Favorites of 2014

Happy 12th day of 2015, reader's!

2014 was really good. So many things fell into place, and I'm expecting 2015 to be even more amazing. On the personal side of things, I got a baby niece, a new best friend, a college, and so many opportunities that have God's signature all over them. On the bookshelf side of things, everything was pretty swell. There were some AMAZING releases last year, and I'm so happy to have been able to read these beauties!
This is a just a taste, really, of my favorites of 2014.

Fantasy:

•  Storm Siren by Mary Weber

 I adored this book. As in full on fangirl love. I'm pretty sure you can now officially call me one of Mary Weber's biggest fans. I might have even gotten a Storm Siren tattoo...Okay, maybe not (I hate needles, thank you) but this book is all kinds of AMAZING. Please, please, please read it! Then, when you read it and realize you just fell head over heels for Weber's story, we can grab some coffee and chat it up.

• Firstborn by Lorie Ann Grover 

 Despite some discussion and murmuring I overheard about this book, I loved it. It was undoubtedly different, but sometimes the different books takes the cake (for me, that's usually the case)! This book showed how unique Grover's voice is, and I thoroughly enjoyed it! 

• Deluge by Lisa T. Bergren

Because duh. This is one of my absolute favorite of all series, and the conclusion did not disappoint. Make me cry? Yes. Disappoint? Definitely not.(I'm actually getting teary just thinking about the ending.) LTB is a master storyteller.

•  Tears of the Sea by MaryLu Tyndall

Mermaids and pirates. That's basically a must have for winter, right? Check out my review for this lovely gem here. Because this book is wonderful!

• Destined for Doon by Carey Corp & Lorie Langdon

Wow. This series sort of exploded on the Internet. I've been feeling very "Hey, I knew about this book before all these super super cool people did." There is a really good reason this book is well on its way to stardom. This series is captivating, and it appears to be here to stay (yayy!). Another testament to my opinion that Blink is the coolest imprint on the planet.


 

Dysatopian: 

• Thunder by Bonnie S. Calhoun

Oh, you loved Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi? But you have to admit that maybe the secular undertones were a bit too strong? You should read this fantastic book!
This book is the bomb. I loved it, and I am so ready for the sequel. I gave my mom a whole rant about how proud I was that the CBA was branching out into story's like these. Hey, I'm all about this YA-Christian hybrid trend.

• Remnants: Season of Wonder by Lisa T. Bergren

Lisa T. Bergren knows how to write YA. She's awesome, and her books just validate it. This was one of my absolute faves from earlier last year. I'm so excited to see where she takes this story in the sequel!

     Contemporary:

•  Lizzy and Jane by Katherine Reay

Sometimes, I even crack open a contemporary. Its rare, but when I do venture into this genre, you better bet its either funny or its Katherine Reay. This is for the Austen gals, waving our hanky's in the air at the passing soldiers. Chivalry is not dead, my friends, and it is well alive in Reay's stunning contemporary (another book that made me cry, in fact).

•  Can't Let You Go by Jenny B. Jones

I was a die-hard Jenny B. Jones fan when I was a tween. Reading about the adult Katie Parker was like re-visiting the past, but at the same time making me realize how old I'm getting. I loved getting to dive back in, and I'm hoping (really, really hoping) that a new Bella book (The Charmed Life series) is in the works.

• What a Girl Needs by Kristin Billerbeck

 This is another continuation of a much loved series . I was thrilled when I heard about Billerbeck's new Ashley book! It did not disappoint at all! Billerbeck made me giggle, in usual fashion, and love Ashley even more.

 

 

  Historical:

• The Covered Deep by Brandy Vallance

UM. THIS BOOK. This book is so amazing. It's probably one of my favorite historicals of ever. Its like someone smashed Indiana Jones and Pride and Prejudice together (okay, not exactly, but you get my point), and created a super-novel. Plus, Bianca is like a carbon copy of myself. A much, much wittier carbon copy...    

• Lady at Arms by Tamara Leigh

Really, everything Tamara Leigh released (or re-released) this year was superb! The medieval setting paired with Leigh's writing makes a beautiful combination! I can't wait to see what will be released by this author in 2015! 

