Best of 2014

As the end of one year, and the beginning of another approaches, it's time to reflect. This means all those Best Of lists begin to pop up everywhere, and this blog is no exception.

Here are the top 15 books I've read this year. I couldn't stop at 10. It was impossible. I even cheated a little and included two books in the same series together.

These are in no particular order, that would have been even more impossible.

Each selection links to my review (where available) if you wanted more information.

1 We Were Liars by E. Lockhart

Beautiful writing, and a story that blends together sadness, summer, and a fantastic mystery. The "don't reveal the ending" marketing plan was buzz worthy, and in this case I happen to agree. Knowing the minimal amount about the story going in increases your enjoyment of this story as this is one to experience with the character.

2 The Winner's Curse/The Winner's Crime by Marie Rutkoski

I cheated and included both books under this as I've read both this year. The characters will ensnare you and keep you riveted with every single twist and bump during their journey. A story full of secrets, lies, hidden truths and political intrigue, it's one that keeps you guessing and crushes your heart (in the best way).

3 Half Bad by Sally Green

This story succeeds because of Nathan. His story will stay with you long after you finish the book. The potential for the rest of the series is evident in this first installment and I am excited to continue Nathan's journey and discover more of this rich world Sally Green has created.

4 Love Letters To The Dead Ava Dellaira

Told in letter format, this story offers a unique and satisfying experience. Through letters to deceased celebrities we learn Laurel's story. It's a story that isn't always a happy one. It's a mix of hopeful and heartbreaking and looks at the long road back from grief and forgiveness.

5 Since You've Gone by Morgan Matson

This novel will immediately leave you with the Kelly Clarkson song stuck in your head, and a smile on your face. Filled with a sweet romance, and friendship that has the starring role, and characters you want to be friends with, it's a lighter read that has a lot of depth. You'll want to create your own 'to do' list for your BFF when you turn that final page.

6 Brazen by Katherine Longshore

All of Katherine's novels have an underlying message of finding your voice, and standing up for what you believe in. Something that resonates no matter what year we're in. This story is of finding your own self worth, and embracing it. It's a story that is filled with sharp writing, and the lasting desire to live life with no regrets.

7 Famous In Love by Rebecca Serle

Any fan of Hollywood gossip, CW TV shows, and love triangles will devour this novel and immediately beg for more. It's depth, and characterization however will have you utterly smitten. It's a story of falling in love while everyone watches, of finding yourself while under the spotlight, and adjusting to drastic changes. You may end up being either Team Jordan or Team Rainer, but you'll undoubtedly end up finishing the novel Team Paige.

8 The Vanishing Season by Jodi Lynn Anderson

Jodi's breathtaking writing combined with her ability to create the kind of characters that get under your skin made this one a heartbreaking, crushing read. The mystery of the missing girls is secondary to the destructive relationships between the central characters, and it's aftermath.

9 I'll Give You The Sun by Jandy Nelson

My first Jandy Nelson book stunned me. I expect this one will pop up on quite a few of these lists and for good reason. Two distinct and unique voices, two unforgettable narrators, and a story that is capable of breaking your heart and mending it all at once. The sibling relationship is the heart of this story, and it's beautifully done. This novel also gave me Oscar, my new book boyfriend.

10 Open Road Summer by Emery Lord

If you ever wondered what it might be like to be BFFs with Taylor Swift, this novel is for you. Underneath the lightness and fun is an insanely enjoyable story. A friendship at it's heart, and a swoon worthy romance make for a quick paced read that is a fave debut for many. There is plenty of emotion packed into this read, and you'll end it being an Emery Lord fan.

11 The Iron Trial by Cassandra Clare and Holly Black

This novel takes fantasy tropes and flips them. You think you know this story, and where it's going only for Holly Black and Cassandra Clare to show you just how wrong that assumption was. It packs a surprising punch, and is perfect for middle grade and young adult fans alike. I cannot wait to see these characters grow and progress over the coarse of this story.

12 Isla and the Happily Ever After by Stephanie Perkins

A finale that was more than worth the wait. While I may prefer Etienne to any of the other boys Stephanie Perkins has created, Isla is perhaps my favourite girl. She endeared herself to me immediately, and is perhaps the most like me. A romantic, achingly realistic, beautifully written conclusion to a stellar set of companion novels. Stephanie Perkins may just be the Queen of Contemporary novels (for me she shares the title with Gayle Forman).

