Irish Meadows by Susan Anne Mason

Page Count: 384

Published on: July 7th 2015 

Published by: Bethany House Publishing 

Genre(s): Christian Fiction, Romance, Historical Fiction, YA, Fiction, Christian Romance
Source: Print: Paperback: From Bethany House Publishing

Age Rating: PG-14

Where To Find It: Goodreads // Amazon 

My Rating: 4.5 stars

Twitter: @samason

Website: <susanannemason.com>

Goodreads synopsis:

Irish immigrant James O’Leary has spent his life building Irish Meadows into a thriving horse farm and is not about to let hard economic times threaten its success. He intends for his daughters to marry prosperous men–ones who will secure the family’s rightful place in society, and at the same time, guarantee the future of Irish Meadows. Both girls, however, have different visions for their futures.

Brianna and Colleen O’Leary know their father expects them to marry well. Yet despite his wishes, Brianna, the quieter sister, dreams of attending college. Vivacious Colleen, meanwhile, is happy to marry–as long as her father’s choice meets her exacting standards. When stable hand Gilbert Whelan returns from college and distant family member Rylan Montgomery stops in on his way to the seminary in Boston, the two men quickly complicate everyone’s plans. It will take every ounce of courage for both sisters to follow their hearts. And even if they do, will they inevitably find their dreams too distant to reach?

~~~

What I Loved:

• The characters are sooo well developed. I felt like I had a personal connection with them and I could empathize with their lives and their stories.
• Brianna: I really loved Brianna. She wanted to go to college and expand her mind and get her masters degree in library science (LIKE ME!!!) and I really enjoyed her persistance and independant spirit. I also loved how she was a romantic person and overall I really loved her personality.
• Colleen: At first I didn't really like Colleen, but as I got to know her, I really enjoyed her loving nature. I also liked how she found her peace with the Lord at the end. She's a romantic person at heart and I loved that. 
• Gil: I kind of liked Gil, but the only things I really liked was his gentleness with Bri and the horses and the younger children. I really liked his intelligence and his driven attitude when it comes to saving Irish Meadows.
• Rylan: Now I absolutely loved Rylan. He was so dreamy and so sweet and caring and he has such a solid faith. I loved that he did his best to live his life according to God's word and I loved that. 
• Their mother, Brianna & Colleen's mother, Mrs. O'Leary. She was fantastic! She didn't take crap from her stressed out husband and she kept him in his place. She only wants what's best for her family and I love it.
• I loved the spiritual aspect of this book. It is very well thought out and Bible based. I read it at a time that I needed it so thank you Jesus and thank you Susan Anne Mason for writing this.

What I Didn't Like:

• I didn't really like James O'Leary. I mean eventually he came to his senses, but I found him to be very selfish and mean.
• I also didn't like Gil very much. I mean he was a charming character but he had no back bone and he didn't follow his heart. He felt morally obligated to do whatever Mr. O'Leary expected him to do, even if he wanted to do the opposite. 
• I feel like Susan used some cliche sayings or some trite phrases or even too many similes. I'm not exactly sure yet, but even though I've never read anything like this novel, I felt it to be kind of cliche but not cliche...do you guys understand what I'm trying to explain?
• I felt like Brianna went back and forth with what she wanted, which I guess is okay, but it got really annoying at times.
• Insta-love. I don't like it. The romance was cute but too fast.
• Susan Anne Mason didn't really talk about the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, I felt like there were some Catholic undertones, which is totally fine, but I felt like she could have focused on Jesus' sacrifice and his love for his children.

Over all this book was very good and I really enjoyed it. If you love Christian Romance you will really like this novel. I hope you guys enjoy it as much as I did. 

