2016 INSPY Award Winners!

So, since I fell off the face of the galaxy, hopefully you have seen this already! At the end of June, the INSPY award winners were announced! 

As a judge of Literature for Young Adults AND a fan of Jody Hedlund, I am proud to say her book 'An Uncertain Choice' was a hands-down winner. I've bragged about that read here on the blog before, but all the books in the category were great reads, Only one nomination was new to me, 'The Choosing' by Rachelle Dekker and I hope to share about that intriguing book here on the blog soon!

As for the rest of the categories, check them out HERE. Some fantastic books were read, reviewed, and chosen by readers and bloggers such as yourself. These are the book published in 2015 that NEED to be on your bookshelves. There are several I need to read still myself! So off I go....

Happy reading friends! :) 

The Ringmaster's Wife {Review}

The Ringmaster's Wife by Kristy Cambron

Visit the Author's Website HERE

Publisher: 

Publishing Date: June 7, 2016

Goodreads Summary:

What is revealed when you draw back the curtain of the Greatest Show on Earth?

Rosamund Easling is no stranger to opulence. As the daughter of an earl, she’s grown up with every comfort money can buy. But when hard times befall the family’s Yorkshire estate in the aftermath of the Great War, Rosamund’s father sells her beloved horse, setting the stage for a series of events that would extend beyond even her wildest dreams.

Though expected to marry for a title instead of love, Rosamund feels called to a different life – one of adventure outside the confines of a ladies’ parlor. She abandons all she’s known and follows in pursuit as her horse is shipped to the new owner – an American entertainer by the name of John Ringling. Once introduced to the Ringling Brothers’ circus and knowing she has much to learn, Rosamund agrees to a bareback riding apprenticeship in the shadow of the Ringlings’ winter home—Ca’D’Zan. It is at that mansion, in what would become the last days of the enigmatic Mable Ringling’s life, that Rosamund finds a deeper sense of purpose in the life she’s been given, and the awakening of faith in her heart.

With a supporting cast of characters as mysterious and dazzling as the Ringlings’ big-top world, Rosamund’s journey takes her from the tradition of the English countryside to the last days of America’s Roaring ‘20s—a journey that forever changes what one life might have been. 

The Ringmaster's Wife {Sneak Peek}

Welcome to Sneak Peek Saturday!!

Currently Reading:

The Ringmaster's Wife
by Kristy Cambron

The Choosing {Sneak Peek}

Welcome to Sneak Peek Saturday!!

Currently Reading:

The Choosing 
by Rachelle Dekker

June 9th {Pre-Order Blitz + Giveaway}

Pick up JUNE 9TH for only $1.99 and be entered to win a goodie bag full of prizes!  

June 9th
Untouch Me #1
Author: Emha Goliesh
Publisher: INCLUDAS Publishing
Release Date: 9/29/16

Love at first sight? Not for studious college freshman Lacey Shyver. She knows everyone just pretends and acts nice to her face; no one could ever actually want her. It’s the same story every time, but no more false hope and shattered promises. She’s not going to trust anyone anymore — especially not flirtatious drummer Blake Nivey, the one person in her group project she can’t stand. She keeps staring, keeps complaining, keeps judging. She knows he’s just a charmer and a player, yet the more time they spend together, the deeper their connection becomes. Every time their eyes lock, his soul sucks her in. His touch alone unleashes a miracle she never thought she’d be able to feel. But Lacey struggles to understand if he’s acting overly friendly and nice or if these sensual feelings of connection and intimacy are actually love. And what does it all mean when he leaves to follow his dreams? Are their paths destined to cross again, or divert, only to remain alive through memories?

