Christmas Snack-Size Reviews to Savor

Only one week to go until Christmas! I've been savoring some sweet Christmas short stories and novellas, and I wanted to share about them so you can enjoy a last-minute treat too. :)

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Bespoke: A Tiny Christmas Tale by Amanda Dykes
Rating: Summer

All the rumors you might have heard are true...this is a lovely little tale! Only a few characters are featured, and yet the author weaves their lives into a braid of tender emotion, loss, and hope. The setting is unique and described beautifully, definitely perfect for Christmas Eve dreams. And I love the inspiration behind it all: the desire to spread the deepest love through bicycles. It has my own wheels spinning, making me want to touch lives in unique ways with what I have right now.

Wrapped in Red by Meghan M. Gorecki

Rating: Spring

Wrapped in Red is all about family, hope, and healing. It's a fun contemporary novella, but not without its difficult parts, including a prickly heroine with a wounded heart that longs to love again. I enjoyed the sweet side of Christmas in the city, and the ending is thought-provoking and inspiring. 

Yes, Carol...It's Christmas! by Cindy Vincent

Rating: Spring/Summer

This modern-day reimagining of A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens is clever, funny, and entertaining. How Carol ends up being whisked away to face her past, understand her present, and see the direction of her future is quite clever. The "Ghost Hosts" have such funny and unique personalities! (The scenes they bring to life keep the reader eager to turn pages.) And yes, this story all about Christmas parties is as entertaining as one would hope it to be—while conveying a heartfelt message and culminating in a charming ending.

*With thanks to the author for providing me with a copy of the book.*

What Dreams May Come by Alana Terry
Rating: Spring

Knowing this has its main basis in reality makes the romance extra sweet! The story unfolds slowly, taking its time to share how the two main characters ended up in such a tragic situation, far apart and unable to see how anything could change. I like how the tension feels authentic and the heroine's love and loyalty are so strong. This is a bittersweet but inspiring tale about trusting God with the dreams He gives and opening your heart to hope again.

How Gretchen Stole Christmas by Tracy Joy Jones
Rating: Spring/Summer

Fun and full of heart! How Gretchen Stole Christmas starts out with a young woman eager to surprise her family for Christmas...but quickly takes a surprising turn that brings an old flame into the picture. I really enjoyed reading about Gretchen's big family and seeing how she reacts to a crazy situation. The ending is perfect for a Christmas romance, and I love the way the heroine's eyes are opened.

*You can get this e-novella for FREE this month (December 2017) when you subscribe to the author's newsletter!*

BONUS

Seaglass by Kara Swanson

Rating: Spring/Summer

This isn't a Christmas read, but it is another freebie that is oh-so-lovely! A bit of fantasy churns through the pages of this simple little story, but the message shimmers bright for real-world readers. I love the imagery and what the two main characters come to see about living life.

Thanks to Juju of Tales of Whimsy for the inspiration regarding mini reviews!

Snack Size Reviews with a Side of Catch-Up

I have a bad, bad habit of procrastinating...as you might be able to tell by the lack of reviews on my blog lately, which doesn't match up with the amount of books I've been reading and rating on Goodreads! I want to sincerely apologize for delaying on reviews that should have been posted months ago.

This post won't catch me up on all the reviews I owe (there are some books I've had on my TBR pile for an *embarrassing* amount of time), but it's a start. :) I hope you enjoy perusing the virtual cupboard and maybe find something you'd like to try!

P.S. You can click on the titles to visit the Goodreads pages for these books, where you'll find descriptions and other reviews.

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Charity's Cross by MaryLu Tyndall
Series: Charles Towne Belles #4

It's so great to have another seafaring story from MaryLu Tyndall! You can expect some trademark elements that you'll see in many of this author's novels, but the romance and adventure are definitely enjoyable. This one is hard to put down! And this particular story has some thought-provoking scenarios pertaining to the extent of God's grace and how much we can trust Him.

Bonus: MaryLu fans will appreciate the cameos from other characters in this series!

Quote to Savor: She'd spent the past hour among the night owls, insects, and frogs, the distant sound of waves, and a sky so lustrous with stars, she wondered how she could ever have thought there was no God.

For Elise by Hayden Wand

This novelette is sweet, tender, and quirky. It's easy to care for the two main characters - even though the hero can come across as a bit pretentious, perhaps. (Maybe reading about him in the third-person rather than hearing from him in the first-person would have made him even more likable?) Still, this is a fun little story with some good lines!

Quote to Chew On: I was not going to stand for being sassed by the undead in my own home.

Spell Bound by Dorian Tsukioka
Series: A Fairy Retelling #3

Sadly, this retelling is not my favorite by the author. However, I truly was impressed by the creativity of the plot and the fairy-tale connections (with Rumpelstiltskin and Snow White). The imagination behind it all is quite astounding! The twist with the dwarves is clever, and I generally liked the main characters. Unfortunately, I just had a hard time cheering for a certain direction in the plot, and I'm not sure the third-person present tense made for the best reading experience. But this author writes some creative retellings, and I've really enjoyed her other stories (Cursed Beauty, Ai of the Mountain, and Rosara and the Jungle King from the Five Enchanted Roses collection).