There were so many other great releases this year that I loved! I hope y'all had a great year! :)

What were some of your favorites from 2014?

Tears of the Sea by MaryLu Tyndall

Blurb

Doomed by the evil warlock Forwin to wander the ancient seas as a mermaid for all eternity, Perdita longs for the release death would bring. Every ten years she has a chance to break the curse when she emerges from the sea fully human for one month. The catch? She must find a man willing to die for her. After 300 years, her failures have left her heartbroken and alone.

Savion Ryne wants nothing to do with beautiful women. It was one such woman whose betrayal sent him far away to battle Natas’ rebellion. He longs to return to his father’s kingdom in Nevaeh but must first complete an unknown mission. 

After Savion falls off his ship during a storm, he wakes on the shores of an island with visions of a dark haired mermaid tending his wounds. When a woman similar in appearance begs for his protection, he is suspicious.

Perdita has never met anyone as honorable as Savion. Even though he shuns her every advance, she falls for him. But as the end of her time on land approaches, she faces the hardest decision of all, save Savion and remain cursed for all eternity or break the curse and watch the man she loves die.

Review 

5 crowns out of 5

 

MaryLu Tyndall is amazing, guys. Really. I've read her books for years and loved all of them (pirates, anyone?), but this one was different from her typical novel. This one was so amazing! It had a MERMAID. A beautiful, lonely mermaid with a death-wish, and a pirate who is slightly reminiscent of a knight. Harsher than Tyndall's other books, Tears of the Sea is full of underlying message. Tyndall still has an awesome writing style, and you will be sucked into this story of sacrifice and unconditional love.
 And it has a mermaid. So this story is basically brimming with awesomeness and beauty. 
And that cover? WOW.
I would recommend this book to anyone who loved Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers, but also jumps at the chance to read Fantasy and YA. Its a win-win, and an absolute fantastic read!

 *I received a copy of this book from the author for review. All opinions expressed are mine and were not influenced by the author or publishing house.*

Frank Peretti meets a modern day Treasure Island! {And Kindle Giveaway!}

Welcome to the series launch of J.A. Marx's Destiny series. Book one, Destiny Defied, is a chilling tale of freedom from oppression and the Light that overcomes the dark.

J.A. is celebrating the launch of her series with a Kindle giveaway and a Facebook author chat party on December 2. 

  One grand prize winner will receive:

• A Kindle Fire
• Destiny Defied by J.A. Marx.

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on 12/2. Winner will be announced at the Destiny Defied Facebook author chat party on December 2nd. RSVP for a chance to connect with J.A. Marx, to chat about the book, as well as to win some great prizes!
{NOT ON FACEBOOK? ENTER HERE.}

RSVP today and spread the word—tell your friends about the giveaway via FACEBOOK, TWITTER or PINTEREST and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 2nd!

  About the book:

Destiny Defied | Book One in The Destiny series.

A dramatic shipwreck emancipates Riki Hammad, but the island where she finds refuge is compromised. Unless she finds a power truly great enough to defeat her dark past, she will choose death over returning to captivity. Lord Vétis, high priest of a cultic underground, will stop at nothing to reclaim their chosen one. Using black magic, he manipulates Riki and her four self-assigned bodyguards, triggering a battle that consumes the entire island. The underground will never allow Riki to live out her dreams of a normal life . . . something she has never known.

Purchase a copy:  http://ow.ly/DZjrR

 My Review 

Destined Defied by J. A. Marx was quite the intriguing read. The premise is set around four boys out to have a good time, and one mysterious girl that will change their lives. Just like they will change her's. Its a hardcore spiritual warfare, with an emphasis on faith even in the most trying situations. I had a hard time with the story at first. It was confusing, and I was pretty easily distracted. But with patience comes reward! I truly enjoyed the thrill ride that is Destiny Defied. Even if it was a touch scary. Just a touch. But then again, whats a good thriller without the scare factor? Sign me up for book two!!

  *I received a copy of this book from the Litfuse Publicity for review. All opinions expressed are mine and were not influenced by the author or publishing house.*

 

The Princess Spy by Melanie Dickerson

 

• Release date: November 4th, 2014
• Publishing company: Zondervan   
• Pages:304                                       

 Blurb

Margaretha has always been a romantic, and hopes her newest suitor, Lord Claybrook, is destined to be her one true love. But then an injured man is brought to Hagenheim Castle, claiming to be an English lord who was attacked by Claybrook and left for dead. And only Margaretha—one of the few who speaks his language—understands the wild story.

