romance – The Fireside Chats

“Crave” by Tracy Wolff

Posted on June 15, 2020 by The Fireside Chats

I picked this book up recently and began reading it not long ago. I figured that it would take me longer to read this book since it’s over 500 pages long but I was able to read it pretty quickly. Since picking up this book, I’ve heard this book touted as the next “Twilight” series. I can kind of see that based on just the synopsis alone but this book seems a lot like Twilight now that I’ve finished reading it. There are some differences, enough to keep it interesting. There are enough answers so that you don’t get lost reading this book but they’re going to have to explain some more things in the next book. I’m sure they do that on purpose to get you to continue reading but I’m going to be reading the next book, Crush, when it comes out in September of this year (I can’t wait!). Anyway, there is quite a bit of moments where a girl is swooning over a boy (and a little bit of the other way around) in this book but there is a pretty good story line going on if you can look past that. But this is meant to be a romance novel so if you don’t like all that mushy stuff then you may not be interested in reading this book.

Then there’s Jaxon Vega. A vampire with deadly secrets who hasn’t felt anything for a hundred years. But there’s something about him that calls to me, something broken in him that somehow fits with what’s broken in me.
Which could spell death for us all.

Because Jaxon walled himself off for a reason. And now someone wants to wake a sleeping monster, and I’m wondering if I was brought here intentionally―as the bait.

fantasy, Literature, romance, young adult

Picked this up over the weekend…

Posted on May 25, 2020 by The Fireside Chats

I’ve picked this book up over the weekend. The synopsis sounded good so I thought it would be a good read for the summer. Plus, I found out when I got home that Universal Studios has picked up the film rights for this book so I may be watching the movie adaptation of this book at some point in the future. I also found out that this is the first book in a trilogy and the next book, Crush, will be released on September 29th of this year.

Synopsis: My whole world changed when I stepped inside the academy. Nothing is right about this place or the other students in it. Here I am, a mere mortal among gods…or monsters. I still can’t decide which of these warring factions I belong to, if I belong at all. I only know the one thing that unites them is their hatred of me.

Then there’s Jaxon Vega. A vampire with deadly secrets who hasn’t felt anything for a hundred years. But there’s something about him that calls to me, something broken in him that somehow fits with what’s broken in me.

Which could spell death for us all.

Because Jaxon walled himself off for a reason. And now someone wants to wake a sleeping monster, and I’m wondering if I was brought here intentionally—as the bait.

fantasy, Literature, romance

Here comes Midnight Sun!

Posted on May 4, 2020 by The Fireside Chats

Well, I was checking out Books-a-Million’s website today and found out some interesting news. I found out that author Stephanie Meyer has made another version of the first book in the Twilight series but this one will be told through Edward’s perspective rather than Bella’s. The book, pictured below, will be released on August 4th of this year. That’s exactly 3 months from today. I’ve heard rumors about this book being made a long time ago (so long ago that I had forgotten all about it) after someone had supposedly leaked a couple of chapters of this online. Despite that, I think I may try to pre-order this for my birthday since I am curious to see how things played out in Edwards mind.

When Edward Cullen and Bella Swan met in Twilight, an iconic love story was born. But until now, fans have heard only Bella’s side of the story. At last, readers can experience Edward’s version in the long-awaited companion novel, Midnight Sun.

This unforgettable tale as told through Edward’s eyes takes on a new and decidedly dark twist. Meeting Bella is both the most unnerving and intriguing event he has experience in all his years as a vampire. As we learn more fascinating details about Edward’s past and the complexity of his inner thoughts, we understand why this is the defining struggle of his life. How can he justify following his heart if it means leading Bella into danger?

In Midnight Sun, Stephenie Meyer transports us back to a world that has captivated millions of readers and brings us an epic novel about the profound pleasures and devastating consequences of immortal love.

