Thursday, July 30, 2020

Blogging Hiatus


Just a quick note to let you all know that I will be taking a brief blogging hiatus. This week has been exhausting work wise and just draining in other areas too. I am working a different shift time that has turned my usual schedule upside down.

I will be back next week with new posts. I have some reviews I am excited to share as soon as I can write them this weekend.

Wednesday, July 29, 2020

Waiting On Wednesday .... The Wife Upstairs


Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking The Spine that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This week's pick is The Wife Upstairs by Rachel Hawkins


Here is the Goodreads synopsis
A delicious twist on a Gothic classic, The Wife Upstairs pairs Southern charm with atmospheric domestic suspense, perfect for fans of B.A. Paris and Megan Miranda.

Meet Jane. Newly arrived to Birmingham, Alabama, Jane is a broke dog-walker in Thornfield Estates––a gated community full of McMansions, shiny SUVs, and bored housewives. The kind of place where no one will notice if Jane lifts the discarded tchotchkes and jewelry off the side tables of her well-heeled clients. Where no one will think to ask if Jane is her real name.

But her luck changes when she meets Eddie­ Rochester. Recently widowed, Eddie is Thornfield Estates’ most mysterious resident. His wife, Bea, drowned in a boating accident with her best friend, their bodies lost to the deep. Jane can’t help but see an opportunity in Eddie––not only is he rich, brooding, and handsome, he could also offer her the kind of protection she’s always yearned for.

Yet as Jane and Eddie fall for each other, Jane is increasingly haunted by the legend of Bea, an ambitious beauty with a rags-to-riches origin story, who launched a wildly successful southern lifestyle brand. How can she, plain Jane, ever measure up? And can she win Eddie’s heart before her past––or his––catches up to her?

With delicious suspense, incisive wit, and a fresh, feminist sensibility, The Wife Upstairs flips the script on a timeless tale of forbidden romance, ill-advised attraction, and a wife who just won’t stay buried. In this vivid reimagining of one of literature’s most twisted love triangles, which Mrs. Rochester will get her happy ending? 
Fans of Jane Eyre will want to get their hands on this upcoming book from Rachel Hawkins. This twist on the classic novel sounds really captivating and I cannot wait to have a Gothic suspense novel to read this winter.

Be sure to add it to your Goodreads so you can join the wait with me. I hope it is as fun and twisty as I am expecting.

Expected release date - January 5, 2021

Thursday, July 23, 2020

#2020PopCultureResolution - Halfway Point



As we are halfway through the year I thought it would be a good time to check in with my progress on my #2020PopCultureResolution. 

I have so far managed to read every book and watch each movie that I set out to. I am enjoying it so much that it will return in some capacity next year (same format but the genres are changing).

First up are the books I have read so far. Each links to my review if you are interested.



I enjoyed all of them to varying degrees, and could not pick a favourite between Seduction, Catch and Kill and In Cold Blood. They are all captivating reads that will probably make my Best Of list at the end of the year. Only The Devil In The White City stood out as a bit of a disappointment and that was more for my expectations than anything else. It is a well written read that I am sure others will enjoy immensely.

Next up are the movies that I have watched so far. This has widened the list of movies I want to see and introduced me to some actors whose work I want to continue to watch and directors I am looking forward to working my way through their filmography. They all link to my review.

April - Sabrina
May - Niagara
June - Rear Window

Just like when talking about the books I would have a hard time choosing a favourite. Rear Window is, objectively, the best made of all of them, but A Streetcar Named Desire is certainly right on its heels. All of them are worth the watch though and have sparked a renewed interest in classics for me and I cannot wait to experience more of them.

Here are my initial reactions as shared on Instagram:




I cannot wait to see what the next 6 months brings. There are certainly some choices I am very excited about coming up. I look forward to checking in at the end of the year to see if I could possibly choose a favourite from each list but I am fairly certain it is going to be impossible.

Have you read any of these books/watched any of these movies? If so what did you think? Leave your thoughts in the comments. If you are also filling in some of your own pop culture blind spots this year let me know what you have been reading/watching/etc.




Wednesday, July 22, 2020

Waiting On Wednesday ... Pride and Premeditation


Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking The Spine that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This week's pick is Pride and Premeditation by Tirzah Price


Here is the Goodreads synopsis
It is a truth universally acknowledged that a young woman who desires a law career must be in want of a case. So when sixteen year old Lizzie Bennet hears about a scandalous society murder, she sees an opportunity to prove herself as a solicitor by solving the case and ensuring justice is served.