Margaretha finds herself unable to pass Colin’s message along to her father, the duke, and convinces herself “Lord Colin” is just an addled stranger. Then Colin retrieves an heirloom she lost in a well, and asks her to spy on Claybrook as repayment. Margaretha knows she could never be a spy—not only is she unable to keep anything secret, she’s sure Colin is completely wrong about her potential betrothed. Though when Margaretha overhears Claybrook one day, she discovers her romantic notions may have been clouding her judgment about not only Colin but Claybrook as well. It is up to her to save her father and Hagenheim itself from Claybrook’s wicked plot.

             

Review

First off, I would like to mention that stunner of a cover. It's a perfect introduction to an ethereal storyline. Margaretha was formerly introduced in The Captive Maiden, but The Princess Spy is purely her story. Margaretha is being courted by a bit of a fop, and seems a bit flighty at the start of the story. Until, of course, her life is interrupted by the arrival of a mysterious Englishmen with a bit of a temper. This interruption causes a series of adventurous happenings that makes the pages turn a bit faster. Colin is a good fit as the hero of the story, even if you question just how hero-ish he actually is. He turns out to be a dashing protagonist (I love you, Melanie Dickerson) and the fairytale theme of the book doesn't overpower the historical setting. The dialogue was a little bit stiff, however that could be because the series is targeted for a younger age set. The Princess Spy is perfect for an upper middle-grader, but with just enough depth for the YA, or even adult reader. 

 If you have any tweens or younger teens who love reading to buy presents for, this would be the perfect gift! Or just get the whole series. They will love these sweet reads! :)

 *I received a copy of this book from the author for review. All opinions expressed are mine and were not influenced by the author or publishing house.*

 

Throwbook Thursday (Beyond All Measure)

Beyond All Measure by Dorothy Love

              

        

Ada has loved deeply and lost dearly. But protecting her heart could mean missing the love of a lifetime.
Ada Wentworth may be young, but she's seen enough of life to know she can only rely on herself. Everyone including God it seems, has let her down. Having lost her family, her fiance, and her fortune, Ada journeys from Boston to Hickory Ridge, Tennessee, to take a position as a lady's companion. Though initially charmed by the pretty little Southern town tucked into the foothills of the great Smokies, Ada plans to stay only until she can earn enough to establish a millinery shop.
Her employer, Wyatt Caldwell, the local lumber mill owner, is easily the kindest, most attractive man Ada has met in Hickory Ridge. He believes Providence has brought her to town and into his life. But how, after so many betrayals, can she ever trust again? Besides, Wyatt has a dream of his own. A dream that will one day take him far from Hickory Ridge.
As the South struggles to heal in the aftermath of the Civil War, one woman must let go of her painful past in order to embrace God's plans for her. Can she trust Him, and Wyatt, with her future and her heart?

Review

Beyond All Measure by Dorothy Love was an interesting post/civil war historical. This is the first book in A Hickory Ridge Romance, a series that has become dependable in the historical genre. The historical aspect was really the main focus of the book. Ada could be aggravating and stubborn, but it just added a good dose personality to a book full of a hard time in history. I liked Wyatt, and though he was a good hero, I didn't totally buy into his and Ada's love. I would have liked it if their relationship was delved into a little more. However, the history was the main focus of the book, and from that stand point, it was an excellent novel. Beyond All Measure gave a gripping look into the lives of two people living after the civil war, trying to build a better South and a better life.

 *I received a copy of this book from the publishing house for review. All opinions expressed are mine and were not influenced by the author or publishing house.*

Hit by Lorie Ann Grover

About HIT by Lorie Ann Grover

After receiving a full-ride scholarship to Mills College for Girls, it appears Sarah's future is all laid out before her … that is until she walks into a poetry class led by Mr. Haddings, a student teacher from the nearby University of Washington. Suddenly, life on the UW campus seems very appealing, and Sarah finds herself using her poetry journal to subtly declare her feelings for Haddings. Convinced Mr. Haddings is flirting back, she sets off for school in the rain with a poem in her back pocket—one that will declare her feelings once and for all.
Mr. Haddings has noticed Sarah's attention; the fallout from any perceived relationship with a student is too great a risk, and he has decided to end all speculation that morning.
But everything changes when Mr. Haddings feels a thud on his front bumper when he glances away from the road, and finds Sarah in the street with blood pooling beneath her.

