What I've Been Reading Lately

Well, this week has brought quite a reversal in weather! Last week, as mentioned, I was enjoying a nice sangria and reading session on the couch to escape the heat. 

This week, there's a hurricane bringing torrents of rain. 

I think I'm going to just stay here on the couch. 

Luckily, I've been reading a few books that I can wholeheartedly endorse. It's so nice to discover new favorites! This week, there are two dystopian/sci-fi novels, MORE historical fiction (of the super historical sort), a fantasy novel, and a dark, dark thriller. Read on to get my thoughts, and enjoy!

1. Illuminae by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff - 

Publisher's description:

This morning, Kady thought breaking up with Ezra was the hardest thing she’d have to do. This afternoon, her planet was invaded.

The year is 2575, and two rival megacorporations are at war over a planet that’s little more than an ice-covered speck at the edge of the universe. Too bad nobody thought to warn the people living on it. With enemy fire raining down on them, Kady and Ezra—who are barely even talking to each other—are forced to fight their way onto an evacuating fleet, with an enemy warship in hot pursuit.

But their problems are just getting started. A deadly plague has broken out and is mutating, with terrifying results; the fleet's AI, which should be protecting them, may actually be their enemy; and nobody in charge will say what’s really going on. As Kady hacks into a tangled web of data to find the truth, it's clear only one person can help her bring it all to light: the ex-boyfriend she swore she'd never speak to again.

My Thoughts:

This book requires two things: a healthy degree of suspension of disbelief, and a hardcover copy. You do not want to read this on an e-reader! Even I, e-reader addict #1, read this in hardcover, and it was so worth it. This is because the authors use unconventional formatting to tell the story - there are email threads, illustrations from characters' journals, depictions of space battles with the thoughts of the pilots spiraling across a black sky. The list goes on. And somehow it works! I was completely engrossed - you're getting ALL sides of the story with this storytelling method, but it isn't overwhelming. It's an exciting puzzle. I loved it, and have already devoured the second in the trilogy (by the way, it's a trilogy). Highly recommend, if you feel like opening your mind to futuristic dystopian sci-fi told in a completely unique way. Loved the characters, cool story. All the thumbs!

2. The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms by N.K. Jemisin - 

Publisher's description:

Yeine Darr is an outcast from the barbarian north. But when her mother dies under mysterious circumstances, she is summoned to the majestic city of Sky. There, to her shock, Yeine is named an heiress to the king. But the throne of the Hundred Thousand Kingdoms is not easily won, and Yeine is thrust into a vicious power struggle.

My Thoughts:

Oh my gosh, I was obsessed with this book. This is also the first of a trilogy (the best kind of books - the ones that don't end). The characters are compelling because of how unapologetically flawed they are; you like them, you root for them, but sometimes they're bad and you like that too because it comes across as very real. I am a fan of these kinds of characters; I want feel like I'm living in the book's world when I'm reading it, and the protagonists are so much more believable when they not only make mistakes but are sometimes just not very nice. 

There's a lot missing from this publisher's description - namely, that there are gods involved, and magic in addition to the political intrigue. The author has built a captivating world. Loved this, please read!

3. The Good Daughter by Karin Slaughter - 

Publisher's description:

Two girls are forced into the woods at gunpoint. One runs for her life. One is left behind…

Twenty-eight years ago, Charlotte and Samantha Quinn's happy small-town family life was torn apart by a terrifying attack on their family home. It left their mother dead. It left their father — Pikeville's notorious defense attorney — devastated. And it left the family fractured beyond repair, consumed by secrets from that terrible night.

Twenty-eight years later, and Charlie has followed in her father's footsteps to become a lawyer herself — the ideal good daughter. But when violence comes to Pikeville again — and a shocking tragedy leaves the whole town traumatized — Charlie is plunged into a nightmare. Not only is she the first witness on the scene, but it's a case that unleashes the terrible memories she's spent so long trying to suppress. Because the shocking truth about the crime that destroyed her family nearly thirty years ago won't stay buried forever…

My Thoughts:

Oof. Dark, dark, dark. Sunshine and rainbows will not be found here. You will not walk away from this book smiling thoughtfully and feeling deeply content. But I don't think that's what the author is aiming for here, so I'd still call this a success. (On a side note, I am very interested in whether this author's real last name is Slaughter or if this is a pen name. If it's real, I have to applaud the choice in career. Writer of dark thrillers indeed.)

