Wild Swans by Jessica Spotswood

Wild Swans by Jessica Spotswood
Release Date - May 3, 2016

Publisher Website - Raincoast Books
Publisher Social Media - Twitter
Pages - 304 pages
My Rating - 4/5
**received from publisher for an honest review**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

The summer before Ivy’s senior year is going to be golden; all bonfires, barbeques, and spending time with her best friends. For once, she will just get to be. No summer classes, none of Granddad’s intense expectations to live up to the family name. For generations, the Milbourn women have lead extraordinary lives—and died young and tragically. Granddad calls it a legacy, but Ivy considers it a curse. Why else would her mother have run off and abandoned her as a child?

But when her mother unexpectedly returns home with two young daughters in tow, all of the stories Ivy wove to protect her heart start to unravel. The very people she once trusted now speak in lies. And all of Ivy’s ambition and determination cannot defend her against the secrets of the Milbourn past….

There have been plenty of novels written about growing into yourself and finding your own path. Wild Swans is one such story. It's a contemporary novel whose voice adds something extra to its familiarity and ensures the reader is captivated by this recognizable story.

Jessica Spotswood's characterization is the sharpest element of her story. She crafts these amazingly complex characters. She has a way of ensuring her female characters are especially vivid and fleshed out. She wants to create these nuanced female characters and it shows in this novel as much as it did in her previous series.

There is a dreamy, almost sleepy quality to the setting and prose of this story. The writing matches the beachy setting Ivy calls home. It creates an atmosphere of long summer days that are bright yet hazy. The atmosphere comes completely from the novel's setting and that comes to life because of Jessica's spot on writing.

Ivy is a girl who doesn't give herself enough credit. She is used to constantly striving to be better, always pushing herself. She never feels like she lives up to the expectations she feels are put on her. Her family legacy, her Grandfather, and her own insecurities put pressure on her. It's an all encompassing pressure that shapes her perception of herself and what she wants. Ivy's journey to who she is, and what that means is the heartbeat of the story and one that keeps just as steady of a pace. The change within her feels believeable because it is gradual and filled with second guessing. Ivy is the type of character we've seen many times before - a young woman finding her voice and her own future - but Jessica makes sure she feels unique.

This really is a story of mothers and daughters. Ivy's mother returns and upends what was to be the summer Ivy takes time for herself. Erica is a fascinating character. She is, often, unlikeable. Jessica balances it out by showing us how Erica came to be how she is, and she does it so subtly that you're left with an understanding of who this character is. The complicated relationship Ivy has with Erica and what it means that Erica came back really is the backbone of the novel. We see exactly what being left behind has done to Ivy and that is something Ivy has to work though. These relationships are messy, and sometimes hurtful but ultimately worth the effort. This rings to of all mother/daughter relationships and is something Jessica Spotswoods tackles with, what appears to be, the utmost ease.

Claire, who is Ivy's best friend is the best friend everyone should have. She doesn't allow Ivy to put herself down. She calls out people and is a feminist. This novel tackles body issues, slut shaming and more in the side stories and does so very subtle. Claire is the voice for many of these and often said what I, as a reader, was thinking.

A familiar story about finding your own path, discovering your voice, and finding out that sometimes what your parents want for you is not what you want for yourself. It's a story that is relatable no matter how many times it is told, and this one offers up its own unique take on it. Fans of Jessica Spotswoods previous work will delight in this new read, and it'll certainly encourage new fans to check out her previous works. 

Wild Swans Blog Tour - Q and A

Today I am thrilled to take part in the blog tour for Jessica Spotswood's Wild Swans. I loved Jessica's other series and cannot wait to check out her new book.

If you haven't been check out the tour, be sure to visit all of the tour stops for even more great content!

