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.

A really quiet week this week. There haven't been any cover reveals that have grabbed me, but there is some other fun things I've been fangirling about.

BOOKS

How To Hang A Witch by Adriana Mather

The Publisher's Weekly blurb announcing this deal made me immediately want to read it.

When heroine Samantha Mather moves to modern-day Salem, Mass., she finds that the crimes of her descendants—who were involved in hanging witches in the town 300 years ago—come back to haunt her. 

The author is a descendant of someone involved in the Salem Witch Trials and I like the sound of the spin on this.

TV/MOVIE 

Just One Day/Just One Year is becoming Just One Movie

My love of Gayle Forman is pretty well known. I fangirl, a lot. I was THRILLED to learn that Allison and Willem's story is coming to the big screen (via Hollywood Reporter). I need casting news, immediately. I love these books and need for this to be a good adaptation.

What are you obsessed with this week?

Favourite Books Since I've Started Blogging

I was recently asked about my favourite books. The books I would make everyone read if given the chance. The books that stayed with me years after I've finished reading them (or will stay with me).

Since I am out of town, I figured this would be a perfect chance to create a list of those titles (at least so far). I am keeping it to ones that I have reviewed on the blog. They'll all link to my review if you wish to check them out.

1 Stolen by Lucy Christopher

My first review, and I still love this one more than words can express. It's literally become a joke with the ladies of The Sisterhood of the Traveling Book Club because I mention it so often during our chats. Incredibly written, emotionally draining, and it's a book that plays with your head. In the most beautiful way possible, of course. This one is making it's way to the big screen with Ryan Kwanten as Ty.

2 Tiger Lily by Jodi Lynn Anderson

Jodi Lynn Anderson's beautiful writing reduced me to tears as Tiger Lily ended. This retelling of Peter Pan not only feels fresh and different, but is one of my favourite adaptations of all time. An unforgettable story about the girl with the crow feather in her hair, and the lost boy she fell in love with. It gets bonus points for being narrated by everyone's favourite pixie.

3 Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn

One of the best twists, EVER. I didn't see it coming, and (for me) it was brilliantly executed. Gillian Flynn's sharp, smart writing combined with a wrenching story of a couple falling in, and out of love serves to add a depth to this anything but typical mystery.

4 Tarnish by Katherine Longshore

Pretty sure Katherine's next book Brazen will be added to the list (I am halfway through and it's beautiful) but it's her portrayal of Anne Boleyn that stunned me. A novel that focuses on Anne's life, rather than her death. It shows that everyone deserves, and should fight for, their voice to be heard. A surprisingly uplifting and hopeful message that adds a bitter-sweetness to Anne's fate.

5 Vicious by V.E. Schwab

A deliciously dark look at what it means to be a hero, and villain. Unforgettable characters combined with Victoria's brilliant writing, and a rich, complex plot to create what is basically a perfect book. I ache to go back to this world and these characters. This one surprised me in the best way possible, and made me a Victoria Schwab fan for life. Apparently this one is also on it's way to the big screen. #DaneDehaanForVictorVale

6 Anna and the French Kiss/Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins

Cute and fluffy is what most people probably think when they read the titles for these books. WRONG. They are adorable, but they are also filled with humour, heart, and a realness that seeps from the pages. The characters are so completely developed they feel like friends, and it quickly became one that I want to read over and over again. Both of them. There are plenty of swoon worthy passages throughout the novel. The stand out in both is Stephanie's attention to the little details that go into a romance. The inside jokes, the little gestures, and the moments that make everything stop. She captures that falling in love moment effortlessly.

7 Just One Day/Just One Year by Gayle Forman

A duology that when combined tell the romantic, and engrossing story of two people's journey to each other. Often romance is about the couple, but Gayle shines a light on the two individuals inside that couple. We get to know them each so well, and this is a case where each novel is dependent on the other. Allyson's story isn't complete without Willem's and vice versa. It's the kind of novel that inspires wanderlust, and might just inspire you to take a few chances.

8 We Were Liars by E. Lockhart

The less I say about this one the better. E Lockhart's gorgeous writing will pull you into the dreamy, summer vibe, but the mystery will keep you burning through the pages. Read it. Lie about it. Just make sure you experience it unspoiled as it's one that is meant to be experienced along with the characters.