Except the man accused of the crime already has a lawyer on his side: Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy, the stern young heir to the prestigious Pemberley Associates law firm. Lizzie is determined to solve the murder before Darcy can so that she can show the world that a woman can be just as good as a man. (The fact that Darcy is an infuriating snob doesn’t help.) But there’s still a killer on the loose, and as the case gets more complicated, Lizzie and Darcy may have to start working together to avoid becoming the next victims themselves.
This had me sold with the premise of a Pride and Prejudice retelling that has Lizzie and Mr Darcy competing to solve a murder. I can see this having a whole lot of potential. I am certainly excited to see what will eventually bring this Lizzie and Mr Darcy together.

This doesn't come out until early 2021 so be sure to add it to your 'to be read' list so you'll remember to pick yourself up a copy when it releases in March.

Expected release date - March 9, 2021

Tuesday, July 21, 2020

#2020PopCultureResolution - Penny Serenade



Penny Serenade

Director: George Stevens

Length:  117 minutes

Cast: Cary Grant, Irene Dunne, Edgar Buchanan

Release Date:  April 241941

A woman on the verge of divorce recalls her heartbreaking attempts to adopt a child.

***********************************************

One of the things I have enjoyed most about my #2020PopCultureResolution event is discovering actors and directors whose work I am really enjoying. Cary Grant falls into this category so I was particularly excited to check out this month's pick of Penny Serenade.


Penny Serenade revolves around a couple on the brink of divorce. We look back, via flashbacks, on the events of their relationship and what brought them to their current state. It is a movie that is guaranteed to make you cry and probably more than once. Its drama is steeped in realism that makes it really work on the audience.

Cary Grant is his usual charming self in this one. This is a role that he seems well suited for. His chemistry with Irene Dunne is what holds every other aspect of the movie together. You buy that they love one another.


There is a feeling of nostalgia throughout this movie that I couldn't quite put my finger on. I think it stems from the journey of romance, marriage, parenthood that this couple takes being recognizable. This type of story arc was (and often still is) steeped in to the media we consume. You feel for this couple and their pain because you recognize their story. 


The romance starts out so light and joyous. It has a few laughs thrown in and some genuinely swoon worthy moments that Cary Grant sells completely. Its these moments that make the sadder, more heartbreaking parts of their journey felt all the more sharply. Their initial meeting is a particular stand out moment.

As sad as this movie is, I ended up feeling buoyed with hope by the time the credits rolled. It is therapeutic in a way and it is a perfect movie to put on when you want to have a good cry. I would only offer thr spoiler warning of
for those who need it.

A classic for so many reasons and one that I found holds up as worthy of a watch today. It is currently my favourite Cary Grant movie and I do not see anything unseating it from that throne any time soon.

Saturday, July 18, 2020

Weekly Obsessions


The awesome Kelly at KellyVision started posting a weekly post highlighting whatever she happened to be obsessed with that week. I LOVE this idea, so much in fact that I will be doing it myself every weekend.

BOOKS

Morgan Matson Book 6 (goodreads)

Morgan recently released the title of her upcoming book as well as a release date. Take Me Home Tonight will be out May 4, 2021. We know it takes place all in one night, and revolves around a friendship. Morgan has described it as Adventures in Babysitting meets Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist so it sounds like it is going to be fun.

The cover and other details should be revealed soon-ish so I'll share them once they are available.

Cover of Lore by Alexandra Bracken (goodreads)

I did not know much about this book until I saw this attention grabbing cover.


Amazing right? It immediately draws your eye and stands out. The book, obviously, involves Greek mythology and the cover perfectly captures that. I am looking forward to this now and am so glad it came to my attention because of this amazing cover.

TV/MOVIES

The Umbrella Academy Season 2 trailer

I loved season one of this show so much. I love the dysfunctional family dynamic mixed with superpowers vibe that it has got going on.


This trailer makes it look like we're in for the same great combo of incredible action with some great humour. I hope we get just as much focus on the family bonds as we did in the first season. This show works because we care about the characters so I hope that is continued.

Lucifer Season 5 trailer

It was just announced that Lucifer will be getting a sixth and final season which made me really excited. I was even more excited when they released the trailer for the upcoming season. 


The fact that they are willing to spoil the twin reveal means that it is probably not a secret for long which I am happy about. This trailer makes me confident that they can pull off another great season that is comparable to the fantastic fourth season and I cannot wait to end the summer with this.

