[Review] Allegiant by Veronica Roth

Allegiant by Veronica Roth 
Publisher: Harper Collins
Publishing Date: Oct 22, 2013
545 Pages
Format: gift, hardcover

Synopsis 

The faction-based society that Tris Prior once believed in is shattered - fractured by violence and power struggles and scarred by loss and betrayal. So when offered a chance to explore the world past the limits she's known, Tris is read. Perhaps beyond the fence, she and Tobias will find a simple new life together, free from complicated lies, tangled loyalties, and painful memories.

But Tris's new reality is even more alarming than the one she left behind. Old discoveries are quickly rendered meaningless. Explosive new truths change the hearts of those she loves. And once again, Tris must battle to comprehend the complexities of human nature - and of herself - while facing impossible choices about courage, allegiance, sacrifice, and love.

My Review

Hmm... I'm very conflicted about this book. I was so excited to read it, but then after Insurgent, I wasn't sure what to expect. There were definitely some things I loved about the book, and the first that comes to mind is writing from both Tris and Tobias' point of view! I thought this added so much to the story! It was good when we just saw Tris' perspective, but I think for the final book, having both of them tell it was so much better.

I also thought the book was pretty fast-paced and an easy read. There was never a time that I wanted to put it down and not pick it back up. I always wanted to find out what happened to the city, the compound, the characters, etc. That being said, I still didn't love it. I shut the book feeling a little disappointed without being able to put a finger on exactly what I didn't like. Maybe it's just that it didn't suck me in like Divergent did. Maybe the story just got tiresome. I'm not sure. Whatever it was, I'm still glad to have read it and finally figure out what happens.

Buy on Amazon

[Review] Poor Little Dead Girls by Lizzie Friend

Poor Little Dead Girls by Lizzie Friend 
Publisher: Merit Press
Publishing Date: Dec. 18, 2013
288 Pages
Format: ARC, netgalley

Synopsis

Perfect people aren't just born. They're made.

The first time she is blindfolded and kidnapped, star-athlete and posh boarding school newbie Sadie is terrified. She wakes up in a dark room surrounded by hushed whispers, hooded strangers, and a mysterious voice whispering not-so-sweet nothings in her ear.

But once the robes come off, she realizes it's just an elaborate prank designed to induct her into the group that's been pulling the strings at Keating Hall for generations. The circle has it all - incredible connections; fabulous parties; and, of course, an in with the brother society's gorgeous pledges.

The instant popularity is enough to make Sadie forget about the unexplained marks on her body, the creepy ceremonial rituals, and the incident that befell one of her teammates the year before. So the next time Sadie is kidnapped, she isn't scared, but she should be. The worst of Keating Hall is yet to come.

My Review

I received a free copy of this ebook in exchange for an honest review.

When I first read this synopsis, I was immediately intrigued. Secret societies, mysterious deaths, kidnappings...What more could you ask for?! Thankfully, I wasn't disappointed. Sadie starts a new school across the country on a lacrosse scholarship. When she gets there, she finds out about a secret society at her school and at the neighboring all-boys school. She soon learns so much more than she ever imagined about what is going on behind closed doors. This book was fast-paced and an easy read. I would definitely recommend it to others (:

Buy on Amazon

2013 Challenge Wrap-Ups!

When I started this blog at the beginning of last year, I thought it would be really fun to participate in reading challenges, and thankfully, I wasn't disappointed! They help me stay motivated to read as much as possible and to keep getting to those ARC books and ones that have been on my TBR shelf for a while. Below are the challenges I participated in this year with a little written about how I did with each one (:

Click on the links and it will take you to the page for each challenge!

Take Control of Your TBR Pile March 2013

hosted by Kimba @ Caffeinated Book Reviewer

This challenge was only during the month of March, and while I didn't meet my goal, it was   still a lot of fun and I got quite a few books off my TBR shelf that had been there for a while! 

