Waiting On Wednesday .... Lizzie

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 Lizzie by Dawn Ius

Here is the Goodreads synopsis 

Seventeen-year-old Lizzie Borden has never been kissed. Polite but painfully shy, Lizzie prefers to stay in the kitchen, where she can dream of becoming a chef and escape her reality. With tyrannical parents who force her to work at the family’s B&B and her blackout episodes—a medical condition that has plagued her since her first menstrual cycle—Lizzie longs for a life of freedom, the time and space to just figure out who she is and what she wants.

Enter the effervescent, unpredictable Bridget Sullivan. Bridget has joined the B&B’s staff as the new maid, and Lizzie is instantly drawn to her artistic style and free spirit—even her Star Wars obsession is kind of cute. The two of them forge bonds that quickly turn into something that’s maybe more than friendship.

But when her parents try to restrain Lizzie from living the life she wants, it sparks something in her that she can’t quite figure out. Her blackout episodes start getting worse, her instincts less and less reliable. Lizzie is angry, certainly, but she also feels like she’s going mad…

I have pretty much been excited for this one since it was announced and now that a cover has been revealed, I am even more excited to get my hands on it.

I am very curious about the twist being put on the infamous Lizzie Borden case, and how those twists will impact the story.

This doesn't come out until April 2018 which means it'll be quite the wait for this one. I predict, however, that it is going to be well worth that wait.

Expected release date - April 10, 2018

Arrowood by Laura McHugh

Arrowood by Laura McHugh
Release Date -  August 9, 2016

Publisher Website - Penguin Random House
Publisher Social Media - Twitter
Pages - 270 pages
My Rating - 3/5
**borrowed from a friend**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

A haunting novel from the author of The Weight of Blood about a young woman’s return to her childhood home—and her encounter with the memories and family secrets it holds

Arrowood is the most ornate and grand of the historical houses that line the Mississippi River in southern Iowa. But the house has a mystery it has never revealed: It’s where Arden Arrowood’s younger twin sisters vanished on her watch twenty years ago—never to be seen again. After the twins’ disappearance, Arden’s parents divorced and the Arrowoods left the big house that had been in their family for generations. And Arden’s own life has fallen apart: She can’t finish her master’s thesis, and a misguided love affair has ended badly. She has held on to the hope that her sisters are still alive, and it seems she can’t move forward until she finds them. When her father dies and she inherits Arrowood, Arden returns to her childhood home determined to discover what really happened to her sisters that traumatic summer.

Arden’s return to the town of Keokuk—and the now infamous house that bears her name—is greeted with curiosity. But she is welcomed back by her old neighbor and first love, Ben Ferris, whose family, she slowly learns, knows more about the Arrowoods’ secrets and their small, closed community than she ever realized. With the help of a young amateur investigator, Arden tracks down the man who was the prime suspect in the kidnapping. But the house and the surrounding town hold their secrets close—and the truth, when Arden finds it, is more devastating than she ever could have imagined.

Arrowood is a powerful and resonant novel that examines the ways in which our lives are shaped by memory. As with her award-winning debut novel, The Weight of Blood, Laura McHugh has written a thrilling novel in which nothing is as it seems, and in which our longing for the past can take hold of the present in insidious and haunting ways.

Mystery novels are some of my favourites. Their twists and turns always ensure a fun read, even when they are predictable. If they are done right, they can be a perfect way to spend a summer day at the beach. Arrowood, at first, seemed like one of these novels. It, however, quickly showed me it was something else entirely. Equal parts mystery, character study, and Gothic ghost story, it is a story that never quite sticks to one genre, or what is expected of it. This is both a strength and a weakness in this case.

The story's strength is tone, and atmosphere. The ghost story elements, while subtle, were especially well written. They are just enough to be disconcerting while not taking you out story because this isn't a ghost story; at least not really. The Gothic elements woven throughout do enhance the main plot and that is in large part due to their effectiveness at creating unease. This could have worked well as a ghost story in some ways, but the often gritter tone would have been lost as a result.