 What are you obsessed with this week? Let me know in the comments.

Thursday, July 16, 2020

Best Reads Of 2020 .... So Far


We are in July which means we are half way through the year. This means it is time to do my list of the best books I have read this year (at least so far).

I have not read nearly as much as I have in previous years but I am.doing okay on my Goodreads goal at this point. I am, however, finding it hard to make a top ten list this year which is why this will only include seven books.

Here, in no particular order, at the seven books that have stood out to me during the first half of this year.

1. Catch and Kill by Ronan Farrow

2. Seduction by Karina Longworth

3. The Princess Diarist by Carrie Fisher

4. In Cold Blood by Truman Capote

5. Something To Talk About by Meryl Wilsner

6. Love, Creekwood by Becky Albertalli

7. You Should See Me In A Crown by Leah Johnson

The ones that I have already written a review for will link to those reviews, and the ones I have not are upcoming reviews to expect on the blog soon!

What books are your favourites so far this year? Any books I should make sure not to miss before 2020 ends? Let me know in the comments.

Wednesday, July 15, 2020

Waiting On Wednesday .... Lore

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking The Spine that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This week's pick is Lore by Alexandra Bracken


Here is the Goodreads synopsis
From the #1 New York Times best-selling author of The Darkest Minds comes a sweepingly ambitious, high-octane tale of power, destiny, love and redemption.

Every seven years, the Agon begins. As punishment for a past rebellion, nine Greek gods are forced to walk the earth as mortals, hunted by the descendants of ancient bloodlines, all eager to kill a god and seize their divine power and immortality. Long ago, Lore Perseous fled that brutal world in the wake of her family's sadistic murder by a rival line, turning her back on the hunt's promises of eternal glory. For years she's pushed away any thought of revenge against the man--now a god--responsible for their deaths.

Yet as the next hunt dawns over New York City, two participants seek out her help: Castor, a childhood friend of Lore believed long dead, and a gravely wounded Athena, among the last of the original gods.

The goddess offers an alliance against their mutual enemy and, at last, a way for Lore to leave the Agon behind forever. But Lore's decision to bind her fate to Athena's and rejoin the hunt will come at a deadly cost--and still may not be enough to stop the rise of a new god with the power to bring humanity to its knees. 
The cover of this pretty much screams Medusa. The synopsis deals with Greek gods so it is fitting that Medusa would be part of this considering how well known she is from Greek mythology.

I love the sound of this and I hope it is setting up a new trilogy because I love the sounds of this and imagine it could be an incredible series.

We have to wait until 2021 to read this, but it'll be a good use of those holiday gift cards!

Expected release date - January 5, 2021

Tuesday, July 14, 2020

Empire High Untouchables by Ivy Smoak



Today we are celebrating the release of EMPIRE HIGH UNTOUCHABLES by Ivy Smoak by participating in the blog tour! This is a contemporary romance, standalone title that is available now in Kindle Unlimited. Join Ivy's Group for access to bonus content from the book.  

Read it Here (Kindle Unlimited)

 
Join Ivy's Facebook Group for Details.


Empire High Untouchables by Ivy Smoak

A Contemporary Romance | Available now in Kindle Unlimited

Add it to Goodreads

Book Blurb: The Untouchables. That’s what everyone calls the Hunter and Caldwell brothers. At least, it’s my best friend’s nickname for them. And since she’s the only one that talks to me at my new school, I’ll take her word for it. The nickname probably comes from the fact that they’re exorbitantly wealthy. Old wealth. The kind that isn’t flaunted around. But you can tell by the way they carry themselves. Or maybe the name just refers to the fact that they’re so beautiful it’s almost hard to look at them. No matter the reason for their nickname, it’s an ironic one. Because I’ve only been going to this school for a week and I already want to touch.

Read it Here (Kindle Unlimited)

 
BY INTERNATIONAL BESTSELLING AUTHOR IVY SMOAK
★★★★★ “My favorite book this year!!”
★★★★★ “Gahh! My heart. I adored this book.”
★★★★★ “IT WAS AMAZING.”
★★★★★ “Oh my, plot twist! I did NOT see that one coming!”
★★★★★ “It’s literally IMPOSSIBLE to put down.”
★★★★★ “Buckle in for this emotional roller coaster!”
 

AUTHOR INFORMATION:  Ivy Smoak is the international bestselling author of The Hunted series. When she's not writing, you can find her binge watching too many TV shows, taking long walks, playing outside, and generally refusing to act like an adult. She lives with her husband in Delaware.  

