Serafina and The Black Cloak

Stars 4/5

Serafina and The Black Cloak by Robert Beatty

What a fun middle grade mystery-thriller to read. I quite enjoyed this book. It follows Serafina, a little girl that has lived with her family secretly in the basement of the Biltmore estate. She scampers around at night to avoid being seen by the Vanderbilt family and catches rats until one night she stumbles upon a little girl being chased by a man in a black cloak. That is when the adventure begins. I don't want to go into the story more as to not spoil it but I highly recommend it to everyone and I will be reading the other books in this series.

Mr. Fox

Stars 2/5

Mr. Fox by Helen Oyeyemi

The story line was unique and very creative but I was disappointed that I didn't enjoy it more. The book was basically a love triangle between Mr. Fox, his wife Daphne and his fictional character that he created Mary Fox. He must decide which woman he wants. I must say that some of the short stories within the book were nice but I honestly could not get into this book regardless how many times I tried.

Death Below Stairs

Stars 5/5

Death Below Stairs by Jennifer Ashley

First off I have to say, this book made me hungry! All the delicate yet intense descriptions of all the food was yummy goodness. After hearing so many good things about the author, I decided to give this book a read and I was not disappointed. I loved how this book fell into period and recreated the world for me as the reader. The story follows a woman named Kat who is cook. Upon securing a new position in Lord Rankin's house, many bizarre things start to happen including a murder. I don't want to go into the story more as not to spoil it but I would highly recommend this book to everyone who loves historical fiction/mystery. I will definitely be reading this series.

Sightwitch

Stars 4/5

Sightwitch by Susan Dennard

I very much like this series and was glad to read this prequel. This follows the Sightwitches and their story that came about a year before the initial story began. I hope that we find out more about what eventually happens with them later on in the series. A very quick and fascinating read. I would recommend this book to everyone who loves to get wrapped up in a complex world of witches. 

The Hazel Wood

Stars 3/5

The Hazel Wood by Melissa Albert

I have to say that the writing style was great and the story was very unique. A bit creepy and odd. The story follows Alice and her mom as they live most of their life on the road running from something bad that follows them. They believe it has something to do with Alice's grandmother a famous author that wrote a rare book of fairy tales. Alice recruits the help of her classmate Finch when her mom comes up missing. I don't want to go into the book more as to not spoil it but it is a twisted fairy tale read. I found that Alice is not a very likable character but it may be due to who she really is. I did love Finch and wish to see him more in the next book. 

The Belles

Stars 4/5

The Belles by Dhonielle Clayton

A very unique and creative book about what people would give and take for beauty. The story follows Camellia and her path and responsibilities of being a Belle. In the world of Orleans, people are born grey and Belles add color to them as well as change their body types, hair, makeup and even make them younger looking. Camellia and her sisters are taken to the palace to compete for the spot of being the royals "favorite" but they soon find out that being a "favorite" isn't what it is cracked up to be. I have to say that Camellia has a lot of growing up to do and hope to see it in the next book. The writing in this book is beautiful and I just loved the world building. It was breath taking to say the least. I want a teacup animal and would love to live in a world of post balloons. I can not wait for the next book in the series and would recommend it to everyone.

Dumplin'

Stars 4/5

Dumplin' by Julie Murphy

Why only 4 stars? Because I really needed more at the end. This story follows Willowdean, an overweight girl, with a self image problem that seemed to emerge when she met Bo. To regain her confidence, Willowdean enters the Miss Clover City Beauty Pageant which is ran by her Mother a former beauty queen. There she befriends lots of girls from school that have their own image issues. I really did like this story but I think it ended to fast and left questions. I can't wait for the next book in this series. I know it will be about Dumplin's friend Millie but I hope she makes appearances. I would recommend this book.

