October: Things A Broken Tooth Will Teach You

My tooth broke in August.

How broken is my tooth? Well, there’s a hole in my tooth where a filling used to be, a crack that goes into my gum-line, and a piece of my tooth flaps (which, for the record, is not a thing a tooth should do). Plus, there’s a sharp piece that stabs my tongue every thirty minutes like clockwork.

In my non-professional opinion I would call my wonky tooth broken-broken. My dentist agrees.

How did I break my tooth? The simple answer: a French fry.

Having a broken tooth is fascinating. There are so many things we take for granted. One of them simply being able to eat. With a broken tooth snacking holds no appeal. And certain foods that I normally adore (e.g. baby carrots) are a hard pass.

Eating in public is a no since I have to fish food out from the hole in my tooth the moment I’m done eating. Sometimes even mid-bite. And there’s nothing like biting down and feeling your tooth push out of place. It’s an experience, to say the least.

For the most part it’s not too painful. Though there have been moments when I’ll breathe in and wish I never had to breathe again. Or a piece of pepper will get stuck in the hole in my tooth and the nerves in my face will yell: WHY DID YOU DO THAT, DUMMY?!

Having shared all this, I am not down about my tooth. In fact, I hesitate to even bring it up. Yet, with all the drama, heartache, broken things, and overwhelming adulting this year has brought our family’s way, my broken tooth has brought things into a clearer perspective. It’s made me thankful for things like eating and breathing without pain, having the means to get my tooth fixed (next week!), and for a family that understands when I need a moment to disappear to pluck food out of my tooth or just be sad that my tooth is freaking broken.

A broken tooth will teach you who truly cares about you. A broken tooth will show you what’s a real priority versus a manufactured crisis. A broken tooth will force you to slow down, make better eating choices, and chew your food carefully.

This month I applied these lessons to more than just my tooth. This month I took a deep breath, a step back, and took a hard look at my priorities and goals. Which has oddly made me grateful for my broken tooth.

Life is such a weirdo. 

September: A Month Of Good Things

Autumn is upon us.

For some it’s a harbinger of doom. A time to dread, autumn snatches away the golden days of summer, offering nothing but cold, dreary days without joy. To others it’s a time to celebrate scarves and pumpkin spice, boots and rom-coms, cooler weather and holiday goodness to come.

To me, autumn has always been about family. A time when—despite the hustle of life—we have opportunities to slow down and be together: carving pumpkins, baking pies, watching movies. As the desert attempts to free itself of hot nights and even hotter days, autumn offers hope.

Last year around this time I did not embrace hope. I allowed myself to drown in a sea of self-doubt and despair. Focusing on all the wrong things, I was controlled by every single one of my negative feelings and thoughts—my autumn joy stolen.

If there’s one thing life has taught me it's that hope is fragile.

Being a positive person might appear easy to those standing outside looking in. But let me assure you, it is not. Every second must be a driving force toward seeking the positives in life. No matter how small and fragile they may feel.

At times, it feels like a foolish endeavor—backhanded comments people make can leave you feeling silly, impractical, lacking. In these moments I am learning to accept others' opinions of me as just that: opinions. Their assumptions of what they *think* it means to be a positive person. Not reality.

This September I struggled with doubts and fears. Just as I did last year. The difference is I embraced my positives without shame, tuning out the misconceptions.

Instead, I talked about the books I love and acknowledged that while there are some who think my bookish taste is childish and silly, that’s their problem not mine. I revised Magic Story Of Magic and accepted the fact that it’s a love story—plain and simple. It won’t change the world and some might think it’s ridiculous. That’s okay. It’s mine and I love it. I slowed down and ignored the comments about how great it must be to be a stay-at-home mom with so much free time on my hands. My family knows how hard I work and I know how hard I work too. That’s all that matters. I embraced my love of mismatched socks and young adult books and didn’t feel the need to hide the fact that I still long to be Rainbow Brite. My age has never dictated what I do, say, or love. So why start now?

But mostly I took a step back and thought about what is important to me: being honest or being what everyone thinks I should be?

September was a good month filled with doubts and struggles and fears. It taught me once again that life isn’t perfect and it isn’t fair, but it is good. And the good you have to fight for. A lesson I learned long ago from my friend Ashley Morgan. It’s a lesson I’ll continue to learn day in and day out.

Happy autumn, friends. I hope it brings you joy. No matter how big or small that joy might be, I hope it gets you through the cold dreary days ahead filled with pumpkin spice everything and all the holiday hustle and bustle life brings your way.

A Book Review: Four Dead Queens

This month's book review is the murder mystery fantasy novel Four Dead Queens by Astrid Scholte.

goodreads
amazon

Book Description: Seventeen-year-old Keralie Corrington may seem harmless, but in fact, she's one of Quadara's most skilled thieves and a liar. Varin, on the other hand, is an honest, upstanding citizen of Quadara's most enlightened region, Eonia. Varin runs afoul of Keralie when she steals a package from him, putting his life in danger. When Varin attempts to retrieve the package, he and Keralie find themselves entangled in a conspiracy that leaves all four of Quadara's queens dead.

With no other choices and on the run from Keralie's former employer, the two decide to join forces, endeavoring to discover who has killed the queens and save their own lives in the process. When their reluctant partnership blooms into a tenuous romance, they must overcome their own dark secrets in hopes of a future together that seemed impossible just days before. But first they have to stay alive and untangle the secrets behind the nation's four dead queens.

