogy in 2023, and when I saw this book from Newt's perspective. I thought Thomas Brodie-Sangster, I will definitely read that. I mean just look at him. But I also did not have time to read it.

This month I read 1 more book than I returned without reading. I am an avid audiobook reader and go through several audiobooks a month. If your library has Hoopla, it is the perfect place to find audiobooks. They have a wide selection including both popular titles and more obscure ones. They have every genre from Juvenile fiction to Christan Devotionals and many more. And there is no waiting for titles on Hoopla! That's my favorite part.

While you're here check out some of my other blogs. I have a review for Hunger Games Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes and a fiction story based on my old church choir director, Choir Humor (Or What Kills the Mood Faster Than Someone Singing Off-Key

#LoveYourLibrary

Thank you, Rebecca for coming up with this blog challenge and I hope to do it again. Check out her blog Bookish Beck
I love making Bookish Friends! Follow me on Instagram Skai_BooksAndBracelets



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Monday, January 6, 2025

Reb Recs (My Sister Recommends Me Books)

Welcome to Reb Recs!

My sister graciously and eagerly made me this list of books. Here are 24 books that she loves and wishes for me to share in her love of them. Credit for this booklist goes to her. I have not yet read any of these, so I can't endorse any of them, YET. 

She made this a bit like a game. So here are the rules:
1. Choose 1 of the two suggested titles for each month.

2. Get the book. Some of them are ones my sister owns, some of these I'll get from my local library.

3. Read (or listen) to the book. She is okay if I read the book as a physical book, eBook or audiobook.

4. Tell her what I what I think of the book. I will also update this blog with my thoughts. 


This will be an ongoing blog project, so stay tuned for future updates.

Spy School by Stuart Gibbs or North of Nowhere by Liz Kessler

It's January! My sister created this list and gifted it as a part of her Christmas present to me. I had one week to consider the titles and choose my first book. With that in mind here's how I picked my first month's read. I have several titles I am currently reading and didn't want to add another physical book or eBook to the metaphorical stack, so it came down to which book I could get quickly as an audiobook. I checked my public library's trusty eLibrary and found that only one of these two books was available from them as an audiobook. So, I checked that audiobook out. I'm leaving everyone in suspense, just as I've left my sister waiting for me to announce my first read to tell her what I choose. So here we go, here is my first choice.

Spy School by Stuart Gibbs, read by Gibson Frazier

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Genre: Middle Grade Adventure
Rating: 4/5
Spice: 0/5
Content Warnings: Danger and violence (Middle grade appropriate), mild language, kids having weapons

📘SUMMARY📘

Ben Ripley is an ordinary 12-year-old when he is recruited by the CIA to attend spy school. Soon after, he is attacked in his dorm room by an assassin and learns that he is being used as bate to catch a double agent. Being a student at spy school would be cool if it weren't for the ninjas, bullies and traitors. He's busy making new friends, crushing on the most talented girl in spy school, and learning the secrets of espionage. 

📘REVIEW📘

I didn't quite love this book; Throughout there are moments of danger and action. However, there are a couple times the author uses a plot device to push the story along as appose to having the characters' actions and experiences lead the story. One thing it does really well is create strong parallels and contrasts between the differences in the characters for a unique and interesting ensemble. After some reflection I notice there is some excellent foreshadowing, and the author uses those parallels between different characters to prepare the reader for a surprise ending. The main character, Ben is a likeable 12-year-old character. He's hardworking, kind and clever. For a special skill, he is really good at math, and it plays an important role.  Also, this book has a clever sense of humor. There's no romance, but Ben has a crush on Erica, a superspy student a couple of years older than him. Also, she may be the only competent person in the spy school making for some funny situations throughout the book. This story is perfect for Middle Grade readers who enjoy action and humor.

💙WOULD I REC?💙

My sister loves this book, while I find it entertaining.  I would recommend this book, but for children, parents and caregivers looking for clean, action-packed and fun middle grade books.

