My TBR List January: Princess of the Midnight Ball short review

Hosted by Michelle @ Because Reading

Book: Princess of the Midnight Ball
Author: Jessica Day George
Publication: January 20th, 2009
Source: Local Library
Read: Currently Reading

A tale of twelve princesses doomed to dance until dawn…

 Galen is a young soldier returning from war; Rose is one of twelve princesses condemned to dance each night for the King Under Stone. Together Galen and Rose will search for a way to break the curse that forces the princesses to dance at the midnight balls. All they need is one invisibility cloak, a black wool chain knit with enchanted silver needles, and that most critical ingredient of all—true love—to conquer their foes in the dark halls below. But malevolent forces are working against them above ground as well, and as cruel as the King Under Stone has seemed, his wrath is mere irritation compared to the evil that awaits Galen and Rose in the brighter world above.

 Captivating from start to finish, Jessica Day George’s take on the Grimms’ tale The Twelve Dancing Princesses demonstrates yet again her mastery at spinning something entirely fresh out of a story you thought you knew.

My Thoughts:

I'm currently on page 124 of Princess of the Midnight Ball by Jessica Day George. I just wanted to do a short review since I haven't finished the book yet and you can look for my full review during fairy tale fortnight, which will happen sometime in March.

So far Princess of the Midnight Ball is amazing. I just finished My Life with the Walter Boys which had 12 boys and this one has 12 girls as children. I find it funny that I read these two books so close together. I find myself very addicted to Princess of the Midnight Ball. I plan to only read a few pages before going to bed and an hour later I finally decide I should go to sleep.

The main sister in this book is Rose, but all the sisters have a part in the book and we are able to see bits and pieces of each sister's personality. I love how closely this book follows along with the 12 Dancing Princesses. The Midnight Ball is so mysterious, which makes me want to keep reading to solve the mystery. I am also falling in love with Galen, the groundkeepers who shouldn't be involved with the princesses, but finds himself attracted anyways.

There is my short review. I'm sure I will have a lot more to say once I finish the novel. Look for my full review during Fairy Tale Fortnight.


As a sidenote I also finished another one of my TBR list votes this month which was Sold for Endless Rue by Madeleine E. Robins. I really enjoyed this book also and would highly recommend it.

It is time for another month of TBR List Meme. Here's my schedule for February.

February 7th: Vote
February 14th: Winner
February 28th: Review

Come back and vote.

Series Review: Catching Fire and Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins (slight spoilers)

Book: Catching Fire
Author: Suzanne Collins
Publication: Sept 1st, 2009
Source: Borrowed from friend
Read: Jan 3rd to 7th, 2015
Summary (from Goodreads)

Sparks are igniting.
Flames are spreading.
And the Capitol wants revenge.

 Against all odds, Katniss has won the Hunger Games. She and fellow District 12 tribute Peeta Mellark are miraculously still alive. Katniss should be relieved, happy even. After all, she has returned to her family and her longtime friend, Gale. Yet nothing is the way Katniss wishes it to be. Gale holds her at an icy distance. Peeta has turned his back on her completely. And there are whispers of a rebellion against the Capitol - a rebellion that Katniss and Peeta may have helped create.

 Much to her shock, Katniss has fueled an unrest she's afraid she cannot stop. And what scares her even more is that she's not entirely convinced she should try. As time draws near for Katniss and Peeta to visit the districts on the Capitol's cruel Victory Tour, the stakes are higher than ever. If they can't prove, without a shadow of a doubt, that they are lost in their love for each other, the consequences will be horrifying.

 In Catching Fire, the second novel in the Hunger Games trilogy, Suzanne Collins continues the story of Katniss Everdeen, testing her more than ever before...and surprising readers at every turn.

My Thoughts:

After not liking the first book in this series, The Hunger Games, I'm pleased to report that I enjoyed Catching Fire and Mockingjay. This first section will be my thoughts on Catching Fire.

I went into Catching Fire already have seen the movie so as I read this book the movie was rolling through my head. I think the movie followed the book very closely. I didn't notice really any parts that I really wanted put in the movie.

I love Jennifer Lawerence as a actress and I think she helped me to like Katniss better as a character. I didn't like Katniss when I first read The Hunger Games back before the first movie was released. I think Catching Fire was very well paced. I enjoyed all the action and catching up with Peeta, Gayle, and Haymitch.

I was most excited for the games. Although I have seen the movie and knew how the games turn out I still found it be very intense. There were still moments I was unsure what would happen. I never knew I would fall so in love with Catching Fire the novel. It is easily my favorite movie, but now it is my favorite book of the series too.

