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- Anthology Review [1]: Middle Grade
  
  Posted at 4:55 am by Laura, on November 5, 2016
  
  What better way to expose yourself to other writers than to read anthologies? Anthology Review is an effort to read the anthologies in my personal library while also reading snippets of new-to-me authors’ writing.
  
  This month’s topic: Middle Grade
  
  Mystery & Mayhem edited by Katherine Woodfine
  
  Publisher: Egmont UK
  Published: May 2016
  Genre: middle grade, mystery
  ISBN: 9781405282642
  *Rating: ★★★.14
  
  Twelve mysteries. Twelve authors. One challenge: can YOU solve the crimes before the heroes of the stories?
  
  These are twelve brand-new short stories from twelve of the best children’s crime writers writing today.
  
  These creepy, hilarious, brain-boggling, heart-pounding mysteries feature daring, brilliant young detectives, and this anthology is a must for fans of crime fiction and detection.
  
  Read 7/12 stories, with six of those receiving 3 stars or more. DNF’d 5/12 stories.
  
  Previously Read Authors: Robin Stevens, Katherine Woodfine, and Frances Hardinge
  
  Frances Hardinge’s poison mystery was very Dickensian in nature, featuring a grimy, foggy London, the street urchins lingering near the docks, and the death of a sketch artist/painter. She writes Victorian England so well, you could easily imagine yourself reading a novel written by a Victorian author, not a modern one! She’s a classic, and so is her short story.
  
  Katherine Woodfine shared a mystery from the point of view of one of her primary characters in the Clockwork Sparrow series, and it was such jolly good fun (*wink*) to go on a quick adventure with them. My familiarity with her characters certainly assisted in my enjoyment of the short story.
  
  Robin Stevens surprised me — in a good way! — but not taking this opportunity to share a mystery from one of her primary characters in the Murder Most Unladylike series. Instead, she wrote from a new character’s perspective and masterfully dropped little clues here and there, ones that are barely discernable unless you’re a natural observer and perfect young detective in the making. I liked seeing her use her skills with different characters and settings.
  
  New-to-Me Authors I Should Read More: Elen Caldecott, Harriet Whitehorn, Susie Day
  
  Elen Caldecott’s characters came from her Marsh Road series, and I’m convinced I’ll like that series just from this little glimpse of the characters. Though the mystery felt like an afterthought, the characters were fun and I loved the atmosphere!
  
  Harriet Whitehorn’s story felt a little rushed (expected for a short story!), but I thoroughly enjoyed how Christie-like it felt. I’m eager to read more by her and see how she develops her stories to a novel-length format.
  
  I really enjoyed Susie Day’s voice, and how observant the main character was. Though I think I needed to know a bit of French to catch on to the clues, it was such a quick, enjoyable read I nearly devoured it. More from Day, please!
  
  ~
  
  Have you read this anthology? Have you read another anthology in this genre or category that you’d recommend?
  
  ~
  
  *ratings are based on the average rating per rated short story
  
  Posted in books, Reviews 2016, Rock My TBR | 0 Comments | Tagged anthology, book review, genre: middle grade, genre: mystery, review
- Book Review: “Leave Me” by Gayle Forman
  
  Posted at 3:30 am by Laura, on November 1, 2016
  
  Leave Me by Gayle Forman
  
  Publisher: Algonquin
  Published: September 2016
  Genre: women’s fiction
  ISBN: 9781616206178
  Rating: ★★★★★
  
  For every woman who has ever fantasized about driving past her exit on the highway instead of going home to make dinner, for every woman who has ever dreamed of boarding a train to a place where no one needs constant attention–meet Maribeth Klein. A harried working mother who’s so busy taking care of her husband and twins, she doesn’t even realize she’s had a heart attack.
  
  Afterward, surprised to discover that her recuperation seems to be an imposition on those who rely on her, Maribeth does the unthinkable: She packs a bag and leaves. But, as is so often the case, once we get to where we’re going, we see our lives from a different perspective. Far from the demands of family and career and with the help of liberating new friendships, Maribeth is finally able to own up to secrets she has been keeping from those she loves and from herself.
  
  Maribeth Klein is too busy to notice all the symptoms she’s experiencing point to a heart attack. During an annual doctor visit, Maribeth is sent straight to the hospital for an emergency bypass surgery. When she’s discharged under strict orders to not overexert herself, her family seems to think not being in the hospital is the equivalent of being well — and her stress levels rise exponentially. So she does the unthinkable: packs up and runs away. But as Maribeth finds the peace she so desperately needed, how will she ever go back to her family after what she’s done?
  