Off the Shelf Reading Challenge 2013

hosted by Bookish Ardour

Well, my goal was to read 30 books that had been on my TBR pile for far too long.... and I failed... I only read 15. But I feel like I can do much better next year, so I'm going to participate in another challenge similar to this! I'm hoping to be much more disciplined this coming year. I've acquired SO many new (to me) books the last couple of months and I don't want them on my shelves forever. 

First Reads Reading Challenge 

hosted by b00k r3vi3ws

I thought this was a really fun challenge! It encourages readers to try new authors. I wasn't sure how many I would really get done, so I set my goal for 20-25 new (to me) authors. I'm happy to say that I surpassed that goal! I read 40 books by authors that I haven't read before. It helped that I received so many ARCs and Netgalley books (: 

The Classics Reading Challenge

hosted by Jessica @ Thoughts at One in the Morning

In high school, I felt that I didn't actually have to read that many classic books. Sure, we read a few, but not like many other high school students seem to. At first, that made me a little upset because I would have liked to read them, but thinking about it, I'm now glad that I wasn't forced to. I don't think I would have enjoyed the books as much at that time in my life. Now I'm able to choose which classics to read and when. I started out with a really small goal, and that was simple to read 2 classic books throughout the year. Very happy that I accomplished this! Now I can increase my goal for next year!

Rory Gilmore Reading Challenge 

hosted by Just Another Rabid Reader

This challenge doesn't have a beginning or ending, which is different from the other's that I've participated in. I just really loved the show when I was in high school, and still love watching the reruns! Rory was such an avid reader in the show so I thought it would be fun to read some of the same books she did. I don't have a goal to read a certain number of them, but many of them are on my TBR list anyways, so why not participate in the challenge! The only thing I forgot to do this year with this challenge is mark the date when I read this book. I think I will do that with any books on this list that I read in the future. 

[Review] Insurgent by Veronica Roth

Insurgent by Veronica Roth 
Publisher: Harper Collins
Publishing Date: May 1, 2012
525 Pages
Format: gift, hardcover

Synopsis

I have done bad things. I can't take them back, and they are part of who I am.

Tris has survived a brutal attack on her former home and family. But she has paid a terrible price. Wracked with grief and guilt, she becomes ever more reckless as she struggles to accept her new future.

Yet if Tris wants to uncover the truth about her world, she must be stronger than ever... because more shocking choices and sacrifices lie ahead.

My Review

I read Divergent over a year ago, when it first came out and before it was incredibly popular. I absolutely loved it, so my fiance (at the time, boyfriend) bought it for me for Christmas. That was last year. It took me so long to finally read this book, but I'm not sure why. I think part of me just wanted to wait because I didn't remember everything that happened in the first, so I thought I would reread Divergent before starting this. But that didn't happen so I decided just to jump into it. Well, that wasn't the best idea because I had kind of forgotten the details of the end of the book, so I struggled with the beginning of this one since it pretty much picks up where Divergent ended. But that's ok and it slowly started coming back to me. This is a very fast-paced book with so much going on at once! I have to say that it wasn't as good as the first, but I still loved it! Tris and Four are very fun characters. They are strong, courageous, and incredibly independent, yet really care for others in their city. The end of this book is not what I really expected! I was surprised by actions of certain characters (and mad at first), but it definitely made sense. I can't wait to start the third and final book of this series! I just want to know what happens!!

Buy on Amazon

Feature and Follow Friday! 12/27

Feature and Follow is a blog hop hosted by Parajunkee and Alison Can Read. The purpose is to meet new people and gain more followers in the book blogging community. If this is your first time here, welcome! You are about to make some new friends and gain new followers. But you have to know, the point of this hop is to follow other blogs also. I follow you, you follow me. 

The general rules are: 

- Follow the Feature and Follow Hosts (Parajunkee and Alison Can Read)

- Follow the Featured Bloggers

- Put your Blog name and URL in the Linky thing. You can also grab the code if you would like to insert it into your posts. 

-Grab the button up there and place it in a post. This post is for people to say hi and that they are now following you in your comments. 

-Follow, Follow, Follow as many as you can. The whole point is to make new friends and find new blogs. Don't just follow, comment and say hi in the post! Another blogger might not know you are a new follower if you don't say 'hi'

-If someone comments and says they are following you, please follow back! 

