Review: The Bridge from Me to You by Lisa Schroeder

The Bridge from Me to YouThe Bridge from Me to You by Lisa Schroeder

Publication Date: July 29, 2014
Page Count: 336
Published by: Point
Source: eArc received from publisher in exchange for an honest review

Synopsis from Goodreads:

Lauren has a secret. Colby has a problem. But when they find each other, everything falls into place.

Lauren is the new girl in town with a dark secret. Colby is the football hero with a dream of something more. In alternating chapters, they come together, fall apart, and build something stronger than either of them thought possible--something to truly believe in.

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This was an enjoyable story told in dual POV which I enjoyed because I was able to see both sides of the story. Colby's side was told using regular prose, while Lauren's side of the story was told in verse. I enjoyed the verse aspect, but I didn't like the use of it strictly for Lauren because it made her side of the story feel lacking, especially when compared to Colby's story which was more fleshed out.

I enjoyed Colby's character, but for most of the book he didn't feel real to me. There were times when he didn't come across as a normal 17 year old boy. I could understand his frustrations with his father, and I felt bad for him because he thought no one would support his decision to step away from football.

I had a hard time connecting with Lauren. I could feel sympathy for her because she came from a troubled family background, but there was just something about her that put me off. I don't really know what else to say about her because she really didn't leave much of an impression on me.

Colby and Lauren were dealing with different issues, but I felt that they met each other at just the right time. They both needed someone in their life to talk to who would understand and be on their side. I liked that they had to work through their problems and learn how to communicate with their respective families. I think that family was an important aspect of the story.

Overall, I enjoyed The Bridge From Me To You well enough. The writing was really good, and the story was interesting enough to hold my attention.

My rating: 3 of 5 stars
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Waiting On Wednesday (145) Winterkill by Kate A. Boorman

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Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking The Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we are eagerly anticipating.

Wednesday is my absolute favorite day of the week because I get to share the books that I am super excited about and can't wait to read.

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Expected publication: September 9th 2014 by Amulet Books

Synopsis from Goodreads:

Emmeline knows she’s not supposed to explore the woods outside her settlement. The enemy that wiped out half her people lurks there, attacking at night and keeping them isolated in an unfamiliar land with merciless winters. Living with the shame of her grandmother’s insubordination, Emmeline has learned to keep her head down and her quick tongue silent.

When the settlement leader asks for her hand in marriage, it’s an opportunity for Emmeline to wash the family slate clean—even if she has eyes for another. But before she’s forced into an impossible decision, her dreams urge her into the woods, where she uncovers a path she can’t help but follow. The trail leads to a secret that someone in the village will kill to protect. Her grandmother followed the same path and paid the price. If Emmeline isn’t careful, she will be next.

Every time I see this cover and read the synopsis, I think to myself "Hey, I'd like to read that!" What about you? Are you interested in reading this one too?

Waaaaaaay back in December, I posted about how I am the BEST MOM EVER!!! The day has finally arrived. The One Direction concert is tonight. My daughter is SO excited, and like I knew she would, she's making her dad take her. He has promised to dance very badly and embarrass her on my behalf.
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Top Ten Tuesday (23) Top Ten Books I Really Want To Read But Don't Own Yet


Top Ten Tuesday is brought to you by The Broke and the Bookish.
Top ten books I Really Want To Read But Don't Own Yet, in no particular order:
There are SO many books that I want to read, and I would read them all if I could, but I just don't have the time. I have an awesome library system where I live, so I borrow books whenever I can.

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This has not released yet, but I can't wait to read it!!!!

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I've had this one on my tbr for a while. I read TSPOLAFS and This is What Happy Looks Like and I liked them well enough, so I want to give this one a go.


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I read and enjoyed both of this author's contemporary books, The Distance Between Us and On The Fence, so I would love to read more by her!

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This book was inspired by Jane Austen's Persuasion, which is also the inspiration behind my blog name. So it would seem to be a no brainer that I would want to read this book.

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I loved the first book in this series, Born Wicked, so of course I want to read the second and the third books!

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I enjoyed the first book in this series, Unspoken. The third book in this series, Unmade, will be out soon, so I would love to read Untold before then.

