The Roanoke Girls by Amy Engel

This book reminded me of reading V.C. Andrews as a teenager. Not her most recent books, but I'm talking about the old style paperbacks of the 1980's. It's full of mystery, and leads the reader to keep guessing as to how it will end throughout the book until the very last page. I enjoyed this quick read, and will absolutely check out this authors other books.

I received this book from www.bloggingforbooks.com in exchange for my honest and unbiased opinions.

The Lace Reader by Brunonia Barry

Every gift has a price . . . every piece of lace has a secret. Towner Whitney, the self-confessed unreliable narrator, hails from a family of Salem women who can read the future in the patterns in lace, and who have guarded a history of secrets going back generations. Now the disappearance of two women is bringing Towner back home to Salem—and is bringing to light the shocking truth about the death of her twin sister.

Once again, I am entranced by Brunonia Barry's writing style. The descriptions of people, places, and things really make you feel as if you are walking through this book. The Lace Reader is about Towner, who comes back home to Salem, Mass after moving away to California. She has a troubled past which catches up with her as she tries to find answers. Her memory is vague due to shock therapy when she was instituted as a young girl. Good plot. Good writing. Overall, great story!

A Dog's Purpose by Bruce Cameron

Heartwarming, insightful, and often laugh-out-loud funny, A Dog’s Purpose is not only the emotional and hilarious story of a dog’s many lives, but also a dog’s-eye commentary on human relationships and the unbreakable bonds between man and man’s best friend. This moving and beautifully crafted story teaches us that love never dies, that our true friends are always with us, and that every creature on earth is born with a purpose.

This book hit me straight in my heart. I have lost my beloved, Shadow just last Memorial Day of 2016. Shadow was a huge part of my life, and he passed at home just months short of celebrating his 15th birthday. I miss him every moment, of everyday. On to the book. This book follows a dog that has many lives, many experiences, and a bittersweet ending. I cried during and long after this book. It is written from a dog's perspective, which I absolutely loved. It's sad, funny, and really pulled at my heart and soul. I blazed through this book in two days, and I even inspired my non-reading sister, who adores dogs, to read this book. She also laughed and cried throughout the book. If you are a dog lover, or have lost a dog, I recommend this book. It gives me hope in finding my very loved and deeply missed, Shadow. I hope to see you again my fat belly boy, Shadow. I miss you every moment, of everyday. August 18, 2001-May 31, 2016

The Girl On The Train by Paula Hawkins

I've had my eye on this book for quite some time. I finally decided to head down to my local library to check it out.
This story follows the main character, Rachel. Rachel is a divorced alcoholic who endures blackouts due to her excessive drinking. She clings onto the life she once shared with her ex-husband, and how he's now remarried and has a baby with this woman he left her for. Rachel is lost in her own mind, and full on drunkenness. I could not finish this book, simply for the reason that it was tedious, and long winded about her daily train rides, and odd obsession of her own imagination.
I need to stop reading reviews on books that hold high praises, as this book is a total yawn fest.

I go into Barnes & Noble for a simple exchange, and this happens! This is why I cannot be trusted.🤓📚

Book Haul

Three Dark Crowns by Kendare Blake

Three dark queens are born in a glen, sweet little triplets will never be friends Three dark sisters all fair to be seen, two to devour and one to be Queen

Every generation on the island of Fennbirn, a set of triplets is born: three queens, all equal heirs to the crown and each possessor of a coveted magic. Mirabella is a fierce elemental, able to spark hungry flames or vicious storms at the snap of her fingers. Katharine is a poisoner, one who can ingest the deadliest poisons without so much as a stomachache. Arsinoe, a naturalist, is said to have the ability to bloom the reddest rose and control the fiercest of lions. But becoming the Queen Crowned isn’t solely a matter of royal birth. Each sister has to fight for it. And it’s not just a game of win or lose…it’s life or death. The night the sisters turn sixteen, the battle begins. The last queen standing gets the crown.

Not many books leave me shocked, and wanting more. This book, Three Dark Crowns...DID!! Three sisters, all raised in different regions of the magical realm called Fennbirn. One sister, raised an elemental. One sister, raised a poisoner. One sister, raised a naturalist. This book is full of Priestesses, magic, and a few areas of, WHAT JUST HAPPENED?!?!? I loved this book, and I am anxiously awaiting the sequel! The writing is so descriptive, that it really makes your imagination run wild. I hope you pick up a copy of this book, and experience...THREE DARK CROWNS.

YA Postcard Holiday Swap!

Interested in swapping a holiday greeting card with a fellow YA Book lover? If so check this out http://bit.ly/YAcards from @UppercaseBox