SLIDER

'You must allow me to tell you...'

Feb 9, 2016

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly feature hosted by The Broke and The Bookish. Every week they post a new topic and invite everyone to share their answers. I'm so obsessed with lists - so I obviously love this feature!

Top Twenty Declarations of Love

“I cannot fix on the hour, or the spot, or the look or the words, which laid the foundation.
It is too long ago. I was in the middle before I knew that I had begun.”
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

“You pierce my soul. I am half agony, half hope.
Tell me not that I am too late, that such precious feelings are gone for ever.
I offer myself to you again with a heart even more your own than when you almost broke it,
eight years and a half ago. Dare not say that man forgets sooner than woman,
that his love has an earlier death. I have loved none but you.”
Persuasion by Jane Austen

“It was always you, Ladybird," you say softly. "Don't you know?”
All the Truth That's In Me by Julie Berry

“I am in love with you, and I cannot imagine being in love with anyone else. 
It would be like becoming someone else. Your name was the first word for love I ever knew.”
Unmade by Sarah Rees Brennan

“There are six billion people in in this world, and granted,
a lot of them are babies and women and men who don't speak English
and people I haven't met, but that's not the point, is it? It's you. That's the point.”
The Opposite of Love by Julie Buxbaum

“I love you the way a drowning man loves air.
And it would destroy me to have you just a little.”
The Crown of Embers by Rae Carson

“I thought you hated me.”
“I did hate you. In that way you hate people you're in love with.”
Happiness for Beginners by Katherine Center

So after, when he whispers, “You love me. Real or not real?”
I tell him, “Real.”
Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins

“But I do love you – surely in a better way than he does. Yes – really in a better way. 
I want you to think your own thoughts even when I hold you in my arms.”
A Room with a View by E.M. Forster

“I will find you," he whispered in my ear. “I promise. 
If I must endure two hundred years of purgatory, two hundred years without you – 
then that is my punishment, which I have earned for my crimes. 
For I have lied, and killed, and stolen; betrayed and broken trust. 
But there is the one thing that shall lie in the balance. 
When I shall stand before God, I shall have one thing to say, to weigh against the rest.” 
 His voice dropped, nearly to a whisper, and his arms tightened around me. 
 “Lord, ye gave me a rare woman, and God! I loved her well.”
Dragonfly in Amber by Diana Gabaldon

“I spent centuries wandering the world, from empires to kingdoms to wastelands, 
never settling, never stopping – not for one moment. I was always looking toward the horizon, 
always wondering what waited across the next ocean, over the next mountain. 
But I think … I think that whole time, all those centuries, I was just looking for you.”
Queen of Shadows by Sarah J. Maas

“Our bodies aren't strangers,” he said, his voice ragged.
“Our spirits aren't strangers.” He held her face in his hands.
“Tell me what part of me is stranger to you and I'll destroy that part of me.”
Quintana of Charyn by Melina Marchetta

“You are the blood in my veins, and the beating of my heart.
You are my first waking thought, and my last sigh before sleeping.
You are – you are bone of my bone, and breath of my breath.”
Daughter of the Forest by Juliet Marillier

“All those times laughing at people who told me when The One turned up,
I'd just know, then there you were, and I did.”
It's Not Me, It's You by Mhairi McFarlane

“But I'll have to ask you to wait a long time, Anne,” said Gilbert sadly. 
“It will be three years before I'll finish my medical course. 
And even then there will be no diamond sunbursts and marble halls.”
 Anne laughed. “I don't want sunbursts and marble halls. I just want YOU. ”
Anne of the Island by L.M. Montgomery

“Love you! Girl, you're in the very core of my heart. I hold you there like a jewel. 
Didn't I promise you I'd never tell you a lie? Love you! 
I love you with all there is of me to love. Heart, soul, brain. 
Every fibre of body and spirit thrilling to the sweetness of you. 
There's nobody in the world for me but you, Valancy.”
The Blue Castle by L.M. Montgomery

“You Marpled me too, love.”
Girl Before a Mirror by Liza Palmer

“I’d know you in the dark,” he said. “From a thousand miles away. 
There’s nothing you could become that I haven’t already fallen in love with.”
Attachments by Rainbow Rowell

 I say, “I will not be your weakness, Sean Kendrick.” 
Now he looks at me. He says, very softly, “It's late for that, Puck.” 
 The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater

“Your soul sings to mine. My soul is yours, and it always will be, in any world.
No matter what happens – ” His voice cracked, and he took a breath.
“I need you to remember that I love you.”
Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor

Before There Was Blackbeard

Feb 8, 2016




Blackhearts by Nicole Castroman

Release Date: February 9, 2016
Publisher: Simon & Schuster; Simon Pulse
Pages: 384 pages
Source & Format: Publisher; e-ARC
Add on Goodreads

Summary (from Goodreads)
Blackbeard the pirate was known for striking fear in the hearts of the bravest of sailors. But once he was just a young man who dreamed of leaving his rigid life behind to chase adventure in faraway lands. Nothing could stop him—until he met the one girl who would change everything. 