The story was technically good. I was interested, I wanted to unravel the mysteries, I wanted the conclusion. But I didn't much care for the characters, and while I appreciate that the author tackles some tough subjects when crafting her characters' psyches I felt that overall I couldn't really connect with the story. If you don't mind very dark stories, if you like mysteries - this might tickle your fancy. It wasn't really up my alley. Also not something I'd really want to read on the beach . . . or even at home with a glass of wine. 

4. Ready Player One by Ernest Cline -

Publisher's description:

In the year 2044, reality is an ugly place. The only time teenage Wade Watts really feels alive is when he's jacked into the virtual utopia known as the  OASIS. Wade's devoted his life to studying the puzzles hidden within this world's digital confines, puzzles that are based on their creator's obsession with the pop culture of decades past and that promise massive power and fortune to whoever can unlock them. When Wade stumbles upon the first clue, he finds himself beset by players willing to kill to take this ultimate prize. The race is on, and if Wade's going to survive, he'll have to win—and confront the real world he's always been so desperate to escape.

My Thoughts:

So good, and also disturbing on an utterly real level. I will tell you all now - I am terrified of some of the changes advances in technology will bring. Not technology for the greater good, mind you. VIDEO GAME TECHNOLOGY. I have fearful flashes of my future children mindlessly clicking away in some virtual world, pale as my upper thigh from never venturing into the sun. I've seen this in action now! It's real! Take heed! Stepping off my soapbox now. 

So otherwise, this story was charming! The author wove in pop culture reference from the 80's, and played on the nostalgia of the readers. The protagonist is likable - you want him to 'win the game'. There is a good overall message (confronting the 'real world' in order to truly live). Overall, this was just so well written, and I really enjoyed reading this. Several thumbs up!

5. Nefertiti by Michelle Moran - 

Publisher's description:

Nefertiti and her younger sister, Mutnodjmet, have been raised in a powerful family that has provided wives to the rulers of Egypt for centuries. Ambitious, charismatic, and beautiful, Nefertiti is destined to marry Amunhotep, an unstable young pharaoh. It is hoped that her strong personality will temper the young ruler’s heretical desire to forsake Egypt’s ancient gods.

From the moment of her arrival in Thebes, Nefertiti is beloved by the people but fails to see that powerful priests are plotting against her husband’s rule. The only person brave enough to warn the queen is her younger sister, yet remaining loyal to Nefertiti will force Mutnodjmet into a dangerous political game; one that could cost her everything she holds dear.

My Thoughts:

Full disclosure, this book is years old. I started in reverse with some of Michelle Moran's more recent offerings, and enjoyed her writing style so much that I've been working my way back to her earlier works. So far, this is by far my favorite. I'm a sucker for anything dealing with ancient Egypt, and the first-person writing and lavish (also accurate) historical details take you right into that time in history. Love, scheming, war - all play a part in Moran's novel. I have a new favorite author. In the historical fiction genre, I like this more than anything I've read in a while. I would definitely suggest giving her work a try. 

This concludes this week's literary roundup - if you have any questions or recommendations, please let me know!

- Taylor

Jamberry Nail Wraps Application & Review

Nail wraps by Jamberry in the pattern Kimono

I've always dreamed of being polished - you know, hair always looking perfect, makeup not sliding everywhere and flawlessly blended, outfit minus the ranch dressing stains (damn you wings), unchipped nails.

I've since come to realize that it would literally be a full time job, except for a few unicorn ladies out there. (Side note: the pun in the first sentence was actually unintentional, but after reviewing the post and realizing its existence, I'm delighted with it.)

