Friday Memes 9/18

Hosted by: Ramblings of a Coffee Addicted Writer

The Question:

Where do you keep your passwords for all of your different sites? 

My Answer:

Ok this question is just a little weird...I keep my passwords in my head.

Hosted by: Rose City Reader

"Please join me every Friday to share the first sentence (or so) of the book you are reading, along with your initial thoughts about the sentence, impressions of the book, or anything else the opener inspires. Please remember to include the title of the book and the author's name."

Her father would never forgive her.
Grace Elizabeth Mabry stood in her flowing green costume on the steps outside the grand London home of Lady Eleanor Bassett, Dowager Countess of Avonshire, and clutched a tiny gold box to her chest.
Not by Sight by Kate Breslin

My Thoughts
Great beginning! Totally grabbed my attention and kept me reading!

The Lost Heiress by Roseanna M. White

About the Book
Brook Eden has never known where she truly belongs. Though raised in the palace of Monaco, she's British by birth and was brought to the Grimaldis under suspicious circumstances as a babe. When Brook's friend Justin uncovers the fact that Brook is likely a missing heiress from Yorkshire, Brook leaves the sun of the Mediterranean to travel to the moors of the North Sea to the estate of her supposed family.
The mystery of her mother's death haunts her, and though her father is quick to accept her, the rest of the family and the servants of Whitby Park are not. Only when Brook's life is threatened do they draw close--but their loyalty may come too late to save Brook from the same threat that led to tragedy for her mother.
As heir to a dukedom, Justin is no stranger to balancing responsibilities. When the matters of his estate force him far from Brook, the distance between them reveals that what began as friendship has grown into something much more. But how can their very different loyalties and responsibilities ever come together?
And then, for a second time, the heiress of Whitby Park is stolen away because of the very rare treasure in her possession--and this time only the servants of Whitby can save her.

My Thoughts
I loved this book! It took me way longer to read than it should have, mainly due to the fact that I have been incredibly busy these past weeks! But that in no way reflects how much I enjoyed the story! To be honest as I started this book I was a little unsure how the plot would stretch for the over 430 page book, though I should have never doubted this author! Everything flowed brilliantly and the plot never slowed. I was totally swept away to historic England and I loved it. Brook was a fascinating heroine! I loved her free spirit and her determination to be who she was, though it was never in an obnoxious way. And even though Justin was occasionally misguided and too stubborn for his own good he was still a great hero and he was perfect for Brook. I also really enjoyed seeing Brook's relationship with her father blossom, it was beautiful!
This whole book was absolutely amazing and I loved it from start to finish! The adventure, bits of humor, the romance, and all the other relationships all came together to make a fabulous story that I highly recommend!

Meet the Author
Roseanna M. White pens her novels beneath her Betsy Ross flag, with her Jane Austen action figure watching over her. When not writing fiction, she's homeschooling her two children, editing and designing, and pretending her house will clean itself. Roseanna has a slew of historical novels available, ranging from biblical fiction to American-set romances to her new British series. She lives with her family in West Virginia. Learn more at www.RoseannaMWhite.com

I received this book free from the publisher in exchange for my review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Warm Bodies by Issac Marion

About the Book
R is having a no-life crisis—he is a zombie. He has no memories, no identity, and no pulse, but he is a little different from his fellow Dead. He may occasionally eat people, but he’d rather be riding abandoned airport escalators, listening to Sinatra in the cozy 747 he calls home, or collecting souvenirs from the ruins of civilization.
And then he meets a girl.

First as his captive, then his reluctant house guest, Julie is a blast of living color in R’s gray landscape, and something inside him begins to bloom. He doesn’t want to eat this girl—although she looks delicious—he wants to protect her. But their unlikely bond will cause ripples they can’t imagine, and their hopeless world won’t change without a fight.

My Thoughts
It is really hard to decide my feelings on this book. I've never really paid any attention to anything related to zombies but after seeing the trailer for the movie based on this book I kinda wanted to see it and since I always have to read the book first I requested it from my local library. For the first 60 pages I waffled between being kinda grossed out and about to put the book down unfinished, and being intrigued by the story and wanting to see how it ends. As evidenced by this review, the latter won out. The author did a pretty impressive job of walking that fine line of being realistic but not getting gorily graphic. I have a pretty weak stomach so I'm a pretty good judge of that. The whole plot was uniquely intriguing and R and Julie were interesting characters. I loved all the fact that R listened to Frank Sinatra records and that his songs were sprinkled throughout the book. There was a decent bit of language which I really don't enjoy reading but overall it was a rather interesting one time read and I am looking forward to seeing the movie.

Meet the Author
Isaac Marion grew up in the mossy depths of the Pacific Northwest, where he worked as a heating installer, a security guard, and a visitation supervisor for foster children before publishing his debut novel in 2010. Warm Bodies became a #5 New York Times bestseller and inspired a major Hollywood film adaptation. It has been translated into twenty-five languages worldwide. Isaac lives in Seattle with his cat and a beloved cactus, writing fiction and music and uploading his brain onto every social network. Visit isaacmarion.com for more on these endeavors.

