It's been quite a while since I've read a full-fledged romance, but I saw everyone twitterpating over this one, and since I was in the mood for a a liIt's been quite a while since I've read a full-fledged romance, but I saw everyone twitterpating over this one, and since I was in the mood for a a light-hearted Halloweeny read, I randomly bought it on my Kindle app. The masses were correct: it was a pretty adorable read. It definitely gave me Hocus Pocus vibes but for adults. Yes, the romance was really fun and screamed happily-ever-after, but what I actually fell in love with was the town of Graves Glenn. I seriously wish I could live there, or at the very least, live there during the fall season. It seemed so cozy and whimsical. In short, this was just the story to be reading the week leading up to Halloween to give me all the spooky, scary skeleton funsies!...more
Who would have thought a book about sanctimonious Puritans could be so deliciously riveting? Not I! I simply couldn't help but hate the abundance of cWho would have thought a book about sanctimonious Puritans could be so deliciously riveting? Not I! I simply couldn't help but hate the abundance of controlling men in this book that tried to put Mary in her place. Their hypocrisy and smugness was enough to have me seething at certain points. Although I'd like to think we as women have come a long way since then, what's going on with the Heartbeat Bill in Texas definitely puts that all into question. Cruel and power-hungry men have always and will continue to try to control women and their bodies, but reading about Mary and her tenacity to fight back while trying not lose herself and her beliefs made me believe in the strength of women. But don't let my feminism-take scare you away if that's not what you want to pick up and read; you'll still want to pick this book up because it's one well-written twisted thriller with some intriguing, complex characters!...more
The suffrage movement and witches? Sign me up! This one was a fun and twisty witch tale woven into the suffrage movement which I thought was quite cleThe suffrage movement and witches? Sign me up! This one was a fun and twisty witch tale woven into the suffrage movement which I thought was quite clever. The characters were all well-developed and played really well off one another. Each sister was uniquely her own and yet I enjoyed how tight nit they were. Also, I did not see that ending coming either. It also made me wish I had some magic up my sleeves. It would make life so much easier!...more
I haven't visited the land of Olympian Gods and Titans since I was a high schooler in English class. I remember reading all the old stories and legendI haven't visited the land of Olympian Gods and Titans since I was a high schooler in English class. I remember reading all the old stories and legends and trying to keep track of the tangled web of gods and stories. This book brought that all back into focus for me, and I forgot just how vain, power hungry, and heartless the Gods truly were. My gosh! They are narcissistic assholes! Thank goodness, Circe was a breath of fresh air. I love how she carved her own path and didn't surrender her own identity. All the little stories that made her who she was were so intriguing and powerful. Her choice at the end was definitely the right one, and although it took her so long to get there, it was truly satisfying for both her and the reader. Even though this is a book of Gods, Titans, warriors, and witches, it speaks volumes to what it is to be human and mortal. I'm glad I put my skepticism aside and picked this one up. It was an adventurous yet insightful read!...more
This one was a peculiar look into a unusual family’s life of witchcraft. It never had any specific direction; it just ambles along capturing odd and pThis one was a peculiar look into a unusual family’s life of witchcraft. It never had any specific direction; it just ambles along capturing odd and profound moments of life. Yes, it’s magical realism, but it speaks very much to the realities of real life and love. I loved the message that all are cursed in life but you must keep living and loving despite that. This book that I didn’t think I really liked throughout much of it somehow managed to keep me reading and charmed me in the end. How odd!...more
I haven't read a witch story in forever. Other than how's Lily gave up on her life over a stupid boy in order to get into a new world, I really liked I haven't read a witch story in forever. Other than how's Lily gave up on her life over a stupid boy in order to get into a new world, I really liked this one. With that pathetic beginning I wasn't so sure, but I'm glad I stuck with it because once she enters the alternated Salem world it got so good. I felt it had a bit of a Poison Study taste to it. And with that crazy ending I can't wait for the next one to come out!...more
It was back to Charleston and John Devlin in Amanda Steven's third novel of the Graveyard Series where a lot of the questions from the first book wereIt was back to Charleston and John Devlin in Amanda Steven's third novel of the Graveyard Series where a lot of the questions from the first book were finally answered. With the continued haunting by the ghosts of Shani and Mariama, things were just as twisted and complicated between Amelia and Devlin as they both tried to solve the evils of the past. As always, Amanda Stevens kept the reader guessing by laying suspicion on all of her characters, at one point or another, which made for another intriguing mystery. However, this time around, the foreboding vibe wasn't quite as intense and chilling as in the last two novels. The introduction of witch doctors, rooting, and gray dust, while interesting, didn't quite capture that same bone-chilling, hair raising tension found earlier in the series. That said, I still enjoyed finishing up the story of Devlin's past and all the characters involved. Stevens was right to come to a conclusion on that front thus allowing for the reader to focus on the next chapter of the story coming in the next installment. Unfortunately, that book won't be out until Fall, so I'll have to indulge in other stories until then....more
