April Wrap-up and May TBR

Well, we've reached the end of another month.  April was pretty good for me, although it marked one year without Dad.  But we spent a whole lot of time as a family, which was wonderful.  The Easter musical program went off with only a few hitches, and overall it went really well.  As of April the 30th, I have officially graduated from AWANA with my Citation Award and the possibility of college scholarships awaiting me.  (Guys, Mom counted, and apparently since age 4, I've memorized and recited over 700 scripture verses.  That is nuts.)

 But let's take a look at what I did as pertaining to this blog.

What I Read:

Ring of Fire ~ P.D. Baccalario

Overview: Four children, after finding out that they were all born on February 29, come across a mysterious briefcase with an odd assortment of items inside.  In trying to unravel this mystery, they stumble upon an ancient prophecy that could lead them to saving the world.
Rating: 3 out of 5 (it was good, but not great)

Lost in a Book ~ Jennifer Donnelly

(random, but, how gorgeous is this cover???)
Overview: Belle is becoming comfortable with her new life in the Beast's castle, but she still misses her home and her father.  While cleaning the library she's just been gifted, she stumbles upon a book called "Nevermore" that allows her to live out her dreams.  But she doesn't know that the sisters Love and Death have a bet... and Death plans to win.
Rating: 5 out of 5 (it was beautiful and wonderful and so fluffy and full of feels I loved it)

The Beast Within ~ Serena Valentino

Overview: The Beast remembers his days as a selfish Prince, who thought he had the perfect life before he met Circe and her sisters.
Rating: 4 out of 5 (pretty good, not my favorite retelling, but I really loved the twists put on it)

The Reluctant Godfather ~ Allison Tebo

Overview: Burndee is a grumpy fairy godfather who doesn't like humans at all.  But when one of his godchildren has a marriage ultimatum put down by his father, Burndee gets an idea.  Why not set his godchildren up with each other?
Rating: 5 out of 5 (highly recommended for fans of fairytale retellings, reluctant love, and cake)


What I Watched:

The Good Witch:

This show is so comforting.  It's got the cozy feel of Gilmore Girls, but being on Hallmark, it's clean and feel-good and my little shipper heart literally can't handle the cuteness. 

Once Upon a Time:


(this line just made me laugh really hard) THE MUSICAL EPISODE IS COMING AND I CANNOT WAIT like seriously musical episodes are my favorite everything I adore them.

Liv and Maddie:

So yes, the show stole my heart.  I'm not quite done with season 4 (which is officially the last season, which is sad), but I'm glad this show came into my life, even for a short while.


What I Listened To:


So I discovered some of my favorite artists new[ish] stuff, including the new Pentatonix album (which includes "Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy", one of my inexplicable favorites, Jamie Grace's new single (which is indeed a very happy song), and the newest Casting Crowns album that I never actually listened to despite being excited about it for awhile now (it's great, btw).


What I Posted:
We're up one from last month with five whole posts this month.
We started with me finally deciding to tell you the truth of the matter.
Then I answered the questions of the Liebster Award 2.0.
I shared how my family is in a place of miracles.
IT WAS EASTER!
And finally, I laid out 11 sequels that I need to read.


What I Plan to Read:
Like last month, May is promising to be busy, what with several recitals, working at a friend's sister's wedding, and getting ready for the OYAN Summer Workshop in June (I'M SO EXCITED, YOU GUYS).  So I'm trying to keep my reading list short, but there are a few books I would like to finish this month.

A Time to Die ~ Nadine Brandes (I really want to finish this one and just for good measure I'm putting)

A Time to Speak ~ Nadine Brandes (on my list because I will probably pick this one up as soon as I finish the first one.)

The Icecutter's Daughter ~ Tracie Peterson (I just started this one and it feels like it will be a quick read)

Beauty Sleep ~ Cameron Dokey (I would love to grab another copy of this from the library and finish it because I really was enjoying it, I just ran out of time to finish it)


So there we go! The month of April comes to a close, and I welcome May with open arms and more than a bit of fear when I look at the family schedule in the kitchen.

What was your favorite thing you read/watched/listened to/did this month?  Let me know in the comments below!

~ Abby