Thursday, December 31, 2015

Reading is Better With Cupcake's Year End Wrap Up *2015*

Hi Everyone,

The year 2015 is coming to a close.  It has been a super wild 365 days.  As you know this is the year I became a mom and a stay at home one at that.  It is also the year I started my blog.

I have read so much this past year!  It is crazy!  My grand total is 135 books!!!  Can you believe it?  That is an insane amount!  To be fair though, a good portion of those are picture books, but picture books are still books and they count.  Also, it is very rare that you get to read a picture book only once (but I did only count them towards my total 1 time!), so I figure I should count them.  Even if they are excluded from the final count, a little over half of these 135 were middle grade or higher.  That is still a whole heck of a lot of books!

So for fun, here are my favorites for this past year.


Picture Book



Middle Grade



Young Adult Contemporary/Romance



Young Adult Fantasy/Science Fiction




Young Adult Fiction




Adult




Cookbook/Craft/Hobby




Adult Coloring Book




Biography/Memoir




It was really hard to choose which books to put into these arbitrary categories (except for biography/memoir...I only read 1 of those, but it was a good one!).  I also didn't put the books that I have read already that are coming out in 2016.


2016 January Releases Not to be Missed



I have read a lot of fantastic books, I have made a lot of new book loving friends, and I can only hope for more of the same thing to happen in 2016.

My reading goals for 2016:
  1. 150 books (gasp!)
  2. Do at least 1 reread a month
  3. Read at least 1 indy/self published book a month
  4. Read one back list title a month
  5. Read 1 classic
  6. Read 1 biography/memoir
  7. Up my Netgalley percentage to atleast 50 (higher would be fantastic!)
  8. To keep up the love of reading and to share my book love with others


I WISH YOU ALL HAPPY READING IN 2016!




Wednesday, December 30, 2015

Blog Tour: Up to this Pointe by Jennifer Longo


Title: Up to this Pointe
Author: Jennifer Longo
Series: Stand Alone
Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: January 19 2016
Source: Netgalley

Have you ever wanted something so much that you did everything in your power to be able to get it?  That you dedicated almost every waking moment to getting it?

I can't say that I personally have, but I am not a stranger to this idea.

Up to this Pointe is about Harper.  Harper is a ballerina.  She has been putting her all into it for the majority of her life.  Her ultimate goal is to be able to join up with the San Francisco ballet company and become a professional ballerina.

She and her best friend have had it figured out.  They know exactly what they have to do to get what they want and they will do everything in their power to get it.

This story is kind of told in two parts.  Every other chapter you are with Harper in Antarctica.  Then the chapters you aren't there, you are learning what happened to her that led her to go there.  I thought that this was well done.  The transitions between the two parts felt very smooth and they did not disrupt the flow of the story.

I also felt that Harper love for the ballet was beautifully done.  I could feel her love and her attachment to it.  While I read through Up to this Pointe I kept picturing ballet dancers in my minds eye.  It almost made me want to get up and put on some pointe shoes (don't worry I didn't...I do not have the feet for them!).  I also appreciated how Jennifer Longo didn't make a huge deal out of some issues that dancers seem to face (yay for avoiding stereotyping!).  She does skirt around them though.  Could she have gone a little deeper?  Probably, but I really liked that she kept this story light (but with a lesson!).

Now, while I cannot say if Jennifer Longo managed to portray Antarctica accurately, I am from the Bay Area myself and the other part of this story takes place in San Francisco.  I think she did a great job with that location.  It made me miss it.  I wanted to go visit the city, take a walk on the busy sidewalks, and see if I could locate some of the locations that she was talking about.

Also, after reading this I would be surprised if Jennifer is not a huge Star Wars fan.  Star Wars references are strong in this one.

All in all, I really enjoyed reading Up to this Pointe.  It was a wonderful read.  It has a fantastic lesson within it while still being a light and fluffy read.

My Rating
4.5 stars!


This review is based on an eARC provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Tuesday, December 29, 2015

Explore Your Creative Side (#5)

Hi everyone!