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PRE-ORDER NOW FOR $1.99!B&N | iBooks |

About The Author

Shy and introverted, I never felt like I fit in, even though everyone saw me as a “social butterfly.” I moved around a lot in California, left people and met new ones, but nothing felt like home. Ever. Expect for writing. I grew up loving to write in small journals, under a desk, in a secret place. A place known to me and only me. I built a relationship with words in order to escape the reality that wrote about me—documents filled with all of my flaws and weaknesses. The reality that I didn’t understand at a young age and wanted to hide away from because my writing was something I could control. I could live in a secret place where every dream, fear, joy, and risk could be mine and only mine. My home. My safety. My love.  http://juneninthbook.com/

Giveaway

Pre- Order JUNE 9TH and be entered to win $25.00 Starbucks gift card + a tote bag filled with everything you need for summer reading!Must be 13+ To enter, open to US residents only.

  a Rafflecopter giveaway

Dawn at Emberwilde {Review}

Dawn at Emberwilde by Sarah E. Ladd

Treasures of Surrey #2

Visit the Author's website HERE 

Publisher: Thomas Nelson

Publishing Date: May 10, 2016

Goodreads Summary:

Isabel Creston never dared to dream that love could be hers. Now, at the edge of a forest filled with dark secrets, she faces a fateful choice between love and duty.

For as long as she can remember, beautiful and free-spirited Isabel has strained against the rules and rigidity of the Fellsworth School in the rolling English countryside. No longer a student, Isabel set her sights on a steady yet unexciting role as a teacher at the school, a safe yet stifling establishment that would provide her a steady environment to care for her younger sister Lizzie, who was left in her care after her father’s death.

The unexpected arrival of a striking stranger with news of unknown relatives turns Isabel’s small, predictable world upside down, sweeping her and her young charge into a labyrinth of intrigue and hidden motives.

At her new family’s invitation, Isabel and Lizzie relocate to Emberwilde, a sprawling estate adjacent to a vast, mysterious wood rife with mysterious rumors and ominous folklore—along with whispers of something far more sinister. And perhaps even more startling, two handsome men begin pursuing Isabel, forcing her to learn the delicate dance between attraction, the intricate rules of courtship, and the hopes of her heart.

At Emberwilde, Isabel will discover that the key to unlocking the mystery of her past may also open the door to her future and security. But first she must find it—in the depths of Emberwilde Forest. 

The Convenient Groom {Author Chat}

 

Withering Rose {Review + Giveaway}

Withering Rose by Kaitlyn Davis

Once Upon a Curse #2

Visit the Author's Website HERE

Published: May 17, 2016

Goodreads Summary:

"As the heat finally disappeared, I felt the bloom blossom in the very core of my soul, a rose just like my name--a ticking clock hidden behind a façade of beauty. From that moment on, my life would become a countdown, and all I could do was wait and watch as the petals of time slowly started to fall."

Omorose Bouchene has a secret--magic. There's only one problem. At the age of seven, an earthquake struck, catapulting her into a new world. A land made of skyscrapers and cell phones. Fast cars and fluorescent lights. A land where magic isn't supposed to exist and anyone who wields it is the enemy.

But after ten years of hiding, she's desperate to find a place where she can be free. Because all magic comes with a curse, and her curse is time--every ounce of power she uses strips days off of her life. The clock is winding down, and the only option left is to escape to the realm of the Beast. But the king of monsters isn't what he seems. And the more Omorose opens her heart, the more she comes to realize that the only person she may need to fear is herself.

*This is the second book in Once Upon A Curse, a series of interconnected stand-alone novels all set in the same fantasy universe.

Withering Rose {Sneak Peek}

Welcome to Sneak Peek Saturday!!

Currently Reading:

Withering Rose 
by Kaitlyn Davis

Melanie Dickerson’s ‘The Beautiful Pretender’ Kindle Giveaway

Inheriting the new title of margrave means Reinhart has two weeks to find a noble bride. What will happen when he learns he has fallen for a lovely servant girl in disguise? Find out in the new medieval fairy tale, The Beautiful Pretender, by Melanie Dickerson. Despite Avelina’s best attempts at diverting attention from herself, the margrave has taken notice. And try as she might, she can’t deny her own growing feelings. But something else is afoot in the castle. Something sinister that could have far worse—far deadlier—consequences. Will Avelina be able to stop the evil plot? And at what cost?

Need more details? Check out my review I posted last week!

Join Melanie in celebrating the release of The Beautiful Pretender by entering to win her Once Upon a Kindle giveaway!

