Friday, November 4, 2016

Kelsey's Life Update!

Hey readers! I apologize for lack of posts from me. If you follow my personal blog you know that I am moving the end of next week, I started my own Etsy shop selling my embroidery, I got a puppy and just life in general has been busy! I have however reached out to several indie authors about reviewing books so I am hoping to get some books in the mail :) I plan and hope to do more with this blog as well. I am hoping to have Ashley come to my new house the end of the month so that we can come up with new content and ideas. I hope all of you will stick with us :)
Check back soon!

Friday, September 30, 2016

How to Hang a Witch by Adriana Mather

"The more things change in Salem, the more they stay the same."

When Samantha Mather's father falls into a coma, she and her stepmother Vivian move to the infamous Salem MA in search of a fresh start. This fresh start consists of a group of peers who are called "The Descendents" relatives of the famous families that were persecuted during the Salem Witch Trial. A ghost named Elijah, dead for over 300 years still mourning the loss of his sister Abigale and an Ancient curse that needs to be broken.

Strange things begin to happen to Samantha in her new home, clothes begin to fly out of her wardrobe, a bunch of journals written by her grandmother make an appearance. When The Descendents are all together sickness or pain makes itself present and because Samantha is the new girl it is all blamed on her.

Then Samantha begins to have visions of the deaths of her peers that are beginning to happen, O guy named Jaxon and his mother Mrs. Merriweather begin to reach out to Samantha as she begins to put pieces of the curse's puzzle together. Her relationship with her Step-mother begins to strain under the pressure she feels and all the while she begins to fall in love with the Ghost Boy Elijah and he with her.

Its a race against time, a centuries old curse and witch who are much closer to Samantha than she ever knew. Can she break the curse?...

Hey friends, I hoped you liked the breakdown of this book, now lets get to the long awaited review.

OH.MY.GOSH!!! This book had me sucked in from page 1!!! I am a witch fanatic so when my husband saw it at Barnes and Nobel I had to buy it. For me the plot is what sold me but it was the characters that made me fall in love. Samantha is a strong and brilliant young woman, who gives all of her strength and heart to those she loves. But it was Elijah who stole my heart. At first he was a ghost filled with hatred and angst against the "witch" who killed his sister. He eventually becomes, softer and sweeter through the story and ultimately falls in love with Samantha. I don't know what it is but I have fallen in love with another fictional ghost boy (the first was Caspian Crane from The Hollow) .

If you haven't read this or heard of it, go buy it now. It is one of the most historically accurate books from The Salem Witch Trials while adding the fiction to the plot and the love story of a girl and a ghost.




Tuesday, August 23, 2016

New Book Tuesday

Hey everyone it has been awhile since I have had any time to do a NBT and here is this weeks!!
I found this at Barnes and Noble! It's about a girl who moves from New York to Salem Massachusetts and she is a distant relative of Cotton Mather, a man having alot to do with the famous Salem Witch Trials. I am a witch fanatic so naturally I had to buy this.
I am currently 11 chapters in and LOVING this book!
Check back for a review!

Sunday, August 7, 2016

It Ends With Us by Colleen Hoover

*Mini Spoilers*

Hey readers! I haven't had a chance to post, on literally one of the BEST books I have read this year. My friend Sharon got me hooked on Colleen Hoover's writing last summer while my husband was in school full time and I was really bored. It started with Ugly Love then Confess and my heart was finally 100 percent stolen by Maybe Someday. I was told I needed to read her book Hopeless which was less than satisfactory in my opinion as well as the long awaited November 9, which was also disappointing. It Ends with Us came out at the beginning of the month and OH MY GOSH!!!...
It starts with a rooftop and a girl who is thinking about how she lost her father. While she is sad about it she is also relieved. Her father was her towns Mayor and he also kept a dark secret behind closed doors. His temper was short and his fists were fast. On this rooftop she meets a very handsome Neurosurgeon named Ryle. Ryle is upset from an incident "at work" and he and Lily, our leading lady begin to talk. There is attraction right away, but because Lily wants a relationship and Ryle doesn't they leave it at that. It was one night on a rooftop in Boston, Or so we think.
Lets go back in time a few years. Lily is in high school and she begins to notice this boy who is walking over to the abandoned house next door. His name is Atlas and he homeless. He was kicked out by his mother because of issues with his stepfather. As time passes we see a relationship blossom between them. We hear all about it through Lily's "diary" which is a book full of letters to her hero Ellen DeGeneres. She writes about wanting to open her own flower shop, the boy next door, and her life  with her family. She begins to let Atlas in both physically (letting him use her shower, and kissing while her parents are at work) and emotionally because Atlas understands what she is going through. After what seems like forever, Atlas connects with an Uncle in Boston and tells Lily that he is going to move. As they say their goodbyes with Lily losing her first love as well as her virginity, her father storms into her room and in another rage begins to beat Atlas with a baseball bat...
Fast Forward to the present. Lily has decided to purchase her first building to open her flower shop and a gorgeous and bored housewife wants to be her first employee. Little does Lily know that her new friend/employee Alyssa, is Ryle's sister and when they cross paths again it is the beginning of the craziest story ever.
What Ryle and Lily have seems perfect. She has her shop, He is a successful Neurosurgeon, they are taking it slow and falling more and more in love. One evening Ryle burns one of his hands on the dinner Lily is making and in an attempt to help him Lily sees a blur and ends up on the ground. Did Ryle Hit her? Is she imagining it? It looks like our leading man may have some skeletons in his closet as well
To add insult to injury we are reintroduced to a man who owns his own restaurant, and who used to sleep in an abandoned house, Atlas is also in Boston and when he and Lily see each other again she is now plagued with the What ifs...
Okay okay I cant say anymore because if I do then it will ruin the story and I don't want that. But let me just say...WOW! This was a book I had to make myself put down because it was so damn good. I was super in love with Ryle for the first half and this is how I pictured him
I mean come on.. If you have read it and imagine him at his sisters party, this is it!
Atlas was, for me bittersweet. I was so in love with Ryle for so long (until the obvious) that when I had to put a face to him it took almost the entire book, but one scene stuck out and this is who I saw
\Also equally as gorgeous, with more of a boyish charm, just like Atlas.
*Yes I know I picked celebrities, but if you follow my personal blog, kelseys365challenge.wordpress,com or if you know me personally, then you know how big of a movie buff I am and how Jake Gyllenhaal and Logan Lerman are my "boyfriends"*

