favorite – Book Dust Magic

The one to fall in love with (on the beach): Beach Read by Emily Henry #BeachRead #Romance #BookLovers #Summer

GIFTED / I am happy to bring you my review for Beach Read, a book I fell in love with, that took by the storm bookish community, well deserved.

I was lucky enough to be invited to be one of early readers of this novel. Thank you to Penguin Random House for giving me this chance.

Beach Read will be published in UK on July 9th 2020 and it is already published in US. It is 384 pages long.

About the book:

FROM GOODREADS / He doesn’t believe in happy endings.
She’s lost her faith that they exist.
But could they find one together?

January is a hopeless romantic who likes narrating her life as if she’s the heroine in a blockbuster movie.
Augustus is a serious literary type who thinks true love is a fairy-tale.
January and Augustus are not going to get on.

But they actually have more in common than you’d think:

They’re both broke.
They’ve got crippling writer’s block.
They need to write bestsellers before the end of the summer.

The result? A bet to see who can get their book published first.
The catch? They have to swap genres.
The risk? In telling each other’s stories, their worlds might be changed entirely…

Review:

I can not even find the words to tell you how happy, honoured I feel to have received an invitation to read and review Beach Read so early before it’s publication.
I already know that this book will be on my “best of 2020” list.

It is a perfect, relaxing beach read even though it can be devoured in any time, in every possible corner of the world, not only on beach. (😜😎)(I mean, I read it during winter and still enjoyed it the most!)

The story is written in first person, following January (the name of our main character) who after loss of her father and revelation of his secret has hard time believing in happily ever afters, and suffers from the writing block, when she should finish her next romance novel.
Placing herself in the new house in a small town, she comes across her rival from Uni days, who is well respected, published author of literary fiction now.

They start spending more and more time together and January starts to develop feelings for him.

I enjoyed every page of this book.
Do you know that feeling when you read a good story and don’t want it to end, so you start to read it at slower pace only to have more time with it?
That’s what my experience was with Beach Read. I didn’t want it to end.

My favourite part of the story was the chemistry between Gus and January, and her own self aware of her feelings for him, and the complication of their situation.
I loved watching their relationship growth.

Beside that, I loved reading about their writing process and journeys.

Since I read an ARC, I am not sure if my copy was messed up or if it had two different ends to the story, and that is why I can’t give it full 5 stars. I guess I’ll have to wait for the finished copies to see what the case is.
If it is the case of two different endings, then I think the one with only January and Gus is the better one.

Overall, Beach Read was an amazing story and I would recommend it to romance, general fiction and women’s fiction lovers who are looking for a new, light hearted and relaxing read.

The best book I read this year so far: It Sounded Better in my Head by Nina Kentwood #booklovers #romance #teens #anxiety

GIFTED / Today I want to talk about one special book I read few days ago and fell in love with it completely. I loved it so much that it’s now my favourite read of 2020.

It Sounded Better in my Head has 272 pages and is already out.

I received this novel via Netgalley in an exchange for an honest review. I want to thank to Text Publishing.

About the book:

FROM GOODREADS / From debut author Nina Kenwood comes a tender, funny, and compulsively readable novel about first love and its confusions, and all of the awkwardness of teen romance.

When her parents announce their impending divorce, Natalie can’t understand why no one is fighting, or at least mildly upset. Then Zach and Lucy, her two best friends, hook up, leaving her feeling slightly miffed and decidedly awkward. She’d always imagined she would end up with Zach one day―in the version of her life that played out like a TV show, with just the right amount of banter, pining, and meaningful looks. Now everything has changed, and nothing is quite making sense. Until an unexpected romance comes along and shakes things up even further.

It Sounded Better in My Head is a compulsively readable love letter to teenage romance in all of its awkward glory, perfect for fans To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before and Emergency Contact.

Review:

This book was AH-MAZING!!

I mean it, everything about it was just right! Almost perfect.
From the writing style to the story itself, and it’s characters.

I can’t believe this is a debut novel!
Sign me up for next Nina Kentwood’s novels, because I want to read all of them!
Her writing style is amazing, and from her acknowledgments where she thanked to authors who’s books she read in her lifetime, is obvious she reads and loves books a lot.

