The Midnight Show Review {Tattered Slippers Blog Tour}

Hello again, my friends! Welcome back to the Tattered Slippers Blog Tour! Today I've got a review for you, and I'm pretty jazzed about it.  (sorry... I couldn't resist)

As always, make sure you check out all the other amazing posts from the tour so far, and the new ones from today by clicking this link right here!  There's also information there to do with the giveaway where you can win 3 of the releases in paperback!  How cool is that?? 

Okay, let's jump on in to the review! 


The Midnight Show



Author: Sarah Pennington
Genre: Urban fantasy mystery
Content: Alcohol consumption
Main Characters: Dayo Temitrope and Bastian Dennell

Synopsis:
This mystery is the case of his dreams - and her nightmares.
By day, Dayo Temitrope is a swinging singer, an up-and-coming star with a shining career ahead of her. By night, she’s . . . well, she’s not sure, but whatever she does leaves her every morning with sore feet and worn-out shoes. And after six months, she’s had enough.
Enter Bastian Dennell, a private investigator just trying to get by. When Dayo hires him to find out where she goes at night, he’s sure it’s his big break: his chance to establish himself and get the funds to pay off his family’s debt. Plus, he gets to work with his favorite singer, even if she isn’t exactly what he expected. What could be better?
But first he has to solve the case — which means navigating a tangled web of strange dreams, fair folk schemes, and show business. It will take all Bastian’s wits, along with the shining talents of Dayo herself, to figure out the truth before the curtains close for good on Dayo’s career.
A jazz-age-inspired twist on the Twelve Dancing Princesses from the author of "Blood in the Snow".

Add on Goodreads ~ Purchase on Amazon

What I Thought: 

This was so much fun!  It felt very much like an old black-and-white detective movie, complete with trench coats, jazz music, and shadowy figures.  But at the same time, it was full-on fantasy novel, which made it even more intriguing. 

The world was so rich, and I just wish I'd gotten more of a chance to explore it.  Obviously, Dayo and Bastian's plot was the focus, so there wasn't much that we get to see outside of their sphere, but I would definitely be interested in seeing more stories set in this city at least, if not outside of it.  There seems to be so much depth there that I just wanted to dig into, you know?

The characters were great, honestly.  I loved Bastian from the first moment he stepped onto the page (what can I say, I'm a sucker for a man in a fedora), and Dayo fascinated me.  There basically isn't any romantic subplot between them, which I thought was neat. There's a bit of attraction, and I would absolutely read a sequel to see if it goes anywhere, because I'd be here for this relationship, lol! 

The actual mystery was SO intriguing, and kept me glued to the page the whole time.  Maybe my favorite thing about this whole Tattered Slippers blog tour has been seeing how each author weaves different elements of the fairytale into their stories, and the choices made for this book were so unique and perfect!   

Basically, this was just delightful, and I'm so glad I picked it up.

Overall Rating: 4.5 swinging jazz tunes out of 5

About the Author: 
Sarah Pennington has been writing stories since before she actually knew how to write, and she has no intention of stopping anytime soon. She is perpetually in the middle of writing at least one or two novels, most of which are in the fantasy and fairy tale retelling genres. Sarah’s first published work, Blood in the Snow, received a perfect score and Special Unicorn status in Rooglewood Press’s Five Poisoned Apples contest. When she isn’t writing, she enjoys knitting, photography, and trying to conquer her massive to-be-read list.

Connect with Sarah: Her website ~ Her blog ~ Her second blog ~ Facebook ~ Goodreads

Make sure you check out all the other posts from the blog tour - there have been some really fun ones! Oh, and make sure you enter the giveaway! Click this link for more info!  

And there you have it! What fairytale would you set in the jazz age? 

~ Abby

The Dark King's Curse Review {Tattered Slippers Blog Tour}

Welcome to my second stop for the Tattered Slippers blog tour!  Today takes us deep into the Dreammidst, following a lady-in-waiting determined to stop a curse.