This weeks question:

Merry Christmas! Happy Holidays! What books did Santa stuff your stocking with this year?! If you don't celebrate, just show off the books you got this week! Pictures please! 

Well, Santa didn't bring me any, but my fiance did (: 

  

I'm a little sad that I didn't get more, BUT on the positive side, my uncle did get me a gift card to Amazon, so looks like that's what I'll be spending the money on!! (: 

Taking a little blogger vacation!

Hey Everyone! Can't believe tomorrow is already Christmas Eve! This month has gone by so incredibly fast! 

I've decided to take a little break from blogging over the holidays. I'm going to spend my time concentrating on my family and just relaxing, but will be back in full force later next week! I'll be posting my end of the year wrap-ups and goals for next year. Hope you all have a great Christmas (or for those of you who don't celebrate, a very good holiday season)!

Feature and Follow Friday! 12/20

Feature and Follow is a blog hop hosted by Parajunkee and Alison Can Read. The purpose is to meet new people and gain more followers in the book blogging community. If this is your first time here, welcome! You are about to make some new friends and gain new followers. But you have to know, the point of this hop is to follow other blogs also. I follow you, you follow me. 

The general rules are: 

- Follow the Feature and Follow Hosts (Parajunkee and Alison Can Read)

- Follow the Featured Bloggers

- Put your Blog name and URL in the Linky thing. You can also grab the code if you would like to insert it into your posts. 

-Grab the button up there and place it in a post. This post is for people to say hi and that they are now following you in your comments. 

-Follow, Follow, Follow as many as you can. The whole point is to make new friends and find new blogs. Don't just follow, comment and say hi in the post! Another blogger might not know you are a new follower if you don't say 'hi'

-If someone comments and says they are following you, please follow back! 

This weeks question:

Pick a book in your favorite genre that you would recommend to a reluctant reader. 

That's a tough one because I don't know if I really have a favorite genre... Mostly I read general fiction, so one of the books I would recommend is: 

I guess this is kind of a romance more than anything, but it's easily one of my favorite Nicholas Sparks books (:  I would also highly recommend this book: 

[Review] Skipping Christmas by John Grisham

Skipping Christmas by John Grisham 
Publisher: Doubleday
Publishing Date: 2001
177 Pages
Format: hardcover

Synopsis 

Imagine a year without Christmas. No crowded malls, no corny office parties, no fruitcakes, no unwanted presents. That's just what Luther and Nora Krank have in mind when they decide that, just this once, they'll skip the holiday altogether. Theirs will be the only house on Hemlock Street without a rooftop Frosty; they won't be hosting their annual Christmas Eve bash; they aren't even going to have a tree. They won't need one, because come December 25 they're setting sail on a Caribbean cruise. But, as this weary couple is about to discover, skipping Christmas brings enormous consequences - and it isn't have as easy as they'd imagined.

A classic tale for modern times, Skipping Christmas offers a hilarious look at the chaos and frenzy that have become part of our holiday tradition.

My Review

I've had this book for a while, but just never read it, so I figured with the holiday approaching, it was the perfect time to take it off my TBR shelf. I know that this story has been made into a movie with Tim Allen, called Christmas with the Kranks, but I haven't seen the movie either. This was a really fun book for the holidays. I love that the Kranks wanted to skip Christmas because their daughter was out of the country. They just wanted to relax and not worry about all the stress that often comes with the holidays. However, they soon find out that this isn't that easy (or socially acceptable, at least in their city). They get quite a shock when they are just a day away from their cruise....

There have been many times when I've just wanted to forget about all the fuss with Christmas. My family is always so incredibly busy on Christmas Eve and Day, running from one family's house to another. I had told my parents once that I was just going to skip Christmas Eve festivities, and only attend Christmas Day ones, just to take out some of the stress. I really just wanted to relax and spend the time with my immediate family. Then I met my fiance and we spent Christmas Eve at his parents, and I realized how nice it is when we don't have to run around to different houses. We will went to my family's activities on Christmas Day, but that one day of a low-key Christmas makes a big difference. I think we all need to realize that its more about spending time with family and friends, and not so much about the material things that Christmas often brings. Sometimes I just wish more people would think about this (:

Buy on Amazon

Watch the trailer for Christmas With the Kranks! 