#bookreview #booksandbracelets #bookstagram #libby #spyschool #stuartgibbs 

🩵Pictured with Chevron Stripe in blue, red and black!🩵

Things Not Seen by Andrew Clements or Belle by Cameron Dokey

Along with the short month of February, my sister decided to recommend a couple of shorter titles. This month I considered my options and saw that I could listen or read Things Not Seen as an eBook or even audiobook from my local library but if I wanted to read Belle, I would have to read my sister's physical copy. I honestly have been trying to keep my currently reading list of books down to a list that feels manageable, and I have been reading physical books very slowly, so I decided it would come down to if I finished one of the physical books I am currently reading. And I finished that one more book. In February I am reading:

Belle by Cameron Dokey

Check back for my review!

Check back in March for updates.

Check back in April for updates.
Check back in May for updates.
Check back in June for updates.
Check back in July for updates.
Check back in August for updates.
Check back in September for updates.
Check back in October for updates.
Check back in November for updates.
Check back in December for updates.


Check back for concluding thoughts.

Below is the full list my sister made along with her comments on each title.


For more bookish content find me on Instagram: @Skai_BooksAndBracelets

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Saturday, September 28, 2024

BONUS Day 6 of Five Fall Favorites: 2024 Hosted by Once Upon an Ordinary

 

Well, Friends, we have reached the final day of Five Fall Favorites 2024 hosted by Once Upon an Ordinary. It has been a fun, quick challenge and I'm glad I got to participate. I will have to do more in the future.

For the final day, the prompt is "2024." I am sharing my five favorites reads from 2024, thus far. This year I have read a wide variety of books, and this list contains only a sampling of that. A few of these books were published recently, within the last 12 months. Other books were published a few years ago.  Several different genres are represented as well. Here are my favorite five books of 2024.


1. Loveboat Forever by Abigail Hing Wen

The third book in the Loveboat, Taipei series, Loveboat Forever follows Ever's little sister. Now at seventeen years old, she's an accomplished piano player and gearing up to attend a prestigious summer music camp; however, when a controversial social media post goes viral, the music program cancels her spot, and she decides to attend Chien Tan. Nicknamed Loveboat, Chien Tan is the same summer immersion program her sister attended years before. Although she does not want to follow in her sister's footsteps completely, she quickly finds herself caught up in her own dramatic love triangle and going to great lengths to avoid trouble. Throughout this story, she discovers her roots, and a new friend encourages her to track down her great grandmother's concert instrument, a beautiful pipa with a unique flower design. Loveboat Forever is a sweet romance to exploring family heritage. For readers who have read the previous two books, it is exciting to see where their favorite characters are now.

2. The Blonde Identity by Ally Carter

Imagine waking up in snowy Paris with no memory of how you got there. While your head clears an impossibly hot man calls you Alex and tells you to run. What's Her Name is not sure her name is even Alex and has no idea why people are trying to kill her, but when she sees her face on the news, taking out thugs, she is willing to try being that person. Connecting with Mr. Hot Guy, Sawyer, they travel across Europe pretending to be a couple. As she learns more about the situation and herself, she's not sure who to trust, even her heart betrays her as she finds herself falling for her fake husband. Spies, amnesia and fake romance, what is not to love about this story. What's Her Name is likable and smart as well as wild and clever. The story contains some spicy scenes with light description and is an adult book, but it is a hilarious and cute story.

3. Piper Chen Sings by Phillipa Soo and Maris Pasquale, Illustrations by Qin Leng

From a Broadway performer known for her role as Eliza in Hamiliton, this is an adorable picture book with gorgeous, soft illustrations about a little girl who loves to sing. Piper Chen sings everywhere she goes without a care in the world, but when she gets the chance to sing a solo at an upcoming recital, she develops butterflies in stomach. She will have to find the strength to stand on stage and share her love of singing. For children this book is a great social-emotional book about how to overcome fear. To adults, it is a beautiful story about childhood dreams and the courage it takes to make them a reality.

4. Lying in the Deep by Diana Urban

In this modern take on Agatha Christie's Death on the Nile, Jade is excited for a fresh start, traveling for a school year with Campus on Board. For her this is chance to get away from problems at home and see the world, however, her problems follow her, when she spies her ex-boyfriend and ex-best friend are also spending the semester at sea. Even though she is making new friends, including an attractive, yet mysterious, boy with a don't care attitude, she cannot shake feelings of hatred for her Exes. Stumbling into her ex-friend's cabin, she finds blood all over the room, her ex-bestie missing and becomes the prime suspect. Jade uncovers larger conspiracies, and a plethora of confusing clues as she tries to clear her name. This book will leave readers guessing until the explosive ending.