It is that time of the month again where I share with you some crafty/hobby filled books with you to help you explore your creative side!

This month I have for you a cookbook which uses my most favorite kitchen tool, the slow cooker!  It is my most favorite because it is practically the only one I know how to use...that and practically all the recipes I come across it are super easy!

Then I also have two coloring books for you.  I'm sorry I couldn't be more creative myself and give you 3 different types of crafting/hobby books, but I have an abundance of coloring books because....well...I am addicted to them.

There I said it.  I am addicted to coloring books.

Anyways, I hope you enjoy and I will see you again next month with even more!




Title: The Crockin' Girls: It's Our Crockin' Life
Authors: Nicole Sparks and Jenna Marwitz
Publisher: CPG holdings, LLC
Publication Date: August 4, 2015
Source: Purchased
Rating: 5 stars

This one is just as great, if not better than the last cookbook The Crockin Girls put out!


This one is not set up by types of food like the last one. Instead it has categories like "The Holidayer", "The Entertainer", "The Explorer", "The Budgeter" etc. The idea is that this installment is for different types of lifestyles. This is nice if you are looking for something to take over to a family members house around the holidays or are thinking of trying something new that you would not have thought of doing before.

That being said, the downside is that you can't just ask yourself "what should I do with this chicken" and flip to the section that is filled with only chicken recipes. You will have to do a bit more looking than that.

I also found it pretty interesting that under "The Explorer" section that there were a couple of recipes for non-food items. There was one for playdough (pg. 241) and there was another for crayons (pg 242)! Neither of these two things are something I would have ever thought to make with my crockpot!

Wonderfully, each recipe comes with a picture and all the recipes are easy to understand.

This is a must have for those who enjoy cooking meals and treats with their crockpots!






Title: Every Little Thing: A Flat Vernacular Coloring Book
Author: Payton Cosell Turner
Series: Stand Alone
Publisher: Potter Style
Publication Date: November 3, 2015
Rating: 3 stars

I get a little excited about coloring books.  Especially when they are ones that I have no knowledge of.  It is like getting a well kept secret.  I get to open the pages and be surprised, and hopefully blown away.

Sadly, this coloring book was not the kind that blew me away.  Is it bad?  No.  It just isn't my thing.  Let me tell you why.

I find myself liking coloring books with more details and nicely drawn out designs.  These are two things I thought that this coloring book lacked.  The drawings of the items, to me at least, seemed to be more of the swiggly line kind.  Something I could have drawn myself.  The kind you HOPE people will see the item you actually intended it to be.  Then the designs themselves were just repeating images over and over.  While these are nice sometimes, I do not want a whole book of them.  

Something I did like though was that not all the lines were in black.  Some of them were in color.  This is the first coloring book that I have come across that has done this (and I look at a lot of them). So to me, that is a detail it contains that definitely sets it apart from others.

In regards to the basics, the paper quality is nice.  However, the pages are double sided, so use markers at your own risk.

This review is based on a copy provided by Blogging for Books in exchange for a fair and honest review.





Title: Super Awesome Coloring Book
Author: Mark Cesark
Editor: Jenean Morrison
Series: Stand Alone
Publisher: Test Pattern Press
Publication Date: September 11, 2015
Source: Author
Rating: 4.5 stars

At first glance, this coloring books cover is a bit busy and hard to read which sadly may make some over look it and not even give it another though.  Don't be that person!

This coloring book is filled to the brim.  It has 50 different pages for you to color and they are all one sided!  So if you really want to frame one after you finish, you don't have to worry about losing a different page.  

That being said, the paper quality in this one is only okay.  I would definitely put a page between the page you are working on and the one that comes after it if you want to use markers.  Thankfully they made this possible though (seriously more coloring books need to have single sided pages!).

The designs range from very simple to pretty complex so you will be able to find something to suit your current mood.  You should be able to find hours of enjoyment in this Super Awesome Coloring Book!

This review is based on a copy provided by the author in exchange for a fair and honest review.