Edward "Teach" Drummond, son of one of Bristol's richest merchants, has just returned from a year-long journey on the high seas to find his life in shambles. Betrothed to a girl he doesn’t love and sick of the high society he was born into, Teach dreams only of returning to the vast ocean he’d begun to call home. There's just one problem: convincing his father to let him leave and never come back.

Following her parents' deaths, Anne Barrett is left penniless and soon to be homeless. Though she’s barely worked a day in her life, Anne is forced to take a job as a maid in the home of Master Drummond. Lonely days stretch into weeks, and Anne longs for escape. How will she ever realize her dream of sailing to Curaçao—where her mother was born—when she's stuck in England?

Thoughts on Blackhearts
When I first read the summary for Blackhearts, I was intrigued. I love historical fiction, so I knew I couldn't pass up on this Blackbeard origin story. It sounded epic, romantic and adventurous - three things I definitely enjoy in books! Having now read the book, I'll admit that I find the cover just a bit misleading (despite being very eye-catching). Blackhearts is, ultimately, about the romance between Teach and Anne... set entirely in England. There's not much adventure and absolutely no time spent on the seas in this book. That was disappointing, but I have only my expectations and preconceived notions to blame there!

On the whole, I liked certain things about Blackhearts but found myself wanting more from it. I never felt like I got to know Anne or Teach very well, and I wasn't invested in the two of them together. Their relationship starts with some animosity, but I felt like it moved too quickly to something more and lacked an emotional connection or depth. I wouldn't categorize it as insta-love necessarily, but it definitely skirted that territory for me. I wanted there to be more to the plot than the developing relationship between two characters and the obstacles that stand in their way, but that might be due to my expectations and assumptions about the book. There wasn't enough driving the story forward, though I was interested enough to read until the end.

I felt the book relied too heavily on certain tropes: the misunderstood hero who wants to be free from family obligations and pursue his true passion, the beautiful servant girl who catches his eye, the wealthy woman that society says he's supposed to marry, the villainous person keeping them apart... I could go on. It wouldn't have bothered me so much if those tropes had been fleshed out into something memorable or were used in a surprising or unexpected way. Unfortunately, that wasn't the case.

Further, I didn't quite believe that Teach would grow to become the infamous Blackbeard because I couldn't see the connection between the two. There was nothing in Teach that made me say, "Ah! There's the hint of what's to come..." And that's likely part of the reason I wanted more from the ending. The book stopped right when I was most intrigued by what would happen next! I can see how the ending could propel the characters in a certain direction, but that is closer to the story I wish this book had told. I would assume that there's hope for a sequel, but I don't see myself continuing to read on.

If you're expecting a swashbuckling pirate story, you're out of luck. But if you're looking for a 17th century romance, you could certainly give Blackhearts a try.
*I received a copy of this book from the publisher for review consideration. This did not affect my opinion of the book or my review.

January 2016: Recap + On My Shelves

Feb 3, 2016


The end of January snuck up on me... I feel like I was just wrapping up 2015 and kicking off the new year. It was a slow month for me, despite the fact that I feel like it flew by, but I thoroughly enjoyed it!

1. Georgia's Tiny Snowfall - There were cities across the East Coast that were blanketed in snow due to Winter Storm Jonas, but we just got a light dusting here in Georgia. It was lovely to see a bit of winter weather but know that it would melt away the next day. But I still spent a day snuggled up at home!

2. Saying Goodbye to #OTSPSecretSister - January marked the end of #OTSPSecret Sister, and I finally learned the identity of the generous and lovely person who has been spoiling me month after month - Kate from Ex Libris! I'm so glad I participated in this project, and I'm thankful for the cheer in brought me the past six months.

3. Folio Books from Nick - Nick bought me my first Folio Society books for my birthday last year, and he continued the tradition this year. My obsession continues, and my collection grows! I'm in love with these editions of Jane Austen's Letters edited by Deirdre LeFaye and Wives and Daughters by Elizabeth Gaskell.

4. Family Birthday Celebration - My birthday is February 1, but I celebrated a little early with my family! I spent a Saturday afternoon shopping with my mom and sister, which was absolutely delightful. Then, I had a delicious home-cooked meal with my family followed by my favorite - red velvet cake!

