The Rebellion {blog tour + book review}

WHO'S EXCITED??

Yes, I totally am going to use Cinderella's Castle for every Livy-related post I make, lol.

Will I ever post anything but blog tours?  Eh, probably not.

But that's fine because Livy's new book comes out TOMORROW!!!

And because I got to be part of this awesome blog tour, you get a review right now!


The Rebellion

Author: Livy Jarmusch
Genre: Contemporary/Christian
Content: None
Main character(s): The royal family of Tarsurella, Vanessa Bennett, Hansen Fletcher

Synopsis:
Vanessa Bennett lands her dream job working at the Palace in Tarsurella. She struggles to balance everything on her plate: life in a new country, stressful deadlines, crabby co-workers, college classes at the local University, and blossoming feelings of romantic adoration toward her boss–King Addison. Keeping up with her To-Do list, while trying to earn respect in Addison’s male-dominated administration, presents its challenges. Nevertheless, she can’t help but fight a reoccurring thought and the excitement rising with it: is Addison interested in her?
Addison is adjusting to his new role as King. Rumors of a rebellious uprising among the youth in Tarsurella intensifies, as acts of violence and protest break out across the city. Addison is determined to uncover the hidden instigator who fearlessly blogs democracy-driven ideals with a secretive pen name. Will Addison discover and expose the fiery rebellion leader? Or will his efforts fail to stop the rebellious thoughts spreading like wildfire, causing a heartbreaking rift in his divided nation? 

Placement in Series: 2 of I don't know how many (I am so stoked for book 3, I can't even tell you) in the Tales of Tarsurella series.

What I Thought:

This was such a perfect follow-up!  Just as much fluffy feel-good-ness with a touch of angst, and just enough suspense and intrigue to keep the plot going.  I really, really enjoyed it!  Being back with these characters was great, and I love pretty much all the ships.  (Mostly the main one, tbh, I love them with all my heart)  It was so fun.

Favorite Quote:
"You can't change the world by becoming just like it."

Book Playlist:

This is the same playlist as the first book, only now it's a whole series playlist, has a few new songs, and a pretty new cover picture.  I really like this playlist a lot (guess who's been listening to this playlist for the past few days straight?  This gal!)

Will I Keep Reading? YESSS

Overall Rating: 4 Up-themed dates out of 5

About the Author:

Livy Jarmusch is a twenty-something author, singer, and songwriter. She enjoys crafting YA Christian fiction that is pure, lovely, inspirational, and of course, entertaining! When she's not writing, you can usually find her playing guitar, blogging, drinking peppermint tea, connecting with new friends, planning her next trip to Disney, or pinning images of Europe and Golden Retriever Puppies.
Connect with Livy via: her blog ~ Facebook ~ Instagram ~ Twitter ~ YouTube ~ Goodreads

PLUS there's a giveaway for a signed paperback of book one (!!!!) going on and you can enter it here!

Be sure to check out the Tales of Tarsurella!  They've been pure magic so far. <3

~ Abby

5 Ways I Princess & 5 Ways I Don't {the regal reads blog tour}

Hello and welcome, everyone, to this stop on the Regal Reads Blog Tour!  I'm so excited to be participating!

And this post is, of course, in honor of the release of Regal Hearts: Season One in paperback!


(^ me, trying and failing to make a cake for the book's birthday)

~ About the Book ~


Following the dramatic birth of her royal daughters, the Queen of Bella Adar is murdered by the merciless sword of an evil usurper. The helpless princesses are placed in the care of the URIA, an undercover organization who safely extracts and protects the girls from a tragic fate. Sixteen years later, Lena Bodner encounters a stranger who uncovers secrets from her past...

~ About the Author ~
Livy Jarmusch is a twenty-something author, singer, and songwriter. She enjoys crafting YA Christian fiction that is pure, lovely, inspirational, and of course, entertaining! When she's not writing, you can usually find her playing guitar, blogging, drinking peppermint tea, connecting with new friends, planning her next trip to Disney, or pinning images of Europe and Golden Retriever Puppies.
Connect with Livy via: her blog ~ Facebook ~ Instagram ~ Twitter ~ YouTube ~ Goodreads

Doesn't that sound awesome?  You can add the book to your Goodreads shelves here and purchase it here!

And now, let's get into the post!


5 Ways I Princess

1. I can twirl with the best of them

Twirling, I feel, is an essential part of being a princess.  If you can't twirl, what can you do?  And thanks to 17 years of dance experience, I will say I'm a pretty great twirler.  And it always makes me feel like a princess!

2. I love pretty dresses

I used to hate dresses when I was younger.  Now, I can barely believe that.  I adore dresses, if only for the simplicity of throwing one on with a necklace and immediately looking like I tried.  Also a recent obsession has been with sparkles and floral patterns.  I'm not really sure why.  But hey, it makes me think like a princess.

