Top 5 Books to Read This Fall

Hello Lovelies!

I know it has been a while since I have posted but I’m here to start fresh! Let me know if there are any books you’d like me to review, tags you want me to do, or anything else book related. Let’s get into the post!

It has finally started to feel like fall where I live so I’ve decided to tell you all what I’m planning on reading this fall. I don’t have a lot of fall time where I live so it needs to be a short list.

So here is a list of my Top 5 Books I want to Read This Fall. The book titles are links to GoodReads.com.

 

1. Three Dark Crowns by Kendare Blake

I have started reading this book already and I’m liking it. It is a hard story to get started with because Blake just throws you into this world without any real ground work and you have to figure it out as you go. Other than feeling a little lost, I’m enjoying this book.

 

2. City of Ashes by Cassandra Claire

This is a book that I have tried to start before but I felt like I needed to read City of Bones again before I really got into City of Ashes. I’m giving up on City of Bones and jumping right into City of Ashes. Hopefully, since I’ve read City of Bones (it’s just been a while) I can catch up on the story and remember what I have forgotten.

3. Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo

I have heard so many great things about this book! I have it now and I’m determined to read it. It sounds like a darker book that is perfect for fall time.

4. The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater

I am currently listening to this book on Audible. I’m loving it! I can’t wait to finish it and I really wish I had a physical copy of the book. It is a darker paranormal story that really makes you think about what has happened to the characters that you as the reader, don’t know about yet. The author truly uses language to paint a picture instead of just telling you what is happening. I can’t wait to start the next one!

 

 

5. Sea of Monsters by Rick Riordan

This is the second book in the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series and I am dying to read it! The Lightning Thief was amazing and fast paced. That’s what I’m expecting from this one too. I know this will be an easier read for me so I’m hoping to get it read in the fall.

 

Those are my Top 5 Books to Read This Fall. Let me know in the comments if you have read these books or if there are any books you would add to my list.

Thanks for reading!

<3 Caroline

Music Monday 6-22-15

Hello Lovelies!

Today has been a bit of a stressful day and I have been reading and traveling a lot this past week so I don't have specific music I have been loving.

I do love country music so I have been listening to the radio and the Hot Country playlist on Spotify. I continue to love Spotify. 

No this post is not sponsored. 

I have also been working on something else the past couple of days that I will be posting about later on today!

Leave me a comment telling me what you have been listening to lately.

Thanks for reading!

C.

Ramblings of a bookworm who has been up all night....

Hello Lovelies!

So I took a ridiculously long nap yesterday and ended up just never going to bed last night. Because of this I now have a Tumblr and I have been on the BookTube a lot. 

Why have I not discovered BookTube before now?? Where have I been?? I love it! I have a reading list a mile long now. I just keep a notebook beside me with a pen so I can write things down.

No really, I do....

And no it's not just 1 page, but I digress. 

My current favorite BookTuber I have found is Kat. Here is one of my favorite videos of hers! (Warning! This video does contain mild language.)

Sadly, I have to go back to the real world now and get ready for the day ahead. Click the picture below to go to my Tumblr page!

 

As always, thanks for reading!

C.

Book to Movie Wishlist Tag!

Hello Lovelies!

Since I have been away for so long, I have been scouring the internet to find more to talk to you all about. I came across the Book to Movie Wishlist Tag and thought I would do it here as well. (Click on the bold words to go to the blog I got it from.)

The tag is basically just my ideas of 5 books that should be turned into movies and the reasons why. Pretty simple so let's get started! I will link the title of the book if I have done a review of it.

                                                             Easy by Tamara Webber

I seriously LOVE this book. I can no longer count the amount of times that I have read it. I would have very strict guidelines about casting and script but this book has the potential to be an amazing movie. 

                                       House of Night Series by P.C. Cast and Kristin Cast

I have heard rumors that this is in the works to become a movie but I haven't seen any definite signs so it is still a wish for me. I love the first book and have read the first 5 but then it got a little difficult to keep up with. I would still love to see a movie about the first book at least. Great characters and new concept for vampires. Love it!

                                                         The Selection by Kiera Cass

I love this book and I think it would make an amazing movie. The world that this book is set in is a different type of dystopian world than has been portrayed in movies so far and with the competition thrown in, it gives it a futuristic bachelor feel. I would love to see this become a movie.