FIND IVY SMOAK:



Empire High Untouchables by Ivy Smoak
Release Date - July 9, 2020
Pages - pages
My Rating - 4/5
**received for an honest review**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis
The Untouchables. That’s what everyone calls the Hunter and Caldwell brothers. At least, it’s my best friend’s nickname for them. And since she’s the only one that talks to me at my new school, I’ll take her word for it.

The nickname probably comes from the fact that they’re exorbitantly wealthy. Old wealth. The kind that isn’t flaunted around. But you can tell by the way they carry themselves. Or maybe the name just refers to the fact that they’re so beautiful it’s almost hard to look at them.

No matter the reason for their nickname, it’s an ironic one. Because I’ve only been going to this school for a week and I already want to touch.
I had never read an Ivy Smoak book previous to picking up Empire High Untouchables. I was immediately sold with the premise, but I wasn't sure what to expect otherwise. There was something comforting about reading Empire High Untouchables. It felt like easing back into a world that I was already familiar with. It manages to be a mix of both old and new with the situations feeling familiar, and the characters making it resonate in a different way. Many of Ivy's fans will feel that sense of returning even more as I believe there are characters within this story that appear in other novels by this author.

The characters added to that sense of familiarity in that the author obviously knows who these characters are. The voices of the characters feel strong and sure. It is evident that the author is comfortable writing these particular characters and that makes them resonate a little more with the reader.

Brooklyn is grieving the loss of her mother. Her mother's death turned her entire world upside down and took away everything from her (including her home) so to say she is adjusting would be an understatement. She's very much still grieving and I think the book does a good job in presenting how a loss like this is always part of your thoughts, even if you've progressed past the most debilitating stages of grief. She's someone that people would refer to as 'a good girl'. She's sheltered compared to some of the other characters. I appreciated that she wasn't jaded and was willing to give people the benefit of the doubt even if it leaves her open to being taken advantage of by others.

The romance in this one had a dynamic that is instantly recognizable. The love interest who is hot one minute and cold the next. The one who tries to distance himself for the good of the love interest. The forbidden aspect of them being together. It's a trope that romance readers know well and it works here. The added element of another guy being interested in Brooklyn also makes the dynamic more fun and interesting. I was also surprised at how restrained all of the romances were. There are some intense kissing scenes, but it never goes farther than that. I think it works for the type of character Brooklyn is and her the journey that she is on.

The supporting cast of characters stood out to me. I loved the supportive and caring relationship between Brooklyn and her uncle. The friendship between Brooklyn and Kennedy was another highlight. The Untouchables themselves (who are the Caldwells, and Hunters) are intriguing. I wish we had gotten to learn a little bit more about this group of guys who seem to have it all but actually are really messy and flawed. Hopefully we dive into more of the dynamic in the upcoming books.

The end was something I pieced together earlier in the novel, but it was the journey to that reveal that made it satisfying anyway. It only resonates because we have gone through everything else with Brooklyn. It hits harder because we know how this is going to impact her. It sets up the sequel nicely, and ensures that it is going to filled with even more angst and drama (if that is even possible).

This is exactly the kind of book I want to read when I am looking for a distraction. It has over the top tension and reads like watching some of my favourite CW television shows. If you're looking for something that fits that criteria I recommend picking up a copy of Empire High Untouchables. Just be prepared to desperately want to read the second book immediately.

Friday, July 10, 2020

All That Heaven Allows by Mark Griffin




All That Heaven Allows by Mark Griffin
Release Date - December 4, 2018
Publisher Website - Harper Collins Canada
Publisher Social Media - Twitter/Facebook/SavvyReader/Frenzy
Pages - 469 pages
My Rating - 5/5
**purchased**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis
The definitive biography of the deeply complex and widely misunderstood matinee idol of Hollywood’s Golden Age.

Devastatingly handsome, broad-shouldered and clean-cut, Rock Hudson was the ultimate movie star. The embodiment of romantic masculinity in American film throughout the ‘50s and ‘60s, Hudson reigned supreme as the king of Hollywood.

As an Oscar-nominated leading man, Hudson won acclaim for his performances in glossy melodramas (Magnificent Obsession), western epics (Giant) and blockbuster bedroom farces (Pillow Talk). In the ‘70s and ‘80s, Hudson successfully transitioned to television; his long-running series McMillan & Wife and a recurring role on Dynasty introduced him to a whole new generation of fans.