W.W.W. Wednesday 12/18

WWW Wednesdays is a weekly meme hosted by Should be Reading. To participate, simply answer the three following questions:

- What are you currently reading?

- What did you recently finish reading?

- What do you think you'll read next?

What am I currently reading? 

I'm kind of reading a few different books at once right now, which I normally don't do, but it's working so far (: 

I've been reading Skipping Christmas for about a week. It's one that I've just been picking up when I lay in bed for a bit, so it's taken me longer than usual. But I should be finishing it today. 

I stuck to last weeks WWW when I said I would likely be reading Insurgent next. (I'm proud of myself) I'm about half way through it and I really like it so far! There's so much going on! 

Okay, I only read about the first paragraph of Poor Little Dead Girls, but its on my iPad and I'll be reading it today while I'm at work, so I included it here (:

What did I recently finish reading? 

Deadline by Sandra Brown 

review here

Being Sloane Jacobs by Lauren Morrill

review here

What do I think I'll read next? 

Well, since I'll be finishing Insurgent shortly, I'll probably pick up Allegiant next! (It was an early Christmas present from my fiance). I'll also probably start The Christmas Blessing soon too. 

[Review] Being Sloane Jacobs by Lauren Morrill

Being Sloane Jacobs by Lauren Morrill
Publisher: Delacorte
Publishing Date: Jan. 7, 2014
352 Pages
Format: Netgalley ebook; ARC

Synopsis 

Meet Sloane Emily Jacobs: a seriously stressed-out figure-skater from Washington, D.C., who choked during junior nationals and isn't sure she's ready for a comeback. What she does know is that she'd give anything to escape the mass of misery that is her life.

Now meet Sloane Devon Jacobs: a spunky ice hockey player from Philly who's been suspended from her team for too many aggressive hip checks. Her punishment? Hockey camp, now, when she's playing the worst she's ever played. If she messes up? Her life will be over.

When the two Sloanes meet by chance in Montreal and decide to trade places for the summer, each girl thinks she's the lucky one: no strangers to judge or laugh at Sloane Emily, no scouts expecting Sloane Devon to be a hero. But it didn't occur to Sloane E. that while avoiding sequins and axels she might meet a hockey hottie - and Sloane D. never expected to run into a familiar (and very good-looking) face from home. It's not long before the Sloanes discover that convincing people you're someone else might be more difficult than being yourself.

My Review

I received a free copy of this ebook in exchange for an honest review. 

I saw this book posted on many people's blogs about wanting to read it soon, so I checked it out on Netgalley. The plot describes two seemingly different girls both named Sloane Jacobs; one plays hockey, the other is a figure skater. But both girls have demons they must overcome before continuing on with their sports. When they meet and decide to trade places, they are thrown into new environments and neither really know what to do besides skate.

This book was really entertaining and heartwarming. Each girl struggles with her current life and needs a break. When they switch, they don't realize the hard work they're in for. Sloane Emily seems stuck-up and Sloane Devon seems rough around the edges. But we see the develop into better versions of themselves and learn more about what they can accomplish if they set their minds to it. It was a short and sweet book, and I really enjoyed it (:

Buy on Amazon

[Review] Deadline by Sandra Brown

Deadline by Sandra Brown
Publisher: Grand Central Publishing
Publishing Date: Sept. 24, 2013
410 Pages
Format: Netgalley ebook, ARC

Synopsis 

Dawson Scott is a well-respected journalist recently returned from Afghanistan. Haunted by everything he experienced, he's privately suffering from battle fatigue which is a threat to every aspect of his life. But then he gets a call from a source within the FBI. A new development has come to light in a story that began 40 years ago. It could be the BIG story of Dawson's career - one in which he has a vested interest.