  I began this book when my mother went into the hospital this month, and ended it when she came home after her prolonged stay. While I’m not a mother, having had to deal with house and home, errands and bills, dog and cat care, an already ailing father, and two jobs, I’d like to think I have a smidgen of an idea of what Maribeth experienced pre- and post-surgery. In fact, I think just about any working woman can relate to Maribeth’s experience.
  
  She felt so caught out. She’d thought she’d done everything right.
  She spent her entire life making lists, following through,
  keeping everything in check, all to make sure this kind of thing
  would never happen.
  
  And look where it had gotten her. Just fucking look.
  
  In so many stories, disappearing parents are painted as the villain. We hardly hear their excuse as to why they left the family, and when we do it’s at the very end of the novel. As readers we have only an ounce of sympathy for them. Why? Because as a general rule, parents should not leave their children.
  
  But Maribeth does. She leaves life’s obligations behind to start fresh. Gayle Forman introduces us to a very relatable and sympathetic character — hardworking, driven, compassionate, and extremely tired — with the first third of the book dedicated to her daily experiences pre- and post-bypass. We know what it’s like to be Jason, her husband, relentlessly hopeful and optimistic that her homecoming from the hospital means she’s well. We were once Liv and Oscar, the sweet twins that are still young enough to throw tantrums and not understand just how much words and actions can truly hurt. Maribeth’s voice in her family is completely lost, and stress levels rise to a point where the fantasy of packing up and leaving all responsibility behind becomes a reality.
  
  Now what?
  
  She was in free fall now. And it wasn’t killing her. In fact,
  she was beginning to wonder if she might’ve had it backwards.
  All that fixating on the fall…maybe she should’ve been
  paying more attention to the free.
  
  Maribeth’s journey to Pittsburgh and all the people she meets — adorably funny college neighbors Todd and Sunny, sweet cardiologist Stephen and his dark history, and enthusiastic birth-mother-hunting Janice — help her calm down, revitalize, reevaluate, and heal inside and out. I fell in love with Forman’s writing all over again, and every step of Maribeth’s journey felt sure, raw, and honest. I was on the edge of my seat in anticipation of all her decisions, and simultaneously relaxed, like I was leisurely catching up with an old friend.
  
  In short, I will follow Forman for the rest of her career, hands down.
  
  And forever and always thank my mother for all she’s done for our family.
  
  This book qualifies as book 10 of 10 library books in 2016. Challenge completed!
  
  Posted in books, Reviews 2016 | 2 Comments | Tagged book review, books, genre: adult fiction, genre: contemporary, review
- Book Review: “The Hating Game” by Sally Thorne
  
  Posted at 4:45 am by Laura, on October 6, 2016
  
  The Hating Game by Sally Thorne
  
  Publisher: August 2016
  Published: William Morrow
  Genre: adult fiction, chick lit
  ISBN: 9780062439598
  Rating: ★★★★
  
  Nemesis (n.) 1) An opponent or rival whom a person cannot best or overcome.
  2) A person’s undoing
  3) Joshua Templeman
  
  Lucy Hutton has always been certain that the nice girl can get the corner office. She’s charming and accommodating and prides herself on being loved by everyone at Bexley & Gamin. Everyone except for coldly efficient, impeccably attired, physically intimidating Joshua Templeman. And the feeling is mutual.
  
  Trapped in a shared office together 40 (OK, 50 or 60) hours a week, they’ve become entrenched in an addictive, ridiculous never-ending game of one-upmanship. There’s the Staring Game. The Mirror Game. The HR Game. Lucy can’t let Joshua beat her at anything—especially when a huge new promotion goes up for the taking.
  
  If Lucy wins this game, she’ll be Joshua’s boss. If she loses, she’ll resign. So why is she suddenly having steamy dreams about Joshua, and dressing for work like she’s got a hot date? After a perfectly innocent elevator ride ends with an earth shattering kiss, Lucy starts to wonder whether she’s got Joshua Templeman all wrong.
  
  Maybe Lucy Hutton doesn’t hate Joshua Templeman. And maybe, he doesn’t hate her either. Or maybe this is just another game.
  