5. Assistant to the Villian by Hannah Nicole Maeher

Evie Sage is an out-of-work personal assistant traipsing through the forest when she stumbles upon a handsome bleeding man, with a magical toad, being chased by villagers. In accordance with her caring nature, she helps the man escape and learns he's Rennedawn's most notorious criminal known only as The Villian. Needing a job to provide for her ailing father and kid-sister, when The Villain offers her a position as his personal assistant, she takes it. Being the personal assistant to The Villain is a vile job and it gets even worse when someone begins stealing company secrets and planting bombs in the boss's office. Additionally, Evie cannot deny her growing affections for her boss and the awkward tension as they face danger together. This is a lighthearted comedy romance that takes place in a magical land. Although the general tone of the book is jovial, there are descriptions of violence which are not suited to all-audiences.

Conclusion

Those are five of my favorite reads of 2024. The wide variety of subjects and genres is well representative of my reading habits. After a three-year hiatus, I have started updating this blog again to add reviews and booklists to my fiction short stories. I have some other fiction pieces in the works which will be posted in the future as well. The best way to keep up to date on my blog is to follow me on Instagram. I post there several times a week and share both book reviews and To Be Read books. On Instagram I pair books with the friendship bracelets that I make. In October I will share a mystery or thriller every day.

Finally, I would like to thank Once Upon an Ordinary, Kate! She organized this is blogging challenge providing the prompts and the super cute graphics. She is an independent author and prolific book blogger. Please show her some support and check out her blog and books. I should also thank all the other writers, especially Katja, who is putting together a PDF to share books from all of the bloggers. And thank you to everyone who read my book ramblings this week. I hope you enjoyed and found some new favorite books!

I love meeting new booklovers! Best way to do that is to follow me Instagram: @Skai_BooksAndBracelets
Read Monday's blog here: Inspirational Skai: Day 1 of Five Fall Favorites: LOVE Hosted by Once Upon an Ordinary
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Friday, September 27, 2024

Day 5 of Five Fall Favorites: KINDNESS Hosted by Once Upon an Ordinary

 

Full disclosure, my weekend starts on Friday, so after a full week of waking up extra early before work to start writing these blogs, I fell back asleep after I turned my alarm went off and slept in late. I had some errands to run when I finally woke up, so it was now after 4PM when I started to write this. That's okay, it's day 5 of Five Fall Favorites 2024 hosted by Once Upon an Ordinary! I guess, I'm not quite ready for it to be over.

Today's prompt is Kindness! I thought I could be kind to some of my favorite books and authors, so today I am sharing five of my favorite books featuring kind characters. These are characters who are generous with time, money and abilities helping others everywhere they go.


1. Nancy Drew: The Secret of the Old Clock by Carolyn Keene

Nancy Drew is one those enduring characters that parents pass along to their children. She was introduced in the 1930s with her first mystery. While the modern books are usually considered elementary chapter books or might be referred to as "middle grade novels," in the 1930s Nancy Drew Mysteries were young adult novels and participated in shaping the genre into what it is today. In Nancy's debut book, she stumbles upon a mystery concerning the will of a diseased wealthy man who promised to leave money to a struggling family. Slim clues send the young detective on the hunt for The Secret of the Old Clock. Nancy Drew is a character who throughout her many adventures, she helps people, never expecting to get anything back. Displaying bravery, kindness, and generosity, she has been a role model for generations of young girls.

2. Dash and Lily's Book of Dares by Rachel Cohn and David Levithan

Netflix made a limited series adaptation of this adorable book. It is Christmas season and Lily's parents are away, taking a long-delayed honeymoon. Although she is lonely, she refuses to let that keep her from spreading Christmas joy and making friends everywhere she goes. She leaves a red notebook containing a scavenger hunt on the shelf at her friend's bookstore. While Dash is a cynic who is only looking for a book to keep him company during the holidays. Stumbling across the red notebook, he is amused by the scavenger hunt challenge and quickly becomes enamored with the author. He leaves notes in the notebook challenging her to try new things too. Both of their perspectives shift, and they do not feel so alone as they explore new sides of New York. Lily's kindness and cheer spreads to everyone around including Dash, and when she need encouragement, he is there for her.

3. Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher

This dark phycological thriller follows one of the nicest characters in young adult fiction. Clay Jensen is a high schooler going through the motions when he receives a box full of cassette tapes on his front porch. Also in the box is map of his hometown with stars marking, not landmarks, but ordinary places, and a brief note instructing him to play the tapes. When he starts the first tape and hears the voice of a dead classmate, he's shocked and intrigued. Compulsively, he follows the tapes to the spots on the map and discovers the darkness hiding under the service in his quiet town. Throughout the story it is revealed that he was one of the few people to show his classmate kindness. This book deals with heavy themes and topics including mental health, physical abuse, and substance abuse. While it is a well written book, it is not suited to younger or sensitive audiences.

4. The Betrothed by Kiera Cass

Lady Hollis Brite is so filled with happiness and kindness that she lights up a room with merely her presence. When the Crown King Jameson notices her at Keresken Castle, he takes a liking to her and to her parent's delight begins to court her. When royals from the nearby kingdom, Isolte come to visit, King Jameson requests Hollis entertain the visiting queen and sets her up in his royal quarters. Even as she tastes the royal life, she meets a young refugee, a tradesman who notices her kindness and intellect. She begins to question what she wants in life and if she would be brave enough to leave the life she knows. In this book Hollis is ray of sunshine, but more importantly she is an overcomer, not letting people's perceptions of her keep her from being the best she can.

5. Perfect World, Vol. 1 by Rie Aruga

Translated from Japanese, this manga is a sweet romance that explores at the challenges of disabilities and relationships. Tsugumi is a twenty-six-year-old interior designer who through work reconnects with her high school crush who is now an architect, Itsuki. When she knew Itsuki in high school he was a popular basketball player, and she was a shy artist. In the years since she knew him, he has changed drastically. The biggest change being that he now uses wheelchair because of a spinal cord injury. Tsugami has to find the courage to overcome prejudices if she wants to have a relationship with Itsuki. One of the most carrying and thoughtful characters in manga, Tsugami puts Itsuki before herself over and over again because she wants him to know she cares. 

Conclusion

I enjoy reading books about characters who are kind and show us something to stive for. They aren't perfect, but they are making the effort, I would like to see that from people in real life. Writing this blog made me want to re-read each of these books so I can see even more kindness. Many of these characters face loss, grief, abuse and more, they don't become what they lost. They look for ways to be better for others.

Tomorrow's post will be a mid-year reflection on my favorite reads of 2024. I've worked hard this week to use different authors and series for every day, tomorrow's post will have some repeat authors. If you have followed me on Instagram this year, I can guarantee you will recognize these books.

I love meeting new booklovers! Best way to do that is to follow me on Instagram: @Skai_BooksAndBracelets
Read Monday's blog here: Inspirational Skai: Day 1 of Five Fall Favorites: LOVE Hosted by Once Upon an Ordinary
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Thursday, September 26, 2024

Day 4 of Five Fall Favorites: PATIENCE Hosted by Once Upon an Ordinary


It's been a while since I've done this much writing over the course of one week, however, I'm very impressed with myself for keeping up this hard work, because it's day 4 of Five Fall Favorites 2024 hosted by Once Upon an Ordinary! Today's prompt is PATIENCE, yesterday's post on peace was heavy. I shared books that have brought me peace, I decided to interpret this as books that take patience to get to the best parts. These titles are all sequels that I think are better than the original book in the series. WARNING: may contain spoilers for the previous books. Here are five of my favorite books in longer running series. 

