Autumn Favorites

Finally, once again, it's my second favorite season.  Fall is upon us (even if it isn't official until like... the 22nd I think?). 

And as today I sit, awaiting the hurricane that wants to rip my state apart, I thought I would focus on some of the positives of fall that don't involve it being the end of hurricane season.  In other words, some autumn favorites.

In my mind, autumn involves comfy, cozy, sometimes spooky things.  And thus, here are some autumn-y things that I recommend to you:


Books:

To me, autumn is the time for classics, rereading childhood favorites, and fairytale retellings.  I don't know why, those just seem right to me. 

1. One Tuesday Morning ~ Karen Kingsbury

Even though by the time I post this it'll basically be 9/11, I thought I should recommend this anyway.  This book made me cry so much.  It takes place during and in the aftermath of the terrorist attack on the Twin Towers in 2001.  The faith content is wonderful, the characters are relatable, and the writing is amazing.  It was my first Karen Kingsbury book and I totally see why she's so well-known.

2. Andora's Folly ~ Abigayle Claire

This sweet little retelling is perfect for fall, I feel.  If I lived in a place where it was practical, I could see myself curling up in front of a fire with my Kindle and a fluffy blanket and reading this novella.  Even the forest setting says "read me in the fall!" to me. 

3. The Seer of Shadows ~ Avi

Now, I will readily admit that I'm not the biggest fan of Halloween.  But I do enjoy reading a spooky book or two around that holiday (just to get in the spirit {hehe, get it?} of the season and all).  This is one of those books that is a favorite of mine... and I'm not entirely sure why.  I usually don't enjoy horror or creepy things... at all.  But this book pulled me in and would not let me go until the last page.  It's a hisfic ghost story, and if that interests you at all, I recommend this one.

4. The Huntress of Thornbeck Forest ~ Melanie Dickerson

Look at that cover and tell me it doesn't scream fall.  But really, this whole book just feels like fall to me.  I don't really know why.  But it feels like autumn.

5. Mandie and the Secret Tunnel ~ Lois Gladys Leppard

This whole series was one of my favorites as a kid.  And while the books take place in every season, this one still seems like an autumn read to me.  It's a throwback, it's a mystery, and it's so sweet.


Movies:

Fall-themed movies make you feel fuzzy, give you cozy vibes, and are perfect to watch with loved ones around you.

1. Harry Potter

Look at those pumpkins!  Does that not scream fall? 
While I think the HP movies could also be very winter (what with Christmas being featured in almost every film), they seem more fall to me.  Maybe it's the Halloween-like ghosts, witches and wizards, and werewolves, or maybe it's the friendship, family, and love.  I don't know, but I think there's never a bad season to binge everyone's favorite Boy Who Lived.

2. Star Wars

Is there ever a bad time to watch Star Wars?  The answer is no, there isn't.  It is always a good time to watch Star Wars.  But really, the themes of friendship and loyalty seem very fall to me.  Also Endor.  Endor seems really fall.

3. The Prince of Egypt

Kind of like the last one, there's never a bad time to watch this masterpiece.  But for some reason I always want to watch Biblical films in autumn?  I don't really know why.  But this is one of my favorites.

4. Pocahontas

Look at that fall-themed color palette.  This is the Disney movie that felt the most fall to me.  The whole film is set in a forest, around harvest, so presumably in autumn.  Also, all the leaves.  It's so obviously a fall movie.

5. Invisible Sister

If you're in the mood to just watch a fluffy film that won't make you think too hard and is themed around Halloween, look to Disney Channel.  It's a surprisingly good movie, with the main plot being about sisters and their relationship, which is great. 


Television Shows:

Some shows to binge-watch curled up under a fluffy blanket with a mug of apple cider.

1. The Good Witch

Look at those leaves!  This show is basically built for fall.  Tea is an integral part of the plot.  It takes place in a small town with a touch of magic.  It's comfy, it's cute, and it makes you feel safe.  At least, it gives me that feeling.

2. Girl Meets World

(*cough* of course I'm not just talking about this show because it's one of my favorites what) This show takes place during the school year, which also makes me think of fall.  And there are three Halloween-themed episodes, if you're into that.  The show definitely feels more fall as it goes, but it's got the cozy sense, with it's great lessons, family relationships, and deep friendships.

3. Once Upon a Time

I wasn't going to talk about this show but it's such a fall show.  Especially the earliest seasons.  The magic, the mystery, the Maine setting where the trees actually change color in autumn, it's all here.