Literature, romance, thriller/suspense, young adult

“Remember Me” by Chelsea Bobulski

Posted on April 18, 2020 by The Fireside Chats

I finished reading this last night right before I went to bed and I have to say that I enjoyed it. It was very much a suspense/thriller with some romance thrown in there for good measure. I originally thought this was going to be some kind of ghost story but I ended up being wrong. I wasn’t upset though, it was still a good read. I found the book hard to put down once I started reading. Also, the story flips back and forth between Lea and Nell so you’re getting the story told through two different points of view. I can’t really say much more than this without spoiling something so I’m just going to leave it at that. Go read it for yourself if you enjoy a good novel that’ll keep you on the edge of your seat.

Synopsis: Nell Martin is moving again, this time to the Winslow Grand Hotel, built in 1878. As Nell is settling in, strange things begin to happen. Doors lock of their own accord, writing appears on bathroom walls―and most horrifying of all―visions of a dead boy permeate her waking life. Thinking it was her mind playing tricks on her, she soon finds the past and the present colliding as she learns horrific details of a murder that happened at the hotel in 1907 involving a girl named Lea.

Nell and a mysterious bellboy must relive that day in hopes of finally breaking a curse that imprisons them both. And Nell discovers what truly links her to the history of the Winslow Grand Hotel.

Literature

Valentine’s Day Picks

Posted on February 14, 2020March 22, 2020 by The Fireside Chats

Happy Valentine’s Day! Each of the following book are ones that I’ve read in the past year, plus, I wanted to recommend something different from what I suggested last year. They are either a romance novel or they have romance blended in with the story. Either way, I think they’d be perfect for individuals who would like to read a little bit of romance for Valentine’s Day….

The Shape of Water by Guillermo Del Toro & Daniel Kraus = If you’re searching for a good romance, you have to read this book. This will be a book that you won’t want to put down, even after you’ve finished reading it.

The Princess Bride by William Goldman = I watched this movie many times over the course of my life and I’ve always enjoyed it. But last year was the first chance I had to actually read the book. I normally don’t do that….normally I read the book first and watch the movie afterwards. I enjoyed reading the book despite this.

What the Night Sings by Vesper Stamper = Even though this book has to do with World War 2 and the holocaust, there is some elements of romance blended into this this story. This book can be both heartbreaking and heart warming to read.

Ten by Gretchen McNeil = This book is actually a thriller/suspense type novel but there is some romance blended into this novel. If you like romance and something that’ll keep you on the edge of your seat, then this will be the book for you.

horror, Literature

“More Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark” by Alvin Schwartz

Posted on January 10, 2020March 22, 2020 by The Fireside Chats

I’ve finished the next book in the Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark series. I had originally read these books back in the 7th grade. I remember checking them out from the library in school. Good book for readers ages 8 to 12 if the child doesn’t scare easily.

“Guaranteed to make your teeth chatter and your spine tingle. The stories are short and perfect for telling aloud. Gammell’s eerie drawings are excellent.” – School Library Journal (starred review)

Also, on a side note, I went to the bookstore yesterday and picked up another book to add to my list of books to be read…

Literature

Top 10 Favorite Picks

Posted on December 9, 2019December 24, 2019 by The Fireside Chats

With this being the last month in the 2019 year, we find ourselves coming towards the end of a decade (as well as another year). Below is a list of books that have been released in the last decade that I’ve read and I am sharing them with those of you reading this. This list is my favorite picks of the decade in no particular order. Enjoy!

This novel is a good mystery to curl up on a couch with and drink a nice cup of hot cocoa while you’re reading. If you’re a fan of Agatha Christie, you’d be interested in reading this book.

This is a good book to read if you’re into reading something a little on the spooky side about a haunted house. This one kept me on the edge of my seat while I was reading it.

If you are into historical fiction and/or westerns, then this is a book for you. Even though this book is outside the genres that I normally read, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and couldn’t put it down.

This author is a favorite of mine and has been for a while. This book is a good book for any true horror fan to read around Christmas time.

This author is another one of my favorites. This book is good for anyone who like crime fiction or stories about vampires.

This novel kept me entertained until the end and I was shocked when I got to the end. If you like suspense, then this will probably be the book for you.

This was an interesting mystery. You’ll want to settle down somewhere comfortable because this book will keep you turning the pages until the very end.

I’ve read a couple of things from this author but this one is my favorite so far. If you like horror/suspense, try picking up something from this author like this book.