3. I sing and dance around the house... a lot

Not as much as my sister, but I have been known to boogie down to my jams as I'm traversing my abode!  I have a feeling if I was a princess a la Disney movie, there would be much singing and dancing, and I've got that down!

4. I dream big

*sings along with gif* "I WANT ADVENTURE IN THE GREAT WIDE SOMEWHEEEEERE". 
No, but really, I have the capability of dreaming as big as any princess.  Partially, I'm sure, because I know "With God all things are possible".

5. I believe in happy endings

Maybe not in the way Disney implies, but I do believe that the ultimate ending will be happy.  Through living in Jesus, I know that I have an eternal home waiting for me someday.  The ending of my life will be a happier ending than I can ever imagine.


And, of course, here are

5 Ways I Don't

1. I forget things

(Sometimes whilst in the middle of doing the thing I've just forgotten) A princess should never forget all the things she has to do!  Granted, she probably has a ton of people who can tell her what she has to do and probably doesn't have to... but I do.  Anyway...

2. I'm clumsy

I mean, I guess Mia was too and she was a princess.  But seriously, I wouldn't be able to walk in a ballgown, much less look good while doing it.  High heels are my nemesis.  I don't know how princesses do it, honestly.

3. My hair is always a mess

And I do mean always.  Even when it's somewhat manageable, it's still frizzy and all over the place.  *sigh*  I can relate to Rapunzel, that's all I'm saying.

4. I love sleep

Like... a lot.  At any given point of any given day, you can find me thinking "I wish I was taking a nap right now."  Because I usually am.  And with my thyroid issues, lately I have been much more capable of laying down and snoozing right away.  And something tells me that your average princess isn't able to sleep all that much.  Which would be disappointing, were I an actual princess.

5. I'm not a fan of nature

If Snow White is any sort of princess guide, I would fail as a princess.  I'm allergic to almost everything that's alive, and thus, my first instinct would not be "run into the woods".  I would probably die in the woods, actually. 


And that's all for this post!  I hope you enjoyed!

Be sure to check out Regal Hearts!  Congrats, Livy!! I'm so proud!

~ Abby

The Coronation {book review}

So a few months ago, I got a message from Livy.

She asked if I wanted to read and review her newest book.

I, of course, said OH YEAH.

... and then proceeded to not read the book for several months because I have issues.

BUT I have read it now, and here we are and I am very excited to share all of my thoughts with you!

The Coronation


(random thoughts, how gorgeous is this cover??)

Author: Livy Jarmusch
Genre: Contemporary/Christian
Content: None
Main Character(s): The royal family of Tarsurella

Brief Overview: Prince Addison of Tarsurella is about to be crowned king.  And with that comes the pressures of doing his country and his family proud.  When things go terribly wrong, the whole family must rely on God's promises and each other to make it through.

Placement in Series: I'm not sure how many there will be, but a sequel is coming out next year (and I am so ready)!

What I Thought:

This book was so perfect for me.  The beginning gave off vibes of "The Princess Diaries" or a Hallmark movie, and then it took a complete turn about halfway through and became edge-of-your-seat awesome!
I adored the relationships between the siblings.  Honestly, that was probably my favorite part.  I mean, Addison and Millie?  Anyone?
I also loved that the romances weren't really central plot points, but they were still so shippable!  I can't pick a favorite ship, and that is a great thing. 
(More cohesive thoughts can be found here on my Goodreads review)

The Characters:
Addison - Would it be weird to say that I would marry Addison any day?  Because, dude.  I would marry Addison.  He's so good and sweet and he loves his family and I love his family and yes.  (but really seeing his development over the course of the story was wonderful and I love him)

Bridget - While I didn't relate a whole lot to Bridget, I appreciated her character arc.  And I did understand why she felt what she felt.  And she's a pretty great big sister.  So yeah.

Chasity - I almost want to say that Chasity is my favorite of the princesses?  But I'm not sure if I'm ready to make that commitment (lol).  I loved her not-quite-a-relationship with Hanson, and I can't wait to see where the next books take it.  But she's such a sweet spirit, and I'm excited to see more of her in the future.

Hope - See, Hope is why I'm hesitant to claim Chasity as my favorite.  Because she makes it a close tie.  I love her character and her scenes and her strength and I JUST LOVE ALL THESE CHARACTERS A LOT OKAY.

Also I have to quickly mention the boys in this book because each and every one of them stole my heart.  And I can't wait to see more of them. 

Favorite Quote:

relatable

Also, for the first time ever in a review, I'm including a Book Playlist for your listening enjoyment.  These were songs that reminded me of the story, and I listened to it as I read and it was wonderful.


Will I Keep Reading? Um. Yes. Please, I need more.

Overall Rating: 4.5 King-made burgers out of 5

I need the next book now, please and thank you.

(You can add The Coronation on Goodreads here and purchase it from Amazon here)

~ Abby