Enjoy guys!

Olivia

~livthebooknerd~

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September Wrap Up 2015

Hey guys!

It's been a busy month and this next month will be even busier. I've got a paper due before my fall break and midterms are coming up. I've got nothing less than a "B"! Yay! I hope you guys are reading more than I am now! Haha! I'm going to be reading some amazing books in the future so stay tuned!

Here are the books I've read in September!

Just One Day by Gayle Forman

Page Count: 672Published in: July 21, 2015Published by: HarperCollins

Genre(s): Contemporary, Romance, YA, Realistic Fiction, Travel, Chick Lit
Source: Print: Hardback: Library

Age Rating: PG-14

Where To Find It: Goodreads // Amazon 

My Rating: 4.5 stars

My Review: {click here}

Destined For Doon by Carey Corp & Lorie Langdon

Page Count: 368

Published on: September 2nd 2014

Published by: Blink

Genre(s): Fantasy, YA, Romance, Science Fiction
Source: Print: Hardback: Library

Age Rating: PG-13

Where To Find It: Goodreads // Amazon 

My Rating: 4.5 stars

My Review: {click here}

Chivalrous by Dina L. Sleiman

Page Count: 368

Published on: September 8th 2015 

Published by: Bethany House Publishing 

Genre(s): Christian Fiction, Romance, Historical Fiction, YA, Fiction, Christian Romance, YA
Source: Print: Paperback: From Bethany House Publishing

Where To Find It: Goodreads // Amazon 

My Rating: 4.5 stars

My Review: {click here}

The Mother Daughter Book Club by Heather Vogel Frederick

Page Count: 237

Published on:  April 22nd 2008 

Published by: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers 

Genre(s): Contemporary, Middle Grade, Realistic Fiction, Children's Fiction
Source: Print: Paperback: Loaned to me

Age Rating: PG-10

Where To Find It: Goodreads // Amazon 

My Rating: 4.5 stars

My Review: {click here}

The Time Traveling Fashionista by Bianca Turetsky

Page Count: 262

Published on: April 5th 2011

Published by: Poppy

Genre(s): Contemporary, Middle Grade,  Children's Fiction, Fantasy, Science Fiction
Source: Print: Paperback: Library

Age Rating: PG-9

Where To Find It: Goodreads // Amazon 

My Rating: 3.5 stars

My Review: COMING SOON!

The Graphic Novels I've Read & My Ratings

• This One Summer by Mariko Tamaki & Jillian Tamaki -- 3 stars
• Plain Janes by Cecil Castellucci & Jim Rugg --3 stars
• Beautiful Darkness by Fabien Vehlmann & Kerascoet --2.5 stars
• Spera (Volume 1)by Josh Tierney, Kyla Vanderklugt , Hwei Lin Lim ,Emily Carroll , Olivier Pichard , Afu Chan, & Rebecca Taylor -- 3 stars
• The Sculptor by Scott McCloud -- 4 stars

My favorite book that I read this month has to be Just One Day by Gayle Forman or Chivalrous by Dina L. Sleiman. Both were really really good. 

I hope y'all had a great reading month. Let me know what your favorite book was that you read in September!

Enjoy

Olivia

~livthebooknerd~

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The Mother Daughter Book Club by Heather Vogel Frederick

Page Count: 237

Published on:  April 22nd 2008 

Published by: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers 

Genre(s): Contemporary, Middle Grade, Realistic Fiction, Children's Fiction
Source: Print: Paperback: Loaned to me

Age Rating: PG-10

Where To Find It: Goodreads // Amazon 

My Rating: 4.5 stars

Twitter: @HVFrederick

Goodreads synopsis:

The book club

is about to get

a makeover....

Even if Megan would rather be at the mall, Cassidy is late for hockey practice, Emma's already read every book in existence, and Jess is missing her mother too much to care, the new book club is scheduled to meet every month.

But what begins as a mom-imposed ritual of reading Little Women soon helps four unlikely friends navigate the drama of middle school. From stolen journals, to secret crushes, to a fashion-fiasco first dance, the girls are up to their Wellie boots in drama. They can't help but wonder: What would Jo March do?

Acclaimed author Heather Vogel Frederick will delight daughters of all ages in a novel about the fabulousness of fiction, family, and friendship.

