December 2017: Recap + On My Shelves

December 2017: Recap + On My Shelves

Jan 6, 2018

Goodbye, 2017! I know there were many hard and horrible things that defined the year, but it's one that I'll always look back on fondly because it was full of fun adventures as I watched my baby become a toddler. Slow down, time!

1. Snow in Georgia - This was an unexpected (but very welcome) surprise in December! It was so fun to see my son's fascination with the falling snow - and his joy when I tried to teach him to catch snowflakes on his tongue. So many sweet memories made! Plus, it was lovely to experience snow while the house was decorated for Christmas.

2. #TreatYoSelf - I went a little crazy during holiday sales! I grabbed: a mass market paperback book sleeve from Book Bubbie, a new wallet from Madewell, a ton of Happy Planner sticker books, subscribed to Darling Magazine, snagged a few cute Rae Dunn mugs from T.J. Maxx and had to get this long-coveted Hunger Games t-shirt. 

3. Christmas with Family - I didn't take nearly enough photos during all of our family celebrations, but this one is from a delicious dinner with my parents and siblings from a few days before Christmas. This holiday season was even more special than years past because my son is a toddler and was so delighted by everything.

4. A Few of My Favorite Things - I received so many thoughtful gifts from my friends and family, and here are a few of my favorite things: wireless earbuds from my grandparents, an AMAZING Anne ornament from Rachel, a yummy Rhysand candle from Steph, an adorable Audrey Hepburn pouch from Kelly, a gorgeous leather tote from my parents, an adorable mug from Alexa, and an immersion blender from Cassie. My people are the best!

Read 16 Books | Favorites:

Sugar Pine Trail by RaeAnne Thayne

Marry in Haste by Anne Gracie

Far from the Tree by Robin Benwasy

Someone to Wed by Mary Balogh

“Turn down no opportunity for joy, however small.”
The Perfect Stranger by Anne Gracie

“The older she got, the more human her parents seemed,
and that was one of the scariest things in the world. She missed being little,
when they were the all-knowing gods of her world, but at the same time,
seeing them as human made it easier to see herself that way, too.”
Far from the Tree by Robin Benway

“The next time you face a room full of strangers . . . you might tell yourself
that some of them are just friends waiting to be found.”
It Happened One Autumn by Lisa Kleypas

“Most lives are not distinguished by great achievements.
They are measured by an infinite number of small ones.
Each time you do a kindness for someone or bring a smile to his face,
it gives your life meaning. Never doubt your value, little friend.”
Scandal in Spring by Lisa Kleypas

 “A well-read woman is a dangerous creature.”
A Wallflower Christmas by Lisa Kleypas

 “One cannot live from one day into the next without changing.
It is the nature of life. Small choices are always necessary even when large ones do not loom.
I will change what I choose to change and retain what I choose to retain.”
Someone to Love by Mary Balogh

December was my busiest blogging month of 2017! Honestly, it doesn't surprise me because I always look forward to recapping the year. I'd been planning some of these blog posts for weeks! I started the month with my November 2017 recap, of course. Then, I finally posted my Quick Lit: October 2017, which I forgot I had saved in my Drafts folder.

I posted three full-length reviews in December. The first was one of my absolute favorite reads of the year: The Almost Sisters by Joshilyn Jackson. I read it back in June and just dragged my feet on talking about it because it was hard to put my love for it into words. Next, I shared my review of Far from the Tree by Robin Benway for October's Picky Pledge Challenge prompt, "A Book I Bought While Traveling." The third review was for Illuminae and Gemina by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff for November's challenge prompt, "A Book I Bought Because of the Hype."

Finally, I ended the month with six 2017 recap posts:

• My Year in Music featured my favorite albums and playlist of the songs that defined my year. 
• In My Year in Movies & TV, I highlighted the things that I couldn't stop watching. 
• Next was My Year in Beauty with 15 favorite beauty products (makeup, skincare and more). 
• The most popular post was My Year in Books where I talked about my top reads of the year. 
• My Year in Obsessions had 20 random things that I was so obsessed with in 2017. 
• And my last post of the year was My Year in Adventures with favorite photos and memories.

I'm excited to see what 2018 has in store for me!