Waiting on Wednesday #179: Every Girl Gets Confused

Hosted by Breaking the Spine.

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event that spotlights upcoming releases that we're
eagerly anticipating.

This week's pre-publication "can't-wait-to-read" selection is:

Every Girl Gets Confused by Janice Thompson 
Revell-October 6, 2015

About the Book

Katie Fisher and Brady James may be a match made in heaven, but that doesn't seem to guarantee them a happily ever after accompanied by angelic choirs. In fact, the sounds being heard at the bridal shop where she works are on the contentious side lately, as a bride- and groom-to-be try to mediate the growing rivalry between their basketball-obsessed families in the middle of play-off season. On top of that, Katie's parents are nagging her to get out of Dallas and come home to tiny Fairfield where her former boyfriend Carson is waiting for her, ready to rekindle their relationship. Oy vey! What's a girl to do? And will she ever be able to wear that gorgeous wedding dress she won?

The breezy fun continues as Janice Thompson throws everyone's favorite small-town girl into big-city bridal chaos--and makes her choose between the love she thought she lost and the love she stumbled upon in the aftermath.

Why I Want It

Janice Thompson's book always provide a good laugh!

Girl Meets Change by Kristen Strong

About the Book
Whether chosen and celebrated--like going off to college or welcoming your first baby--or unexpected and anxiety-inducing--like losing a job or grappling with a broken trust--all change brings stress. Kristen Strong knows about change--especially the kind you didn't choose or expect. What she's fought hard to learn over the years is that change is not something to be feared but something to be received as a blessing from a God who, more often than not, works through change, not in spite of it. Strong has learned to see change not as a grievance but as a grace.

In this hope-filled book, she shows women how when we follow God's will, we receive blessings of contentment, purpose, and renewed strength. She encourages women to see change not as the end of their story but as the scenery for this part of life's journey. And she offers practical advice for coping with change in every part of life. Anyone who has struggled to adjust to life's transitions will welcome this warm and personal perspective.

My Thoughts
I haven't faced too much change in my life and most of the change was the kind that I wanted. There were a few changes that were a little harder for me and some I handled well others not so well. To be honest I wasn't sure if I would get much out of this book, but I was wrong! This book was amazing! I wrote down so many quotes I lost count. The author changed the entire way I view change. It always just seemed like something that you had to get through but Kristen challenges us to look for the ways God is using the change to shape our lives. I definitely recommend this book to anyone and everyone out there and especially those who are facing changes whether good or bad!

Meet the Author
Kristen Strong is a popular blogger at Chasing Blue Skies (chasingblueskies.net) and DaySpring's (in)courage, as well as a writer whose work has appeared in MOMSense and Family Fun magazines. She and her husband, David, have three children. Together this military family has zig-zagged across the country (and one ocean!) several times, and they currently live in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

I received this book free from the publisher in exchange for my review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Top Ten of My Sister's Books I Want to Read

Top Ten Tuesday is a meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish

#1. The Blood of Kings Series by Jill Williamson

#2.Beautiful Chaos by Gary Russell

#3. Only Human by Gareth Roberts

#4. Mr. Kiss and Tell by Rob Thomas & Jennifer Graham

#5. Vigilante by Robin Parrish

#6. Patrick Bowers Novels by Steven James

#7. Betrayed by J.M. Windle

#8. A Constant Heart & Love's Pursuit by Siri Mitchell

#9. Escape from Fred by Brad Whittington

#10. Lion of Babylon by Davis Bunn

Harry Potter Series by J.K. Rowling

About the Series
Harry Potter is a series of seven fantasy novels written by British author J. K. Rowling. The series chronicles the adventures of a young wizard, Harry Potter, the titular character, and his friends Ronald Weasley and Hermione Granger, all of whom are students at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. The main story arc concerns Harry's quest to defeat the Dark wizard Lord Voldemort, who aims to become immortal, conquer the wizarding world, subjugate non-magical people, and destroy all those who stand in his way, especially Harry Potter.

My Thoughts
There have probably been millions of reviews written about these books and I was sorely tempted to not even try to contribute my thoughts. But I made a goal of reviewing every book I read this year so here I am. I am fudging it a bit by doing the whole series instead of book by book but it is just way easier this way.
Growing up my parents weren't a fan of the wizarding aspect of these books so I didn't get the chance to grow up with the characters like so many others. Thankfully these books are enjoyable even for adults. They did start out with a bit of a juvenile feel which I fully expected and it really wasn't bad. The books just got better and better and I definitely think book six was my favorite.

I enjoyed all of the characters even though several annoyed me here and there. I can definitely see what all the hype is about and I will most definitely be sharing these with my future kids!