Week 1:
4/25: Adventures of a Book Junkie - Q&A
4/26: YA Bibliophile - Review
4/27: Fiction Fare - Guest Post
4/28: Here's to Happy Endings - Review
4/29: A Glass of Wine - Q&A

Week 2:
5/2: Once Upon A Twilight - Review
5/3: The Irish Banana Review - Top 10
5/4: Ex Libris - Review
5/5: Such a Novel Idea - Playlist
5/6: Jenuine Cupcakes - Review

For my stop I got to ask Jessica some questions for a fun Q and A post. She dishes on ice cream, and some inspiration behind her book and more.

The summer before Ivy’s senior year is going to be golden; all bonfires, barbeques, and spending time with her best friends. For once, she will just get to be. No summer classes, none of Granddad’s intense expectations to live up to the family name. For generations, the Milbourn women have lead extraordinary lives—and died young and tragically. Granddad calls it a legacy, but Ivy considers it a curse. Why else would her mother have run off and abandoned her as a child?

But when her mother unexpectedly returns home with two young daughters in tow, all of the stories Ivy wove to protect her heart start to unravel. The very people she once trusted now speak in lies. And all of Ivy’s ambition and determination cannot defend her against the secrets of the Milbourn past….

LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | Indiebound | iBooks | The Book Depository

I am very excited to share this Q and A! A huge thank you to Jessica for taking the time to answer these questions for me and to Hannah for making it happen.

 Twitter pitch Wild Swans (140 characters or less)

WILD SWANS is a contemporary, feminist YA about a complicated family, fierce friendships, & first love, set onthe Chesapeake Bay.

If someone were to make a signature ice cream in honour of your book, what might be included?

Ivy & her little sister Gracie bake together in the book; one afternoon they make chocolate-chip cookie sandwiches with vanilla ice cream. But strawberry ice cream is their favorite. So I think for the signature ice cream, I’d go with strawberry ice cream with chunks of chocolate chip cookie-dough.

Can you share a secret about the setting of your novel?

WILD SWANS takes place in Cecil, a small college town on the Eastern Shore of the Chesapeake Bay. And Cecil is a total mash-up of two Maryland towns that I love: Chestertown, the small college town on the Chester River where I lived for four years while I attended Washington College, and St. Michael’s, a small touristy town on the Chesapeake Bay where I’ve vacationed half a dozen times.

 What 3 things do you need while revising?

My Macbook Air, a lot of Earl Grey (tea or iced tea, depending on the weather), and an app that will keep me off social media (Forest is my new favorite).

 If you could travel to anywhere, in any time period, when and where would you want travel?

Agh, this is so hard! Right now I’d love to time-travel back to 1826 New Orleans, which is the setting of my short story in A TYRANNY OF PETTICOATS. I love New Orleans, and in the 1820s it was a fascinating blend of cultures: Spanish, French, Creole, American, free people of color from Saint-Domingue, African slaves. But I’d also love to experience World War II on the homefront to see what it was like when my grandmothers were teenage girls.

If you listen to music while you write, is there a song that you listened to while writing Wild Swans?

I listened to “The Mother We Share” by Chvrches about a billion times while writing

ABOUT JESSICA SPOTSWOOD:

I heart books, board games, tea, the color pink, theatre, twirly dresses, and bells chiming the hour. I live in Washington, DC with my playwright husband and a cuddly cat named Monkey. I work part-time as a children's library associate for the DC Public Library. I'm frighteningly enthusiastic.

I use GR to keep track of what I read and to recommend books that I really love.

If you're interested in interviews or guest posts, please contact me at cahillwitch (at) gmail (dot) com. Thanks!

You can learn more about Jessica and her books by visiting the following links

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Tumblr | Instagram

Now that you're intrigued by this awesome sounding book, how about the chance to win a copy? Be sure to enter the giveaway below and you could win one of three copies of Wild Swans! Just fill out the Rafflecopter. The contest is US ONLY, however.