I'm still not caught up on my blog reader, but here are a few of the things I've recently bookmarked:

1. "My obsession with Jane Austen adaptations & retellings" by Kristen from See You in a Porridge - My favorite post from December! I just recently added Kristen's blog to my Feedly, and it's quickly become one I look forward to reading each time I sign in. I share her Austen obsession + love for retellings, so this post was right up my alley.

2. "What Books Represent You as Reader?" by Michaela from The Ardent Biblio - This was such an interesting perspective on identifying what your favorite books represent. I love the way Michaela highlighted the similarities between five of her most beloved books, and it made me take a closer look at what my favorites have in common. 

3. 2017 Recaps by Rachel from Hello, Chelly and Best of 2017 Posts by Alexa from Alexa Loves Books - I'm so obsessed with end of the year posts. So, of course, these 2017 recaps from two of my favorite blogs topped my list of must reads! I love seeing what books, movies & TV shows, music and memories made their lists.

Favorite Album: Somewhere in Between by VÉRITÉ
I fell in love with a single from VÉRITÉ earlier in 2017 but didn't know
there was a full album released in June. I made up for lost time in December!

Lady Bird (2017) starring Saoirse Ronana and Laurie Metcalf - This wasn't really on my radar until it was recommended by Jamie on The Popcast. I decided to go see it by myself (excellent life choice) and fell in love with it! For me, it totally lived up to the hype, even though it's not the type of movie I'd typically watch. It was quirky, vulnerable, somehow relatable and so perfectly cast. I honestly think it was my favorite movie of the year! 

Kingsman: The Golden Circle (2017) starring Taron Egerton and Colin Firth - When the first movie came out, I was surprised by how much I loved it. We'd planned to see this sequel but missed our chance (and were nervous after reading reviews), and now we're so glad we just rented it. Gosh, this was AWFUL. I wouldn't recommend it at all! I kept hoping it would get better, but even Colin and Taron couldn't save it for me. Ugh. So disappointing!

A Christmas Prince (2017) starring Rose McIver and Ben Lamb - I watched this after I saw everyone talking about it on Twitter... but I was NOT a fan. It was so boring, even by holiday movie standards, and the Prince was not cute. 

The Holiday (2006) starring Cameron Diaz, Kate Winslet, Jude Law and Jack Black - This is one that I watch every year around this time! It's just so happy, gives me MAJOR house envy and makes me want to move to England.

Little Women (1994) starring Winona Ryder, Susan Sarandon, Christian Bale and more - It's not specifically a Christmas movie, but it's fitting for the season! This will always be a favorite, even though Amy is The Worst.

White Christmas (1954) starring Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye - My sister and I used to watch this every Christmas, so it's definitely a very nostalgic movie for me. I think this was Nick's first time seeing it, and he enjoyed it!

The Nativity Story (2006) starring Keisha Castle-Hughes and Oscar Isaac - I didn't even know this movie existed, but Kelly recommended it to me. I'm so glad she did! It was lovely seeing this story (and Oscar Isaac's face) on screen.

It's a Wonderful Life (1946) starring Jimmy Stewart and Donna Reed - My absolute favorite holiday movie EVER! It's become a tradition for us to watch it on Christmas Eve, and I look forward to it every year. TEARS, every time.

Brand New Books: If You Only Knew by Kristan Higgins, Grace Kelly: Hollywood Dream Girl by Jay Jorgensen and Manoah Bowman and Strange the Dreamer by Laini Taylor

Used Bookstore Finds: Devil in Spring by Lisa Kleypas, Snow Angel Cove, Redemption Bay, Evergreen Springs, Riverbend Road, Snowfall on Haven Point and Serenity Harbor by RaeAnne Thayne, Someone to Wed by Mary Balogh, The Viscount Needs a Wife by Jo Beverley, A Wallflower Christmas by Lisa Kleypas, Audrey, Wait! by Robin Benway, and The Winter Bride, The Stolen Princess, His Captive Lady, To Catch a Bride, The Accidental Wedding and Bride by Mistake by Anne Gracie

Christmas Gift From My Parents: Mansfield Park and Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen

From Laura: Impossible Saints by Clarissa Harwood

Gifted: The Laura Lea Balanced Cookbook by Laura Lea Goldberg, Dinnertime by Ree Drummond and Out of the Silent Planet by C.S. Lewis

For Review: Now That You Mention It by Kristan Higgins and If Ever I Should Love You by Cathy Maxwell

Kindle: The Nature of the Beast by Louise Penny, Sugar Pine Trail by RaeAnne Thayne, Seven Days of Us by Francesca Hornak, The Assassin's Blade by Sarah J. Maas, Strange the Dreamer by Laini Taylor, Jane Austen at Home by Lucy Worsley and Victoria: The Queen by Julia Baird

READ POST

'You can never be reminded too much of someone you love.'

'You can never be reminded too much of someone you love.'

Jan 5, 2018

I almost can't believe that it's time for the final 2017 Picky Pledge Reading Challenge review! I picked up The City Baker's Guide to Country Living by Louise Miller for December's prompt, "A Book You Bought Because of the Topic." There were so many options on my TBR that fit for this one. I've purchased a lot of books based on the topic or a specific keyword in the summary. But this one kept catching my eye and ended up being perfect for the season! 

When I first read the summary of this book, I was drawn to the heroine's profession. Olivia Rawlings is a pastry chef at an exclusive Boston dinner club who sets her flambéed dessert and the entire building on fire. Her employer suggests she takes a break while the club is renovated, so she heads for a small town in Vermont. Before long, she's working as the baker of the Sugar Maple Inn. She's close to her best friend, finds the perfect place to live with her dog and meets an intriguing next door neighbor. It's nothing that she expected - but what if it's exactly what she needs?

I didn't realize it until this year, but I really enjoy chefs and food in books. And that's what made me pick this one up! I'm not a foodie, so I'll probably never gravitate toward culinary memoirs (though I do love cookbooks), but there's something so comforting about food in fiction. And honestly, this book took it to the next level! The author is a pastry chef, too, and I think that added so much depth to the descriptions. The process of baking was so lovingly described and never felt like a dry recitation of steps. Miller made me want to devour all of her heroine's creations.

If Miller bakes as beautifully as she writes about it, I can only imagine that I'd be right at home in her kitchen. There's so much to this story beyond the baking, but that was the thing I'll remember most about it. It made me so hungry while I was reading, but nothing would satisfy my craving for Olivia's apple pie. Thankfully, there's a recipe at the back of the book. I haven't made it yet because I just don't know if I'll be able to capture the magic. But it's fun to imagine it at least!

Although it's not a Christmas book, it was a perfect read during that season. There were so many lovely scenes set during the holidays in it. And what's not to love about a snowy town complete with country dances, nosy neighbors and the scent of freshly baked apple pie?! In many ways, this story relies on some common tropes -- particularly for holiday romances. For example, the big city girl finding herself out in the country is a pretty typical story on the Hallmark Channel.  But there was something comforting about the familiarity. Plus, it helped that the characters were well developed, the writing was quiet inviting and the setting made me want to back my bags and head to the woods (with a dessert, of course).

I was never super invested in the romance angle, which is really the only reason this was a solid So Enjoyed It for me rather than Loved. Overall, however, that's a pretty minor complaint for a book that made me want to snuggle up under a cozy blanket by a warm fire. I read a memoir earlier this year that reminded me that feeding people is an act of love, and this book certainly echoed that idea. Olivia's baking brings people together in the very best way, and I'm so glad Miller shared her gift with the world. I can't wait for her upcoming release, which features a diner owner!

The City Baker's Guide to Country Living by Louise Miller

Release Date: August 2016 | Publisher: Penguin Random House; Pamela Dorman

Pages: 352 pages | Source & Format: Bought; Hardcover 

This was my twelfth read for The Picky Pledge Reading Challenge that Alexa and I are doing in 2017! It's the perfect motivation to read books from my TBR and adds an extra dose of accountability, too. In addition to reading and reviewing one challenge book per month, we're answering three questions about each one!

1. How long has this book been on your TBR? 

I purchased it in February 2017, so it was on my TBR for a little less than a year by the time I read it.