Monday, December 28, 2015

Book Blitz: The Touch by Michelle Bolanger


Alexander Koch lives a life most men would kill for. As the sole heir to his family’s enormous wealth, he enjoys the finer things in life despite the crippling pain that increases with every passing day. Until he meets the one he's intended for. The one whose slightest touch makes the pain vanish. But after a chance meeting at the first Gathering of their kind, the girl runs from him in terror. Now he’s willing to spend every last cent to find her.

Jessalyn Vogt escaped her father’s controlling ways and has settled into a simple life, caring for her horses and brewing coffee for her customers. Until Alexander Koch tracks her down. She wants nothing to do with his arrogance, his money, or the undeniable attraction drawing her to him. But she knows she is the only one who can relieve him of the horrible pain racking his body.

The Cotiere has been reunited, but that was the easy part. Greed and old traditions threaten to tear it apart again. Trust has been compromised and hidden agendas are destroying the fragile truce between parents and children. It’s in the hands of the new counsel to keep it together, even if it means some must be willing to lose everything.

Exerpt:
       Fighting to keep the echo of confusion out of her voice, she replied as coldly as she could. "I'll have your pour over right up, Alex, but I have work to do."
   
     Alexander stiffened, and she flinched harder this time, sure he would raise his voice. His expression grew puzzled. "If you don't mind please, it's Alexander, and I can wait until you have the time." His tone never changed, but there was doubt in his face. He slid a fifty-dollar bill across the counter, his stance softening when she didn't immediately take the offered money. "Keep the change, Jessi."

     Frustrated by her body's response to him, and angry at his ridiculous tip, she gritted her teeth. She swiped the bill off the counter, slapped it into the register, and slid his full change back. Hurt flickered on his face before she turned away and let her echo punctuate her frustration. "I can't be bought." Instead of the anger she expected, she was hit with his confusion. Her own doubt was followed by regret, but she reminded herself who he was. He's just not used to anyone telling him no. He'll get over it.

     Her eyes involuntarily rose to the mirror as she reached for a mug and pour over vessel. Peter was leaning against the far wall with his left foot planted beside the opposite knee. His arms were crossed while he watched them. Peter lifted his chin toward her as a satisfied quirk curled his lip. Unfolding his arms and kicking away from the wall, he took a seat across from Alexander at a table near the counter. Sitting together, they looked like two lions prepared to wait for their next meal. A cold shiver raked Jessi's back at the thought.

Author Bio:
Michelle Bolanger has been an avid reader all her life. In 2014 and with the encouragement of her family and friends, she decided to take the leap and publish her own books. The Kiss is her first full length novel and the beginning of what is to be a four book series titled The Cotiere Chronicles. Michelle is also a talented vocalist and amateur photographer. She enjoys going on cruises, cheering for her favorite professional hockey team, and falling asleep to the sound of auto racing on TV. Michelle lives in Ohio with her husband and two dogs.
Website: http://www.michellebolanger.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/michellebolangerauthor/
Twitter:  https://twitter.com/MBolangerAuthor
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mbolangerauthor/






Super Middle Grade Mondays: 2015 MG Wrap Up with Giveaway #SuperMGMondays

MGMondays-Bannernew
 
Welcome to this week’s Super Middle Grade Mondays presented by Tantrum Books/Month9books!
We hope you are having an amazing holiday season.
Today, we are wrapping up the new year and featuring the 2015 MG reads from Tantrum Books/Month9Books.
Ring in the new year with one of these titles!
Be sure to enter the giveaway found at the end of the post!
 
