SLIDER

Love Don't Cost A Thing

Aug 12, 2013

The Distance Between Us by Kasie West

Release Date: July 2013
Publisher: HarperCollins | HarperTeen
Pages: 320 pages
Source & Format: Bought; Kindle ebook
Amazon | Goodreads

Summary (from Amazon)
Money can't buy a good first impression.

Seventeen-year-old Caymen Meyers learned early that the right are not to be trusted. And after years of studying them from behind the cash register of her mom's porcelain-doll shop, she has seen nothing to prove otherwise. Enter Xander Spence - he's tall, handsome, and oozing rich. Despite his charming ways and the fact that he seems to be one of the first people who actually gets her, she's smart enough to know his interest won't last. Because if there's one thing she's learned from her mother's warnings, it's that the rich have a short attention span. But just when Xander's loyalty and attentiveness are about to convince Caymen that being rich isn't a character flaw, she finds out that money is a much bigger part of their relationship than she's ever realized. With so many obstacles in their way, can she close the distance between them?

Thoughts on The Distance Between Us
After loving Kasie West's debut novel, Pivot Point, I was excited to learn she had another book coming out only a few months later. I was even more excited when I saw that The Distance Between Us was a contemporary with a charming cover! The red clothing and warm glow from the sun? I was already sold on the book before I'd even started.

Then, I met Caymen Meyers. She's sarcastic, sassy and has a bit of an attitude... So, basically, I loved everything about her. From her witty banter to her loyalty to her mom, I was crazy about her as a character. With a single mother and barely enough money to make it each month, Caymen hasn't had it easy all her life. Instead of being bitter, she's just focused on helping out wherever she's needed and trying to make her mom's life easier.

But, because of her life experiences, she's got a chip on her shoulder when it comes to money. So, when a boy stumbles into the store exuding wealth, she doesn't want anything to do with him. But Xander Spence won't be deterred that easily. He's wealthy, yes, but he's also charming and thoughtful. He's interested in Caymen, but she's got to move past her pre-conceived notions of what it means to be rich.

Honestly, it's a simple concept but I really loved it! Was it predictable at times? Sure. But it was also adorable and funny. I was smiling so much while reading it, and that's a great thing in my opinion. The friendship that develops between Caymen and Xander is so charming and perfect. They don't just magically fall in love after meeting. The characters were my very favorite thing about this book! Even the secondary characters were memorable, realistic and lots of fun.

The ending was a little rushed, but it didn't make me love the book any less. If you want something fun, engaging and light, this is definitely the book for you! With fabulous dialogue and delightful characters, The Distance Between Us will leave you smiling long after you turn the last page.

So Quotable
"Sometimes it's hard for me to start something because I'd rather not try at all than fail at it."
"But nothing good ever happened without risk."
"I know this. And yet..."

Continuing On...

Aug 6, 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 Books I Wish Could Have Sequels


1. Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen - In a dream world, this book continues and I no longer feel the need to buy every Austen spin-off that catches my eye. I'd save so much money.

2. The Opposite of Love by Julie Buxbaum - Although I love how this book ends and it doesn't need a sequel, I'd still like to see more of Emily Haxby. I fell in love with this book when I first read it, and it's only grown on me more with each re-read.

3. Holier Than Thou by Laura Buzo - This book is begging for a sequel! The ending is really open-ended. So, of course, I want more answers about what happens with Holly. What decision does she make? I MUST KNOW.

4. Looking for Alibrandi by Melina Marchetta - Technically, I'd also love a sequel to Jellicoe Road and more of Saving Francesca and/or The Piper's Son... Anyway, I think Looking for Alibrandi is the one I'd most love a sequel to because it has the most ambiguous ending. I'm hoping there'd be Jacob in that future.

5. Gone With the Wind by Margaret Mitchell - I'm re-reading this now, and I already know I'm going to be wishing for an official sequel once I'm done. I remember being so sad when it was over the first time I read it. I need to know what happens in Scarlett and Rhett's future!

6. The Sky is Everywhere by Jandy Nelson - Honestly, I just want a sequel to this because I want to read more from Jandy Nelson. So, basically, if she just wrote something else that'd make me happy, too. But I would enjoy a sequel or companion to this book!
7. Nowhere But Home by Liza Palmer - One of my favorite reads this year, I actually really loved how this book ends. But I'd still like to return to North Star, Texas, and see what happens with Queenie, Everett, Merry Carole, Cal and all the rest of the gang.

8. Attachments by Rainbow Rowell - Another favorite read this year, I've recommended it to so many of my friends already. I know that it had such a great ending (that I loved), but I still have my grabby hands all over a sequel!

9. I Capture the Castle by Dodie Smith - Another classic that just begs for a sequel! I recommended it to my cousin, knowing she'd text me as soon as she finished about the ending. Sure enough, she wants a sequel just as bad as I do.

10. The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater - I would love more Thisby, Sean and Puck. Seriously, I would love more time in this setting and with these characters I absolutely adored. And maybe there'd be some more swoons!

