All posts tagged Christmas

Books I Hope to Buy with Santa’s Gift Cards

By Brookelorren on 24 Comments
Top Ten Tuesday

Hello! ::waves:: It’s Tuesday again, and of course that means it’s time for Top Ten Tuesday (hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl). Can you believe that Christmas is Friday? I don’t know about you, but it’s been a trying year for me. It’s starting to get better though.

Today’s topic is supposed to be “Books I Hope Santa Brings.” Since Santa is magical, I suppose he could bring me the books on today’s list, but I don’t think he will. I buy most of my books with gift cards as pre-orders; as a result, I don’t think I’ll get any books this year ::gasp::. What I do hope I get, however, is gift cards, which can be used to buy any of the books listed below.

Skyhunter 2 – Marie Lu. This book doesn’t have a title, and it’s not ready to read yet, but I pre-ordered this book today. It’s out September 28, 2021. Santa’d have to be really magical to bring me this one.

Make Up Break Up

Make Up Break Up – Lily Menon. I’ve read the ARC already but am thinking about pre-ordering the hardback. Swoon Squad members who pre-order this book get to be the first to hear a preview of the next Lily Menon book (I can’t even tell you the title yet!). Plus I love to support great authors.

Chain of Iron

Chain of Iron – Cassandra Clare. I have read the extended excerpt of this one (available on Riveted if you’re interested), and I must read more! One of the great things about this book is that there’s such a wide variety of characters that there’s a ship for everyone in here. I happen to love Jordelia but there’s something for almost everyone (as a quick skim of the topic on AO3 will show).

Once Upon a Broken Heart – Stephanie Garber. Oh no. Stephanie Garber’s new book, Once Upon a Broken Heart, comes out September 28th as well (along with Skyhunter 2). This one takes place in the Caraval universe with different characters.

Everything that Burns

Everything That Burns – Gita Trelease. I’m rereading Enchantée this month, and I just love Camille (pronounced Ca-MEE, rhymes with the French word fille, according to the author, I asked)! I have the ARC for Everything That Burns and will probably read it at the beginning of January. This is such a good series I wouldn’t mind owning the real copies instead of the ARCs.

THe Heart Principle

The Heart Principle – Helen Hoang. The Heart Principle doesn’t come out until next August, but this is another book I’d like to read someday. Right now the hardback is selling for $26, which is way too much for me to spend on a book. There’s always the library, although I’m pretty sure it will go down in price.

Winds of Winter cover

Winds of Winter – George RR Martin. I have a much better chance of Santa bringing me the unfinished Skyhunter 2 than he is of bringing me Winds of Winter. But I hope to buy this book with a gift card–someday. I mentioned the book in my 2018 Christmas wish list. Two years later, its status is still the same.

Broken Wish – Julie C. Dao. Before I cancelled my Audible membership, I was really hoping to get an audiobook copy of Broken Wish. Unfortunately, it’s not available on audiobook, only Kindle and hardback. This is the only book on today’s list I could actually get under my tree, although I probably won’t.

Red Tigress – Amelie Wen Zhao. The only copy of Blood Heir (the first book in this series) I read was the early ARC that was pulled. I don’t know if there were any significant changes made after that point, but I’m sure I’ll figure it out. This is another March 2 release (along with Chain of Iron).

Sword Catcher

Sword Catcher – Cassandra Clare. I almost forgot about Cassandra Clare’s adult debut! Sword Catcher is supposed to be published in 2021, but it doesn’t have a date yet and you can’t pre-order it. It will be interesting to see what her adult books look like.

That’s 10! Do you often get books under your tree? Or are you like me, who pre-orders so many books that it’s really difficult for Santa (or your relatives) to know what to get you, so you hope for gift cards instead?

Next week is supposed to be “Favorite Books of 2020.” Even before I started this blog, I had an annual list called “Favorite Books I Read for the First Time in 20XX” list, that I always (with the exception of 1 year) release on January 1st. So I won’t be doing that. I will either do a “Favorite 2020 releases” list, or I’ll switch the order around and do the “Most Anticipated Releases of 2021” list. I don’t know yet though. I’ll see you then!