The story was great. Entertaining and realistic, and just what I craved at time.
I was hungry for good ya contemporary and It Sounded Better in my Head is just what I needed.

The characters were likeable and they felt real.
Even though I am older then Natalie, I could relate to her.
I also don’t like to be seen (but it has nothing to do with my look) and I feel like my mind works similar to hers. However, she did go on my nerves sometimes.
With lifelike friends and good family dynamics, plus “not so perfect for each other” love interesting, this book has the best cast.

I love how believable It Sounded Better in my Head turned out to be, and the was it wrapped up.

I know I said it many times this year, but I think this is my favourite read of 2020.

Because I loved it so much, I now want to read as many ya contemporaries as I can.

I recommend this novel to everyone who’s looking for something quick, easy, and entertaining.

Best books I read in 2018 #BookBloggers #BookLovers #reading #BestOf2018

2018 was a good year for me reading wise. I managed to read 75 books which I’m pretty satisfied with.
When I look back at all the books I read, there are some I rated 5 stars that I don’t remember much about, but there are also some I rated 3 stars that left a huge impact on me.

I was thinking about doing my Top 10 books I read in 2018 list, but in the end I decided to go with 13 that now seem like the most important ones I read. I just couldn’t force myself to leave behind any of those books.

Not all of them were 5 stars, but they all left a big impression on me, and I am very thankful that I had a chance to read all of them.

1. The Olive Branch by Jo Thomas

This year I was fortunate enough to discover Jo Thomas, and out of all of her books I read, The Olive Branch was my favorite.
This book was perfect in any way, and it made me happy. It was well structured, with good story, great characters and so many positive vibes.
A chick lit novel at it’s best!

2. One Day in December by Josie Silver

You know a story is good when it makes you feel all kinds of emotions and you think about it again and again, even days after you finished it.
This is the book I finished two months ago, so it is the “freshest” in my memory, but I feel like it will stay with me for a long, long time.
If I could recommend only one festive book to my followers, it would be this one.

3. Darcy Burdock by Laura Dockrill

This middle grade comedy made me laugh out loud so many times that I lost the count. It won my heart and it is now one of my all time favorite books. It’s the one I recommended the most when it comes to middle grades, and I am so happy to know that there are so many sequels with Darcy to enjoy.

4. Good Me, Bad Me by Ali Land

Good Me, Bad Me surprised me, because I never expected to like it that much. What I liked the most when it comes to this novel is it’s writing style. I wish more psychological thrillers were written in a similar way.

5. While I Was Sleeping by Dani Atkins

If I should pick only one book that put me on an emotional rollercoaster, While I Was Sleeping is the one. It made me sad in ways I didn’t even know was possible, and it made me care about one character like I knew her from my real life.
Even though I was mad the story didn’t took a path I was hoping for, I am still so in love with this novel because I remember the feels, and it is the book I will be coming back to.

6. Five Years from Now by Paige Toon

Speaking of emotional stories, this list wouldn’t be complete without Five Years from Now. It made me cry, and not many books can do that.
It contains my favorite theme: two people who love each other but can’t be together, finding their ways to each other.
It is also very realistic, especially with the way it ended.
This novel is also one I want to re-read many times during my lifetime.

7. The Perfect Girlfriend by Karen Hamilton

The Perfect Girlfriend is definitely the most unique story I have read in 2018. Written from the perspective of a psychopath, it made me understand and even root for the main character, even though I knew what she was doing was wrong.
This book is the one I recommend to everyone who likes thrillers, and I am so happy that it was also translated into Croatian.

8. The Cruel Prince by Holly Black

Going into The Cruel Prince my expectations were very high, but I was not disappointed. In fact, I was kinda surprised how good it was. I already knew I would like it, because I liked books by Holly Black before, and since my favorite creatures, faeries, were involved, I knew I would love the world too.
I fell in love with the characters, the story and of course, with the world.
This book is next on my to be re-read list, because the sequel comes out in a few days.

9. Give the Dark my Love by Beth Revis

Another ya fantasy I fell in love with, another series I can’t wait to continue. What I liked the most about Give the Dark my Love was character development, the dark atmosphere and the unique world.
I hope next books in the series will also be good, because there’s a big chance this could become one of my all-time favorite book series.