                            The Boy Who Sneaks in My Bedroom Window by Kirsty Moseley

I love this book and I have read it so many times that now when I read it all I picture is how scenes would play out on screen. Do any of you do that? I think Liam and Amber are such an adorable couple and if they got the right actors, their relationship could be played out on screen very easily. I also think that the depth of the story line would play out well on screen. So many good things come to mind when I think about this book that I don't see how it couldn't do well as a movie.

Dreamland by Sarah Dessen

This book is so complex and has such a deep meaning that I have no idea why it's not a movie already. I love Sarah Dessen period and her books always leave you wanting more. This book would make a fantastic movie as long as they stayed true to the book. 

So that is my Book to Movie Wishlist Tag! Leave a comment below telling me what books you would like to see become movies and if you do this tag please leave the link for me in a comment so I can go and check out your list!

Thanks for reading!

C.

The Fault in Our Stars ~ John Green

Hello Lovelies!

As promised, a new book review!

I know we now have a movie to swoon over where this book is concerned and John Green now has a second movie ready and waiting in the wings but I have to join the millions that are STILL taking about this book. 

9 out of 10  

Goodreads summary: 

Despite the tumor-shrinking medical miracle that has bought her a few years, Hazel has never been anything but terminal, her final chapter inscribed upon diagnosis. But when a gorgeous plot twist named Augustus Waters suddenly appears at Cancer Kid Support Group, Hazel's story is about to be completely rewritten.

I loved this book. I read it last summer, before the movie came out, during lulls at work and cried through the last third of it. It did take me a little while to get into it but once I did it was incredible. Green once again turns basic conversations and experiences into the most heart felt words imaginable.

I absolutely adore Agustus Waters and his charm.  I don't think that the book would have the same upbeat air, even in the middle of cancer stories galore, without Gus. He strives to see the world through the eyes of someone other than himself and he takes Hazel along for the ride, 

I can definitely relate to Hazel. She is the typical girl who is given a crap hand in life. She accepts her fate and doesn't really try to get beyond it. Until Gus. He is the one who shows her that the world doesn't have to be closed off to her just because she has cancer. Through him she discovers more of herself than I think she has seen in years.

I only gave this book 9 out of 10 because I don't believe I could read it again. I love it so much but the journey that Green takes you on is such a roller coaster that it kind of tears you down and builds you back up again. It's been almost a year since I have read this book and I still don't think I could read it again. Maybe later on in my life but not anytime soon.

If you have not read this book, I urge you to do so. It is one of the best, most well written books of our generation and to not read it is depriving yourself of  an experience no one should miss.

As always, leave me a comment letting my know how you feel about this review and/or this book and any suggestions of the book I should review next. 

Thanks for reading!

C.

Music Monday 6-15-15

Hello Lovelies!

It has literally been almost a year since I have posted anything to this blog! In the last year I have graduated from college, moved to another town and gotten my first "big girl job". I am now an elementary school teacher and I love every minute of it. 

Now that I am out for summer break, I feel like I have the chance to breathe again. That means I finally get to do things that I haven't had time to do in the past year, like talk to you all again! That means that, hopefully, I will be posting more now than I ever had before. 

Since today is Monday, I decided to start with a Music Monday post to get me back in the swing of things. Hopefully tomorrow or Wednesday I will have a new review post up.

It is going to be very difficult to try to organize all the music I have been loving into a top 5 so I am just going to list them.

Take Your Time  - Sam Hunt

Honey I'm Good - Andy Grammer

Uptown Funk - Mark Ronson and Bruno Mars

Chains - Nick Jonas

Wild Child  - Kenny Chesney and Grace Potter

As always, to listen to any of these songs, click on the title.

I hope you all have a fantastic week! Leave me a comment letting me know if there are any books you would like me to review.

Thanks for reading!

C.

Thrift Books Haul!

Hello Lovelies!

I am so excited about my new find! I will tell you up front that I am NOT being paid for this post. I came upon this site by happen stance. Thriftbooks.com is basically a used bookstore online and I absolutely LOVE it! I have gotten 4 books from them already. Three of them came in today.

The prices are low and the standard shipping is free. Yes I said FREE. It is standard shipping so it can take up to 2 weeks but I'll take it for free. The conditions of the books are all but new. There is a little wear on the corners around the bottom of the spine but no tearing which is amazing for used books.