9 Love Letters To the Dead by Ava Dellaira

A novel that is both heartbreaking and healing. It's letter style narration was done impressively well, and the emotions and character development impressive for this style as well. Ava's work reads gut-wrenchingly real that it feels like you're reading someone's personal letters at times, rather than a work of fiction. The celebrity angle works for the character and the story in a charming way. They become characters themselves. This was another surprise for me, but I was happy to fall under it's spell.

10 Since You've Been Gone by Morgan Matson

I hugged this book when I was done. It's that adorable, and fun. It's one of those books that makes you feel good. The journey you take with the characters comes complete with a musical playlist which only adds to it's charm. The characters, the writing, and the depth this novel has is wonderful. It's one to pick up this summer and enjoy by the beach.

This is my no means a full listing, but these are the books I would want to make everyone read if I could.

What books make your EVERYONE MUST READ list?

Just One Day by Gayle Forman

Just One Day by Gayle Forman
Release Date – January 8, 2013
Publisher Website - Penguin/Razorbill
Publisher Social Media -  Twitter
Pages -  368 pages
My Rating- ALL THE STARS!
**Received from publisher for review**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

A breathtaking journey toward self-discovery and true love, from the author of If I Stay
When sheltered American good girl Allyson "LuLu" Healey first meets laid-back Dutch actor Willem De Ruiter at an underground performance of Twelfth Night in England, there’s an undeniable spark. After just one day together, that spark bursts into a flame, or so it seems to Allyson, until the following morning, when she wakes up after a whirlwind day in Paris to discover that Willem has left. Over the next year, Allyson embarks on a journey to come to terms with the narrow confines of her life, and through Shakespeare, travel, and a quest for her almost-true-love, to break free of those confines.

My feelings about Just One Day are going to be hard to put into words. This is probably the hardest review I've had to write. The amount of love I have for this brilliant novel can not adequately be put into words. It is a beautiful love story and a journey of self discovery that resonated deeply with me, and made Just One Day an unputdownable captivating read. beautiful love story and a journey of self discovery that resonated deeply with me, and made Just One Day an unputdownable captivating read.

The character of Allyson resonated deeply with me. I am sure this will be constant refrain, but I identified with her so much. Her need to please those around her (even if it means sacrificing what she wants), her desire for something more, and her wanderlust. Her immediate thought process when on the train with Willem heading to Paris would be similar to my own. I felt drawn into the story because I could relate to her so much.

The flirtation and spark between Willem and Allyson is electric. Softly romantic and understatedly sexy, this novel provides many swoon inducing moments. The chemistry and connection between Willem and Allyson leaps off the page. I felt as devastated as Allyson did when it's discovered Willem has vanished, because I was so invested in their love story.

If you at all have travel lust this book will leave you dreaming of your own European jaunt. I seriously felt envious while reading. It gave me wanderlust badly, and I have been looking at Paris and London vacation ideas ever since. Be prepared, you'll be a little obsessed with travelling after finishing. Gayle Forman's descriptions bring out the little moments that stay with you much longer than the bigger, flashier ones do.

The ending is one that makes me ecstatic that Just One Year isn't far off because I wanted to be inside Willem's head so many time during the novel. I wanted to know what he was thinking and feeling. He's the kind of guy who can make a girl feel like he really sees her.

My favourite quote from the novel actually comes from Willem, and if it's any indication Just One Year is going to be filled with deliciously quotable passages.

'I think you're the sort of person who finds money on the ground and waves it in the air and asks if anyone has lost it. I think you cry in movies that aren't even sad because you have a soft heart, though you don't let it show. I think you do things that scare you, and that makes you braver than those adrenaline junkies who bungee-jump of bridges'

This achingly swoon worthy boy that is as much a mystery as he is known to Allyson (and therefore the reader).  He ensnared me with his free spirit and outlook on love, and life.

Another stand out are the secondary characters. In particular Dee. A true friend who becomes Allyson's rock while away at University. He's fantastic, and provides some humour. His outlook, and keen observation skills made him a perfect friend for Allyson during her time of self discovery. I would welcome more of him if he were to pop up in the sequel.

Just One Day is an epic love story that is so much more. The unforgettable story of Allyson and her journey left me stained, and the love story between her and Willem left me breathless. Take the journey and spend a day you won't forget.

Winter Book Buzz...