Since this is a blog tour, make sure you check out all the other amazing posts so far from my fellow hosts by clicking this link right here!  There's also information there to do with the giveaway where you can win 3 of the releases in paperback!  How cool is that?? 

And with that, let's get into the review.


The Dark King's Curse



Author: Wyn Estelle Owens
Genre: Fantasy fairytale retelling
Content: None
Main Character: Ailsa

Synopsis:
A darkness seems to hang over the lands of Conall, slowly but surely growing in strength with each passing year.
It all comes to a head when the twelve daughters of King Muir begin to disappear each night. None will admit where they go, and the only clue is their shoes; new in the evening, tattered and torn by morning.
When no one can stop the disappearances, Ailsa--lady-in-waiting to the youngest princess--volunteers to try and solve the mystery, or she and her peers will pay the consequences for failing to watch over their charges.
Armed with nothing but her gift of Fae-sight, Ailsa ventures forth on a quest to free her lady and the other princesses. With the help of an grumpy, glamoured gardener, a cursed faerie cat, and the mysterious Lord of Autumn, she may discover both the secrets and the truth behind the Dark King that lies at the root of the curse.

Add on Goodreads ~ Purchase on Amazon 

What I Thought:

*happy sigh* So I binged this book in less than 24 hours, partially because I needed to get this review up today, and partially because I was so engrossed in the story.  It's been a long time since I've read a fae-centered book, but this one was something special.

First thing, I need to talk about the characters because I am obsessed with them!  Ailsa and Fionn's friendship is everything to meee (oh and Siobhra, obviously), Ailsa's friendship with the princess is so cute, the ships are so soft and wholesome, and just like... all the relationships are perfect.  I am soft.  I just appreciate so much how most of the time, 12DP retellings follow a solo hero, who's doing it on his (or her) own, but in this book it's a whole questing squad, and I'm here for it.

There are a looot of dream sequences in this book, which normally I'm not a fan of, but I didn't mind too much here.  There were still bits that confused me, but overall were still intriguing enough to keep me going.  I loved the whole concept of the seasonal courts, and the King of Autumn was one of my favorite characters, tbh.  The magic system was epic, the mystery was intriguing, the banter was everything.  I was unsure how I would feel about this book, but I'm happy to report that I thoroughly enjoyed it. 

Recommended for fans of fae magic, talking cats, friendly banter, and gentle romance.

Overall Rating: 4 silver tree branches out of 5

About the Author:
Wyn Estelle Owens is the penname of a young woman who’s still figuring out what this whole ‘adult’ thing is all about. She lives in a big, old house in Maryland by a Hundred Acre Wood (dubbed Neldoreth) with her parents, three occasionally obnoxious brothers, her dog Jackie, and her personal plot bunny, Joker.
She is fond of reading, writing, drawing, speaking in dead or imaginary languages, playing videogames, quoting classic or obscure literature, being randomly dramatic, and generally making things out of yarn. Her dream is to write stories that inspire people to chase after the wonderful world of storytelling.
Her favorite all-time authors are Anne Elisabeth Stengl, Christa Kinde, and above all, J.R.R. Tolkien, who first inspired her to pursuing novel writing when she read the Hobbit at the age of seven.

Connect with Wyn Estelle Owens: Goodreads ~ Facebook ~ Amazon 

Don't forget to check out all the other amazing Tattered Slippers blog posts at this link right here, and stay tuned for more reviews from me this week!

~ Abby

Poison's Dance Review {Tattered Slippers Blog Tour}

 Hello my name is Abby and I've been emotionally compromised by Tricia Mingerink yet again.

In other words, welcome to the Tattered Slippers blog tour!  Get ready for not one, not two, but SIX amazing Twelve Dancing Princesses retellings that are releasing this week!  The tour is already in full swing, so make sure you check out the full schedule to join in on all the fun! 