Meet the Author
Joanne "Jo" Rowling, pen names J. K. Rowling and Robert Galbraith, is a British novelist best known as the author of the Harry Potter fantasy series. The books have gained worldwide attention, won multiple awards, and sold more than 400 million copies. They have become the best-selling book series in history and been the basis for a series of films which is the second highest-grossing film series in history. Rowling had overall approval on the scripts and maintained creative control by serving as a producer on the final installment.

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? #190

 Hosted By: Book Journey

Here is what I finished last week:

Sadly I really didn't get much reading done this week, but this was a really good book!

What I am currently reading:

Enjoying all of these!

What I hope to read this week:

Maybe I'll finally get to these this week!

Blog Posts
It's Not Monday! What Are You Reading? #189
Destined for Doon by Carey Corp & Lorie Langdon
Top Ten Series I Have Yet to Finish
Shades of Doon by Carey Corp & Lorie Langdon
Waiting on Wednesday #178: Lightning
Hope Rising by Stacy Henrie
Jupiter Winds by C.J. Darlington

Friday Memes 9/11
Kissing Adrien by Siri L. Mitchell
Love at Mistletoe Inn by Cindy Kirk
Dashing Through the Snow by Paige Rion

Hope you have a great reading week, thanks for taking the time to check out mine!

Leave your link below and I'll be sure to stop by!

Dashing Through the Snow by Paige Rion

About the Book
Wynn Murphy has been in love with Zane Anders since the day she laid eyes on him. But just when she begins to hope their casual relationship might turn into something more, a misunderstanding pushes her away.
At first sight, charming and handsome, ad executive, Zane Anders has been secretly infatuated with bake shop cutie, Wynn Murphy. This Christmas, he's determined to tell her.

Join Wynn and Zane in this delightful holiday novelette as Zane goes dashing through the snow in an effort to capture Wynn's heart.

My Thoughts
Oh where to begin? I really didn't like much of anything about this book. First of all it was marketed as a Christian book but I can't recall a single mention of God unless it was to take his name in vain, there was also a decent amount of swearing, and it seemed like the hero had been living with his previous girlfriend. In addition to that I wasn't overly impressed with the characters or the plot. So if you are expecting a sweet Christian story this sadly isn't it.

Meet the Author

Paige Rion is a contemporary romance author. She's a mother, wife, blogger, hopeless chocoholic, coffee-addicted, wine-lover. Her debut, novel--a new adult romance--Written On Her Heart, is the first in the Callaway Cove series. She is also the author of the new adult romance serial, Claiming Callie. The fourth and final installment of Claiming Callie is due out in October, followed by the release of the second Callaway Cove novel. 

She loves connecting with readers on her blog and social media. You can visit her website at http://paigerion.com/

I received this book free from the publisher in exchange for my review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Love at Mistletoe Inn by Cindy Kirk

About the Book
Sometimes the road to happiness is paved with youthful mistakes.
Hope Prentiss didn’t go to the Harmony High School senior prom. Instead, she and John Burke drove to Boise and got married. At eighteen. But when Hope panicked after saying “I do,” the mail-order preacher assured her he just wouldn’t send in the paperwork. No forms, no marriage, no problem. Right?
Well . . .
Now, ten years later, Hope discovers that her prom-night wedding counted—and, as fate would have it, the jilted John Burke has just ridden back into town. And he’s staying with her Aunt Verna at the inn where she and Hope host weddings. Though Hope thinks she wants an annulment, a little time with John makes her think twice . . . and emotions between the more-or-less Mr. and Mrs. Burke reach a boiling point a soon as they get a moment alone.
With annulment out the window, Hope finds herself staring in the face of a divorce. But after spending some time with John and helping plan a Christmas wedding for a mystery couple, Hope begins to wonder if she really wants a divorce … or a real wedding of her own.

My Thoughts
This book was a bit of a disappointment for me, so I'm going to keep this short. I wasn't a huge fan of any of the characters, the storyline didn't really flow, and there was lots of head-hopping which is one of my biggest pet peeves. There was also one circumstance that not only seemed ridiculous but also really lowered my already low opinion of this book and the characters. All in all there really wasn't anything I enjoyed about this book, sadly, since I was really hoping it would be good.

Meet the Author
Cindy Kirk sold her first book in 1999 as a result of a contest win which garnered a critique of the entire manuscript. She’s been writing―and selling―ever since. Cindy has been a Booksellers’ Best Award Winner, a finalist for the National Readers’ Choice Awards and a Publishers Weekly best seller. Cindy has served on the Board of Directors of the Romance Writers of America (RWA) since 2007. In November 2014, she began serving as President of the 10,000+ member organization. She’s a frequent speaker at not only the national RWA conferences, but large regional writing conferences. She has also presented at smaller retreats and conferences across the country. She lives on an acreage in Nebraska with her high school sweetheart husband of too-many-years-to-count and their three “boys” (a shih tzu, a blue heeler and a dorkie). Their daughter lives close by with her wonderful husband and their two little girls.

I received this book free from the publisher in exchange for my review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.