I could picture anyone else as far as character go, and I tend to do that alot. They are more of an idea and less of of a physical being to me. Sad I know!
Anyway, I cannot say enough good things about this book and if you haven't read it, do so NOW! Hoover nailed it with this book and now I am back on a Colleen Kick and I am impatiently waiting for another book!



Monday, August 1, 2016

Books I want you to read!!!.

Hey everyone! I fell like I havent posted in years! and as I am watching movies and working on my personal blog and I got inspired to share some of my personal favorites. Lets get started shall we!

The Hollow is my 2nd favorite book! It is a spin on the classic The Legend of Sleepy Hollow mixed with a modern day love story. I fell in love with Caspian Crane in a way that I still to this day have not with any other book leading man. It was a book that took me a year to buy and only a few days to read. This was a love affair from page 1 <3

Cat Winters is a literary Goddess. When I saw the cover of In the Shadow of Blackbirds I knew that it would be one that I would never forget. Set during the Influenza Epidemic in California, Winter weaves a story of the supernatural and lost love. This book is everything I imagined and more.

This was one of the BEST books I have ever read but also one of the most strange. It combines lust, something called "the glow", the devil and a girl who is trying to figure everything out. I loved River West almost as much as Caspian Crane. He was strange and a bit scary and that is what I loved the most!


Check back for 3 more, coming soon!

Thursday, July 21, 2016

One True Loves By Taylor Jenkins Reid

Hey readers, I am literally 30 seconds finished with this book and I have to wipe away the tears and begin this review. This book goes something like this...
Boy meets girl at a party
They drink
the cops show up
they hide
they walk home once the coast is clear
they get caught
arrested
Fall in love
They get married
Emma and Jesse
live in California
she writes
he takes pictures
The day before their 1 year anniversary he travels
the helicopter crashes
hes dead
she grieves
she meets a familiar friend
she begins to love
they become engaged
Emma and Sam
Her phone rings
Its Jesse
He survived the crash and is coming home
Her seemingly perfect life is turned upside down
who will it be
Jesse, her first love, her past, her Husband
or
Sam, her friend, her new love, her Fiancee'

Okay i had to get creative, I couldn't just summarize this book because it was so poetic and beautiful. What i wrote is the jist of the story. Writing a formal review seems so boring and bleek by comparison after reading this heart wrenching story.

So here is what I thought. In the beginning I was all about Jesse and Emma. I loved their love because it was young love. Lets be honest young love makes your heart ache when you think back to the times you yourself were in love. Once Jesse was gone I was heartbroken for Emma. My husband works a tough job and It was hitting too close to home for me and I almost didn't read it. Then Sam came in and began to make Emma feel happy and normal again and I found myself falling for this man who came into Emma's life and made her feel whole again. Life for them ended up being perfect until Jesse called... Emma was left to decide if she wanted to be with her past or take on her future. A few days in Maine with Jesse was all the information she needed.

That is literally all I am willing to say about the summary of it, You have to read it to really understand it, It is one of the best books I have read in a LONG time. My best friend made me read it and last night in the wee hours of the morning when I couldn't sleep I read over half of it. I had to force myself to put it down and go to bed because I knew I wanted to prolong this book as long as I could.

I LOVED LOVED LOVED this book. It deserves more stars in the sky. I loved Sam, I loved everything he did and how he did what he did for love. I loved that Jesse was the first love because he was the best choice for that role. I loved Emma's life in California and in Acton. I loved everything! 

If you haven't read it and are considering it just do it! Its a tear Jerker, its beautiful, is messy, its complicated and its worth it!

Wednesday, July 20, 2016

Unbelievable by Sara Shepard



Hey everyone I just finished Unbelievable by Sara Shepard and wow! These books are such fun reads! in this book...

