Kiera Blog Tour {+ book review!}

Hello!  I am happy to report that my family is safely home and I'm writing this on my laptop and all is well with the world.

Today, I come bearing a review because Kate Willis has released her new novel and I'm very excited about it!

So let's jump on into the review!

Kiera



Author: Kate Willis
Genre: Futuristic Christian... I guess? xD
Content: A few intense subject matters are discussed.

Synopsis:
Kiera is looking forward to her eighteenth birthday. The official end of school, a party with her best friend, and chocolate cake. A sudden military draft, no possible exemptions, had never crossed her mind.
Kiera is terrified! Getting drafted would mean leaving her family, her little friend Jade—life as she knows it.
A surprising offer from Brennan Stewart just might be the answer to her prayers, but an even worse trial leaves her with one question…
If God truly loves her, why did this tragedy happen?

What I Thought:
I think my feelings can be summed up in the fact that when I finished, I squealed a bit, flapped my hands, and said, "I'm fine, I'm fine," over and over.  Oh my word, I loved this.  It's such an original story that took so many turns I didn't expect.  I just.  You guys.
But seriously, I think if you liked "Andora's Folly" by Abigayle Claire, you'll enjoy this.  That's what it reminded me of most.
Also Kiera and Brennan.  New OTP, y'all.

Favorite quote:

My rating: 4 strawbewwies out of 5

About the Author:
Kate Willis has been homeschooled her whole life in a loving family that values the Gospel of Jesus Christ, creativity, and thoughtful conversations. She is inspired by red shoes, a good story, little children, and chai tea. It is her desire to serve God in the home having a family of her own in the future. She is the author of The Treasure Hunt, The Twin Arrows, Kiera, and two short stories Enjoy the Poodle Skirt and Red Boots.

You can add Kiera on Goodreads here and purchase a Kindle edition here!  (The Kindle price goes up on Monday, so be sure to snag your copy now!)

Congrats on the release, Kate!  Thanks for letting me be part of your tour!

~ Abby

I Don't Dance Blog Tour {+ book review!}

Hello again, my friends! I'm writing this on my phone (because my computer won't connect to the wi-fi >->), sitting in a hotel room on our way home.  But it's my day to participate in the blog tour for this adorable novella, which you can purchase right now via this link!

And because Jesseca was super kind to let me participate, I have a review for you!

I Don't Dance



Author: Jesseca Wheaton
Genre: Conteporary Christian
Content: One kiss between a married couple

Synopsis:
Ty and Jen have been friends for nearly as long as anyone can remember. But when Ty goes off to college and leaves her behind, he has to face the reality that he cares for her as more than just a friend.
As graduations approaches and with only one summer left before he begins basic training, Ty must make a decision. Military life is never easy; is it fair to force it on the one he loves?
In the midst of wrestling with the question and coming to the realization that summer is quickly drawing to a close, Ty struggles to face questions he cannot answer, and is forced to examine his own heart.
Is it possible that God has a future for him with Jen? Or will the summer close with only memories of days gone by?

What I Thought:
This was so. stinkin'. cute.  I needed a bit of fluff and this delivered.  Ty and Jen's relationship was so adorable; the friends-to-lovers trope, particularly childhood friends, is one of my absolute favorites, ahh.  It was in full swing here and I loved it.  Ty and Mike's relationship was so good- this is good friendship here, y'all.  I just loved it all.
There was just the right amount of "angst" with the fluff to bring a sweet Christian message into the story.  Jesseca's love for Jesus shines through.  I look forward to reading more of her writing in the future!
(Also, I was reading this while driving through the mountains of North Carolina, and it was a fabulous experience, highly recommend.)

Favorite quote: It was a night that was too beautiful to be ruined by saying goodbye.

My rating: 4 ice cream cones out of 5

About the Author:
Jesseca is a daughter, sister, and a child of God. Her days are spent reading, cooking, spending time with siblings, or playing piano. And writing, of course! At an early age words fascinated her, and her love for the printed page has only grown. She lives with her parents and seven siblings in the sunny state of Kansas, and she’s convinced there’s no place like home.