The Christmas Pact

By Brookelorren on 2 Comments

Christmas is merely days away, and if you’re looking for something cheery to listen to over the holiday season, you might be interested in listening to one of December’s free Audible Original selections, The Christmas Pact. It’s a cute story about two people who have similar names: Riley Kennedy and Kennedy Riley. They work for the same company, although in different locations. Sometimes their email gets misdirected. Kennedy seems like a jerk: he often reads her email and forwards it with unsolicited advice. Although Riley tries to avoid Kennedy at the company Christmas party, their paths cross.

After Riley mentions that she’s going home for the holidays, Kennedy has an idea. What if Kennedy pretends to be her boyfriend? Riley felt like her mom was disappointed in her because she was single. In return, Riley could accompany him to his brother’s wedding.

And so, the fake dating scheme has begun. As their plan commences, they begin to enjoy each other’s company. They both have pasts that complicate their ability to have relationships with other people. By the time they return to work, they’ve fallen for each other. Neither of them decides to pursue the relationship though. Is that the end for the two? You’ll have to read the book to find out.

The Christmas Pact is only 2 hours and 54 minutes long, so it’s an easy book to get into and finish before Christmas. If you sign up for an Audible membership, it’s free, otherwise you can buy it without a membership. It will be available on Audible Escape in January (after the holidays).

Almost Midnight

By Brookelorren on 2 Comments
Almost Midnight cover

I just finished reading Almost Midnight by Rainbow Rowell. For the past several Christmases, I’ve read a Christmas book every December (this year I read two!). I originally wanted to read My True Love Gave to Me, but it was already in use at the library. I really wanted to reread “Midnights” again. I remembered that Ms. Rowell published a book which contained that book and another Christmas story, and this one was available at the library.

I don’t usually comment about a book’s cover, but Almost Midnight‘s photo online doesn’t do it justice. This book is gorgeous and sparkly (I read the hardback edition). Another thing to note about this book’s physical format is that it’s dimensions are smaller than your typical hardback–it’s about the same size as my Kindle Paperwhite.

There are two stories in this book, “Midnights” and “Kindred Spirits”.

“Midnights”: This was the whole reason I checked out this book. It’s the story about Mags and Noel, who meet at a New Year’s Eve party when Mags is 15. Over the years, they become best friends and slowly fall in love. Every year, they hang out with each other until midnight… and someone else kisses Noel. It’s their first year of college. Noel was away at Notre Dame and Mags stayed in Oklahoma. She absolutely can’t handle watching him kiss another girl at midnight this year. Well… I won’t tell you what happens, but this story makes me happy cry.

“Kindred Spirits”: This was the first year I’ve read this story. Elena is a huge Star Wars fan, and she decides to get in line to wait for The Force Awakens to release. Coincidentally, the book’s climax takes place 4 years ago to this date. She and two other strangers wait outside the movie theater for four days. It’s not exactly what Elena was expecting. There’s a twist that occurs towards the end that I wasn’t expecting. This story has a great ending too.

This book is illustrated, and the illustrations are really cute. I love how the artist, Simini Blocker, captured the characters.

Both of these stories were wonderful and I would definitely read them again (even though I’ve already read “Midnights” three times now). They’re beautiful stories and Ms. Rowell definitely captures the hearts of these teens in this story.

However, this book is nearly $10 for two stories. Unless you really love the illustrations, it might make more sense to buy My True Love Gave to Me and then buy a used copy of “Kindred Spirits” in Paperback or on the Kindle. My True Love Gave to Me is currently $9.22 on the Kindle or $11.49 in paperback (or less for a used hardback), and you can get “Kindred Spirits” for $2.99 on the Kindle. For just a little bit more you get both of these stories plus several other amazing holiday stories. Definitely read these Christmas stories someday, but they’re available in more than one format and this may not be the best bang for your reading dollar.

Christmas Songs Book Tag

By Brookelorren on 4 Comments

Hello! I hope you’re having a great week! I saw the Christmas Songs Book Tag over at That Artsy Reader Girl and it sounded like a lot of fun! So before we get too involved in the holiday season, I’d like to post my list for you.