There are a ton of amazing bloggers involved in this tour, and I'm so excited and honored to be one of them!  So for four of those six days, you can stick right here for reviews of these new releases! (Who's hyped? I'm hyped!)

We begin with one of my most anticipated reads of the year, the third book in Tricia Mingerink's Beyond the Tales series, which continues to solidify itself as one of my all-time faves.

** I'm gonna stick a spoiler warning right here because there are spoilers for at least the first book in the series (Dagger's Sleep) from this point forward. 
So... you've been warned. **

Poison's Dance



Author: Tricia Mingerink 
Genre: Fantasy fairytale retelling
Content: Some violence
Main Characters: King Alexander, Princess Tamya, Daemyn Rand

Synopsis:
If he falls to the lure of the curse, the dance might trap him forever.
Alex has survived his first year as high king. The new counsel has improved cooperation between the kingdoms, and peace seems achievable. When the Tuckawassee queen sends him an invitation he can’t refuse, Alex must once again face his greatest threat for the sake of peace.
Princess Tamya of Tuckawassee, along with her eleven sisters, has danced from sunset until sunrise every night of her life. It is her gift and her curse. When Queen Valinda wishes to use the power their cursed dance gives them to rule all of Tallahatchia, Tamya must decide if she will do what is right even if it betrays her own sister.
Daemyn Rand has survived a hundred years' worth of battles. All he wants to do now is safely marry his princess. Will he be forced to choose between the love of his life and the high king he has loyally served for years?
They have faced certain death before. This time, they might not make it out alive.
Don’t miss this re-envisioning of the Twelve Dancing Princesses fairy tale.   

Add on Goodreads ~ Purchase on Amazon ~ My review of book 1 ~ My review of book 2

What I Thought:

This book broke me.  In the best way.  I finished it at 3:30 AM because there was no way I was putting it down.  I was a sobbing, snotty mess.  It was basically everything and I don't know how I'm supposed to just go on with my life now? 

Being back in Tallahatchia was so good for my soul.  Like, I started reading and seeing familiar names and it just gave me so much joy.  I didn't realize how much I missed it.  The world itself is so cool, and seeing it unfold throughout the series has been everything.  Each book we get to explore a different kingdom, and if this means that we'll eventually potentially get 7 books for the 7 kingdoms... you would not hear me complaining, that's all I'm saying.

Speaking of things unfolding throughout the series, can we talk about Alex for a minute?  Because I'm so proud of him??  Watching his journey from the first book to now - he was a big part of why I cried from about the 75% mark onward because I'm just so proud of who he's becoming with the Highest King's help.  I'm not okay.  *melts into a puddle of feels*  He's never been my favorite character of the series but that might change now, honestly, idk.  Also his relationship with Daemyn is everything to me and I'm quickly becoming a sucker for the king/lord/important person + his guard/servant friendship dynamic, it's one of my faves. Also Daemyn and Rosanna continue to be wonderful together. 

The character of Tamya was amazing.  We've had three very different female leads in the series so far, and I'm here for it.  Her relationship with her sisters was so well done - the princesses is always something I judge 12DP retellings on, and they were great here.  There were a couple who faded to the background, but for the most part, each one was unique and distinct enough that I didn't have trouble remembering who was who.  

The fairytale elements were woven in so perfectly, as they always are in these books.  The worn dancing shoes, the underground world, the silver and gold trees, the sinister eldest sister, it's all here and it's all just as iconic as it should be. 

All in all, I'm never going to stop talking about this series.  I know this book just came out today but I wish I had book 4.  The ending made me squeal with happiness on several occasions, and I'm just really happy, okay? 

Overall rating: 5 goblets of maybe-poisoned wine 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.

Connect with Tricia: Her blog ~ Facebook ~ Instagram ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads ~ Pinterest

As I mentioned at the top of this post, the Tattered Slippers blog tour will be going on all week!  So keep your eyes peeled for more reviews coming your way from me, and click this link right here to see all the amazing posts! 