There's also a fabulous giveaway going on over at Jesseca's blog!  A chance to in a paperback of "I Don't Dance", which I think is the perfect summer read!

Add it on Goodreads here!

Congrats to your new release, Jesseca!  Thanks for letting me be part of your awesome blog tour!
Be sure to check out the other stops on the tour, and get yourself a copy of "I Don't Dance"!

~ Abby

I'm On My Way

*sings under my breath* new friends and new places to seeeeeee…

Brother Bear, anybody?  (it's the ultimate road trip song, okay, bear with me)  (haha, bear pun)  (okay I'm done now)

Guess what? 



Or rather, I'm going on vacation.

And as the place I am going has little to no wi-fi... I will be absent for the duration of my trip.

But never fear, my fellow adventurers!  I shall return!  And when I do, I will bring with me not one, not two, but three exciting reviews for three lovely authors and three awesome blog tours!



((I mean, mainly it's because I have no restraint when it comes to signing up for blog tours... but whatever it's fine it's all fine

I'm seriously very excited about all three of the books and road trips mean reading time so yay))


So all of this to say, if I don't respond to your comments, or I seem to disappear for this length of time, just know that I still love you, and I will respond whenever we decide to visit the local library (which I'm very excited to see, by the way, I love libraries so much).

Okay that's all, bye, I'll see ya on the 22nd with a review in hand <3



~ Abby

The Mid-Year Freak Out Book Tag

Hello, my name is Abby, and I'm freaking out because 2018 is almost halfway over.

So to somewhat sate my freaking out, I'm going to do this tag and take a look at the books I've read so far this year!  Let me know in the comments below what your answers for some of these questions would be, I'd love to hear about what you've been reading!

1) The best book you've read so far this year.
Oh no this is way too hard.  I've read a lot of great books this year.  So, here, compromise, I'll list a few of my faves so far. 

2) The best sequel you've read so far this year.

I've read a ton of sequels this year, but I think this one continued the story perfectly!

3) A new release you haven't read yet but want to.

I've loved a lot of Korman's books that I've read so far, and I've heard really good things about this one!

4) The most disappointing book you've read this year.
Actually, looking at the list, I haven't been disappointed by any books I've read this year. 


5) The most surprising book so far this year.

I think that has to go to this one.  It was creepy, but perfectly so, and the plot twists were so well done.  I really enjoyed it after not knowing what to expect.

6) A new author you've discovered this year.

Not only is this gal new to me, but this was her debut novel!  It was such a powerful story, and I highly recommend it and the audiobook. 

7) Your newest fictional crush.

Can I say Mick?  Because Mick.

8) Your newest favorite character.

I loved all twelve princesses in this book.  Azalea and Lord Bradford in particular are going to stick with me for a long time, I think.

9) A book that made you cry.
I'm going to say The Science of Breakable Things again for this one, because the ending had me laying in bed, listening to the audiobook, bawling my eyes out.

10) A book that made you happy.

This book just made me ridiculously happy.  I adore Percy and Frank and Hazel with all of my heart and I loved reading this again.

11) Your favorite book-to-movie adaptation you've seen this year.

I watched the mini-series of Emma this year and I enjoyed it far more than I anticipated I would.  I also watched the mini-series of Pride and Prejudice, but I liked Emma just a smidge more *shrug*

12) Your favorite review you've written so far this year.
Idk why, but I'm still rather fond of this one.

13) The most beautiful book you've bought this year.
Technically I bought this last year but it's still my fave and one of the prettiest books I own so yeah.

14) The books you want to read in the rest of the year.
Well, I want to finish my Riordan re-read, which means finishing Trials of Apollo, reading Percy Jackson's Greek Heroes, and re-reading Magnus Chase.  I also really want to read some of the Star Wars books I've had on my unread shelf for way too long.

And there you have it!  What are some of your favorite books you've read this year?