4. When Calls the Heart

Now, I haven't finished this show, but I think I probably will while we're in fall.  Because historical shows will always feel like fall to me.  And this one is so fluffy and heart-warming that it's perfect to snuggle up with on a chilly day.

5. Anne with an E

(or, to my Canadian friends, simply "Anne".  This show is so fluffy and feel-good with a slightly darker twist than most Anne remakes.  I recommend a late November-early December viewing, as it transitions from fall to winter in the story.  You'll feel the cozy vibes, and you'll probably still be swooning over Gilbert.  I know I did.


Music:

These are just some albums that gave me autumn vibes.  And also happen to be some of my favorites.

1. re:creation ~ Steven Curtis Chapman

This album is full of acoustic recordings of some of SCC's most well-known songs.  It feels very warm and personal, like one would listen to it around a campfire.  It's wonderful.

2. The Hunchback of Notre Dame ~ Original Studio Cast

This album almost makes me think of Halloween.  It follows the music of the Disney film with a slightly altered plot that will give you all the feels.  Trust me.

3. The Story ~ Various Artists

Remember what I said about Biblical stories?  This is the same kind of thing.  This album is original songs by well-known Christian artists about different Biblical characters.  And it's so. epic. 

4. Smell the Color 9 ~ Chris Rice

Pretty much every Chris Rice album feels like fall, but this is my most recent obsessive-listen of his music.  I can't explain exactly why this feels like autumn to me, but it does.

5. Naturally ~ The Isaacs

Hymns make me think of fall, and this album has several.  Not to mention the "almost-a-capella" format is perfect for when you're curled up with one of those books we talked about earlier. 


So there you have it!  Some of my autumn favorites!  What stories give you fall feels?  Let me know in the comments below!

~ Abby

August Wrap-up and September TBR

AUGUST IS OVER.

WHEN DID THAT HAPPEN?

Look at me, getting a wrap-up posted on time.



August was busier than I expected it to be, what with dance, AWANA, and school starting back up in full force.  The eclipse happened.  We were at Walt Disney World.  Which was super cool.

Let's get into the wrap-up, shall we?

What I Read:
I read physical books, e-books, picture books, comic books, and listened to audiobooks this month.  Whew. 

The Maze of Bones ~ Rick Riordan

Overview: Amy and Dan Cahill have their lives changed forever when their grandmother dies and leaves the family with an impossible quest. 
Rating: 4 out of 5 (this one was so nostalgic for me.  this was one of my favorite series when I was younger, and I want to continue rereading it in the coming months.)

The Noble Servant ~ Melanie Dickerson

Overview: Lady Magdalen and Steffan, the Duke of Wolfberg, are both betrayed and forced to masquerade as servants.  But once they've found each other, perhaps they can solve the problem together... and maybe even fall in love.
Rating: 5 out of 5 (I finally read this and it was so good guys ahhh)

Only the Good Spy Young ~ Ally Carter

Overview: Cammie Morgan isn't sure who to trust, as one of her most trusted teachers appears to be a double agent.  Gallagher Academy no longer seems to be the safest place in the world.
Rating: 5 out of 5 (IT WAS SO GOOD)

Echo ~ Pam Muñoz Ryan

Overview: Four children across history come in contact with a harmonica that changes their lives for the better.
Rating: 5 out of 5 (see my review for more details)

With Blossoms Gold ~ Hayden Ward

(isn't this cover so pretty?)
Overview: Nella has lived in a tower ever since she and her grandmother were exiled from the village.  She has a good life, and is happy.  But then a young man climbs through her window, and her corner of the world suddenly seems much smaller.
Rating: 5 out of 5 (I really enjoyed this Rapunzel retelling.  It was so original.)

Out of Sight, Out of Time ~ Ally Carter

Overview: Cammie is on the run, but she doesn't remember where she's been all summer.  It will take help from her friends and Gallagher sisters to solve the mystery before another tragedy can strike.
Rating: 5 out of 5 (goodness, these books keep getting better.  this was so great.)

No Normal ~ G. Willow Wilson

Overview: Kamala Khan is a normal girl until a freak accident gives her super powers.  Now, taking up the mantle of Ms. Marvel, she defends New Jersey with everything she has.
Rating: 4 out of 5 (I really enjoyed this.  I'll be on the lookout for more of Kamala.)