  Lucy Hutton and Joshua Templeman are the assistants to the co-CEOs of Bexley & Gamin, recently merged publishing houses with two very different ideas of how to run a business. From the very start of their jobs, Lucy and Joshua try to one-up the other in every aspect of their job — until an announcement is made for a new promotion, and only one of them can have it. The stakes are higher, and soon the line between love and hate is blurred, and there’s more at risk than a swanky office.
  
  A few weeks ago I asked Twitter what they were reading, and how I needed a book to dive into and break out of my reading lull. My client Nina recommended a “funny workplace rom-com,” and after I looked it up I knew I had to get my hands on it. A debut voice a la Kinsella set in the publishing industry? Yes, please. In the midst of reading it, I found other elements that I knew would be appealing to several blogger friends. Soon this book exploded across Twitter and Instagram and Goodreads. If that doesn’t convince you to pick it up, then maybe read on for the review…
  
  I enjoyed this book. It was like candy for the brain. Intelligently written, funny, with fully-fleshed main characters. Their backstories — Lucy’s childhood on a strawberry farm, Josh’s history with his medically-inclined family — enhanced the experience and really gave the characters the depth they needed to further explain their desires and motivations for the promotion.
  
  There’s a tension between Josh and Lucy that starts as colleague rivalry, moves into frustration, then secret, romantic glee. The entire story is told through Lucy’s perspective. It’s clear she doesn’t want Josh in her life, but it’s also clear to the reader from the get-go that Josh is into her. These two experience a whole range of scenarios together, at work and otherwise, that demonstrate their compatibility. Thorne was great at not shying away from all the details, never fading to black or glossing over scenes. It was like experiencing these few weeks with/as Lucy as they came up for her, no holds barred.
  
  That said, there were so many moments I wanted to dive into the book, shake Lucy, and tell her she’s reading each and every little situation wrong. She’s simply not seeing the signs — but after working for the merged B&G for a year with the particular attitude and sass Josh gives her, it makes sense she would see him in such a negative light. But that’s my qualm with hate-to-love relationships. Not a huge fan of them because of one character’s obvious feelings and the other’s blatant blindness. But it kept the plot moving!
  
  If you’re looking for a Sophie Kinsella-esque book set in a bookish office and lots of sexual tension, this is the one for you!
  
  Posted in books, Reviews 2016 | 3 Comments | Tagged book review, books, genre: adult fiction, genre: contemporary, genre: fiction, genre: romance, review
- Advance Excitement at a Glance XXVI
  
  Posted at 6:15 am by Laura, on October 3, 2016
  
  A monthly meme to keep up with the latest publications, featuring advance copy reviews to look forward to reading.
  
  It seems so many of my favorite authors have new books out in October. Some long-time favorites like Jodi Picoult (October 4) and Tana French (October 4), a new favorite in Emma Mills (October 4), a middle grade debut from Megan Shepherd (October 11), Kenneth Oppel‘s latest (October 11), and Marie Benedict’s debut book The Other Einstein (October 18) are all titles I’m looking forward to reading.
  
  But this one in particular holds a special place in my heart.
  
  Holding Up the Universe by Jennifer Niven
  (October 4, Knopf BFYR)
  
  Everyone thinks they know Libby Strout, the girl once dubbed “America’s Fattest Teen.” But no one’s taken the time to look past her weight to get to know who she really is. Following her mom’s death, she’s been picking up the pieces in the privacy of her home, dealing with her heartbroken father and her own grief. Now, Libby’s ready: for high school, for new friends, for love, and for EVERY POSSIBILITY LIFE HAS TO OFFER. In that moment, I know the part I want to play here at MVB High. I want to be the girl who can do anything.
  
  Everyone thinks they know Jack Masselin, too. Yes, he’s got swagger, but he’s also mastered the impossible art of giving people what they want, of fitting in. What no one knows is that Jack has a newly acquired secret: he can’t recognize faces. Even his own brothers are strangers to him. He’s the guy who can re-engineer and rebuild anything in new and bad-ass ways, but he can’t understand what’s going on with the inner workings of his brain. So he tells himself to play it cool: Be charming. Be hilarious. Don’t get too close to anyone.
  
  Until he meets Libby. When the two get tangled up in a cruel high school game—which lands them in group counseling and community service—Libby and Jack are both pissed, and then surprised. Because the more time they spend together, the less alone they feel. . . . Because sometimes when you meet someone, it changes the world, theirs and yours.
  
  Niven is such a remarkable woman, and All the Bright Places moved me. I can’t wait to dive into her next!
  