Book: Mockingjay
Author: Suzanne Collins
Publication: Aug 24th, 2010
Source: Borrowed from friend
Read: Jan 7th-13th, 2015
Summary (from Goodreads):

My name is Katniss Everdeen.
Why am I not dead?
I should be dead.

 Katniss Everdeen, girl on fire, has survived, even though her home has been destroyed. Gale has escaped. Katniss's family is safe. Peeta has been captured by the Capitol. District 13 really does exist. There are rebels. There are new leaders. A revolution is unfolding.

 It is by design that Katniss was rescued from the arena in the cruel and haunting Quarter Quell, and it is by design that she has long been part of the revolution without knowing it. District 13 has come out of the shadows and is plotting to overthrow the Capitol. Everyone, it seems, has had a hand in the carefully laid plans--except Katniss.

 The success of the rebellion hinges on Katniss's willingness to be a pawn, to accept responsibility for countless lives, and to change the course of the future of Panem. To do this, she must put aside her feelings of anger and distrust. She must become the rebels' Mockingjay--no matter what the personal cost.

My Thoughts:
Mockingjay had a totally different feel from Catching Fire, but I enjoy this one as well. Mockingjay part 1, the movie is pretty slow, and the book is as well. My only disappointment is that I wanted more Peeta. As my favorite character I was really missing him having a vital part in the book. Of course he is still very important to the rebellion although he does not know that.

It was interesting to learn about 13 and their dictatorship like society. I enjoyed how they used Katniss to help with the rebellion. Katniss had her same spitfire attitude throughout the novel that I love. I also loved to see Finnick in this novel. I think he was a great asset to Katniss in her time of need.

The second Half of Mockingjay really picked up and this is the part I had no warning on. I think I would have took the ending totally differently if I had been spoiled by the movie prior to reading this book. The Hunger Games is not a happy series and therefore I knew the book was not going to end with happily ever after, but the ending that Suzanne Collins chose was really hard to swallow. If you read my review of Allegiant you would understand why I'm okay with Collin's ending. I respect her for not choosing to end her series in the easy way, but taking the path that would lead some readers to hate the book and others to love it despite the ending.

I can not wait to see how Mockingjay Part 2 the movie is. I'm glad that I finally read the final two books in the series. I was ready to read the books this time and I really enjoyed them both. This series will probably never be one of my top favorites, but I did enjoy it.

2015 New Release Challenge Sign Up

Hosted by Books, Movies, Reviews! Oh My! and (un)Convential Bookviews

Stormi and Lexie my fellow COYER participants are hosting a reading challenge. I have joined a number of challenges at the beginning of the year that challenge me to read off my tbr list and not read new releases. I read 21 new releases in 2014 and I'm sure I will read quite a few this year also. I currently have 27 new releases on my 2015 new release to read shelf. I'm sure I will find more interesting books throughout the year. I'm going to start out as newbie which is 1-15 books and I will move up if needed.

Some New Releases I'm excited to read:
Fairest by Marissa Meyer
I was Here by Gayle Forman
The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah
The Storyspinner by Becky Wallace
The Orphan Queen by Jodi Meadows
The Start of You and Me by Emery Lord
The Fill-In Boyfriend by Kasie West

and much much more.

Show Your Shelves Some Love My Physical TBR

Hosted by Chapter Break and Second Run Reviews

Here are all the books I have accumulated that I have not read. You can see a few of my read books in the background. 

Here's the break down of the books. The books on the right are all library book sale books. From there is all books that my sister and I have purchased or won through giveaways. 

Here's the two books I have at college right now. 

I have 30 unread books. That isn't bad, but I still would like to reduce the number significantly over the course of 2015. 

Mini Book Reviews: Can This Be Christmas? by Debbie Macomber and An O'Brien Family Christmas by Sherryl Woods (no spoilers)

Book: Can this Be Christmas?
Author: Debbie Macomber
Publication: October 1st, 1998
Source: Purchased
Read: Dec 16th-18th, 2014
Summary (From Goodreads):

In this short hardcover, Debbie Macomber shows how a group of train travelers stranded in a New Hampshire depot on Christmas Eve find the true meaning of Christmas. Len Dawber, a navy man stationed in Maine, is desperate to get home to Texas, where he intends to propose to his sweetheart Amy. Cathy Norris, devastated by her husband's recent death, doesn't expect to enjoy the holiday with her daughter's family in Boston. Burned-out computer salesman Matt McHugh, emotionally estranged from his wife and two kids, nurses his resentment and contemplates divorce. Kelly and Nick Berry fear they're losing the closeness they once shared as they struggle to adjust to their new roles as adoptive parents. When a blizzard forces these characters, and several others, all cranky and argumentative, to spend the night before Christmas together, they find that a little kindness and the courage to open their hearts go a long way toward making it a Christmas to remember. A good choice if you're looking to get in the Christmas spirit.