1. “All I Want for Christmas Is You”: Favorite bookish couple.

Anne at Head Full of Books posted a bunch of Jane Austen couples, so is it okay for me to post a couple ships by one author? I’ll do it anyway. I adore Day and June from Legend as well as Adelina and Magiano from The Young Elites. Both books by Marie Lu.

2. “I’ll Be Home for Christmas”: Name a book where a character is away from home (school, vacation, etc.).

I’m reading Of Curses and Kisses by Sandhya Menon right now! It takes place at a boarding school!

3. “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas”: Name your favorite “little” book (children’s book, short story, novella, etc.).

There are a few of them that I really love, but I’m posting one for the holiday: “Midnights” by Rainbow Rowell. I just borrowed the little book Almost Midnight by her from the library today and I can’t wait to read that story again.

4. “Santa Claus is Coming to Town“: What book(s) do you hope Santa brings you this year?

I pre-order most of my books, and my mom doesn’t really like to pre-order books, so I asked her for books that are already out. My husband is going to give me an Amazon gift card so I can pre-order more books. But since Santa knows how to pre-order books, I’d like for him to get me Liberté by Gita Trelease. I haven’t pre-ordered that one yet, but I plan to.

Oh, and if Santa can do the impossible, I’d love for him to find me a copy of Life After Legend, the pre-order gift that came with Warcross. I periodically look on eBay for someone willing to sell one, but it’s never for sale.

5. “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer”: Which book turned your nose red (made you cry)?

When I think of books and ugly-crying, the first book that comes to mind is Clockwork Princess. I’m rereading it right now, and I haven’t gotten to the epilogue yet, but I just know I’m going to bawl my eyes out again.

6. “The Most Wonderful Time of the Year”: Your favorite book/kind of book to read during the holidays.

This one’s tough. I loved The Immortal Nicholas, but I also loved My True Love Gave to Me. I typically read only one Christmas book each Christmas season and I don’t plan on rereading either this year, but I really love those.

7. “We Three Kings”: Your favorite trilogy.

I had to check Goodreads to ensure Divergent is considered a trilogy, because there are some short stories written in addition to the main three books. Now that Legend is a tetralogy, it’s up there at the top.

8. “Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow”: A character you would love to be snowed in with.

This one is tough, because when I read a book, I always picture myself becoming the character in the book. Me, myself, wouldn’t really want to be snowed in with a book character because I have an amazing husband. But if I could become a Tessa Gray and become any character to be snowed in with any other character… tough one. Any of the ships listed above? I also wouldn’t mind becoming Clary and being snowed in with Jace either.

9. “Last Christmas”: A book that seriously let you down.

I really wanted to like Children of Blood and Bone. There’s nothing wrong with this book… I could tell as an objective reader that it was well-written and had all the elements of a good book. It just didn’t resonate with me, and I think it was because I’m not familiar enough with the culture it derived from.

10. “White Christmas”: An upcoming release you’re dreaming about.

I dream a lot about my books, LOL. But those are way off into the future.

But as for books that are coming out next year, I suppose there are three I’m looking forward to more than anything: The Kingdom of Back by Marie Lu (I can’t believe I’m getting an ARC!), Chain of Gold by Cassandra Clare, and Skyhunter by Marie Lu (the only thing I know about the last one is that it comes out on October 6th and I saw a picture of one of the MCs). I’ve pre-ordered all three of these.

That’s the tag! There’s a linky over at That Arsy Reader Girl if you decide to do this one. If you want to leave me a link too, I’d appreciate it.

The Twelve Days of Christmas Book Tag

By Brookelorren on 9 Comments

Christmas is just around the corner and now that I’ve finished my Shadowhunter book marathon, it’s time to get Christmasy!  I was tagged by Laurie’s Bookshelf to do the 12 Days of Christmas book tag!  It was started by Nicola over at The Fantastic Book Dragon.  I’ve read so many amazing books, especially this year, that I hope I can do this without being too repetitive.

On the first day of Christmas, my true love sent to me: a partridge in a pear tree.
The partridge stood alone in the pear tree. What is your favorite stand alone?