2. What topic/element made you want to read this book? 
The fact that the heroine was a pastry chef. I love cooking and food in books!

3. Have you read other books with this topic?
I know that I have, but I'm currently drawing a blank on any specific titles. If you have recommendations, please leave a comment because I'm always on the look for a good foodie fiction book.

READ POST

Author Obsessions in 2017

Author Obsessions in 2017

Jan 2, 2018

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 New-to-Me Authors I Read in 2017

1. LARA AVERY | The Memory Book

I hadn't heard much about The Memory Book until the end of 2016, and then I noticed it popping up on several "Best of" lists. When I finally picked it up, I fell in love with Avery's writing. The heroine's voice was unique, and the novel's journal format worked perfectly. I'm definitely planning to read A Million Miles Away - and look forward to more from Avery!

2. BRIT BENNETT | The Mothers

The Mothers didn't appeal to me at all, but Cassie convinced me to give it a try. The first line was all it took for me to bring the book home from the library with me! Bennett's writing is what helped me overcome my dislike of the cover and my hesitation over the subject matter. It's hard to believe it's her debut because she writes with such maturity and depth!

3. KATHLEEN A. FLYNN | The Jane Austen Project

There are a million ways this story (time travel + Jane Austen) could have gone wrong, but somehow Flynn made it work. The futuristic part of the novel was fascinating, and I could tell how well researched the 1815 portions were. Plus, I loved that the Austen aspect never felt like a gimmick. I want a companion novel with The Brontë Project! 

4. ANNE GRACIE | The Chance Sisters 1-4, The Merridew Sisters 1-4 and Marry in Haste

I'm cheating a tiny bit with Gracie because I read The Perfect Rake in November 2016. I'd considered putting her on my 2016 author list, but I wasn't yet sure if that book was the exception or the rule. Well, I read 8 Gracie books in 2017, so I think it's safe to say I'm a huge fan. She writes such compelling historical romances - I can't get enough!

5. KATHERINE HEINY | Standard Deviation

I never imagined that I'd love Standard Deviation as much as I did! It was an odd, quirky book with a pretty slow pace and not a lot of plot... and yet, I was completely entranced while reading it. The dry humor, the metaphors, the perfect phrasing - I'd love to read more from Heiny if this book is representative of her writing style!

6. KRISTAN HIGGINS | On Second Thought, The Gideon's Cove Series + her entire backlist

I'm just going to say it: I think Kristan Higgins is my favorite new-to-me author of 2017! I read On Second Thought in June, and I then proceeded to read 14 more books by her. My first read of 2018? The newest Higgins book, Now That You Mention It. I love her heroines, love interests, secondary characters, settings, sense of humor - you name it!

7. JOSHILYN JACKSON | The Almost Sisters, gods in Alabama & Backseat Saints and A Grown-Up Kind of Pretty

As with Gracie, I'm cheating with Jackson because I didn't discover her this year. Technically, I read my first book by her in 2014. I wasn't a huge fan of that one, but I gave her another shot this year and found a new favorite! I enjoy how she depicts the South and the blending of serious subject matter with a sharp wit. She's got such a unique style!

8. KATE QUINN | The Alice Network

THIS BOOK. I haven't stopped raving about (and strongly recommending) The Alice Network since I finished it, and it makes me so excited to read Quinn's Rome series soon! I may not gravitate toward that time period, but I have a feeling Quinn will make me so invested in the characters and the emotions that I'll forget I ever hesitated over the setting. 

9. SAMANTHA SHANNON | The Bone Season, The Mime Order and The Song Rising

I'm so glad I waited to read this series until this year, even though I bought the first book back in 2013. It took me a long time to get invested this story because the world is so confusing, but it also gives me so much respect for Shannon's creativity when it comes to world building. But once I was hooked, I was so thankful I had three books to binge!

10. HELEN SIMONSON | The Summer Before the War

I debated on whether or not to include Simonson because there are a few other authors that I read more or enjoyed more in 2017. But, I felt like her writing stood out to me in a way that others didn't! I loved so much of the dialogue and the cozy, quaint feeling that she communicated with her tone. Plus, I will absolutely read more from her in the future.

Explore past favorites: 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016

What authors did you fall in love with in 2017?