I don’t normally read a lot of romance but I read this one after my husband had watched the movie. I knew it couldn’t be that bad if my hubby would be willing to watch the movie (and enjoy it). I did enjoy the book and I loved the ending.

I read this book when it came out and I loved it. It’s turned into a series since it’s been published. I’ve read this book and Hollow City. I have to go read Library of Souls so that I can see what happened to Jacob and continue that story. I have to see what happens!

Literature

Gifts for Christmas

Posted on November 16, 2019 by The Fireside Chats

Have you thought about what you want to give that book lover for Christmas? With Black Friday only a couple of weeks away, here are some ideas and suggestions from one book lover to another….

Harry Potter & the Goblet of Fire : The Illustrated Edition by J. K. Rowling

The illustrated edition of Harry Potter & the Goblet of Fire will be great for any Potterhead (like me). I’ve personally asked for one of these for Christmas. I plan on re-reading the entire series once again using all the illustrated editions once I’ve collected every single one of them.

The Stoneheart trilogy by Charlie Fletcher

If you have someone on your list who likes alternate realities….this trilogy would probably be a good gift for them. It also has a sort of coming of age story like Harry went through in the Harry Potter series.

The Wolves of Mercy Falls series by Maggie Stiefvater

If you have a book lover on your list who is looking for a little romance then this may be something that they’ll enjoy. It is equal parts romance and fantasy but it’s still a great read. Shown below are the 3 main books in the series but there is a fourth novel that revolves around a couple of the supportive characters if 3 is not enough.

The Asylum series by Madeleine Roux

If you have a horror junkie on your list then this may be something that they’ll enjoy. It starts out as a trilogy but there is a prequel book that revolves around different characters and you can find all the novellas from this series in one book (separate from the main series) that will give you more back ground into the story if they want to continue reading.

Murder for Christmas by Francis Duncan

For that person on your list that enjoys a good mystery then this would be a good read. Anyone who is a fan of Agatha Christie would like something from this author. Plus, he has some other books that would be of interest if you enjoy this one.

Land of Stories series by Chris Colfer

For those of you who have kids on your list that are avid readers, here is something you can get them. Whether they read on their own or you want to read it with them, this is a good series to share.

You Will Be Mine by Natasha Preston

For that teen on your list, check out this book from Natasha Preston. This is equal parts thriller/suspense and romance if your teenager likes that sort of thing. There are other thrillers from this author that they may like if your teen likes to read that sort of thing.

Answer a question

Stay away from….?

Posted on October 7, 2019 by The Fireside Chats

Are there any specific genre’s that you typically steer clear of? Why?

I typically don’t read any non-fiction. When I’m reading, I normally read for the fun of it or because it offers some sort of entertainment value. I don’t think I’ve read any non-fiction since I was in school, if my memory serves me right. Anyway, if I’m not entertained at all by the book I’m reading then I’m not going to continue reading it.

I also don’t read a lot of romance. I will read a romance once in great while but it is rare. There may be some books I’ve read that may have some elements of romance in them or it’s a side story going on in a book but it’s not the main theme of the story.

historical fiction, Literature

“What the Night Sings” by Vesper Stamper

Posted on August 9, 2019February 24, 2020 by The Fireside Chats

Well, I can add another book to my list of books I’ve read this year. I had read “Anne Frank: The Diary of A Young Girl” a couple of years back. It gave me the perspective of what it was like to be a Jew who was trying to hide from the Nazi’s during WW2 in the hopes that they can stay hidden until the war is over. This book gives you a completely different perspective and shows you what it’s like to be a Jew who actually got caught by the Nazi’s, separated from your family and sent to live in a concentration camp before finally being liberated. If you want to read something different that will change how you look at history, this will be a good book.

Synopsis: After losing her family and everything she knew in the Nazi concentration camps, Gerta is finally liberated, only to find herself completely alone. Without her papa, her music, or even her true identity, she must move past the task of surviving and on to living her life. In the displaced persons camp where she is staying, Gerta meets Lev, a fellow teen survivor who she just might be falling for, despite her feelings for someone else. With a newfound Jewish identity she never knew she had, and a return to the life of music she thought she lost forever, Gerta must choose how to build a new future.