Yours Sincerely, Giraffe ~ Megumi Iwasa

(I just had to mention this really quickly because it was so cute! I didn't even rate it, but I really had a great time flipping through it.  The illustrations were so cute.  And it's about a giraffe.  And a penguin.  What more could you ask for?)

Winnie-the-Pooh ~ A.A. Milne

Overview: (if you need it...) Christopher Robin's Hundred-Acre-Wood friends have some misadventures and a whole lot of friendship as they hunt heffalumps, discover the North Pole, search for Eeyore's tail, and more.
Rating: 5 out of 5 (obviously.  I absolutely adored this, as always.)

Hello, Universe ~ Erin Entrada Kelly

Overview: A cripplingly shy boy named Virgil, in a valiant attempt to rescue his guinea pig, falls down an abandoned well.  His only hope for rescue is in a deaf girl named Valencia, a girl who thinks she psychic named Kaori, and Kaori's little sister Gen. 
Rating: 4 out of 5 (this was a really sweet story, and I did enjoy it.)


What I Watched:

When Calls the Heart:

Hitch me to the back of this bandwagon and let's go.  I am loving this show so far.  It's so sweet.  Why didn't I watch it sooner?

Chesapeake Shores:

This is a newer Hallmark show.  Season 2 just started, so my sister and I binged season 1 this month and then started watching the new ones.  It's pretty cheesy and over-dramatic, but it's still enjoyable and I'm invested in the characters and EVERY ONE OF THEM NEEDS A HUG.

Monk:

This show is so great.  Monk is so relatable and makes me so sad.  Ahh.


What I Listened To:

There's the normal SCC and DEH, plus Chris Rice's hymns album, Voctave's new album (which is gorgeous ahh), and a new discovery for me, Jillian Edwards, who is the daughter-in-law of Steven Curtis Chapman and has a really pretty voice.


What I Posted:
Andora's Folly Blog Tour + Review (about a very well-done retelling)
The Sunshine Blogger Tag (about myself and blogging)
Echo review (about a surprisingly good audiobook experience)
Reintegration Blog Tour (about a new release I'm excited for)


What I Plan to Read:

Uncommon Criminals ~ Ally Carter (it's finally time to finish this trilogy yayyy)

Reintegration ~ Ashley Bogner (because I've already started it and I'm really enjoying it so far)

The Goldfish Boy ~ Lisa Thompson (currently listening to this audiobook and i'm liking it a lot.)


So let's talk in the comments! What books did you read this month?  Any music that I just have to listen to?
~ Abby

Reintegration Blog Tour!

IT'S HERE!  IT'S REALLY HERE!

IT'S OFFICIAL, EVERYONE CAN READ ASHLEY'S NOVEL!



And because she was awesome enough to give me a spot in this awesome blog tour, here is everything you need to know:

About the Book:

A perfect citizen.  A captured rebel.  One decision could destroy them both...

As a Regulator, seventeen-year-old Katherine Holliday’s duty is to protect the people of the Federation from a group of violent rebels who have exiled themselves to the mysterious wilderness. When one of these rebels is captured within the Federation, the government leaders propose an alternative to execution, a procedure they call Reintegration. The procedure involves erasing the rebel’s memory and attempting to make him a member of society. The rebel, a young man named Matthew, is not the violent criminal Katherine expects, and she can’t help but befriend him. A few weeks after Matthew’s Reintegration, Katherine realizes the procedure failed and she is now presented with a choice no one else can help her make. Can she warn her superiors that Reintegration failed, which could mean death for Matthew? Or will she defy everything she knows to help him escape—and risk her own execution?


About the Author:

When Ashley Bogner was in third grade, she decided she would be a published author when she grew up. Ashley is a homeschool graduate and has lived in seven different states. She completed a year of Bible college and in the fall will begin pursuing a degree in Communication Studies. After college, her plan is to work in the Christian publishing industry. When not writing, she can be found baking, posting book reviews on her blog, and watching her favorite movies over and over to the point of memorization.

Find Ashley Online:

Her blog ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

Get the Book!
Amazon ~ Createspace ~ Barnes and Noble

I'm so excited for you Ashley!!

~ Abby

Echo {book review}

Middle-grade historical fiction is honestly the genre that I credit with getting me into reading.  So honestly, if there's ever a middle-grade historical fiction book that sounds interesting, I'm all over it.  And this one sounded really interesting.

Literally... because I listened to the audio book.