10. Behind Closed Doors by B.A. Paris

I feel like everyone and their mothers read this book already, and in 2018 I joined the club. Everyone from my colleagues also read it, and we discussed it many times. This book stayed with me, and even today I caught myself thinking about one scene.
I feel like books that you go back to again and again in your thoughts deserve to be on the best one’s list.
I can’t even count how many times I recommended this book to people around me, and to clients at my work.

11. The Hero of Ages by Brandon Sanderson

Of all the Mistborn books I read this year, I decided to feature the last one from the original series in this list, because of it’s conclusion.
This series is probably the best fantasy series I have read, it is certainly the most unique and Brandon Sanderson is an incredible writer. I love the creatures he created in this universe, called kendra. I am not sure if kendra is his own creation, or was it inspired by some mythical creature, but it is worth of admiration in any way.

12. Surprise Me by Sophie Kinsella

Surprise Me was one of my most anticipated books of 2018. and it didn’t disappoint. In fact, it even surprised me, because it took a turn I didn’t expect. I liked how different it was from Kinsella’s other books, and it is now in my top 3 of her novels.

13. I See You by Clare Mackintosh

I read this novel back in January, but it stayed with me the whole time. I certainly didn’t expect what a huge impact on me this book will have, not even after I finished it. Sometimes we are not immediately aware of the quality in front of us, but time shows us what our subconsciousness recognized. This book is the proof, and it is now one of the best books I read.

That is it!

Please tell me what are your favorite books that you’ve read this year?
Also, if you have similar post to this one, feel free to leave your links.

Best books I read in 2016

Hi guys!

It’s been a long time since I posted anything, but I am back now, and I plan to blog on regular basis from now on.
I was thinking about what should I write in my first post this year, and talking about great books I read previous year was the obvious choice (plus, there’s a giveaway hop I signed up for in which I’ll give away one book from this list, that’s coming very, very shortly(today)).

Without further ado, here is my TOP 10 books I read in 2016:

1. The Summer That Melted Everything by Tiffany McDaniel

The Summer That Melted Everything is one book that will stay with me forever. It was the best book I read not only this year, but one of best I read in my whole life.
It is beautifully written with a great story that awoke so many of my emotions.

You can read my full review here.

2. On Writing by Stephen King

On Writing is one of rare non-fiction books I read this year, and it is also one of a few books I didn’t review.
The reason why this book found it’s place on my top 10 books list is not because of brilliant writing advices, but because I really enjoyed reading King’s memoir.

3. Martini Henry by Sara Crowe

Martini Henry won me with it’s beautiful writing. The story itself was pretty slow, but I enjoyed every single page. This book is definitely the one I’d recommend to aspiring authors.
You can read my full review here.

4. My Map of You by Isabelle Broom

This year, thanks to book blogging community, I discovered new favorite author of mine, and she won me in her debut novel My Map of You. Characters she created felt like real people and the way she described Greece made me feel like I was partly there.
This is another novel I’d recommend to aspiring authors, and you can read my full review here.

5. Faithful by Alice Hoffman

Faithful won me with beautiful writing style and raw story that made me emotional so many times, but it also left me feeling hopeful after I finished it.
To read my full review, click here.

6. Flunked by Jen Calonita

Flunked is the middle grade book, first in the series, that takes place in the world of fairytales.

I had fun the whole time I was reading it and, in my opinion, it’s main atribute is it’s sense of humor. A lot of times it reminded me of Shrek, so I think it would appeal to fans of that movie.

You can read my full review here.

7. A List of Cages by Robin Roe

I was fortunate enough and had an opportunity to read A List of Cages before it’s releasing day.

This novel made me so emotional but it also made me feel like I got so much out of it.
Although it is ya, I think people of all age should read it at some point.

You can read my full review here.

8. Take Me On by Katie McGarry

Katie McGarry is one of my favorite authors and once again her book reminded my why I love everything she writes. Her writing style is always great, and the story in Take Me On was so interesting and emotional. It talkes about poverty, love and sports.

You can read my review here.

9. The Iron Warrior by Julie Kagawa

Iron Warrior is the last book in The Iron Fey series and I was so sad to say goodbye to my favorite fictional world and characters I love so much.

The book didn’t disappoint and I was happy with how the whole story concluded.

To read my review, click here.