Thanks again to Jessica, Hannah and Sourcebooks. Be sure to follow along all next week for even more reviews, guest posts and interviews.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Waiting on Wednesday ....... Sisters' Fate

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

My pick this week is Sisters' Fate by Jessica Spotswood

**SPOILERS FOR BORN WICKED AND STAR CURSED**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

A fever ravages New London, but with the Brotherhood sending suspected witches straight to the gallows, the Sisters are powerless against the disease. They can’t help without revealing their powers—as Cate learns when a potent display of magic turns her into the most wanted witch in all of New England.

To make matters worse, Cate has been erased from the memory of her beloved Finn. While she’s torn between protecting him from further attacks and encouraging him to fall for her all over again, she’s certain she can never forgive Maura’s betrayal. And now that Tess’s visions have taken a deadly turn, the prophecy that one Cahill sister will murder another looms ever closer to its fulfillment.

The first two novels in this series have been stellar. They are some of my favourite witch inspired novels. If you haven't read Born Wicked, do so immediately so that you can join me in waiting for the end of this trilogy. I am both scared, and excited to find out how the story of the Cahill sisters will end.

Expected release date - August 14, 2014

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 Saturday.

Here are my obsessions this week:

BOOKS

Third Book In The Royal Circle trilogy by Katherine Longshore

We have a title!! BRAZEN will be the final book in the trilogy, and I can not wait for more details. Details, and a synopsis will be coming from Penguin shortly, and I can't wait. I am curious to learn more about the main character, and what events may be woven into the story based on the timing. Be sure to add it to your Goodreads to get all the details when available.

Dangerous Creatures by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl

The Castor Chronicles is getting a spin off! Ridley and Link are taking centre stage in this New York City set companion series to Beautiful Creatures. I am excited to see what's next, and this gives me an excuse to finish the first series ASAP! You can add this to your Goodreads, and check out the full synopsis.

Dorothy Must Die by Danielle Paige

A Wizard of Oz where Dorothy is not the hero? SIGN ME UP! Deadline, who announced that the CW has optioned this for a TV Show described the  book/show this way

the magically-ever-youthful Dorothy has stayed in Oz, presiding over a now fascist fairyland with her perfectly manicured iron fist and the help of her henchmen - the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, and the Cowardly Lion. But when another young woman from Kansas is swept up in a tornado and magically dropped into this war-torn Oz, our hero discovers a revolutionary underground of witches and enchanted beings only to learn that she is destined to lead their people in the fight to reclaim Oz from a power-hungry Dorothy's ruthless clutches.

Yup, pretty much LET ME HAVE IT NOW! I am going to be really excited when this comes out in April 2014. This one has flown under the radar a little, but I expect that is about to change. Also, keep an eye out for this in my 2014 Most Antcipated Reads event *wink* . If you haven't already, be sure to add it to your Goodreads.

Cover of Sisters' Fate by Jessica Spotswood 

I love this series, so much. The last book ripped my heart out, and left me a mess when all was said and done. I am dying to get my hands on this one. The last little bit of the synopsis? SHIVERS! *Obvious spoilers for the first two books in the series in the synopsis, so tread carefully*. I am also in love with this cover. The colours are so pretty.

TV/MOVIE

Dexter Series Finale

We're saying goodbye to Dexter. This makes me sad. Watching the following teaser for end made me anxious and terrified as to what is going to happen.


 
Dexter saying "This is all my fault" and the FBI closing in on Hannah! EEEP! Poor little Harrison better have a happy ending in all of this, that's all I am saying. 

So what are you obsessed with this week?

Star Cursed by Jessica Spotswood

Star Cursed by Jessica Spotswood
Release Date – June 18, 2013
Publisher Website -  Penguin/Putnam
Publisher Social Media -  Twitter
Pages - 384 pages
My Rating- 5/5
**obtained for review from publisher**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

With the Brotherhood persecuting witches like never before, a divided Sisterhood desperately needs Cate to come into her Prophesied powers. And after Cate's friend Sachi is arrested for using magic, a war-thirsty Sister offers to help her find answers—if Cate is willing to endanger everyone she loves.