*With thanks to the author for providing me with an e-copy of the book in exchange for my honest opinion.*

A Daring Sacrifice by Jody Hedlund
Series: An Uncertain Choice #2

I confess I loved this one much more than the first in the series (An Uncertain Choice)! It's got a beautiful and engaging love story, plenty of intrigue and twists, and great characters. The discussion questions and the layout of the story work very well for raising thought-provoking commentary on relationships. The sacrificial theme is an important one, and I love the idea of making sure you see a love interest's world (how they live and where they're coming from) before making a commitment.

The Key to Extraordinary by Natalie Lloyd

This author truly does have an enchanting way with words, quirky characters, and sweet themes. I enjoyed the unique setting of the cafe in the cemetery and the way such a setting brings out some meaningful thoughts. I don't think I liked this one quite as much as A Snicker of Magic...but that story is a hard one to top! The Key to Extraordinary is still a clever and darling read.

Veiled at Midnight by Christine Lindsay
Series: Twilight of the British Raj #3

I read this book over a long, stretched-out period of time. Two things to note: 1) It was kind of easy to set the story aside, but 2) the heart of the story stuck with me enough to help me jump back in again even after being away for a while. The research involved in composing this story is definitely evident, and the setting/time period are unique choices for Christian fiction. I found the plot a little complex and the politics a little over my head, but the relationship matters are weighty, meaningful, sometimes frustrating, and yet engaging. Not always an easy read, but one that has great depth, presenting events and scenarios worth remembering and pondering.

The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion
Series: Don Tillman #1

This book was recommended to me by a girl I met at Shari's. I'm really glad I gave it a try! It's not my usual fare... Note that there's a lot of language and sexual references. (There are no sex scenes, though.) But the main character, Don, and the way his point of view is presented is brilliant, hilarious, and endearing. I enjoyed watching Don come to realize that love was nothing like he expected it to be. :)

Quote to Savor: Then, in this vanishingly small moment in the history of the universe, she took my hand, and held it all the way to the subway.

Thanks to Juju of Tales of Whimsy for the inspiration regarding mini reviews!

Intensely Seasoned Snack Size Reviews

Those YA books sure can pack a punch! I've read several intense/intriguing books for the young adult crowd, and here are some of my snack size thoughts to chew on...

The Isle of the Lost by Melissa de la Cruz
Rating: Spring
Currently: $12.21 on Amazon (Hardcover)

I loved, loved this book's witty and clever references to a plethora of Disney movies and characters! The author did a great job of balancing familiar elements with characters that came into their own in this intriguing dual world of "good vs. evil."

I was a little uncomfortable with the darkness and heaviness of this book, although I suppose that's to come with the territory of such a premise, where Disney villains are banished to an island together and imprisoned there. The glimpses of light and hope, though - such as the friendships forged and the sacrifices made, especially toward the end - were sweet and made the read meaningful, despite my uncertainties.

(Side Dish: I discovered that this book is actually a lead-up to a Disney channel original movie. I wasn't super impressed by the trailer I found after experiencing the scope and characterization of the book. You can check it out HERE, though, if you're interested!)

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Rook by Sharon Cameron

Rating: Spring/Summer

Currently: $12.78 on Amazon (Hardcover)

Wow. This book kept me up until dawn one night and then took up hours of the next day! It's a very engaging story, although also quite violent and troubling. What would happen if we lost all our technology we depend on? What would we do if history repeated itself with something like the French Revolution? Thought-provoking, intense, and romantic, Rook is another excellent story by Sharon Cameron - one that ignites the imagination and sparks meaningful contemplation about the nature of humanity and the choices we make.

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Crimson Bound by Rosamund Hodge
Rating: Spring/Summer
Currently: $12.78 on Amazon (Hardcover)

Rosamund Hodge has done it again - created a terrifying and utterly enthralling world that tests the limits of her characters' devotion, endurance, and love. Crimson Bound is quite a different story from Cruel Beauty, one that features a heroine driven by guilt and fueled by the desire to make a difference despite her bad decisions. The story is quite disturbing in parts, but it also raises some important questions and thoughts to ponder about what it means to be human, the burning desire to live, and the need for defiant hope and forgiveness. It's a beautiful - sometimes startling and surprising - and meaty read that draws on spiritual and mythological elements and themes. And yes, there's a little bit of romance in there, too. :)

Appetizers: Here are a few quotes to whet your appetite...

• "Do you think that doing the right thing will always be pretty?"

• "He grinned at her, and it felt like there was no space or barrier at all between them, like his smile was happening inside her heart."

• "This is the human way, she thought. On the edge of destruction, at the end of all things, we still dance. And hope."

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Bonus Middle Grade Review!

I'm with Cupid by Anna Staniszewski

Rating: Spring

Currently: $7.99 on Amazon (Paperback)

This was a fun and yet serious read. I was intrigued by the premise and how Marcus and Lena came to learn and appreciate new things about love and death due to their switch in roles (matchmaker and soul collector). Marcus was a total sweetie! His tender heart, his love for his grandpa and Lena, his attachment to the old-fashioned dating book - all completely endearing. The story line involving his grandpa really hit home and offered a compassionate look at a difficult and heartbreaking emotional reality.

I had a little less fondness for Lena's character, but she had her moments. I don't know if I necessarily like the ambiguity of the supernatural and afterlife elements, but I still enjoyed the story and the characters' growth. I'm with Cupid is cute, sweet, sad, and clever. An overall enjoyable middle grade read - with a cliffhanger epilogue!