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I have been wanting to read this book because I enjoyed the Hex Hall series SO much.




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Review: Before You (Before & After, #1) by Amber Hart

Before You (Before & After, #1)Before You (Before & After, #1) by Amber Hart

Publication Date: July 29, 2014
Page Count: 320
Published by: K-Teen
Source: eArc received from publisher in exchange for an honest review

Synopsis from Goodreads:

Some say love is deadly. Some say love is beautiful. I say it is both.

Faith Watters spent her junior year traveling the world, studying in exquisite places, before returning to Oviedo High School. From the outside her life is picture-perfect. Captain of the dance team. Popular. Happy. Too bad it’s all a lie.

It will haunt me. It will claim me. It will shatter me. And I don't care.

Eighteen-year-old Diego Alvarez hates his new life in the States, but staying in Cuba is not an option. Covered in tattoos and scars, Diego doesn't stand a chance of fitting in. Nor does he want to. His only concern is staying hidden from his past—a past, which if it were to surface, would cost him everything. Including his life.

At Oviedo High School, it seems that Faith Watters and Diego Alvarez do not belong together. But fate is as tricky as it is lovely. Freedom with no restraint is what they long for. What they get is something different entirely.

Love—it will ruin you and save you, both.

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I really wanted to read this book, and I went in to it expecting to enjoy it. In the end I thought it was just okay. There were so many things that I liked about this story, and so many things that I didn't like, but I couldn't stop reading because I just had to know what happened next.

Before You was told in dual POV, and if you know me, you know that I adore dual POV stories. I actually liked Diego's 'voice' so much because it seemed more authentic and had a genuine feel to it, and I think it fit him perfectly. Faith's voice seemed really forced and unnatural. Her thoughts and comments were a bit stilted at times and really didn't seem to suit her.

I never connected with Faith because she seemed really shallow and superficial to me. She put a lot of pressure on herself to be perfect so she could please her pastor/preacher father and his congregation. She actually believed that she was on display 24/7 and must live up to their standards or it would reflect poorly on her father. So everything she did was carefully calculated, yet she never discussed any of these things with her father. And her poor, clueless father had no idea why his daughter was so uptight and unhappy. It's called a conversation people, you should try having one sometime! I didn't like this aspect of the story because I never felt that Faith's 'reasons' for her behavior were valid.

I could tell right away that Diego was bad news, but I never thought that he was all bad. There were times when I really liked him, and I think he wanted to be a better person and rise above the terrible life he left behind. I couldn't help but want him to succeed and be happy again. I liked that he wasn't afraid to speak his mind, but that's not a good thing to do in certain situations. He was also really immature at times, and I don't think he knew how to handle his emotions. He blew up several times with very little provocation and he came off as being very dangerous.

I felt there was a good balance between the sweet and cute times between Diego and Faith, and the dangerous and intense moments that Diego finds himself in. It's this balance that really shows off how different they really are. I wanted them to be together and be happy, but they had a lot of obstacles to overcome. Faith was so worried that people would judge her for being with Diego that she wanted to keep their relationship quiet. And poor Diego was so smitten with her that he allowed her to treat him like a dirty little secret. I really didn't like that aspect of their relationship.

Honestly, the good parts of this story really reminded me of the Perfect Chemistry series. It's too bad the entire book wasn't as good as that series. One thing I really didn't like was how the characters were stereotyped. Overall, this was an average read for me. The ending was quite satisfying (after a crazy heart stopping moment when I wanted to throw my Kindle across the room.) But I'm still interested in reading the rest of the series and I'm willing to give it a chance.

My rating: 3 stars
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Waiting On Wednesday (144) Love and Other Theories by Alexis Bass

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Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking The Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we are eagerly anticipating.

Wednesday is my absolute favorite day of the week because I get to share the books that I am super excited about and can't wait to read.

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Expected publication: December 31st 2014 by HarperTeen

Synopsis from Goodreads:

If you want more, you have to give less.

That’s the secret to dating in high school. By giving as little as they expect to get in return, seventeen-year-old Aubrey Housing and her three best friends have made it to the second semester of their senior year heartbreak-free. And it’s all thanks to a few simple rules: don’t commit, don’t be needy, and don’t give away your heart.