Cate doesn't want to be a weapon, and she doesn't want to involve her friends and Finn in the Sisterhood's schemes. But when Maura and Tess join the Sisterhood, Maura makes it clear that she'll do whatever it takes to lead the witches to victory. Even if it means sacrifices. Even if it means overthrowing Cate. Even if it means all-out war.

In the highly anticipated sequel to Born Wicked, the Cahill Witch Chronicles continue Cate, Maura and Tess's quest to find love, protect family, and explore their magic against all odds in an alternate history of New England.

In series there is potential for book two to be drawn out, stall the story and save all the big reveals for the final book in the series. If this is true in the Cahill Witch Chronicles, than I may not survive the third book. Filled with twists, reveals, and swoon worthy romance, Star Cursed pulls no punches.

Cate is quickly becoming one of my favourite female characters. She's thoughtful and careful and this doesn't change in Star Cursed. She doesn't become someone she's not because of her power. Even what it's clear that she is one of the strongest witches in the Sisterhood, she remains steadfastly Cate. It will be interesting to see how her actions at the end of the novel shape her character going forward, as I expect a slightly harden, anger fueled witch may be what's in store.

Maura is so head strong. She's opinionated and doesn't back down. She's the more cunning out of the three sister, and the more willing to get what she wants at any cost. She crosses a few lines in Star Cursed that I didn't expect for any of the sister's to ever cross. It only heightens that Jessica Spotswood is unflinchingly willing to go to the darkest parts of their relationships.

Tess is quickly growing into a surprising character. Her desire to do good, and he sweet nature are contrasted with some pretty impressive power. She seems wise beyond her young years, .

It's the relationship between the three sisters that fascinates me. The mixture of love and competition between them feels organic. It reads like a true sisterly bond that bonds them as much as it tears them apart. I can't wait to see where the relationship goes from here, especially with the revelations at the end of the novel.

The Brotherhood is one of the best villains I've come across in awhile. Simply because I fear them. I fear for our characters as a result. As a reader it's a terrifying, and yet exhilarating thing when you fear for the main characters. It's often easy to put stock in the fact that your main characters are safe. Jessica Spotswood has went for the jugular by telling us not only are they not safe, but that one of our beloved Cahill sisters will die. I creates a tension that's different from most stories. She's partnered this fear with a group that is chill inducing in it's single minded focus. Add to this the fact that certain members of the Sisterhood may not have the best intentions, and I was constantly on edge.

The real danger to Cate, Maura and Tess comes from within. The prophecy talks not only of the witch that will save them all, but that one of the sisters would die at the hands of another. The entire prophecy and it's implications is ingenious. As tensions grew within the sisters, as a reader, I immediately became agitated. The reveal of who is the prophesied witch was a definite twist, as it was not who I was expecting. I am still not sure there won't be another twist thrown in, but I was more than satisfied with the unveiling.

I thought the end of Born Wicked was bad. Star Cursed is worse. Star Cursed takes your heart, rips it up and shows it to you for good measure. Stunned isn't even a strong enough word. It's an emotional one where your connection to the characters factors into how deeply you feel it. It's torturous in the best possible way. I am pretty sure Jessica will take much delight in the agonized response to the final chapters. In other words... book three now please.

As someone who fully loved Born Wicked,  Star Cursed surpassed all my expectations, and was even better than the first novel. The Cahill sisters cast a seductive tale filled with romance, and witchcraft that left me spell bound.

New To My Mailbox

It's that time of the week again. Time to show you what bookish goodies made their way into my home and book closet (to be saved from the evil book eating cat monster named Aria). This is inspired by the various "mailbox" posts out there (eg. In My Mailbox by The Story Siren, and Stacking the Shelves by Tynga's Reviews).