This sequel was every bit as fun as the last book, maybe even more so. It's safe to say that Amanda Stevens knows how to deliver a good atmospheric chThis sequel was every bit as fun as the last book, maybe even more so. It's safe to say that Amanda Stevens knows how to deliver a good atmospheric chiller of a tale. This story of Asher Falls and all of its forlorn town members were greatly fleshed out and made for a great race-to-the-end finish. Even with this book being a bit of a departure from the first, with the protagonist, Amelia, taking a break from her home town, I thought it was a great way in which to fill in the hole's of Amelia's past. True, I missed Devlin a bit in the beginning, but soon enough I was totally wrapped up in the mist and intrigue of Asher Falls. The true story of Amelia's past didn't disappoint with its great ride of suspense and utterly haunting final reveal. In addition, I really liked exploring the characters of Sydra, Thane, and Tilly. Their secrets and fears made the novel all the more titillating; not to mention, I loved each of their relationships with Amelia. Therefore, I truly hope they will make an appearance later in the series. With all of that said, I am onto the next novel--so happy I have it on hand and don't have to wait!...more
This book is definitely a work of fiction plucked from the realm of the Salem Witch Trials. The pretend town of Chatham in this story very much parallThis book is definitely a work of fiction plucked from the realm of the Salem Witch Trials. The pretend town of Chatham in this story very much parallels the witch hunting history of Salem while tweaking it into an exciting tale with the use of enchanting characters and a dangerous prophecy. I truly enjoyed the characters because I felt that each was properly fleshed out in their own actions and motives--especially the three sisters at the heart of the story. As a sister myself, I could definitely relate to their feuds and yet fierce protection of one another. Also, I rather enjoyed discerning along with Cate who she could truly trust. I wasn't always certain and found I liked riddling it out. The ending of this book was especially good because a lot is thrown at the reader all at once that really thickens the plot for the installments yet to come in this series. There was definitely one plot point that particular surprised me about Maura, but I won't ruin it for others. I'll just say that it will be interesting to see where her story goes from here. The only reason I didn't give this story five stars is because I try to save that for the best of the best in writing and story--stories that just blow my mind and are truly, unbelievably powerful....more
Magic is one of those things that is found again and again in literature. Making it stand out amongst the thousands of other novels is a hard task forMagic is one of those things that is found again and again in literature. Making it stand out amongst the thousands of other novels is a hard task for an author. Alexandra Bracken managed to leap that hurdle just fine. The idea of using a talisman to render the elements of Earth was extremely inventive. Throwing in hedge witches, poison curses, elixers, and natural disasters only helped to further cement this intriguing world. As for the characters themselves, I really loved how gruff and disgusting she made North--the "hero" of our story. Too often lately, the men in YA novels are put on this pedestal where they're perfectly handsome, sweet, strong, and charming. Yeah, it's great reading about that type of guy, but it becomes redundant and boring after awhile. North definitely broke away from this trend. He was kind of an ass, and with good reason. Fleshing out his character definitely kept me reading. This also allowed for a slow burn of a relationship to grow between him and Syd ultimately avoiding another YA cliche and personal pet peeve of mine, insta-love. Over all, this was a solid stand alone book that was both exciting and romantic....more
This book was really good. Not only did it have a good paranormal romance, but it had a meaningful, smart plot strengthened by a great deal of accuratThis book was really good. Not only did it have a good paranormal romance, but it had a meaningful, smart plot strengthened by a great deal of accurate history, intriguing science, and great sesory details. It is the first of a trilogy and it's safe to say I'll be reading the next one. By the way, if you're a wine drinker you'll be drinking through this whole book considering the male protagonist kinda has a love affair with it....more
Can't decide if I liked this book enough to read the rest to come. We'll see.Can't decide if I liked this book enough to read the rest to come. We'll see....more
What can I say about the series that ignited my love for reading? There simply isn't words. This book has everything for all ages and is my most belovWhat can I say about the series that ignited my love for reading? There simply isn't words. This book has everything for all ages and is my most beloved tale of all time. Although I do enjoy the movies, in the end they simply don't do the books justice. I wish I could go back to sixth grade and rediscover Harry all over again!...more