Joshua-Cover
Stay away from the window, don’t go outside when it’s storming and whatever you do, do not touch the orb.
Twelve-year-old Joshua Cooper’s grandpa has always warned him about the dangers of lightning. But Joshua never put much stock in his grandpa’s rumblings as anything more than the ravings of an old man with a vast imagination. Then one night, when Joshua and his best friend are home alone during a frightful storm, Joshua learns his grandpa was right. A bolt of lightning strikes his house and whisks away his best friend—possibly forever.
To get him back, Joshua must travel the Lightning Road to a dark place that steals children for energy. But getting back home and saving his friend won’t be easy, as Joshua must face the terrifying Child Collector and fend off ferocious and unnatural beasts intent on destroying him.
In this world, Joshua possesses powers he never knew he had, and soon, Joshua’s mission becomes more than a search for his friend. He means to send all the stolen children home—and doing so becomes the battle of his life.
add to goodreads
 
About-the-Author2
Donna Galanti
Donna is the author of the Joshua and The Lightning Road series and the Element Trilogy. She is a contributing editor to International Thriller Writers the Big Thrill magazine and blogs at www.project-middle-grade-mayhem.blogs..., a cooperative of published middle grade authors. Visit her at www.donnagalanti.com and www.ElementTrilogy.com. Donna wanted to be a writer ever since she wrote a murder mystery screenplay at seven and acted it out with the neighborhood kids. She attended an English school housed in a magical castle, where her wild imagination was held back only by her itchy uniform (bowler hat and tie included!). There she fell in love with the worlds of C.S. Lewis and Roald Dahl, and wrote her first fantasy about Dodo birds, wizards, and a flying ship (and has been writing fantasy ever since). She’s lived in other exotic locations, including her family-owned campground in New Hampshire and in Hawaii where she served as a U.S. Navy photographer. She now lives with her family and two crazy cats in an old farmhouse and dreams of returning one day to a castle.
Author Links: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads
 
Strange-Country-Day-Cover
Alexander Graham Ptuiac, the son of an inventor, wants to play for the school’s football team. During tryouts, and under the watchful eye of the team’s coach, he suddenly manifests mysterious superhuman powers. Alexander makes the team, but not before the some ill-intended adults take notice, putting his life in danger.
Alex struggles to suppress and control his strange new abilities, worried about exposing his secret and being kicked off the football team. Then he befriends Dex, a diminutive classmate who can somehow jump as high as ten feet in the air. Seems Alex isn’t the only one at school with a secret.
As the school year unfolds, Alex will find himself the target of bullies, holding hands with his first crush and discovering the shocking truth about himself and his parents.
add to goodreads
 
About-the-Author2
Charles Curtis
Charles Curtis is a writer and journalist based in New York City. He has reported and written for publications including NJ.com (where he is currently the site’s sports buzz reporter), The Daily, ESPN.com, ESPN the Magazine, Bleacher Report, TV Guide and Entertainment Weekly. Charles has covered the NFL, MLB, NHL, NBA, golf, tennis and NASCAR. He has also written about television, film and pop culture.
In addition, Curtis has also written, produced and was featured in videos for ESPN.com and The Daily. He has made radio appearances on stations including 92.9 The Ticket in Bangor, Maine, WLIE 540 AM in Long Island and on morning shows across Canada via the CBC. He can be reached on Twitter: @charlescurtis82.
Connect with the Author: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram
 
Super-Freak-Cover
Thirteen-year-old Caroline is a freak. Her parents have uprooted her to a town full of Supernaturals. You’d think she’d be thrilled. But, with someone without a magical bone in her body, this daughter of tree sprites feels like even more of an outcast than she has ever before.
To make matters worse, her new home is cursed. But when Caroline takes to investigating the mysterious and strange happenings of Harridan House, her BFF goes missing. Seems someone doesn’t want Caroline sticking her non-magical nose where it most certainly does not belong. Determined to prove herself, Caroline uncovers a plot to destroy her new hometown.
Undeterred, Caroline can’t give up. But what’s a human without magical powers to do? Caroline better figure it out fast, before she loses everything she has ever loved and the whispers she’s heard all her life prove true: Caroline is a useless superfreak.
add to goodreads
 