Have you read the Beyond the Tales books?  Are you excited for this one?  Let me know in a comment below! 

~ Abby

One Bad Apple {book review}

 Y'all should know by now that I love fairytale retellings (and if you didn't, now you do).  Especially if that fairytale is put into a unique setting.  Thus, I knew I was going to love this book.  Happy to report, I was right.

I've been wanting to read one of Rachel's books for what feels like forever, and her newest release seemed like the perfect place to start.  A Snow White retelling set in the 1873?  Yes please! 

One Bad Apple

Author: Rachel Kovaciny
Genre: Historical Fiction 
Content: Some threats of violence, and a few moments of racial prejudice
Main Character: Levi Dalton 

Synopsis:

When a wagon train of Black pioneers rescues the seven orphaned Dalton cousins from the side of the trail, it seems like an answer to their prayers. As they roll west toward Kansas, fourteen-year-old Levi Dalton is dazzled by the beautiful Mrs. Mallone. She's a healer, and her knowledge of medicines and herbs inspires Levi to want to become a doctor. Maybe then he can stop people from dying of fevers and illnesses like his folks did.
But Mrs. Mallone's stepdaughter, Hopeful, warns Levi not to become too attached to the healer. Levi dismisses her warnings and his own misgivings until the day he sees something dreadful.
Levi knows he needs to tell someone what he’s seen before it’s too late. But will anyone believe the story of a fourteen-year-old orphan? Will anyone stand up to evil, no matter how beautifully it’s packaged?

Add on Goodreads ~ Purchase on Amazon

What I Thought:

I don't think I've ever read a Snow White retelling from the point of view of one of the seven dwarves, but golly was it a lot of fun.  Levi was such a unique protagonist - I always love when a story is told from a very specific point of view, which in this case was that of a 14-year-old boy.  The whole book would have a completely different flavor if it had been told from the perspective of Hopeful or Jacob or Ness.  But because it's Levi, the viewpoint is so unique. 

The plot was fascinating, and I loved the way the fairytale was woven into the non-magical setting.  Hopeful was such a perfect Snow White (plus her relationship with her Dad was so soft, my emotions ;-; )  She's just a good person, but she's not naive.  Also her dad is an absolute sweetheart and I love them together.  Also the Daltons are so wholesome and I just want these kids to be happy is that too much to ask? 

Mrs. Mallone was an excellent villain - I absolutely hated her.  Which, in my mind, is one mark of a well-written antagonist.  What an awful person she is. xD 

The historical element of this book was everything, you guys.  You can truly tell that Rachel took her time researching - my inner ten-year-old that dreamed of being part of a wagon train was thriving as I read this.  It was definitely educational, while also being entertaining, so basically my favorite thing ever?  Oh, and the fairytale elements?? I mean?? One of the most unique Snow White retellings I've ever read while also including every important motif from the original?  Heck yes!!

Basically, I absolutely devoured this book, and I need more of Rachel's books in my life as soon as possible please and thank you. 

Overall Rating: 5 baskets of apples out of 5

About the Author:
Born only a few miles from where Jesse James robbed his first train, Rachel Kovaciny has loved the Old West all her life. She now lives in Virginia with her husband and their three homeschooled children. In her free time, Rachel writes for the magazines "Femnista" and "Prairie Times," reads, bakes, blogs, watches movies, and daydreams.

Connect with Rachel: Her website ~ Instagram ~ Goodreads ~ Facebook

Well there you have it, friends!  Have you read this book or any others from Rachel?  Let me know in a comment below! 

~ Abby

5 More Indie Books You Should Read {+5 More On My TBR} - #IndieAugust20

 Last year, I hosted a readathon on my bookstagram called the Indie August Readathon, dedicated to celebrating the best of independent publishing.  I had so much fun hosting it, and I knew I wanted to do it again!  And since last year I also shared 5 of my favorite indie books here on the blog, I'm back again with 5 more recommendations! 