The icon worshipped by moviegoers and beloved by his colleagues appeared to have it all. Yet beneath the suave and commanding star persona, there was an insecure, deeply conflicted, and all too vulnerable human being. Growing up poor in Winnetka, Illinois, Hudson was abandoned by his biological father, abused by an alcoholic stepfather, and controlled by his domineering mother.

Despite seemingly insurmountable obstacles, Hudson was determined to become an actor at all costs. After signing with the powerful but predatory agent Henry Willson, the young hopeful was transformed from a clumsy, tongue-tied truck driver into Universal Studio’s resident Adonis. In a more conservative era, Hudson’s wholesome, straight arrow screen image was at odds with his closeted homosexuality.

As a result of his gay relationships and clandestine affairs, Hudson was continually threatened with public exposure, not only by scandal sheets like Confidential but by a number of his own partners. For years, Hudson dodged questions concerning his private life, but in 1985 the public learned that the actor was battling AIDS. The disclosure that such a revered public figure had contracted the illness focused worldwide attention on the epidemic.

Drawing on more than 100 interviews with co-stars, family members and former companions, All That Heaven Allows finally delivers a complete and nuanced portrait of one of the most fascinating stars in cinema history.

Author Mark Griffin provides new details concerning Hudson’s troubled relationships with wife Phyllis Gates and boyfriend Marc Christian. And here, for the first time, is an in-depth exploration of Hudson’s classic films, including Written on the Wind, A Farewell to Arms, and the cult favorite Seconds. With unprecedented access to private journals, personal correspondence, and production files, Griffin pays homage to the idol whose life and death had a lasting impact on American culture.
After watching Ryan Murphy's Hollywood I was particularly excited to read All That Heaven Allows. I was intrigued by that television's fiction version of a Hollywood star I knew little about. This book offers a look at the life and career of Rock Hudon that, perhaps fittingly, keeps the reader at arms length.

My biggest takeaway from this book is that Rock Hudson was a kind, flirtatious man who loved acting and had a strong drive to succeed. He was shaped by his manager Henry Wilson (who is infamous for being awful) into a glamorous movie star but never lost his small town boy nature.

The author, Mark Griffin, is meticulous when it comes to Rock Hudson's career. He goes through each role Rock played and offers some anecdotes about each one. It is sure to please the fans of his film career as that is where most of the details are held. This had the double edge sword , however, of eventually feeling repetitive. It may have given a through account of his career but it left me wanting to know more about the man behind those performances.

Rock Hudson wanted to hide a lot of himself from the public. He was open with those in his circle but was mostly a private person. This is particularly true with his sexuality. It way have been an open secret in Hollywood that Rock Hudson was gay but it was not something the general public knew. Rock Hudson is perhaps most associated with the AIDS crisis for most people as he was one of the first celebrities to be diagnosed and die from the virus. This book, I felt, did a decent job at not giving that fact the focus of the book. It feels more like a celebration of his career than a look at his death.

Those looking for a salacious sexual tell all will not find that here. Rock's various relationships (and some casual hookups) were peppered throughout but they are mostly included to give nuance to Rock's mindset and other events that were happening.

I left this book feeling like I knew more about Rock Hudson than I did before starting it and so in that respect the author has succeeded. However, I feel this is a surface, brief outline portrait of a man who was surely more complex than what is painted within these pages. Those wanting an overview of his career are going to be satisfied but those wanting more of a picture of the man behind the movie star will probably end up reading another biography after. I personally finished wanting to watch more of his movies, and something tells me that Rock Hudson himself may have wanted it that way.

Thursday, July 9, 2020

Empire High Untouchables Release Day Celebration!



Today we are celebrating the release of EMPIRE HIGH UNTOUCHABLES by Ivy Smoak! This is a contemporary romance, standalone title that is available now in Kindle Unlimited.

Join Ivy's Group for access to bonus content from the book.

Read it Here (Kindle Unlimited)

 
Join Ivy's Facebook Group for Details.

Empire High Untouchables by Ivy Smoak

A Contemporary Romance | Available now in Kindle Unlimited
Add it to Goodreads

Book Blurb: The Untouchables. That’s what everyone calls the Hunter and Caldwell brothers. At least, it’s my best friend’s nickname for them. And since she’s the only one that talks to me at my new school, I’ll take her word for it. The nickname probably comes from the fact that they’re exorbitantly wealthy. Old wealth. The kind that isn’t flaunted around. But you can tell by the way they carry themselves. Or maybe the name just refers to the fact that they’re so beautiful it’s almost hard to look at them. No matter the reason for their nickname, it’s an ironic one. Because I’ve only been going to this school for a week and I already want to touch.

