End of the Journey

End of the Journey

Aug 2, 2013

Glittering Promises by Lisa T. Bergren

Release Date: October 1, 2013
Publisher: David C. Cook
Pages: 464 pages
Source & Format: NetGalley; e-ARC
Series: The Grand Tour #3
Amazon | Goodreads

Summary (from Goodreads)

Wealth cannot buy peace... or direction.

For Cora Kensington,  the Grand Tour was to be the trip of a lifetime. She discovered the family she never knew she had, and may have even found the love she longs for in Will. And yet her life has just become infinitely more challenging...

Hounded by journalists chasing the beguiling story of the newest American heiress, Cora fights to remain true to her past, reconcile her present, and still embrace her future. But as Will struggles with her newfound wealth, she begins to wonder if their love is strong enough to withstand all that threatens to pull them apart.

Complicating matters is the stubborn pursuit of Pierre de Richelieu and the increased demands on her time and attention. Cora must stand up for what she believes - regardless of how that might challenge current family and cultural norms - in order to remain true to who she really is.

And as she glimpses the end of the tour, Cora knows it's time to decide Who and what defines her... and who and what does not.

Thoughts on Glittering Promises

I knew I was going to binge read this series as soon as I found the third and final book on NetGalley. I love being able to dive right into a series and see it all the way through to the end. In most cases, it just makes me love the series all the more and sad to say goodbye when everything is over. Unfortunately, I don't think it worked in this series favor.

I started this book and then it took me almost two weeks to finish it. It's not that it was a difficult read - I just got burnt out on these characters and their problems. Cora's two main problems - choosing a suitor and her newfound wealth - just felt so trivial after a while. I was bored by her problems, frustrated by the return of the love triangle, and incredulous over the continued drama.

The book was well-written and the plot, once I got into it, moved along quickly. But I was still mostly disappointed with and bored by the ending to this series. While I haven't loved these books, I've really enjoyed seeing the group travel across Europe. I'd noted the over-the-top drama in my previous review, and that was only heightened in this one.

The drama just got even more unrealistic for me in this final book. I'm not saying these things couldn't have happened - just that I was weary of the constant upheaval. Instead of one central conflict and climax, there were constant commotions. Honestly, I thought I was going to shake the book if Cora had to be saved one more time. When things went wrong, I made some outlandish guesses about what was going on... and I was right in the end! To be honest, it all just made me laugh.

While the love triangle was supposed to be on the back burner in this one (since Cora made a decision in book two), it comes into play again. And I was just frustrated by it! Both of the men were getting on my nerves, although for different reasons. Will's jealousy and Pierre's persistence became so grating.

Finally, the ending just wrapped up too neatly for me. I couldn't helping thinking that after ALL THAT... this was the ending I got? I hate to sound so negative, but I just found myself getting so frustrated. I don't know that this book was so different from the other two - I honestly just think that reading them all in such quick succession ended up highlighting some of the flaws by the time I got to the end. My patience was obviously wearing thin.

Glittering Promises was just okay for me, whereas I genuinely liked the first two, but I'd honestly still recommend (with reservations) the series to fans of Christian historical fiction. I think it was entertaining and enjoyable overall, even if it was fluffy and ultimately frustrating to me in the end. I think there was just so much build-up for an ending that fell a little flat in its "perfectness."

So Quotable

"And sometimes, sometimes, wanting things, wishing for, working for them, is a good thing. Otherwise, we become nothing but spoiled boys and girls frustrated that we don't get every new toy we  see."

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July 2013: On My Shelves + Recap

July 2013: On My Shelves + Recap

Aug 1, 2013

Sarah Hearts

July was a really busy month for me, but also relaxing and refreshing. I went on my annual family beach trip at the beginning of the month, and I got so much reading on the beach. It's definitely one of my favorite places to read. I also finally put a dent in some of my NetGalley TBR and got approved for a number of books that I'm so psyched to read!