Spencer, the overachiever and straight A student becomes fatigued by the threats from A and maintaining her "perfect" life. She steals something that could cost her everything in the hopes of having it all.
Aria, Dating her ex BFF Hanna's ex boyfriend, but also having a scandalous affair on the side that is so juicy, if anyone were to find out it could cost Ezra his job! Kicked out of her house by her mother, from a note left by A, Aria is left to live with her dad and his ex student, now fiancee' Meridith. Can she survive?
Emily, after being sent to live with her relatives in East Jesus nowhere because her parents cant deal with the fact that their perfect daughter is gay, she meets a girl who gets her into trouble and sent home, only to get into a fight with her girlfriend Maya.
Sweet, Sweet Hanna, after getting hit by a car leaves her bruised, and stitched up she begins to lose herself in a shy boy named Lucas and her friendship with Mona, is finally on the mend...or so we think.
Mona and Hanna were attached at the hip when the liars began to drift apart but Mona has been harboring secrets that almost get Hanna killed and could destroy the group forever.
These books are so fun! I absolutely love reading them. Not only are they quick but each chapter is about a single liar and how they all come together in the end is amazing. Even though I have been watching the show for years and know what is happening it is so fun to have my own version of the show with every page I read. I gave this book a 4, the only problem I had with it was that about halfway through I became a tad bored but also I was super busy and taking a break made me lose my momentum.

Saturday, July 16, 2016

July Photo challenge

Hey friends, I am so sorry that I havent kept up on the photo challenge like I had hoped but this month has been so busy! I hope to share some of my pictures with you soon! Again I apologize!

Lothaire By Kresley Cole

Hey Readers! Well it has been an interesting day to say the least... I am house sitting and one of the animals is sick so I may be making a trip down to the Emergency Vet clinic something in the next hour!! Besides that I finally finished Lothaire by Kresley Cole.

Lothaire is a story about a centuries old Vampire who is trying to "marry" himself to his mate Saroya. Saroya the soul reaper is possessing a young, southern girl named Ellie who eventually makes Lothair fall in love with her and cast out his original mate Saroya.

This book started off really strong for me. I was hooked when i began to read it and I loved the relationship of the human and vampire. After awhile this book became so boring and redundant. It was one of those stories where you are gunning for the couple to fall in love and be together but once it happened it was really awkward and not as fulfilling as I had hoped it would be.

This book only got 3 out of 5 for me and I apologize for how short this review it, but I am on high alert until I find out if I am leaving to take this animal to the ER.

Check back for more book reviews!!


Tuesday, July 5, 2016

Polyjuice Potion

Hey friends. We are now 5 days into the photo challenge and today was a challenge! It was Polyjuice Potion, who would I turn into!!! I was unsure as to who in a book I wanted to pick so I had to go with literally any girl who simon has liked or loved because he is the literary love of my life! I also had to choose my long time girl crush Jennifer Aniston because... well... just look at her!!!

Monday, July 4, 2016

50 shades of Grey

Hello Readers! I haven't posted a book review in awhile and since I am currently watching this movie it reminded of this exact time 2013 when I began reading this book. so here is my review.

50 Shades of Grey is an erotic fiction about a college student named Anastasia Steele who interviews and is seduced by the young and handsome businessman named Christian Grey. Little does she know that she is seducing Christian as well. This is a book of a woman's sexual awakening.
When this book came out it took everyone by surprise. It was a "marriage saver" for some (or so I'm told) and a story that caused great uproar for being too sexual but come on people when the first person to read this talks about it word of mouth will get around quick.

This book is for lack of a better word pure smut, however its a quick and fun read. Ashley and I both read it and by the end we were both like "it is what it is". I do believe that this book and series as a whole was vastly over rated but overall not too bad. You have to take it for what it is. By that I mean its pure sex and the odd relationship between a man and woman who have a more colorful life under the sheets. This is not a masterpiece and the writing is very poor, but again what can you expect from a book solely about sex right.

I give this book a 3/5. I liked the characters and that was really what made me enjoy the book. I love how moody Christian is and how as the story continues Ana becomes quick witted and funny. I would not recommend this book to those who are easily offended or who are planning to read it because of its hype. Just remember, it is what it is...

If i could possess one magical power...

Hello again friends! It's the 4th of July and I am so proud to be an American! I live my country and I love this photo challenge. It's day 4 if I could possess magical powers and I chose to not pick just one but to be my favorite people. I would want to be a witch. I want it all, I want to fly, I want to cast spells! I currently own over 30 books about witches of all different types!
Check back tomorrow!

Sunday, July 3, 2016

Red wedding

Hey everyone it is the 3rd day of the July Fantasy challenge and today's theme is Red wedding. I had to ask one of the hostesses of this challenge what it was and come to find out its a Game of Thrones reference! I have not had the chance to start that show sadly but the girl who wants me to watch it is in one of my wedding pictures that are shown and my only red book the dirt motley crue. A biography that is one of the best I have ever read and my hometown is in it! Yep, when crue first got signed to a label it wasn't on the sunset strip, it was in Grass Valley California by a man named Kaufman!!!
Stay tuned for more fun!