Becky Wade’s ‘Her One and Only’ Giveaway

Meet Dru Porter, former Marine, expert markswoman, and black belt—who also happens to be assigned as a bodyguard to star NFL tight end Gray Fowler. Don't miss the final Porter family novel by Becky Wade, Her One and Only. Gray starts receiving death threats from a stalker, and Dru is determined to find his stalker. Every secret that leads Dru closer to the stalker also draws her closer to Gray. As the danger escalates, they’ll survive only if they can learn to trust their lives—and their hearts—to one another.

Want more details?? Check out my review over here and see why I just had to give this one five stars!

Join Becky in celebrating the release of Her One and Only by entering to win her Porter prize pack and $100 cash card giveaway!

Anchor in the Storm {Review + Giveaway}

Anchor in the Storm

Waves of Freedom #2

Visit the Author's website HERE

Publisher: Revell Company

Publishing Date: May 3, 2016

Goodreads Summary: 

One Plucky Female Pharmacist + One High-Society Naval Officer = Romance--and Danger 

For plucky Lillian Avery, America's entry into World War II means a chance to prove herself as a pharmacist in Boston. The challenges of her new job energize her. But society boy Ensign Archer Vandenberg's attentions only annoy--even if he "is" her brother's best friend. 

During the darkest days of the war, Arch's destroyer hunts German U-boats in vain as the submarines sink dozens of merchant ships along the East Coast. Still shaken by battles at sea, Arch notices his men also struggle with their nerves--and with drowsiness. Could there be a link to the large prescriptions for sedatives Lillian has filled? The two work together to answer that question, but can Arch ever earn Lillian's trust and affection? 

Sarah Sundin brings World War II to life, offering readers an intense experience they won't soon forget.

INSPY Shortlists 2016

If you've been following the INSPYs (which you totally should be), you'll see they announced the shortlists at the beginning of the month.

Yours truly *waves* is a judge for Literature for Young Adults, as I was last year. I'm super excited to be apart of something so great, and fun!

The short lists contain some SPECTACULAR books that I can't imagine how all my fellow judges will choose a final winner!

So this is your PSA, friends. Check out the shortlists HERE or read more about me and my fellow judges HERE. Or even check out last year's winners right HERE.

Off to get reading <3

See anything on the shortlists you already love? Adding anything to your TBR??

The Beautiful Pretender {Review}

The Beautiful Pretender by Melanie Dickerson

Thornbeck #2

Visit the Author's Website HERE

Publisher: Thomas Nelson

Publishing Date: May 17, 2016

Goodreads Summary:

What happens when a margrave realizes he’s fallen in love with a servant?

The Margrave of Thornbeck has to find a bride, fast. He invites ten noble-born ladies from around the country to be his guests at Thornbeck Castle for two weeks, a time to test these ladies and reveal their true character.

Avelina is only responsible for two things: making sure her deception goes undetected and avoiding being selected as the margrave’s bride. Since the latter seems unlikely, she concentrates on not getting caught. No one must know she is merely a maidservant, sent by the Earl of Plimmwald to stand in for his daughter, Dorothea.

Despite Avelina’s best attempts at diverting attention from herself, the margrave has taken notice. And try as she might, she can’t deny her own growing feelings. But something else is afoot in the castle. Something sinister that could have far worse—far deadlier—consequences. Will Avelina be able to stop the evil plot? And at what cost?

The Fairest Poison {Book Blitz + Giveaway}

The Beautiful Pretender {Sneak Peek Link Up}

Welcome to Sneak Peek Saturday!!

Currently Reading:

The Beautiful Pretender
by Melanie Dickerson

New on the Shelves {April 2016}

I added quite a few things to my shelves in April. One last hurrah before the Hubby completely locked down the budget ;D I also couldn't resist a few good sales going on during the month! 