Echo



Genre: Historical fiction
Author: Pam Muñoz Ryan
Content: None
Main Character(s): Otto, Friedrich, Mike, and Ivy

Brief Overview:
(I stole this from Goodreads because I didn't know how to describe this book)

Lost and alone in a forbidden forest, Otto meets three mysterious sisters and suddenly finds himself entwined in a puzzling quest involving a prophecy, a promise, and a harmonica.
Decades later, Friedrich in Germany, Mike in Pennsylvania, and Ivy in California each, in turn, become interwoven when the very same harmonica lands in their lives. All the children face daunting challenges: rescuing a father, protecting a brother, holding a family together. And ultimately, pulled by the invisible thread of destiny, their solo stories converge in an orchestral crescendo.

What I Thought:

Y'all.  I have so many feelings.  I had actual tears in my eyes at the end of this book, and that's rare for me.
I absolutely adored this book.  In trying to pinpoint why, I kept coming back to one thought.  A lot of middle-grade books tend to "talk down" to the kids.  This one didn't.  And it's so important.
This book dealt with hard issues.  Friedrich's sister joins Hitler's youth program, working for a perfect nation he probably won't fit into.  Mike and his brother Frankie are mistreated as orphans in a time when I thought orphan mistreatment had ended.  Ivy deals with not only racism directed at her family, but at the Japanese following the attack on Pearl Harbor.  And all of them are presented in a way that is distinct, thoughtful, and allowing for the reader to come to the conclusion that it's wrong on their own.  It was beautiful.
Also the music.  I loved all the music.  Which is one of the main reasons I encourage you to listen to the audio book instead of reading a physical copy.  I don't think that I would have gotten the same experience from paper, as much as I love bound books.  Not only because each story had a different narrator, which gave each a distinct feel, but because the music was played throughout it, in the background.  Which was extremely helpful in the few instances when I wasn't able to put the title and tune together in my head. 
And now I'm rambling so let's continue.

The Characters:
Friedrich - I related to Friedrich more than I think I did either of the others, though I really loved them too.  Just... some of the things he thought about himself and the ways he reacted to things I kept thinking "dude, this is me".  But really, I love this kid.  He was so strong and determined and brave and yet so relatable and heartbreaking when he finally broke down. 

Mike - I spent most of Mike's story just thinking "I WANT THEM TO BE HAPPY".  Because Mike and Frankie are precious little peanuts who need to be protected and deserve all happiness.  Yeah.
But seriously, as an older sibling myself, I related to him a lot.  Everything he did was for Frankie.  Even when he had the chance, he didn't do anything for himself.  And I loved that.

Ivy - This girl is awesome.  She has the capability to do anything she wants, I believe that.  But she loves her family so much and just wants to be included and make friends.  She just wants to belong.  I just want happiness for all three of these kids and that's most of what I thought through this book honestly.

Favorite Quote:
"I guess that means your heart's so sad that it's hard to get out from under the weight.  When I was sad about my mother dying, Granny used to say that grief is the heaviest thing to carry alone.  So I know all about that."

(^^^ do you see why I want him to be happy?? is that too much to ask??)

Overall Rating: (for the audio book) 5 possibly-magical harmonicas out of 5

Please, please, please go listen to this audio book.  It was wonderful.  I'll be okay... in a couple of days...

(In other news, the Broadway playlist I wrote this to kept shuffling to the sad songs... which didn't help my feels...)

~ Abby

The Sunshine Blogger Tag

So today as I was thinking to myself "Abby, you need to write a blog post" (like I do... often) I came across this post by Andrea.  And since it looked fun and I needed something to post I figured "why not?" right?  And here we are!

Because who doesn't love sunshine and bloggers?  (Well, actually, that would be me.  Not loving the sunshine, I mean.  I love the bloggers with all my heart, but the sun hates me.  Thanks, Irish heritage.)

Anyway, let's get into the tag!

 

1. What book would you want to read for the first time all over again?
Ooh, this is hard.  I don't know that I have an answer for this, honestly.  There are a few that I'd love to go back in time to when I read them the first time, but I cherish those memories, so I wouldn't want to lose them.  And I'm probably overthinking this, so I'll stop rambling now. 

2. What primary intelligence do you have?
I wasn't sure how to answer this but when one of Andrea's examples was Musical, I knew I had to say that.  I learn and work better when music is involved.  Which, as my sister and I were discussing last night, is why I think I'm doing okay at Irish dance so far.  It's all rhythmic.  Anything with a rhythm, and I can probably retain it.  So yeah.  Musical.

