YAY! 151 Books Read! YAY!

📚🎉🌟🎊 YAY! 151 Books Read! YAY! 🎊🌟🎉📚 I met my year goal and OMG it is only April WoW! Lets try for 300 Books!!

April Wrap Up!

April Wrap Up!📚 April Reads - 36 = 5🌟 reads, 2 = 4🌟reads, 3 = 3🌟reads, 0 = 2🌟reads & 0 = 1🌟reads for a total of 41 Books read in April! YAY! 2 books to 2018 Favorites List in April for a Total = 27 Year Total! YAY! 🎉

The Night The Forest Came To Town

Stars 5/5

The Night The Forest Came To Town by Charles Ghigna

Illustrated by Annie Wilkinson

Released Oct 9th 2018

First I must thank Netgalley for this advanced digital copy. This book is beautiful. The story is about how nature will overtake places in time including cities. The illustrations are amazing. This is definitely a book to look for in Oct. Would be a great gift to kids of all ages. I highly recommend this book of poetry. 

Postcards From A War

Stars 5/5

Postcards From A War by Vanita Oelschlager

Illustrated by Mike Blanc

First I must thank Netgalley for a digital copy of this book. I loved this book and how it helps kids to deal with their parents going off to serve our country. This follows a young boy who spends time with his grandpa while his mom has been deployed to war. His grandpa shares stories about his dad being deployed and how he received post cards from him. This book is very touching and I recommend it everyone of all ages.

Between Shades Of Gray

Stars 5/5

Between Shades Of Gray by Ruta Sepetys

OMG What a heart wrenching book! If you have not read any of Ruta Sepetys' books, what are you waiting on? This book follows Lina, a teenager from Lithuania. Her and her family are taken by the Soviet officers to work camps during WWII and this is the book about their survival. This book is very violent and dark in areas regarding how they were treated and disposed of so be warned. I will not go into the story more to not spoil it but I highly recommend it to everyone.

Leah On The Offbeat

Stars 4/5

Leah On The Offbeat by Becky Albertalli

This was one of my most anticipated books for 2018. I really enjoyed it but I must say that I still like Simon vs. The Homo Sapiens Agenda a bit more. This book follows Simon's best friend Leah and her senior year. I really did enjoy being back with all the characters and hope for another book following Simon and his college experience. I do highly recommend this book to everyone especially if you love f/f. I have to say I am more of a m/m reader. 

Soundless

Stars 5/5

Soundless by Richelle Mead

I have to say that I really enjoyed this book. I really loved the story line and how it is very creative and unique. It follows Fei who was born in a mountain mining village where everyone has lost their hearing and some were starting to loose their sight as well. The villagers would rely on a zip line to bring them the needed food in exchange for the metals they would mine but the food rations were getting smaller and the villagers were getting unhealthy. I do not want to go into the story more as not to spoil it but I highly recommend this book to everyone. 

Ariel Bradley: Spy for General Washington

Stars 5/5

Ariel Bradley: Spy for General Washington by Lynda Durrant

Art by Joe Rossi

First let me thank Netgalley for the digital copy. I really enjoyed this book that tells of the true story of Ariel Bradley, a nine year old, and how he helps George Washington during the Revolutionary War by pretending to be a "Johnny Raw" to spy on the enemy troops. I loved the illustrations in this book and would definitely recommend it as a read for all ages. I must also add that I really enjoyed the notes at the end of the book taking extra time to tell about Ariel Bradley's life as a grown up.

Sheets

Stars 5/5

Sheets by Brenna Thummler

First let me thank Netgalley for an advanced digital copy. I knew when I saw the cover that I would like this book and I did. Such a unique story, very creative. It follows a young girl named Marjorie and how she is stuck going to school and running the laundry after her mom dies. Her father is in constant state of mourning and depressed rarely leaving his room so the financial difficulties soon arise. Marjorie then meets a little ghost named Wendell and that is when everything changes. I don't want to go into the story more as to not spoil it but I highly recommend this to everyone who loves graphic novels and a little spookiness.

Quests For Glory (The School for Good & Evil: The Camelot Years bk 1)

Stars 5/5

Quests For Glory (The School for Good & Evil: The Camelot Years bk 1) by Soman Chainani

Here we go again! This is the 4th book in The School for Good and Evil series but the 1st book in the spin off The Camelot Years and OMG it is back to lots of adventure! I really love this series and was glad to see it continue on when Agatha and Tedros went to Camelot and yes all the characters are back. The twists and turns keep you glued to the book and wanting more. I do not want to go into the story much as to not spoil the series but I do highly recommend it to everyone who love fairy tales, lots of evil and a sweet kiss between the wars. I can not wait til the next book comes out!