Read it Here (Kindle Unlimited)



BY INTERNATIONAL BESTSELLING AUTHOR IVY SMOAK

 ★★★★★ “My favorite book this year!!”
★★★★★ “Gahh! My heart. I adored this book.”
★★★★★ “IT WAS AMAZING.”
★★★★★ “Oh my, plot twist! I did NOT see that one coming!”
★★★★★ “It’s literally IMPOSSIBLE to put down.”
★★★★★ “Buckle in for this emotional roller coaster!”


AUTHOR INFORMATION: Ivy Smoak is the international bestselling author of The Hunted series. When she's not writing, you can find her binge watching too many TV shows, taking long walks, playing outside, and generally refusing to act like an adult. She lives with her husband in Delaware.  

FIND IVY SMOAK:


Wednesday, July 8, 2020

Waiting On Wednesday ... The Project


Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking The Spine that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This week's pick is The Project by Courtney Summers


Here is the Goodreads synopsis
The next pulls-no-punches thriller from New York Times bestselling and Edgar Award-winning author Courtney Summers, about an aspiring young journalist determined to save her sister from a cult.

"The Unity Project saved my life."

Lo Denham is used to being on her own. After her parents died, Lo's sister, Bea, joined The Unity Project, leaving Lo in the care of their great aunt. Thanks to its extensive charitable work and community outreach, The Unity Project has won the hearts and minds of most in the Upstate New York region, but Lo knows there's more to the group than meets the eye. She's spent the last six years of her life trying--and failing--to prove it.

"The Unity Project murdered my son."

When a man shows up at the magazine Lo works for claiming The Unity Project killed his son, Lo sees the perfect opportunity to expose the group and reunite with Bea once and for all. When her investigation puts her in the direct path of its charismatic and mysterious leader, Lev Warren, he proposes a deal: if she can prove the worst of her suspicions about The Unity Project, she may expose them. If she can't, she must finally leave them alone.

But as Lo delves deeper into The Project, the lives of its members, and spends more time with Lev, it upends everything she thought she knew about her sister, herself, cults, and the world around her--to the point she can no longer tell what's real or true. Lo never thought she could afford to believe in Lev Warren . . . but now she doesn't know if she can afford not to.

Welcome to The Unity Project. 
It should not come as a surprise that I, as someone with an interest in true crime, would also be fascinated by cults. It is the psychology behind them that I find most fascinating.

It should also come as no surprise that I would be very interested in a book about cults written by Courtney Summers. If you've ever read a Courtney Summers book before you know that she is capable of ripping your heart out in the best possible way. I am expecting that her version of a cult leader is going to be a thing to behold and I cannot wait to meet him.

The marketing of this one has been really clever (the video tease was amazing) and I am looking forward to see what else the publisher has in store as the release date approaches.

This doesn't come out until February. Just go ahead and consider it your anti-Valentine.

Expected release date - February 2, 2021

Tuesday, July 7, 2020

Faith: Taking Flight by Julie Murphy


Faith: Taking Flight by Julie Murphy
Release Date - July 7, 2020
Publisher Website - Harper Collins Canada
Publisher Social Media - Twitter/Facebook/SavvyReader/Frenzy
Pages - 304 pages
My Rating - 4/5
**received for an honest review from the publisher**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis
From Julie Murphy, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Dumplin’, comes the first in a two-book origin story of Faith, a groundbreaking, plus-sized superhero from the Valiant Entertainment comics.

Faith Herbert is a pretty regular teen. When she’s not hanging out with her two best friends, Matt and Ches, she’s volunteering at the local animal shelter or obsessing over the long-running teen drama The Grove.

So far, her senior year has been spent trying to sort out her feelings for her maybe-crush Johnny and making plans to stay close to Grandma Lou after graduation. Of course, there’s also that small matter of recently discovering she can fly….

When the fictional world of The Grove crashes into Faith’s reality as the show relocates to her town, she can’t believe it when TV heroine Dakota Ash takes a romantic interest in her.

But her fandom-fueled daydreams aren’t enough to distract Faith from the fact that first animals, then people, have begun to vanish from the town. Only Faith seems able to connect the dots to a new designer drug infiltrating her high school.