I'm a firm believer that independently published books can be just as great (if not better!) than traditionally published ones, and these books are a testament to that.  All of these were among my favorites from either 2019 or 2020!  I tried to pick from a variety of genres, too, so there's something for everyone!  For even more recommendations, make sure you check out my post from last year!

Let's jump on in!


1. Prince of Shadow and Ash - Selina R. Gonzalez 



Add on Goodreads ~ Purchase on Amazon ~ My review

First off, that cover though!!  This was absolutely everything I wanted - a mix of high fantasy and fluffy romance that was perfection.  Sassy main characters, kick-butt action, epic magic, and an adorably shippable couple to boot.  Regulus and Adelaide's story sucked me in and didn't let go, and I can't recommend it highly enough!

2. Rook Di Goo - Jenni Sauer



Add on Goodreads ~ Purchase on Amazon

A sci-fi Cinderella retelling following a runaway soldier, full of adventure, friendship, and hope despite hard times.  Featuring the found family trope and a lot of tea, this is one of my favorite reads of the year, and I can't wait to see what Jenni has in store next.  (also if you don't come out of this one wishing you had standard issue Liosi military boots and you aren't a little in love with Captain Leiv Benham, I'll be surprised xD)

3. The Old River Road - Hailey Rose



Add on Goodreads ~ Purchase on Amazon ~ My review

Based on the real story of Hailey's great-great-grandparents, this is one of the most wholesome and heart-warming historical fiction stories I know.  I adored Clara and William so much, the whole book just felt so comfortable and cozy, and I never wanted it to end.  It's got all the feels, and I love it for that.

4. The Divided Nation - Angela R. Watts



Add on Goodreads ~ Purchase on Amazon

One of the most unique and heart-pounding dystopians I've read in awhile, this is a story that's hard to look at at times, but one that's so important.  Set during the future second American civil war, we follow a fairly large cast of characters who are doing their best just to survive.  There's a lot of found family/"your family stinks so I'm your family now" tropes going on, plus a really stinking Soft romance, and I'm here for it. 

5. Never Say Goodbye - Sarah Grace Grzy



Add on Goodreads ~ Purchase on Amazon ~ My review

Speaking of Soft romance... xD  Tyler and Alyvia's story made me so ridiculously happy, tbh.  Everything about it was just about perfect.  Friends-to-lovers romance, a single dad with an adorable child, a female lead who wants to run a book store, everything you could ask for and then some amazing faith content throughout.  

And now, here are five indie books that are on my list to read as soon as is humanly possible:

1. One Bad Apple - Rachel Kovaciny



snow white retelling + wagon train setting + found family trope (i think... lol)

2. Poison's Dance - Tricia Mingerink



twelve dancing princesses retelling + high fantasy + book 3 in one of my favorite series

3. Thief - Savanna Roberts



robin hood retelling + kick-butt heroine + squad goals

4. As Easy As Cherry Pie - Bell Renshaw

 

fluffy romance + baker + handyman + return to justin harbor (yaaasss)

5. The Anamnesis - Adelaide Thorne



epic story + slowburn romance + cross my heart the only reason i haven't finished this yet is because i don't want this series to end ;-; 


So there you have it!  If you'd like to participate in the readathon, we'd love to have you! 

What's an indie book that you would recommend?  Are you adding any of these to your TBR?  Let me know in a comment below! 