  Also, it looks like all of my money will be gone October 4th…*prepares bank account*
  
  What books are you looking forward to in October?
  
  Posted in Advance Excitement, books | 0 Comments | Tagged advance excitement at a glance, books
- Flipping Through the Pages: Summer Rewind 2016
  
  Posted at 4:15 am by Laura, on October 1, 2016
  Instead of participating in the Monthly Rewind meme, every three months I’ll update the world on my life from the previous season. Enjoy the Seasonal Rewind!
  
  Through the Lens
  
  Timekeeper ARCs became available and I was super excited to receive them in the mail! My friend Audra had a lovely wedding reception after she and her husband returned from their private ceremony/honeymoon trip. This was taken while we wandered around an old, lovely neighborhood for official pictures. And finally, the symphony played the score to Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone while we watched the movie. Such a blast!
  
  Life Highlights
  
  I covered a lot of topics in my If We Were Having Coffee post, so check that out first! Otherwise, the latest news: I welcomed a new client to Team Triada in late September and had a fantastic time at lunch with her while she was vacationing in the Midwest. And, speaking of agenting, Tara not only received a fantastic blurb from Victoria Schwab, but some great reviews from Publishers Weekly and School Library Journal! There’s also an excerpt from the first chapter up on Bustle!
  
  Tunes on Repeat
  
  I’ve listened to more Radio Lab and NPR shows than music this summer. However, I did listen to the whole Rachmaninoff Vespers, sang the version of Jerusalem that was performed in the Royal Wedding, and started rocking out to The Nutcracker in the car. Will these count?
  
  Bookmarked in the Community
  1. If We Were Having Mexican Margaritas @ Bring My Books — In the same vein as the If We Were Having Coffee posts, Lindsey opens up on her blog in a fun way. Bring your chips and queso!
  2. The YA Sorting Hat: Back to Hogwarts @ Writer of Wrongs — Gillian always has some creative posts, and this one was (of course) my favorite kind. How would you Sort any of your favorite books?
  3. What Does Your Favorite Book Say About You? @ Huffington Post — An interesting read.
  4. Do You Have Book Guilt? @ Wall Street Journal — At first I thought this article was going to be about the inability to finish all the books you want to read, or buying lots of books and not reading, but nope! It was about feeling guilty for not reading classics. Reading a classic is different from reading a modern book — it is meant to be savored, not devoured. Dive in to the article and see what others have to say!
  Popular Posts on Scribbles
  1. If We Were Having Coffee – so pleased to see the enthusiasm for this post! I rarely write up anything personal outside of these rewinds, so I’ll probably do this kind of post more often.
  2. Book Review: “The Lie Tree” by Francis Hardinge – YES COME TO THE DARK SIDE. It’s so much more thrilling!
  3. Book Review: “My Lady Jane” by Hand, Ashton, Meadows – Genuinely not surprised this received so many hits. If I had to name a book of the summer, it would be this Monty Python-esque YA!
  Cherished Reads
  
  Ghostly Echoes by William Ritter ★★★★
  
  The Gilded Cage by Lucinda Gray ★★★.75
  
  First & Then by Emma Mills ★★★★
  
  Cherished Quotes
  
  “Bertram!” Jackaby patted him on the arm affably as he bustled
  past him into the front hall. “It’s been ages, how are the kids?”
  “I remain unmarried, Mr. Jackaby, and I’m afraid you can’t be seen just now.”
  “Nonsense. Miss Rook, can you see me?”
  “Certainly, sir.”
  “Well, there you have it. You must have your eyes checked, Bertram.”
  —Ghostly Echoes by William Ritter
  
  I don’t know if it’s better to have people laugh at what you are
  or just not understand.
  —The Girl Who Fell From the Sky by Heidi Durrow
  
  Progress Update on Reading Challenges
  
  Library Books: 9 / 10
  Future Perfect || Blackhearts || Rebel of the Sands
  The Buddha in the Attic || Wide Sargasso Sea || Re Jane
  The Elegance of the Hedgehog || The Girl Who Fell from the Sky
  The Gilded Cage
  
  #ReRead2016: 2 / 5
  Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix || Emma
  
  Flights of Fantasy: 6 / 5 // complete!
  Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix || Rebel of the Sands
  Lady Renegades || The Star-Touched Queen || Assassin’s Apprentice
  My Lady Jane
  