There is a gritty reality to this novel. The author makes mention of many other murder cases, kidnappings, and disappearances. This type of stuff is Google bait for me so. I, naturally, had to see if any of these happened to be based on true cases, and was pleasantly surprised to find out that they are. This adds an little something extra to the tone of the novel. It grounds it in a way. It makes the story feel more plausible, and it allows you to be pulled into the story with a greater ease. It also makes the story that much more unsettling. It is not often my tendencies to do a little research outside the novel come to anything, but this one did not disappoint and only added to what the author was creating.

Arden is a woman who seemed much younger than her actual age. While she doesn't seem frozen at the age of her sister's disappearance, she doesn't quite come across as a grown adult either. The traumatic events have paused her in a way. She hasn't fully allowed herself to move forward because she feels guilty. There is a layer of survivor's guilt that coats everything she does. Her character seems as though she feels unworthy of experiencing things because her sisters never will. The novel really is a character study of Arden and how she is coping (or not) with her grief and guilt. The author has constructed a character that is flawed, and sympathetic. She is, at times, an unreliable narrator which makes the story all the more interesting. I found myself examining and questioning her motives, even as I believed her version of events.

The ending of this story left me a little underwhelmed. It doesn't fully wrap up the story, or give proper closure to the mystery. It offers some closure, but also leaves things open to interpretation. It doesn't give you the answer.  It, instead, asks the reader to choose the scenario they believe most likely to be the truth. This may spark a lively debate among readers, but may also turn those who are looking for more closure from their reads away from this novel.

Arrowood is steeped in atmosphere, and beautiful imagery. It presents itself as many things, and borrows from many genres, but it really is the story of a woman finding a way to make peace with her past. It boasts an electric premise, and a set up that perhaps, ultimately, promises more than the novel delivers. I would recommend this one for those who like their mysteries to be more of a fascinating character study with the mystery being the background focus. It also seems a natural fit to book clubs who will readily debate the novels ending.

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.

It may be strange seeing this post on a Sunday, but my schedule is all out of whack thanks to Book Expo and traveling. I don't have any new books this week, so I figured I would share my weekly obsessions instead to close out the weekend.

BOOK

Cover for Lizzie by Dawn Ius (goodreads)

This cover reveal makes me SO excited because it means this book is THAT much closer to being a thing I can read. I have wanted to get my hands on this pretty much from the moment I heard Dawn's next book would be about Lizzie Borden.

I love the extra detailing they are putting on the cover. I am sure the gloss touches will really stand out on the hardcover edition of this.

TV/MOVIE

Movie Poster For Wonder

I shared the trailer for Wonder last week and now the movie poster has been revealed. I love it!

It is simple, but eye catching at the same time. I love the use of Auggie's astronaut helmet for the O in Wonder. This movie is going to amazing and I cannot wait to see it.

What are you obsessed with this week?

When It's Real by Erin Watt

When It's Real by Erin Watt
Release Date -  May 30, 2017

Publisher Website - HarlequinTeen
Publisher Social Media - Twitter
Pages -  416 pages
My Rating - 4/5
**received for an honest review from publisher**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

From #1 New York Times bestselling author duo Erin Watt comes the addictive contemporary tale of a teen rock star in need of an image makeover and the teen girl hired to be his fake girlfriend.

Meet Oakley Ford-teen celebrity, renowned pop star, child of famous movie stars, hottie with millions of fangirls… and restless troublemaker. On the surface he has it all, but with his home life disintegrating, his music well suddenly running dry, and the tabloids having a field day over his outrageous exploits, Oakley's team decides it's time for an intervention. The result: an image overhaul, complete with a fake girlfriend meant to show the world he's settled down.

Enter seventeen-year-old Vaughn Bennett-devoted sister, part-time waitress, the definition of "normal." Under ordinary circumstances she'd never have taken this gig, but with her family strapped for cash, she doesn't have much of a choice. And for the money Oakley's team is paying her, she figures she can put up with outlandish Hollywood parties and a team of publicists watching her every move. So what if she thinks Oakley's a shallow, self-centered jerk? It's not like they're going to fall for each other in real life…right?