My Thoughts:
This story was very short around 115 pages, but very sweet. Every person had a story, but a similar goal. They all wanted to spend Christmas with their families and friends. A blizzard forces these weary travelers to change their plans. They all board a train not knowing that the train will break down and they will be forced to spend their Christmas in a train depot.

I loved all the different stories of the characters. I understood their frustration with being stuck in the train depot. It was funny to see how they changed through a few small acts of kindness by the community. I thought this was a really sweet Christmas story to begin my holiday reading season.

Book: An O'Brien Family Christmas
Author: Sherryl Woods
Series: Chesapeake Shores #8
Publication: Sept 27th, 2011
Source: Purchased
Read: Dec 18th-21st , 2014
Summary (from Goodreads):

Dating Matthew O'Brien—a playboy and a younger man—cost Laila Riley her career and her parents' respect. A high price, even for love—and when Laila decides it was just a fling, she breaks it off, despite Matthew's objections.

 But the O'Brien family has other ideas, and they conspire to get Laila to join them on a Dublin holiday. It's a great time to get away from it all, but Laila has reservations about the trip. Matthew's bound to be there, and she's far from immune. What if she can't resist temptation?

 Meanwhile, the O'Briens are in an uproar over matriarch Nell's unexpected romance with an old flame. Will she follow her heart despite the risks? And will Laila discover that some risks are actually once-in-a-lifetime opportunities?

.

My Thoughts:
I bought this book at a library book sale and I was excited to read it. When I went to mark it as to read on goodreads I learned that it was the 8th book in the Cheasapeake shores series. This was my first book by Sherryl Woods so obviously I have not read the other books, but I decided to continue reading anyways since I was about 50 page in at the time and I understood what was happening.

Laila and Matthew were the main characters of this novel. Laila had broken up with Matthew and quite her job at the family bank, which makes her estranged for her family except for her brother. The O'Brien's are a meddling family and they have a goal this Christmas: to get Matthew and Laila back together.

I really enjoyed getting to know all the O'Brien's. They seem like such a fun family. Not to mention they spend Christmas in Dublin, which seemed like the perfect romantic setting. I enjoying getting to know Matthew and Laila better and I was cheering for a reconciliation.

One of my favorite parts was watching Nell fall back in love with her old flame Dillon much to her son Mick's disapproval. I think it showed that you are never too old for true love. Maybe this Nell's chance despite being a million miles apart.

The ending was very romantic and sweet. I am a big fan of sappy endings. It left a lot of loose ends for future novels. I'm interested to go back and read the rest of the series. Sherryl Woods has a few more Christmas novels with these characters that I would love to read.

Sunday Post # 3: Homework is endless

Hosted by Kimba @ The Caffeinated Book Reviewer

Last Week On the Blog

Winning at Reading/Take Control of Your TBR Pile Sign Up
Top Ten 2013 Releases I Missed
Fill in the Gaps/ Deal Me In Sign Up
Series 2015

Not too many posts this week. I signed up for the Winning at Reading Challenge and am going to try to read books I have won from giveaways in February. Then I'm going to take control of my TBR pile again in March and read books that I own. I also updated my Top Ten Tuesday archive page and realized I only participated 3 times in 2014. I'm going to try to participate more this year. I also talked about my series goals for 2015. The series I need to finish, start, and the series I finished in 2014.

In life it has been a busy week. I have had piles of homework and I'm still not quite done, but getting close. We have to interview a person from another country for World Geography and I'm waiting for our person to email me back so we can set up an interview time. I also need to interview a parent that has young children and I'm wait for my cousin to agree otherwise if she doesn't respond back by tomorrow I'm going to ask somebody else.

My #fitreaders update. This has been a great week. I stayed home until Tuesday morning so I missed my Tuesday swim, but made it to my Thursday swim and was there for 40 minutes. Then my friends and I have completed 4 Zumba workouts this week. Each Zumba class is 50 minutes. That is 4 hours of workout this week. We did walk around the track a little bit and run a little bit also, but I'm hoping to get a real run in sometime this week.