~ Abby

Weddings, Blog Tours, and Hard Shoes {a look back at May}

May is over!  *breathes a sigh of relief*

Now, I'm not one to wish my life away, but I'm kind of really happy that May is over?  It was really busy, really stressful, and I think that may be why I got so much reading done (I needed the respite, lol).  So without further introduction, let's get started!


Things which happened in May include:
~ Our regular dance recital, which went swimmingly.  I honestly think that recital day was the best time I've done the tap dance.  Which is always good.
~ My sister finished with her physical therapy and is almost totally recovered!  She still has to take it easy a bit but she's doing really well.
~ One of my very dearest friends got married!  I was in the wedding party, we had a lovely time (even if the clouds decided to let loose their rain right as I walked down the aisle blergh) (but they stopped just in time for her to walk down the aisle so that was great), and overall I can't complain about the clouds because it meant I didn't get sunburned or anything so. Yay.
~ Anyway she's currently in Canada with her new husband and I'm very jealous because the weather there looks gorgeous and it's still rainy and dreary here.  All I want to do is curl up with a book.  Actually, maybe that's why I got so much reading done.
~ We competed in our... third... fourth? ...what number is this now? ...Irish dance feis (pronounced fesh, which is basically a competition) and my sister and I ended up tying for first in one of our dances? Which is weird?  But also cool. 

~ What I Read ~

I read eleven books this month.  ELEVEN.  What is this madness??
(as usual, click on the first collage for links to my more in-depth reviews on Goodreads)
~ Narwhal: Unicorn of the Sea ~  This was easily one of the most adorable things I've ever seen.  It's all about a Narwhal, his best friend Jelly, and their love of waffles.  {5 stars}
~ Entwined ~  I absolutely adored this.  It was so perfectly magical.  New favorite, for sure.  {5 stars}
~ The Rebellion ~  Check out my review for more thoughts, but I loved this sequel! So sweet, so fun.  {4 stars}
~ Dagger's Sleep ~  Again, my review has more thoughts, but this was such a pleasant surprise!  I had no idea I would like it as much as I did, lol.  {4.5 stars}
~ How to Be a Viking ~  This was easily one of the most adorable things I've ever listened to.  Cressida Cowell narrates the audiobook herself and it's just. so. precious.  {5 stars}
~ How to Speak Dragonese ~  Obviously after listening to the adorable-ness that is the prequel story, I wanted to listen to the audiobooks for the main series as well.  This was the first one available from my library, so this is the first one I listened to, despite it being book 3.  {4.5 stars}
~ Dissociate ~  AHHHHHHH.  Here's my review for more coherent thoughts.  {4.5 stars}
~ How to Train Your Dragon ~  The hold on my audiobook came through, and I listened to this next.  It was so much better in audiobook form.  {4 stars}
~ The House of Hades ~  Not my favorite in the series, never has been.  But I love my kids and the Seven's powers really shone so I really enjoyed that.  {4 stars}
~ Mary Poppins ~  The next in my personal challenge to read a children's classic every month this year.  This was interesting.  I'm still not 100% sure how I feel about it?  {4 stars}
~ How to Be a Pirate ~  I love Hiccup and Fishlegs so much, y'all.  {4 stars}

~ What I Watched ~

Nothing out of the ordinary, I don't think.  Greatest Showman a few more times.  Monk, Psych, and Murder, She Wrote.  Which are all great and I highly recommend them.  And a lot of YouTube, I watched a lot of YouTube.  I was clearly too busy reading to watch anything, lol. 

OH but Nadine Brandes (aka one of the sweetest and most adorable human beings on the planet) started a YouTube channel!  Here's the link, go check it out, she's wonderful.

~ What I Listened To ~

This ended up being a really short playlist?  But mainly that's because the things I mostly listened to aren't on Spotify.  (Spotify, please add the Lightning Thief cast album.  Because everyone needs to hear it.)  But both For King & Country and Steven Curtis Chapman released new music and guys, I am obsessed with them.  And Jillian Edwards and Michael W. Smith released new stuff not too long ago and I'm obsessed with that too so yeah.  That's what's here. 