*With thanks to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Jabberwocky for providing me with an e-ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.*

Book releases July 7, 2015.

"Seasoned" or "unseasoned" is in reference to my book rating system. Thanks to Juju of Tales of Whimsy for the inspiration regarding mini reviews!

Snack Size Reviews: NetGalley Nibbles

The thing about NetGalley (an e-galley site for book reviewers)? When you start browsing the book buffet, it's easy to overfill your plate! Or to keep on eating and eating without letting the first round(s) digest...

For the sake of getting caught up on some reviews and sharing some thoughts on what I've read, here are a few NetGalley nibbles for your reading pleasure! Maybe you'll find something to enjoy now or save for later. :)

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Beyond All Dreams by Elizabeth Camden

Rating: Spring

Currently $9.99 for Kindle

Elizabeth Camden crafts unique historical fiction with a captivating depth of character. I really loved the hero and heroine of this particular story, especially at the beginning. Their banter and clash of personalities makes for an entertaining read, even when a hero in politics and a slow-building plot largely set in the Library of Congress wouldn't normally seem "fun" to me. Camden balances interesting details, romance, and subtle suspense admirably.

How the suspense element plays out, though, was mostly what kept me from loving the book quite as much as I wanted to. Luke won me over at the beginning but severely dented my trust by the way he handled revelations later on. I guess I was hoping for a bit more - from his choices and from the climax of the plot. Still, there are reasons for everything in the story, and Camden's writing is always enjoyable. Beyond All Dreams is a worthy addition to the Camden historical romance collection. (I believe Against the Tide and The Rose of Winslow Street remain my favorites of the five books I've read by her.)

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In Tune with Love by Amy Matayo

Rating: Fall

Currently $3.79 for Kindle (Releases March 31)

I confess, In Tune with Love wasn't exactly the right fit for me. But like with weddings, styles are subjective and taste varies greatly. My issues with this wedding story? The heroine's attitude. (Snarkiness has its place in small doses, but I just couldn't quite sympathize with April's maid-of-honor "woes" and her Debbie Downer ways.) The hero's attitude. (He just didn't seem all that contrite or compassionate to me based on his actions and reactions.) The general attitude of the story. (I didn't really feel uplifted by it. More like frustrated and not overly optimistic for a true, long-lasting love between these characters.)

But I think there's a big audience that enjoys a snarkier romance, and this story does have an interesting premise and a theme of forgiveness that might resonate better with others. 

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An Uncertain Choice by Jody Hedlund

Rating: Fall/Spring

Currently $5.99 for Kindle (Releases March 3)

An Uncertain Choice is an engaging read and a fun change of pace for author Jody Hedlund. For the most part, I enjoyed this young-adult historical. It has a nice blend of courtly romance, danger, and medieval drama.

However, I did feel like there was room for further depth in the characterization. What could have been a really compelling study of the falling-in-love process felt somewhat "rigged," although I do admit there are moments of surprise and uncertainty as to how the plot will play out. I guess I just wish some choices and depictions didn't turn out to be quite so cliche and obvious, despite the younger target audience.

Still, this book and its prequel seem to be garnering a positive response from the majority of readers, and overall the story is entertaining and sweet (with a slightly darker edge given the time period).

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*With thanks to NetGalley, Bethany House Publishers, and Zondervan for providing me with e-ARCs of these books in exchange for my honest reviews.*

Thanks to Juju of Tales of Whimsy for the inspiration regarding mini reviews!

Sweetly Seasoned Snack Size Reviews

What's a girl to do as Valentine's Day approaches? Well, for me, I guess that would be doing what I do the rest of the year: read a romance (or a dozen). ;) Here are a few sweet romance stories I've enjoyed recently!

So True a Love (Daughters of His Kingdom, Book 2) by Amber Lynn Perry
Rating: Spring/Summer
Currently $3.99 for Kindle

As an inspirational historical romance fan, I was hard-pressed to pass up this lovely cover and the story's promising premise! And the book delivered on an intriguing, suspenseful read set during the Revolutionary era. I do confess that the plot is rather frustrating in terms of secrets kept and the obvious overlooked time and again, but it wasn't so bothersome that I couldn't appreciate the romantic tension and the hope that all would be revealed and worked out in time. An engaging excursion into another era!

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The Vow (An Uncertain Choice Novella) by Jody Hedlund

Rating: Fall/Spring

Currently $1.99 for Kindle

It's exciting that talented historical fiction author Jody Hedlund is trying her hand at YA (young adult) fiction! I enjoyed this snippet as a sample of her upcoming novel release. The time period is fraught with peril and hardships, and poor Rosemarie has to deal with a lot of trauma for a young woman barely out of girlhood. As the set-up for An Uncertain Choice that provides interesting back story, The Vow is a nice teaser; as its own novella, there isn't much of a story so much as a promise of one to come. Lots of shifting emotions (understandably!), but not much substance that's overly compelling or satisfying in and of itself. I'll be curious to see how the novel plays out, though!