I Have Lost My Way

Stars 5/5

I Have Lost My Way by Gayle Forman

I really enjoyed reading this book. The characters were very lovable and emotionally touching. The story follows three strangers, Freya a upcoming singer that lost her voice, Harun a muslim that is gay and lost his boyfriend because he can not come out to his family, and Nathaniel a kid raised by his father who suffered from mental illness and was severely depressed and on the edge. I don't want to go into the story much as not to spoil it but I will say that these three needed each other and them meeting was definitely fate. I highly recommend this book to everyone. 

Not If I Save You First

Stars 5/5

Not If I Save You First by Ally Carter

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

OMG I just loved this book. What a unique story line and such an adventure. That is why this book made it to my "2018 Favorites List" YAY! This book follows Maddie which is the daughter of a secret service agent for the president and his family. Logan is the first son and Maddie's best friend. I don't want to go into the story as to not spoil it but this book is all about friendships, coming of age, terrorism, Alaskan survival, love and no mail. I highly recommend this book to everyone. Yes, it was a bit predictable but that is one thing I love in my sweet heart contemporaries.

Emergency Contact

Stars 3/5

Emergency Contact by Mary H. K. Choi

This book was on "books I have to get" list and was really so excited for it but I must say I didn't love it. The story line was one that I really enjoy. Girl meets guy in a school setting and falls for each other but the main character Penny was just so mean. The first half hour of reading it, she is just complaining about her mom. I was going to dnf it early on but I hate to not finish things so I pressed on and Penny had this chip on her shoulder the whole book. These are just my opinions and so I can't say it is not for you but it just really was not the book for me.

Little Polar Bear Takes A Stand

Stars 5/5

Little Polar Bear Takes A Stand by Hans de Beer

What a cute little book. This is a story about a little polar bear named Lars who comes to find out that there are no more fish. He and his friends seek out to get rid of the people and problems that are stopping the fish from swimming into the bay. A very fun and fast read. I highly recommend this book to everyone of all ages. Thanks to Netgalley for a digital copy.

Pip's Big Hide and Seek Book

Stars 5/5

Pip's Big Hide and Seek Book by Thais Vanderheyden

What a cute little hidden mouse story. I really love hidden object games and books. This one follows a little mouse named Pip that is playing hide and seek with 100 of his friends and your goal is to find them all. There are also other little find games on each page which is more added fun. I highly recommend this book to everyone of all ages. Who doesn't like to play hide and seek. Thanks Netgalley for the digital copy.

Birds of a Feather: A Book of Idioms & Silly Pictures

Stars 5/5

Birds of a Feather: A Book of Idioms & Silly Pictures by Vanita Oelschlager

Illustrated by Robin Hegan

I love the Illustrations in this book. So very cute. This book is an educational book about idioms, what they are and how they can be used in sentences. It is a fun and fast read. It explains the meanings of many different sayings to the reader that they may hear from older adults. It is great for kids of all ages. I would definitely recommend this book. Thanks so much to Netgalley for the digital copy.

The Witch's Tears (The Witch's Kiss bk 2)

Stars 3/5

The Witch's Tears (The Witch's Kiss bk 2) by Katharine & Elizabeth Corr

This is the second book in The Witch's Kiss series and I have to say it was not as good as the first but I did enjoy many aspects of it. I was glad to see more of Merry's brother Leo and him finding himself more. I will definitely be reading the next book just to see what happens with him. As for Merry, I really am starting to dislike her character. She has gone further than just being a temper tantrum teen. She has gotten mean and even a bit nasty. For her to think that "it kinda served him right" when finding out about Finn's brother dying, almost made me throw the book. I do hope she grows up a bit in the next book. I like to hate some characters but it can be hard to read at times.

Dead Weight: Murder at Camp Bloom

Stars 5/5

Dead Weight: Murder at Camp Bloom by Terry Blas, Molly Muldoon

Illustrated by Matthew Seely

First let me thank Netgalley for this awesome graphic novel to review! OMG what a fun book to read. I just loved the story and the artwork. This follows a group of kids that went to Camp Bloom which is a fat camp. They soon witness a murder and then set out to find the killer. I don't want to go into the story more as to not spoil it but let me say it was brilliant. I would highly recommend this to everyone of all ages. The artwork is to die for!

The Lost Path

Stars 5/5

The Lost Path by Amelie Flachais

First let me thank Netgalley for the advanced reader copy. I really enjoyed this book and all the beautiful artistry. The story combined old legend tales with modern day and I just loved that. It was about three boys lost in the forest and their adventures. It was very interesting how the forest had it's own story to tell and the characters that were apart of it were very creative and unique. I would recommend this book to readers of all ages.

This is a Taco!

Stars 5/5

This is a Taco! by Andrew Cangelose

Josh Shipley (Artist)

This was the cutest picture book. First I must thank netgalley for this advanced reader copy. The book follows a little squirrel named Taco that is obsessed with tacos. It is an educationally funny book that gives the reader some squirrel info as well as lots of fun and silliness. I would highly recommend this book to everyone of all ages to read. It will definitely make you smile.