Say You'll Remember Me

Stars 5/5

Say You'll Remember Me by Katie McGarry

I went into this book blind not knowing what it was about and a bit scared by the title. I thought this book would be a real tear jerker or leave me screaming out NO! What I got was a sweet romantic contemporary that was of forbidden love, family building, trust, overcoming odds and yes even a few tears. This story follows Elle, the governor's daughter and Drix, a juvenile delinquent that was chosen to be the poster boy of Elle's fathers Second Chance Program. If you read contemporary novels, you kinda know what is going to happen but there are some twists so no spoilers here. I would recommend this cute book to everyone. 

Broken Beautiful Hearts

Stars 5/5

Broken Beautiful Hearts by Kami Garcia

I really enjoyed this book. I usually don't like to read books with such serious issues but I knew as soon as I picked up this book to read I wouldn't be able to put it down until I read it all and I was right. I read this book in one setting. It was a fast read with very likable characters. I honestly wish this book was not just a stand alone and there would be another because I would love to find out what happens to all of these characters. The story follows Peyton, a girl that just found out that she was accepted to college to play soccer which has been her life's goal then the worst happens. I am not going into more about this story because I do not want to spoil it. There are trigger warnings for physical, mental and substance abuse but I would recommend this book to everyone. 

A Closed and Common Orbit

Stars 5/5

A Closed and Common Orbit by Becky Chambers

(note.. this book made it to my 2018 Favorites List)

WoW what an amazing book. This is the second book in the Wayfarer's Series and it starts up where the first book ended with Lovey and it flashes back into Pepper's life, how she grew up, survived, met Blue and how it all lead up to today. I don't want to get into the story more as not to spoil it but I highly recommend this book as well as the series. I can not wait for the next book. Becky Chambers created an addicting book of sci fi, friendship, amazing races & characters as well as defined planetary and galactic ship worlds.

How To Stop Time

Stars 5/5

How To Stop Time by Matt Haig

(note.. this book made it to my 2018 Favorites List)

I need more of this story! WoW! I love this book. What an amazing story! This follows Tom, who looks 41 but in fact is really over 400 yrs old, and his life throughout time and the different eras. If I could give this book a thousand stars I would. It was just that amazing! I loved the creative and unique storytelling from all the different eras of time and all the characters. I really hope Matt Haig continues this story and more. I have to say that this book definitely made it to my 2018 Favorites List and very well could be an all time favorite read. I would recommend this book to everyone.

When Dimple Met Rishi

Stars 5/5

When Dimple Met Rishi by Sandhya Menon

This is a coming of age book that follows Dimple and Rishi and how they met. I must say I have mixed emotions about this story. First let me say, that the writing is amazing and the story line is a contemporary read which I like. I did have some issues with Dimple and her immaturity in dealing with the relationship with Rishi and the way things did not turn in her favor. Maybe if Dimple would of put more time into the app instead of the dance routine, things could of been different. Honestly, I thought Dimple was physically, mentally and emotionally abusive towards Rishi. Think about it if the roles were reversed. I gave this story 5 stars because sometimes I just love to hate the main character. I would recommend this book.

Wintergirls

Stars 4/5

Wintergirls by Laurie Halse Anderson

I went into this book not knowing anything about what the story was about in fact I thought it was a thriller. I must say it was very haunting in a body image sort of way. The book follows best friends Lia and Cassie, both have eating disorders. They make a contest on who can get the skinniest. Needless to say, the outcome is never good. I will not go into this story as not to spoil it but I will mention triggers for cutting, starvation and substance abuse. This is not usually the type of book I would read but I am glad I did. It was a good story and I would recommend it to others.

The Long Way To A Small Angry Planet

Stars 5/5

The Long Way To A Small Angry Planet by Becky Chambers
(note.. this book made it to my 2018 Favorites List)

I very much enjoyed this sci-fi awesome book. The story follows Rosemary and crew on the Wayfarer on their adventures through space. I loved the whole space travelling lifestyle and the characters were so unique and a creative genius. I think Becky Chambers reached out of box so much that the story was unlike any other I have read. I will definitely be reading the rest of the series and highly recommend it to everyone.