  Classics Challenge: 1 / 5
  Emma
  
  Rock My TBR: 13 / 12 // complete!
  Walk on Earth a Stranger || Arsenic for Tea || Since You’ve Been Gone
  Picture Perfect || Twenties Girl || Remember Me? || Assassin’s Apprentice
  Eligible || The Mystery of the Clockwork Sparrow || 13 Little Blue Envelopes
  Scarlett Epstein Hates it Here || Me Before You || First & Then
  
  Impulse Buys: 5 / 5 // no more buying!
  Can You Keep a Secret? || I’ve Got Your Number || The Undomestic Goddess
  My Lady Jane || The Hating Game
  
  Overall Challenge: 42 / 50
  
  Random Obsessions
  
  On TV: YOU GUYS. Big Bang is back, as is Poldark! I also watched a lot of Olympics this summer (who didn’t?). Of course I hissed and groaned when an athlete wasn’t perfect, because that’s what you do when you’re a couch potato who doesn’t want to acknowledge the fact you have no athletic abilities whatsoever. *wink*
  
  On Film: The Beau and I saw a lot of movies, one of them The Light Between Oceans. No, I haven’t read the book yet *gasp* but I did enjoy the film. My favorite soundtrack composer, Alexandra Desplat, worked on this film, too. At the end, the Beau turned to me and said, “If we find a baby in the ocean, we’re reporting it immediately.” Had to laugh at that.
  
  In the Shopping Bag: Not much shopping this summer, though in the last few weeks I’ve started buying a lot of autumn decor. And now ModCloth has autumn apparel online, so you know I’m going gaga over that…
  
  Miscellaneous: I don’t know if this is a local brewery or a national chain, but I’ve been going to Hopcat more and more just because I’m obsessed with their crack fries. YUM.
  
  Looking Towards the Future
  
  In October, I’m going to see Into the Woods with Mom for her birthday, and we’re both very excited about this! A huge group of friends are going to see Star Wars and Fantastic Beasts, too. It’s prime awesome-movies-time! And of course, Thanksgiving and Christmas are holidays to look forward to, as well as all the Christmas concerts and festivities. It’s the most wonderful time of the year!
  
  What have you been up to this season / this month? Any new obsessions or good reads or great music? Share some of your favorites here, and let me know if I should check out any great blog posts!
  Posted in books, This Season's Rewind | 4 Comments | Tagged books, personal, recap, rewind, this season's rewind
- Book Review: “First & Then” by Emma Mills
  
  Posted at 3:15 am by Laura, on September 28, 2016
  
  First & Then by Emma Mills
  
  Publisher: Henry Holt & Co
  Published: October 2015
  Genre: young adult, contemporary
  ISBN: 9781627792356
  Rating: ★★★★
  
  Devon Tennyson wouldn’t change a thing. She’s happy watching Friday night games from the bleachers, silently crushing on best friend Cas, and blissfully ignoring the future after high school. But the universe has other plans. It delivers Devon’s cousin Foster, an unrepentant social outlier with a surprising talent for football, and the obnoxiously superior and maddeningly attractive star running back, Ezra, right where she doesn’t want them: first into her P.E. class and then into every other aspect of her life.
  
  It’s Devon’s senior year, and her counselor is pushing hard for her to be more active in her school for the sake of college applications. But Devon likes being exactly where she is: somewhere in the middle of the popularity pool, best friends with Cas, a high school football fan, and general friendly person. When her awkward cousin Foster arrives after a family crisis, Devon’s plans for senior year derail. What’s more, the school seems to be obsessed with new football star Ezra, and he has taken a liking to the surprisingly athletically-inclined Foster. Devon and Ezra’s lives soon become intertwined, and senior year is starting to become something wholly unexpected.
  
  I should not have been wary about this Pride & Prejudice meets Friday Night Lights retelling/expansion/-inspired novel. But I was! I couldn’t help it. I’m not interested in football, classic retellings tend to not do so well with me (except for this year…I’ve actually been doing pretty well with them!), and the cover actually made me think this was going to be some sort of tragic sob-fest. I’d heard Foster was potentially autistic, and that was another red flag to me too (unfortunately these characters are treated as if they’re weak, and I loathe that!).
  