Saturday, July 2, 2016

My Favorite Elf

Hey everyone! So we are now on day 2 of the July Fantasy Photo Challenge! As promised I will be sharing my photos here as well!
Day 2 My Favorite Elf... Now I knew that 85% of people in this challenge would choose Doby and that awesome. To many he is dearly loved, to me I find him a bit obnoxious (yes I admit it). I decided to use a house elf that we didn't meet until Book 5 at gimauld place. I chose Kreacher! I love him as a character. He's used very little but when he is you can expect a Sharpe tongue and a grumpy old man to greet you. I just love how mean he is and how he gives no shits!!!
I also wanted to show some love to the tallest elf in the world, Buddy!! Thank you for all your laughs!

Thursday, June 30, 2016

July Fantasy Photo Challenge

Hey Readers. Tomorrow is going to be a busy day of shopping, cleaning and groceries! As you saw earlier I posted about taking part in this super creative photo challenge. In a effort to stay on top of it I posted early. So here we go!

Day 1: One word to describe your favorite book...
So as many of you know To Kill a Mockingbird is my favorite book. I chose to use the word Beautiful because it is beautiful. It embodies so much life, beauty and heart. I am so in love with this book. Atticus Finch is the embodiment of the worlds best human and the greatest character in all of literature. I love him so much that I have one of his quotes tattooed on me and one of my children will carry his names. 

Check back for more fun!

July Photo Challenge

Hey readers, I am participating in this awesome challenge, starting tomorrow!!!!!!!
So excited. See my posts here!

Wednesday, June 29, 2016

Bookish Date this weekend!

Hey readers, My amazing husband told me last night that it is a date weekend. We have to go into the city to do some major grocery shopping because we literally have coffee and some minor sandwich stuff to eat right now! I am in need of some book recommendations! Please no dystopian or Sci Fi
Thanks readers!

Tuesday, June 28, 2016

New Book Tuesday

Hey everyone. It's another NBT! I just got this in the mail and have been waiting for this book to come out in paperback for well over a year! It is the newest book in the Immortals After Dark series by Kresley Cole and I cannot wait to read it!!!

Saturday, June 25, 2016

The Importance of a Library



   Hey Readers, I wanted to write about a topic that many believe is going to change due to technology.
Libraries are changing daily. They are trying new approaches to get people excited to read. That may be a reading program that targets a specific age group or some kind of contest or even just some basic rearranging. Libraries are literally the only thing left that are somewhat free. I say somewhat because you have to pay late fee's and or replacement library cards ect.. However, I have been told that by choosing to major in Library and Information Science, that I will not find a job because they are dying off. I beg to differ! The importance of a library is to provide information, knowledge and entertainment to the masses for little to no money. It is used to engage children to read and provide education as well as the responsibility of handling and borrowing materials. They provide computers and internet use to those who do not have access otherwise. They bring joy and entertainment to those of us that enjoy a good book. Yes, technology is advancing daily if not hourly and that is why we need to make ourselves go into our local libraries. All it takes is some attention to them to get people in the doors. Go and check out a few books and talk about about it with your friends and family. It is because of the "instant gratification" that technology provides that is making our libraries lose their spark and ultimately lose money and jobs. I have applied many times to libraries and they simply are not hiring. That may be because they are at capacity but also because in the last year I have seen the population that used to go to the library dwindle down. This is a travesty to those of us who visit regularly.
   I wholeheartedly believe that if we just take that extra time and drive over to our local branches that we will see an incline in programs provided by staff, new books and more visually appealing displays. So I ask you to please, instead of buying a book and or downloading it online. Check out you local library. Not only will you save money but you are saving your library as well.



   These Images were provided by Pinterest and as you can see these are well taken care of Libraries. They have visually appealing display's and a new and exciting layout, It is because of the hard work of the staff as well as their passion for what they do. These pictures can be replicated just by going in and giving back to your community.
It is important that the children of the future are able to have this resource. I cannot tell you how many papers I have written or projects I have done that were successful because I used my local library as my biggest resource. Our children need to be able to use this when its necessary but also be able to use it for themselves.
    For me, the library is a sanctuary!! I walk in and it is sensory overload and I love it! I love the smell of the old books but I also love to get lost looking through shelf after shelf. I love when I walk out with a stack of books in my hand. It is truly my special place. We need to make sure that it stays around for another millennia!
    I urge all of you reading this to go an visit, I bet you wont leave without something and if possible donate! If you have books you read and want to clear space, give them to your library! I recently saw book bag for sale in mine and I spent $15 dollars on it. It was the best money spent at that! I felt wonderful for purchasing it because I was giving back to a resource that constantly provides for me.
 I hope that in reading this you all are inspired to get in the car and visit a branch. Just enjoy it because we don't want ever want to lose them.