About-the-Author2

Vanessa Barger was born in West Virginia, and through several moves ended up spending the majority of her life in Virginia Beach, Virginia. She is a graduate of George Mason University and Old Dominion University, and has degrees in Graphic Design, a minor in Medieval and Renaissance Literature, and a Masters in Technology Education. She has had articles published in Altered Arts Magazine, has had some artwork displayed in galleries in Ohio and online, and currently teaches engineering, practical physics, drafting and other technological things to high school students in the Hampton Roads area of Virginia. She is a member of the SCBWI (Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators), the Virginia Writer’s Club, and the Hampton Roads Writers. When not writing or teaching, she’s a bookaholic, movie fanatic, and loves to travel. She is married to a fabulous man, and has one cat, who believes Vanessa lives only to open cat food cans, and can often be found baking when she should be editing.
Connect with the Author: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads | Pinterest |YouTube
 
giveaway2
Complete the Rafflecopter below for a chance to win!
 
Chapter-by-Chapter-blog-tour-button
 

Sunday, December 27, 2015

Spotlight: The Aftermath by R.J. Prescott


Title: The Aftermath
Author: R.J. Prescott
Series: The Hurricane #2
Publisher: Forever
Publication Date: December 15, 2015


THE AFTERMATH Summary:
When you’ve got nothing, you’ve got nothing to lose. But what happens when you have everything you ever wanted? You fight to keep it.

Cormac “the Hurricane” O’Connell’s star is on the rise. Billed as the most promising young boxer of his generation, his new career is taking him to places he never dreamed. But O’Connell only needs one thing in life: his wife. In her final year of college, Em cannot follow him around the world but together they make it work.

Just when everything they ever wanted is on the horizon, the past resurfaces to haunt them and O’Connell realizes that justice might not be a part of his happy ever after.

He couldn’t protect Em once before, but in the aftermath of the hurricane, he will make sure that never happens again.




R.J. Prescott Bio:
I was born in Cardiff, South Wales although I left to study law at the University of Bristol, England. Four weeks before graduation I fell in love, and stayed. Ten years later I convinced my crazy, wonderful fire fighter husband to move back to Cardiff with me where we live with our two equally crazy sons.

Juggling work, writing and family doesn't leave a lot of time, but curling up on the sofa with a cup of tea and a bar of chocolate for family movie night is definitely the best part of my week. "The Hurricane" is my debut USA Today Best Selling New Adult Novel.

Facebook Link:

Twitter Link:

Goodreads Link:

Amazon THE HURRICANE:

Amazon THE AFTERMATH:

Friday, December 18, 2015

Behind the Blog (#1) - Why I Became a Book Blogger



This past year has been a complete whirlwind.  I barely remember it starting.  Then there were the points of time where I thought I would never get to sleep again or to find time to eat (both problems are solved, but I do wish I could get even more sleep).

This is the year I became a mom.  This is the year I became a stay at home parent.  This is the year where I learned that being a stay at home parent is extremely lonely.  This is the year I learned who my true friends really are.

This is also the year I rediscovered my love of reading and became a book blogger.

Tomorrow my blog turns 6 months old, a magic number so I have been told.  I can only wonder what people mean by that.  So many great things have already to my little blog, I find the thought of much more awesomeness happening to it mind blowing.

So I thought to commemorate this huge milestone I would introduce you to my new little feature Behind the Blog.  I plan to use Behind the Blog to help you all get to know me better and for conversational posts.  My thoughts and opinions.  Things like that.  I thought the best way to start this off was to tell you why I started a blog in the first place.

As I already mentioned, this year I became a stay at home mom.  The stay at home mom life can be incredibly boring.  There is a lot more down time than one would thing.  Yeah, I could probably do more cleaning or something, but I hate cleaning...

This is life is also extremely lonely.  There are a lot of things that have factored into the loneliness that I was experiencing.  My husband works super long hours.  We were down to one car for awhile so I couldn't go any where.  My "friends" kept cancelling plans on me, etc etc etc.

So I started filling my time up with putting together puzzles.  Then I ran out of those.  I started coloring and crafting, but you can only do that so much before you go nuts (I still do that).  Video games and tv filled up the silence with noise.