Windwitch

Stars 5/5

Windwitch by Susan Dennard

And the story continues! I just love this whole world that Susan Dennard created. It is full of awesomely daring characters and a bit of everything fantasy. Yes... I still love Aeduan ... even more in this book. I have to say that I hope more develops with Little Owl. What an amazingly thought out character! This is the second book in The Witchlands series so I do not want to say much to spoil the story but I highly recommend it to everyone who loves a complex world of witches and fantasy.

Truthwitch

Stars 5/5

Truthwitch by Susan Dennard

My heart belongs to Aeduan! OMG I just loved his character and hope to read more about him. The story follows Safiya, a truthwitch, and her threadwitch sister, Iseult. Truthwitches are very rare and Safiya has had to hide her craft for her whole like. Safiya and Iseult want their freedom and to live life their way but many are trying to stop them and that is the adventure of the book. Princes, mercenaries, Ships and War. A wonderful ride! I would recommend this book to everyone and I plan to read the next books in the series!

Gunslinger Girl

Stars 5/5

Gunslinger Girl by Lyndsay Ely

(note.. this book made it to my 2018 Favorites List)

Please tell me that there is going to another book! OMG I just loved this story! This follows Serendipity "Pity" Jones, a young girl surviving in a post apocalyptic world. She runs away from her father, due to him wanting to sell her off, and finds her way to the city of Cessation. This is where all the gun slinging begins. I do not want to spoil the story but this book is a MUST READ! I would recommend this to everyone. 

Hunting Prince Dracula

Stars 5/5

Hunting Prince Dracula by Kerri Maniscalco

(note.. this book made it to my 2018 Favorites List)

OH My My My! I loved this book! I am in love with Audrey Rose and Thomas. They are so perfect together and when I read about them working the case together, it always makes me smile. This is the second book in the Stalking Jack The Ripper series and I do believe there will be 2 more books and OMG I can not wait. I hope Kerri Maniscalco writes many more. I would miss the main characters so much if she stops after just four. The story picks up where the first book lets off but it is a whole new adventure. Lots of new characters to love and hate. I would highly recommend this book and series to everyone especially if you love Sherlock Holmes types of mysteries with a splash of romance.

Stalking Jack The Ripper

Stars 5/5

Stalking Jack The Ripper by Kerri Maniscalco

(note.. this book made it to my 2018 Favorites List)

WoW! I started this book last year, but due to a death in the family I never finished it so I just reread the book and OMG I loved it! This book made it to my 2018 Favorites List. The story follows Audrey Rose Wadsworth and her love for forensic medicine during a time (1880's) when society frowned upon women doing much more than needlepoint and shopping. Audrey Rose, studying under her uncle, meets the dashing Thomas Cresswell and they team up to stalk Jack the Ripper. I am not going to go into the story anymore as not to spoil it but if you love Sherlock Holmes you will love this amazing story. I would recommend it to everyone.

This Is Where The World Ends

Stars 5/5

This Is Where The World Ends by Amy Zhang

WoW what an unique story! This follows Janie and Micah who were friends since they were young but no one knows about their friendship. I thought Janie was a bit odd but just loved Micah. One night, Janie goes missing and Micah is in the hospital with amnesia. This story follows Micah's memories coming back and Janie's journal. I don't want to say anymore as to not spoil the story. I would recommend this book to everyone that doesn't have a trigger for rape.

Little Monsters

Stars 5/5

Little Monsters by Kara Thomas

I have to say that this book slipped right by me last year but I am so very glad I picked it up now to read. What a wonderful YA thriller! I really loved this story and I thought I knew how it would end but I was so very wrong! The story follows a young girl named Kasey who had two friends Bailey & Jade. One night her friend Bailey comes up missing and the town starts to think it may be Kasey because she is the new kid in town. So much more goes on in this book but I do not want to spoil anything. I recommend this book to everyone!

American Panda

Stars 5/5

American Panda by Gloria Chao

(note.. this book made it to my 2018 Favorites List)

WoW! I just loved this book! Such a cute story! This was one of my most anticipated books to come out this year and I just knew it would make my heart smile. This follows Mei, a Chinese American girl, that is coming of age and struggling with what she wants and what her family expects of her. I don't want to go into the story any more as not to spoil it but OMG this is a must read for ALL contemporary lovers and everyone else who just wants to smile the rest of the day!