So when smoking-hot Nathan Diggs transfers to Lincoln High, it shouldn’t be a big deal. At least that’s what Aubrey tells herself. But Nathan’s new-boy charm, his kindness, and his disarming honesty throw Aubrey off her game and put her in danger of breaking the most important rule of all: Don’t fall in love.

This sounds like a cute contemporary, and you know how much I love my contemporaries! I'm interested in seeing what this debut author has to offer.

What are you waiting on this week?
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Review: Dream Boy by Mary Crockett and Madelyn Rosenberg

Dream BoyDream Boy by Mary Crockett and Madelyn Rosenberg

Publication Date: July 1, 2014
Page Count: 336
Published by: Sourcebooks Fire
Source: eArc received from publisher in exchange for an honest review

Synopsis from Goodreads:

Annabelle Manning feels like she’s doing time at her high school in Chilton, Virginia. She has her friends at her lunchtime table of nobodies. What she doesn’t have are possibilities. Or a date for Homecoming. Things get more interesting at night, when she spends time with the boy of her dreams. But the blue-eyed boy with the fairytale smile is just that—a dream. Until the Friday afternoon he walks into her chemistry class.

One of friends suspects he’s an alien. Another is pretty sure it’s all one big case of deja vu. While Annabelle doesn’t know what to think, she’s willing to believe that the charming Martin Zirkle may just be her dream come true. But as Annabelle discovers the truth behind dreams—where they come from and what they mean—she is forced to face a dark reality she had not expected. More than just Martin has arrived in Chilton. As Annabelle learns, if dreams can come true, so can nightmares.

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Dream Boy was a book that I first saw on NetGalley, and the synopsis intrigued me enough that I immediately requested it. Unfortunately, I was a bit disappointed after reading this book. Not that it was terrible, it's just that all of the elements didn't quite come together in a good way, and that made it a bit boring.

My main problems with this story were that I didn't really like any of the characters, and they weren't very well developed. I thought Annabelle was okay, but she was waaaaaay too accepting of what was happening, almost like she was afraid to question Martin's appearance. Martin, aka Dream Boy, wasn't all that dreamy to me. In fact, he really didn't impress me at all. He was kind of weird and quite clingy and possessive and just too 'perfect'. I think Will was the best of the bunch. He seemed cute and sweet, and I really wish I had gotten to see more of him. Even though I didn't really 'like' her, Talon was probably the most interesting character because she possessed quite an attitude. She was full of spunk and wasn't afraid to speak her mind.

I was really surprised by Annabelle's lack of shock over her dream boy coming to life. This guy straight up walked right out of her dreams and she didn't give it a second thought. I know I would have been more than a little freaked out! After Martin arrived, other weird things started going on, and Annabelle had to figure out the mystery of her disturbing nightmare before it became a reality too!

Dream Boy had such an intriguing premise, but the story just fell short for me. The concept of how Annabelle dreamed Martin into existence wasn't explained well enough, so it left me with more questions than answers. The story was interesting enough to keep me reading, but it wasn't enough to make this more than just an average book. Overall, this was just an okay read for me, and that makes me sad because I had such high hopes going into it.

My rating: 3 stars
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Waiting On Wednesday (143) Sway by Kat Spears

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Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking The Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we are eagerly anticipating.

Wednesday is my absolute favorite day of the week because I get to share the books that I am super excited about and can't wait to read.

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Expected publication: September 16th 2014 by St. Martin's Griffin

Synopsis from Goodreads:

In Kat Spears’s hilarious and often poignant debut, high school senior Jesse Alderman, or "Sway," as he’s known, could sell hell to a bishop. He also specializes in getting things people want---term papers, a date with the prom queen, fake IDs. He has few close friends and he never EVER lets emotions get in the way. For Jesse, life is simply a series of business transactions.