Read This Week

I finished Sold for Endless Rue by Madeleine E. Robins. I loved this book a lot. 

Currently Reading

I'm currently reading My Life with the Walter Boys by Ali Novak

I'm almost finished with this novel and it has been such a fun contemporary. I'm planning on reading Princess of the Midnight Ball by Jessica Day George next.

Snagged at the Library

Still nothing new from the library although Sold for Endless Rue has been returned. Check out this post for my current check outs minus Sold for Endless Rue

Events this Week

The next COYER read-a-thon is up and this is a longer one. The Scavenger Hunt read-a-thon starts today and goes until February 8th. 

I'm currently read the one word title: Fallen by Anne Hunter. I'm 33% in. I hope to finally finish this book soon. 

For a book with a purple cover and a script style lettering in the title I'm going to read Coralina by Anita Valle

For a book who uses initials I have Beyond New Eden by H.S. Stone

A book with a pirate or a sea captain I have Cutlass by Ashley Nixon

A book with a fully clothed man I have Starstruck by Jamie Campell

There are some choices I have I do not think I will get to all of them, but I would at least like to finish Fallen and start another ebook. 

Seasons of Reading

The Winter's Respite Read-a-thon also happens this week. I'm planning on finishing My Life with the Walter Boys and starting Princess of the Midnight Ball. 

Series 2015

Check out my Series 2014  post to check out the series I need to finish/want to start and finished last January. I'm here today with by 2015 series update. I use this post to keep track of the series I want to start and which I need to finish. It is also a nice update to see which series I finished in 2014.


Started, But Need to Finish:

The Lunar Chronicles by Marissa Meyer- I'm caught up with this series. I read Cress as soon as I could get my hands on a copy. This year Fairest and the final novel Winter are going to be released. I should have this series completed by the end of 2015. I can't wait to find out the epic conclusion.

Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins- I read Lola and the Boy Next Door in 2014. I did not get around to Isla this year, but it will be a priority in 2015. I plan to finish this series early in the year.

Cedar Cove Series by Debbie Macomber- I'm currently at book 8, so I have 6 books to go in the series. I read 6 Rainier Drive and 74 Seaside Avenue in 2014. I love the narrator of this series so I listened to the first 5 books. I have read the next 3. I will probably listen to some of the ones I have left. I bought the final book through a library book sale so I would love to read it soon. 

The Caroline Series by Maria D. Wilkes and Celia Wilkins- I have the final book of the series left to complete. I will be completing the series this year. I read Little City by the Lake in 2014. 

Once Upon a Time Series by Various Authors- I'm really enjoying this series so far I have read Golden and Sunlight and Shadow. I hope to get quite a few of these done in 2015, but like I said last year I'm in no rush to complete this series. I would like to enjoy it. 

Faerie Tale Collection by Jenni James- So far I have read Beauty and the Beast, Sleeping Beauty, and Rumpelstilskin. I have to inter-library loan this series, so I read about half of Cinderella before I had to send it back. I have rerequested Cinderella so I can read it and I also requested Hansel and Gretel so I can read that one shortly afterwards. The covers are all so beautiful. 

Haven't Started, but Want To:

I really think this year I need to binge read some series. I have a number of fully completed trilogies on the list that I haven't started. I did that a couple times this year and it was fun to complete the entire series when you could still remember what happened in the first book. 

Blossom Street Series by Debbie Macomber- I plan to start this series after I finish the Cedar Cove series. I own book 4. 

Hundred Oaks Series by Miranda Keaneally- I think I really would enjoy this series. 

Delirium Trilogy by Lauren Oliver- My sister read this series quite a few years ago and loved it. I hope to enjoy it sometime this year along with other Lauren Oliver books. 

The Infernal Devices by Cassandra Clare- I love me some Cassandra Clare so I need to read this entire trilogy before she starts the Dark Artifacts trilogy. 

Legend Trilogy by Marie Lu- This has been on my list for the past two years. Maybe it is time I actually read these books. 

Daughter of Smoke & Bone Trilogy by Laini Taylor- This series was completed in 2014. I think now would be a good time to binge read the entire series. 

Series Finished in 2014

Divergent Trilogy by Veronica Roth- I finished this series in early 2014. I even read the Four novella book when it came out. I loved this trilogy. It is probably one of my favorite trilogies that I have read. I'm looking forward to the upcoming movies. 

Book Reviews: Divergent, Insurgent, Allegiant

Pivot Point Duology by Kasie West- I read Pivot Point in January and Split Second in March. Pivot Point was my first Kasie West book and I have since read all her books. She became one of my favorite authors of 2014. 