Comics for a Strange World: A Book of Poorly Drawn Lines

Stars 5/5

Comics for a Strange World: A Book of Poorly Drawn Lines by Reza Farazmand

Oh what a cute book! I loved the graphics and it had me laughing out loud for real. This is my first book from this author and all of it was fresh and new. Very witty and a bit strange which I love. I would recommend this book to everyone who loves a chuckle.

The Witch's Kiss

Stars 4/5

The Witch's Kiss by Katharine & Elizabeth Corr

I went into this book not knowing much about it or what it was about. I enjoyed the story but have to say that I was more impressed with the tales of what had happened in the past than what was going on in the present. The story follows Merry, an uneducated witch, that must conquer a wizard from the past because it is her destiny while freeing an imprisoned prince with love's kiss (which I have to say was a brilliant conundrum)! I will be continuing on with this series because I am curious where it will go now. I would recommend it to everyone who can't pass up a witchy story.

Disney Princess Vol 11

Stars 5/5

Disney Princess Vol 11 by Amy Mebberson

I love everything Disney and this graphic novel was so very cute. I hope to read the whole series very soon. The stories are fun and the illustrations are amazing. I would recommend this to everyone of all ages.

Disney Princess Vol 10

Stars 5/5

Disney Princess Vol 10 by Amy Mebberson

I love everything Disney and this graphic novel was so very cute. I hope to read the whole series very soon. The stories are fun and the illustrations are amazing. I would recommend this to everyone of all ages.

Disney Princess Vol 9

Stars 5/5

Disney Princess Vol 9 by Amy Mebberson

I love everything Disney and this graphic novel was so very cute. I hope to read the whole series very soon. The stories are fun and the illustrations are amazing. I would recommend this to everyone of all ages.

My Friend Dahmer

Stars 5/5

My Friend Dahmer by Derf Backderf

I really enjoyed this graphic novel. Very informative yet fun to read. The graphics were amazing. I really enjoyed the older graphics drew while the author was in school. This story follows the author and his friends while in junior high and high school with Jeffrey Dahmer and their relationship with him. I would recommend this to everyone who loves true crime and creative art.

Ace of Shades

Stars 3/5

Ace of Shades by Amanda Foody

First let me say the writing was wonderful and I really enjoyed the unique and creative brilliance of the Blood Talents. I thought those were so imaginative and awesome. The story follows Enne, a young girl with a dancer talent, that goes to the City of Sin to find her missing adoptive mother, Lourdes. With her mother's letter in hand, she locates Levi, the one person her mother says can help, but Enne suspects her mother may be dead. The adventure starts here with the search for Lourdes and for Enne to find out who she really is. I must be honest and say that I like Amanda Foody's Daughter of the Burning City book more than this one and I really don't think I will continue on with this series. Not because it wasn't good but because it is really not for me.

Disney Princess Vol 7

Stars 5/5

Disney Princess Vol 7 by Amy Mebberson

I love everything Disney and this graphic novel was so very cute. I hope to read the whole series very soon. The stories are fun and the illustrations are amazing. I would recommend this to everyone of all ages.

Disney Princess Vol 6

Stars 5/5

Disney Princess Vol 6 by Amy Mebberson

I love everything Disney and this graphic novel was so very cute. I hope to read the whole series very soon. The stories are fun and the illustrations are amazing. I would recommend this to everyone of all ages.

More Happy Than Not

Stars 5/5

More Happy Than Not by Adam Silvera

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

I am going to be honest and say it took me sometime to get my head straight to write this review. I am not going to even bother talking about what the book is about because you can read summary to find out. I want to write about how this book made me feel. First off, I wanted to scream OMG NO NO NO! and then I cried. This story is deep & dark and is a very emotionally hard book to read and it is not just the ending, it is the whole book. The story took my mind to a very dark and broken place. I will never forget this story. That is why it made it to my 2018 Favorites List. I highly recommend this to everyone especially those who have a hard time getting emotional about books because this book will rip you apart. 

Snow & Rose

Stars 5/5

Snow & Rose by Emily Winfield Martin

This is a re-imagining of "Snow White and Rose Red". I loved the original tale and knew I would love this one as well. The illustrations are beautiful and the story is charming. The book follows sisters Snow and Rose as they are forced to move out of the house into a forest cabin due to the father's disappearance. Snow and Rose go on lots of adventures in the forest trying to find clues as to what happened to their father while meeting many interesting characters and lots of magic. I will not go into the story more as to not spoil it but highly recommend this to everyone of all ages.