This week was a busy one at the mailbox. Most of the stuff is for the Ottawa Blogger Mix and Mingle happening next weekend, so those will be saved for a future post, but I do have some goodies to share.

Star Cursed by Jessica Spotswood (goodreads)
Golden Boy by Agigail Tarttelin (goodreads)

Big thank you to both Penguin Canada and Simon and Schuster Canada for these two titles. I am so excited to pick up Star Cursed as I loved Born Wicked. Golden Boy wasn't on my radar, but it sounds intriguing.

Happy Sunday and Happy Reading!

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 Saturday.

Here are my obsessions this week:

BOOKS

Cover of Tarnish by Katherine Longshore

I unveiled this earlier this week and can't wait to read it! Anne Boleyn has always captivated me and I am looking forward to see what Katherine does with her story.

Penguin Summer catalog

Much squealing was had while flipping though this catalog. First, I squealed over the fact that Isla and the Happily Ever After was in it. This means we get it this summer. THIS MAKES ME SO HAPPY! Seeing the cover for Star Cursed by Jessica Spotswood was also happy making. I am beyond excited for some of these summer titles.

TV

The Following 'All Audience' Trailer



I am slightly obsessed with the thought of this show. I think it's going to be awesome. They just released two trailers. One that is 'all audiences" and one they are calling "rated intense". Sadly, because I do not live in the USA I am blocked from viewing said "intense" trailer, but the "all audiences" one is pretty insane. Side note - I love that Edgar Alan Poe's works are woven into this story too.

So what are you obsessed with this week?

In My Mailbox....

This is a weekly meme hosted by the awesome Kristi at The Story Siren. It gives us a chance to showcase the books we got during the week.

My mailbox was pretty awesome this week...ok so pretty awesome is an understatement. SO many amazing books.

These are books I was gifted or received for review

Masque of the Red Death by Bethany Griffin (goodreads)
A Million Suns by Beth Revis (goodreads)

The amazing Kristina from LadyBug Storytime got me a copy of Masque. I literally squealed when it came in the mail. It's been really high on my wish list and I can't wait to finish it (already started and LOVING it). The cover is so stunning, even in ARC form.

The amazing and lovely Christy from The Reader Bee sent me a belated Christmas gift and it was A Million Suns. I have heard nothing but amazing things about it.

Thank you so much to both Christy and Kristina. You ladies are amazing!

I helped Marissa Meyer celebrate the release of her fantastic novel Cinder. She was sweet and offered swag to people who helped her and it is awesome! Thank you so much Marissa.

Here are some books I purchased this week

Born Wicked by Jessica Spotswood (goodreads)
Cinder by Marissa Meyer (goodreads)
Starcrossed by Josephine Angelini (goodreads)

I also have two copies of Entertainment Weekly with the cast of the Vampire Diaries on them. I have the Paul Wesley/Nina Dobrev cover as well, but my friend has it as she had to pick it up for me (none of the stores near me had it). They are even hotter than this picture shows. Scorching!!

Happy reading everyone!

Born Wicked by Jessica Spotswood

Born Wicked by Jessica Spotswood
Release Date –  Feb 7, 2012
Publisher Website –  Penguin/Putnam Juvenile
Publisher Social Media - Twitter
Pages -  326 pages
My Rating- 10/10
**Obtained from publisher for an honest review**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

"Blessed with a gift..."cursed" with a secret."  

Everybody knows Cate Cahill and her sisters are eccentric. Too pretty, too reclusive, and far too educated for their own good. But the truth is even worse: they're witches. And if their secret is discovered by the priests of the Brotherhood, it would mean an asylum, a prison ship - or an early grave. 

Before her mother died, Cate promised to protect her sisters. But with only six months left to choose between marriage and the Sisterhood, she might not be able to keep her word . . . especially after she finds her mother's diary, uncovering a secret that could spell her family's destruction. Desperate to find alternatives to their fate, Cate starts scouring banned books and questioning rebellious new friends, all while juggling tea parties, shocking marriage proposals, and a forbidden romance with the completely unsuitable Finn Belastra. 