Book Reviews: Pivot Point, Split Second 

The Mortal Instruments by Cassandra Clare- I only had one book left in this series and I was highly anticipating the release of City of Heavenly Fire. It was an amazing series ender. This is one of my favorite series I have read and I'm glad to have finished it. 

Book Review: City of Bones, City of Ashes, City of Glass, City of Fallen Angels, City of Lost Souls, City of Heavenly Fire

The Rules for Disapearing Doulogy by Ashley Elston- a quick series read. I really enjoyed the suspense and mystery of both of these novels. 

Book Reviews: The Rules for Disappearing, and The Rules for Breaking

Burn for Burn Trilogy by Jenny Han and Siobhan Vivian- I binge read this series in a very short period of time. This series was full of suspense so I couldn't wait to find out the ending for the characters. I'm so glad I read this series and I will be reading more from these authors. 

Series Review: Burn for Burn Trilogy

NewSoul Trilogy by Jodi Meadows- I read all four of these books over the course of 2014. I loved this series. It is completely different from any other series I have read and I fell in love with the characters. 

Book Reviews: Incarnate, Asunder, Phoenix Overture, and Infinite 

Fill in the Gaps/ Deal Me In Challenge Sign Up

Sign Up

Hosted by Bibliophilopolis

I have been trying to figure out a way to join the 2015 Deal Me in Challenge, but with variations. The Deal Me In Challenge is meant for short stories, but I don't read short stories or at least I don't read them all that often. 

To play the challenge, a book is assigned to each of 52 playing cards. The books are set into a roster before beginning and then can either be assigned randomly or by suit based on genre, author, cover color...really whatever you like. This may be a TBR pile or a list based on another challenge.

Each week, a card is drawn at random from the deck and that book is selected for reading. (If you fall behind, then simply draw a new card each time you finish a book.)

 The roster is posted below. I'll be updating the list (and crossing books off) as the year goes on. 

So since there is 100 books for the Fill In the Gap Challenge I'm going to use two decks of cards minus two cards in the second deck. I haven't yet decided if I'm going to assign books yet, but I may pick two cards per month to put on my TBR list. 

This challenge is going to last for five years so my end date is December 31st, 2019. If I complete this challenge before then that is great. I picked all of these books off my Goodreads TBR List. The goal is to complete all 100 before the end date, but if I completed 75 books then the challenge is considered complete. I also give myself permission to change out books that I don't think I'm going to read. Right now I think I'm going to read all of the books, but that may change throughout the years. I will cross out books as I complete them and move the corresponding card into a different pile. I like combining the challenge because the cards are a physical reminder of how many books I have left. 

Cards not used J of diamonds, 2 of diamonds, 9 of diamonds, A of spades

Pink=Read 2015: 16

Purple= Read 2016: 15

Green=Read 2017: 11

Red= Read 2018: 10

Hearts

Ace: A Little House of Their Own (TBR since Aug 17th, 2012) (Read Mar 2015) and Ophelia and the Marvelous Boy by Karen Foxlee (TBR since Jan 27th, 2014) (Read January 2018)

2: Fly Away Home by Jennifer Wiener (TBR since Sept 1st, 2012) and Panic by Lauren Oliver (TBR since Oct 14th, 2014) (Read February 2018)

3: Wonder R.J. Palacio (TBR since Dec 9th, 2014) (Read January 2016) and Kiss Me Again by Rachel Vail (Own) (Read January 2018)

4: My Name is Rapunzel by K.C. Hilton (TBR since Mar 30th, 2013) (Read February 2017) and Meant to Be by Lauren Morill (TBR since Aug 31st, 2014) (Read April 2015)

5: Pandemonium by Lauren Oliver (Read Oct 2017) and Titan Magic: Body and Soul by Jodi Lamm (TBR since July 26th, 2014)

6: Titan Magic by Jodi Lamm (TBR since July 26th, 2014) and Winter by Marissa Meyer (TBR since Jan 3rd, 2014) (Read May 2016)

7: Summerland by Elin Hilderbrand (TBR since Jan 1st, 2013) and The Sweetest Spell by Suzanne Selfors (TBR since Mar 9th, 2013)

8: Girl Online by Zoe Sugg (TBR since June 17th, 2014) (own) and The Snow Child by Eowyn Ivey (TBR since Jan 11, 2014)

9: Legend by Marie Lu (TBR since Mar 5th, 2013) It's Not Summer Without You by Jenny Han (Read Sept 2016) and A Long Long Sleep by Anna Sheehan (TBR since Mar 24th, 2013)