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A Woodland Miracle (Amish Wonders, Book 2) by Ruth Reid
Rating: Spring/Summer
Currently $8.89 for Kindle

It's really hard to stay away from the book section when I'm in Walmart. The last time I browsed the shelves, my eyes caught on an Amish book with a cover I simply love and by an author who wrote another Amish story I enjoyed. But my gaze also snagged on this one, and the back cover copy completely intrigued me. ("Endanger their lives"? I had to know what that was all about!) Well, I bought the former because I trusted the author would deliver a good story (and yes, I'm a sucker for lovely covers), but I couldn't resist looking up this book online. After seeing the reviews and reading more about it, I one-clicked it.

A Woodland Miracle was all its back cover said it would be and just what I wanted! Unique Amish characters and setting (which has to be getting pretty rare in this genre), plenty of tension, and a suspense element that didn't wait until the very end to make itself well and clearly known (kudos to the author for that!). Yes, I think some of the characters and themes could have gone a smidge deeper, but all in all this was a very satisfying and intriguing read that kept me glued to my Fire tablet until the very last swipe of the virtual page.

[This snack size review is bordering on a full meal...thanks for indulging me!]

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Love on the Mend (Full Steam Ahead Novella) by Karen Witemeyer

Rating: Spring

Currently $2.51 for Kindle

Karen Witemeyer writes so cleverly and crafts such fun and likable characters that reading any of her stories is bound to be an enjoyable experience. Though just a short and sweet novella, Love on the Mend is trademark Witemeyer and includes some great bonding scenes and a satisfying conclusion. While perhaps not my favorite of her books, it was still fun to spend an evening catching up with Jacob from Full Steam Ahead and watching him get completely bowled over by the indomitable Mollie Tate. ;)

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Have you read any sweet romances lately that you'd recommend? What's on your Valentine's reading list? 

"Seasoned" or "unseasoned" is in reference to my book rating system. Thanks to Juju of Tales of Whimsy for the inspiration regarding mini reviews!

Gingerbread Man Snack Size Reviews

While some of her stories are hit and miss with my personal preference in content, I often enjoy Lee/Elle Strauss's books. Her writing is very engaging. And now that all three of her "Gingerbread Man" episodes have released, I had to sample a taste!

Gingerbread Man: Run Run Run (#1), As Fast As You Can (#2), You Can't Catch Me (#3)
Learn more on Lee Strauss's website
Purchase on Amazon

I bought and read all three episodes in this serial series in one night - to give you an idea of how intriguing the stories are!

Run Run Run drew me in with its realistic (sometimes aggravatingly so) main characters and the strong suspense elements. It also drove me absolutely insane with the unanswered questions throughout most of the story - as well as the those typical moments where you want to shout at and shake a particular character because they're being way too gullible and about to make a really, really stupid decision. *Attempts to calm down* Anyway, this first episode in the series is quite enjoyable in a "I must find out what's happening" sort of way.

As Fast As You Can continues the drama and intrigue, and I especially liked the moments when the characters for whom the series subtitle is named for worked together and got to know each other. They make a great team, and their relationship is great fun to watch unfold, despite the dangers forcing them to race against the clock.

You Can't Catch Me was a satisfying conclusion, but probably my least favorite of the episodes simply because of the separation between characters and the stark new setting that takes up a good deal of the book. The Eager McBeaver part of me just wanted to get back to the main mystery and relationships, although the writer in me can appreciate the plot twists and revelations.

All in all, this series makes for a fun and crazy evening of reading, and I'll be interested in hearing more about the next serial series featuring some of the same characters ("Life Is But a Dream").

Content Note: If I remember correctly, there is some swearing in this series. And while there is no explicit sexual content, there are references to rape, violence, physical attraction, and drinking, as well as brief allusions to homosexuality.

Thanks to Juju of Tales of Whimsy for the inspiration regarding mini reviews!

Dangerous (Seasoned) Snack Size Reviews

The first few books I've read in 2015 have been dangerous...both in their plots, and in their addictive story lines that can lead to a lack of proper sleep! Here are some snack size reviews with my "seasoned" ratings:

One Among Men (The Maryland State University Series, Book 1) by Connie Almony
Rating: Spring/Summer
Currently $3.99 for Kindle

The tagline of this book intrigued me: "Though she lives with 500 hard-partying college guys, only one will lead her to danger." Talk about a provocative premise for contemporary Christian fiction! I just had to read it - and I quickly got sucked in to the life of a young woman trying to hold her own and cling to faith in a place where respect is sorely lacking and danger is very real. The suspense keeps the pages turning, for sure, but it's the authenticity of the struggles, doubts, relationships, and redemption that make this engaging read a meaningful one. And the unique romance with its twists, turns, and depth? Encore!

***

Ai of the Mountain (A Fairy Retelling, Book 2) by Dorian Tsukioka

Rating: Spring

Currently $2.99 for Kindle

Having been quite impressed by Dorian Tsukioka's Cinderella-retelling novella, Cursed Beauty, I snatched up this Beauty & the Beast retelling as soon as I saw it available on Amazon. Set in Japan, Ai of the Mountain is an intriguing tale of familial loyalty, desperate situations, magic, and a love that breaks down seemingly insurmountable barriers. I was thrown off for a bit with the romantic red herring and would have loved a longer glimpse at the relationship between Ai and her "Beast," but color me impressed once again with Tsukioka's imagination as she takes familiar themes and paints them in exotic new ways. Looking forward to more retellings!