1. The Power of Six (Lorien Legacies, Book 2) by Pittacus Lore

In I Am Number Four, book one of this series, readers meet a teenager who goes by John Smith and his guardian and protector Henri. They move to a new town and "John" makes new friends, falls in love and develops extraterrestrial abilities. He manages to not get killed by another evil alien race who has been hunting him since he escaped from his home planet and reunites with another super powered teenager from Lorien. Book two picks up after the events of book one and readers meet Marina, another Lorien number with the ability to heal living things, like plants and people. Her guardian hid with her in a European convent when she was a child and has since forgotten their original mission to protect Earth and restore Lorien. When she begins having dreams of Number Four, John and a raven-haired girl with unbelievable powers. Marina's biggest problem is how does she join the fight when she is so far away and stuck in hiding. This series gets insane. Throughout the books, there is action, drama, humor and heartbreak. Book two is when events start moving in a rapid pace.

2. Catching Fire (The Hunger Games, Book 2) by Suzanne Collins

In case anyone missed this blockbuster sensation, The Hunger Games is a postapocalyptic dystopian future, where North America has been ravaged by famine, plague and war. A new totalitarian government has risen to power and demands an annual tribute of two children from each district to compete in a barbaric game to the death. Katniss and Peeta were the 74th annual Hunger Games winners after their star-cross lovers story won the hearts of Panem. Now as the winners of the Games, they are required to tour all 12 districts. Touring through the Districts they meet all sorts of people and hear rumors of a rebellion rising. Katniss is forced to have a relationship with Peeta but cannot deny her growing feelings for her best friend Gale. When an announcement about the coming 75th annual Hunger Games shakes their world, Katniss, Peeta and their mentor Haymitch have to be ready for the worst. This is the most thoroughly plotted story with the best message in the ever-growing Hunger Games series. 

3. Cress (The Lunar Chronicles, Book 3) by Marissa Meyer

In this sci-fi fairytale retelling series readers have already met Cinderella, and cyborg named Cinder, and Little Red Riding Hood, Scarlett the farm girl looking for her missing grandmother. The Lunar invasion has begun, and Cinder's Prince Charming, recently crowned Emperor Kai has agreed to marry the Evil Lunar Queen, Levanna to halt the invasion. Cinder is aboard a stolen spaceship, trying to corral her ragtag bunch into a formidable team to stop a wedding and prevent the Evil Queen from taking over Earth. Frist, they will have to rescue Cress, a Lunar girl who has been trapped in a watchtower satellite for years, spying on Earth. Although this is a 552-page book, it is a quick read, because chapter ends on a cliffhanger making readers want more.

4. Scorpia (Alex Rider, Book 5) by Anthony Horowitz

In this book Alex Rider is a teenager who been on four spy missions for M16, Special Ops Division. He has nearly died more times than he would care to know, although he does not fully understand why, he is spending his holiday in Italy following up a lead given to him by a dying assassin. Yet again, his world is shaken, this time, by the news that the father he thought was a war hero, might have also been an assassin for the mercenary group, Scorpia. Before the young spy knows it, he is caught again in another plot, Project Invisible Sword. Scorpia has threatened British school children, and Alex might be the only one who can stop them. This book digs into Alex Rider's family history and has an epic plot where he is forced to make unthinkable choices and an end which leaves readers ready to immediately read book six.

5. Rise of the Elgen (Micheal Vey, Book 2) by Paul Richard Evans

In this book, Michael Vey with the help of his friends, the newly minted Electroclan, have taken down the Elgen's Pasadena complex and rescued several kids like Michael with electrical based powers. However, he did not succeed in his true mission, rescuing his mom from the evil leader of the Elgen, Dr. Hatch. New revelations lead Michael and friends to Peru, and they will have to face new threats as the Elgen develop new weapons. He and the Electroclan will have to outsmart the Elgen if they want to rescue his mom. There was a lot of set up in the first story, so it was not until the end of that book when the action starts. From the beginning of this story, it's never a dull moment as the Electroclan is on the run and in the fight of their lives.

Conclusion

I love these books! All five of these books are from some of my favorite series. I still remember that I first listened to Miachel Vey while I was interning for a media company as a teenager. I discovered the Alex Rider books following watching the early 2000's movie when I was twelve. I read Cress last year as an eBook. These books hold so many memories for me. Tomorrow's prompt is Kindness. I'm sharing some of favorite characters who show kindness to others throughout their books.  