But when her investigation puts the people she loves in danger, she will have to confront her hidden past and use her newfound gifts—risking everything to save her friends and beloved town.
The moment I heard that Julie Murphy was writing a superhero story featuring a plus sized female superhero I knew I had to get my hands on it. Faith: Taking Flight is an origin story that hits all of the superhero genre tropes while making them fit the story being told in a way that feels fresh.

I had no clue that this book is based off a comic. I should not have been surprised as this is revealed in the synopsis. It means that this story comes with some expectations for those who have read the comics. I have no clue how close this sticks to those comics, but it is an origin story. This focuses on Faith getting and learning about her powers. It is her journey to embracing her power and I think that makes the story relatable for anyone wanting to pick it up.

This book's tone is lighter and more fun than I was expecting. It does get a little more serious but it never loses that tone of fun and wonder. Faith's personality reflects the tone of the novel in a lot of ways and I found they complicated each other well.

This book really is Faith's journey of getting to know herself and who she is. She is testing out her powers and learning what having them means for who she is and how she sees herself. She is also, however, just learning about who she is in general. It drives a lot of the book including the romance/possible love triangle. Faith is still figuring out her sexuality and what label feels right to her and that is reflected in the connections she is making.

The romance (one of them at least) is more complicated than it first appears and I love how it eventually ties things together. It made the inclusion of this story arc feel integral to both the story and the character development. Most of the angst comes from relationships (both romantic and otherwise) so it is very on brand as most superhero stories pull their emotional beats from the relationships within them.

Every superhero needs a good sidekick and Faith has two of them. Ches and Matt are her best friends. They are all (mostly) supportive of one another even though they do not know Faith's secret. I love that all of Faith's relationships were all important to her. Her family, friends, and potential love interests all mattered and influence who she is as a character.

This is a duology so expect the book to end in such a way that will propel the story into the next book. It is not a cliffhanger per say but something that will pique your interest in the follow up. It is just as fun and joyous as the rest of the book (mostly) is.

If you are looking for a fun superhero read with a character who is just trying to figure out who she is (while also learning to fly) I would recommend picking up Faith: Taking Flight.

Friday, July 3, 2020

Love, Creekwood by Becky Albertalli



Love, Creekwood by Becky Albertalli
Release Date - June 30, 2020
Publisher Website - Harper Collins Canada
Publisher Social Media - Twitter/Facebook/SavvyReader/Frenzy
Pages - 128 pages
My Rating - 5/5
**purchased**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis
Fall in love all over again with the characters from the bestselling Simonverse novels in this highly anticipated epilogue novella. Perfect for fans of Becky Albertalli, the movie Love, Simon, and the new Hulu series spin-off, Love, Victor!

It’s been more than a year since Simon and Blue turned their anonymous online flirtation into an IRL relationship, and just a few months since Abby and Leah’s unforgettable night at senior prom.

Now the Creekwood High crew are first years at different colleges, navigating friendship and romance the way their story began—on email.
Love, Creekwood is a book I never expected to get. It wasn't something that Becky Albertalli thought she would write and we had already been given the gift of Leah On The Offbeat which left our beloved characters on the cusp of college. It felt right and like the natural ending to their story. I didn't think we needed one last check in with these characters and I am so glad to be wrong.

Love, Creekwood is a novella written as emails between the Simonverse characters. It is a short, quick, but emotion packed read that gives fans of these books exactly what they are hoping for.

Becky Albertalli nails the different voices that are used here. They all sound really unique and recognizable as the characters. It felt like the author effortlessly slipped back into Simon's perspective because his voice felt so natural. These may be emails but a sense of who these characters are and what they are dealing with come through this narration style.

The emails in question range from humourous, to beautifully romantic, and everything in between. They are often all of those things at once. It is the achingly romantic parts that will thrill readers most of all. These are some good emails. They are so swoony that I predict many readers will want their own love letters after reading this. It is hard to not be completely enamored with this gift to the fans because ever single word is written for them.

A story that feels like it offers the perfect final chapter on the story of Simon and his friends. It leaves the group in a place that is filled with hope, and maybe some nervous excitement. It doesn't answer every question but that is how it should be. They are still growing, learning, and finding themselves and that is what rings the most true in this story.

Fans will absolutely love this novella that feels like it was written specifically for them. It is filled with everything you love in a Becky Albertalli book and more. If you missed Simon and the gang as much as I did I highly encourage you to pick this up immediately.