13 The Queen of the Tearling by Erika Johansen

The buzz around this one started when Emma Watson signed on to be the main character in the movie adaptation. Kelsea is a protagonist that quickly makes you fall in love with her. The Fetch is an intriguing element to the story and adds an air of mystery. The world building is one of my favourite parts of this story and seeing Kelsea grow and change is the heart of the story.

14 Dorothy Must Die by Danielle Paige

Danielle Paige takes something beloved and makes it all her own. She twists Oz in fascinating ways all while maintaining the recognizable elements of the classic. The clear and concise set up allows for a tightly woven story that begs to be turned into a CW TV show. Those who want what made The Wizard of Oz so speical will find it here, just twisted beyond belief.

15 Exquisite Captive by Heather Demetrois

Heather Demetrois' writing is often praised (and her 2015 release I'll Meet You There) is already gaining a lot of praise for it's writing). This novel is no exception. Combined with her writing is fantastic world building, and a love triangle that works because it really isn't a love triangle. This novel has magic, wonder, and a fantastic lead character that all equal up to a great read.

I could have easily made it 20, but decided to at least try to limit myself. Have you read any of these books? Did they make your Best Of list? Let me know in the comments.

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).

I was sort of spoiled with all the awesome book that made their way into my book closet this week

Ashes To Ashes by Jenny Han and Siobhan Vivian (goodreads)
The Bane Chronicles by Cassandra Clare, Maureen Johnson and Sarah Rees Brennan (goodreads)
 Brazen by Katherine Longshore (goodreads)
The Vanishing Season by Jodi Lynn Anderson (goodreads)

A huge thank you to Kelly for snagging me Ashes to Ashes! I have already read it, and felt it was an enjoyable end to the season.

A big thank you also goes out to Simon and Schuster Canada for The Bane Chronicles. I adore Magnus (he's my favourite character in these books) and cannot wait to read more about him.

And I got one e-galley that I am VERY excited about. If you haven't read Dangerous Girls make it your top read of the summer.

Dangerous Boys by Abigail Haas (goodreads)

I want to think Abigail for the opportunity to help promote this book in August! After Dangerous Girls I am obsessed with starting this book immediately.

What books made their way into your mailbox this week?

Happy weekend, and happy reading!

The Vanishing Season by Jodi Lynn Anderson

The Vanishing Season by Jodi Lynn Anderson

Release Date - July 1, 2014
Publisher Website - Harper Collins
Publisher Social Media - Twitter/Facebook/SavvyReader/Frenzy
Pages - 256 pages
My Rating - 5/5
**received in exchange for an honest review from the publisher**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

Girls started vanishing in the fall, and now winter's come to lay a white sheet over the horror. Door County, it seems, is swallowing the young, right into its very dirt. From beneath the house on Water Street, I've watched the danger swell.

The residents know me as the noises in the house at night, the creaking on the stairs. I'm the reflection behind them in the glass, the feeling of fear in the cellar. I'm tied—it seems—to this house, this street, this town.

I'm tied to Maggie and Pauline, though I don't know why. I think it's because death is coming for one of them, or both.

All I know is that the present and the past are piling up, and I am here to dig.I am looking for the things that are buried.

From bestselling author Jodi Lynn Anderson comes a friendship story bound in snow and starlight, a haunting mystery of love, betrayal, redemption, and the moments that we leave behind.

After Tiger Lily I basically vowed to read anything Jodi Lynn Anderson writes; ever. My giddiness when The Vanishing Season was announced was borderline ridiculous. You can pretty much call me a total fangirl. When it came time to open The Vanishing Season and read it I was filled with both excitement and terror. Excitement to be reading a novel from one of my favourite authors, and terror that this book would never be unable to live up to the incredibly high expectations I had placed on it. Needless to say this book not only met them, but shattered them along with my heart.

Those looking for a scary, thrilling read will not find that here. Instead, you'll find a crushingly beautiful look at a friendship between three people. You'll find the blushes of new love and the unshakable hold of first love. The synopsis isn't misleading as everything it promises is in the novel. It just is secondary to the characters, and their story. This story may be short at 256 pages but the amount of characterization within those pages is staggering. Each of them, particularly Pauline, had depth and were more than just brushstrokes on the story's canvas. They were the canvas that the story was told on.

This novel achingly captures the complexities of human emotions. We're capable of both unbelievable goodness, and acts of crushing betrayal. Jodi Lynn Anderson seizes these shades of grey and has her characters walk in them effortlessly. She allows her characters to stumble, and make mistakes. These mistakes only serve to make them more developed. They become real, almost to the point that you feel the author breathed life into them through her words. The quiet moments that make up this novel are all the more arresting because of her on point characterization. It's a slower, quieter novel but the emotional punch is the satisfying reward for patient readers.