A photo posted by @amzech18 on Apr 30, 2016 at 2:08pm PDT

Her One and Only {Review}

Her One and Only by Becky Wade

Porter Family #4

Visit the Author's website HERE

Publisher: Bethany House

Publishing Date: May 3, 2016

Goodreads Summary:

Romance Fans Eagerly Anticipate Every New Release from Becky Wade 
Gray Fowler, star NFL tight end, is being pursued by a stalker, so his team hires a protection agency to keep Gray under the watch of a bodyguard at all times. When Gray meets Dru Porter, an agent assigned to him, he's indignant. How can an attractive young female half his size possibly protect him? 
But Dru's a former Marine, an expert markswoman, and a black belt. She's also ferociously determined to uncover the identity of Gray's stalker. And she's just as determined to avoid any kind of romantic attachment between herself and the rugged football player with the mysterious past. But the closer they get to finding the stalker, the closer they grow to each other. As the danger rises, can Dru and Gray entrust their hearts--and their lives--to one another?

The Neverland Wars {Book Blitz + Giveaway}

The Bachelor Girl's Guide to Murder {Review}

The Bachelor Girl's Guide to Murder by Rachel McMillan

Visit the Author's Website HERE

Publisher: Harvest House

Publishing Date: March 1, 2016

Goodreads Summary:

In 1910 Toronto, while other bachelor girls perfect their domestic skills and find husbands, two friends perfect their sleuthing skills and find a murderer.

Inspired by their fascination with all things Sherlock Holmes, best friends and flatmates Merinda and Jem launch a consulting detective business. The deaths of young Irish women lead Merinda and Jem deeper into the mire of the city's underbelly, where the high hopes of those dreaming to make a new life in Canada are met with prejudice and squalor.

While searching for answers, donning disguises, and sneaking around where no proper ladies would ever go, they pair with Jasper Forth, a police constable, and Ray DeLuca, a reporter in whom Jem takes a more than professional interest. Merinda could well be Toronto's premiere consulting detective, and Jem may just find a way to put her bachelor girlhood behind her forever--if they can stay alive long enough to do so.

Their Fractured Light {Sneak Peek Link Up}

Welcome to Sneak Peek Saturday!!

Currently Reading:

Their Fractured Light 

by Amie Kaufman and Meagan Spooner

The Rose & The Dagger {Release Blitz!}

I am so excited that THE ROSE & THE DAGGER by Renée Ahdieh releases today and that I get to share the news, along with an awesome giveaway!

Becky Wade Facebook Party!!

 

The Girl on the Train {Sneak Peek}

Welcome to Sneak Peek Saturday!

Current book:
The Girl on the Train
by Paula Hawkins

Least Favorite Covers of 2015

Sometimes....they just don't work. Covers don't always draw you in. Or, too frequently, they depict something that doesn't fit with the story. In no particular order, these are the covers from books I read in 2015 that could use a redo:

How (Not) To Fall in Love by Lisa Brown Roberts

I actually enjoyed this read, but not this cover. The figures are so stiff...and odd.

Crazy Little Thing Called Love by Beth K. Vogt

There is far too much writing on this cover. I would at least remove the lengthy quote at the top. Add in the photoshopped bouquet and this is just not working. 

Valley of Decision by Lynne Gentry

That's some nice, long, photoshopped hair. I just think this one could have better depicted the story.

We Were Liars by E. Lockhart
I suppose this was the best scene they could pick without giving away spoilers, but it is too washed out and BLAH. Maybe something graphic, bright colors on a black cover?


Five Times I Met Myself by James L. Rubart
I assume they were going for a 'Tuesdays with Morrie' kind of vibe. The shadow is supposed to add a bit of mystery...but no. I wouldn't pick this up based on cover alone.


Throne of Glass by Sarah J Maas
This is the cover of the version I read. Thank goodness they have since updated it!


A Sparrow in Terezin by Kristy Cambron
This one is more of a letdown really. The fancy hairdo and flowers don't match with the concentration camp vibe (although pretty). But the obviously fake and last second bird? No thanks.


Fairest by Marissa Meyer
Yup. Just generally not impressed. The mirror is on fire?? The font? It just doesn't match the other covers in the series which irks me.

This list of covers may not have been very eye catching, but THIS LIST sure is! I'm still drooling over some of these choices!

What did you think about the covers on this list? Which books would you add from 2015??