Time at the beach also meant a stop by my favorite independent bookstore, Sundog Books. I went in and got two books one day... and then had to go back the next and get three more. It may sometimes be expensive to shop local, but I love supporting this incredible store. Shopping there is such an experience - from the haphazard stacks of books to the numerous staff recommendations. I could spend hours in there!

I was also really excited to debut a brand-new look on my blog this month! It made me that much more excited about blogging, which was such a relief after having the blogging blahs a few months ago.

On My Shelves

For Review from NetGalley: Popular by Tindell Baldwin, The Girl You Left Behind by Jojo Moyes, The Gallery of Vanished Husbands by Natasha Solomons, Blackmoore by Julianne Donaldson,  Glittering Promises by Lisa Bergren, Born of Persuasion by Jessica Dotta and My Life in Middlemarch by Rebecca Mead

Bought for Kindle: Cascade by Maryanne O'Hara and The Distance Between Us by Kasie West

Bought for Shelves: Flapper by Joshua Zeitz, There Is No Me Without You by Melissa Fay Greene, A Hundred Summers by Beatriz Williams,  The Real Jane Austen by Paula Byrne, The Engagements by J. Courtney Sullivan and The Cuckoo's Calling by Robert Galbraith (J.K. Rowling)

Books Read

78. Perfect Scoundrels - Ally Carter

79. Small Damages - Beth Kephart

80. Once Upon a Prince - Rachel Hauck

81. Stealing the Preacher - Karen Witmeyer

82. Spies and Prejudice - Talia Vance

83. Popular - Tindell Baldwin

84. Letters from Skye - Jessica Brockmole

85. The Year of Secret Assignments - Jaclyn Moriarty

86. Something Like Normal - Trish Doller

87. Golden - Jessi Kirby

88. The Distance Between Us - Kasie West
89. Cascade - Maryanne O'Hara
90. The Caged Graves - Dianne Salerni
91. Blackmoore - Julianne Donaldson
92. Glamorous Illusions - Lisa T. Bergren
93. Grave Consequences - Lisa T. Bergren
94. Glittering Promises - Lisa T. Bergren
95. The Girl You Left Behind - Jojo Moyes

On My Blog

I reviewed: Heist Society by Ally Carter, Uncommon Criminals by Ally Carter, Uncommon Criminals by Ally Carter, Lucy Maud Montgomery: The Gift of Wings by Mary Henley Rubio, Once Upon A Prince by Rachel Hauck, Stealing the Preacher by Karen Witemeyer, Popular by Tindell Baldwin, Spies and Prejudice by Talia Vance, Letters from Skye by Jessica Brockmole, Glamorous Illusions by Lisa T. Bergren, Grave Consequences by Lisa T. Bergren, Love Water Memory by Jennie Shortridge and The Year of Secret Assignments by Jaclyn Moriarty

I listed the top ten: Best Book to Movie Adaptations and Beginnings (Opening Lines) In Books

I got a: Brand New Blog Look!

I discussed: The Classics Conundrum

I guest posted: Signs You're A Series Addict {for} The Summer Series Challenge

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War Is Declared

War Is Declared

Jul 31, 2013

The Year of Secret Assignments by Jaclyn Moriarty

Release Date: November 2003
Publisher: Scholastic
Pages: 352 pages
Series: Ashbury/Brookfield #2
Source & Format: Bought; Kindle ebook
Amazon | Goodreads

Summary (from Goodreads)

Three girls. Three boys. One of them's a total psycho.

It's teenage life as it really feels. Only funnier.

The Ashbury-Brookfield pen pal program was designed to bring together the "lowlife Brooker kids" (as they're known to the Ashburyites) and the "rich Ashbury snobs" (as they're called by the Brookfielders) in a spirit of harmony and the Joy of the Envelope. But things don't go quite as planned. Lydia and Sebastian trade challenges, like setting off the fire alarm as Brookfield. Emily tutors Charlie in How to Go One a Date with a Girl. But it's Cassie and Matthew who both reveal and conceal the most about themselves - and it's their secrets and lies that set off a war between the two schools.