I love meeting new booklovers! Best way to do that is to follow me on Instagram: @Skai_BooksAndBracelets
Read Monday's blog here: Inspirational Skai: Day 1 of Five Fall Favorites: LOVE Hosted by Once Upon an Ordinary
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Wednesday, September 25, 2024

Day 3 of Five Fall Favorites: PEACE Hosted by Once Upon an Ordinary

 

Wow! It's already day three of Five Fall Favorites 2024 hosted by Once Upon an Ordinary. This week has flown by fast. We are halfway through the blogging challenge, and it certainly has been a challenge, but I'm grateful that I took this challenge on. Today's word is peace! As I considered what peace books I would associate with peace, I decided that while fiction can be cathartic and a great way to process feelings, it's non-fiction books that have often brought me peace and healing. Here are Five Favorite Non-Fiction books!



1. Getting Good at Being You: Learning to Love Who God Made You to Be by Lauren Alaina, forward by Tasha Yearwood.

This 2021 book is the most recent non-fiction title that I've finished reading. From CMA awarding winning country singer and American Idol alum, this is book part self-help advice and part memoir. Alaina shares her story and connects it to practical steps and meditations to help readers assess their own lives. The personal anecdotes range from funny short stories to heartbreaking memories. She shares moments when she was triumphant, and moments when life was out of her control. This book has Christan themes and speaks about God. I picked this book up because I remembered her from American Idol and wanted to read her story.

2. It's All Love: Reflections for Your Heart and Soul by Jenna Ortega

Readers might recognize this young actress's name; she's recently found fame in television and movies such as the Netflix original Wednesday and Tim Burton's Beetlejuice Beetlejuice. This book is made up of bite sized advice and personal anecdotes, it is perfect for daily, inspirational reading. Topics range from relationships, to following your dreams, to faith and spiritualty. It has religious and even Christian undertones but is not a Christan devotional. All the advice is encouraging and challenging. I have been reading these in the morning and often say a quick prayer for discernment on how to use the advice. Many of the tips have shifted my perspective and encouraged me.

3. Do It Scared: Finding the Courage to Face Your Fears, Overcome Adversity, and Create a Life You Love by Ruth Soukup

Soukup takes a look at different types of fear and how they impact our lives. Written in a conversational and encouraging tone, she shares her own life struggles and how she turned her dream of being a business to owner to a reality. She also shares the tales of others who have identified their fears and taken steps to overcome them to start chasing their dreams. This book is written and published by a Christian author and a Christian publishing company, but it does not require you to be a Christan to follow the practical advice and do the work to turn dreams into reality. 

4. You Are the Girl for the Job: Daring to Believe the God Who Calls You by Jess Connolly 

God has given you a purpose, and you can do it, but not in your own power. You can do it because of God's power. About trusting God and following Him in faith, this book is a devotional that searches God's Word and provides inspiration. Focused on encouraging people to step into their callings and understand that God will provide along the way. This is a Christian devotional and calls people to follow Jesus and understand when your dreams and goals are from Him. This book accompanies a Bible Study but can be read alone. The focus is on trusting God and letting Him carry you through the hard work.

5. When God Writes Your Love Story: The Ultimate Guide to Guy/Girl Relationships by Eric Ludy and Leslie Ludy

Written by married couple, they take turns writing the chapters and offering insight on both guys and girls. This book is a challenge to purity and to having a godly relationship that not only saves physical intimacy for marriage but also emotional and spiritual intimacy. Filled with humor and heart, it will make you laugh, cry, and laugh and cry, as you read about other couples and examine your own life. I have used this book to help me get over heartbreak of failed relationships, because it shifts the perspective from momentary relationships to the eternal impact of them. This book searches the Bible for how to have godly relationships with all members of the opposite gender and what characteristics are in a healthy relationship.

Conclusion

Honestly, today was a heavy topic and these books were not always easy reads. These were challenging, emotional and convicting. But they all left me with more peace than when I started reading them. Among these pages I have found healing and encouragement. If this was a little too serious for you, tomorrow's prompt is patience. I have decided to take a lighthearted approach of sharing my favorite books in five of my favorite longer series.

I love meeting new booklovers! Best way to do that is to follow me on Instagram: @Skai_BooksAndBracelets
Read Monday's blog here: Inspirational Skai: Day 1 of Five Fall Favorites: LOVE Hosted by Once Upon an Ordinary
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