I loved these dynamic characters. They felt completely realized and relatable...flaws and all. I would get so aggravated at Annabelle's (26) attitude but evoking this emotion in me shows Jea‘s skill at developing a character and setting a scene. And I seriously adore Elizabeth (43); she's just so confident and secure, beautiful and polished. And funny and patient. I also applaud Jea for not making the age thing a big dramatic, drawn out “thing.”

I like to walk through the aisles of my local bookstore and find treasures on the shelves. That is how I found this book. I sat in a cozy, overstuffed chair and sipped my first pumpkin spice latte of the season while I was introduced to Erin Palmer. I hadn‘t even made it through the first chapter before I knew this was a book I had to finish. It seems like psychological-technological-scifi-thriller is a subgenre I hadn‘t yet uncovered.

For 20 years, Timothy Zahn's novel Heir to the Empire stood as my favorite Star Wars novel. But this book may be very close to the top of that list. I'm not usually a fan of romance in sci-fi , but the torment these character go through because of their beliefs is completely acceptable in this setting. Plus, I love how this story weaves in and out of established events; even filling in some information that were left as mysteries in the movies.

Author Lee Kelly has created a cold, dystopian world on the island of Manhattan following an invasion by the Red Allies. This story follows a struggling a mother who is trying to raise her daughters in the streets of the devastated city; trying to protect their innocence while still teaching them survival skills. I loved this book so so much. The characters were entirely relatable, which cranked up the tension.

This was an enchanting read. It's marketed to middle schoolers, but the synopsis was very intriguing. You can definitely tell this book was written for a younger reader, but it was still fun for this 40 year old. Author Jennifer Donnelly has absolutely created a story that fits into the Beauty and the Beast universe.

I love Star Wars so much! I read the Thrawn trilogy 20 years ago and it remains my favorite in the Star Wars world, even if it has been relegated to Legacy. When I heard Thrawn was being introduced into the new Star Wars reality, I was incredibly excited. And this book did not disappoint. Thrawn is the different, but still the same, and it's great!

This is a pretty good read. I found that I was getting frustrated with Audra a lot - the same insecurities and fears creeping back into her mind over and over. But you know what? That's real life! At least it is for me. I don't face an insecurity, conquer it, and move on. With Kelsie's patience and encouragement, Audra was able to face her insecurities and to grow.

I could totally use a sequel though. Audra still has a lot to deal with.

I enjoyed most of this story. I thought that the characters were well developed, even the jerk Darren. As a bookworm, I LOVED that Zoe and Rebecca formed their first connections over book discussions. Plus I thought Zoe and Rebecca's confused and awkward flirting was adorable. I did not, however, like how the POV shifted randomly. I think that either 1) the entire story should have followed Zoe or 2) the POV should have shifted with regularity.

This book was just as engaging as the first, perhaps even more so. Olivia is like an injured little puppy trying to figure out what's happening around her. But no matter what, Emily and Henry will ALWAYS take up a huge part of her mind and heart. Loving someone different from you is difficult. But love provides a way, and a will. And when Emily opens her heart...things finally start to happen.

Olivia doesn't process thoughts and communicate the way most do, this leads to misunderstandings. Emily is desperate for help and affection, but too jaded and independent to accept it when it is offered. Angst, frustration, happiness, understanding, whatever that emotion is where you say "awwwww". Great writing, dialogue, and character building. All the technical stuff is on point. And then add in the heart and soul, this is a fabulous read.

This story was so amazing and unique: Hunger Games meets Jurassic Park with a twist of another movie that I won't spell out because it will spoil a significant twist. The characters were fully fleshed out and relatable and the drama was tangible and terrifying - from the opening of the story, the author paints a picture of desperation which pushes the main character to make the decisions he does while on the Island.
#SciFi #dystopian

This YA (I can never figure out how they determine when a book is "YA," and it kind of makes me feel weird to be a 40 year old woman reading YA...but whatevs) Star Wars novel delivered exactly what I had been hoping for when I first heard about it; adventure, witty commentary, and a strong heroine. It also offers a glimpse at the birth of the Rebellion and Bail's role in it.
#starwars

Carrie bravely shared a secret she had kept for decades, and expressed what life was like living most of her life in Princess Leia's shadow. This book is a lot more serious and solemn than Wishful Drinking was.
#nonfiction

This graphic novel is totally part 1 of an illustrated Korrasami fanfic, and it is absolutely everything we needed!! I 💙 Dark Horse for not giving a fudge and totally embracing them!! They are freaking adorable, and as a power couple they will become a force to be reckoned with. I cannot wait for part 2! I want my graphic novels like I want my TV shows...available all at once so I can spend a whole weekend bingeing and avoiding housework.

Taking a break from studying philosophy. I love his books and I have been so eager to get some reading time!!
#Distraction #Unwinding #RobertLangdon