It is no secret that I loved Erin Watt's Royals series. I was excited when I heard that they would be releasing another young adult novel about a teen pretending to date a pop star and what happens when they may not be faking it any longer. While this novel could not be more different than the Royals series in tone, it is the from 'hate-to-love' pop star romance of your dreams. Erin Watt offers up a fun read that hits all the right notes.

Erin Watt proved they can switch comfortably between genres with this novel. They can do twisted and dark (like the Royals series) and more rom-com fare with equal ease. It makes me eager for what else this author might branch out into in the future.

When we first meet Oakley he is egotistical, spoiled, and used to getting his own way. He is also incredibly driven and wants nothing more than to be taking seriously as an artist again. The Vaughn we first meet is used to dealing with some of life's hardest punches. She grew up quickly because she had to. Her story is filled with heartbreak and plenty of time spent worrying. The journey these characters take in this novel is woven into the romance in a believable way. It, surprisingly, makes the celebrity aspect of the novel feel more plausible and realistic. The more we get to know each of them, the more real the story becomes.

I love story in which the relationship goes from hate to love. Vaughn and Oakley don't exactly have the best first meeting, and it is most definitely not a love at first sight scenario between them. They each have preconceived ideas about the other, and those expectations ensure that this is a slower build romance. The pretend dating aspect of the plot ensures you get to the kissing and swoon worthy scenes quicker than this type of slow build would allow. It is the best of both worlds, and it really works in this instance. They bring out something in each other, and each of them grow as a result. Oakley's transformation is especially noticeable as he becomes more grounded. Vaughn's is less easy to spot, but is just as present. Oakley influences her to let go of some of the worries that plague her, and do something for herself occasionally.

I predict younger teens will especially love this novel. It's a little tamer than the Royals series, and the romance is the stuff of daydreams. It is perfect for anyone looking for a lighter summer read for a lazy day by the pool. It has romance, drama, and more. If you're looking for something fun, but with a little heart this is the book for you.

Waiting On Wednesday .... I Stop Somewhere

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 I Stop Somewhere by T.E. Carter

Here is the Goodreads synopsis 

THE LOVELY BONES meets ALL THE RAGE in a searing, heartbreaking story of a lost teenager, and the town she leaves behind.

Ellie Frias disappeared long before she vanished.

Tormented throughout middle school, Ellie begins her freshman year with a new look: she doesn’t need to be popular; she just needs to blend in with the wallpaper.

But then the unthinkable happens and Ellie is trapped after a brutal assault. She wasn't the first victim and now she watches it happen again and again. She tries to hold on to her happier memories in order to get past the cold days, waiting for someone to find her.

The problem is, no one searches for a girl they never noticed in the first place. 

TE Carter’s stirring and visceral debut not only discusses and dismantles rape culture but also makes you slow down and think about what it is to be human. 

I can already tell this one is going to be hard to read. The deal announcement was a touch more spoiler filled than this synopsis and it sounds like a very difficult book to read and to write. I am curious as to how the book handles these intense and heartbreaking themes that this story seems to hold.

I am hoping it is as good as I anticipate it being, and that it prompts some thoughtful discussions after people read it.

It is schedule for winter release, and it sounds like the perfect time to curl up with a book like this (along with the tissues that sound like will be needed).

Expected release date - February 27, 2018

When Dimple Met Rishi by Sandhya Menon

When Dimple Met Rishi by Sandhya Menon
Release Date -  May 30, 2017

Publisher Website - Simon and Schuster
Publisher Social Media - Twitter
Pages -  380 pages
My Rating - 5/5
**received for an honest review from publisher**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

A laugh-out-loud, heartfelt YA romantic comedy, told in alternating perspectives, about two Indian-American teens whose parents have arranged for them to be married.

Dimple Shah has it all figured out. With graduation behind her, she’s more than ready for a break from her family, from Mamma’s inexplicable obsession with her finding the “Ideal Indian Husband.” Ugh. Dimple knows they must respect her principles on some level, though. If they truly believed she needed a husband right now, they wouldn’t have paid for her to attend a summer program for aspiring web developers…right?