But when Ken Foster, captain of the football team, leading candidate for homecoming king, and all-around jerk, hires Jesse to help him win the heart of the angelic Bridget Smalley, Jesse finds himself feeling all sorts of things. While following Bridget and learning the intimate details of her life, he falls helplessly in love for the very first time. He also finds himself in an accidental friendship with Bridget’s belligerent and self-pitying younger brother who has cerebral palsy. Suddenly, Jesse is visiting old folks at a nursing home in order to run into Bridget, and offering his time to help the less fortunate, all the while developing a bond with this young man who idolizes him. Could the tin man really have a heart after all?

A Cyrano de Bergerac story with a modern twist, Sway is told from Jesse’s point of view with unapologetic truth and biting humor, his observations about the world around him untempered by empathy or compassion---until Bridget’s presence in his life forces him to confront his quiet devastation over a life-changing event a year earlier and maybe, just maybe, feel something again.

There are SO many reasons why I want to read this book- contemporary, standalone, bad boy, male POV.... and did you read that synopsis? I'm so glad for the cover change too. Give this to me now please.

What are you waiting on this week?
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Review: Gasp (Visions #3) by Lisa McMann

Gasp (Visions, #3)Gasp (Visions #3) by Lisa McMann

Publication Date: June 3, 2014
Page Count: 256
Published by: Simon Pulse
Source: Borrowed from the Library

Synopsis from Goodreads:

After narrowly surviving two harrowing tragedies, Jules now fully understands the importance of the visions that she and people around her are experiencing. She’s convinced that if the visions passed from her to Sawyer after she saved him, then they must now have passed from Sawyer to one of the people he saved.

That means it’s up to Jules to figure out which of the school shooting survivors is now suffering from visions of another crisis. And once she realizes who it is, she has to convince that survivor that this isn't all crazy—that the images are of something real. Something imminent.

As the danger escalates more than ever before in the conclusion to the Visions series, Jules wonders if she'll finally find out why and how this is happening—before it's too late to prevent disaster.

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Gasp is the third and final book in the Visions series, and it's just as wonderful and enjoyable as the first two. I really can't believe that this is the final book. I've become so attached to these characters that I don't want their story to be over yet!

For me, what has made this such an excellent series is the characters. I could go on and on about how awesome they are. I love the siblings and their everyday interactions because they felt so real to me. I loved all of the inside jokes, the endless witty banter, and their quirky personalities.

Jules was such a strong character and so easy to like. She was willing to takes risks and she was so eager to help everyone, even complete strangers. I have totally adored Trey since his very first scene in the first book, and I don't think I'll ever get over him. He was such a great character to read about, and he was a good friend and brother. He was lovely and all around awesome to me. I'm glad little sister Rowan played a larger part in this story. She really grew up over the course of this series, and she stepped up and did her share to help out this time around. Sawyer got more and more awesome over time, and he turned into such a thoughtful and wonderful character. He's also cute and adorable and makes a great book boyfriend. A new addition is Trey's friend, Ben, who was carried over from the second book. He was solid and reliable and such a good guy. I couldn't help but love him too.

Gasp is fast paced, action packed, and full of friendships and romance. It was thrilling and suspenseful and a quick read for me because I couldn't put it down. I have to admit that the entire Visions trilogy has been so enjoyable to me. I really can't recommend it enough. It has great writing, wonderful dialogue, and a terrific cast of very diverse characters. Each book has a fresh take on the visions, so the surprises in the plot never stop coming. I didn't know how this was all going to end, but I thought the conclusion was well played.

How many times have I used the word 'awesome' in this review? I actually don't think I can say it enough! You just need to read this series and find out for yourselves how great it really is!

My rating: 4 of 5 stars
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Waiting On Wednesday (142) Blue Lily, Lily Blue (The Raven Cycle #3) by Maggie Stiefvater

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Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking The Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we are eagerly anticipating.

Wednesday is my absolute favorite day of the week because I get to share the books that I am super excited about and can't wait to read.

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Expected publication: October 21st 2014 by Scholastic Press

Synopsis from Goodreads:

The third installment in the mesmerizing series from the irrepressible, #1 NEW YORK TIMES bestselling author Maggie Stiefvater.

There is danger in dreaming. But there is even more danger in waking up.

