Day One: The 12 Days of Holly Chase + Giveaway!

Author: Cynthia Hand
Publisher: HarperTeen
Number of Pages: 400
Goodreads | Amazon

Synopsis:

"On Christmas Eve five years ago, Holly was visited by three ghosts who showed her how selfish and spoiled she'd become. They tried to convince her to mend her ways.
She didn't.
And then she died.
Now she's stuck working for the top-secret company Project Scrooge--as the latest Ghost of Christmas Past.
Every year, they save another miserly grouch. Every year, Holly stays frozen at seventeen while her family and friends go on living without her. So far, Holly's afterlife has been miserable.
But this year, everything is about to change. . . ."

Purchase Links: HarperCollins | Barnes & Noble |  iBooks | Indiebound 

Aesthetic Board

     

Click here to see the full board: https://pin.it/kals3l77yzdx5f

Cynthia Hand is the New York Times bestselling author of several books for teens, including the UNEARTHLY trilogy, THE LAST TIME WE SAY GOODBYE, MY LADY JANE and MY PLAIN JANE (with fellow authors Brodi Ashton and Jodi Meadows), THE AFTERLIFE OF HOLLY CHASE, and the upcoming novel THE HOW AND THE WHY (Fall 2019). Before turning to writing for young adults, she studied literary fiction and earned both an M.F.A. and a Ph.D. in fiction writing. She currently resides in Boise, Idaho, with a husband who's addicted to typewriters, two kids, two cats, one crazy dog, and a entourage of imaginary friends. www.cynthiahandbooks.com

“Holly-day Prize Pack” Giveaway

U.S. Only

The winner will receive a signed copy of a Cynthia Hand novel of your choice, a Holly hat, knitted by Cynthia, a holiday spice candle, a copy of Mickey’s Christmas Carol, two Christmas tree bath bombs, a cranberry/pear and vanilla lip balm set, a “make your own ugly sweater kit,” a pair of Christmas tree glasses, a Christmas mug that reads: “Dear Santa, it’s a long story,” Christmas pencils, candy cane Christmas kisses, and a limited edition Holly Chase ornament, signed by Cynthia (not pictured), and digital download of The Afterlife of Holly Chase: An Alternate Christmas Carol by Lindsey Hunt.

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Meet the Main Character Twitter Chat #MTMC18

FRIDAY 12/7, 8pm, EST

https://twitter.com/BookNerdBecky/status/1067111756529631233

Save Up to 20% on these 4 Books at Target (+ More)

Now before we start, no--this is not sponsored by Target. I am just someone who spends too much time and money there. 

(Accurate representation of me at Target)

One of the reasons I love Target is because how much they cater to bookworms. They have the cutest stationary, a pretty decent selection of young adult novels, and they offer great discounts on those books. 

Books are typically discounted about 20% when you find them at Target but one thing that I feel a lot of people forget about is the beloved Target app. If you scan an item in the Target app, sometimes Target will give you an EXTRA DISCOUNT. This is like hitting gold my friends. It instantly brings smiles, sunshine, and unicorns into your life. Okay...maybe not all that but a smile for sure. 

I wanted to make this post because this week there seems to be FOUR YA novels with an extra discount at the same time. I have never seen this happen at the same time. I usually will see one and post about it on Twitter but I felt like we needed a bigger annoucement this time.

I'll break down the price of each too so you can get a better idea of how much you'll save. 

HOW TO SAVE EVEN MORE: 

If you are 18+ or have a parent who shops at Target often, sign up for a Target credit card and you'll save an additional 5% on every purchase. This doesn't disappear after your first day like most places. You save 5% even years after you signed up. 

Now here are the four books that have an extra discount on them:

1. Dear Martin by Nic Stone (SAVE 15%)

Goodreads | Target

The Target app is currently offering an extra 15% off the paperback.

Publisher's Price: $9.99
Target Price: $7.40
Target Price with 15% off = $6.29 +tax
With Target CC = $5.98 +tax

You could save almost 50% off the publisher's price!

DEAL ENDS SEPTEMBER 15TH

2. The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas (SAVE 20%)

Goodreads | Target

Let's face it--we're all obsessed with THUG and we are definitely going to buy the gold collector's edition so why not save some money too?

Publisher's Price: $20.99
Target Price: $14.11
Target Price with 20% off = $11.29 +tax
With Target CC = $10.72 +tax

DEAL ENDS SEPTEMBER 18TH

3. Harbor Me by Jacqueline Woodson (SAVE 20%)

Goodreads | Target

Publisher's Price: $17.99

Target Price: $12.32

Target Price with 20% off = $9.86 +tax

With Target CC = $9.36 +tax 

DEAL ENDS SEPTEMBER 22ND

4. Two Dark Reigns by Kendare Black (SAVE 20%)

Goodreads | Target

I feel like this is definitely a really popular series so I had to share this. 