Rishi Patel is a hopeless romantic. So when his parents tell him that his future wife will be attending the same summer program as him—wherein he’ll have to woo her—he’s totally on board. Because as silly as it sounds to most people in his life, Rishi wants to be arranged, believes in the power of tradition, stability, and being a part of something much bigger than himself.

The Shahs and Patels didn’t mean to start turning the wheels on this “suggested arrangement” so early in their children’s lives, but when they noticed them both gravitate toward the same summer program, they figured, Why not?

Dimple and Rishi may think they have each other figured out. But when opposites clash, love works hard to prove itself in the most unexpected ways. 

I love a good rom-com movie. They are the equivalent of a good hug, a cozy blanket on a cold day, and a mid-afternoon nap. They make you happy. They leave you a grinning, happy sighing fool who hums love songs. When Dimple Met Rishi is exactly this in novel format. It's the kind of book that helps you break out of reading slumps, and the perfect novel to read after an emotionally heavy book due to its sheer cuteness.

This novel, at least for me, explored Indian culture (and Indian-American culture) in a way that is seamlessly woven into the story through the characters. It was shown to us through them, rather than being told to us. It made the characters backgrounds read as being something that was part of them instead of the sole thing that defined them. It was important to the story, but it is really just an epic love story at its core. It also, for me, offered the chance to get to learn things about arranged marriages that I wasn't aware of before. It offered a perspective I hadn't had before, and I predict many other readers will feel the same and that makes me excited for others to pick this up so they can have that experience for themselves. However, what |I am most excited for from people being able to read this novel is for those who share the same background as Dimple and Rishi to see themselves in this story.

The themes of falling in love, family pressure, and self doubt are all ones that are universal. Everyone experiences them. It makes the story feel recognizable, which adds to the rom-com feel. It ensures that the reader will fall into the story because we are able to sympathize with both Dimple and Rishi. This is a story that is in no way new, but feels fresh thanks to Sandhya's take on the genre.

The romance is, of course, the focus. The heart of this novel is getting to see Rishi and Dimple fall in love, and work towards being on the same page so they can (hopefully) move forward together. The romance is dependent on who each of the characters are and what they are feeling at the time. Rishi knows that he wants to get married. He is a romantic, and more traditional. Dimple is unsure of what the future holds but she knows what she doesn't want from it - anything that will hold her back from her dreams. It may seem like they are too different for a relationship to work, but they challenge each other. They balance each other out, and bring out the best in one another. This pushing outside of each other's comfort zones is what makes their relationship work so well. There is also plenty of fun banter between the two. I knew I was going to love them as a couple right from their first meeting when Dimple throws her iced coffee on Rishi. It sets the tone for this relationship that is filled with memorable moments.

While the romance is what is going to sell this novel, the secondary stories are just as interesting and well developed. Both Dimple and Rishi have story arcs outside of the romance which add dimension and nuance to their characters. It made them feel more realistic and made the story feel fleshed out. The side characters, such as family and friends, are also given the chance to shine. Care was taken with these characters, even the secondary ones, and that shows through the entire novel.

When Dimple Met Rishi is a cute, smile inducing, rom-com novel that will leave you feeling happier than when you began reading it. Sandhya Menon is a promising new voice in contemporary young adult novels and I cannot wait to see what adorableness she writes next. If you're looking for a perfect summer read I highly recommend this one.

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)

Lots of exciting titles made their way onto my book shelves this week. I purchased quite a few books this week and a few of them were impulse buys. 

Becoming Bonnie by Jenni L Walsh (goodreads)

A Criminal Magic by Lee Kelly (goodreads)

Lord Of Shadows by Cassandra Clare (goodreads)

Lick by Kylie Scott (goodreads)

Play by Kylie Scott (goodreads)

Let me know what bookish goodies made their way on your shelves this week!

Happy Weekend and Happy Reading!