  So when I opened up to the first chapter and immediately connected with Devon’s voice, I knew I had nothing to worry about. Mills is a gem of a writer. Devon is snarky, witty, sassy, and it’s so easy to fall in friend-love with her. Her voice alone demonstrated the perfect execution of “show, don’t tell” when it came to her friendliness with others in the school, how she was something of a chameleon while still being effortlessly DEVON. Her journey to finding other things to beef up her college applications — topics for her essay, stuff to pad her resume — felt just right for her, rather than forced. And, as an extra bonus, they kept her connected to football!
  
  Ezra’s character was just the right balance of friendly and broody. The best part was that he was broody for a very good reason, one that advanced the plot and added some heft to the story. Foster, likewise, is so authentic, fun, young, a great contrast to Ezra and Devon’s personalities. Almost like a bouncing puppy standing between the two of them at times, Foster just saying what’s on everyone’s minds, with Ezra frowning and Devon scolding him on proper social etiquette.
  
  The parallels to Pride & Prejudice actually felt like a mixture of that and Sense & Sensibility. Mills was able to make this book feel like Austen without sticking to any one particular plot. Reading it, I couldn’t help but notice the similarities (without pinpointing which Austen story it belonged to, except that it FELT SO AUSTEN) and acknowledge that this book was wholly unique on its own. If Austen wrote YA today, Mills nailed it.
  
  The only thing I wanted more of was the rest of Devon’s senior year! How did everything work out?! Mills, why must you torture me like Austen did?!
  
  .
  
  This book qualifies as book 13 of 12 of the “Rock My TBR” Challenge, hosted by Sarah @ The YA Book Traveler, in an effort to read more books off my overflowing TBR bookcase.
  
  Posted in books, Reviews 2016, Rock My TBR | 2 Comments | Tagged book review, books, genre: contemporary, genre: young adult, review, rock my TBR
- The Bedtime Book Tag
  
  Posted at 5:15 am by Laura, on September 22, 2016
  
  I was tagged by Lindsey (no surprise!) to do the Bedtime Book Tag, created by YouTube user Kelly’s BookSpill.
  
  The one that popped to mind immediately was All the Bright Places by Jennifer Niven. I did not heed the advice of my manager at the bookstore when she said “don’t read this before you have to go into work.” She was right. I should not have read this the night before, because then I stayed up long into the morning (plus there was all the crying…).
  
  The Hallowed Ones by Laura Bickle freaked me out. The only time I could read, too, was just before bed. I read this book for my graduate thesis on Gothic literature, so it was pretty much a summer of nightmares for me. This one, though, wouldn’t allow me to go to sleep at all. It was awesome.
  
  I’m sorry, massive-fans-of-this-book, but I just couldn’t read it anymore. The Secret History isn’t for me whatsoever, or at least in this point in my life. Or both. Who knows…I DNF’d at 60-something% because I kept nodding off.
  
  Deathly Hallows, hands down. Or, you know, [insert all the Harry Potter books here]. I have never been as excited for a book before or since this series.
  
  YOU KNEW IT WAS COMING. Daughter of the Forest is my jam, and Red is my forever husband. (I’m sorry, Jamie. I do love you, still!)
  
  This was difficult, as it would be a toss-up between Hunger Games and The Island of Doctor Moreau. Both, honestly and truly, feel highly plausible these days, and that’s what makes them so nightmarish. I found Dr. Moreau extra chilling though…not sure what that says about me.
  
  Now, I don’t know if this is because it had a cliffhanger, or because of the historical period it covered, or because I knew there would be another book and I wanted to read it immediately…but I felt Prisoner of Night and Fog had quite the nightmarish cliffhanger.
  
  The Night Circus, partly for the title, partly for the setting, and partly because I read this ONLY at night. It’s just so much more magical that way!
  
  SKIP! Sort of. I really haven’t dreamed about a book. I’ve dreamed of movies and TV shows that are based on books (that’s why I have the Outlander placeholder). I’ll have nightmares inspired by the book I’ve read but not set in that world or featuring those characters. But unless I can actually see the characters in their setting “in real life,” my dream self can’t re-conjure the world an author’s created.
  
  That creepy vampire slash bog monster slash pedophile slash I don’t even know just get it away from me THING in Long Lankin!!!!! *shudders* I can’t even. No. And, to top it off, if this creature is under my bed, I’m definitely going to die. There’s no hope for me.
  
  ~
  
  What are some books you’d answer for these questions? Have you read any of the above? I tag… Ashley @ LvsBks, Lauren @ Bookmark Lit, and Sabrina @ Forest of Words & Pages. Anyone interested in doing this particular book tag may join in as well!
  