3. What is one of your major unpopular bookish opinions?
*whispers* I actually really liked the Heroes of Olympus books *hides*

4. How many movies have you watched this year?
You know what I think we should have?  Something like Goodreads, but for movies and tv.  Where you can keep track of what you watch.  (I mean, I could just write it down, but...) 
All that to say, I don't really know.  But it hasn't been as much as past years, actually.  I've spent more time reading and watching tv than I have watching movies.  But probably over 50?  Idk.

5. What book genre is your guilty pleasure?
Recently, it's been romance.  Not like trashy romance or anything.  But Christian historical romance?  Yes please.

6. If one movie would become a book, what would it be?
Ooh, this is an interesting question.  Particularly because so many movies do have novel adaptations at some point.  But I think the idea for Tangled would have made a really interesting novel.  (but I love the movie.)

7. What is one random talent you want to have or already have?
I'd love to be able to actually play an instrument.  But alas, I cannot.  Well... I take that back, I can play handbells.  So there's something interesting you may not have known about me.

8. Mayonnaise or ketchup?
I actually hate ketchup so mayo all the way!

9. What is your favorite reality TV show?
Anything on Food Network.  It's pretty much always on at our house (that or HGTV), but my fave on there has to be "Worst Cooks in America".  It's hilarious.  Oh, and I love Jeopardy too.

10. Who are your favorite Booktubers?
Ah! I love Booktubers!  Some favorites are polandbananasBOOKS, jessethereader, PeruseProject, readbyzoe, and Ariel Bissett.

11. Rainy or sunny days?
As we've already established, I hate the sun and the sun hates me.  But if I have to be in the rain, I hate it too.  So if I can snuggle in bed and read a favorite book or take a nap, I love rain.  Which is good, because it rains a lot here.  A lot.


And now here are my questions for you!

1. Recommend a Booktube channel!  Which one is your favorite?
2. What is your favorite hyped book?
3. Any books you DNF'd (did not finish)?
4. What musical album are you currently listening to on repeat?
5. Do you have a favorite classic?
6. Have you rewatched a favorite television series?  If so, what was it?
7. Hot dogs or hamburgers?
8. Give your favorite blogs a shout-out!
9. Which movie could you watch a thousand times and not get bored?
10. Do you compete in any sports?
11. Favorite Bible verse?

I'm not sure who to tag (because a lot of people have already been tagged) but I will tag
Jonathan @ Fishing for Ideas
Abigayle @ The Left-Handed Typist
Chloe @ Rustling Thoughts
and YOU!
If you don't have a blog, answer the questions down in the comments! I'd love to hear what you have to say!

~ Abby

Andora's Folly Blog Tour + Review!

THIS IS VERY EXCITING

ANDORA'S FOLLY IS OUT NOW, GUYS, AND YOU SHOULD ALL GO READ IT. HERE GO GET YOURSELF A COPY.

I was given the opportunity to read this novella in advance in exchange for a review, and so here we are! 

Andora's Folly



Genre: Retelling/Medieval
Author: Abigayle Claire
Content: Two kisses, some violence.
Main Character: Andora

Official synopsis:

A Pandora's Box retelling

Andora is a beautiful young woman with insatiable curiosity. Raised in splendor, she is spoiled by her privileged life. When a love letter is slid under her door, her life takes a drastically unromantic turn. Nothing makes sense—her arranged marriage, the gifts her parents bestow on her wedding day, or her new husband’s temperament.

As Andora begins to unravel the mysteries around her, she ignites a chain of events that have the power to sabotage her entire village forever. Only her new-found wisdom as a desperate peasant's wife can save her from her folly.

What I Thought:

Anyone who knows me knows that I love fairytale retellings.  Like... I really love fairytale retellings.  So when I heard that Abigayle's next story was going to be a retelling, I got excited.

Then when I saw that it was a Pandora's Box retelling, I got even more excited.

Being a novella, I went into it half expecting it to move too fast.  And admittedly, at times, it went a bit faster than I typically prefer.  But there was still plenty of time for everything to develop that needed to.

The story was sweet, and while I thought I knew where it was going at the beginning... I was really wrong, we'll just leave it at that.