~ Abby

Ivy Introspective {blog tour + book review}

Hello my friends!  Today's the day!  It's officially time for my post for the Ivy Introspective blog tour!! *cue the fanfare*

I've loved this series so much since what feels like forever, but somehow I never managed to read this book?? Idk what happened?? But now it's finally made its way into my life and I couldn't be more thrilled.  It's also available right now so you can go and read it yourself!  Yay!! But before you do that, here's my review:

Ivy Introspective



Author: Kellyn Roth
Genre: Historical fiction
Content: None
Main characters: Ivy Knight and Nora Chattoway

Synopsis:
Ivy Knight lives her life in a blur of confusion as the world passes her by in a tumultuous melody. She isn’t the perfect daughter or student, but as long as she can be with her family, she doesn’t mind watching rather than living.
Mrs. Chattoway treasures both of her granddaughters now that they’re reunited. When Ivy’s parents enroll her in a Scottish school for unique children, she’s happy to chaperone.
In a new place with a new guardian, Ivy discovers a special talent that helps her see the blurred world in a new way. There’s a light at the end of the tunnel, and Ivy becomes determined to find it—and help others do the same.

Add on Goodreads ~ Purchase on Amazon

What I Thought:

I'm not crying, you're crying.  (that's a lie, I'm totally crying)

This was so WHOLESOME.  my HEART.  I'm EMOTIONAL.

Okay hold on let's get a hold of ourselves here.

So this was pretty much perfect.  A couple of years ago, I read At Her Fingertips and Beyond Her Calling and fell in love with both of them.  (And yes, I read The Dressmaker's Secret too)  But somehow this one got missed in the shuffle, and in a lot of ways, that just made reading it now so much sweeter.

Ivy is one of my favorite female protagonists, okay?  She's just such a pure little bean, I want to protect her from everything.  She's also an introvert through and through, and I related to her so much.  As much as I love Alice, she can be a lot, but Ivy is just out here doing her best and I'm proud of her for it.  (Also, I thought I'd gotten over being in love with Jordy MacAllen, but noooope.  what a precious baby boy. my face lit up when he walked onto the scene and I have no shame.) ((although let's clarify, I'm in love with grown-up Jordy, not 16-year-old Jordy.  that would be weird.))

I also loved Nora's storyline so much?  It made me so emotional?  The way she was so desperate to be loved by her family, how much she and Ivy were alike and didn't know it, the way God used those around her to heal her, it was all beautiful and such a pleasant surprise. 

Oh, and Violet!  I didn't care much for Violet in Beyond Her Calling, but now I can't wait to re-read that one, just to see if my opinions of her have changed.  I understand her so much better now.  I'm so sad. 

The faith content was beautiful.  It wove perfectly through the story, the message of God's grace and love becoming apparent as the characters discovered it. 

I just kind of loved everything about this?  The Chronicles of Alice and Ivy is seriously one of my favorite historical fiction series ever, and I've missed it, tbh.  It's nice to be back with these characters. <3

Overall Rating: 5 piano playing prodigies out of 5

About the Author:
Kellyn Roth lives on an Eastern Oregon ranch with her parents, little brothers, border collies, cats, and a few dozen cows and chickens.  Always a lover of a good story, and especially of telling one, she's been writing since she was seven and published her first novel at fourteen.  Now a homeschool grad, she divides her time between penning her next Christian historical fiction novel, creating professionally silly articles for her blog, and her actual life.  Actual life plays second fiddle sometimes, though.

Connect with Kellyn: Her website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads ~ Instagram ~ Pinterest ~ Amazon ~ her personal blog


A huge thank you to Kellyn for sending me a copy of this book for review!  Have you read any of Kellyn's books?  Let me know in the comments below!

~ Abby

The Best of the Last Four Years - A Blogiversary Celebration

I can't believe this blog has been here for four whole years. FOUR. I was practically a baby when I started it.  I didn't know what I was doing, and I still don't, tbh.  But gosh, this has been fun.

Let's just all be proud for a moment about the fact that I actually remembered this blogiversary was coming. xD  I didn't remember in time to do a Q&A like I'd thought I might, but if I'm still blogging next year (here's hoping), I'll do one for the 5-year celebration.  Or I can do one before that, if y'all want to see that.