READ POST

My Year in Adventures {2017}

My Year in Adventures {2017}

Dec 31, 2017

Although I've been slacking off as a blogger lately, I've been eagerly anticipating the month of December because recap posts are my favorite (to read and to write!). Whether it's personal reflections or newfound obsessions, I love looking back at the past year. I've been highlighting what I loved in 2017, and today it's adventures! I loved the idea of ending the year reflecting on a few of my favorite memories from the last twelve months. This is certainly not a comprehensive list, however, since some of the most meaningful moment can't be captured with a camera.

Deanna Raybourn + Joshilyn Jackson Signing - I decided to go to this signing on a whim, even though I'd only read one book by each author at the time. I'm so glad I went because I ended up loving what I read next from both authors!

Visiting Monroe + The Story Shop - This is only on my list once, but I could have mentioned it multiple times. Whenever we were in need of a bit of adventure, we hopped in the car and headed to this gorgeous children's bookstore. 

Colleen Oakley Signing - I adore Colleen's debut, and Close Enough to Touch was just as fabulous. Since I'm a huge fan of her work - and she's a local author! - I had to attend the launch party for this release. So much fun!

Samantha Shannon Signing - I binged the Bone Season series just a few days before attending this signing, and I'm so glad I finally had the motivation! I loved hearing Shannon talk about the world she's created - and what's to come.

Kelly Visits Atlanta - Back in April, I finally got to meet Kelly in person! I got her hooked on Happy Planners and soaked up every second we got to spend talking, planning, laughing, and snacking. Boo, long distance friendships!

My Boy Turns One - This little boy is such a bright spot, and I am so very thankful that I get to be his mama! I can't believe how quickly time is passing. I know it's cliché, but I feel like he'll be off to college in the blink of an eye.

Trips to the Zoo + Aquarium - We took multiple trips to the Atlanta Zoo and the Georgia Aquarium this year, and it was so fun to see them through my son's eyes. He's obsessed with animals, which makes me so very happy!

Exploring Tallulah Falls - Nick proposed to me here six years ago, but we hadn't been back since then. It was so wonderful to explore it with our son and marvel over how far we've come since that day on the bridge.

Beatriz Williams + Karen White Signing - This was my second Beatriz Williams signing of the year, but it was the one right after I'd completed my Bestie Beatriz Binge. I loved telling her about reading them with Kelly!

Visiting the Mountains - I was bummed we didn't get to go to the beach this summer, but we were able to spend a week in the mountains. From the cute little towns to the gorgeous views, we had a blast getting away as a family.

Moderating Sarah J. Maas' Event - Honestly, I still pinch myself when I remember that I moderated Sarah's Tower of Dawn tour event! This is definitely a highlight of 2017 and one of the coolest things I've been able to do as a blogger.

Botanical Gardens - Having a toddler has made me more pay more attention to the adventures we can find close to home, and this is an example! I didn't realize we lived near a botanical garden, and it became such a fun afternoon. 

Kelly Visits Again - Once we confirmed that we liked each other just as much in person as we did over the phone, I convinced Kelly to come back for a second visit. Haha! I loved having her stay and was sad to send her home,

Stone Mountain - We forgot to visit a pumpkin patch before they closed for the season and then came up with this alternate Saturday escapade. We were freezing from the unexpectedly windy day, but we made great memories!

New York City - In November, Nick and I took our first trip together since our son was born! We had the best time exploring the city, shopping, eating delicious food, seeing shows on Broadway and spending time together. 

What adventures did you go on in 2017?

Here's to a happy 2018!

READ POST

My Year in Obsessions {2017}

My Year in Obsessions {2017}

Dec 30, 2017

Although I've been slacking off as a blogger lately, I've been eagerly anticipating the month of December because recap posts are my favorite (to read and to write!). Whether it's personal reflections or newfound obsessions, I love looking back at the past year. For the next few days, I'm highlighting what I loved in 2017. Today, it's obsessions! I haven't done this topic in the past, but I had to add it so I could talk about more of my favorite new finds.

1. Madewell The Post Wallet ($78) in Dark Cabernet - I recently decided I wanted a slimmer wallet. I purchased this one after browsing around and have fallen in love! The color is gorgeous, and it's lightweight but still durable.