I have a used bookstore that I love to go to but it's almost an hour away from my house and I don't get to go often so I'm beginning to crave getting on thriftbooks.com.

The three books I got in this order are:

Uglies by Scott Westerfield

The Hollow by Jessica Verday and

The Mortal Instruments: City of Ashes by Cassandra Clare

I hope you all go and check out this site because you will fall in love! I love the service and the quality. 

More posts will follow! So excited to get back on track!

Thanks for reading!

C.

Music Monday! 3.24.14

Hello Lovelies!

I cannot believe it has been so long since I have done a Music Monday for you all. I have so much new music I am loving!

This is not a plug because I am certainly NOT being paid to say this but I am addicted to Spotify! If you don't have it, you need it if you are a music lover like me. I don't know where I have been to not know about it before now. 

So before I blabber too much, let's get started! 

I really don't have a top 5 in any specific order but here we go!

D.N.A. - Little Mix

And yes I'm a little addicted to The Mortal Instruments: The City of Bones movie. :)

Heart by Heart - Demi Lovato

When Darkness Comes - Colbie Cailat

Magnetic - Jessie J

Walks Like Rihanna - The Wanted

So there you have it! My top 5 for the week. I have been loving these songs and I hope you do too. 

Thanks for reading!

C.

Divergent - Veronica Roth

Hello Lovelies!

I'm so sorry I've been away for so long! Being a senior in college is just a little time consuming! But on the plus side I only have 48 days until graduation! WHAT? When did that happen? :)

So I know I'm a little late to this party but I finished Divergent last night! I read it because the movie looks like something I would like. Let's get started.

Summary 

In Beatrice Prior's dystopian Chicago world, society is divided into five factions, each dedicated to the cultivation of a particular virtue--Candor (the honest), Abnegation (the selfless), Dauntless (the brave), Amity (the peaceful), and Erudite (the intelligent). On an appointed day of every year, all sixteen-year-olds must select the faction to which they will devote the rest of their lives. For Beatrice, the decision is between staying with her family and being who she really is--she can't have both. So she makes a choice that surprises everyone, including herself.

During the highly competitive initiation that follows, Beatrice renames herself Tris and struggles alongside her fellow initiates to live out the choice they have made. Together they must undergo extreme physical tests of endurance and intense psychological simulations, some with devastating consequences. As initiation transforms them all, Tris must determine who her friends really are--and where, exactly, a romance with a sometimes fascinating, sometimes exasperating boy fits into the life she's chosen. But Tris also has a secret, one she's kept hidden from everyone because she's been warned it can mean death. And as she discovers unrest and growing conflict that threaten to unravel her seemingly perfect society, Tris also learns that her secret might help her save the ones she loves . . . or it might destroy her

Thoughts

I loved this book. It took me a couple of days to read it only because I had school and other things going on. If I didn't have any of those things going on, it would have taken me a few hours. I hated having to put it down. It's not like the other Utopian books I've read. There's no real hatred for the system right off the bat. She accepts what is happening and she gets to choose where she ends up. I kind of hate the initiation that begins it all but  I Tris' thought process through the whole thing.

I have to be honest my favorite part is when she meets Four. He is hardened by life and he doesn't see Tris as a little girl. I love their automatic banter. I love their relationship. I just love them if you can't tell. 

Tris chooses to be Dauntless and one of the brave. Tris is put into a dormitory with other transfers, teens who were not in Dauntless to start with, and put through initiation. She meets one of the leaders of the Dauntless, Eric, and I hate his guts. To be fair, you're suppose to, but still. 

I love the premise of this book and I can't wait to read the next one!

Thanks for reading everyone! I will hopefully be back on a much more regular basis from now on. 

C.

Wild Things ~ Clay Carmicheal

Hello Lovelies!

I am bringing a review today that is for a type of book I don't normally read. As most of you all probably know I am a student teacher and I am in a 5th grade classroom. Some of my 5th graders are reading this book at the moment and I fell in love with it. Let's get started!