I also started reading again.  I had always been a reader.  I had been a bookseller for about 6 years before I started my new career as a stay at home mom.  I always used my Goodreads account too.  However, you will see a dramatic difference between my reviews before and after my blog.

I realized at some point that I wasn't putting much thought in my reviews.  I was just writing "I liked it" or "it was good."  Short things like that.  Nothing else.  No real substance.  I realized that was not a good way to keep my brain functioning and sharp, so I thought about what I could do that would fix that.

My answer was to create a book blog.  And like I normally do with things, I went all in.  I made the blog, did research on how to get ARCs (having been a bookseller before I knew they existed) and how to connect to others (now I am addicted to Twitter...).

I have had a blast.  I am so happy that I found book blogging and that it fit me perfectly.  I have met a lot of wonderful people.  I get to help the authors and publishers out.  It is just a wonderful fit.  I wouldn't have it any other way.



Thursday, December 17, 2015

Excerpt Tour: Thief of Lies by Brenda Drake




Thief of Lies (Library Jumpers, #1)
Release date:  1/5/16
Author: Brenda Drake

About the book:

Gia Kearns would rather fight with boys than kiss them. That is, until Arik, a leather clad hottie in the Boston Athenaeum, suddenly disappears. While examining the book of world libraries he abandoned, Gia unwittingly speaks the key that sucks her and her friends into a photograph and transports them into a Paris library, where Arik and his Sentinels—magical knights charged with protecting humans from the creatures traveling across the gateway books—rescue them from a demonic hound.

Jumping into some of the world's most beautiful libraries would be a dream come true for Gia, if she weren’t busy resisting her heart or dodging an exiled wizard seeking revenge on both the Mystik and human worlds. Add a French flirt obsessed with Arik and a fling with a young wizard, and Gia must choose between her heart and her head, between Arik's world and her own, before both are destroyed.

Amazon.ca:



Author Bio:

Brenda Drake, the youngest of three children, grew up an Air Force brat and the continual new kid at school. Her fondest memories growing up is of her eccentric, Irish grandmother’s animated tales, which gave her a strong love for storytelling. So it was only fitting that she would choose to write stories with a bend toward the fantastical. When Brenda’s not writing or doing the social media thing, she’s haunting libraries, bookstores, and coffee shops or reading someplace quiet and not at all exotic (much to her disappointment).


Excerpt:

I pressed the screen, and it went dark. “How do we know he’s not being forced to say this?”
                “The password, May Agnes guide you,” Lei replied. “She’s the patron saint of Asile.”
                Agnes? That was the silver woman’s name that formed from my globe. Did the saints have something to do with the Chiavi?
                I faced Ricardo. “How did you know I was here?”
                “The werehounds tracked your scent from a shirt Katy…excuse me, your nana…gave us.”
                “Can your pack help us save Couve?” Arik asked him.
                “They will, but Gia must go with me.” He noticed the protest forming on my lips. “Merlin said no exceptions. I’m to get you to the shelter.”
                From the corridor came yells, scuffles, and the continual wail of the warning siren.
                “I can’t go with you,” I said. “I have to fight with them.”
                “She can’t fight with us,” Lei said, glancing at the door. “She almost killed Kale.”
                I turned to Sinead. “You know what I can do.”
                Sinead gave me a pity smile. “Yes, but you have no control over it. Let Ricardo take you to your father and friends.”
                I thought of Kale lying motionless, near death, and I hated that she was right. As much as I wanted to stay, I might be more hindrance than help. I caved. “Okay,” I said, defeated. Lei flew out of the room with the Laniars on her heels.
                Sinead hugged me, then rushed after them. Arik moved over to me and cupped my face gently in his hands. His eyes held the intensity that always drew me to him.
                I swallowed my breath in anticipation. All the sounds around us went silent.
                He bent and lightly brushed my lips with a kiss. His lips were soft and oh, so tender. Butterflies swooped and curled inside me, and it felt like the ground disappeared from beneath my feet. He pulled back a little and said, “Regardless of the fact that you’re a royal pain in the arse, I fancy you. Listen to Ricardo and don’t do anything rash.”
                He gave me another kiss and rushed out the door. My heart twisted in my chest as he disappeared. I touched my mouth and exhaled. He liked me. It was against the laws, but he told me he fancied me. Maybe we had no future, but we had now.
                “What a sweet display,” Ricardo said, dragging me out of my haze. “I’m not one for rules or laws, but I’d be careful there. The punishment would be much worse for him than you.”
                “Why?” I stared at the door as if I’d see Arik there.
                “He’s a leader. He knows better.” Ricardo headed to the window. “Are you ready to fly?”