***

Poison by Bridget Zinn
Rating: Spring
Currently $9.18 for the paperback

I adore a fun YA fantasy that includes plenty of adventure and romance. Poison has all that, plus a few neat twists on some of the familiar plot elements of this genre, especially in the inclusion of Rosie, the tracking pig, and the use of potions (of which the heroine is master). I guzzled down this story in one night. My main issues were with the ending...part of which felt a little anticlimactic when the villain's ultimate plan comes to light only to be squashed within moments, and then another part of which left me completely frustrated with the hero. Maybe having his POV would have helped, because man, his silence on certain topics for a time drove me insane! Still, the story as a whole provided a very enjoyable evening of reading.

Side Note: Sadly, the author of Poison passed away before her book was published. You can learn more about her life story and the support rallied for this book's promotion at www.bridgetzinn.com.

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"Seasoned" or "unseasoned" is in reference to my book rating system. Thanks to Juju of Tales of Whimsy for the inspiration regarding mini reviews!

Assorted Snack Size Reviews

Since early June I've read a handful of "just for fun" books that I haven't reviewed. I've debated a bit with myself on whether or not I should try writing snack size reviews for all of them, but I've decided to let them go and only focus on a few recent ones today. However, I will say that Full Steam Ahead by Karen Witemeyer, Cruel Beauty by Rosamund Hodge, All She Wanted by Nicole Deese, and A Snicker of Magic by Natalie Lloyd are all reads that I greatly enjoyed for various reasons. If you want to check out my ratings for those books and others I've read, you're always welcome to check out my Shelfari or Goodreads shelves! (They generally contain the same books, but I've kept Shelfari because I like the looks and organization of it, while Goodreads provides a better social connection with other readers.)

Anywho, here are a few snack size reviews I wanted to share... Enjoy!

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Thorn by Intisar Khanani

Rating: Summer

Currently $3.99 for Kindle

Thorn is a dark fairy tale that boldly addresses the evils of humanity while pinpointing the beautiful light of friendships, mercy, bravery, and love like stars in the night. The injustices and bouts of violence might leave you sick—and this read is probably not for everyone—but the moments of grace are exquisite, and the unflinching look at justice vs. revenge is thought-provoking. The heroine is both relatably imperfect and fearful, yet admirably kind, adaptable, and strong. The setting is so vivid as to be nearly tangible. And the romance is subtle, yet it's sweetness is pervasive. I didn't necessarily love every aspect of the plot, but the story as a whole swept me away.

The Bone Knife by Intisar Khanani (Short Story)

Rating: Spring

Currently FREE for Kindle!

The Bone Knife is a follow-up short story that remains in the world of Thorn while establishing the beginning of a new series. The shorter length keeps the suspense and action to a minimum, but the endearing family dynamics completely won me over, and the creativity in the magical aspects as well as the symbolism of the title rounded out the reading experience in a positive way.

Pocket Your Dollars by Carrie Rocha

Currently $5.60 in paperback format

This book was recommended to me by a fellow blogger and friend (thank you, Rachelle Rea!), and I'm so grateful I decided to read it. The timing could not have been more perfect, as I'm settling into a new job and navigating the ins and outs of living on my own for the first time. And who knew a book on taking control of your financial situation could actually be enjoyable to read? Rocha's writing style flows effortlessly, her examples are understandable and real, and her advice completely resonated with me. There are some practical tips at the end, but most of the book is about learning how to change your attitudes about money—and the great part is, some of the skills she describes for changing those attitudes can also apply to other areas of life. Pocket Your Dollars is inspiring, encouraging, and extremely handy. I feel more confident and positive about my financial future, and that sort of reading outcome is invaluable!

Note: Thanks to Juju of Tales of Whimsy for the inspiration regarding mini reviews!

Reviews from Austenland

Austenland (The Movie)

I've been making repeat trips to Austenland lately. When I first rented it and watched it on my laptop, I confess I wasn't overly impressed, mostly because the innuendos and whatnot stood out like stains on the carpet of a new apartment as I was first immersing myself in the world. But when I spotted the movie in Target, the humor and strange sweetness came to mind, and I later made it one of my purchases with an Amazon gift card.

Since then, I've re-watched the movie several times. Yes, the crude moments are still there...but they serve as an emphasis for the ridiculousness of this "fantasy land" that turns out to be just as full of human flaws as any "real" place in this world. The movie is such a fun diversion: a reminder that our dreams - and the people that populate them - aren't always what they seem, and yet a "happily ever after" can be found in unexpected ways when we embrace what's real.

The actors really do a brilliant job, and each time I watch the movie I can't help but laugh, chuckle, and smile my way through Jane's misfortunes, mishaps, and mayhem. There's so much silliness and hilarious drama, yet it refrains from becoming too much to handle by lacing in Jane's genuine (and very relatable) emotions. Yes, I will confess that the fact that JJ Feild plays a big role in the film makes me happy... (He won me over as Henry Tilney in Northanger Abbey. ♥) And the ending (especially the one for Austenland itself) is just too perfect!