I've been thinking lately about what my favorite posts have been over the last four years, which ones I'm proudest of and such.  So I thought this might be a fun and fitting tribute to four years of Novels, Dragons, and Wardrobe Doors.  Happy birthday, little blog.  I'm glad you're part of my life. <3

Grab a cupcake and let's party, shall we?

In 2016, I started a blog.  The idea for the name had been in my head for several years, but it was only then that I decided it was time.  I didn't have a clue what I was doing, and fumbled my way through 22 posts.  I went by a fake name (because I was a teenager and was scared of the internet), attempted NaNoWriMo updates, started a series of posts I never finished, and fangirled about Leverage a lot.  So while the posts from then are kinda cringy (girlfriend, pick a theme and stick with it okay oof), it's kinda fun to look back at that younger, excitable me.  She was a lot.  But I admire her utter bravery in putting together some of the reviews she did, pfft.

 But two of my favorite classic NDWD posts have to be:

 

- what we can learn from the Olympics -

I had so much fun writing this one for Rio 2016, and it's still pretty true, tbh.

 

 - writers (and star wars) -

a classic. an icon. a legend.

In 2017, I started to get a handle on the whole "aesthetic" thing as I posted 50 posts.  I posted two of four "seasonal favorites" posts (I never got around to the other two... I should do that).  I started going by my real first name (because while I still have a healthy fear of the internet, I settled on a pen name that I still use).  Some of my all-time favorite posts I've written are from 2017, when I was learning a lot about God and His goodness.  I posted wrap-ups consistently and I don't know what happened to that girl because I wish she'd come back, lol.  I'm actually pretty happy with most of my 2017 posts?  Go figure.

My faves:

- the instant life -

I'm still proud of this post, and it's still accurate.

 

- 5 ways I princess and 5 ways I don't -

this one was just so darn fun

 

- top ten fictional friendships -

I keep meaning to do a part 2 to this, I need to get on that.

 

- the faith of the carpenter -

I started the "greatest story" series in 2017, and they're some of my favorites that I look forward to writing every year.  I didn't end up putting one up in 2019, but they'll definitely be making a return this year

2018 was definitely the year my blogging thrived the most.  I really got into a groove, posting 53 posts total.  11 of those were in December alone, as I participated in the 12 Days of Christmas and had a grand time doing it.  I changed the blog to look like it does now (and yes, I still love the gold/black aesthetic).  A buuunch of reviews were posted in 2018, including some of my favorites, and the whole "using psych gifs in every post" trend was born.

My faves:

- favorite quotes - classics edition -

this post is still just lovely

 

- beyond her calling review -

still one of my favorite reviews I've written

the psych gifs are everything xD

 

- still too many -

one of the most powerful lessons I've learned from God,

and I think the post turned out really good

2019 was a big old hot mess of a year for me, and it shows in the blog.  I wrote a grand total of 28 posts for the whole year, and most of the months had only 1 post.  But I solidified the look I wanted my posts to have, and there are still quite a few posts that I'm still quite proud of, even though it took me a bajillion years to write and post them. 

My faves:

- the tbr jar experiment -

an experiment that I haven't touched in months but shhhh

 

- freedom book review -

I still low-key love everything about this post

 

- farewell, august -

idk why I love this wrap-up post so much, but I just do

And thus, we arrive at the present.  Welcome to 2020, the fourth year of the blog.  I took the first two months off from posting at all as life kinda exploded in my face.  But I think, maybe, I've finally found my blogging groove again.  I'm really happy with how my posts have been turning out lately, and hopefully y'all are enjoying them too!

My faves:

- 10 books that need adaptations -

making aesthetic collages is something I've loved doing for a long time,

but only now do I decide to put it to use here, lol

 

- the narnia writing tag -

because who doesn't love talking about their narnia and their wip?

 

- never say goodbye book review -

idk I just like how this review turned out

And there you have it!  I hope you've all had fun at the party, I know I have.  It's fun to visit your past self for a little while.  Here's to many more years full of novels, dragons, and wardrobe doors <3

~ Abby