Thoughts on The Year of Secret Assignments

I bought this book because I liked the cover (the nail polish!), thought the summary sounded interesting and it was $1.99. When I looked it up on Goodreads and saw a five-star review from Mandy @ VeganYANerds, I was even happier that I made this spontaneous purchase. And then I read it and was totally shocked by just how much I loved the book!

Three Reasons to Read The Year of Secret Assignments

1. The Composition.

The Year of Secret Assignments is written as letters, diary entries, emails, lists, school notices... and it totally nails the epistolary format. It's not always my favorite type of book to read, but Moriarty absolutely won me over. I loved how clever and creative it felt. I think the format also made the book very readable and fast-paced, which was perfect since I was reading it beachside.

The entry format reveals so much about the characters and their relationship with one another, so I quickly grew to love each new thing I learned or discovered while reading. The characters' voices were all so unique - I never once had to flip back to remind myself of who was writing since the book includes six different perspectives. Moriarty definitely had a clear picture of who her characters were and how they spoke/wrote. As a reader, it just made me love them all the more.

If I had one complaint about this format, it would only be that I probably would have enjoyed it more if I was reading a hard copy of the book. Things don't always look right on a Kindle when the book relies on non-traditional formatting.

2. The Characters.

The three girl characters go to Ashbury, and the boys go to Brookfield. In an attempt to improve relationships between the two schools and remind students of the power of letters, the girls' English teacher creates a pen pal program. Each girl is paired with a boy from Brookfield, and the letters begin.

As I already mentioned, each of the characters had a really unique voice and personality. I loved getting to know them better! Even in a book that juggles so many perspectives, the characters all had depth. They were relatable, hilarious and such fun to spend time with. I love the friendship between the girls - how they take care of one other and tease each other.

And then there's the banter in the letters. Seriously, this book is heavy on the banter, which I adored. The girls are all witty and smart, and the boys are quite the charmers, too. Well, there's one that's not... but you'll see!

3. The Crazy.

Finally, I really loved the little stories and adventures that run through the letters and other entries. From pranks to lessons on dating, there's some hilarious and silly stuff that happens. It made for such a fun read! But there's also a serious aspect. A secret identity and a hurtful trick lead to a mystery and some hijinks in defense of the wronged friend. While I still would have loved the book without this conflict, I think it made it all the better to see the friends rally to protect one of their own.

So, be prepared for some shenanigans and craziness to ensue! Because you don't want to mess with these girls or there'll be hell to pay.

Just trust me!

I wasn't expecting a ton from this book, so I was completely caught off guard by how charming I found it. I realized later it was actually book two in a series, but I immediately fell right into the story and never felt like I was missing out on important information. If you want something light, funny and unique, I'd definitely recommend this book!

So Quotable

"For a start, I think I have this idea that I can do anything by writing. Like I can be myself if I write letters, and I can help my friends if I write Secret Assignments. Like I can change things, punish people, fall in love, and find myself, all by writing the right words. Maybe I'm just hiding behind the words?"

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Off To A Good Start

Off To A Good Start

Jul 30, 2013

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly feature hosted by The Broke and The Bookish. Every week they post a new topic/top ten list and invite everyone to share their own answers. I'm so obsessed with lists - so it makes perfect sense that I'd love this feature!