The Characters:
Andora - I like this girl.  At first, I wasn't sure, not being a fan of whiny protagonists.  But I was pleasantly surprised.  She reminded me a great deal of Millie from "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers", one of my favorite fictional characters of all time.  I enjoyed her determination, and the way she slowly fell for Theus was super adorable.

Theus - Now here's a love interest I can get behind.  While, like Andora, I didn't like him at first, I came, like Andora, to see the gentle kind soul underneath the hardened shell.  For a bit, at the beginning, the story reminded me of another fairytale, that of King Thrush-beard, where a spoiled princess is married to a peasant she comes to love.
(Basically, Andora and Theus are my new OTP, guys, there's so cute.)

Varos - I related to Varos a lot.  I, too, am often the peacemaker in our household.  I also loved his sass and the way he cared for Andora.  The family dynamic in this story is just great, okay.

Favorite Quote:


Overall Rating: 5 mysterious letters out of 5

You can buy the book on Amazon here and add it to your Goodreads shelves here!


About the Author:

Abigayle has been a writer ever since her mother taught her how to hold a pencil. However, she devoted more time to reading words with her green eyes than writing them with her left hand. Inspired by a crazy dream at the age of seventeen, she set off on a journey to self-publish her first novel, Martin Hospitality. Since then, Abigayle has devoted herself to sharing what she has learned through the mediums of freelance editing, and her blog theleft-handedytpist.blogspot.com ... when period drama films are not calling more loudly. None of her successes would be possible without the support of her Savior, large family, and online community.

Find Abigayle Online:
Her blog ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Instagram ~ Goodreads ~ Pinterest ~ Youtube ~ Google+




~ Abby

June and July Wrap-up and August TBR

Am I posting this at the end of July?



Should I have posted at least a month ago?

That's also a yes.

But when I initially started working on it, it was the second of July.  and then it was the seventh.  and by the eleventh I was kind of like "you know what, I'll just roll it into next month" so here we are.

So, because this will cover two months of stuff, let's start with June:

Almost half of June was taken up with either travel or being in Kansas.  Because I went to my first Summer Workshop (and had the most amazing, life-changing experience).  And being on the road takes up a lot of time. 

But hey I GOT A TON OF READING DONE.


What I Read:
Coolest thing about this is that I read all but one of what was on my TBR for this month.  So.  Accomplishment. *applause*

The Dark Prophecy ~ Rick Riordan

Overview: The second book in the "Trials of Apollo" series finds our heroes in Indiana, in search of the second oracle they must restore.  And yes, those are battle ostriches on the cover.
Rating: 4 out of 5 (I enjoyed it a lot, but there were a few issues I had with it) (Also, kind of ironically, the book I thought I would have to leave until the end of the month ended up being the first one I read.  Because I couldn't put it down.)

Heist Society ~ Ally Carter

Overview: The retired daughter of a world-famous thief must return to the family business in order to prove that her father's innocence by pulling off the heist of the century.
Rating: 4 out of 5 (I had a great time reading this.  Basically teenage Leverage, y'all.)

The Quarryman's Bride ~ Tracie Peterson

Overview: Eleven years ago, Emmalyne and Tavin were engaged.  But while a family tragedy drove them apart physically, it never loosened the ties of their hearts. 
Rating: 4 out of 5 (I didn't appreciate how Emmalyne's father was portrayed, but I really did enjoy the love story.)

Masterminds: Payback ~ Gordon Korman

Overview: The kids are still on the run, but maybe they've finally found a way to be done with the memory of Serenity forever.
Rating: 5 out of 5 (THIS WAS AWESOME. I read it in its entirety during the last day of the trip, and I loved every second of it.  Please, y'all, read this series.)

A Treasury of Irish Fairy and Folk Tales ~ Various Authors

Overview: Exactly what the title is... it's Irish fairytales.  It's magical.
Rating: 5 out of 5 (I had a great time.)


What I Watched:

Girl Meets World:

I'm rewatching this show because I can and I have no regrets.  It's so fluffy and happy and feel-good.  Although now I'm getting to the kind of angst-y parts.  Which is sad.  But season one is so pure guys. So innocent.  Ugh.

Voltron: Legendary Defender:

Okay, I'm officially on the bandwagon.  I hitched onto the back and I'm so glad that I did.  I'm all the way through season one, and now it's about time that I jump into season two. But this show so far has lived up to the hype, and I'm enjoying it a lot.


What I Listened To:

I listened pretty much exclusively to Steven Curtis Chapman and Dear Evan Hansen whilst traveling.  Raiders March and Something Wild are both just to cause me SW feels.  But the others were most of what I jammed to when I returned.