10: The Geography of You and Me by Jennifer E. Smith (TBR since May 23rd, 2014) (own) (Read Apr 2016) and Since You've Been Gone by Morgan Matson (TBR since July 5th, 2014)

Jack: What I Thought was True by Huntley Fitzpatrick (TBR since Feb 22nd, 2014) and Kill Me Softly by Sarah Cross (TBR since Apr 30th, 2014)

Queen: Keeping Faith by Jodi Picoult (TBR since Oct 4th, 2012) and Creul Beauty by Rosamond Hodge (TBR since Apr 21st, 2014) 8 Sandpiper Way by Debbie Macomber (Read May 2015)

King: Let it Snow by John Green, Maureen Johnson, and Lauren Mrycle (TBR since Jan 31st, 2013) (Read Dec 2017) and Prodigy by Marie Lu We'll Always Have Summer by Jenny Han (Read Sept 2016)

Spades

Ace: Will Grayson Will Grayson by John Green and David Levithan (TBR since Jan 31st, 2013)

2: Princess of the Midnight Ball by Jessica Day George (TBR since Feb 18th, 2013) (Read Feb 2015) and Midnight Pearls by Debbie Vigue (TBR since Mar 9th, 2013)

3: Just one Year by Gayle Forman and Sun and Moon, Ice and Snow by Jessica Day George (TBR since Feb 27th, 2013)

4: Princess of Glass by Jessica Day George (TBR since Mar 24th, 2013) (Read Feb 2015) and Destiny Rewritten by Kathryn Fitzmaurice (TBR since May 4th, 2013) (Read Feb 2018)

5: I'll Give You the Sun by Jandy Nelson (TBR since Nov 27th, 2014) (Read July 2016) and Stealing Parker by Miranda Kenneally (TBR since Dec 22nd, 2013)

6: Perfect Match by Jodi Picoult (TBR since Sept 22nd, 2012) and Delirium by Lauren Oliver (Mar 5th, 2013) (Read November 2016)

7: Salem Falls by Jodi Picoult (TBR since Sept 22nd, 2012)  and Winter's Child by Cameron Dokey (Mar 9th, 2013)

8: Racing Savannah by Miranda Kenneally and Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver (Mar 5th, 2013) (Read Mar 2017)

9: Everything Leads to You by Nina Lacour (TBR since Nov 28th, 2014) and The Dyerville Tale by M.P. Kozlowsky (TBR since May 11th, 2014)

10: Second Glance by Jodi Picoult (TBR since Sept 22nd, 2012) and Champion by Marie Lu 92 Pacific Boulevard (Read Sept 2016)

Jack: The Wide Awake Princess by E.D. Baker (TBR since June 20th, 2013) (own) and Five Summers by Una LaMarche (TBR since Aug 31st, 2014) (Read November 2015)

Queen: Starry Night by Debbie Macomber (TBR since Aug 22nd, 2013) (Read December 2015) and Angel Falls by Kristin Hannah (TBR since Apr 12th, 2014)

King: The Tenth Circle by Jodi Picoult (TBR since Aug 15th, 2012) (own) (Read October 2016)and Strands of Bronze and Gold by Jane Nickerson (TBR since Mar 26th, 2013)

Diamonds

Ace: Vanishing Acts by Jodi Picoult (TBR since Sept 22nd, 2012) (Read October 2017) and The Fill- In Boyfriend by Kasie West (TBR Sept 13th, 2014) (Read August 2015)

2: Tuesdays at the Castle by Jessica Day George (Read May 2015)

3: Amy and Roger's Epic Detour by Morgan Matson (TBR since June 19th, 2014) (Read Mar 2015) and The Beginning of Everything by Robyn Schneider (TBR since Jan 4th, 2015) (Read Apr 2015)

4: Just One Day by Gayle Forman (TBR since Jan 31st, 2013) (Read May 2017) and Things I Can't Forget by Miranda Kenneally (TBR since Feb 10th, 2013)

5: Summer Island by Kristin Hannah (TBR since Aug 18th, 2012) and Hero by Althea Kontis (Read June 2018)

6: Winter Garden by Kristin Hannah (TBR since Jan 31st, 2013) (Read May 2016) and The List by Siobhan Vivian (TBR since Dec 19th, 2013)

7: Clockwork Princess by Cassandra Clare (Read July 2017) and The Infinite Moment of Us by Lauren Myracle (TBR since June 8th, 2014) (Read January 2017)