~ What I Posted ~

Favorite Quotes: Classics Edition {about my favorite quotes from classics}
Dagger's Sleep and Dissociate Blog Tour {+ book reviews!}  {about two awesome stories}
Kiera Cover Reveal {about a gorgeous cover}


So that's about it for May!  What was your favorite song you listened to this month?  How's the weather where you are?  Favorite audiobook?  Let me know in the comments below!

~ Abby

"Kiera" Cover Reveal!

Today, is a very exciting day!  The super-sweet Kate Willis has released the cover for her new novel!  And let me just tell y'all, it's gorgeous.

And

now

you're

going

to

get

to

see

it!



Isn't it pretty??

And here's the synopsis so that you can get even more excited:

Kiera is looking forward to her eighteenth birthday. The official end of school, a party with her best friend, and chocolate cake. A sudden military draft, no possible exemptions, had never crossed her mind.
Kiera is terrified! Getting drafted would mean leaving her family, her little friend Jade—life as she knows it.
A surprising offer from Brennan Stewart just might be the answer to her prayers, but an even worse trial leaves her with one question…
If God truly loves her, why did this tragedy happen?

Kiera by Kate Willis is a YA dystopian novel releasing in late June 2018 (which is next month AHH).  You can add it on Goodreads here.

So who's excited for Kiera?  I know I am!

~ Abby

Dagger's Sleep and Dissociate Blog Tour {+ book reviews!}

It... is... time...

(that intro probably won't make sense to anyone who hasn't seen the Lion King show at WDW but anyway...)

Today is the day!  Dagger's Sleep and Dissociate are going on tour!  And because their lovely authors were kind enough to include me, I'm here with not one, but TWO book reviews for you!

The first, of Dagger's Sleep, which is available for pre-order on Amazon here!



Author: Tricia Mingerink
Genre: High fantasy/fairytale retelling
Content: A good bit of violence, but I think that's it.

Synopsis:
A prince cursed to sleep.
A princess destined to wake him.
A kingdom determined to stop them.
High Prince Alexander has been cursed to a sleep like unto death, a curse that will end the line of the high kings and send the Seven Kingdoms of Tallahatchia into chaos. With his manservant to carry his luggage and his own superior intelligence to aid him, Alex sets off to find one of the Fae and end his curse one way or another.
A hundred years later, Princess Rosanna learns she is the princess destined by the Highest King to wake the legendary sleeping prince. With the help of the mysterious Daemyn Rand, can she find the courage to finish the quest as Tallahatchia wavers on the edge of war?
One curse connects them. A hundred years separate them. From the rushing rivers of Tallahatchia’s mountains to the hall of the Highest King himself, their quests will demand sacrifices neither of them could imagine.

Placement in Series: 1 of I don't know how many.

What I Thought:

^ that's a happy dance.

To be honest, I had no intention of reading this book when I went to sign up for the tour but then I found out it was a fairytale retelling and I had to.  Fairytale retellings are my weakness, y'all know this about me.  And man, am I glad I ended up reading it.  This was one of the most original takes on the tale of Sleeping Beauty I've ever read.  Not only is it genderbent, but it's set in an absolutely fascinating story world, and has such a strong message about God's love and power.  Rosanna and Alex are perfect protagonists; their character arcs are so good. 
The only issue I had is that it took me about 100 pages to get into it.  The world was a smidge overwhelming for me, but I think that's just because it's been literally years since I've read a true high fantasy.  But once I got to where the world wasn't distracting and I could fully immerse myself in the plot, oh my word, did it get amazing. 
I know most people don't like being able to anticipate plot points before they happen, but I love when that happens.  And it happened a few times in this book and BOY was it great.  The story kept me up late reading several nights, and I don't really regret it.  I can't wait to dig into more of Tricia's writing, and I am highly anticipating further exploration into the other fairytales I saw mention of.  Idk if that's actually going to happen.  But I will devour it if it does.