2. Banana Republic Satya Sunglasses ($98) in Light Pink - After seeing someone wearing these, I couldn't resist buying them for myself. I haven't used any other sunglasses since! The frames make me feel like Audrey Hepburn.

3. Kate Spade "Rise and Shine" Stud Earrings ($38) in Clear - Cassie got me these earrings for Christmas last year, and they've become my go to. I prefer studs for my everyday look, and these stand out without being flashy.

4. Helen Ficalora Charm Necklace - While in NYC, I made sure I stopped at Helen Ficalora. I've wanted one of these necklaces for years, and it was such a treat to get one (not the charms pictured). I wear it everyday and am obsessed!

5. Madewell High-Rise Skinny Jeans ($128+) - High-waisted jeans are a gamechanger! Honestly, I'll never go back to low rise. Madewell are my fave - cute washes, great fit, perfect details and come in longer lengths.

6. Merona Magnolia Quarter Strap Sandals ($20) in Cognac - I grabbed these at Target one day and never expected them to become a new favorite. They're so comfortable - and so affordable! I should have purchased more.

7. Frye Harness 12R Leather Boot ($328) in Tan - For years, I wore a pair of Frye lookalike boots that were super inexpensive. Well, I got the real thing for Christmas last year and they're perfect. I want to live in these boots!

8. Madewell The Canvas Transport Tote ($58) in British Surplus - This canvas tote is so classic, and I have gotten so much use out of it this year! And I just got this tote for Christmas, so you'll probably see it in next year's recap. 

9. O-Venture Keyring ($55) in Rose Gold - I saw this in a little boutique one day and splurged on it. Y'all, I adore it! The big leather O can fit over your wrist or elbow so that you can carry your keys (and even a small wallet) handsfree.

10. Happy Planner & Accessories - By far, this is my BIGGEST obsession of 2017. I need to write a post about it, but I've fallen in love with my Happy Planner and the various accessories. Yay for organization and cuteness! 

11. Book Darts ($9) - A gift guide last year introduced me these, and I can't get enough of them. When I'm reading, I never want to take the time to pause and write down quotes that I love. These let me mark specific lines to save later!

12. Sudio Vasa Bla Wireless Earbuds ($79) in Rose Gold White - I just got these for Christmas, so it's probably a little early to include them. But I can't wait because I've already used them a ton and adore them! Cute and practical.

13. Coffee & Jesus Travel Mug ($6) - The reviews online aren't great, but I haven't had any issues with this travel mug. I've been using it all year and love it! And it's perfect for those Sundays when it's a struggle to get to church.

14. Hoopla Digital App - I joined a new library this year and found out that I could get access to this digital media service through it. It's seriously amazing! The selection is great, and I love being able to borrow so many audiobooks.

15. Amazon Fire TV Stick ($40) - My husband travels for work, so we originally bought this for him to access our streaming accounts no matter where he's staying. But we loved it so much that we bought one for home, too!

16. Plan to Eat ($39/year) - Cassie convinced me to try this meal-planning app, and I am so thankful for it! I used to hate meal planning + making my grocery list, but I actually look forward to it now. Thanks, technology!

17. The Mindy Project Pencils ($18) - This was a random Etsy find that I couldn't resist! I don't use them a ton because I'm more of a pen person, but these look so cute on my desk that they totally earned their spot on this list.

18. ACOMAF Carry-All Pouch ($16) - Alexa gave me this pouch for Christmas last year, and I've used it so much. Whether I'm using it for my various chargers or my favorite makeup, it makes me smile every time I see it in my purse. 

19. Rewined Candles ($28) - I've never been a huge candle person, but things changed this year. I've been gifted some adorable fandom ones (Rhysand! Peeta!), but these are my favorite fancy ones. The Chardonnay scent is AMAZING.

20. She Reads Truth Bible ($35) in Gray Linen - I've been a fan of She Reads Truth for years, so I was excited when I found out they were releasing a beautiful, thoughtfully designed Bible. I love the intention behind it!

What have you been so obsessed with this year?

Anything on my list that you love or want to try, too?

READ POST