If what her mother wrote is true, the Cahill girls aren't safe. Not from the Brotherhood, the Sisterhood - not even from each other.

Cate and her two sisters are not what you would consider proper ladies. Cate likes to garden, Maura likes to read books that are considered unsuitable and Tess is too perceptive. Never mind the fact that they are in fact witches.

I was drawn into this world Jessica Spotswood has created. It’s engrossing and she captures the time period wonderfully.  It is a novel that I consider historical with a delicious witch twist. The class system, the place of a women in society and what was expected of her, and even the writing all seem very fitting of the era. It would appeal to fans of historical fiction as well as those looking for a good paranormal tale.

The characters are wonderful. I love Cate! She isn’t afraid to go against what is expected of her. She’s loyal, and would do anything for her sisters. I do like that she was determined to do what she felt was best, regardless of what others thought. She isn’t afraid to stand up for what she believes in. She also is quite willing to sacrifice what she wants in order to protect her sisters. Her sisters Maura, and Tess are equally likable and complex. All three girls are wise beyond their years, have been schooled so they are quite smart, and I really liked all of them.

One of the things I enjoyed about this novel was that the consequences for Cate, Maura and Tess are real. Girls are being taken away, and I was holding my breath waiting to see if The Cahill sisters would be found out. I like that the stakes are high, and that the punishment is real and tangible to the characters. The Brotherhood is scary in it’s single mindedness. They are not above using people to get what they want, and I relished disliking them.

The romance in the novel is quite steamy. Cate has two suitors interested in her - Paul, a young gentleman who is completely suitable and Finn who is the opposite. I liked both Paul and Finn, but it is quite apparent whom holds Cate’s heart. I will say that feathers have never been hotter! Cate literally makes feathers appear during a particularly steamy make out.

The secret that Cate reads in her mothers diary could change everything for the sisters. I love the direction the story is going in with this “secret” and how it will directly impact the girls; if indeed it is about them. I was shocked by part of the secret, and I am excited to see where it is going to lead. Sadly, I cant give anything else away about the secret because it’s a pretty big spoiler, but it was one of the most intriguing parts of the story for me.

After a slower start the novel starts to pick up the pace while barrelling towards the ending. The spells we see cast aren’t plentiful, however, we do get some impressive showcases of power near the end.  I am curious which Cahill sister is the strongest witch as each of them is shown to be quite capable.

Family secrets, forbidden romances, steamy scenes, and an fantastic main character all make Born Wicked a refreshing, addicting read. I am already practicing spells to make book two magically appear…just don’t tell the Brotherhood on me.

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 Saturday.

Here are my obsessions this week:

BOOK

Born Wicked

I just finished reading this and the only word that comes to mind is  - WOW! This book has me dying for book two and I can't wait to share my review. You'll want to pick this one up when it's released in February.


TV

Ferris Bueller 2012

I LOVE Ferris Bueller's Day Off. It's one of my go to movies when I am sick and don't want to get out ofbed. I literally squealed when I saw this preview for a TV commercial (YES, a preview for a commercial) that shows Matthew Broderick saying a twist on one of  his iconic lines from the movie which is followed by the even more iconic music. The full ad will air during the SuperBowl and is apparently for Honda.



Buffy the Vampire Slayer

Ok, my nostalgia factor is high today. I spent the day watching Buffy videos on Youtube and especially videos of the musical episode. Also, let's not forget the mostly SILENT episode that still gives me chills. It reminded me of how amazing, ground breaking, and well written it was. Joss Whedon is nothing short of genius and Sarah Michelle Gellar remains my idol and girl crush.

If you haven't watched Buffy ever, PLEASE do. You are missing out on one of the greatest TV shows EVER! Season 2 is my favourite - heartbreaking, romantic, and filled with jaw droppings twists.