8: Mercy by Jodi Picoult (TBR since Sept 22nd, 2012) (Feb 2018) and Jellicoe Road by Melina Marchetta (TBR since Aug 30th, 2014)

9: Requiem by Lauren Oliver (Read November 2017)

10: Princess of the Silver Woods by Jessica Day George (Read Feb 2015) and Before Midnight by Cameron Dokey (TBR since Mar 9th, 2013) (Read August 2017)

Jack: Godmother by Carolyn Turgeon (Mar 23rd, 2013)

Queen: The Sky is Everywhere by Jandy Nelson (TBR since Feb 7th, 2013) and Fairest by Marissa Meyer (TBR since June 19th, 2014) (Read Feb 2015)

King: Just One Night by Gayle Forman and  Catching Jordan by Miranda Kenneally (TBR since Dec 29th, 2012) (Read January 2018)

Clovers

Ace: Second Chance Summer by Morgan Matson (TBR since Jul 5th, 2014) and New Girl by Paige Harbison (Dec 9th, 2014)

2: I was Here by Gayle Forman (TBR since Dec 3rd, 2014) and The Mirk and the Midnight Hour by Jane Nickerson (TBR since Mar 27th, 2013)

3: Change of Heart by Jodi Picoult (TBR since Aug 15th, 2012) and Poison by Bridget Zinn (TBR since Mar 26th, 2013)

4: Home Front by Kristin Hannah (TBR since Aug 15th, 2012) and Cloaked by Alex Flinn (TBR since Mar 9th, 2013) The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han (TBR since Dec 26, 2012) (Read Aug 2016)

5: My Life Next Door by Huntley Fitzpatrick (TBR since June 9th, 2013) (Read Feb 2016) and Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare (TBR since Nov 14th, 2013) (Read Apr 2016)

6: To All the Boys I Have Loved Before by Jenny Han (TBR since Apr 7th, 2014) (Read April 2015) and If we Kiss by Rachel Vail (TBR since Dec 12th, 2012) (own) (Read January 2018)

7: The Crystal Heart by Sophie Mason (TBR since Feb 8th, 2014)  (Read Aug 2017) and Isla and the Happily Ever After by Stephanie Perkins (TBR since July 17th, 2014) (Read Aug 2016)

8: On Mystic Lake by Kristin Hannah (TBR since Apr 12th, 2014) (Read Mar 2018) and Zac and Mia by A.J. Betts (TBR since Jan 4th, 2015) (Read June 2015)

9: On this Day by Melody Carlson (TBR since Oct 5th, 2012) and Mr. Miracle by Debbie Macomber (TBR since Aug 20th, 2014) (Read January 2016)

10: Clockwork Prince by Cassandra Clare (Read November 2016) and Golden by Jessica Kirby (TBR since Aug 31st, 2014)

Jack: Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine (TBR since Feb 24th, 2013) and A Kiss in Time by Alex Flinn (TBR since Mar 25th, 2013)

Queen: Dearest by Althea Kontis and The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah (TBR since Oct 1st, 2014) (Read Apr 2015)

King: Enchanted by Althea Kontis (TBR since Mar 9th, 2013) (Read May 2018) and The Start of You and Me by Emery Lord (TBR since Sept 13th, 2014)

Top 10 2013 Releases I Missed

The Broke and the Bookish

1: Just One Day and Just One Year by Gayle Forman- I want to read more books by Gayle Forman this year. 

2: The Infinite Moment of Us by Lauren Myracle- I actually own this book and it has such a beautiful cover. I hope to read it this year. 

3: Five Summers by Una LaMarche- My sister recommended this to me for our five book challenge this year so I will read this book this. Plus I love lighthearted summer books. 

4: Golden by Jessica Kirby- Everybody loved this book when it came out, but I never read it. I ordered this book from the bookoutlet so I have no reason not to read it. 

5: The Beginning of Everything by Robyn Schneiner- My sister loved this book and recommended it for my five book challenge this year so this will be another 2015 must read. 

6: Strands of Bronze and Gold by Jane Nickerson- I have heard about this book for the past two years through fairy tale fortnight, but I haven't read it yet. 

7: My Name is Rapunzel by K.C. Hilton- I love anything with Rapunzel so I need to read this book. 

8: Poison by Bridget Zinn- this book got a lot of hype when it first came out, but now that the hype has died down I think now would be a great time to read it. 

9: Sold for Endless Rue by Madeleine E. Robins- Another Rapunzel retelling I haven't read. 