Blue Sargent has found things. For the first time in her life, she has friends she can trust, a group to which she can belong. The Raven Boys have taken her in as one of their own. Their problems have become hers, and her problems have become theirs.

The trick with found things though, is how easily they can be lost.

Friends can betray.
Mothers can disappear.
Visions can mislead.
Certainties can unravel.

I think we're all waiting on this one!!! I loved The Raven Boys beyond reason. The Dream Thieves was meh for me because I thought it was a little all over the place. There was a lot going on, yet not much happened (at least in my mind.) The boys (and Blue) were all off doing their own thing and they were never together as a group. And the little reveal about Ronan? That was obvious to me in the first book, and it was one of the reasons I adore him. I'm looking for Blue Lily, Lily Blue to bring back the magic!

What are you waiting on this week?
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July Recap and August TBR

Somehow another month has flown by. I can't believe my daughter goes back to school in 10 days!!!! She is a Junior now, and this has me wondering where has the time gone???

I only read 5 books last month, but they were all good ones. It's worth mentioning that Gasp, Through To You, and Magnolia were exceptionally awesome! And it looks like I have more great books waiting to be read in August.

Read in July:

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August TBR:

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As usual, I've been busy working in my Etsy Shop. I have new items going up on a daily basis. Here are just a few of the items you can find in my shop.




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Review: Magnolia by Kristi Cook

MagnoliaMagnolia by Kristi Cook

Publication Date: August 5, 2014
Page Count: 384
Published by: Simon & Schuster
Source: eArc received from publisher in exchange for an honest review

Synopsis from Goodreads:

In Magnolia Branch, Mississippi, the Cafferty and Marsden families are southern royalty. Neighbors since the Civil War, the families have shared vacations, holidays, backyard barbecues, and the overwhelming desire to unite their two clans by marriage. So when a baby boy and girl were born to the families at the same time, the perfect opportunity seemed to have finally arrived.

Jemma Cafferty and Ryder Marsden have no intention of giving in to their parents’ wishes. They’re only seventeen, for goodness’ sake, not to mention that one little problem: They hate each other! Jemma can’t stand Ryder’s nauseating golden-boy persona, and Ryder would like nothing better than to pretend stubborn Jemma doesn’t exist.

But when a violent storm ravages Magnolia Branch, it unearths Jemma’s and Ryder’s true feelings for each other as the two discover that the line between love and hate may be thin enough to risk crossing over.

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This book was SO good! I loved every page. I know my review won't be able to convey the awesomeness that is this book, so you'll just have to read it for yourself.

Jemma was smart and fun and easy for me to relate to. I thought she was sort of cool in her own way, and she was really good at whatever she tried her hand at. Ryder was beyond sweet and adorable. He was a total southern gentleman, dreamy and wonderful and almost too good to be true! Of course I absolutely loved him! It was refreshing to see both of them act like normal teenagers, worrying about dating and grades and college. And I loved that they weren't afraid to show how much they cared about their families and friends.

Jemma and Ryder were such likable characters, and they were so good together that I couldn't help but want things to work out for them. Their family history dates back to the Civil War, and their mothers have been planning their wedding since the day they were born. I thought their mothers were hilarious (in a ridiculous sort of way) because of how passionate they were about Jemma and Ryder becoming a couple. Sometime during 8th grade, Jemma and Ryder had a major falling out, and they hadn't been close since. But the families are blind to their turmoil, so they are still continuously thrown together.

Jemma and Ryder must overcome their 'destiny' and find out if what they feel for each other is real and lasting. Do they really want to be together and have a future, or are they are just going along with their parents wishes? To me, it was quite obvious that they cared about each other, but I enjoyed trying to figure out if it was a brotherly/sisterly type of affection or possibly something more.

Overall, Magnolia was a sweet and fun summer read. Along with the wonderful writing and enjoyable story, it also had great secondary characters, loving, caring parents, and a terrific Southern setting. This book really has a lot to offer anyone who loves romantic contemporary YA stories without a lot of unnecessary drama. Magnolia was one of my most anticipated reads so far this year. I had such high hopes for this story, and I'm happy to say that it exceeded my expectations!

My rating: 5 of 5 stars
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