Thursday, July 2, 2020

Monthly Wrap Up and TBR


So we're at the beginning of another month. Everything feels so upside down because June was a really strange month. Things have slowly been reopening here and while I haven't been going out a lot I have ventured out to get things a bit more, and have gotten to see family. It's both extremely nice and extremely weird at the same time.

Before I get into what I am hoping to read in July I have to wrap up June. I read more than I expected I would based on how strange this month has felt and what it has meant for my focus.

The books that were on my list are:

In Five Years by Rebecca Serle (goodreads)
My Dark Vanessa by Kate Elizabeth Russell (goodreads)
Hollywood Dirt by Alessandra Torre (goodreads)
The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes by Suzanne Collins (goodreads)

Plus I had some ebooks on my list:

She Died Famous by Kyle Rutkin (goodreads)
All That Heaven Allows by Mark Griffin (goodreads)
The Falling In Love Montage by Ciara Smyth (goodreads)
Seasons of the Storm by Elle Cosimano (goodreads)
You Say It First by Katie Cotugno (goodreads)

I managed to read a few books this month and most of them were not on my list at all. At this point I am just accepting that I am not very good at this.

Here is what I managed to read in June:

Spin The Dawn by Elizabeth Kim (goodreads)
Twilight by Stephenie Meyer (goodreads)
Seasons of the Storm by Elle Cosimano (goodreads)
All That Heaven Allows by Mark Griffin (goodreads)
Love, Creekwood by Becky Albertalli (goodreads)

My #2020PopCultureResolution book for June was All That Heaven Allows by Mark Griffin and the movie was Rear Window. My review of the movie was already posted if you were interested in checking that out.

Here is what I hope to read in July:


New Moon by Stephenie Meyer (goodreads)
Eclipse by Stephenie Meyer (goodreads)
The Heir Affair by Heather Cocks and Jessica Morgan (goodreads)
Who Killed These Girls by Beverly Lowry (goodreads)

I also have some ebooks I am hoping to get to



You Should See Me In A Crown by Leah Johnson (goodreads)
Faith: Taking Flight by Julie Murphy (goodreads)
More Than Maybe by Erin Hahn (goodreads)
Mayhem by Estelle Laure (goodreads)

My July #2020PopCultureResolution choices are Who Killed These Girls by Beverly Lowry for the book and Penny Serenade for the movie. I have heard really good things about Penny Serenade so I am especially looking forward to watching that this month.

What books are you reading this month? Have you read any of the ones on my list? If so, let me know what you thought in the comments.

Wednesday, July 1, 2020

Waiting On Wednesday .... Spoiler Alert


Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking The Spine that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This week's pick is Spoiler Alert by Olivia Dade


Here is the Goodreads synopsis
Olivia Dade bursts onto the scene in this delightfully fun romantic comedy set in the world of fanfiction, in which a devoted fan goes on an unexpected date with her celebrity crush, who’s secretly posting fanfiction of his own. 

Marcus Caster-Rupp has a secret. While the world knows him as Aeneas, the star of the biggest show on TV, Gods of the Gates, he's known to fanfiction readers as Book!AeneasWouldNever, an anonymous and popular poster.  Marcus is able to get out his own frustrations with his character through his stories, especially the ones that feature the internet’s favorite couple to ship, Aeneas and Lavinia. But if anyone ever found out about his online persona, he’d be fired. Immediately.

April Whittier has secrets of her own. A hardcore Lavinia fan, she’s hidden her fanfiction and cosplay hobby from her “real life” for years—but not anymore. When she decides to post her latest Lavinia creation on Twitter, her photo goes viral. Trolls and supporters alike are commenting on her plus-size take, but when Marcus, one half of her OTP, sees her pic and asks her out on a date to spite her critics, she realizes life is really stranger than fanfiction.

Even though their first date is a disaster, Marcus quickly realizes that he wants much more from April than a one-time publicity stunt. And when he discovers she’s actually Unapologetic Lavinia Stan, his closest fandom friend, he has one more huge secret to hide from her.

With love and Marcus’s career on the line, can the two of them stop hiding once and for all, or will a match made in fandom end up prematurely cancelled? 
This books just sounds really cute. I love the idea of a book that incorporates fanfiction in some way. I also love romance novels so this mixing both of those is a bonus.

It just seems like a sweet, really fun read. It doesn't come out until the fall but I predict it'll be an excellent pairing with a warm blanket and hot beverage to make the perfect cozy fall day.

Expected release date - October 6, 2020

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