Favorite quote:
She would be fine.  She would be strong, and she would face tomorrow without complaint.  But, for tonight, she let her hands shake.

Will I Keep Reading? YES.  More. Now. Please.

Overall Rating: 4.5 cursed daggers out of 5

About the Author:

TRICIA MINGERINK is a twenty-something, book-loving, horse-riding country girl. She lives in Michigan with her family and their pack of pets. When she isn't writing, she can be found pursuing backwoods adventures across the country.
You can connect with her on Facebook, Pinterest, Goodreads, Twitter, Instagram, and her blog.



And now on to my review for Dissociate which you can buy on Amazon here!



Author: Sarah Addison-Fox
Genre: Dystopian fantasy
Content: A few bad words, a good bit of violence, and it's got a strong romance plotline, so.
Main Characters: Mick Haynes, Celeste, Torrance Kyle, and Amaya Mason

Synopsis:
Freedom begins with finding the truth.
Amidst the turmoil caused by Smyth’s arrest, Celeste is stuck in limbo, stripped of her citizenship, with no choice but to flee to a peaceful Kyraenean hideaway with the tumultuous Amaya Mason.
When bounty hunters threaten the local orphanage, Celeste and Amaya must work together and fight. Even if it means risking what they cherish the most.
His plans in tatters, his career in jeopardy, Mick Haynes is forced to leave Kyraenea with the enigmatic Torrance Kyle, the agent he still can’t trust.
Torrance is good at lying, and even better at hiding his pain, but is he strong enough to deal with the consequences of betraying his own father?
Can Celeste accept the truth, accept her place in the Haynes family or will lies chain her to the past and destroy her chance at a new life?

Placement in Series: 3 of 4 (? I think?)

What I Thought:

I'M SO EMOTIONAL.  I know this story isn't over (because there are definitely adventures to be had!) but I also feel like an arc has come to a wonderful close, and I'm feeling a weird mix of really happy and sad.  I'm not going to spoil anything for those of you who haven't read it, but if you've read books 1 and 2 and aren't sure about book 3 READ BOOK 3. 
I love all of the characters.  (well, except for Smyth, but you know...)  Celeste and Mick are my current OTP, y'all.  Close second goes to the main couple of Dagger's Sleep which I will not spoil.  Close third comes to Torrance and Amaya because oh my word, y'all, I love them so much.  The relationships, the development, the amazing friendships, I loved it all.

Series Playlist:

I've been working on this playlist since I started reading... book 2, I think?  Anyway, I like it a lot.  Hopefully y'all do too.

Will I Keep Reading?  again, YES.  MORE. NOW. PLEASE.

Overall Rating: 4.5 sweet romances out of 5

About the Author:

Sarah Addison-Fox is a New Zealand-born home-schooling mother of two who loves action-packed, clean, fantasy with strong heroines. She has an astonishing amount of nail polish, has all her creative writing credentials shoved in a drawer somewhere, and has a husband who, after 27 years, can still make her blush. When she’s not working on both her YA fantasy series' she can be found fangirling on Goodreads or sending GIFs on Twitter.
You can connect with Sarah at:
Her website ~ Instagram ~ Facebook ~ Goodreads ~ Twitter


Also, guess what, as if this could get any better, THERE ARE GIVEAWAYS!!!


Tricia Mingerink is giving away a paperback of Dagger's Sleep.  The giveaway is open internationally where such giveaways are permitted and where CreateSpace or the Book Depository ships.  The book may or may not be signed depending on where the winner lives.
To enter, click on the picture!


Sarah Addison-Fox is giving away a paperback set of the first three books in the Allegiance Series.  The giveaway is open internationally where such giveaways are permitted and where CreateSpace ships.  The books may or may not be signed depending on where the winner lives.
Again, to enter the giveaway, just click the pic!

I'm so, so excited for both of these ladies!  Huge shout-out to them for letting me do my part and read your fabulous books! 
~ Abby