The History Major by Michael Phillip Cash

A Brief Summary:
Waking up and knowing something is wrong is how Amanda started her freshman year. She woke up after a night out with friends, and a terrible fight with her boyfriend. Now she has her first class... history.
My Review:
I really enjoyed this book. While it's not Michael's typical story its really good. It has his signature world building, and complex characters all in a neat little package.

I loved the way different little bits of history was weaved into the story. With the idea that we must learn history so we don't repeat our mistakes.

I also really liked the twist that came at the end (no I'm not going to spoil it for you).

I received this book in exchange for my free and honest review.

Natsume's Book of Friends Volume 1 by Yuki Midorikawa

A Brief Summary: Natsume can see yokai, spirits, his grandmother could two. She tricked them into giving her their names, binding them to her with her Book of Friends. Now Natsume is giving the names back, and protecting the book from the yokai that want it.


My Review:
I really enjoy this series. It is very episodic because it was originally featured in magazines, so the beginning of each chapter is very similar in case you encountered it partway through. Personally my favorite character is Nyanko-Sensei. He's extremely snarky, acts like he doesn't care, and is extremely powerful although he doesn't show it often. This makes him a good foil to Natsume who is very kind and willing to go out of his to help the yokai.

This manga has a very strong Japanese influence, no surprise there, I just mean it gets a little weird sometimes. Things that are normal there are sometimes quite unusual to us in the western world.

Personally I really enjoyed it and can't wait to read more of the series.

Spinning Starlight by R.C. Lewis

A Brief Summary:  Nothing is more important to Liddi Jantzen than her brothers, so when they are betrayed she will risk everything to save them. Not being able to speak and being transported to another world might make that slightly more complicated. With the help of Tiav can she managed to save her brothers?

My Review:
I loved this retelling of The Wild Swans. It being a lesser known fairy tale gives a lot more wiggle room to add an individual spin to it, also, it hasn't been retold a thousand times *cough* Cinderella *cough cough*.

This book defiantly had slower sections, after-all its hard to have a lot of conversations when one character can't speak. Nonetheless I fell in love with the characters. Liddi is quick-witted, but frustrated at being unable to communicate whereas Tiav is kind and patient but gets frustrated at not being able to understand Liddi.

Another tough point was all the technical speak. Although Liddi is a tech wiz, I am not. So there were portions that I just felt lost as to what was going on.

All in all it was a good story that I'm glad I had a chance to read. I recommend this to anyone who is a fan of alternate fairy-tales.

I received this book courtesy of Netgalley in exchange for my free and honest review.

If You Were Me And Lived In... Italy by Carole P. Roman.

A Brief Summary:
In the newest installment of her series Carole Roman takes us to Italy, and gives us a glimpse of what it would be like to live there.

My Review:
I feel like these books should be featured on Reading Rainbow. It's the type of story that lends itself to being read out loud and shared. Personally I love how much history and language is incorporated into the story. Also incorporated are a couple of holidays, including International Women's Day that are more unique to Italy. It's a wonderful way to travel the world while relaxing at home.

I received this book in exchange for my free and honest review.

A Thousand Nights by E.K. Johnston

A Brief Summary: 
The women he marries die. Most don't last a night, some last longer. When a girl takes her sisters place, she expects to die quickly. When she doesn't she starts to notice strange things. Could it be she has to power to withstand him, and make the kingdom safe for young women once again?

My Review:

This is a retelling of 1001 nights with a magical touch. It has it's dark moments, after all Lo-Melkhiin is possessed throughout most of the story. Also the main character is never named, this causes a lot of confusion for reviewing purposes so I'll refer to her as Scheherazade, the name of the girl in the original 1001 nights.

Scheherazade is clever and very lucky. She discovers her words, her dreams have power, and uses this to both keep herself alive and to try and change the situation for other young girls like her.

This book switches POV quite a bit, from Scheherazade to that is possessing Lo-Melkhiin, helping flesh out characters and moving the story along.

I enjoyed this retelling it brings new life to a story that tends to be forgotten.

I received this book from NetGalley and Disney Hyperion in exchange for my free and honest review.

Sorry!!!!!

Sorry everyone for my surprise hiatus. I've recently relocated and have been adjusting to my new home and city. However that means that I've rather shamefully neglected my blog, but I'm back now and I will get back to posting reviews more frequently this week. I hope everyone's summer was amazing, and I will post a new review later today!

First Sight Re-Launch Tour!!!!

About First Sight

Maddy Smith writes for a trendy website in Washington DC, has two fabulous best friends, and her own apartment. When a girl’s night out ends with her locking eyes with the handsome stranger across the room, the last thing she expects is for him to show up at her office on Monday morning.

Travis Emerson, her attractive and single new colleague, just moved to town. Although an immediate friendship between Maddy and Travis forms, she soon finds herself wishing for something more. After a misunderstanding between them occurs, not only is her hope for a relationship ruined, but their friendship is in jeopardy as well. Is any chance that Maddy had with Travis over? Or could he possibly be what she’s been looking for all along?

Follow Maddy and Travis on a series of adventures that will quickly have you cheering them on. First date jitters? Not when you’ve been in love since First Sight!

About Laura Donohue

Laura Donohue is a graduate of George Mason University. She spent ten years working as a technical writer and editor before publishing her first novel. She lives in Washington DC with her husband and daughter.

Contact Laura Donohue

Website: www.lovechicklit.blogspot.com

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/LoveChickLit?pnref=story

Twitter: @lovechicklit

Goodreads: http://bit.ly/1Kud3Ad

Publishing/Marketing Contact
Kathy Marks
Book Marketing Manager
Booktrope Publishing
kathy.marks@booktrope.com

About Booktrope

Booktrope is a new type of publishing company, founded in 2011 in Seattle, WA. Committed to the creation of quality books and to our unique marketing methods, we’re pioneering a book development process called team publishing. Learn more at www.booktrope.com.

My Review:
A wonderful story about the sort of relationship we wish would happen to all of of. An instant connection, a solid friendship and the chance for something more. I loved both of the main characters. They're easy to connect to and root for and their relationship progresses extremely realistically.

Short and beautifully sweet, a love story for all to enjoy!

Giveaway!!!!
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