10: Destiny Rewritten by Katryn Fitzmaurice- This book looks so cute. I need to read it. 

I think I could do these type of lists for almost every year. As you all know my TBR list is endless. I'm interested to see my end of the year statistics for 2015 to see which year I kind of prioritize this year. I think I will read a lot of new 2015 releases, but I don't want to forget about the rewind books I have missed. 

Winning at Reading and Take Control of Your TBR Pile Sign Up

Hosted by Bea's Book Nook The point of this challenge is to read those books that were won or gifted. I have quite a few of these books. Some of them I have had for over a year and haven't read, so this challenge is perfect. I want to read at least 2, but would be happy to read more. I will have books I want to read in my wrap up post at the end of the month. 

Hosted by Caffeinated Book Reviewer

This includes all books on my TBR pile. Again I will be more specific about my TBR as the time nears, but I want to clear off as many as possible. I want to read at least 2 books, but would be happy for more. 

Sunday Post #2: Its all about those Books

Hosted by Kimba @ The Caffeinated Book Reviewer

Last Week On the Blog

Random Reads Wrap Up (all the wonderful books I read this year for my Random Reads feature)
Top Ten 2014 Releases I Meant to Read
Book of the Year Winner
Bout of Books Wrap Up

I returned to school this week. So far I'm enjoying my classes, but I'm realizing that this semester is going to require a lot of work. I think my early childhood class is going to be fun because we have to participate in kindergarten round up and spend 3 hours at a childcare center (pretty easy since I work at one). My world geography teacher is chinese and she actually grew up in China. We have to interview a person that is from latin america, asia, or africa that has come to America. The purpose of this project is to learn more about the US through another person's eyes. We know a couple of people. We will see how this goes. Otherwise my classes are pretty standard. I will do more updates as the semester goes on. The school of education loves group projects and it looks like I will be doing quite a few this semester.

It was really nice to see my friends and my roommate and catch up this week. It is always hard finding a new schedule and getting back into the routine. My schedule coordinates really well with my friend, Rachel's schedule and conflicts with my friend Lynette's schedule. It was the opposite last semester so I will get to spend more time with Rachel this semester. Rachel and her boyfriend also got a hamster this week named Strider. My roommate is missing a lot as she now has her boyfriend full time on campus instead of living three hours away. I expect to get to see her more soon as she gets used to him being on campus.

Otherwise not much is new. I'm home for the weekend. My sister is attending her 2nd to last formal. I did end up making it swimming this week for my #fitreaders challenge. I went swimming on Tuesday for 45 minutes and Thursday for 40 minutes. I will hopefully return to running this week also.

Read This Week

I finished Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins this week.

Currently Reading

Sold for Endless Rue by Madeleine E. Robins

So far I'm enjoying this book although it is a little heavy on information at times.

Snagged at the Library

I didn't get any new books this week from the library. You can check my library book haul from last week for my current check outs. 

New Books

Okay so I'm not supposed to be buying books this year unless I use gift cards or earn them through my reward system, but I kind of broke that this week. Most of these books are from The Book Outlet's boxing day sale where we got 9 books for $23.80. This was purchased before New Year's and therefore does not count as 2015. The three books from Amazon were purchased after New Year's and cost me 11.77. I had amazon giftcards, but it didn't cover everything. 

Book Outlet

The Story of Us by Deb Caletti

Forever Summer by Alyson Noel

Meant to Be by Lauren Morill

This Song will Save your Life by Lelia Sales

Golden by Jessica Kirby

You Against Me by Jenny Downham

The Wide Awake Princess by ED Baker

If We Kiss and Kiss Me Again by Rachel Vail

Christmas

Girl Online by Zoe Sugg (thanks mom and dad)

Amazon

Zac and Mia by AJ Betts

I'll Give You the Sun by Jandy Nelson

Everything Leads to You by Nina LaCour

So tell me which books should I put as top priority and read first. I will have my entire TBR shelf posted at some point this week. We have a lot of wonderful books on our shelves that I hope to get to soon. 

Events this Week

I started this read-a-thon at 23% through Fallen by Anne Hunter and I'm currently 32% through Fallen. I didn't get much reading done this week. I also started Cruel Beauty by Rosamond Hodge as an audiobook and I'm 4 hours into the audiobook. I will probably finish Cruel Beauty this week and make progress in Fallen. 

I don't have any events that are happening this week, but the next COYER read-a-thon will be happening starting the 24th as well as the Winter's Respite Read-A-Thon starting on the 26th. 

Have a Great Week!