Summary

A headstrong girl. A stray cat. A wild boy. A man who plays with fire. Eleven-year-old Zoe trusts no one. Her father left before she was born. At the death of her irresponsible mother, Zoe goes to live with her uncle, former surgeon and famed metal sculptor Dr. Henry Royster. She's sure Henry will fail her as everyone else has. Reclusive since his wife's death, Henry takes Zoe to Sugar Hill, North Carolina, where he welds sculptures as stormy as his moods. Zoe and Henry have much in common: brains, fiery and creative natures, and badly broken hearts. Zoe confronts small-town prejudice with a quick temper. She warms to Henry's odd but devoted friends, meets a mysterious teenage boy living wild in the neighboring woods, and works to win the trust of a feral cat while struggling to trust in anyone herself. In this ALA Notable Children's Book and "Kirkus Reviews "Best Children's Book of the Year, Zoe's questing spirit leads her to uncover the wild boy's identity, lay bare a local lie, and begin to understand the true power of Henry's art. Then one decisive night, she and the boy risk everything in a reckless act of heroism.

Thoughts

9 out of 10!

I love this book! I read it in one day because I honestly couldn't put it down. It is written on a 5th grade reading level so it was not difficult to read in any stretch of the word.  

Zoe is an eleven year old girl who just lost her mother and always been one to look after and take care of herself. I have never faced as hard of a life as Zoe has but I connected with this character because the author is so detailed about what she goes through and how she thinks. 

The other feature of this book I love is that every so often throughout the story you get a stray cat's point of view about what is happening around the house. He does not seem to be too interested at first and it is quite a transformation within the cat itself.

I think people of all ages will love this book because it honestly deals with issues that everyone deals with at one point or another in their lives. This book is something that families can read together or you can simply speed through it like I did on Friday. 

The only reason why this did not get a 10 out of 10 is because it is not the kind of book I would reread. I would definitely recommend it to everyone I know though, wholeheartedly.

I would love comments on this review or any others I have done. I can't do more things you guys like without feedback and I love getting it!

Thanks for reading!

C.

Music Monday 11.25.13

Hello Lovelies!

So today is a very busy day for me so this is going to be a very short post. I have been listening to so much new music lately. I shared so much with you guys last week I'm going to keep this one on the shorter side and bring my obsession down to 5. 

In no particular order...

1. Not Your Cinderella by Payton Rae
2. La Da Dee by Cody Simpson
3. Radioactive cover by Justin Robinett
4. Rock Me by One Direction
5. Better Than Me by Hinder

That's what I've been listening to for the past week. I have tried not to duplicate songs I've given in my top 5 before but I'm only human. 

Let me know what you've been listening to!

Thanks for reading!

C.

Ready for the Weekend? 11.22.13

Hello Lovelies!

This is going to be a very short post because I have no time to read this weekend but I wanted to send out good vibes to all of you! I am approaching the end of the semester and as any college student knows - the pressure is on!

So this is going to be super quick to get us through the weekend.

Book Wish!

If I had the time to read this weekend...

I have started this book but have had no time to finish it. It may be my first book to read when break finally arrives.

Top 5!

5. I can see the end of the semester!

4. One day stands between me and Thanksgiving break!

3. Field trip with my students today!

2. Catching Fire is coming out today!!

1. Doctor Who 50th anniversary special is on tomorrow!!! 

(can you tell I'm excited?)

Alright guys, I will see you all on Monday when, hopefully, I will be less stressed than I am now!

Leave me a comment telling me what you'll be reading this weekend.

Thanks for reading!

C.

Sick days....

Hello Lovelies!

So I have been sick in the bed since Saturday and I have been watching Netflix like it's my job and that is about it. I want to be in a reading mood. But the truth is, I'm not. Well let's be honest, I'm not in a reading for the first time mood. I have been rereading books lately because I am honestly stuck in a rut as far as books go. I cannot for the life of me pick a new book to get sucked into. I have tons of book sitting patiently on my shelves waiting to be read and I cannot pick one. 

I hate when I get into these ruts. I am actually getting tired of my go to books which is scaring me just a little because I honestly will have NOTHING to read if they get stale. So I thought instead of a review I will tell you what I've been reading while sick in bed the past week (well almost week). 

These are my go to romance books and I love them to pieces. 

To my wonderful surprise I have reviewed every one of these books! The link is attached to the picture so just click on the cover and it will take you to the review. 

I have read all of these books books more than twice each and I love them all. They give me that giddy feeling when something goes right and that sinking pit in my stomach when something goes wrong. I love books that do this because it makes me as the reader feel more involved in the story. Four out of these six books I have on my Kindle and I don't think I paid more than five dollars for each of them. 