10. The Winner’s Crime by Marie Rutkoski

The Winner’s Crime is the second installment in The Winner’s Trilogy. I still have to read the third one, and since I heard nothing but great things about it, my hopes are pretty high. I enjoyed the first book in the series too, but this one was sooooooo good, and it reminded me of Game of Thrones at some points.

You can read my full review here.

Book Review: Charmed by Jen Calonita

Title: Charmed

Series: Fairy Tale Reform School #2

Author: Jen Calonita

Publisher: Sourcebooks Jabberwocky

Date: March 1st, 2016

Pages: 288

Format: eARC

Source: from Publisher for a review

Synopsis (from Goodreads): Charmed is the exciting sequel to the wildly popular Flunked — second in the brand new Fairy Tale Reform School series where the teachers are (former) villains. “Charming fairy-tale fun.” -Sarah Mlynowski, author of the New York Times bestselling Whatever After series.

It takes a (mostly) reformed thief to catch a spy. Which is why Gilly Cobbler, Enchantasia’s most notorious pickpocket, volunteers to stay locked up at Fairy Tale Reform School…indefinitely. Gilly and her friends may have defeated the Evil Queen and become reluctant heroes, but the battle for Enchantasia has just begun.

Alva, aka The Wicked One who cursed Sleeping Beauty, has declared war on the Princesses, and she wants the students of Fairy Tale Reform School to join her. As her criminal classmates give in to temptation, Gilly goes undercover as a Royal Lady in Waiting (don’t laugh) to unmask a spy…before the mole can hand Alva the keys to the kingdom.

Her parents think Gilly the Hero is completely reformed, but sometimes you have to get your hands dirty. Sometimes it’s good to be bad…

Review:

Just when you think that there’s no way a cover could ever be prettier then the one for Flunked, Charmed comes out and it blows your mind with it’s gorgeousness.
Just look how pretty it is!
Soooo pretty….

In this, second installment of Fairy Tale Reform School series, we are back in Enchantasia, the land of all the fairytale cratures.
Our main character, Gilly, is still in Fairy Tale Reform School.
The old cast of students and professors is still almost the same and they are still awesome crew to read about.
There are some changes in school though. The new professor came to fill up the empty place and he is, no other then Jack Blackbeard – the most fearsome pirate.

Charmed was such a charming sequel!
It made me laugh so many times and it gave me so much joy, that it was a pleasure to read.

I am in love with this world.
In my own words, this is a bookish version of Shrek the movie, only without Shrek and his friends.
But the setting is very similar, the sense of humor is also similar and in my opinion, if you’re a fan of Shrek, there’s a great chance you’ll like these books too.

Keep in mind that this is a middle grade series, and therefore, it is mainly aimed for middle graders.
However, I as an adult, loved this book as much as I would if I was younger, if not even more (for the sentimental reasons).
In fact, I came to conclusion that, at this moment, this is my favorite on-going series.
I wish I get to see these books translated into my language one day, so my nieces could read them. I know they would love them.

The story in this novel is interesting, but it was a bit weaker then the one in Flunked because it was a bit predictable.
I didn’t mind predictability at some points, but I wish I was more surprised when the big revelation came. I wasn’t, because I saw it chapters ago.

Charmed shows us Gilly changing and becoming more self-centred person.
At some situations she was really selfish and even hypocrtitical and, since this is a series, I wondered if she’s going to realize that or if her friends would make her see that in this book. You see, because this is a middle grade book, I think it is of huge importance that those kind of realizations and „leasons“ need to be revealed in one book, so kids who read the book learn as much as they can from one book, even if it is a part of the bigger story.
I am happy how it dealt with that aspect.

The novel is written in first person, following Gilly’s point of view.
Between some chapters there are short parts called Happily Ever After Scrolls that are actually newspaper of Enchantasia.
There are also letters that from time to time separate chapters.
At the very end of the book we can read Who’s Who in Enchantasia which explains which fairy tale character has what role in this story.
My only complain is that it would be so much better if that list of characters was at the beggining of the book instead of at the end.

Overall, Charmed was a very good sequel that was just a little behind Flunked quality whise, but it was still a great book.
I think middle graders will enjoy it, but grown ups would also have fun if they give it a try.

The third book in the series, called Tricked, comes out in February 2017 and I can’t wait to grab myself a copy and devour it.