~~~

Hey guys!

        The Mother Daughter Book Club is about 4 girls who are very different. Megan loves clothes and fashion and she wants to be a fashion designer. Emma loves books and wants to be a writer. Jess loves theater but is very shy. Cassidy is new in town and loves sports. All of these girls come together when their mothers start a mother daughter book club. The first book they start is Little Women. All of the girls are reluctant to start it and are kind of embarrassed to be in the book club, but eventually they start to become closer as friends and enjoy their company. The girls are supportive of each other and learn to be best friends.

        I was lent this book by my friend Julia. I was automatically intrigued with the premise of the book because of the discussion of Little Women by Louisa May Alcott and Julia had told me that one of the characters loved to read and another loved clothes and wanted to design clothes in the future. I thought this book was super cute and I really liked how the friendships developed throughout the story. It handled middle school bullying pretty well, and I liked their discussions about Little Women. I really liked the girls' characters and I could relate to their personalities and their dreams. I really loved their parents too. They weren't portrayed as stupid or lame. 

        The plot was really amazing. I loved how it progressed and I loved how the girls learned how to be themselves. The only problems I had with the book were that there were sooo many cliches in it and that Frederick gave away all of the spoilers from Little Women. I felt that because this book is written to be read by middle schoolers that that may not have read Little Women. I also wish that the parents, their names, had been distinguished differently. I found it really confusing when they would go by "Mr. or Mrs. blah blah blah". I couldn't remember who's parent was whose and it got kind of confusing. 

        I feel like this book was really well thought out and super cute. I really want to read the rest of the books. There are six books in the series, all of them having really clever names that are based off of the books that they read in the book club. I'm really excited for Much Ado About Anne because it's about Anne Of Green Gables which is one of my favorite classics. 

My Favorite Character(s): Megan, Cassidy, Jess, and Emma

My Least Favorite Characters: Becca and her ghastly mother

If You Love    #    You'll Love The Mother Daughter Book Club!

• Anne Of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery {5 stars}
• Little Women by Louisa May Alcott {5 stars}
• Models Don't Eat Chocolate Cookies by Erin Dionne {4.5 stars}
• My Life In Pink & Green by Lisa Greenwald {5 stars}
• Ten by Lauren Myracle {4.5 stars}
• The Cupcake Queen by Heather Hepler {4.5 stars}

I read all of those when I was in middle school and they remind me of this cute book. :)

Enjoy guys!

Olivia

~livthebooknerd~

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Most Anticipated October Releases!

Hey guys!

October is coming and you know what that means! New books! It's also my birthday month! I will be turning 18 on the thirteenth and I'm really excited to spend time with my twin sister and my family and friends, and of course enjoy the new books coming out! Here are my top 5 books that I've been waiting for for the longest time and even for the shortest of times. I have been waiting for some since November of 2014 to even June of this year. 

Comment down below some of your most anticipated October releases! 

Carry On by Rainbow Rowell

Page Count: 384

Expected Publication: October 6th 2015

Published by: St. Martin's Griffin

Genre(s): YA, Romance, Fantasy, Contemporary, Paranormal

Where To Find It: Goodreads // Amazon 

This is my number 1 anticipated read! I've been waiting since November of last year for this book! I adore Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell and I desperately wanted to read Simon and Baz's stories and I'm sooo glad that Rainbow is writing it! I'm so excited I could barf!

Happily Ever After by Kiera Cass

Page Count: 416

Expected Publication: October 13th 2015

Published by: HarperCollins/HarperTeen

Genre(s): YA, Romance, Contemporary, Dystopia, Science Fiction, Fantasy, Novella, Short Stories

Where To Find It: Goodreads // Amazon 

OH MY GOSH GUYS DO I HAVE TO EXPLAIN? THIS COMES OUT ON MY BIRTHDAY AND IT'S FINALLY ALL TOGETHER!!! THE NOVELLAS AND EVEN MORE! AAAAAAH

Lumberjanes Volume 2 by Noelle Stevenson, Grace Ellis, Brooke Allen, Shannon Wattersz

Page Count: 112

Expected Publication: October 13th, 2015

Published by: BOOM! Box

Genre(s): Sequential Art, Graphic Novel. Comics, Fantasy, Humor, YA, Fiction

Where To Find It: Goodreads // Amazon

Lumberjanes is definitely my favorite graphic novel that I've read so far, and I cannot wait to read volume 2 with my sister Bailey. She's ecstatic! 

Magnus Chase: The Sword of Summer by Rick Riordan

Page Count: 528

Expected Publication: October 6, 2015

Published by: Disney Hyperion Books

Genre(s): Fantasy, Mythology, Middle Grade, Urban Fantasy, YA, Fiction, Adventure

Where To Find It: Goodreads // Amazon

My sister Reagan and I have been waiting for the latest book by Rick Riordan. My sister literally has a book shrine to his books and it's actually kind of amazing. I'm hoping that my little sister will get this for her birthday or something so that I can read it after her. 