The film is rated PG-13 for a reason, though thankfully the language and sexual content are not explicit. But if you're really uncomfortable with innuendos, this may not be your cup of English tea, so to speak. Otherwise, Austen fanatics should find Austenland a fun place to visit - and they should conclude the journey quite grateful that the park doesn't really exist. ;)

Austenland by Shannon Hale

Rating: Spring

Currently $1.99 for Kindle

With how much I've been enjoying the movie lately, I couldn't resist picking up a Kindle copy of Austenland with its sale price. I was happily surprised to see that the book starts out quite different than the movie. And as the story progressed, I discovered a fun balance between "new" material and similar elements from the movie. As a blogging friend and I were chatting about on Twitter (S/O to @flowersquiet!), the spirit of the book and movie are pretty much the same.

I confess that I preferred Movie Jane to Book Jane, though. Book Jane felt more self-centered and more free with her affections than Movie Jane, but perhaps that might have been partly due to reading the whole story from only her perspective (and getting much more of her back story). That's another thing the movie allows for that the book does not: a broader glimpse at the other characters, which I quite enjoyed.

One thing I loved more about the book: the heroine's "self-discovery," if you will. I loved that the hero encouraged her to pursue a long-neglected passion, and I loved that the pursuit of that skill started to take over her pursuit of the men at Austenland. That element of the story, and what it said about both the hero and heroine, made me happy.

What about you? Movie or book? Thoughts on either...?

"Matching" Snack Size Reviews

This month the four novellas comprising A Match Made in Texas were made available separately in Kindle format! I absolutely love Karen Witemeyer's work, and I heard good things about Regina Jennings' novella, so I decided to pre-order both of those. Here are my snack size reviews...

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A Cowboy Unmatched by Karen Witemeyer

Rating: Spring/Summer

Currently $1.82 for Kindle

A Cowboy Unmatched features the youngest Archer brother (Neill) and a young widow who surprises him at every turn and thoroughly lassos his heart in no time flat. The love story is incredibly tender, as independent, outcast Clara finds herself wooed by protective, understanding, and gentlemanly Neill. Throw in a figure from Clara's past who poses a threat to Neill and Clara's future, add in some brief appearances and mentions of the older Archer brothers and their families, and you've got another engaging Witemeyer read that offers a sweet ending to the Archer tales!

An Unforeseen Match by Regina Jennings

Rating: Spring/Summer

Currently $1.99 for Kindle

An Unforeseen Match is a story of misunderstandings and a battle of wills. Grace is losing her eyesight, but what's more, she might just lose her heart when a man with a secret shows up on her doorstep, answering an ad she never placed (and one far different than the one she had planned to place). Grace and Clayton's interactions and conversations are authentic and endearing, and I loved watching the romance play out. Some aspects of both the premise and the interactions reminded me a bit of Where the Wild Rose Blooms by Lori Wick (a story I fell in love with when I was younger) - and interestingly enough, the heroes of both books share the same name. This is a touching novella that ends up skimming the surface of some surprising depths.

Note: "Seasoned" or "unseasoned" is in reference to my book rating system. Thanks to Juju of Tales of Whimsy for the inspiration regarding mini reviews!

Snack Size Reviews for Fairy Tale Fortnight

Last week I decided to read a couple of the fairy-tale retellings I had on my Kindle in honor of Fairy Tale Fortnight, hosted by A Backwards Story and The Book Rat. :) But before I share my snack size reviews, I just wanted to let you know that my own fairy-tale retellings (Bellflower and Fairy Slippers) were featured on "A Backwards Story" HERE, via a guest post I wrote titled "Fairy Tales in the Wild West." I'm also giving away three e-copies of the book, so do stop by and enter! Here's a little more info about the short-story combo ebook...

Bellflower ~ #0.5 in "The Heart's Spring" series

Short Story Prequel to Forget Me Not 

Spring 1880

Annabelle knows only one way of life. Jacob knows only one way to feel secure. When their paths cross in a Western mining town, can they find a way for love to bloom? Discover the story behind two hurting hearts in this short but sweet retelling of Beauty and the Beast.

Fairy Slippers ~ #2.5 in "The Heart's Spring" series

Short Story Companion to Bleeding Heart

Spring 1888

Margaret is fragile. Zachary is tough. Both are lonely. Will a dance in a redwood lumber town bring them together - or drive them apart forever? Discover the continuing story of the cook from Bleeding Heart in this short but sweet retelling of Cinderella.

 Get both of these short stories in one $.99 ebook!

Amazon (Kindle) | Barnes & Noble (Nook) | Smashwords

Add to Goodreads | Visit the blog page

And now for those reviews! The first is for a lighter Peter-Pan story, the second is for a darker Cinderella novella.

Love, Tink (The Complete Series) by Elle Strauss

Rating: Spring

Currently $3.99 for Kindle

This story is for all those fans of YA romance who ever had a crush on Peter Pan (especially the Disney version!). While Peter is portrayed as a lot more mature than one would expect of such a boy, his adorable gentlemanliness won me over, overall. Originally published in six episodes, this full story flows well, with lots of fun twists, dimension/world-hopping, and fairies! Perhaps a little young for some readers (especially initially), Love, Tink grew on me with its imaginative plot. With a little suspension of disbelief and some pixie dust, you too can enjoy this sweet take on Tinkerbell, Peter Pan, and Neverland.