So typically, I go for one polished category at a time. Maybe two if I'm feeling extra fancy! Lately it's been keeping up with my nails. Let me take you quickly through my nailvolution.

• I've sworn off regular nail polish, to begin with, because I just can't do it. My technique, developed over twenty plus years of life, is STILL to paint the entire finger with polish and then flake the excess off in the shower. And what good does it do to go to all that trouble when it just peels right off bit by bit the next day? Looks much worse than bare nails, I tell you. There's respectability in a nice bare nail. 

• Next I moved to getting gel polish at the salon. Still a fan of this, actually! They whip my ragged cuticles right into shape, and I've had phenomenal luck with the lasting power. The problem is with removal - it's horrible for your nails to peel gel polish off, so I find myself in situations where the edges are peeling upward and my nails are getting caught in my hair, which is the absolute worst. So my options are, a) destroy my nail, or b) return to said salon and spend more money on getting them to remove the polish, at which point since I'm already there why not go ahead and get another gel mani? And so the cycle continues. 

• Now, I'm giving something new a try, and so far I'm liking it despite my decidedly amateurish application technique! Unlike with traditional nail polish, I truly believe that given time I can perfect my skill with nail wraps. Also, I like the patterns! I've never been a pattern girl, but I say don't knock them until you try them. I have been going a relatively conservative route with the colors and designs, but my horizons are expanding every day.

 Let's take a look at the nail wrap route!


My lovely friend Elyce introduced Jamberry nail wraps to me by always having the coolest nails ever.

Naturally, one has to ask where said cool nails came from. Luckily for me, she became a Jamberry distributor and my affair began! Click here to get to her Facebook page, which includes incredibly handy videos demonstrating application/removal in a far more expert manner than I am capable of.

Description from Jamberry's website:

 "Nail wraps are thin vinyl sheets that are pressure and heat activated to adhere to your nail for a long lasting and beautiful look. They are made with durable materials, so smudges and streaks are never an issue, and can last for up to two weeks on fingernails and four weeks on toes!"

Trim Tip to Toe Nail Care Kit , Sally Hansen Cuticle Rehab

I began my journey by purchasing an at-home manicure kit for general upkeep, which I would highly recommend doing. My kit came from Target for $10, and includes everything you might need. Buffer, file, nail clippers, nail brush, cuticle pusher, cuticle trimmers, and small scissors (not pictured).

In addition, I bought Sally Hansens' Cuticle Rehab for my chronically dry nail beds. I would recommend applying the cuticle cream the night before, as you want your nails and skin to be as moisture-free as possible while applying the wraps.

Let's get this party started.

Jamberry Application Steps:

1. Find a spot with good lighting. You want to be able to see all angles in case of any bubbles that pop up. Next, line the wraps on the sheet up with the appropriately sized nail. For ideal application you want room on all sides of the wrap when placed on the nail - it will not adhere well to skin, and you won't get a tight seal (which prevents the wrap from lifting up prematurely). So choose your size accordingly!

2. Lift the wrap gently from the sheet using a tool such as a cuticle pusher or tweezers - you do not want to touch the underside with your fingers!

3. Cut the wrap in half (each strip can be used for two nails). 

4. Heat the wrap for approximately three to five seconds with a hair dryer or mini heater - don't get too close or heat for too long, you don't want the nail wrap to bend and touch itself or get too hot. 

5. Position the tool you are using so that the rounded edge of the wrap is facing the cuticle of the nail, and gently apply. Make sure you don't have edges of the wrap touching skin!

6. Immediately press the wrap down, beginning at the middle and smoothing out towards the edges to avoid any bubbles. 

7. This is optional (you could move straight to filing), but I prefer to trim the excess slightly before I file the top of the wrap off. 

8. File at a 45 degree angle with the bottom edge of the file angled AWAY from the nail - you will get better lasting power if there is no overhang of the wrap. 

Yayyyyyyyyyy.

And voila! You're done, and hopefully your nails now look super cool! See below for a few of my favorite picks for the summer - they range from matte to glossy finish, options for everyone.