Friday, June 24, 2016

Book Recommendation

Hi readers! I wanted to do a post on a series that I have been reading for a few years.. But first, let me explain why I chose to talk about this series. My sister from another mister, Jamie and I were driving down to Roseville California to go clothes shopping for summer. On the ride down she kept mentioning this author Kresley Cole and how amazing her books were. Jamie has always been a reader and I was still quite picky about what I read. During the conversation she described details about the characters that left me feeling excited. I knew I had to read these books. Little did I know that they would become a beloved favorite of mine!

I know the covers look like something you would see a middle aged single woman read but OH. MY GOSH! This series is spectacular! It follows quite a large group of characters whose lives intertwine with one another. They are all different creatures in what is called "The Lore" and each book follows a particular couple. there are Witches, Vampires, Demons, Berserkers, Valkyrie and so much more. I am currently reading book 12 Lothaire. It is about a Vampire who is centuries old and his bride Saroya is possessing a young and naive southern girl named Ellie. I am about halfway finished and I cannot put it down. Jamie and Ashley can read each of these books in a day, they cannot put them down and I wish I read as fast as them because its a wonderful series, The newest book is not pictures but is called Sweet Ruin and it was released last year and just came out in paperback on June 21st!!! My copy is in the mail shipping via Amazon! I know that my description of these will not do justice to how Jamie and Ashley would describe them however, as you can see I am excited enough about them to share and I hope that you will give them a try!

Tuesday, June 21, 2016

New book tuesday

Hey everyone it's another NBT!!! I am so excited and ready to read these books!! Has anyone read them?

Thursday, June 16, 2016

Coming Soon...

Hey readers, I wanted to do a post on books that are coming out soon. Some will be brand new, some will be new formats but all of these that I share will be books that I am beyond excited about!

First on my list is Sweet Ruin by Kresley Cole.
The Immortals after Dark series is one to be celebrated. My sister Jamie got me hooked on this series. Just listening to her talk about what the series was about, with pieces of information going all over the place, was inspiring. It will FINALLY be released in paperback June 21st!
Cat Winters is a fantastic writer and her book In the Shadow of Blackbirds is one that I am absolutely in love with. I just read the Synopsis of Yesternight and I am beyond excited. Funnily enough it will be released on my wedding anniversary
October 4 2016 cannot get her soon enough!
I loved the first book in this series and I jumped at the chance to buy book 2. I just found out that book 3 will be released September 13 2016!!!

So thats it for now! Hope all of you are as excited as I am!



When a book comes into your life.

Hey readers! So I wanted to do a post on something that I believe to be very real. Have you ever been so stoked on a book that you buy it, sit down to read it and become bored? I do that all the time. Why does this happen you ask? I believe that it is because you are meant to read certain books at certain times. There are millions of books, waiting to have their spines cracked and pages turned. However if its not your time to read it, then that is something you have to accept. I will share a list with you of books I tried to read at one point in my life and were not able to finish or restart them until later on!


  • Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Album
  • A Great and Terrible Beauty by Libba Bray
  • The Alchemist book 1 by Michael Scott
  • Pretty Little Liars by Sara Shepard
  • Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea by April Genevieve Tucholke
  • Lothaire by Kresley Cole
So there is a small list of books that I am positive I had to wait for the right time in my life to read. Hope this helps you if you have the same problem :)

Saturday, June 11, 2016

The Tokyo Cover Girls By Jackie Amsden

I was approached by a young woman who saw one of my reviews on the book Pretty Little Liars by Sara Shepard. She asked Ashley and I if we would be willing to read her book. Of course we jumped at the chance. You will be seeing my review as well as Ashley's.

Jess, a seventeen year old model who was no stranger to the business. She was known as what the industry calls "commercial" She is a force to be reckoned with. Modeling is not her first love but she is doing it to save up for law school and in Tokyo she could make double what she could in the U.S.

Hailey, also seventeen. a sweet yet ditzy girl coming from an overprotective family wants to be a famous designer. For her modeling is her foot in the door to begin designing high fashion.

Blake, a gorgeous bombshell of a girl based out of Sacramento CA. She comes from a rough home life and models to make money and get the hell out of dodge.

These three girls are ready for the ride of their life, but the ride is the scariest one you can imagine. After being asked to participate in a competition by a company called Satsujin these girls will be tested in ways they never imagined and sometimes competition can be deadly...

Oh. My. Gosh!! This book was absolute genius. It was somewhat reminiscent of the Pretty Little Liars collection as it had the same unknown entity, fierce girls who are looking for answers in all the wrong place, mystery, mayhem and high fashion. I really liked all of the characters and felt myself connecting with each one in some way. Each girl added something much needed to their groups dynamic. Although the girls friendship didn't flourish until later on you can tell that they were not shallow or dumb. they were three girls trying to survive. This book had twist after twist and I could not for the life of me keep up as to what was going to happen. The ending was such a cliffhanger that I am hoping for more!

The only thing I had a hard time with was the setting. I am very unfamiliar with Japanese culture and only know little bits and pieces from Ashley so some of it was able to understand. The rest was nothing I had ever really read about. However, I love that it was set in such a well known place that wasn't in the United States. It added a whole new dimension to the story.