The mystery of the ghost narrator, and how their story ties into that of Maggie and Pauline is spun bewitchingly. Unraveling this mystery is part of the novel's charm, so I will not spoil anything. I will however say that Jodi Lynn Anderson masterfully unveils her story's secrets with pitch perfect timing. She gives just enough to keep you reading until the finale when everything comes crashing down and all the puzzle pieces fit together.

An achingly beautiful novel about friendship, love, and betrayal. Jodi Lynn Anderson has once again tore my heart to shreds with her beautiful prose, and unforgettable story. I would gladly wait ten years for her next novel, especially if it's just as moving and stunning as this and Tiger Lily, but hopefully I won't have 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).

Some amazing things in my mailbox this week. A book by one of my favourite authors showed up, and I am dying to dive right into it!

The Blonde by Anna Godbersen (Goodreads)

The Vanishing Season by Jodi Lynn Anderson (Goodreads)

I loved Jodi Lynn Anderson's Tigerlily and fell in love with her writing style. I can't wait to read The Vanishing Season. The other book also sounds good. It's a fictional story revolving around Marilyn Monroe as a SPY! Amazing right? A huge thank you to Harper Collins Canada and Weinstein Books for these.

I also go another book that was promptly borrowed by one of my fellow Ottawa Blogettes

To All The Boys I've Loved Before by Jenny Han (Goodreads)

A huge thank you to Simon and Schuster Canada for this one. The praise that my fellow Canadian bloggers are heaping on this one makes me want to read it immediately!

Let me know what you got in your mailbox this week!

Happy weekend, and happy reading!

2014 Most Anticipated - The Vanishing Season

The next pick on my 2014 Most Anticipated list is a novel by one of my favourite authors. Her writing is hauntingly beautiful, and I may have fangirled over getting to 'interview' her. The Vanishing Season by Jodi Lynn Anderson.

Just check out this Goodreads synopsis and you'll be running to add it to your 'to be read' list!

Girls started vanishing in the fall, and now winter's come to lay a white sheet over the horror. Door County, it seems, is swallowing the young, right into its very dirt. From beneath the house on Water Street, I've watched the danger swell.

The residents know me as the noises in the house at night, the creaking on the stairs. I'm the reflection behind them in the glass, the feeling of fear in the cellar. I'm tied—it seems—to this house, this street, this town.

I'm tied to Maggie and Pauline, though I don't know why. I think it's because death is coming for one of them, or both.

All I know is that the present and the past are piling up, and I am here to dig.I am looking for the things that are buried.

From bestselling author Jodi Lynn Anderson comes a friendship story bound in snow and starlight, a haunting mystery of love, betrayal, redemption, and the moments that we leave behind.

I need this...like yesterday! The narrator is a ghost. This is immediately awesome. I can't wait to get my hands. I fully intend to read this all in one day with a glass of wine!

As mentioned, I got the chance to ask Jodi a few questions.

1. Describe The Vanishing Season in three words.

Snowy. Ghost. Mystery.

2. From the synopsis it appears that a ghost or spirit of some kind narrates the novel. An intriguing and not usually done premise. What inspired this idea? Did the character come to you first, or did the idea of a ghost narrator inspire you to create the character? 

I love “outsider” narrators, like Nick in The Great Gatsby. I love the perspective of someone looking in on someone else’s story…and what their interest and concern says about them. In The Vanishing Season, though, the narrator is more involved than it first seems – that’s part of the mystery. The ghost idea came a bit later than the idea for the original characters (which were inspired by a Neko Case song called Margaret Vs. Pauline). I just love ghosts – and so that found its way in. It fit into this other idea that was there from the beginning: that moments can last forever. The ghost has the ability to visit the past and see those moments. 

3. Are you able to share a secret about one of the characters, the world, something that inspired something about the world/characters?

I love settings and I usually start a story because I want to capture the feeling of a place. For Tiger Lily, it was Costa Rica…in this case it was Door County, Wisconsin. I first visited there in the winter – there’s something so haunting and cool about a summer tourism destination when it’s mostly empty. It was so stark and cold and beautiful. 

4. What sort of research did you need to do for this novel, if any?

I did a fair amount of research on Door County history, especially nautical history. Not that I used a lot of it in any technical way, but I wanted to have a good sense of that. I also went back and visited again – work was a great excuse! 