My personal experience with these has been very positive - there's a little bit of a learning curve and I wasn't the best at getting the wraps to lie completely flat on my nails at first, but now I can knock out an application session in less than ten minutes with great results. They last several weeks on me, and I'll occasionally put a top coat on (completely personal preference).

You can check out Elyce's Jamberry page here, and her Facebook page Put on the Jams (including helpful videos) here. 

Clockwise top left to right: Brooklyn Bridge, Fields of Green, Summer Mosaic, Petite Posies,
Copenhagen, Guava, Kimono, By Any Other Name

Let me know if you have any questions or thoughts! Happy hauling!

- Taylor

What I've Been Reading Lately

105 degrees outside, you say? Might be better to stay inside on the couch with a good book and some sangria, you say?

Well, you don't have to tell me twice.

This week's selections run the gamut - we've got a twist on an old classic, a dystopian, some historical fiction, and a few thrillers. When I was choosing which books to include this week, I noticed an alarming trend towards murder mysteries and novels about assassins. I swear this means nothing. I switched a few out. But I think you'll enjoy the final selections!

1. The Wrath & The Dawn by Renée Ahdieh - 

Publisher's description:

In a land ruled by a murderous boy-king, each dawn brings heartache to a new family. Khalid, the eighteen-year-old Caliph of Khorasan, is a monster. Each night he takes a new bride only to have a silk cord wrapped around her throat come morning. When sixteen-year-old Shahrzad's dearest friend falls victim to Khalid, Shahrzad vows vengeance and volunteers to be his next bride. Shahrzad is determined not only to stay alive, but to end the caliph's reign of terror once and for all.Night after night, Shahrzad beguiles Khalid, weaving stories that enchant, ensuring her survival, though she knows each dawn could be her last. But something she never expected begins to happen: Khalid is nothing like what she'd imagined him to be. This monster is a boy with a tormented heart. Incredibly, Shahrzad finds herself falling in love. How is this possible? It's an unforgivable betrayal. Still, Shahrzad has come to understand all is not as it seems in this palace of marble and stone. She resolves to uncover whatever secrets lurk and, despite her love, be ready to take Khalid's life as retribution for the many lives he's stolen. Can their love survive this world of stories and secrets?

My Thoughts:

This may sound familiar! The tale of Scheherazade and the One Thousand and One nights she spun her stories (Middle Eastern folk tales such as Ali Baba) to stay alive has been told and retold many times over the years. I've read several versions and enjoyed them all - there's bravery, magic, love. And stories within stories! Who could ask for more. This version tends a little more on the magic/romance side than most others I've read, and develops much more backstory concerning Shahrzad's family and friends. Technically classified as young adult, but to me a good story is a good story, and I enjoyed this! Good light reading for the summer, and the first in a series. Two thumbs up. 

2. Scythe by Neal Shusterman - 

Publisher's description:

Thou shalt kill.

A world with no hunger, no disease, no war, no misery. Humanity has conquered all those things, and has even conquered death. Now scythes are the only ones who can end life—and they are commanded to do so, in order to keep the size of the population under control.
Citra and Rowan are chosen to apprentice to a scythe—a role that neither wants. These teens must master the “art” of taking life, knowing that the consequence of failure could mean losing their own.

My Thoughts:

Such an intriguing concept! This book does not shy away from some gritty realities, but doesn't cross the line into overly morbid (shockingly). The author does an excellent job of establishing a society in which this is possible. Dystopian novels, however far-fetched the plot, will always catch my eye - there's just something so interesting about our world being shown in an alternate circumstance. In this version of our world's future, the digital cloud has evolved into a greater being, known as Thunderhead, a self-aware creation. Immortality is a possibility for any person. The characters are both likable, which poses as problem as they battle literally to the death. Loved this! All of the thumbs.  

3. Lilac Girls by Martha Hall Kelly - 

Publisher's description:

Inspired by the life of a real World War II heroine, this debut novel reveals a story of love, redemption, and secrets that were hidden for decades.