I would love for you all to leave me a comment telling me what your go to read is because like I said I am seriously lacking on new reads.

Thanks for reading!

C.

Music Monday 11.18.13

Hello Lovelies!

It's been a long time since I've done a Music Monday and I have been loving a LOT of new music. This may actually be an extended post because I don't think I could choose just 5. Let's get started!

This is going to go in no particular order, except the first one, because I honestly have no idea.

1. It Girl cover by Michael and Justin

2. If I'm Gonna Fall in Love by Rocket to the Moon

3. She is Love by Parachute (acoustic version)

4. Baby I by Ariana Grande

5. Nothing Left to Hide by Hot Chelle Rae

6. Dance with Me Tonight by Olly Murs

7. Better Dig Two by The Band Perry

8. Sundress by Landon Austin

9. Wasting All These Tears by Cassadee Pope

10. The One That Got Away by The Civil Wars

Well this doesn't even really scratch the surface of all the new music I have gotten into lately but a lot of it is by the same artists so I would recommend going and listening to more music by all of these artists because they are all amazing.

I have been getting back into Twitter lately so go follow me! :) www.twitter.com/bookjunkie409 

Leave me a comment letting me know what you've been listening to lately! I love reading you guy's comments!

Thanks for reading!

C.

Embrace the Night - Amanda Ashley

Hello Lovelies!

I'm not going to apologize for being so absent because I've done that enough so I'm just going to jump right back in and play catch-up. New Review!

This is not a young adult book but it is one of my absolute favorite love stories. I have read it multiple times, let's go!

Goodread's Summary...

A creature doomed to wander the earth in eternal darkness, he searches the ages for someone to share the endless night of his existence, for that one woman who will recognize the man within the monster. An angel of purity and sunlight, she fears the mysterious stranger whose eyes promise endless ecstasy even as he whispers dark secrets she dares not believe. They are two people longing for fulfillment, braving the danger of a love like no other. Alone, they face desolation and despair; together, they will share undying passion, defy eternity, and embrace the night.

Thoughts...

I love this book! Gabriel is the perfect mixture of brooding and excitement. I've always loved a good vampire romance but this one takes the cake. I've read this countless times and I fall more in love with it each time. 

Gabriel meets Sarah Jane when she is a little girl and saves her from starvation. He watches her grow up from her window. Sarah Jane does not remember Gabriel bringing her to the orphanage. She is bound to a wheelchair and worries no one will ever love her. When she is almost killed in a fire Gabriel takes her home with him and heals her with blood. From this point on their romance really begins to move along. 

Sarah Jane wants more than anything to be a ballerina and Gabriel is able to give that to her. She also wants to be with Gabriel but of course his brooding self resists. 

Their story is beautiful and slightly horrifying at times because of course there can't just be a happily ever after can there? But their end is not Gabriel's end. 

Sarah Jane does not want to be a vampire, grows old and dies. Fast forward to the 1990's and Gabriel meets Sarah. She is in mourning from losing her husband and baby. Gabriel feels an instant connection with her and begins to wonder if Sarah Jane is really gone from his world.

I love when Gabriel meets Sarah. It's a very emotional part of the book and it gets to me. The way Ashley writes it comes across as a heart-stopping event that may forever change Gabriel....again. 

When I have read this book in the past (when I was a little younger), I stopped when Sarah Jane died. The portion with Sarah Jane is with Gabriel is the longer part of the book and I got very attached. The last time I read this book however, I continued to read and remembered how much I loved Sarah's part as well. It ties Gabriel's journey together very nicely and the book wouldn't be complete without it.

I would recommend this book to anyone who loves romance. Yes there is a vampire element, but the fundamental story of boy falls for girl is beautifully written and well worth the read.

I apologize for the amount of plot in my review portion of this post but I don't think Goodreads did a good enough job with their summary on this one so I felt like I needed to fill you guys in. 

This book may be difficult to find. The writer Amanda Ashley is actually Madeline Baker. You may have to look under her name when looking or asking for it in a bookstore.

Below is my actual copy....you can probably tell how much I love it. :)

Thanks for reading! I will try my absolute hardest to be better about posting. Please leave me a comment or just a suggestion!

C.