Recommendations: Winter Reads

It’s that time of year again when the snow starts falling, the fires start crackling, and out come the coats and mittens! I don’t know if it’s because I’m a winter baby or what, but I’ve always loved wintertime. It’s the season of nostalgia and the perfect time for curling up with some hot cocoa and a good book. And to make it just a little easier or deciding what books to grab, I’ve compiled a list of some that I think would be perfect to pick up this season.


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Hunted by Meagan Spooner

This is Beauty and the Beast retelling that is just really beautiful. The writing is lyrical with lush descriptions and the story itself really evokes that sense of nostalgia that this time of year is all about. Plus, the romance is the kind of slow burner that we all love!

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The Crown’s Game (The Crown’s Game, #1) by Evelyn Skye

This first book in a duology, follows two enchanters who must compete to become the Imperial Enchanter to the tsar of Russia. I haven’t gotten around to reading the sequel yet, but this book was just such a warm and fuzzy read. If you enjoyed the competition aspect of The Night Circus, then you’ll easily be able to dive into this story as well. If you’re a history lover like me, you’ll also appreciate the mix of real life with the fantastical elements.

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The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman

This book is all about nostalgia. It will remind you of the classic children’s novels you read when you were little, and still be completely enjoyable at any age. This is one book that I recommend for the entire family, especially the audiobook version. There’s a special audiobook version that includes an entire cast, music, and sound effects. IT IS AMAZING. This would be a great story to listen to while everyone sits around the fireplace in food coma after Christmas dinner.

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Cold Mountain by Charles Frazier

Now, this story is a little bleaker than the rest on this list but I think it still fits perfectly for winter. It’s a love story set during the Civil War, but is more about the journey rather than the destination. I can’t promise you’ll finish this book all rainbows and sunshine, but I can promise that you’ll appreciate the beautiful prose. Afterwards, you can turn on the movie adaptation starring Nicole Kidman and Jude Law. It’s actually a very good adaptation that I highly recommend.

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Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them: The Original Screenplay by J.K. Rowling

Because Harry Potter. Duh.

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A Discovery of Witches (All Souls Trilogy, #1) by Deborah Harkness

This is just one of those that you want to savor and stay up all night devouring. It has an actual vampire to fangirl over, no Edward-wannabe here! This series actual combines science with the paranormal/fantasy elements which I found to be incredibly intriguing. You can definitely see Harkness’ scholar background coming through in this series. It has actually been turned into a television show that is currently filming its first season. The wait is killllllllling me!

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A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles

This is the perfect book if you’re in the mood for something with a wonderful cast of characters and a heartwarming story. I read this one just last month and absolutely fell in love with it. It’s charming, sweet, and is definitely a story that I can see myself revisiting for the rest of my life.

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A Court of Thorns and Roses (A Court of Thorns and Roses, #1) by Sarah J. Maas

I don’t what it is about this trilogy, but something about it just screams winter to me. I feel like this is one of those series that you should binge it over Christmas vacation. The story, the characters, the romance – all of it will completely engross you from beginning to end. I recommend reading this one while munching on some holiday treats!

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Little Women by Louisa May Alcott

Nothing will give you the holiday spirit quite like spending time with your loved ones, and this book will definitely get you in that kind of mood. The March sisters will make you feel like family as you follow their adventures. One of my all-time favorite books and one that is perfect to pick up this season.


What are some books that you recommend reading during the wintertime? Have you read any of the books on my list? Do you like to reread old favorites during the holidays?

10 Books You Can Read in 24 Hours or Less!

Do you ever just pick up a book and become so engrossed in it that you can’t put it down and finish it in one sitting? Or maybe you finish a book with one day still left before the read-a-thon or challenge ends and need something to help you reach your goal? Well you’re in luck, because I have compiled a list of my favorite reads that I was able to finish in 24 hours or less to help you out!

We could always add some more books to our TBR, right? 😉


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Norse Mythology by Neil Gaiman

Short story anthologies tend to be favorites for read-a-thons and this one is no exception. At just a little over 200 pages, you’re sure to speed through this book.

 

 

 

 

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The Mime Order (The Bone Season, #2) by Samantha Shannon

Honestly, you could read any of the books in this series in one setting because they’re just that addictive. However, this book really raised the stakes. I might be just a tad obsessed.

 

 

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The Wicked + The Divine, Vol. 1: The Faust Act by Gillen McKelvie & Wilson Cowles

If you like graphic novels or are interested in picking one up, try this series! This was my first venture into graphic novels and I was immediately engrossed in the story incorporating mythological gods and beings.

 

 

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Love, Lies and Spies by Cindy Anstey

If you’re looking for a cutesy period romance with a sassy heroine, this book is perfect for you. It never takes itself seriously and we can all appreciate a hate to love romance!

 

 

 

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The Serpent King by Jeff Zentner

This is one contemporary that I just could not put down. It completely broke me. I’ve been putting off reading his latest novel, because I’m just not ready for another heartbreak!

 

 

 

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Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them: The Original Screenplay by J.K. Rowling

Because Harry Potter, obviously.

 

 

 

 

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The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry by Gabrielle Zevin

Another heartwarming story about finding love when you least expect it. The main character is also an introverted book lover that we all will recognize as one of us!

 

 

 

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We Were Liars by E. Lockhart

I know the reviews on this book tend to be a bit mixed, but I loved it. The story is so engrossing and the cliffhanger will leave you in awe… or it did to me, at least!