New York socialite Caroline Ferriday has her hands full with her post at the French consulate and a new love on the horizon. But Caroline’s world is forever changed when Hitler’s army invades Poland in September 1939—and then sets its sights on France. An ocean away from Caroline, Kasia Kuzmerick, a Polish teenager, senses her carefree youth disappearing as she is drawn deeper into her role as courier for the underground resistance movement. In a tense atmosphere of watchful eyes and suspecting neighbors, one false move can have dire consequences. For the ambitious young German doctor, Herta Oberheuser, an ad for a government medical position seems her ticket out of a desolate life. Once hired, though, she finds herself trapped in a male-dominated realm of Nazi secrets and power. The lives of these three women are set on a collision course when the unthinkable happens and Kasia is sent to Ravensbrück, the notorious Nazi concentration camp for women. Their stories cross continents—from New York to Paris, Germany, and Poland—as Caroline and Kasia strive to bring justice to those whom history has forgotten.

My Thoughts:

First of all, that cover is completely misleading. I saw this and thought, 'Oh, some fluff'. Lovely, friendship! Yay.'

No. No, no no. This is brutal, intense historical fiction that will keep you captivated with hope and horror. The three characters are separate for parts of the novel, but their lives intertwine in disturbing ways during the course of World War II; the author does an incredible job of writing in the three vastly different voices, including making a character that inspires nothing but hatred on the part of the reader absolutely come to life. You must read this - it is not light reading, but it is important reading. 

4. The Lying Game by Ruth Ware - 

Publisher's description:

Isa drops everything, takes her baby daughter and heads straight to Salten. She spent the most significant days of her life at boarding school on the marshes there, days which still cast their shadow over her now.

Something terrible has been found on the beach. Something which will force Isa to confront her past, together with the three best friends she hasn't seen for years, but has never forgotten. Theirs is no cosy reunion: Salten isn't a safe place for them, after what they did.
At school the girls used to play the Lying Game. They competed to convince people of the most outrageous stories. But for some, did the boundary between fact and fantasy become too blurred? And how much can you really trust your friends?

My Thoughts:

Secrets upon secrets! As such, I can't tell you much about this book other that what the description has already disclosed, but I can say that my experience reading this was enjoyable. Not an incredibly shocking plot - the exposition is slow, but I love tales about friends and their pasts. Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants this is not, however. Not my absolute favorite but worth a read - one thumb. 

5. The Dry by Jane Harper - 

Publisher's description:

When Federal Police investigator Aaron Falk returns to Kiewarra for the funerals, he is loath to confront the people who rejected him twenty years earlier. But when his investigative skills are called on, the facts of the Hadler case start to make him doubt this murder-suicide charge.

And as Falk probes deeper into the killings, old wounds start bleeding into fresh ones. For Falk and his childhood friend Luke shared a secret... A secret Falk thought long-buried... A secret which Luke's death starts to bring to the surface...

My Thoughts:

Australia! The setting is in Australia! I knew I'd like this book for that alone. This is more of your classic crime novel - clues popping up, misdirection, past coming into present, that sort of thing. But it's so well written, and while it isn't difficult to follow it isn't simple enough to feel like an 'easy' read. Hits right in the sweet spot, and the little details peppered in about rural Australian life are fascinating. Two thumbs up!

This concludes this week's literary roundup - if you have any questions or recommendations, please let me know!

- Taylor

Rosy Outlook

Follow my blog with Bloglovin'!

I used to HATE the scent of rose in products. I remember getting a sample of Stella fragrance by Stella McCartney, reading the rave reviews and wondering if there was something wrong with me because a taking a whiff of it alone made me feel I had aged forty years.

But as with so many things in life, tastes change! My passion for lavender still burns, but rose has been creeping in. Did I say creeping in? What I meant to say was, now I'm obsessed and sixty percent of my bath and body products are rose scented.

Take a look at some of my favorites below!