I give this book 5 out of 5 stars, thumbs up what have you. This is a book that needs to be sent to Harper Collins to be published. It was a work of sheer brilliance. I recommend it to anyone who loves a good mystery, with some girl power added for good measure. Jackie, this is truly a wonderful book and I am honored that you requested I read it! Cannot wait to read more!

Thursday, June 9, 2016

Books I wish I could have enjoyed

Hey Readers. I was watching the remake of the iconic Carrie, starring the beautiful Chloe Grace Moretz. When asked if she read the book she responded with "Yes I would have the book with me on set and compare date and time of the book to the script. I wanted to be Stephen's Carrie." In hearing that reply I was inspired to do this post. So here it is, Books I tried reading and could not enjoy no matter how hard I tried.

I have been told my entire life, from my mama that this book scared her so bad, that she had to sleep with her light on. Naturally that would inspire most people to read it. The first attempt was in 6th grade and I got about 30 pages in, became bored and took it back to the library. I have not attempted it since. I am a firm believer that you are meant to read a book at a certain time. Maybe my time with this novel will be soon, or maybe I will not read it until I am old and gray. My only hope is to read at least one of King's Novels.











This is a book that I think, had I pushed myself, could have enjoyed. However I was so emotionally bothered by the first chapter that I had to put it down. I have not picked this book up again and I don't think I ever will. If you have not read this book it is about a girl who is kidnapped and murdered. She is trying to inform her family from the other side of what happened to her and who took her away. The event happens at the end of chapter 1 and I began to cry because it was so real. I felt frightened and bothered. Just writing about it is making me anxious. Many people love this book and Sebold is a fantastic writer. I mean, lets be honest if it bothered me enough to feel afraid that is some damn good writing.







I heard people rave about this book. I decided to watch the movie instead of read the book. However I began to read it and it was so boring. The leading woman is brilliant don't get me wrong but it was just so hard to keep up with after awhile and just not worth the time.















I bought this book for the cover, which for me is rare! I ended up giving it to my God daughter to see what she thought as she is a huge reader and she loved it so much she ordered the rest of the series. I got about half way through and I was so bored I couldn't go on. The concept is great, the characters were strong but for me it was a little too young. I love YA books but there comes a point where I can't relate to anything in the book, so why read it.












I see this book all over Instagram. I also have been told it is a fantastic series but I could not get into it at all. I did love that the lead was named Penryn, She was named after a town 35 minutes from my hometown and she mentions that in the book. I am not a dystopian reader. After The Hunger Games it became so over used, it was all you really saw at book stores. I wanted to like it but this book fell short.













I know I know! Its Harry Potter and how can i say that but lets be honest, this book of the entires series was sooooooooo boring. It felt half assed and rushed. I love this series as a whole, but this book left me so unsatisfied. AND.. for the finale of this wonderful collection...really?!?














I got halfway through this book and was so annoyed by the characters that I couldn't continue on. I think that the idea is fabulous but the execution was poor.














Colleen Hoover is a brilliant writer but this book was so not like her other novels and by the time I finished reading it I felt like I just finished an Ellen Hopkins novel. I was emotionally drained and I couldn't read for days.
















Well that is all for now. There will be another one of these I am sure as I am extremely particular as to what I read. I hope all of you enjoyed this!

Saturday, June 4, 2016

Current Reads for June 2016

Hi readers! Today I woke up extremely early for no reason at all so I am blogging like crazy now!!! I was reading a little this morning and I realized I have a whole mess of books in progress. Didn't i just post about my bad habits? Well old habits die hard and here is what I am reading as of now!

I am still on such a Pretty Little Liars Kick. Season 6, which I only have 3 episodes left came out n Netflix on Wednesday. However I am finding that the first 3 books were so crazy I couldn't put them down, with this one I am a little bored...BUT I will finish it strong and continue to collect the books!!














I am having, again a hard time continuing this book. I am super pumped for the long awaited movie and it happens to be by my idol Tim Burton. What I am finding hard about this book for the 2nd time around is that Riggs' is extremely wordy, to the point where its almost like a tangent. He draws away from the overall plot line I noticed while I was reading some of it last night. The concept for this story is fantastical and deserves a well written story.











I am undecided on this story so far. I love the narrator. It reminds me of The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. I feel as if this girl Ava, is an old woman, well into her years and wise as hell and she is telling her story through those old eyes who have seen the world yet she remains in the body of a girl. I haven't gotten far at all and I probably sound like an idiot for those of you who have read it!












So... I love Colleen Hoover. A lady I used to work with mentioned her to me when she was still unheard of and I had no interest in reading any of her books, However... my best friend Sharon, let me borrow her copies of Ugly Love, Confess, and Maybe Someday. They had me at hello, for lack of a better saying. She has a way of writing the most wonderful men (Ridge, is my favorite) and somehow making you sympathize with the leading ladies, even if you are super jealous. I am only about 80 pages in and I am unsure of this book. I have heard people rave about it, but my bestie who got me into these books was unsatisfied so.... I am still on the fence. I am a little bummed out and wont give away any spoilers but the lead and Aria Montgomery from Pretty Little Liars have more in common than meets the eye...