I might put something different on another day, but today, I’m putting down Fangirl.  It didn’t get a slot anywhere else on this list, so that’s an advantage to putting it here.

On the second day of Christmas, my true love sent to me: two turtle doves.
Love is in the air! Who is your one true pairing?

In order to keep from being repetitive, I’m going to say Four and Tris.  There’s another OTP I could put here, but I want to give these two some love too.  I still love FourTris fanfiction.

On the third day of Christmas, my true love sent to me: Three French Hens.
In the spirit of threes, what is the best trilogy you have read?

I know I haven’t actually read the entire trilogy yet (the third book isn’t even written at the moment) but I’m going to put The Cruel Prince down here.  It was an amazing book, it’s part of a trilogy, and it didn’t go anywhere else yet.  If we want a completed trilogy, I’ll say Divergent, but I’ve used them elsewhere in this tag…

On the fourth day of Christmas, my true love sent to me: four calling birds.
Since series usually consist of four or more books, what is your favourite series?

Legend.  This was originally going to go under the trilogy category, until I realized that Legend 4 is going to come out next fall, so technically it’s no longer a trilogy.  Plus, there’s Life Before Legend, Life After Legend, Life After Legend 2…

On the fifth day of Christmas, my true love sent to me: five golden rings.
One ring to rule them all! Who is your Favorite Villain/Antagonist?

Adelina Amouteru.  Marie Lu makes her so… human.  You can’t help but like her.  Maybe you can, but I wanted the best for her, at least.

On the sixth day of Christmas, my true love sent to me: six geese a laying.
Creation is a beautiful thing. What is your favourite world/world-building?

If I would have answered this a month ago, I might have said a different book, but I think the worldbuilding in the Shadowhunters books by Cassandra Clare is amazing.  I really didn’t see it until I started reading The Infernal Devices, but I love the way the world has a history, alternate universes, it’s great.  I love how she links the series’ too.  Gives me worldbuilding goals for my own writing.

On the seventh day of Christmas, my true love sent to me: seven swans a swimming.
Who needs seven swans when all it takes is one good animal sidekick? Who’s your favourite animal sidekick?

I actually can’t think of that many animal sidekicks at all.  I don’t know if this counts as a sidekick, but Church from the Shadowhunter’s novels is pretty cool.  And if you get the chance to take a look at the inside of the dust jacket to Queen of Air and Darkness… wow.  Church looks AMAZING in it.  The whole picture is awesome.

On the eighth day of Christmas, my true love sent to me: eight maids a milking.
Milk is so 18th century. Which book or series takes beverages/food to a whole new level?

Heartless has some amazing cake descriptions.  I’ve heard there’s some foodage going on in A Thousand Perfect Notes, but I haven’t gotten to reading that one yet.

On the ninth day of Christmas my true love sent to me: nine ladies dancing.
Dancing is just one skill of a Lady! Who is your favourite kickass female lead?

Aelin Galathynius, AKA Celaena Sardothien.  She kicks a lot of butt.

On the tenth day of Christmas my true love sent to me: ten lords a leaping.
How about your favourite leading lad?

Hmmm… I would say maybe Day or Jace.  Either way, they’ve been listed elsewhere here, but I really love both of their books.

On the eleventh day of Christmas my true love sent to me: eleven pipes piping.
What is your favourite book or bookish thing with musical influence? (It can be about music, reference music a lot etc.)

When I think of musical books, I think of Frequency.  It should have been a better-known book, IMO.

On the twelfth day of Christmas my true love sent to me: 12 drummers drumming.
Drum roll please…what is your favourite read of this year?

It’s not out yet… but here’s a sneak peak for my list on January 1st… Enchantée.  When I was 1/2 hour from the end, according to my Kindle, I thought about going into work late just to finish it.  There’s still 22 days left in the year, so this could change… but I doubt it.

So there’s the Twelve Days of Christmas book tag.  Do you want to do this one too?  Consider yourself tagged!  Also, I tag Sam, A.J. Sterkel, Greg.  If anybody does this tag, let me know!