My Review 

If you pick up a Lorie Ann Grover novel, you should realize that her books are an experience like no other. Don't go in with preconceived ideas, thinking that this is going to be some sort of CBA version of John Green's The Fault in Our Stars.

Because, personally, I think Hit is better.  

Hit spans two very traumatic days of Sarah's life, and is based off of a true story. Its a super fast read, and an even faster emotional roller-coaster.  I loved the realism found within the pages. The struggle the characters face is very real, and very present in the time that we live in. However, there is a message of hope and truth. The word I would use to describe this book would be overcome. There was just something beautiful about Hit.

It was pretty short, as mentioned, and I've heard some complaints about it not being quite fleshy enough. Sure, I would have loved to read some more, but the ending is a good one. Somehow, the end gave me the sense that the future was big, and it was going to be good, one way or the other. That God was going to finish the story in His own timing, and I can only imagine the impact that it would make.

Hit releases tomorrow, and I recommend the strong of heart go and grab it up. This book won't be for everyone. It's written in a unique voice, and it's unlike anything I've ever read. But if you abandon your checklist entitled "This is What a Novel Looks Like" (I know I had to!), you will find a highly thought-provoking tale.

Also, the poetry in the book is pretty awesome. Just FYI..
*I received a copy of Hit from the author for review. All opinions expressed are mine and were not influenced by the author or publishing house.* 

Remnants review, daily deal, and giveaway!

 

IT'S NOT TOO LATE!!!!!!!! 

Today Remnants: Season of Wonder, by Lisa T. Bergren, is 1.99 on kindle. This is my all-time favorite Dysatopian, and I urge you (beg you!) to get this fabulous book if you haven't yet. Full of adventure and spiritual warfare, this book should be read by the young and old alike.
Somehow in the craziness of summer, my review never got put up. So for those of you still unsure if you should read this gem, here's a quick taste of Remnants: Season of Wonder.

 

Author: Lisa T. Bergren

Publisher: Blink

THEIR ARRIVAL WAS FORETOLD FOR YEARS….

Andriana is a Remnant, gifted as an empath and one of the Ailith, destined to act as humanity’s last shield against the horrors that now plague those who remain.

After years of training in stealth and warfare, Andriana and her Knight protector, Ronan, are finally ready to answer the Call and begin the life they were designed for. But as they embark with the other Remnants on the first of their assignments, they quickly discover that the world beyond their protected Valley is more dangerous than they imagined.

The Sons of Sheol will stop at nothing to prevent Dri and Ronan from rescuing anyone sympathetic to the Remnants’ cause. And as the Remnants battle the demonic forces, still other enemies close in. Dangers intensity, but so do Dri’s feelings for Ronan–the one emotion she is not meant to feel. In the midst of their mission, Andriana must fine a way to master her feelings. Or risk compromising everything…

Review

This book. This book is amazing. Lisa T. Bergren has once again penned a masterpiece, this one full of spiritual battle, alongside her trademark dose of high adventure. The story sunk me in, and never quite let me go. I still get a little over-zelous when I talk about this book. 

The characters.....Ah, the characters are wonderfully memorable. But especially Ronan. Ronan was the star of the lovable hero fan club. However, there is a bit more about this book that launched it into "favorite" status, besides its hunky hero. Remnants was thought-provoking. It shed a light on a genre that desperately needs it. Adriana is a chosen Remnant. She is trying to navigate a world full of evil, and she knows she must somehow change it. But the darkness claws at her, and her struggle with overcoming it with light is the main theme of the book. A beautiful tale about a battle we must all face in life.

Remnants was an eye-opener that I recommend you all read! It's bound to find a place on your shelf and in your heart!

Giveaway

To win some Remnants swag, head over to Lisa Bergren's blog, and enter her giveaway!