Gilded Ashes (Novella) by Rosamund Hodge

Rating: Spring

Currently $1.99 on Amazon

Gilded Ashes is a fascinating and creepy retelling of Cinderella. With a unique twist, this version of the story focuses on mother-daughter relationships - showing how selfish "love" and shadowy compromises can lead to some very scary outcomes. Featuring a ghost, demons, and some gruesome/frightening scenes, this dark fairy tale might not be for everyone. But for those who love retellings with depth, I was impressed by how this story was crafted, the way it warns while also giving the faintest hint of warmth in its surprisingly sweet romance and its emphasis on the freedom of truthfulness.

Note: "Seasoned" or "unseasoned" is in reference to my book rating system. Thanks to Juju of Tales of Whimsy for the inspiration regarding mini reviews!

"Season"-ed Snack Size Reviews

Sometimes it's nice to just have a little something to read - a little story to make you smile or intrigue you. I indulged in a couple of shorter reads in the last few days (and yes, I confess, I bought one this weekend for $.99...). Here are my thoughts!

You Made Me Love You by Beth K. Vogt

Rating: Spring

I loved Wish You Were Here, so the fact that this is a fun little sequel with a truly adorable cover made this a must-read for me! While not as deep as its novel-length predecessor, and while the heroine (Meghan) sometimes came across as abrasive rather than cute in her teasing, I still really enjoyed this sweet read about clashing personalities, staying true to yourself, and standing strong in humility in the midst of awkward circumstances. The ice cream scenes were great, and I loved Seth's character growth (and the way a certain someone made him fall in love!). All in all, a great follow-up to a wonderful book!

Out of the Blue (Hindsight, Book 1) by Kelly Martin

Rating: Spring

Martin intrigued me with her early-2014 release, The Afterlife of Lizzie Monroe, so I've been curious to read more of her work. Out of the Blue is another creative story (novella-length) with a great hero POV. This is just "the beginning," which means readers will have to wait a while for "the middle" and "the end." Even still, I found this to be an easy read with fun nods to BBC's Sherlock. I liked the mystery, despite a few points where the elements didn't seem to mesh perfectly. There are darker tones - and there's certainly a strong suggestion that darker revelations are to come. Yet it's a clean NA (new adult) read that presents an interesting (albeit not yet fully explained) premise in an engaging, small college-town setting. 

Note: "Seasoned" or "unseasoned" is in reference to my book rating system. Thanks to Juju of Tales of Whimsy for the inspiration regarding mini reviews!

"Season"-ed Snack Size Review: Cress

Today I want to share with you the latest in a line of addictive treats (the "Lunar Chronicles" series)! Here are my snack size reviews of Books 1 and 2, if you missed them before: Cinder and Scarlet. And now, for Book 3...

Cress by Marissa Meyer

Rating: Spring/Summer

Cress is everything I could have hoped it to be: another sweet and romantic fairy-tale twist, another danger-filled adventure along the way to saving Earth (note that it includes some violence), and another opportunity to fall more in love with this series' cast of characters. Cress and Thorne's relationship is adorable; Cinder and Kai's relationship is still mysterious, awkward, and tender; and Scarlet and Wolf's relationship is wreaking havoc with my heart. Plus, Iko really endeared herself to me in this book (too, too cute!), and I'm getting excited for the next couple's story in Winter. The imagery in Cress is enchanting, and the emphasis on how life is invaluable is both thought-provoking and wonderful. The "Lunar Chronicles" series has completely impressed me, and I'm sure I'll be half-giddy, half-devastated when the 4th and final installment finally releases.

Note: "Seasoned" or "unseasoned" is in reference to my book rating system. Thanks to Juju of Tales of Whimsy for the inspiration regarding mini reviews!

Snack Size Reviews for Bite Size Books

Sometimes it's really nice to just read something short, especially when you feel like you haven't been getting much reading done and the blog is looking bare. Since I have Book 3 in the "Culper Ring" series on my Kindle (thanks to NetGalley and Harvest House!), I thought it would be nice to finally read the two free companion stories that come before it...

Fairchild's Lady (#1.5) by Roseanna M. White

Rating: Spring

For a sweet historical morsel with a helping of suspense, look no further than Fairchild's Lady! The Versailles setting is intriguing, the attraction adorable, and the danger quite compelling for a novella. While the romance gets a bit flowery and the events and transitions are rather quick, I still quite enjoyed reading more about Isaac Fairchild and meeting Lady Julienne. This was just the right length and level of engagement for an afternoon read.

A Hero's Promise (#2.5) by Roseanna M. White

Rating: Fall/Spring

Showcasing an interesting historical event with an imaginative flair, A Hero's Promise is a nice, quick read. While I did like the hero and heroine's history together and the imagery in Chapter 1, I confess this short story didn't intrigue me as much as Fairchild's Lady, and I would have liked Jack and Lenna to have more time together, especially given the shorter length of the story. But this is still an enjoyable companion to the "Culper Ring" series, paving the way for a more in-depth addition with Circle of Spies (Book 3).

Both of these stories are available for FREE! You can find the links on the author's website.

Here are my reviews of Books 1 and 2: Ring of Secrets and Whispers from the Shadows. Both are great reads! And be looking for my review of Book 3, coming soon!

Note: "Seasoned" or "unseasoned" is in reference to my book rating system. Thanks to Juju of Tales of Whimsy for the inspiration regarding mini reviews!