Soon, Dawson is covering the disappearance and presumed murder of former Marine Jeremy Wesson, the biological son of the pair of terrorists who remain on the FBI's Most Wanted list. As Dawson delves into the story, he finds himself developing feelings for Wesson's ex-wife, Amelia, and her two young sons. But when Amelia's nanny turns up dead, the case takes a stunning new turn, with Dawson himself becoming a suspect. Haunted by his own demons, Dawson takes up the chase for the notorious outlaws...and the secret, starting with the truth about himself.

My Review

I received a free copy of this ebook in exchange for an honest review. 

I've been a huge Sandra Brown fan for as long as I can remember; she was one of the first adult authors I started reading! I found this book on Netgalley's website, and couldn't pass up the opportunity to read more of her work.

This book didn't disappoint and I liked it just as much as all her other books! It was full of suspense, drama, and a little romance. I love how she knows to balance everything that goes on in the story - the romance never overpowers the suspense, but the suspense doesn't destroy the little comedy throughout the story. Sandra Brown is a wonderful storyteller and I really loved the characters in this book. Amelia came across as incredibly sweet, and a wonderful mother, yet very strong after dealing with so many things. Dawson seemed like a fun guy that has been struggling after coming back from a war zone. The story kept me alert and curious about what was going to happen next; I had a hard time putting it down! And I was not expecting something that came out towards the end of the book! I think my jaw dropped a little haha (:

Buy on Amazon

Stacking the Shelves 12/15

Stacking the Shelves is a weekly meme hosted by Tynga @ Tynga's Reviews. Its all about sharing the books you are adding to your shelves, whether physical or virtual books. This means you can include books you buy in physical stores or online, books you borrow from friends or the library, review books, gifts, and of course ebooks! Tynga posts this meme on Saturdays, but you can post on any day that works best for you! Check out the guidelines by visiting Tynga's blog!

My fiance got me Christmas presents early (: 

Plus my friend lent me a book by an author we both love! 

Feature and Follow Friday! 12/13

Feature and Follow is a blog hop hosted by Parajunkee and Alison Can Read. The purpose is to meet new people and gain more followers in the book blogging community. If this is your first time here, welcome! You are about to make some new friends and gain new followers. But you have to know, the point of this hop is to follow other blogs also. I follow you, you follow me. 

The general rules are: 

- Follow the Feature and Follow Hosts (Parajunkee and Alison Can Read)

- Follow the Featured Bloggers

- Put your Blog name and URL in the Linky thing. You can also grab the code if you would like to insert it into your posts. 

-Grab the button up there and place it in a post. This post is for people to say hi and that they are now following you in your comments. 

-Follow, Follow, Follow as many as you can. The whole point is to make new friends and find new blogs. Don't just follow, comment and say hi in the post! Another blogger might not know you are a new follower if you don't say 'hi'

-If someone comments and says they are following you, please follow back! 

This weeks question:

Bookselling Time: Go to your biggest bookcase. Go to the second shelf from the top and pick out the sixth book from the left. Handsell that book to us - even if you haven't read it or if you hated it. (If you don't have bookcases, don't have six books on one shelf, etc, pick a book at random)

Unfortunately, I'm not at home right now and forgot to do this last night, so I'm going to pick a book at random. I'm trying to remember my shelves and what might be on the second row.... so this is what I'm picking: 

This book is amazing! For anyone who hasn't read it, or hasn't even heard of it, check it out and go get a copy! I first got this book after a mix-up last Christmas when I was buying it for my brother-in-law's girlfriend. I ended up with two copies, so I gave one to her, and kept one for myself. I really wasn't sure if this was something that I would like, so I put off reading it for a while. When I finally picked it up, I couldn't put it down! The world created inside this book is so incredibly magical and alluring. Erin Morgenstern's writing is simply amazing; I don't know how else to describe it. The way she writes makes everything feel so real! I'm so glad I kept the second copy rather than returning it or giving it away to another person. It has become one of my favorite books ever, and I cannot wait to read more of Miss Morgenstern's future work! I think I'm going to reread this over winter as well (: 

Book Promo! The Banovic Siblings by Gillian Felix

 The Banovic Siblings (Friends & Liars) by Gillian Felix
Publication date: December 03, 2013
Genres: New Adult, Contemporary

Synopsis:

College boy Kevin Banovic’s casual affair with Savi DaCosta suited him perfectly. Things change when he finds out that Savi is his mom’s high school bestie. When Kevin tries to end their affair, Savi blackmails him. After Kevin rescues Savi’s stepdaughter, L’Wren, from her abusive boyfriend, he can’t stop thinking about her. He must find a way to handle Savi, protect L’Wren, and keep his sanity.