Clockwise from top left: Well Being by Lab candle in Dune Rose, Herbivore Coco Rose Body Scrub and Rose Hibiscus Face Mist, Fresh Rose Face Mask, Ouai Rose Hair and Body Oil, Origins Original Skin™ Retexturizing Mask with Rose Clay, AERIN Beauty Rose Lip Conditioner, Tweezerman ProCurl Eyelash Curler in Rose Gold

1.  Herbivore Coco Rose Body Polish & Rose Hibiscus Hydrating Face Mist:

Herbivore is all about natural, cruelty free skincare, and everything they sell happens to smell delicious. I'm a sucker for their minimalist packaging - just look at that font! Swoon. The body polish is seriously wonderful for dry skin - it has a combination of exfoliating grains and oils, and it leaves your skin softly scented and feeling totally moisturized before you even leave the shower. 

The face mist is a great first step in a morning/evening skincare routine to add an extra layer of hydration, or for whenever you feel like spraying yourself in a coat of luxury just because. The packaging is glass rather than plastic for an extra luxe feel. These can also be purchased in-store at Sephora. 

2.  Well Being by Lab candle in Dune Rose:

My sweet cousin Becky gave me this candle, and it has a lovely soft rose scent. The candle itself is a coconut wax blend. This company, Lab, just launched their website - the scents vary, and they're adding more every day, so keep an eye out for this addition. In the meantime, there is a Rose + Crystal scent available that looks heavenly!

3.  Fresh Rose Face Mask:

I've been using this mask for years as a reliable staple. Fresh describes this as 'A unique gel formula infused with real rose petals and pure rosewater that hydrates and tones the complexion.' It feels very refreshing on the face - there's no tingle/warming sensation/fizz that so many products are incorporating now, just a soothing and simple experience. I find that it does a good job of adding some moisture to my complexion, and a bit of a glow; my favorite way to use this is as a follow-up to an exfoliating treatment of any sort to calm my skin down. 

4.  Ouai Rose Hair and Body Oil:

I would absolutely bathe in this oil if I didn't know it would probably cost more than my life is worth. That is how deep my love for this goes. Sephora says, 'This luxurious, rose-gold hair & body oil is a silicone-free fusion of nutrient-rich oils from all over the world. The perfect multitasker, the fast-absorbing formula illuminates hair and skin as it restores moisture and repairs damage. Absinthium oil rehydrates dry skin and hair, rose hip oil reduces the appearance of scars and redness, and shea oil nourishes dry, dull skin and hair.' 

I haven't tried this on my hair yet, but the scent is incredible and perfect and a dab on each of my shoulders and collarbone gives such a healthy glow. It feels smooth and silky - the oil sinks in without leaving any residue other than the light from what I can only assume are miniature angel halos illuminating my decolletage. I classify this a must buy. 

5.  Origins Original Skin™ Retexturizing Mask with Rose Clay:

On the back: 'This powerful mask with Mediterranean Rose Clay, Canadian Willowherb and exfoliating Jojoba beads helps gently deep clean while refining skin's texture. The result - skin emerges anew, pores appear to vanish. Radiance is restored. Skin looks refreshed, flawless. Feels silky smooth'. 

Those are some high claims! I wouldn't quite say my skin looks 'flawless' after I use this mask, but it does feel completely clean and fresh. This is excellent for stopping any impending breakouts, I've found - it has some of that traditional clay mask drying feel, but doesn't go quite as far, and the exfoliating factor when you wash this off is very nice. I like to use this in tandem with a lightweight moisturizing mask or oil (such as Fresh Rose Mask)! A good maintenance mask to add to your skincare arsenal. 

 6.  AERIN Beauty Rose Lip Conditioner:

One problem I often find with scented lip products is that the taste can be downright unpleasant. For example, although I love many of Herbivore's offerings, their Coconut Rose lip balm has a powdery aftertaste. Not so good. At this point I will note that the eating of these products is unintentional and I do know better.