Hello, Universe

Stars 5/5

Hello, Universe by Erin Entrada Kelly

I really loved this book. The story follows Virgil, a very shy boy, that gets bullied everyday at school and around his neighborhood by a boy named Chet Bullens. Virgil sees a self proclaimed psychic named Kaori, which is his age, in which he tells a secret about his crush who turns out to be Valencia, a deaf girl in one of his classes. One day, Virgil comes up missing and his friends band together to find him as well as put an end to Chet's bullying and prejudices. I recommend this book to everyone of all ages.

Last Year's Mistake

Stars 5/5

Last Year's Mistake by Gina Ciocca

I am so thrilled that I finally got to read this book and I have to say it was charming. The story follows Kelsey, her best friend David and her life before everything exploded into chaos. A coming of age story filled with a serious health scare, two love interests, running away from the past, making new friends and discovering yourself. I don't want to go into the story more as to not spoil it but highly recommend it to everyone who loves contemporary romance. I would also like to say that I really hope to read more about these characters one day as with all of Gina Ciocca's book characters. Fingers crossed for a book 2 one day!

Alex, Approximately

Stars 5/5

Alex, Approximately by Jenn Bennett

What a charming story. I really enjoyed this book. It follows Bailey, a girl from the east coast, and how she forms a friendship with a boy, Alex, online from the west coast. They have lots in common. One day, Bailey must move to the west coast to live with her father and she is determined to find Alex but meets Porter, a very cute guy from her work. I don't want to get into the story more as to not spoil it but it will have you smiling. I highly recommend this book for everyone who loves "You got Mail".

Starry Eyes

Stars 5/5

Starry Eyes by Jenn Bennett

I really did enjoy this book. Back to nature. The stars. Coming of age relationships. Love and Hate. Everything needed for a great book. It follows Zorie and Lennon, next door neighbors, old friends and lots more that were torn apart by prejudices. This book is packed with lots going on to keep your attention easily for a fast, one sitting, read. I recommend this to everyone who loves those books that make you smile from all the sweetness.

The Last Ever After (The School for Good and Evil #3)

Stars 5/5

The Last Ever After (The School for Good and Evil #3) by Soman Chainani

This is the 3rd book in The School for Good and Evil series. I really loved this book. It was back to good vs. evil and more adventures with Sophie and Agatha. Lots of back stories come out in this book and it all makes wonderful sense. I will definitely be reading the next book in the series and keeping an eye out for future books. I highly recommend this book as well as the series for everyone who loves fantasy, rivalries, magic and meeting fairy tale characters.

A World Without Princes (The School for Good and Evil #2)

Stars 5/5

A World Without Princes (The School for Good and Evil #2) by Soman Chainani

This is the 2nd book in The School for Good and Evil series. It continues to follow Sophie and Agatha, their friendship and their search for love. I don't want to go into this story more as to not spoil it but I have to say that I am really enjoying the creativity and unique story line and characters. I liked the first book a bit more than this one but this book is still 5 stars. Very complex world which I love and I highly recommend it.

The School for Good and Evil

Stars 5/5

The School for Good and Evil by Soman Chainani

This story grabbed my attention from the very beginning. It follows Sophie, a young girl that has only dreamed of being kidnapped and taken off to the School of Good and Evil by the School Master so she can become a princess and her only friend Agatha, which Sophie believes would make the perfect wicked witch. Well the big twist is that Sophie is dropped on the School of Evil and Agatha is dropped on the School of Good. So much more happens after this and it is a roller coaster of action. I really enjoyed this book and loved Agatha's character so much. I plan on reading the next book in the series and I highly recommend this to everyone who loves a fairy tale/anti fairy tale.

Disney Princess #5

Stars 5/5

Disney Princess #5 by Amy Mebberson

This is the 5th graphic novel in the Disney Princess series which I just love. My favorite part of this one was how Ariel's sisters are playing more of a part. It is fun to see more of her family and her land as a mermaid. I always love Belle and the Beast. So much Disney in such a short book. I recommend the series to everyone.

Disney Princess #4

Stars 5/5

Disney Princess #4 by Amy Mebberson

This is the 4th book in the Disney Princess graphic novel series. In this one, I really enjoyed Tryouts. That was so very funny. I definitely love everything Disney and highly recommend these to everyone of all ages.

Disney Princess #3

Stars 5/5

Disney Princess #3 by Amy Mebberson

This is the 3rd graphic novel of Disney Princess and I just loved it. My favorite in this edition was of course Belle even though I am the 11th generation great grand daughter of Pocahontas (Rebecca Rolfe). I love everything Disney and I definitely recommend this graphic novel series to everyone of all ages. 

Disney Princess #2

Stars 5/5

Disney Princess #2 by Amy Mebberson

I love everything Disney and especially these graphic novels of the Princesses. They are so funny and entertaining. Taking the royal ladies to a whole new level. I recommend them to everyone of all ages. You are never too old for Disney.