Bad girl Adriana Banovic is pleased with herself for getting her nemesis expelled from Westwood Academy. As feelings between her and her latest victim Haze Lyndon escalate, an unexpected rival discovers her secret and threatens to expose her. With emotions on the line, will her new rival beat her at her own game or end up another casualty of Adriana’s wrath?

Zax Banovic has it all. Tall and handsome, he’s an academic genius, with a killer smile and a heart of gold. When his best friend gets into trouble, he feels responsible and covers for him. But his best friend is not as honorable and has other plans for Zax.

The Banovic Siblings learn that blackmail is a gift that keeps on giving. This is the second book in the Family Portrait novel series.If you like shows like the original Melrose Place, Beverly Hills 90210 and Nashville, where the guys and girls are hot and the schemes are hotter, you will like The Banovic Siblings.

** You can find my review here** 

Purchase Links:

The Banovic Siblings (Family Portrait V.2):

            Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00H1AQ8H6

Changes (Family Portrait V.1): 

            Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00EADYMCA


*Sign up to receive exclusive book release info and giveaways https://tinyletter.com/GillianFx

Pinterest : http://www.pinterest.com/gillianfx/boards/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FamilyPortraitNovels

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Gillianfx

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7210783.Gillian_Felix

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[Review] Addicted to You by Krista and Becca Ritchie

Addicted to You by Krista and Becca Ritchie
Publisher: KB Ritchie
Publishing Date: Dec. 7, 2013
324 Pages
Series: Addicted, #1
Format: ebook, Netgalley ARC

Synopsis

She's addicted to sex. He's addicted to booze...the only way out is rock bottom.

No one would suspect shy Lily Calloway's biggest secret. While everyone is dancign at college bars, Lily stays in the bathroom. To get laid. her compulsion leads her to one-night stands, steamy hookups and events she shamefully regrets. The only person who knows her secret happens to have one of his own.

Loren Hale's best friend is his bottle of bourbon. Lily comes at a close second. For three years, they've pretended to be in a relationship, hiding their addictions from their families. They've mastered the art of concealing flasks and random guys that filter in and out of their apartment.

But as they sink beneath the weight of their addictions, they cling harder to their destructive relationship and wonder if a life together, for real, is better than a lie. Strangers and family begin to infiltrate their guarded lives, and with new challenges, they realize they may not just be addicted to alcohol and sex.

Their vice may be each other.

My Review

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I wasn't quite sure what to expect with this book, and was thinking it might be like many new adult romances, where there's a lot of steamy sex scenes and falling in love. But this story is unlike any that I have ever read before! Lily is addicted to sex and Loren is addicted to alcohol. They have a very interesting friendship! Many people disregard sex addictions as not being legitimate, when in fact, they are very real. We learn of Lily's struggles to deal with this and she often compares it to being a drug addict, always looking for the next high. The same goes for Loren; he is an alcoholic and constantly needs a strong drink. While reading this story, we find out how they deal with their addictions and whether or not it works for them. I have to say, this was a really great book!  I cannot wait to read the next ones!!! I just want to find out what happens next! How do these two cope? Does their relationship last? Ahhhh so good!

Buy on Amazon

Wishlist Wednesday 12/11

Wishlist Wednesday is a book blog hop hosted by Dani @ Pen to Paper where we will post about one book per week that has been on our wishlist for some time, or just added (up to you), that we can't wait to get off the wishlist and onto our shelves :)


This week, I would really like to add Allegiant by Veronica Roth to my shelf! My goal for winter is to read finish the series, and I obviously need this book to do that!