Read 8 Books | Favorites:
Passenger by Alexandra Bracken
Life After Life by Kate Atkinson
Gaston by Kelly DiPucchio
“It's our choices that matter in the end. Not wishes, not words, not promises.”
Passenger by Alexandra Bracken

 “What if we had a chance to do it again and again, until we finally did get it right?
Wouldn't that be wonderful?”
Life After Life by Kate Atkinson

 “Most people muddled through events and only in retrospect realized their significance.”
Life After Life by Kate Atkinson
Review: These Shallow Graves by Jennifer Donnelly
Discussion/Feature: The Picky Pledge: 2015 Review
1. If You're a Stressed Book Blogger, Why are You Doing It? by Ashley from Nose Graze - I can't tell you how many times I've thought some of the things Ashley says in her post! This was a great reminder that blogging isn't meant to be stressful and that you can always just stop doing certain things. Why blog if it's not fun?

2. The Dish: Learning to Simplify by Cassie from The Casserole - I can't resist a good post about simplifying your life! I like that it's one of Cassie's goals for 2016 since it's something I'd like to do, too (though in other ways). It was fun to see Cassie's new rules and how she's applying them to different areas of her life!

3. The books you categorically don't read. by Anne from Modern Mrs. Darcy - There are definitely genres and topics that I avoid in books, so I appreciated reading Anne's thoughts on the subject. Plus, the comments on this post were fantastic! I loved finding out what other people prefer NOT to read. 

4. A lot of baby-related posts - Almost all of the posts I read and bookmarked in January fall into this category. I've got so many pinned on a private Pinterest board! It started because I was researching essential baby products and spiraled from there... packing your hospital bag, building a baby library, etc.

On Audio: Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen narrated by Rosamund Pike
I haven't finished this audiobook yet, but I'm absolutely in love with Pike's narration!
I haven't wanted to listen to music in the car because this re-read has been calling my name.

Downton Abbey, The Final Season - I was sad when I found out that the sixth season would be the last for Downton Abbey, even though I wasn't totally surprised. It was probably time to say goodbye! I bought this season on DVD as soon as it came out and binged it immediately. I thought the first half of the season was a bit uneven (as is the show overall), but I loved how it all wrapped up in the end!

From My BFF for My Kindle: The Selection, The Elite, The One and The Heir by Kiera Cass and Grounded by Megan Morrison

From Secret Sis: The Ship of Brides by Jojo Moyes (in What I Loved)

From Nick: Jane Austen's Letters edited by Deirdre LeFaye and Wives and Daughters by Elizabeth Gaskell (in What I Loved)

Bought with Gift Card: Dragonfly in Amber by Diana Gabaldon (not pictured)

I Got You on My Mind

Jan 26, 2016

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly feature hosted by The Broke and The Bookish. Every week they post a new topic and invite everyone to share their answers. I'm so obsessed with lists - so I obviously love this feature!

Top Ten Things on My Mind Lately

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1. What am I in the mood to read?
I wouldn't say that I'm in a reading or blogging slump, but I've been distracted by other things lately! I've already read a few amazing books in 2016, but I keep struggling when it's time to choose what to read next. What mood am I in? Will it live up to the book I read before it? Or, if my previous read was meh - how do I guarantee that I like my next pick better? Basically, I'm feeling very indecisive in my reading life.

2. What books do I want to add to my baby's library?
While I should probably be concentrating on buying more important items for the baby, I can't stop dreaming about books! I was browsing the picture book section of the library the other day, and I got so excited just thinking about the future. I own some of my favorite childhood books, but there are so many that I still need (should I say want?). The possibilities feel endless, and I'm reminding myself that creating a library takes time.

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3. When will I stop planning and start posting?
I'm not suffering from a lack of post ideas or inspiration, but I have not been motivated enough to make them happen. I was doing really great in December and that's partly because I love looking back at the end of the year and writing recaps. I don't feel guilty for not blogging more, but I do want to stop planning and actually get back to posting! There are way too many unfinished posts saved as Drafts.

4. What projects do I need to complete around the house? 
We recently had our nursery and guest bedroom painted, and I'm so happy with the result. It was definitely one of items on our "Before Baby" checklist, so it was nice to get that done. But it's left me thinking about what else we need or want to do around the house. We made a lot of changes in the office/library around Christmas, but it's not complete yet. I'm ready to have that room feel finished... and to fully decorate the nursery!

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5. What city do I want to visit with my best friend?
Last May, I went to the beach with my best friend. It was one of my favorite things I did last year! She lives in a different state, and I definitely don't get to see her as often as I wish I could. Since we had so much fun last year, we've already started talking about where we're headed this year. With the baby coming in May, the trip will happen sooner rather than later. I'm excited to finalize our plans and start counting down until I see her!