Choices & Secrets

Aug 5, 2013

Golden by Jessi Kirby

Release Date: May 2013
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
Pages: 278 pages
Source & Format: Bought; Kindle ebook
Amazon | Goodreads

Summary (from Goodreads)
Seventeen-year-old Parker Frost has never taken the road less traveled. Valedictorian and quintessential good girl, she's about to graduate high school without ever having kissed her crush or broken the rules. So when fate drops a clue in her lap - one that might be the key to unraveling a town mystery - she decides to take a chance.

Julianna Farnetti and Shane Cruz are remembered as the golden couple of Summit Lakes High - perfect in every way, meant to be together forever. But Julianna's journal tells a different story - one of doubts about Shane and a forbidden romance with an older, artistic guy. These are the secrets that were swept away with her the night that Shane's jeep plunged into an icy river, leaving behind a grieving town and no bodies to bury.

Reading Julianna's journal gives Parker the courage to start to really live - and it also gives her reasons to question what really happened the night of the accident. Armed with clues from the past, Parker enlists the help of her best friend, Kat, and Trevor, her longtime crush, to track down some leads. The mystery ends up taking Parker place that she never could have imagined. And she soon finds that taking the road less traveled makes all the difference.

Thoughts on Golden
Golden was my first experience with author Jessi Kirby, and I think it was the perfect beginning to reading her books. Earning rave reviews from some of my favorite and most trusted bloggers, I knew this was a book I'd be reading on my summer vacation.

From the gorgeous yellow cover to the lovely story inside, Golden was a treasure of a book. I wouldn't say I was blown away by it - but I would say that it's a book that sweeps you away and makes you take a second to pause and think about your life, your choices and your future.

This coming-of-age tale focuses on Parker Frost, the "quintessential good girl." An only child with a single mother, Parker works hard to please others. She does what she's told and never steps outside those lines... until her senior year. Graduation is fast approaching, and Parker is starting to second-guess her path and her future. She's played it safe - in school, in relationships, in life - and now she's wondering what it's caused her to miss.

The senior English teacher always assigns the same project at the end of the year. His students are asked to keep a journal that answers the question posed in a Mary Oliver poem - "Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?" In ten years, he'll send the journals on to the students. It's confidential and only graded for participation.

Parker is his TA, and she's responsible for mailing out the journals to the adults who graduated ten years ago. When she's sorting through them, she finds the journal of golden girl Julianna Farnetti, who went missing with her boyfriend during their senior year. There was a car accident, an icy river, and the bodies were never recovered. Their loss has shrouded the town ever since. The journal is sealed, but Parker is torn on what to do. She could mail it on to Julianna's parents, she could give it back to her teacher to decide... or she could open it and read Julianna's final words.

When she decides to open it, Parker takes a step toward doing the wild thing. She's drawn to Julianna's story - someone who seemed to have it all but whose words reveal secrets, internal conflict and doubt about all aspects of her life. Those thoughts cause Parker to question the accident from all those years ago. And so begins the mystery driving this novel. What really happened to Julianna and Shane on that night ten years ago? It's not really a mystery in the traditional sense. It's a quiet book that focuses more on feelings and reflection than on action or suspense. I think that tone worked perfectly in this book and really strengthened the coming-of-age aspect of this book.

From the realistic friendship to the sweet hints at romance, I really enjoyed several aspects of Golden. I was intrigued by the mystery, caught up in Parker's personal growth and charmed by the poetry. In a word, I'd describe Golden as lovely. It is absolutely a book that has "a beauty that appeals to the heart or mind as well as to the eye" (Dictionary.com). It's not just a pretty story with memorable characters. It's a thoughtful reflection with so much heart.

For me, it was a study in making choices out of fear. Whether it's fear of the future or fear of disappointing someone, there are so many things that can hold you back in life. But saddest of all is when YOU are the person who holds yourself back. When the limitations on your life are there because of choices you've made or even ones you've been too afraid to make. That's what struck me the most in Golden: choices. The ones you make. The ones you avoid. The ones you regret. The ones you cherish. And the ones that change your life forever.

I actually wouldn't rave about this book, and it probably won't make my list of absolute favorite reads of 2013. I really enjoyed it, but I was disappointed by certain aspects of the storyline that I felt were too vague, too convenient or perhaps not fleshed out enough. I'd expected the ending to pack more of a punch, so I felt slightly deflated when it didn't. However, it did make me stop, pause and reflect. I connected personally to Parker's growth and to some of the themes, so I did love it in that respect.

So, this is a unique review where I tell you that I loved this book even though I didn't love everything about the story. It's one of those rare times where the magic of what Kirby explores was meaningful to me and made the book more personal. I wish there'd been just a little bit more toward the end, but I still found Golden emotional and memorable.

So Quotable
"But as much as we wish it were different, the truth is, our worlds are sometimes balanced on choices we make and the secrets we keep."

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."

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


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