What about you? What books would you like to add to your shelves?

W.W.W. Wednesday 12/11

WWW Wednesdays is a weekly meme hosted by Should be Reading. To participate, simply answer the three following questions:

- What are you currently reading?

- What did you recently finish reading?

- What do you think you'll read next?

What am I currently reading?

Definitely reading a lot of books right now!

What did I recently finish reading?

Addicted to You by Krista and Becca Ritchie

(review to come soon)

The Christmas Shoes by Donna VanLiere

review here

A Horse Called Wonder by Joanna Campbell

review here

Wonder's Promise by Joanna Campbell

review here

What will I read next?

This is always a hard question for me, since I read books depending on my mood. Last time I said I was going to start A Clash of Kings....and that hasn't happened yet. These are some possibilities because I want to finish some series!

 

 

Top Ten Tuesday 12/10

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by the The Broke and the Bookish. Every week she posts an idea for a 'Top Ten' list relating to books, and encourages other book bloggers to respond and participate. All the details are listed on her site. 

This week's topic: Top ten books on my winter TBR list!

 

I actually started reading this already, but its such a long book that its going to take me a while. 

I recently finished The Christmas Shoes, and this is the second book in the series. Plus its all about Christmas, so I'm hoping to get it done before the holidays!

This one is also on my list to read before the holidays, so I should have a review posted within the next two weeks (:

I received a review copy of this book a while ago and haven't even started it yet! I feel so awful for being so far behind on my ARCs that I'm really hoping to get a lot done this winter. 

This is another review copy I got from the same publishers of The Panopticon. I've had it for a while, and picked it up a few times to start, but then started another book instead. Hopefully I finish it soon!

Another one of my goals this winter is to finish some series that I've started. Its been a long time since I read the first two books, but I really want to read this last one. I had started it before and just couldn't get into it, so hopefully I can this time. 

This is another series that I haven't finished, even though I've had the book forever. A friend of mine is currently borrowing the series, but I should just get it back from him because he's had it quite a while and hasn't started it yet! Not sure if I'll enjoy this last one because I got sick of the story after the second, but I'd at least like to try it (: 

I absolutely LOVED Divergent, so I don't know why it's taken me so long to read this! It's been on my shelf for almost a year....not acceptable! 

I haven't picked up this book yet, but maybe I'll get it for Christmas... either way, I need to get a copy soon and read it right after I finish Insurgent! 

I thought about reading this a couple of weeks ago, but then started crocheting a lot more to finish Christmas gifts and my reading time went down a bit. However, I'm thinking after the holidays will be a good time to start this again. (: 

I could probably make a huge list of all the books I'd like to read this winter, but it would be way too long (: 

Tell Me Something Tuesday 12/10

Tell Me Something Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by Heidi @ Rainy Day Ramblings. Each week a new question is presented. Check out Heidi's blog for all the details :)

This weeks question:

Cookie Exchange: Share some of your favorite holiday cookie recipes.

Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies are some of my favorite holiday cookies. They are so simple to make, but so good! And every time I have thing, it just reminds me of Christmas! The recipe is listed below (:

Ingredients 

48 Hershey's Kisses                

1/2 cup shortening

3/4 cup creamy peanut butter

1/3 cup sugar

1/3 cup packed brown sugar

1 egg

2 tbsp milk

1 tsp vanilla extract

1 1/2 cups flour

1 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp salt

Additional sugar

Directions: 

1) Heat oven to 375* and remove wrappers from chocolates

2) Beat shortening and peanut butter in large bowl until well blended. Add both sugars and beat until fluffy. Add egg, milk, and vanilla; beat well. Stir together flour, baking soda and salt in separate bowl. Gradually beat into peanut butter mix.

3) Shape dough into 1" balls. Roll in sugar; place on ungreased cookie sheet

4) Bake 8 - 10 minutes or until lightly browned. Immediately press a chocolate kiss into center of each cookie. Cookie will crack around the edges. Remove from cookie sheet to wire rack. Cool completely.

* Makes about 48 cookies.

What are some of your favorite holiday cookies?! Share your recipes!