These books though. I love Cassandra Clare as an author. I think that her ideas and characters are bad ass! However I am having the hardest time getting into this book!!! I devoured City of Ashes and City of Glass (that one is my favorite) but this one so far has got the most boring start... I asked my bestie about it and she said "I wish I could tell you I loved this book" which is now all I keep thinking about when I sit to read it, however I have heard others say that this is one of the best so I need to push myself to finish it. I am also head over heels in love with Simon Lewis, so any chapter with him in it is a saving grace for me!


















So, this is it, I have 4 books in progress and I am having a hard time falling in love with them. It happens. I may be in a mild slump and just pushing myself too hard to try and get into them. Check back for reviews on these books and more!

Friday, June 3, 2016

The coffee book tag


Hey friends, so I was on my wordpress blog and saw this awesome girls post. Its a coffee themed book tag and I am going to be posting it here and on my kelseys365daychallenge.wordpress.com
ok here we go


Black: A series that's tough to get into but has hardcore fans.
I think I am one of the few people in the world who cannot get into this series. I have only tried a couple pages but it just isnt my thing!!!
Peppermint Mocha: Book that gets more popular during the winter or festive time of year...
This is an amazing series and I find myself wanting to read it during the holidays!
Hot Chocolate: Favorite childrens book: 
This is by far the best childrens book to date for me!!!
Double Shot of Espresso: A book that kept you on the edge of your seat from start to finish...
Starbucks: Book you see EVERYWHERE...
I see this book all over instagram and in stores. It does not sound like a book I would like but the urge is becoming too much and I just may need to try it!
The Hipster Coffee Shop: A book by an indie author... I dont have one because I cant think of an indie author that I have read... :(

Oops! I accidentally ordered Decaf: A book you were expecting more from...
I really enjoy the works of Colleen Hoover but this book was the one book of hers that just bummed me out. It wasn't the normal Colleen Hoover book where i fell in love with every character and the plot, when I finished this i felt exhausted and did not want to read for days

The Perfect Blend: Name a book or series that was both Bitter and sweet, but ultimately satisfying.
This series is amazing and my all time favorite, but I have to be honest that when I finished it I was left with happiness and sadness and I didn't really know how I felt, but overall this was AMAZING


Green Tea: Name a book or series that is quietly beautiful

 Oh gosh these books are wonderful..........

 and terrifying and leave you wanting more

Chai Tea: Name a book or series that makes you dream of far off places.
 If you haven't given these a try its a must. I also am kind of in love with percy!


Well that's it! I hope you enjoyed this as much as I did!!!!








Thursday, May 26, 2016

Pretty Little Liars Book 3: Perfect by Sara Shepard

Hey everyone! I am sorry I missed this weeks NBT! I was out of town and super busy as usual. Anyway, I just finished book 3 of the Pretty Little Liars series!!! So far this was the slowest one, however it was full of the drama we know and love.

Emily, dealing with her feelings for Maya and realizing that she never loved Ben, because Ben was a guy. Emily and Maya's intimate photo booth picture is leaked and the people she hoped would never find out did. Emily has to move to Iowa and her mother is pissed!

Aria, kept her fathers affair a secret from her mother. Ella receives a letter about the affair and Aria's secret. Aria is kicked out of her house and moves in with her boyfriend Sean, but slowly Mr. Fitz, her English teacher begins calling and wanting to spend time with her. One night Aria and Ezra spend the night together and are interrupted when the cops knock down Ezra's door and arrest him.

Spencer, who wins an award for her history paper, but the paper is not hers, its her perfect sister Melissa's. When the family finds out a huge fight breaks out between siblings. Spencers rage geths the best of her as she pushed Melissa down the stairs and blacks out, only to wake up with a pounding headache locked in her room. She cant remember anything!

Hanna, loses Mona as her BFF and becomes friends with a boy who Alison called a Hermaphridite. Lucas has a crush on Hanna, and when Hanna shows up to Mona's birthday party uninvited and in the same dress, things get ugly. Luckily Lucas saves the day and their friendship becomes more..

The girls are still being taunted by the mysterious entity called A and Aria realizes a huge secret that she ended up catching on tape. Alison had a fling with Melissa Hastings boyfriend Ian. Hanna knows about it too and the unthinkable happens...

She knew too much-A
This was a good read. As I said before, it was the slowest read of the bunch so far but overall it was full of anger, drama and a group of girls who are no closer to discovering who A is.

Check back for a review on book 4, Kisses- A

Friday, May 20, 2016

A-Z Book Challenge

Hey everyone, I did something like this on my personal blog so here is a book version! Enjoy


A- The Austere Academy, A Series of Unfortunate Events book 5. I love this series and started reading it my sophomore year in high school!
B- Beautiful Creatures. I had high hopes for this book. The idea of this family of witches known as Casters was such a cool idea, and while I LOVE Ridley, this series feel short...