This lip balm, however, is gorgeous - the tint is a glossy, light pinkish-beige that adds easy polish to any look. The scent is light, fresh rose (not powdery in the least), and while the taste is not that of cupcakes, it is completely unoffensive. A little on the pricier side, but my tube has lasted me for months as a small bit is concentrated enough to moisturize. Love!

 6.  Tweezerman ProCurl Eyelash Curler in Rose Gold:

We've seen plenty of rose skin and beauty products now, so switching gears for the last pick! I picked up this eyelash curler at Sephora several weeks ago and I've used it every day since. The rose gold hue caught my eye, but the performance on my lashes was what stole my heart. This curler was an Allure Best of Beauty pick, and I wholeheartedly support their choice. If you're looking for a new curler you can't go wrong with the Tweezerman ProCurl - it even comes with several extra eyelash pads, so the value is definitely there! I'll be doing an in-depth review on my daily products and this will be featured in the roundup, so keep an eye out. Wink. 

I have a feeling my addiction is just beginning. Do you have any favorite products or recommendations? What kind of scents do you normally look for? Let me know!

- Taylor

What I've Been Reading Lately

Quite a few great books have come out this summer!

If you know me, you know I'm never far from my e-reader. In fact, I listed it as my "greatest invention" of choice on my dating profile back in the day (along with happy hour, of course). I get about five to ten books in per week typically, so I'll be posting on a weekly basis about what I'm reading and my thoughts on each book. We'll try to keep it well-rounded. I may throw in some smut. Who knows!

For this week, we have a smattering of historical fiction, fantasy, and thrillers.

1. The Alice Network by Kate Quinn -

Publisher's description: 

'In an enthralling new historical novel from national bestselling author Kate Quinn, two women—a female spy recruited to the real-life Alice Network in France during World War I and an unconventional American socialite searching for her cousin in 1947—are brought together in a mesmerizing story of courage and redemption.'

My Thoughts:

By far the most succinct of the publisher descriptions, so points right off the bat for that! I loved this book - it's historical fiction of the sort that feels real, based upon actual people of the time for the most part with some liberties taken in imagining their day to day lives. The plot centers around the Alice Network, a spy system located in France tasked with infiltrating the Germans during WWI. The story is told with two different perspectives - that of Charlie (in 1947), running away from her situation and chasing answers about her missing cousin, and that of Eve Gardener, whose story is told from her perspective in the Alice Network during the first war and whom Charlie encounters as an integral part of her search in present day. The story is rich in details and conveys the pain and fears of the war, while throwing in some hope and a little romance. Spies and convincing romance, sold. Five thumbs up.

2. The Disappearances by Emily Bain Murphy -

Publisher's description:

'What if the ordinary things in life suddenly…disappeared? Aila Quinn’s mother, Juliet, has always been a mystery: vibrant yet guarded, she keeps her secrets beyond Aila’s reach. When Juliet dies, Aila and her younger brother Miles are sent to live in Sterling, a rural town far from home--and the place where Juliet grew up. Sterling is a place with mysteries of its own. A place where the experiences that weave life together--scents of flowers and food, reflections from mirrors and lakes, even the ability to dream--vanish every seven years. No one knows what caused these “Disappearances,” or what will slip away next. But Sterling always suspected that Juliet Quinn was somehow responsible--and Aila must bear the brunt of their blame while she follows the chain of literary clues her mother left behind.'

My Thoughts:

I'll be honest, it was largely that gorgeous cover drew me in. This was an easy read, but completely charming. Geared more towards the young adult crowd (scoff if you like, but I've come across some amazing books that are technically placed in this category), the story has a pretty simple mystery/solution format with some fun twists due to the 'Disappearances' making their entrances throughout and an overarching plot that reaches further than I would have guessed after reading the initial few chapters. Not quite five thumbs up, but worth a read if you're looking for something light for the summer! 