Top Ten Favorite Beginnings In Books

1. "It is a truth universally acknowledged that a single man in possession of good fortune must be in want of a wife." - Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

2. "Last night, I dreamt that I chopped Andrew up into a hundred little pieces, like a Benihana chef, and ate them, one by one." - The Opposite of Love by Julie Buxbaum

3. "My daddy used to say I had the devil in me." - Looking for Cassandra Jane by Melody Carlson

4. "It was difficult, later, to think of a time when Betsy and Tacy had not been friends." - Betsy-Tacy by Maud Hart Lovelace

5. "My father took one hundred and thirty-two minutes to die." - Jellicoe Road by Melina Marchetta

6. "If it had not rained on a certain May morning Valancy Stirling's whole life would have been entirely different." - The Blue Castle by L.M. Montgomery

7. "Here is everything I know about France: Madeline and Amelie and Moulin Rouge." - Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins

8. "I write this sitting in the kitchen sink." - I Capture the Castle by Dodie Smith

9. "It is the first day of November and so, today, someone will die." - The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater

10. "All happy families are alike; each unhappy family is unhappy in its own way." - Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy

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Find the Clues

Find the Clues

Jul 29, 2013

Love Water Memory by Jennie Shortridge

Release Date: April 2013
Publisher: Simon & Schuster | Gallery Books
Pages: 336 pages
Source & Format: Library; Hardcover
Amazon | Goodreads

Summary (from Goodreads)

Who is Lucie Walker? Even Lucie herself can't answer that question after she comes to, confused and up to her knees that the chilly San Francisco Bay. Back home in Seattle, she adjusts to life with amnesia, growing unsettled by the clues she finds to the selfish, carefully guarded person she used to be. Will she ever fall in love with her handsome, kindhearted fiance, Grady? Can he devote himself to the vulnerable, easygoing Lucie 2.0, who is so unlike her controlling former self? When Lucie learns that Grady has been hiding some very painful secrets that could change the course of their relationship, she musters the courage to search for the shocking, long-repressed childhood memories that will finally set her free.

Thoughts on Love Water Memory

I snagged this book off the New Releases shelf at the library - struck by the lovely cover as soon as I saw it. I just love the look of the watercolors. Having finished the book, I can also say that the cover really complements the story inside - simple but memorable.

The story opens with Lucie Walker standing knee-deep in the water of the San Francisco Bay. Strangers on the beach are concerned about her because she has no idea who she is and why she's there. She's checked into a hospital and diagnosed with dissociative fugue. It's a psychiatric disorder - reversible amnesia for personal identity. Lucie remembers who the President is, but she couldn't tell you anything about her life or identity. It's a state that's also associated with unplanned travel or wandering, which explains how Lucie finds herself in San Francisco even though she's from Seattle. She just has no idea how she got there.

Her fiance, Grady, comes to bring her home and is shocked to find that she's nothing like the woman he remembers. They must both learn how to rediscover each other - their pasts, their new identities and their future that hangs in the balance.

The novel is told from both Grady and Lucie's perspectives. I actually really liked this aspect. You can truly sense Lucie's fear and anxiety. You're also right there inside her head as she begins to experience different moments of lucidity and memory retrieval. Getting to see Grady's perspective allows you to understand his frustration and confusion. I enjoyed seeing them try to adjust to their changed roles.

Lucie is incredibly different in her before and after, so it's interesting to see all the puzzle pieces fall into place and her secrets start to be revealed.

There's a sense of sadness that hangs over this novel. Lucie and Grady are unsure around each other, and the tension is often thick. They're both hiding things from each other, so miscommunication plays a huge role in the book. There were a few times that I really wished the two people would just talk to each other (and avoid repeated misunderstandings), which made me occasionally frustrated with the characters. But, at the same time, I could see how it was a pattern in their relationship that they were having a hard time breaking. They're both so scared to talk to each other, to mess things up, that they often make things work.

Despite the somber tone, I enjoyed this book. A few things that didn't totally make sense and a slow pace kept me from loving this book, but it was still an interesting portrait of how we choose to define ourselves in light of our past.

So Quotable

"They stood together as if connected; their arms knew where to go, their bodies how to shift to accommodate each other. His cheek rested against her hair. Her head knew where to nest along his smooth neck; she inhaled and knew his scent. Lucie marveled at this, that their physical selves seemed to know each other so well, even though her mind was still trying to find clues to make it all fit."

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