  *bookish slumber party commences*
  
  [no monsters-under-beds allowed!]
  
  Posted in book tag, books | 4 Comments | Tagged book tag, books
- Book Review: “The Gilded Cage” by Lucinda Gray
  
  Posted at 12:37 pm by Laura, on September 16, 2016
  
  The Gilded Cage by Lucinda Gray
  
  Publisher: Henry Holt & Co
  Published: August 2016
  Genre: young adult, historical fiction, gothic
  ISBN: 9781627791816
  Rating: ★★★.75
  
  After growing up on a farm in Virginia, Walthingham Hall in England seems like another world to sixteen-year-old Katherine Randolph. Her new life, filled with the splendor of upper-class England in the 1820s, is shattered when her brother mysteriously drowns. Katherine is expected to observe the mourning customs and get on with her life, but she can’t accept that her brother’s death was an accident.
  
  A bitter poacher prowls the estate, and strange visitors threaten the occupants of the house. There’s a rumor, too, that a wild animal stalks the woods of Walthingham. Can Katherine retain her sanity long enough to find out the truth? Or will her brother’s killer claim her life, too?
  
  Katherine Randolph knows how to shoot, ride horses, and help out her guardians around the Virginia farm with her brother. But becoming an heiress and a lady in English society? Much harder than it looks. Just when things begin to look up after a ball held in her new home, Walthingham Hall, tragedy strikes Katherine in every respect. Her brother is murdered, her most trusted servant is shot, her dog is mangled, and something — or someone — is lurking around the estate. But no one believes Katherine’s accusations, and rumors of a Beast sound insanely plausible…
  
  I was entertained more so than impressed, and that is perfectly fine. The book did its job! Gothic cliches abound in this one, particularly the romantic Gothic, and I ate it up with a spoon.
  
  One of the biggest things I noticed about this book was the number of stark contrasts and dualities (hey, Gothic!). This begins in 1820s Virginia, and Katherine is a born and bred American girl. To travel to 1820s England, and reprise the role of an English heiress, is vastly different from what she’s used to. 1820s America and 1820s England are two very different realities and societies, class distinction aside. When Katherine arrived in England, she makes the brilliant observation that she belongs with the servants — not because she doesn’t feel like an heiress, but because she has the life skills and sensibilities most suited to the working class. Her identity lies with them, not in propriety, manners, and dull dinner parties.
  
  One of the biggest tropes in the romantic Gothic is a series of suitors or love interests, even just passing fancies. Oh, Katherine. She has many. Only one is the stronghold throughout, but my gosh. The events of this book take place across two weeks (roughly), so this was a bit of an eyeroll. (I still loved it though. I’m a sucker for anything Gothic, even its cliches.)
  
  What really kept me on the edge of my seat and nearly bumping this to four stars was the last 75 pages. The twist made me bite my nails in anticipation. Because it was thrown in here — no worries, the twist made sense! — I found it unexpected and wondered constantly what would happen next.
  
  In short, I loved the cliches, albeit predictable, and found the mystery to be chilling and spooky. The writing was absolutely lovely to sink into. If you’re looking for a book to devour some autumn night, this is the one.
  
  This book qualifies as book 9 of 10 library books in 2016.
  
  Posted in books, Reviews 2016 | 4 Comments | Tagged book review, books, genre: gothic, genre: historical fiction, genre: young adult, review
- Advance Excitement at a Glance XXV
  
  Posted at 7:39 pm by Laura, on August 30, 2016
  
  A monthly meme to keep up with the latest publications, featuring advance copy reviews to look forward to reading.
  
  It’s been a while since my last one! Hopefully I can stick to an ARC push plan and provide some reviews for great upcoming books. I received several ARCs during BEA that I’m hoping to get to and review on the blog, including The Forgetting (September 13), The Secrets of Wishtide (September 13), Stalking Jack the Ripper (September 20), Like a River Glorious (September 27, sequel to Walk on Earth a Stranger), The Tea Planter’s Wife (September 27), and The Inquisitor’s Tale (September 27).
  
  PHEW! That’s a lot of reading. But I have to say the ARC I’m most excited for is here below:
  
  A Shadow Bright and Burning by Jessica Cluess
  (September 20, Random House BFYR)
  
  Henrietta Howel can burst into flames.
  Forced to reveal her power to save a friend, she’s shocked when instead of being executed, she’s invited to train as one of Her Majesty’s royal sorcerers. Thrust into the glamour of Victorian London, Henrietta is declared the chosen one, the girl who will defeat the Ancients. She also meets her fellow sorcerer trainees, young men eager to test her power. One will challenge her. One will fight for her. One will betray her.
  