The new season is upon us, and I was fortunate to read some of this season's hottest upcoming titles in advance. I have selected a few to highlight as ones that I think everyone is going to be buzzing about once they hit shelves.


The Madman's Daughter by Megan Shepherd - release date of January 29

Atmospheric, brilliantly woven, and characters that resonate. This story is going to blow people away, and it's just getting started. A captivating main character who fears her own darkness, and two potential love interests with dark secrets of their own make for a deliciously intense, and thrilling read.

Just One Day by Gayle Forman - release date of January 8

This novel is so lushly descriptive and beautifully written that you'll immediately want to read it again once you've finished. Willem is sure to be on many swoon worthy lists at the end of 2013, and we haven't even had his narration yet (Just One Year being released fall 2013 is from his view point). This story deeply resonated with me, particularly the main character Allyson. You'll fall in love with Willem and Allyson's love story, and be swept away in the brilliant locations, and vividly real characters.

Be sure to check out both of these titles, as they are must reads. What books are on your Winter 2012 must read list?

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

Just One Day by Gayle Forman

This book! I had such a deep and personal reaction to this book, and especially the main character. Willem is totally swoon worthy, and EVERYONE will be gushing about this one when it's released. It made the plane ride to Florida so much better!

Cover for Of Beast and Beauty by Stacey Jay

I have always loved the Beauty and the Beast fairytale. This twist on the classic tale sounds amazing, and that cover...well it's simply beautiful. The red and black combination is a favourite of mine. Check out the Goodreads synopsis for more details.

Cover for Of Triton by Anna Banks

Pretty steamy right? I love the underwater kiss, and the little bubbles look like sparkles (or diamonds) floating around them. All around a pretty hot cover. Add it to your Goodreads (beware of spoilers for the first book though!).

TV

Bates Motel trailer



This looks really good. I am loving everything I have seen so far. I am a little apprehensive about the fact that they have moved this into current times though. I thought it was a straight prequel where they showed how Norman became the man we see in Psycho.  However, this still sounds like it'll be fantastic. The acting looks solid, and it seems well cast. I have high hopes for this, and can't wait to watch it in March.

OTHER

Disney World

The trip was fantastic. I can't wait to go again. If you missed my recap and want to see photos, I have a post written up already.

So what are you obsessed with this week?

My Top Ten Books of 2012

The end of 2012 is just around the corner, and with that comes a bunch of "Best" list. I offer my own best list today. The top ten books I read in 2012.

These are in no particular order, because asking me to select my favourite from this list would really be torture. It was hard enough to keep this list to ten choices.

1. The Evolution of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin

Steamy, sexy, and filled with Noah Shaw deliciousness. A creepy and brilliant look at a potential descent into madness. Wonderfully written with humour, scares, and STEAMY romance. 

My love affair with this series is well known. I adore Mara, Noah, and of course, the amazing Michelle for writing them.

2. Just One Day by Gayle Forman

 Yes I am teasing, but Oh My Swoon! Willem and Allyson's story had me feeling every emotion, and left me aching for more. This is easily 2013's MUST READ and more than meets expectations.

The beautiful writing, the connection I felt to Allyson, and the utter romance of this fantastic contemporary left me wanting to read Just One Year...immediately.

3. Tiger Lily by Jodi Lynn Anderson

One of the most beautifully written books I have ever read. It made my heart hurt, and yet was filled with so much wonder. 

Getting to know the girl with the crow feather and her Peter was one of the highlights of my reading year, made all the more poignant because my love for this novel caught me by surprise. 

4. Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn

If I were to choose one word to describe Gone Girl that word would be twisted. Stunning reveals, an inciting game, and an uncomfortable look at falling out of love (just in the most extremely twisted way).  

Flawed characters that seem disturbingly real, and writing that makes you fly through the pages faster that you are capable of turning them. This one will keep you up late into the night, and leave you gasping at it's sad, yet unavoidable, ending.  

5.  Masque of the Red Death by Bethany Griffin

A darkly decadent read where even the air you breath can kill you. Swoon worthy guys, a flawed heroine, and the seductive Debauchery Club are all stand outs in this amazingly written novel.

The dual notion of glitz and glamour back dropped against a stark decimated city make for a compelling dynamic. I fell for this one in chapter one, and couldn't stop reading.