What I Posted:
June was not the best posting month I've ever had... but it wasn't the worst.
First I told you Why You Should Watch The Bletchley Circle
And then I completed the #VoicesofYA tag


And now we move on to July!

What I Read:

Unlocking the Truth ~ Emily Thomas

Overview: Anne has a new mystery to solve when a mysterious newspaper article arrives at the library, implicating her friends and herself in a crime that happened on their homecoming night.
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 (I absolutely flew through this, but at times the writing left a bit to be desired.)

The Screwtape Letters ~ C.S. Lewis

Overview: An elder demon named Screwtape writes letters of advice to his nephew named Wormwood on how to handle his human, who has recently become a Christian.
Review: 5 out of 5 (It was soooo goooood.  Highly recommend.)

I'd Tell You I Love You, But Then I'd Have to Kill You ~ Ally Carter

Overview: Cammie Morgan goes to a school for spies, where she's known as the Chameleon.  But when a school assignment goes awry, she is seen by a normal boy... who thinks she's a normal girl.
Rating: 4 out of 5 (It was really good, but not my favorite)

Andora's Folly ~ Abigayle Claire

Overview: Andora's parents marry her off to a peasant, a fact she is not happy about.  But after being given a letter with strict instructions not to open it, her curiosity may just prove to be too much.
Rating: 5 out of 5 (IT WAS SO GOOD)

Cross My Heart and Hope to Spy ~ Ally Carter

Overview: Cammie and her friends are confused by their teachers' odd behavior... What is Blackthorne, and why is the East Wing suddenly off limits?
Rating: 4 out of 5 (I enjoyed it, and it was super fast paced... I couldn't put it down)

Don't Judge a Girl by Her Cover ~ Ally Carter

Overview: Macey's father is on campaign tour, but when Cammie comes to visit in Boston, things go from exciting to dangerous in a moment.  Now Macey is the target of a terrorist group, and Cammie wants to solve this mystery before next time... when she may not be so lucky.
Rating: 5 out of 5 (Oh my word.  It was so good.  This series, hopefully, is just going to keep getting better)


What I Watched:

Anne With an E:

I finally got around to watching this on Netflix, and I'm so glad that I did.  It's a bit darker than adaptations I've seen in the past, but in a good way.  It felt like coming home.  (Also, Gilbert is adorable.  Look at this sweetheart.  I love him so much.)

Signed, Sealed, Delivered:

Allow me to introduce you to the "Abby, mom, and sis binged this show" for this month.  Guys.  It was so good.  I have so many emotions.  I need to rewatch it asap.  It's about postal workers who solve the mysteries of letters and their recipients and I just loved it so much.  Please watch it so that you can come flail with me.

Young Justice:

(I couldn't find any gifs I liked but look at these nerds)
This show just left Netflix and I hadn't finished it yet so I watched the whole of it in like two days.  Are you proud?  I'm proud.

Penn Zero: Part-Time Hero

(here have a gif with no caption because it's the best I could find)
This past season was crazy.  And so great.  I'm going to miss this show so much it was so good.  I'm so sappy from that finale.


What I Listened To:

I listened to a lot of Steven Curtis Chapman this month and I don't think that's going to change any time soon.  Same with Owl City.  I listened (a lot) to this awesome album called "Music Inspired By The Story" which is basically where a bunch of artists came together with songs based on different Bible characters.  Go listen to it, it's epic.  And Voctave released a new album.  And I listened to the new Broadway version of Holiday Inn.  And then of course Descendants 2 came out this month and "Chillin' Like a Villain" is my jam (but please go watch the video and laugh at Ben's strut)

What I Posted:
Then Sings My Soul (about what God has revealed to me this month)
The Reintegration Cover Reveal! (about the cover for a really cool novel)
The Instant Life (about living not only for the instant, but for the infinite)


What I Plan to Read:

Only the Good Spy Young ~ Ally Carter (book four of Gallagher Girls yesss)

The Giver ~ Lois Lowry (because I bought a beautiful new edition so obviously a reread is in order)

Miracles ~ C.S. Lewis (idk if I'll actually finish it this month, but I'm really enjoying it so far)

London in the Dark ~ Victoria Lynn (because I needed to read this and review it a long time ago... and I haven't yet)


So that's all from me for the past two months.  What about y'all?

~ Abby