Publisher's Price: $18.99
Target Price: $12.91
Target Price with 15% off = $10.33 +tax
With Target CC = $9.81 +tax

DEAL ENDS SEPTEMBER 18TH

Unfortunately, the extra savings is for people who shop in stores only. 

Also, if you are shopping in store but you see that the Target website shows a cheaper price then they will price match it. They even price match with other stores (I think everywhere except Amazon). 

Are you planning on picking any of these up? Already bought them? Let me know!

Top Ten TV Shows I'm Excited For!

Top Ten Tuesday was created by The Broke and the Bookish in June of 2010 and was moved to That Artsy Reader Girl in January of 2018. It was born of a love of lists, a love of books, and a desire to bring bookish friends together.

So one thing to know about me is that I would rather binge-watch a TV show any day rather than sit through a movie. Not that I don't enjoy movies, but I am much more a TV show person! So this week's top ten Tuesday was top ten binge-worthy shows continuing this fall, but I really wanted to add shows I'm waiting for so I changed the title a little bit. 

Also--these are not in any particular order since I love all these shows. :)

1. Jane the Virgin
Premiere Date: TBA
Network: The CW
Season 5

I'm still emotional after the season 4 finale and the announcement that season 5 will be the last for Jane's story. Super hyped for this show and finding out who Jane will end up with, so hoping they announce a release date soon!

2. Riverdale
Premiere Date: October 10 @ 8 PM
Network: The CW
Season 3

I don't care what anyone says about this show--I love it. No matter its unbelievable plot line and debatable production, I just enjoy watching this show so much. I loved the Archie Comics when I was younger so seeing subtle similarities is such a thrill. I also ship Bughead 100% and I think they may be a major reason why I'm still hooked on the show. 

The one thing I am afraid of is that I have enjoyed a lot of CW shows, but a lot of the time I hate where the plots goes around season 3/4. Hoping that doesn't happen with Riverdale.

3. This is Us
Premiere Date: September 25 @ 9 PM
Network: NBC
Season 3

Once again a really popular show, but I don't usually watch these kinds of shows. I am definitely more of a comedy or action TV show follower, but I watched one episode on television when I was bored and I got hooked. I sobbed so hard at so many scenes in this show, and I'm really excited to see where season 3 is going to take us. 

4. Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D
Premiere Date: July 2019
Network: ABC
Season 6

This is definitely my favorite show when it comes to action. The production is amazing and the plot is always action-packed (these characters never seem to catch a break!).

5. Mayans M.C.
Premiere Date: September 4th @ 10 PM
Network: FX
Season 1

Okay, DEEP BREATH. I AM SO EXCITED FOR THIS SHOW! I watched the entire Sons of Anarchy show a couple years back on Netflix and that show put me through the wringer, but when I heard they were making a spin-off I nearly cried out of excitement and happiness. I am so ready for my body to be put through an emotional rollercoaster. What's great is that it premieres tonight so I don't have to wait anymore!

5. American Vandal
Premiere Date: September 14
Network: Netflix
Season 2

This show seems really juvenile but the way it is filmed as a mockumentary is amazing. I'm really excited to see how the series continues and figure out who really committed the act of vandalism. 

6. Stranger Things
Premiere Date: TBA
Network: Netflix
Season 3

This one is obvious and needs no explanation. Just need it now--please and thank you.

7. Fuller House
Premiere Date: TBA
Network: Netflix
Season 4

This is just a guilty pleasure show since I watched Full House but it is entertaining enough. I tend to get through it quickly so it doesn't take up too much of my time.

8. 13 Reasons Why
Premiere Date: TBA
Network: Netflix
Season 3

I know this show is controversial, but I enjoy it so that is all I'm going to say since everyone deserves to have their own opinions.

9. Dear White People
Premiere Date: TBA
Network: Netflix
Season 3

If you haven't watched this show on Netflix I would highly recommend! It is a quick watch that has a great dialogue on race, class, and sexuality on college campuses. The content is funny, relatable, and extremely enlightening. 

10. House of Cards
Premiere Date: November 2 
Network: Netflix
Season 6

I was a huge fan of the show and I'm excited to see how they will end the show with Robin Wright since Spacey was fired. It will be interesting to finally see her at the center of it all considering how powerful she is. 

Which of these shows do you watch? Also, recommend me some shows to check out!

Review: Mariam Sharma Hits the Road by Sheba Karim

Author: Sheba Karim
Publisher: HarperTeen
Number of Pages: 320
Goodreads | Amazon

Synopsis:

"Three Pakistani-American teenagers, on a trip through the land of pork ribs, mechanical bulls, and Confederate flags. It's going to be quite an adventure.
The summer after her freshman year of college, Mariam is looking forward to working and hanging out with her best friends: irrepressible and beautiful Ghazala, and religious but closeted Umar.
But when a scandalous photo of Ghaz appears on a billboard in Times Square, Mariam and Umar come up with a plan to rescue her from her furious parents. And what could be a better escape than a spontaneous road trip down to New Orleans?"