3. Strange the Dreamer by Laini Taylor - 

Publisher's description: 

'The dream chooses the dreamer, not the other way around—and Lazlo Strange, war orphan and junior librarian, has always feared that his dream chose poorly. Since he was five years old he’s been obsessed with the mythic lost city of Weep, but it would take someone bolder than he to cross half the world in search of it. Then a stunning opportunity presents itself, in the person of a hero called the Godslayer and a band of legendary warriors, and he has to seize his chance or lose his dream forever.What happened in Weep two hundred years ago to cut it off from the rest of the world? What exactly did the Godslayer slay that went by the name of god? And what is the mysterious problem he now seeks help in solving? The answers await in Weep, but so do more mysteries—including the blue-skinned goddess who appears in Lazlo’s dreams. How did he dream her before he knew she existed? And if all the gods are dead, why does she seem so real?'

My Thoughts:

Oh my gosh, I loved this book. You might have heard of Laini Taylor from her 'Daughter of Smoke and Bones' trilogy (also highly recommend) - this is a departure from that world, but no less fantastical. And make no mistake, this sits squarely in the fantasy realm. Laini Taylor has a style of writing that makes it so darn easy to root for every character in some way, even the "bad guys", just because they seem so . . . real. If there's one thing I can't abide in a book, it's a character that feels aloof to me in one way or another. I need to feel the feels. There's mystery, magic, and some immensely satisfying lurve in Strange the Dreamer. Six thumbs up.  

4. Victoria by Daisy Goodwin -

Publisher's description:

'In 1837, less than a month after her eighteenth birthday, Alexandrina Victoria – sheltered, small in stature, and female – became Queen of Great Britain and Ireland. Many thought it was preposterous: Alexandrina had always been tightly controlled by her mother and her household, and was surely too unprepossessing to hold the throne. Yet from the moment William IV died, the young Queen startled everyone: abandoning her hated first name in favor of Victoria; insisting, for the first time in her life, on sleeping in a room apart from her mother; resolute about meeting with her ministers alone. One of those ministers, Lord Melbourne, became Victoria’s private secretary. Perhaps he might have become more than that, except everyone argued she was destined to marry her cousin, Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha. But Victoria had met Albert as a child and found him stiff and critical: surely the last man she would want for a husband….'

My Thoughts:

So this is a sort of tie-in with the recent PBS series about the life of young Queen Victoria - the same author worked on the show and the novel. This is historical fiction, which I am always a sucker for, told from the perspective of the young queen before and after her ascendance to the throne. Unfortunately, this book has a problem. The main character is written, for lack of a better description, as whiny and spineless. She expects praise, feels it is her due, believes herself to be smarter than those around her, and the supporting characters are written as fairly standard 'good' and 'bad' types who encourage her in this opinion of herself and appear to believe it themselves with no apparent reasoning. Frustrating. It's hard to get past a main character you don't like. However! It's always fun to read depictions of times past, and there are some lovely descriptions of historical settings and practices. I have not seen the show, but I do think Queen Victoria is definitely an interesting figure worth learning about. I'll give this one thumb up.


5. The Breakdown by B.A. Paris - 

Publisher's description:

'Cass is having a hard time since the night she saw the car in the woods, on the winding rural road, in the middle of a downpour, with the woman sitting inside―the woman who was killed. She’s been trying to put the crime out of her mind; what could she have done, really? It’s a dangerous road to be on in the middle of a storm. Her husband would be furious if he knew she’d broken her promise not to take that shortcut home. And she probably would only have been hurt herself if she’d stopped. But since then, she’s been forgetting every little thing: where she left the car, if she took her pills, the alarm code, why she ordered a pram when she doesn’t have a baby. The only thing she can’t forget is that woman, the woman she might have saved, and the terrible nagging guilt. Or the silent calls she’s receiving, or the feeling that someone’s watching her…'

My Thoughts:

This book gave me the creeps in a good way, and you'll see why. I don't want to go into too much detail, as the nature of a thriller is that it is best when it is thrilling, but this one will make you think. Twists and turns. Wiggles and zigzags. Read it if you want something a little edgier! Four thumbs up. 



This concludes this week's literary roundup - if you have any questions or recommendations, please let me know!

Happy reading!

- Taylor