6. Gilt by Katherine Longshore

Tudor court glamour meets high school mean girls in this engrossing historical novel. Catherine Howard paid the ultimate price for her youthful mistakes. This portrayal paints her in a much different, and more realistic feeling light. This novel feels relevant because it shows friendships, and their complexity haven't changed over the years.

7 The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater

Magic meets realism in this heart grabbing novel. Blue, and her Raven Boys will work their way into your heart until you care deeply about each of them.

Maggie's writing is fantastic, but her characters draw you in and that is why it's on my list. 

8 Scarlet by Marissa Meyer

Another must read when it comes out. I adored Cinder, but Scarlet surpassed all my expectations. Ruggedly swoon worthy Wolf grabbed my attention immediately, and  I adored the feisty Scarlet. The mixing of Cinder's story with Scarlet's journey is done flawlessly, and the fairytale elements I loved in Cinder are just as present in Scarlet. 

9 Born Wicked by Jessica Spotswood

One of the best witch stories I've ever read. A mixture of romance, suspense, and a hint of the magical storm to come leaves you under this novel's spell.

The writing flows quickly, and the characters are captivating. The witchcraft mythology that is being built has be eager to learn more. With all of this going for it, it's the bond between the sister's that shines the most. A story of sisterly love, sacrifice, jealously, and perhaps betrayal. 

10 The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

This novel left me a crying mess on my couch by the end. I believe that this will make many lists this year, and it really is one of the best of the year.

Hazel and Augustus' story stays with you long after you've finished. With humour, heart, and tears it's an emotional reminder to love as deeply as possible, and to live each second to the fullest

I do have a few others that I REALLY enjoyed this year as well, and this list was seriously torture to whittle down, but those are the ones that I think impacted me the most. What novels made your Best List this year? Let me know in the comments.

2013 Must Reads

With 2012 coming to it's rapidly approaching end my thoughts are beginning to turn to the amazing 2013 releases. There are so many novels I am looking forward to. I decided to share my top 15, because selecting just 10 was not happening.

My Top 15 2013 Must Reads

1 The Retribution of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin
2 Dance of the Red Death by Bethany Griffin
3 Tarnish by Katherine Longshore
4 Isla and the Happily Ever After by Stephanie Perkins
5 The Bone Season by Samantha Shannon 
6 Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea by April Genevieve Tucholke
7 Nobody But Us by Kristin Halbrook
8 The Madman's Daughter by Megan Shepherd
9 Unravel Me by Tahereh Mafi
10 Star Cursed by Jessica Spotswood
11 Endless Knight by Kresley Cole
12 Clockwork Princess by Cassandra Clare
13 Night Film by Marisha Pessl
14 Just One Day by Gayle Forman
15 Fire with Fire by Jenny Han and Siobhan Vivian

There are more, but these are my top 15 right now. 2013 is shaping up to be a fantastic reading year already!

What 2013 releases are you most looking forward to?

New To My Book Closet

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's mailbox is beyond awesome. There was squealing and freaking out at the mailbox.

The Madman's Daughter by Megan Shepherd (goodreads)
Just One Day by Gayle Forman (goodreads)

A BIG thank you to Harper Collins Canada and Penguin Canada for these amazing sounding reads. I am having a hard time not starting them both right away.

I want to say thank you to Megan Shepherd for sending me some swag. The tea was a pleasant surprise, and I LOVE tea so I will be trying this out when I read the book.

Happy Sunday and Happy Reading!

My 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.

BOOKS

Just One Day by Gayle Forman

My pining for this novel is reaching unreasonable levels. I want to read it right away. Sigh...

The Evolution of Mara Dyer trailer.



OMG SEXY! Noah! Mara!  This trailer PERFECTLY fits the sequel and I can't wait for you all to read it on TUESDAY!

Reboot by Amy Tintera cover

If you haven't read the Goodreads synopsis for this, head there immediately. It sounds awesome and I like the simplistic look this cover has. Quite excited to read this one when it's released.

Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea by April Genevieve Tucholke cover

Eerie, gothic and really stunning this cover conveys the mood of the novel perfectly. This is high on my "pine for list" for the fall season. I can't wait to get my hands on it. If you haven't checked out the Goodreads synopsis do so immediately and let's pine together.