And I've just made myself want to watch the entire series AGAIN...

OTHER

My Blogiversary

This happens to be today! My little blog is a whole year old. It feels like I just started (but some days it really does feel like I've been a blogger for years). I am having a little giveaway to celebrate, and I just wanted to thank you all again for following, and basically being awesome.

A special shout out to Brodie, Christy, Kelly, and Evie for being amazing and so welcoming in my first year.

In My Mailbox!

This is a weekly meme hosted by the awesome Kristi at The Story Siren. It gives us a chance to showcase the books we got during the week.

I had an amazing book week this week.

First I have a Netgalley book to show

Goddess Interrupted by Aimee Carter (goodreads)

I LOVED The Goddess Test and am so excited to start this one. Thank you Harlequin Teen and Netgalley.

In the mail I received quite a few goodies this week.

Mercy by Rebecca Lim (goodreads)
Born Wicked by Jessica Spotswood (goodreads)
Who is Mara Dyer t-shirt
Gilt Door Hangers

Huge thank you to Harper Collins Canada, Penguin Canada, Katherine Longshore and Michelle Hodkin for the lovely goodies.

I had won the Mara Dyer t-shirt in contest held during a chat Michelle did and was thrilled to get it. Can not wait to wear it at BEA!

Happy reading everyone!

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 Saturday.

Here are my obsessions this week:

BOOK


Born Wicked Trailer

This trailer is awesome. It's made me want to read the book even more. What is it with witches and feathers though?! 

This Dark Endeavour by Kenneth Oppel

I loved this novel. LOVED! It's full of action, angst, and a well done love triangle. I am dying to read Such Wicked Intent when it comes out this summer. If you missed it I have reviewed this one on the blog already.

Covers and synopsis for Between the Lines and Kill Me Softly

First up is Between the Lines by Jodi Picoult and Samantha Van Leer.

This not only has a pretty cover, but the  premise sounds amazing - hot guy from a book turns out to be a real teenage guy trapped in the book! Awesome right?! If you want to learn more, check out Goodreads for the details.

My fairytale obsession really is at an all time high right now. Kill Me Softly by Sarah Cross could not have come at a better time! I am officially dying of want, and can't wait to read it. A young girl goes to find her parents graves only to find out she's Sleeping Beauty! The cover is stunning too! Again, Goodreads will give you more information if you wish.

OTHER


Book Expo America

You can pretty much expect me to have this on her quite a few times between now and the actual event. I purchased my pass and am all set to go! It feels much more "real" now that I have something purchased and confirmed.

Westjet Airlines

If you read my little "about me" blurb you know that I work as a travel agent. I recently won some tickets on Westjet Airlines to go anywhere they travel within North America. I am super excited as I have always wanted to go visit California. I have a friend who lives there, and there is quite a bit I want to see. Needless to say I am already planning it, even though it's not until the fall sometime.

Waiting on Wednesday...Born Wicked by Jessica Spotswood

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

My pick this week is Born Wicked by Jessica Spotswood

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

Everybody knows Cate Cahill and her sisters are eccentric. Too pretty, too reclusive, and far too educated for their own good. But the truth is even worse: they're witches. And if their secret is discovered by the priests of the Brotherhood, it would mean an asylum, a prison ship—or an early grave.

Before her mother died, Cate promised to protect her sisters. But with only six months left to choose between marriage and the Sisterhood, she might not be able to keep her word . . . especially after she finds her mother's diary, uncovering a secret that could spell her family's destruction. Desperate to find alternatives to their fate, Cate starts scouring banned books and questioning rebellious new friends, all while juggling tea parties, shocking marriage proposals, and a forbidden romance with the completely unsuitable Finn Belastra.

If what her mother wrote is true, the Cahill girls aren't safe. Not from the Brotherhood, the Sisterhood—not even from each other.

I love the sound of this. The cover is quite eye catching as well.

Expected release date - Feb 7, 2012