The White Rose by Amy Ewing 

Page Count: 320

Expected Publication: October 6, 2015

Published by: HarperTeen

Genre(s): YA, Dystopia, Romance, Science Fiction, Paranormal, Action, Fantasy, Fiction

Where To Find It: Goodreads // Amazon

I read The Jewel by Amy Ewing in June and I absolutely crave the next one! The cliff hanger at the end of The Jewel is still fresh in my mind and I am so excited to get my hands on this one soon.

        I'm also really excited for Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo, After Alice by Gregory Maguire, and A Thousand Nights by E. K. Johnston. I love Alice In Wonderland and I love A Thousand & One Nights story. I'm also really excited to dive into Six Of Crows...a high fantasy novel written by Leigh Bardugo I think yes!

Authors Mentioned (Twitters):

1. Rainbow Rowell: @rainbowrowell
2. Noelle Stevenson: @Gingerhazing
3. Rick Riordan: @camphalfblood
4. Amy Ewing: @amyewingbooks
5. Leigh Bardugo: @LBardugo
6. Gregory Maguire: none
7. E.K. Johnston: @ek_johnston

Which book are you most excited about?

Enjoy guys! 
Olivia
~livthebooknerd~
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Destined For Doon by Lorie Langdon & Carey Corp

Page Count: 368

Published on: September 2nd 2014

Published by: Blink

Genre(s): Fantasy, YA, Romance, Science Fiction
Source: Print: Hardback: Library

Age Rating: PG-13

Where To Find It: Goodreads // Amazon 

My Rating: 4.5 stars

Twitter: @LorieLangdon

              @careycorp

Facebook Page:  Carey's Facebook

                                          Lorie's Facebook

                                         Doon's Facebook

Goodreads synopsis:

       In this sequel to Doon, Kenna Reid realizes she made a horrible mistake choosing to follow her dreams of Broadway instead of staying in the enchanted land of Doon. To make everything worse, she's received her Calling proof she and Duncan are each other's one true love and it's pure torment, especially when visions of the very alluring Doonish prince appear right before she goes on stage. So when Duncan tells Kenna that Doon needs her, she doesn't have to think twice. But even if Kenna can defeat the evil threatening to eliminate Doon, her happily ever after may still be in peril."

~~~

Hey guys!

        I'm so sorry this is up so late! School has been killer! Anyway! I really actually liked this book! DESTINED FOR DOON is the sequel of DOON and it follows Kenna & Duncan a few months after Kenna had left Doon to pursue her acting career. Duncan goes to New York to get Kenna to come back to Doon. Doon is being attacked and Kenna and Veronica have to work together to save the kingdom.

        Now, when I finished Doon I was desperate to read the next book. Doon left you off with a cliffhanger that leaves you desperate for more. Carey & Lorie's characters are very loveable and I see myself in them in some ways. The characters are constantly wrestling with their feelings, fighting their head and fighting their hearts. I sooo ship Duncan and Kenna, but I felt like that if they had talked it out the whole drama could have been avoided. Kenna was really annoying in the first half of the book, but I feel like the second half made up for it because her character really grew and I really loved the romance between her and Duncan. I haven't decided if I like #Jeronica or #Denna more....Maybe Shades Of Doon will help me decide...

        The plot is pretty straight forward and obvious, but there are little details that Carey & Lorie add that just add to the magic of the story. I love the world that they're creating and I'm really excited to pick up Shades Of Doon and continue Kenna & Duncan and Veronica & Jamie's stories. I've fallen in love with their love and I've fallen in love with Doon. I can't wait to dive back into Doon!

        I hope you guys are picking up these books, because they are so worth it! I absolutely love them and I think you guys will too!

My Review of Doon: {click here!}

My Favorite Character: Duncan

My Least Favorite Character: the witch

Enjoy guys!

Olivia

~livthebooknerd~

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Chivalrous by Dina L. Sleiman

Page Count: 368

Published on: September 8th 2015 

Published by: Bethany House Publishing 

Genre(s): Christian Fiction, Romance, Historical Fiction, YA, Fiction, Christian Romance, YA
Source: Print: Paperback: From Bethany House Publishing

Where To Find It: Goodreads // Amazon 

My Rating: 4.5 stars

Dina's Twitter: @DinaSleiman1

Facebook Page: Facebook

Goodreads synopsis:

Strong and adventurous Gwendolyn Barnes longs to be a knight like her chivalrous brothers. However, that is not an option for her, not even in the Arthurian-inspired Eden where she dwells. Her parents view her only as a marriage pawn, and her domineering father is determined to see her wed to a brutish man who will break her spirit.

When handsome, good-hearted Allen of Ellsworth arrives in Edendale searching for his place in the world, Gwendolyn spies in him the sort of fellow she could imagine marrying. Yet fate seems determined to keep them apart. Tournaments, intrigue, and battles--along with twists and turns aplenty--await these two as they struggle to find love, identity, and their true destinies. 