                “Did you say fly?”

Wednesday, December 16, 2015

Blog Tour: The Secrets We Kept by Lily Velez




Title: The Secrets We Kept
Author: Lily Velez
Series: Stand Alone
Publisher: Blue Typewriter Press
Publication Date: October 22, 2015

The Secrets We Kept is a book full of a lot of feelings.  It is about kids from the foster system.  Once upon a time they all lived together, but now they all live in separate foster homes (or have been adopted or have grown too old to be in the system).  However, the changes in life didn't keep them apart.  They are still best friends, they are still family.

However, there was once a romantic relationship between Sully in Cadence.  It had lasted for many years, but when Cadence was adopted...and then moved across country with her new family, Sully decided to end it.

It crushed both of them.

After Cadence had been gone for a few months, she cut off contact with everyone.  No one new why.  Then, when the story begins in The Secrets We Kept, Sully discovers that she is back and will do anything and everything that he can to win her back.

There are quite a few different relationships to pay attention to in this story.  Sully and Cadence, Sully and his little brother, Cadence and herself, etc.  There is quite a lot going on in The Secrets We Kept, but it is not hard to follow along.

All in all, I found the parts about Sully and Cadence to be a little dry and almost background to the other things going on in the book even though the blurb makes it sound as though it is the most important thing.  I personally felt the most important thing in the book was Cadence and her working through her own issues.  Sometimes her bits almost felt a bit text bookish in the way they were described and how they were dealt with.

I will say that I was quite pleased with myself, my guess as to what happened before this book started off was right.  I will not tell you what my guess was.  No spoilers from me in regards to that.  I don't want to ruin it for you.

The characters definitely grew throughout the story and I liked it.  I wanted a few more things to happen for some of the characters, but that was just me liking them and wanting this for them.  I felt connected to them (and that is a good thing!).

All in all, it was an enjoyable book.  I do wish I could have connected a little bit more in certain situations and relationships, but I will survive.  It definitely has a great message about keeping secrets though...

This review is based on an eARC provided by Xpresso Book Tours in exchange for a fair and honest review.

My Rating
3 stars


Tuesday, December 15, 2015

The Picture Book Wall (#5)

Hi Everyone!  I am going to do this months picture book feature a little differently.  Instead of writing a couple of reviews for picture books that I have read recently, I will be sharing with you some of my favorite picture book series.  Also,this months feature is a day early.  I hope that it doesn't throw you off, but I have a blog tour post going up tomorrow :)

I love that we get the chance to visit with our favorite characters over and over again and that we don't have to do it with the same story every single time.  Kids with the picture books they love can get a little repetitive, so if we can get them to want to read a different story a little easier then YAY! VICTORY!

Really it is the simple things in life when we are a parent or work with little kids on a regular basis.

Please feel free to use the comment section to share with us some of your favorite picture book series!

Pete the Cat
And then if they still love Pete the Cat when they start working on reading by themselves, he stars in some I Can Read books too!





The Pigeon Books
This bird has some pretty fun adventures



The Ladybug Girl Series
Because I have a little bug of my own!





Honestly, there are so many great picture books, both stand alone and in a series, out there.  These series are just a small sampling of some of the picture book series that I have discovered and really enjoy.

So enjoy storytime with your littles everyone!  See you again next month with another wonderful installment of The Picture Book Wall!