5. What 2014 release are you most excited for?

What I Thought Was True by Huntley Fitzpatrick. Her writing is beautiful.

A huge thank you to Jodi for taking the time to answer these questions. I love the entire notion of an 'outsider' narrator. Someone who is on the outside looking in. Interesting, and I can't wait.

If you want to learn more, check out the author's website, or the publisher's website for more information.

The Vanishing Season will be in stores July 1, 2014. Pre-orders for this title are up and here are few places you can pre-order currently.

Amazon
Barnes and Noble

Let me know in the comments what you think of the synopsis, or let me know if you've read Jodi's previous books, especially Tiger Lily. Also, check back soon for a contest where you could win one of my featured titles (be sure to pay attention to these Question and Answers as they'll help).

Waiting on Wednesday.... The Vanishing Season

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 The Vanishing Season by Jodi Lynn Anderson

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

Girls started vanishing in the fall, and now winter's come to lay a white sheet over the horror. Door County, it seems, is swallowing the young, right into its very dirt. From beneath the house on Water Street, I've watched the danger swell.

The residents know me as the noises in the house at night, the creaking on the stairs. I'm the reflection behind them in the glass, the feeling of fear in the cellar. I'm tied—it seems—to this house, this street, this town.

I'm tied to Maggie and Pauline, though I don't know why. I think it's because death is coming for one of them, or both.

All I know is that the present and the past are piling up, and I am here to dig.I am looking for the things that are buried.

From bestselling author Jodi Lynn Anderson comes a friendship story bound in snow and starlight, a haunting mystery of love, betrayal, redemption, and the moments that we leave behind.

Jodi Lynn Anderson's Tigerlily is one of the most beautifully written books I've ever read. It's easily one of my favourite YA novels ever. The second I heard she was coming out with a new book I knew that I would desperately want to read it. The fact that it includes a ghost narrator just adds a layer to the desire to devour this one!

Expected release date - July 1, 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:

**SPOILERS FOR AMERICAN HORROR STORY: COVEN**

BOOK

Cover reveal for Brazen by Katherine Longshore

This Wednesday I have the honour of revealing the cover for Katherine Longshore's newest novel. Brazen sounds amazing, and the cover matches Gilt and Tarnish perfect. Be sure to stop by to check it out! 

Reader/Blogger Wishlist

If you don't know what Reader/Blogger Wishlist is Jessica from Read My Breath Away describes it much better than I could. Basically, if you have Twitter, join readers and bloggers who will be posting their wishlist of books they wish existed. I am taking part, and can not wait to see what everyone wants to read. The twitter party is happening THIS Monday.

Cover of Jodi Lynn Anderson's The Vanishing Season

It's so pretty! I am a huge fan of Jodi Lynn Anderson's Tigerlily. One of the most beautifully written books I've ever read. Its one I push people to read. I am excited to get my hands on this beacause I know the writing will be amazing, and the synopsis sounds AMAZING!

Allegiant by Veronica Roth

This Tuesday everyone! THIS TUESDAY! I have the day off work. Wine and cupcakes shall be purchased. Pizza shall be ordered for dinner. My day shall be spent reading. I've, sadly, already been spoiled for this, but I am none the less excited to finally finish Tris and Four's story.

TV/MOVIE

Endless Love Trailer

Risque, sexy and intense.This is a remake of an older movie, and seems to be all about obsessive love. The Sisterhood of the Traveling Bookclub will be reading this one just in time for the movie to come out in February. The music is rather chilling. A slowed down version of Addicted To Love sort of fits this story perfectly. Oh, and I fully expect this to be rated R.

Dracula

The new TV series, Dracula is premiering on Oct 25th! That's this week. I am beyond excited. I hope they twist the original story a little bit and make it incredibly fun.

Evan Peters in American Horror Story: Coven

Episode 2! That is the episode that Even Peters BLEW ME AWAY! This is something different from what he's previously played on this show. He's done it brilliantly, and I am so excited about his storyline for this season. The Frankenstein aspect to his story, and how he portrayed someone being pieced back together and brought back to life is pretty amazing. He totally impressed me with those few scenes and I expect many more as he slowly regains his personality, and control.

OTHER

Ontario Blogger Meet Up

We are getting so close! The other Ottawa Blogettes and myself will be traveling to Ottawa to hang out with our fellow book lovers. I am really looking forward to a fun weekend.

So what are you obsessed with this week?