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Tuesday, April 28, 2015

What I've been reading lately….

                       
 

Jeaniene Frost's Night Huntress Series/ Night Huntress World Novels
THIS SERIES! So addictive! Once you start Cat and Bone's story in Halfway to the Grave you will HAVE to read the rest of the series and spin offs! Perfect blend of paranormal romance, humor and action. Jeaniene has an awesome reading order on her website so you know exactly how these are to be read. The spin off series fits seamlessly into Cat's Night Huntress books. Above are the books I have read so far. I'm also excited to start The Night Prince series which features Vlad. He will quickly become one of your favorite characters from the Night Huntress novels.



                       
Gail Carriger's Parasol Protectorate Series
I have fallen in love with this series. Each book gets better. The main character Alexia is tough and hilarious. Now I just want to carry a parasol! You know when I'm running to Target or the grocery store, all casual like. Any who, every character in these books are well developed and the story keeps you intrigued. These are a fun read, not very heavy. Looking forward to checking out her teen series Finishing School and the newest The Custard Protocol.



 

A.C. Gaughen's Scarlet Series. THIS TRILOGY! An unforgettable story. Even if you are not a huge fan of Robin Hood tales you will love this series. Will "Scarlet" is a woman disguised as a boy! A boy that can scale trees and throw knives! She's a talented thief and is best friends with the noblest man around, Robin Hood! This is so much more than a Robin Hood story. The journey the characters are on throughout all three books is so moving. There is so much to Scarlet. You will love her and want to hit her upside that head of her's but ultimately you will cheer her on. I absolutely recommend this series to everyone (it is considered a Teen novel). And can we appreciate the beauty of these covers?!? Stunning!



My newest "heart eyes" are for Sarah J. Maas. I got to meet her at Apollycon this year and she was so nice and seriously looks like a real life Disney Princess. In my swag bag I got a copy of her book Throne of Glass. AH! This book! It was so good! Magic, intrigue, assassins! Amazing! So far I have only read the first book in the series (Throne of Glass) but from what I hear from other readers it gets better and better with each book! I can't wait to pick up Crown of Midnight. She will be in my area on May 5th for her book launch of A Court of Thorns and Roses. I received an e-reader advance reading copy of this but chose to actually hold it in my hands and borrowed from my friend Bonnie. From beginning to end this book sucks you in. The world building is beautiful. I connected with the female main character but I really think the stars of the book are the male characters. Each one has a different personality and there is a lot of humor. A great villain and Sarah has really created a wonderful book to start her series with. I also snuck a sneak peak of the book at work and the cover is BEAUTIFUL! Can't wait to get my hands on it and meet Sarah again at her signing.



Reading to the kids…
                                 
These adorable picture books are by Emma Yarlett. I've read Orion and the Dark several times for story time at the store and the kids loved it. I ordered in Sidney, Stella, and the Moon for our house and it doesn't disappoint. Emma's illustrations are so whimsical and beautiful. Sidney, Stella, and the Moon focuses on sharing. Orion and the Dark focuses on being being afraid of the dark and other fears. Both of my kids ages 4 and 10 enjoyed these books, although my 10 year old was just interested in the illustrations. My little artist! If you follow Emma on her twitter she released a photo of her newest book cover (Poppy Pickle: A Little Girl with a Big Imagination). *Grabby hands over here*








Friday, April 17, 2015

What I've been buying lately….

1. I wore this dress for Easter. It was so comfortable and the pattern is something different to me.
2. I bought this dress in the coral, gray, and black. Super comfortable. I went up a size since I was ordering online, I probably could have used a smaller size but after washing I'll see how it is. This is so easy to just throw on and run out the door. I've been pairing with chucks and my jean jacket. I really need to invest in a statement necklace to go with these.
3. Last year I bought this dress in a black pattern and I loved it. I'm usually not a fan of strapless but this dress fits well. I've been loving the dip-dyed look.




1. On a shopping trip with my mom I bought these three. I love the pattern of this skirt.
2. I wanted to start getting some more intricate tank tops instead of the usual plain cotton..this is a good compromise of dressing up or down.
3. I don't think I would have had the balls to buy this hat if I wasn't at the store with my mom. She loves hats. I always wanted to be a hat person but never quite got there. Of course John had several snarky comments. His verdict: Please don't wear that to the mall (as I'm getting ready to go meet a friend and shop), its a beach hat. 

Opi's You're such a Budapest! I'm a sucker for purple nail polish! 
*Photo credit: Of Life and Lacquer 
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