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6. What do I want to do with Nick before the baby arrives?
When I started talking about the trip with my best friend, it got me thinking about all the things I'd like to do with Nick before the baby arrives. Do we want to take a trip somewhere? We better decide now! It's the little things, too. I want to make sure we have date nights, go to the movie theater, and really just soak up this last time as just the two of us. I'm excited for the changes ahead, but I want to make sure I enjoy this season, too.

7. What do I actually need to buy for this baby?
I'm a planner, and I'm a researcher. Both are good qualities, but they can also be super annoying. The first time I went into a baby store with Nick, we walked out within about 10 minutes because I just felt so overwhelmed. THERE ARE TOO MANY OPTIONS. I don't like having to make so many decisions! I've spent a lot of time lately trying to really figure out what we actually need - and what is nice but not necessary.

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8. What's next in my movie/TV queue?
Since I've been feeling so lazy (and have spent a lot time researching on my computer), I've watched a lot of movies and TV shows that had been in my queue! I finished re-watching all of Grey's Anatomy, then dove into some mini series (The Bletchley Circle, Grantchester, etc.) and I still feel like there are so many shows calling my name! It's been nice to take a little break from reading and watch TV in the evenings instead. 

9. What will I be so obsessed with this year?
Besides my baby, of course! I feel like each year there are a few things that I become totally obsessed with - whether it's a product, a TV show, an author, or something else! For example, I discovered faux doris last year and fell in love. I found a few new favorite authors, couldn't stop listening to certain musical artists, had to force myself to stop buying magnetic bookmarks... I could go on! I wonder what obsessions this year will hold.

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10. Do I want to start packing a lunch?
The final - and possibly most random - thing that's been on my mind lately has been food. I typically use my lunch break to go pick up food, but that can get expensive and repetitive. There are only so many places to go! I'd really love to start packing a lunch, but only if I can get creative and prepare it easily. I need more variety in what I eat and would love for it to be a little healthier, too. We'll see if I can get motivated though!

The Picky Pledge 2016

Jan 13, 2016

On Monday, I shared my 2015 reading statistics with you. And yesterday, I reflected on the past year of The Picky Pledge - what I learned, where I improved, and how I still need to make some changes! I'm so thankful that Alexa from Alexa Loves Books wanted to continue The Picky Pledge again this year. I'm avoiding most blogging commitments this year, but this was one that I knew I wanted to keep.

The Picky Pledge an idea that was born out of our discussions about our reading choices and book buying habits. Alexa and I wanted to be more intentional with the books we read, but we weren't sure how we wanted to go about it. But what better way than to become accountability partners? It paid off in 2015, and I'm excited to keep it up in 2016. I'm highlighting my goals for the new year today!
We, Alexa and Hannah, hereby pledge to return to the reading days of old - to browse the backlist, to revisit old favorites and to remember that it’s not ALL about acquiring more books to read. With this pledge, we commit to reading a limited number of review books this year, to being more selective about what books we buy and to holding each other accountable when bright and shiny things tempt us to stray from this course. And now, by the power vested in us, we declare 2016: “The Year of The Picky Pledge.”
My Goal: 20 Review Books  
  1. Any review book published in 2016 counts in the overall total - no matter when or how it was acquired. 
  2. When given the opportunity to read something for review, we must consult with one another before:
    1. accepting a publicist/publisher review request. 
    2. hitting the “Request” button. 
    3. borrowing an ARC with the intention to read for review prior to the book’s publication.* 
  3. Review books procured at an event, such as BEA, will only count if you read the book. 
  4. If you do not finish a review book, you may remove it from your overall total. 
  5. Exceptions can be made for books in a series if we have already reached the review book limit. 
* Exceptions may apply, and borrowed ARCs will be decided on a case-by-case basis.
My Goal: 5 Books Bought Per Month
  1. Any books we personally purchased count towards our monthly book limit. 
  2. When faced with the urge to purchase books, we must consult one another. Alternatively, we may also consider the use of last year's handy book buying chart. 
  3. Books procured via gift cards do not count towards the overall total. 
  4. Exceptions can be made for books we've already read if we've already reached the monthly book limit. 
  5. If we exceed the monthly limit, we must cull the same number of books we went over off of our shelves.
To Sum It All Up...

For the first time since I started blogging, I decided not to set any specific goals or resolutions for the year. But The Picky Pledge is the one exception! One of the biggest things I learned last year was that my specific goal (reading no more than 36 review books) was more motivating than my more general intention (to buy fewer books). I'm applying that lesson to our project this year, and I can't wait to see the result! As with last year, we both have pages on our blog tracking our progress, so you can see how we're doing throughout the year. And if you're feeling the same way about your reading choices, maybe you'll be inspired to make a pledge or find a partner of your own. Sometimes all it takes is writing it down or telling someone else. 

Here's to being intentional in 2016!
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