TV

Once Upon A Time

*Minor spoilers in the video*

Captain Hook debuts THIS Sunday. All I ask is that we can keep him.



Swoon! In case you missed his name (too busy drooling) it's Cillian Jones (or Killian Jones). I am a little afraid that they are going to make Rumpelstiltskin the person who cuts off his hand. That will just make me not happy. I want them to introduce Peter, and Tink and Wendy. That said, I am hooked by this dangerously sexy swashbuckler already. Can someone please write a YA novel involving sexy pirates now?!

American Horror Story : Asylum 

The first episode was creepy, and such an homage to the classic insane asylum stories we are used to. Amazing performance by Evan Peters who was SO different from his season one character. The scene where we meet him? Dancing around and singing to old 50's/60's music? And when he goes home to his wife? Yup...swoon. The accents some of the cast uses are impressive too. Looking forward to the second episode.

OTHER

Mara Dyer Week

It's here! Mara Week starts this Monday! There will be guest posts, review, giveaways and a bunch of other really awesome stuff happening. I can't wait to share my excitement about this series with you. I am already plotting and scheming for the (most likely) final Mara Week next year when The Retribution of Mara Dyer comes out and I am already excited. Be sure to stop by all week long next week!

Vacation Week and Ontario Blogger Meet Up

I am on vacation from work starting the 29th! I am getting so anxious for a break I can't wait. The end of that week myself, and some other Ottawa bloggers (the awesome Meghan, Emilie, Ciara, and Katie) are heading to Toronto for the annual Ontario Blogger Meet Up! I can't wait to meet everyone.

So what you are obsessed with this week?

Waiting on Wednesday...Just One Day

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 Just One Day by Gayle Forman

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

A breathtaking journey toward self-discovery and true love, from the author of If I Stay
When sheltered American good girl Allyson "LuLu" Healey first meets laid-back Dutch actor Willem De Ruiter at an underground performance of Twelfth Night in England, there’s an undeniable spark. After just one day together, that spark bursts into a flame, or so it seems to Allyson, until the following morning, when she wakes up after a whirlwind day in Paris to discover that Willem has left. Over the next year, Allyson embarks on a journey to come to terms with the narrow confines of her life, and through Shakespeare, travel, and a quest for her almost-true-love, to break free of those confines.
Just One Day is the first in a sweepingly romantic duet of novels. Willem’s story—Just One Year—is coming soon!

This sounds like it is going to be romantic and just amazing. The entire premise makes me want to read this RIGHT NOW! I can not wait to follow Allyson and Willem's journey.

Expected release date -  January 8, 2013

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

Katherine Longshore's book 2 news

I was VERY excited to hear that book 2 in the Royal Circle series has a title! We also have character details! The novel is titled Tarnish. The most exciting part, in my opinion, is that it features a young Anne Boleyn. *Crazy fangirl flailing*. Anne happens to not only be my favourite of Henry's wives, but she is fascinating and this sounds like it focuses on a totally different aspect from the usual - no beheadings! I think you could safely get at least 2 books out of Anne's story and hope that the last book focuses on the later part of her life, and Anne's heartbreaking fate. I am beyond excited to see what Katherine does with Anne's story! Can it just be Summer 2013 already?!

Gayle Forman's Just One Day

I read the Goodreads synopsis and immediately started pining for this book. The cover was just released and I think it fits the synopsis rather well. I am fully expecting to swoon over Willem.

TV

Sunday Night

Those two words make me oh so happy. This Sunday a lot of my favourite shows come back. Once Upon A Time, Revenge and Dexter are all premiering that night. I have heard that the Once Upon A Time and Dexter premieres are INTENSE and nothing short of awesome. Revenge never fails to satisfy so I am confident that will also be an excellent hour of television. I am SO glad it's autumn right now.

OTHER

The Burn for Burn Tour

I made the long trek to Toronto for Jenny Han and Siobhan Vivian's signing. I will be showing the awesome Burn for Burn tour poster they gave out, as well as other fun stuff, tomorrow in my mailbox post. I had an amazing time at the event. Both Jenny and Siobhan are so sweet, and seemed quite touched that we all turned out. I got to my the lovely tweeter behind the Simon Pulse Canada twitter as well. I missed meeting so many bloggers, but it was a really fast trip. I came back exhausted, but SO excited that I went.

So what you are obsessed with this week?