 

 

 

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Shatter Me (Shatter Me, #1) by Tahereh Mafi

You might as well include all 3 books in the series, because I couldn’t put any of them down. Though I will warn you that this is a series that gets better with each book, so don’t let the first one get you down!

 

 

 

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Starflight (Starflight, #1) by Melissa Landers

When you just need a fun science fiction novel that involves an eclectic crew of space pirates and a whole lotta witty dialogue, turn to this beauty. It’s non-stop fun!

 

 

 


What are some books that you were able to finish in one sitting? Do you ever find yourself looking for a quick read? If you have read any of the books on my list, what did you think of them?

WWW Wednesday – December 28th, 2016

Welcome to WWW Wednesday which is currently being hosted by Sam @ Taking On A World of Words. It’s really just a place to do little update on what all you’ve been reading lately. Anyone is welcome to join, just leave a link to your post in the comments and be sure to give the appropriate credit to Sam!

The Three W’s are:

  • What are you currently reading?
  • What did you recently finish reading?
  • What do you think you’ll read next?

What are you currently reading?

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Corrupt Me by Jillian Quinn

I have finally finished all of my other books and can now focus solely on this one. I hope to finish it sometime today, just in time for the start of the Holiday Booktube-a-thon tomorrow. I’m never been a big reader of romance novels but this one is just so engrossing! I love the characters that Jill has created, especially Luca. I’m really interested in seeing how this story ends! I have a feeling it shall be a happy ending… hehe!

What did you recently finish reading?

  • Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them: The Original Screenplay by J.K. Rowling – This one obviously got a full 5 stars from me. I probably won’t be posting an official review of it though, so sorry about that y’all!
  • Moon Chosen (Tales of a New World, #1) by P.C. Cast – This book was a bit of a mixed bag for me. It was pretty slow moving for most of the book, and for one that’s around 600 pages long, that’s a long time to be slow. However, I liked how it finished so I probably will continue on with the series to see if it gets better. Full review should be up within the next week or so.

What do you think you’ll read next?

I’ll have a post scheduled for later today that will discuss my TBR for the upcoming read-a-thon that begins tomorrow. Be on the lookout for it coming later today! I’ve got 3 days to read 3 books, so wish me luck!


What are you currently reading? What do you have planned to read next? Have you read any of the books on my list? Leave a link to your WWW Wednesday post in the comments below!

Teaser Tuesday – December 27th, 2016

Teaser Tuesday is a weekly meme currently being hosted by Ambrosia @ The Purple Booker. All are welcome to participate!

Rules:

  • Grab your current read.
  • Open to a random page.
  • Share two ‘teaser’ sentences from somewhere on that page.
  • BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! You don’t want to give too much away so as to not ruin the book for others!
  • Share the title and author so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR lists if they like your teasers.

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Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them: Original Screenplay by J.K. Rowling

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“Well, good luck gettin’ back alive, Mr. Scamander, what with the whole of MACUSA on your back.”

-page 197

I’m only about 50 pages into this book so far but I know I’ll have it finished by tomorrow. It’s a really quick read and even though I’ve already seen the film, this book is almost too gorgeous not to own a copy of. I’m pretty obsessed with it, I’ll be honest.


Have you read the screenplay yet? Isn’t this book so pretty on the inside and the outside? What book are you currently reading? Leave a link to your own Teaser Tuesday post in the comments below!

WWW Wednesday – December 21st, 2016

Welcome to WWW Wednesday which is currently being hosted by Sam @ Taking On A World of Words. It’s really just a place to do little update on what all you’ve been reading lately. Anyone is welcome to join, just leave a link to your post in the comments and be sure to give the appropriate credit to Sam!

The Three W’s are:

  • What are you currently reading?
  • What did you recently finish reading?
  • What do you think you’ll read next?

What are you currently reading?

Corrupt Me by Jillian Quinn

Moon Chosen (Tales of a New World, #1) by P.C. Cast

I’m still making my way through both of these books. I have kind of been neglecting them the past few days, because I picked up and then couldn’t put down A Thousand Pieces of You. However, I plan to finish both of them in the couple of days. Corrupt Me is everything a good romance should be! Moon Chosen is definitely an interesting and unique read so far.

What did you recently finish reading?

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A Thousand Pieces of You (Firebird, #1) by Claudia Gray

This is the December BOTM for Hype or Like Friday… Y’all, it was soooo good! I did not want to put it down because I had to know what was going to happen next. I am dying to get my hands on the rest of this trilogy to see how it all ends. And that Paul is the cutest! I just love him.


What do you think you’ll read next?

Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them: The Original Screenplay by J.K. Rowling

The Architect of Song (Haunted Hearts Legacy, #1) by A.G. Howard

So I hope to finish both of these before the Holiday Booktube-a-thon on the 29th! I think I can do that because Fantastic Beasts should be a really quick read that I can knock out in less than a few hours. I’m super excited about Architect of Song because I just love Howard’s writing, and I’ve read some great reviews of this one. Who else cannot wait for her newest book, Roseblood, to be released next month?! I mean, a retelling of Phantom of the Opera? I am soooo there!


What are y’all currently reading? Have you read any of the books on my list? What did you think of them? Are you participating in any read-a-thons during the holidays? Leave a link to you WWW Wednesday posts in the comments below!