C- City of Glass. Oh.My.Gosh. This book was in short, AMAZING. This series was hard for me to get into, I found the overall idea hard to imagine and had a hard time falling in love with Cassandra Clares writing, However, I am a firm believer that certain books are supposed to be read at the right time and for me when the series first blew up was not it. I had to wait over 5 years before I felt compelled to give it another try, and I am so glad I did! Simon Lewis I love you!!!

D- The Diviners. This book is such a rollercoaster. It combines 1920's prohibition New York with a supernatural Force that is killing people for sacrificial reasons. I describe this books as The Great Gatsby meets The Zodiac Murders. Although those are 40 years apart it combines so many of the same elements to make up this amazing read!

E- Eclipse. While I don't like the Twilight Saga anymore I was hooked on it well before the movies came alone and ruined everything, minus Taylor Lautner without his shirt on LOL I have to say of all the books, this one was by far the best.

F- The Fault in Our Stars. I again read this well before the movie was made. It was recommended to me by a coworker and cancer survivor. She said she herself had not read it but all her friends had. I loved it! It was a heart wrenching read that made you feel so blessed to be alive and to live like Gus and Hazel and just love with all your heart,

G- A Great and Terrible Beauty. This book took me in total 2 years to read. That is because I am a very fickle reader. When a book gets a little slow I am one to put it down and not pick it up again. I have been working to correct this bad habit and I finished this book last month! Once I reached the halfway point it began to take off for me, This is Ashley's favorite book so I had to finish it and I am really happy I did!

H- The Hollow. This is the first book in my favorite series!!!! Yes, The Hollow trilogy is my favorite, It combines one of the only classics I like with some romance and made it a page turner! Its a FANTASTIC read!!

I-In the Shadow of Blackbirds. This book was outstanding! It combined the Influenza Epidemic with Spirit Photography and the supernatural. I love historical fiction so for me this was a no brainer. It takes place in a town called Coronado California, down in San Diego and it was a non stop rollercoaster ride of the supernatural and hysteria.

J- James and the Giant Peach. I LOVE this book. It is my 2nd favorite book of all time and i have read it at least 6 times. Roald Dahl is my favorite author and his imagination is something to be jealous of!

K- Kiss of a Demon King. This series The Immortals After Dark is amazing. My best friend Jamie got me hooked on them and this was one of my favorites. Sabine is the Sorceress of Illusion and she falls in love with a Warrior named Rydstrom. Its smutty and amazing!!!!

L- The Lightning Thief: Percy Jackson and the Olympians Book 1. This series is amazing. My husband and I started reading it senior year in high school and since we only had one copy we fought over who would get it during which part of the day! It takes the classic myths of the Greeks and gives it a comical and new spin!

M- Mockingjay. The final book in The Hunger Games series. It was an alright book. It was by far the slowest of the series but the ending made the entire book worth reading. Well it did for me.

N- New Moon. While I did like this book, Bella was by far the worst character ever written. She was a user and all she did was cry and have nightmares. Come on little girl, you got dumped, move on...am I right?

O- The Odyssey. I read this book in high school and I quite liked it! I love the whole adventure and the trials. Its a tough read if you are not a classics fan, but if you push through it, you may end up liking it like I did!

P- The Perks of Being a Wallflower. This was a hard book to read. Its about a VERY naive teen named Charlie and his first year of high school. He is so sheltered that when you read it, its almost as if he is a child and not 15 years old so it detracts from the overall outcome of the story. However I LOVE the movie and Logan Lerman so for me I will just watch the movie :)

Q- I sadly have not read a book starting with Q ... I'm sorry :(

R- Romeo and Juliet. This is one of the first books I asked my mom to get for me at the library. I had just watched the Version with Leonardo DiCaprio and I "had" to read the book and I did, however I didn't care to understand it, I just memorized all of Juliets lines and I still have alot of them memorized. My husband refuses to watch it with me because he says he can hear me repeating the lines :) 

S- Shiver. I read this book a few years back and really liked it. I was really into the supernatural romance reads and this popped up one day at the library and I could not put it down. Now I look back and it was entertaining but so weird...

T- To Kill a Mockingbird. This is my all time favorite book! I loved everything about it and I remember being little and asking my mama what her favorite book was growing up and she always talked about To Kill a Mockingbird. When my teacher passed it out in class I was excited to tell my mom. Little did I know that it would become the book that inspired me to read all the time. Atticus Finch is the most wonderful character in all of Literature in my opinion and I have a quote of his tattooed on me!

U- Unhinged. This is the second book in another re-imagining of Alice in wonderland. Its actually really good and slightly terrifying!

V- Vampire Kisses. I read this right after I finished the Twilight Saga, and was still wanting a vampire to love. They are super quick and fun and Alexander Sterling is by far a way better Vampire than Edward Cullen, and he doesnt sparkle!

W- Wicked. This was such a wonderful concept for a story. I loved the characters and the idea, however I cannot enjoy Gregory Maguire's writing, he is all too wordy for me!

X, Y and Z I have not read any with those letters in the title... Again I apologize, however CHALLENGE ACCEPTED! I will make a point to find some titles so that I can add them to this list.

Hope all of you had fun!