  But Henrietta Howel is not the chosen one.
  As she plays a dangerous game of deception, she discovers that the sorcerers have their own secrets to protect. With battle looming, what does it mean to not be the one? And how much will she risk to save the city?
  
  When I opened up the galley and read the first couple pages, I couldn’t help but think “This is Hermione’s Harry Potter book!” I’m beyond stoked to read this!
  
  What books are you looking forward to in September?
  
  Posted in Advance Excitement, books | 4 Comments | Tagged advance excitement at a glance, advance reading copy, books
- Coffee Book Tag
  
  Posted at 6:15 am by Laura, on August 27, 2016
  
  Tagged by Lindsey! Earlier this summer she was on a roll with a billion book tags and I was lucky enough to be tagged in many (if not all) of them! Thanks for the graphic, as well.
  
  BLACK || a series that’s tough to get into but has hardcore fans
  
  A Song of Ice and Fire series. I read Game of Thrones but did not like it. I saw the first season, and thought the show more entertaining than the book, but not enough to continue watching. Regardless, while it’s not for me, I can see why it’s so popular.
  
  PEPPERMINT MOCHA || a book that gets more popular during the winter or a festive time of year
  
  Dash and Lily’s Book of Dares for the holidays, and Anna Karenina for winter. Because why the hell not experience all that dreariness through a Russian author’s eyes? (For a moment I almost said “Love Actually!” but that’s not a book. Womp womp.)
  
  HOT CHOCOLATE || favorite children’s book
  
  I want to say Harry Potter, but in hindsight it was the Little House books — original, picture books, and chapter books.
  
  DOUBLE SHOT OF ESPRESSO || a book that kept you on the edge of your seat from start to finish
  
  The Lie Tree, most recently! Just about anything spooky or chilling grabs my attention (why else did my thesis cover gothic literature?). Books that make me cry, too (like Me Before You) will do the same thing.
  
  STARBUCKS || a book you see absolutely everywhere
  
  The Selection series, or Pretty Little Liars. Do not give an ounce of crap about these books.
  
  THE HIPSTER COFFEE SHOP || a book by an indie author (a shout out!)
  
  Massive shout out to Tara Sim and her upcoming release Timekeeper (Sky Pony, November 1, 2017)!
  
  .
  
  OOPS! I ACCIDENTALLY GOT DECAF || a book you were expecting more from
  
  The Devil in the White City. Read it for book group and found it to be dull, long, too detailed in the nonfic bits and too sensationalist in the fictional-nonfic bits.
  
  THE PERFECT BLEND || a book or series that was both bitter and sweet, but ultimately satisfying
  
  Not sure what this means, if I loved all the good and bad parts, or it has bitter and sweet moments…But if it’s a book with bitter and sweet moments, I’ll hand that over to One Day.
  
  CHAI TEA || a book or series that makes you dream of far off places
  
  DAUGHTER OF THE FOREST. YOU WILL NEVER ESCAPE THIS BOOK! I’m going to find a way to put this book into every single tag. #challengeaccepted
  
  EARL GREY || name of your favorite classic
  
  Jane Eyre, hands down. Next question, please!
  
  GREEN TEA || a book or series that is quietly beautiful
  
  Goodness gracious. Quietly beautiful…perhaps The Winter Witch. The protagonist is mute, with Earth magic abilities, and she and her Welsh surroundings seem so surreal.
  
  .
  
  Hope you enjoyed the tag! Have you read any of these books? What would be your answers for some of the coffe/tea-themed questions? I tag: Dani @ Ageless Pages Reviews, Andi @ AndiABCs, Danielle @ Love at First Page, and anyone else who would like to chat books!
  
  Posted in book tag, books | 10 Comments | Tagged book tag, books
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- Hello, I’m Laura!
  
  I'm a bookish bookworm and book hoarder. By day I'm a literary agent, and by night I'm forever rearranging my bookshelves. I could talk your ear off about Gothic literature, and in my past life people thought I'd become a professional musician. I have a fluffy black cat named Rossetti, I love to travel, tea is my drink of choice, British TV is the best, and I'm always down for chips-and-queso nights. Welcome to Scribbles & Wanderlust! Grab your favorite hot beverage and let's chat books!
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