This was definitely one of those books that I was anxiously waiting to read this summer and I really enjoyed it. From the Bollywood references to real-talk about the culture of this country, I feel like this is a great read for any reader with brown skin who is looking for a little representation.

My favorite part of the entire book was the frat party with the crossdressing and meeting Jugdeep. It is so rare to find Sikh characters in books and to see that it was really amazing to see someone I could relate to! Especially since I am also on the Bhangra team at my University., 

It is always great to have a light, summer read but they are predominantly filled with white characters who don't necessarily have these great concerns. This book was different because it touched on so many aspects such as Islamophobia, homophobia, and many other issues. It was surprising to see criticisms of their own religion within the text. 

I really enjoyed how well written and fun the story was and I will definitely be looking for the author's next release!

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars!

 

Review: Stitching Snow by RC Lewis

Author: RC Lewis

Publisher: Disney-Hyperion
Number of Pages: 338

Synopsis:

"Princess Snow is missing.
Her home planet is filled with violence and corruption at the hands of King Matthias and his wife as they attempt to punish her captors. The king will stop at nothing to get his beloved daughter back—but that’s assuming she wants to return at all.
Essie has grown used to being cold. Temperatures on the planet Thanda are always sub-zero, and she fills her days with coding and repairs for the seven loyal drones that run the local mines.
When a mysterious young man named Dane crash-lands near her home, Essie agrees to help the pilot repair his ship. But soon she realizes that Dane’s arrival was far from accidental, and she’s pulled into the heart of a war she’s risked everything to avoid. With the galaxy’s future—and her own—in jeopardy, Essie must choose who to trust in a fiery fight for survival."

I was recommended this book with the description that it was a Snow White retelling, but it was definitely not a fairytale retelling. The name Snow was just a coincidence. So, I did not really experience what I wanted to in this book, but that was not disappointing. I still really enjoyed the book and the writing style.

I was immediately hooked when I started reading this book because the writing style is so excellent, and the main character, Essie, was a total badass. I really connected with her strength, especially when she was constantly surrounded by men. She held her own throughout the entire book, and I never felt as if she became weak once a romance sparked, which is a problem I have with a lot of other books. 

Although the characters were very strong, the plot had a few pacing issues. Time would often pass very quickly, and weeks would pass over the course of a couple of pages. That often led to a lot of confusion, and I wish the author had built upon those scenes rather than just make them seem worthless to the overall story. I enjoyed the book as a whole because it was very original, and something I haven't read before. I'm really glad that this book is standalone because it did very well on its own, and I was very satisfied with the ending.

Overall, I would recommend this book, not as a fairy tale adaptation, but as a YA fantasy novel that holds its own with an awesome female lead. If anyone is looking for a quick fantasy I would definitely hold this up to see.

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars!

Waiting on Wednesday #69

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

Author: Kiersten White

Publisher: Delacorte Press

Number of Pages: 304

Release Date: September 25,2018

Synopsis:

"Elizabeth Lavenza hasn't had a proper meal in weeks. Her thin arms are covered with bruises from her "caregiver," and she is on the verge of being thrown into the streets . . . until she is brought to the home of Victor Frankenstein, an unsmiling, solitary boy who has everything--except a friend.Victor is her escape from misery. Elizabeth does everything she can to make herself indispensable--and it works. She is taken in by the Frankenstein family and rewarded with a warm bed, delicious food, and dresses of the finest silk. Soon she and Victor are inseparable.
But her new life comes at a price. As the years pass, Elizabeth's survival depends on managing Victor's dangerous temper and entertaining his every whim, no matter how depraved. Behind her blue eyes and sweet smile lies the calculating heart of a girl determined to stay alive no matter the cost . . . as the world she knows is consumed by darkness."

Booktube-a-thon 2018 Wrap Up

This post is going up a little late, but here is our booktube-a-thon wrap-up! We are both very happy with the progress we made last week. I think we both personally did a lot better than we usually do during read-a-thons, and we also read a lot of books we really enjoyed. Overall, it was a very productive and amazing week!

Harleen's Wrap Up:

  

  

Challenges Completed:

1. Let a coin toss decide your first read.✅ 2. Read a book about something you want to do. 3. Read and watch a book to movie adaptation.✅ 4. Read a book with green on the cover.✅ 5. Read a book while wearing the same hat the whole time.✅ 6. Read a book with a beautiful spine.✅ 7. Read seven books.

Harman's Wrap Up:

   

Challenges Completed:

1. Let a coin toss decide your first read.✅ 2. Read a book about something you want to do. ✅ 3. Read and watch a book to movie adaptation. 4. Read a book with green on the cover.✅ 5. Read a book while wearing the same hat the whole time. 6. Read a book with a beautiful spine.✅ 7. Read seven books.