~~~

Hey guys!

      I received this book for an honest review from Bethany House Publishing. I'm so glad I've read this book! I loved the characters, the plot, and I especially loved the messages throughout the book...

What I Loved:

• The characters! 
• Allen: Allan was such a great character! I loved how chivalrous and polite and kind he was to everyone he encountered. He has such a kind spirit and he was such a wise and God fearing soul. I love how he encouraged Rosalind and Gwendolyn to read the Scriptures and educate themselves in the way of the Lord. 
• Gwendolyn: She was such a strong character! Even though this took place in the 1200s, she remained independent and she wanted to be treated like a person not an object. I love it. I loved how she stood up for herself and she didn't take most of the crap that was thrown her way. Even though her father was quite abusive and violent she didn't give up, because she knew what she wanted for her future! I could empathize with her throughout this book, girl to girl. Eventually, Gwen realized that even though her earthly father wasn't there for her all the time, her Heavenly Father is there no matter what and He loves her and forgives her and will protect her no matter what.
• Rosalind: I absolutely loved Rosalind. She was definitely one of my favorite characters. She's had such a sweet temperament, she's so hardworking, and she really did care about her family and her own salvation. I was kind of taken aback by the events concerning Rosalind towards the end of the story. I promptly checked Dina Sleiman's website to see what the next book would be about. I am so glad that the next book will be about Rosalind! Woooo!
• I like how Sleiman dealt with domestic violence and abuse. She did it perfectly.
• I loved the messages of the story.
• You can be feminine and still be strong and brave. Men can be feminine and be brave and strong as well, and women can be masculine and strong and brave and not have to be protected by a man. Men and women draw from each other's strengths and weaknesses. 
• God will protect you no matter what. He will protect you through everything.
• God has a plan for everyone.
• The women in this book KICKED BUTT! Gwen, Rosalind, Lady Barnes, Duchess Adela --the women were feisty and strong and stuck together for the most part. They didn't let the attitudes of the men stop them from trying to be as happy as possible. 
• I also love the links to Camelot and King Arthur's reign. It adds a bit of magic to the story.

Things I Didn't Like:

• I hate Lord Barnes. I mean it doesn't stop you from enjoying the book, but I hate his whole personality.
• I didn't like that the Gwen and Allen, when they were narrating in their POVs, would occasionally think something along the line. "He awakened something inside of her, something that made her see how women could like 'such touches' or Allen's face heated up at the thought of how children came about." Honestly, that was kind of awkward and I didn't really like it when that would come up. This book was supposed to be geared towards young adults, but I read a review where it mentioned this same topic and Sleiman said that she though that the feelings shared are healthy. She said she wants girls to know that those feelings are healthy, but if girls become guilty because of their feelings then that could damage their future marriage.
• I also think the romance was kind of rush or underdeveloped and kind of insta-lovey. Gwen just kind of randomly changed her viewpoint on marriage and love and again I felt it rushed. 

       This book actually deals with some heavy topics: alcoholism, domestic abuse (mental), domestic violence (physical), unwanted pregnancy, and it had hints of a discussion of sex. Mind you it only had one detailed kiss, but it was kind of mentioned a little. 

      I love loved this book. I'm really excited for the next one and I really hope I can get a review copy of Courageous (the next one).

Similar Books To Read:

• Dawn's Prelude by Tracie Peterson {gr}
• The Broadmoon Legacy series by Tracie Peterson & Judith Miller {gr}
• Treasure Of the North by Tracie Peterson {gr}
• Amish Promises by Leslie Gould {review linked}

       I'm sorry I've not posted as much this month! I've been so busy with school it's insane! I'm still reading as much as I can. It also doesn't help I'm kind of in a reading slump :/.  I'll try to post a bunch this Saturday, and I'll be trying to put up a review on Thursday of Destined For Doon by Lorie Langdon & Carey Corp. I hate not posting and reading as much, but I'm working on it!

Enjoy guys!

Olivia

~livthebooknerd~

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