A Wrinkle In Time

Stars 3/5

A Wrinkle In Time by Madeleine L' Engle

This, of course, is not my first time reading this book but I wanted to reread it again because it has been a very long time indeed. I first read this book with my daughter growing up and I thought I remembered liking it a bit more. Maybe it was just the nostalgia. This story follows Meg, her younger brother Charles Wallace and their friend Calvin as they set out on an adventure to save Meg's father. I did forget about all the religious notes, which I didn't much enjoy, but the book overall was an interesting ride. 

We Should All Be Feminists

Stars 5/5

We Should All Be Feminists by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

I am going to be honest and say that at first I did not want to read this book because I am kinda ashamed of some of the feminists online these days and what their opinions are about women of today. I am a mother of a son as well as daughters and I never want my son to feel inadequate as some of these radicals speak about. So I was hesitant but I am so glad I did read it. It was not what I expected at all. It supports both male and females. I loved the stories within the book and the examples she gave of even the little gender signals that go on we don't notice. I am very lucky to be in an area and a place in my life that it doesn't affect me as it did the ones in the book but I stand for all those who do face this daily. I recommend this book for not only females but males as well. 

The Dream Thieves

Stars 4/5

The Dream Thieves by Maggie Stiefvater

This is the second book in the Raven Cycle series. It continues to follow Gansey, Ronan, Blue, Adam and Noah. The story focuses mostly on Ronan and his dream talents. I would love to have that talent! I do not want to go into the adventure more as not to spoil it but I recommend this book to everyone.

The Raven Boys

Stars 4/5

The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater

Ok I have to admit this book took me a little bit to get into. Not sure if it was the book or just me. I did just finish a very amazing series so an adjustment was there. BUT ... after I did get into the book, I just loved it. So many things going on and so many lovable characters. This story follows Blue, a girl with a clairvoyant family; Gansey, a boy from a rich family that is fascinated with a lost King's body that could grant a wish if found; Adam, a scholarship kid from a poor and abusive family; Ronan, the one that fights to save himself & his friends, and Noah, the watcher. This book is about their friendship, adventures, kiss blocking and finding bones. I would recommend this book to everyone. I plan to finish the series asap.

A Court of Wings & Ruin

Stars 5/5

A Court of Wings & Ruin by Sarah J. Maas

(note.. this book made it to my 2018 Favorites List)

OMG what an amazing Book! A whirl wind of adventure! This is the third book in the series so I really do not want to go into the story much as not to spoil it but I will say that this story is definitely on my favorites list and I just can not wait til the next book comes out. This is the only series of books I have ever read where all the male characters would make very yummy book boyfriends! I recommend this book and series to everyone.

A Court of Mist & Fury

Stars 5/5

A Court of Mist & Fury by Sarah J. Maas

(note.. this book made it to my 2018 Favorites List)

Holy Moly! I just finished this book and OMG I am in shock of how great it was! Rhysand is OMG amazing! New Book Boyfriend For Sure! This story picks up where the first book left off with Feyre's life in the magical world. OK I can not go into what happened as it will ruin the story that You MUST read! I know why this book series is so hyped. IT IS AMAZING! I highly recommend it for everyone to read.

A Court Of Thorns & Roses

Stars 5/5

A Court Of Thorns & Roses by Sarah J. Maas

(note.. this book made it to my 2018 Favorites List)

I really don't know what took me so long to read this book but WoW! All the hype is justified. I just loved this story. It follows a girl named Feyre. One day she is deep in the forest hunting food for her starving family and kills a wolf. She didn't realize that it was not a wolf but in fact a faerie so to pay for her crime against the fae, according to the treaty, she is taken to live on the other side of the wall in the magical land and that is when all the adventure begins. I am not going into much more as not to spoil it but I have to say that the creativity and imagination of this author is astounding. The descriptive art of each character and the world makes this book run like a crystal clear film in your head. I highly recommend it and I am definitely reading the next book in the series.