A Bookish Update and Snack Size Review

Today's topic: books. Surprise! ;)

Kindle Purchases

One of my goals for 2014 was to purchase only 3 Kindle (or other format) books a month. (I've already reached my limit for February...) So I thought I'd share with you the purchases I've made so far, because I've found some really great reads!

For January:

• Pieces of Jade by Lani Woodland and Melonie Piper (My review)
• This is What Happy Looks Like by Jennifer E. Smith (My review)
• The Afterlife of Lizzie Monroe by Kelly Martin (My review)

I got the first for $3.99, the second for $1.99 (Kindle Daily Deal), and the third for $.99. I've already read all of them, surprisingly, and they were all great reads! My favorite was This is What Happy Looks Like - it could possibly make my list of 2014 favorites. So good!

For February:

• Romance Through the Ages (7 Book Romance Boxed Set)
• Sean Griswold's Head by Lindsey Leavitt
• Under Zenith by Shannen Crane Camp

I got the first for $.99, the second for $6.15, and the third for $2.99. Can I just say what a steal of a deal the first is?? (It's still only $.99, by the way, as part of a limited-time offer!) I already owned two of the seven e-books (The Reluctant Bachelorette and My Own Mr. Darcy), but the set includes a couple I had eyed before and others that sounded quite good. My understanding - based on the authors and what I've heard - is that these are all generally clean romances. And really, the list is phenomenal!

As for the other two, I *think* the first came to my attention when I found another book by the author on NetGalley. (Not sure if I'll be accepted to review it, but honestly, it's not like I need any more books to read right now, LOL.) I started looking around on Goodreads, and I came across Sean Griswold's Head. When I read the blurb, saw Kara's review, and looked at the new cover on Amazon, I couldn't resist. And Under Zenith? Well, I think I found out about that because of the blog tour, and as soon as I read the description and saw the cover, I knew it had to be my final purchase of the month! I started stalking Amazon until it's release, LOL. ;) And I wasn't disappointed! You can find my review at the end of this post.

Other Finds

I haven't read this book yet, but I'm very eager to - it's Making Faces by Amy Harmon. Now, if you've seen the cover either on Goodreads, in the sidebar here, or on Amazon, I know it doesn't quite fit with most of the other books I pick up. It looks very much like a mainstream romance, and I'm told it does include some language. But this post over on Fiction Hero Features not only brought the book to my attention - it provided me a chance to read a copy (thank you, Nancy!) and it made me really, really intrigued. (Be sure to check the post out - along with the comments section!) I just love finding "diamonds in the rough" - discovering gems outside of my normal reading scope. And it's fun being able to then share about it with others! There's something exciting about the thrill of the hunt and the victory of a good discovery. ;) Anyway, I can't personally recommend it yet until I've read it, but I'm confident it's going to be good!

Also, I received two books in the mail yesterday - one was a review book that I'm very excited about (The Pursuit of Tamsen Littlejohn by Lori Benton, which makes me think of Courting Morrow Little by Laura Frantz and has a very gorgeous cover to boot!) and the other was this little (or should I say big? there are a lot of pages!) beauty I pre-ordered around Christmastime:

I cannot tell you how excited I am to read Cress!!

Reviewing...

As you can well imagine, I'm not making a ton of progress with the Review Copy Cleanup. However, I am in the middle of The Thief by Stephanie Landsem, which I'll be reviewing either later this month or beginning of next month for the Litfuse Publicity blog tour - and it is so good! I also plan on reading Fly Away Home by Rachel Heffington in the next few days, so be looking for my review on Valentine's Day (when the book releases)!

...and Editing (etc.)

While I do hope to get more reviews up, I know I'm going to have to step back a bit from the blogosphere and world of social media. I confess I've been caught up with chasing ideas for my books (like The Audiobook Question), along with all the bookish stuff mentioned above. But while I hope to work on Morning Glory in the coming weeks, I need to let the rest go for a time. (I'll still plan on posting occasionally on the series blog and all that, but I need to focus on other things besides non-stop marketing!) This isn't a good-bye or anything like that... It's more an attempt to tell myself to stop getting so ridiculously distracted online! LOL. Yeah, we'll see how that goes. ;)

Anyway, one of the main reasons I need to get offline this week is that I have an editing project for a client I'm currently working on. Fun stuff, and I look forward to sharing more with you soon! And March (and possibly April?) is going to be swamped with blog-tour stuff, just as an FYI. I've got several blog tours coming up, each of which is unique and should be great fun! Looking forward to sharing more about these projects with you all.

A "Season"-ed Snack Size Review

And now for my snack size review of Under Zenith!

Under Zenith by Shannen Crane Camp

Rating: Spring/Summer

Under Zenith is an intriguing, wild, and super creative read! For most of the book, events are rather bizarre, and yet the overall mystery and constant "what will happen next?" feeling kept me engaged in the strange story world. While one aspect of the ending seemed obvious the closer I got to the finish, I was still surprised by other twists - and admittedly giddy at how things turned out (even though a certain character came across as inconsistent, and I'm not quite sure I bought the reason why). I loved the way family was ultimately portrayed in this story, and I'm really impressed with the imagery and cleverness of it all. An addictive and fascinating NA (New Adult) read!

Note: "Seasoned" or "unseasoned" is in reference to my book rating system. Thanks to Juju of Tales of Whimsy for the inspiration regarding mini reviews!