Ang's Review: The nation of Quadara is ruled by four queens representing each of its regions: Toria, Ludia, Archia, and Eonia. The queens are restricted from going to their quadrants, sequestered in their shared castle with advisors. So when the queens start dropping dead, no one knows. It's the perfect crime. Or is it?

Four Dead Queens is a fantastic murder mystery. An intriguing who-done-it that will keep you turning pages until the very end. But wait, there's more.

The setting is a rich fantasy world. The two main characters Keralie and Varin are relatable and so flawed you just want to give them all the hugs while lovingly smacking them for being so dense.

The book had me guessing until the big reveal! Which is always satisfying in a WHAT THE HECK HOW WAS I WRONG kind of way!

If you are into murder mysteries and fantasy novels with a dash of science fiction, Four Dead Queens is the book for you!

Pick up a copy today on Amazon or other major retailers!

You can keep up to date on the author's news on her website.

Have you read Four Dead Queens?
What did you think of it?
Do you enjoy murder mysteries?

Ang's Top Five Bookish Habits

This month’s top five is my top five bookish habits. From the genres I read to how I review novels get ready to learn about a few of my bookish quirks.

1. Keeping Track Of My Reading Progress.

Whether I’m reading a physical copy or an ebook, I like to keep track of how much of the book I have left to read. Ebooks are simple: I use the percentage read option verses the page counting option. For print copies, I will pull out my calculator and place markers at the twenty-five percent, fifty percent, and seventy-five percent marks. I also like to place a marker (not a bookmark, mind you, since I lose them all the time and use random notecards instead) at the end of the chapter I’m reading. This way I can tell how much more I have left.

2. One Book At A Time.

I read one book at a time. I get antsy and confused if I try to take on more than one story. Plus, I get tunnel vision when reading a book and have to finish it before starting another story. And once I start a book, I have to finish it. It’s rare that I don’t finish a book which is why I don’t have a DNF bookshelf on GoodReads.

3. Rereading Books I Didn’t Like. 

This one might seem odd but I like to give books I didn’t like another chance. Case in point: Animal Farm. I despised it as a kid. Loved it as an adult. However, no matter how many times I reread Old Man and the Sea I never like it. And I have probably read the book (at least) four or five times.

4. Review What I Like.

I appreciate the need for critical reviews. But I have to be honest, I find no joy in writing them. And as stated above, I often give books I disliked another chance. Thus I write reviews for the books I like and reread the books I didn’t like another day. I have no regrets.

5. Read Anything And Everything.
And last, but not least:
I read anything and everything.
Adult.
Young Adult.
Middle Grade.
Picture Books.
Horror.
Romance.
Nonfiction.
Poetry.
The back of a cereal box.
There's no genre I won't try.
I'm an eclectic reader who just wants to read a good book.
If that good book is written for ten-year-olds even better.

What are your bookish habits?
Do you (like me) read one book at a time?
Or do you have at least five going all at once?
Do you keep track of where you're at in a book or wing it?
Do you read everything and anything or are you genre loyal?

August: Read. Read. Read.

August was a good reading month. A month filled with laughter and swoons, heartache and tears. I made new fictional friends and revisited some old ones too. I embarked on epic adventures and wrongs were made right.

What books did I read? I'm so glad you asked!

Here’s a list* of my August reads:

A Conjuring of Light
goodreads

A Conjuring of Light is the last book in V. E. Schwab's

A Darker Shade of Magic series.

And holy hell.

Talk about a wild ride.

Lila Bard is possibly the most infuriating character

I have ever fallen in love with.

And don't even get me started on Holland.

If you're looking for an epic fantasy adventure

pick up A Darker Shade of Magic right meow.

Thank me later.

An Enchantment of Ravens
goodreads

June's OwlCrate book was

Sorcery of Thorns.

Which I adored.

Upon finishing the book,

I decided I had to read Margaret Rogerson's debut novel

An Enchantment of Ravens.

And I'm oh so glad I did.

A quick, romantic read An Enchantment of Ravens

is a fun take on faerie lore.

The Hazel Wood
goodreads

Good gravy!

I don't even know where to begin with this book.

Dark and (at times) terrifying,

this fast-paced read had me hooked from page one.

And now I am DYING to read the sequel.

CAN IT PLEASE BE OUT NOW?!

I NEED TO KNOW THINGS.

Spin the Dawn

goodreads

OwlCrate's July book was Spin the Dawn.

(Yes, it is possible I am obsessed with OwlCrate.)

Boasting a gorgeous cover,

Elizabeth Lim offers a romantic, imaginative world

filled with magic and adventure.

Maia's journey to prove herself and provide for her family

is endearing and heart-warming.

I am looking forward to reading the sequel next summer.

The Darkest Part of the Forest

goodreads

It's just a fact:
I am becoming a diehard fan of Holly Black.

The Darkest Part of the Forest is

my fourth Holly Black book to date.

A standalone faerie novel,

I have already reread parts of this story.
Multiple times.

And I might just have to reread
a little more right about now.

Sorry. Not. Sorry.

In summation: this month was a great reading month. And I’m already looking forward to rereading all these lovely books and the books I plan on reading next month.**

How was your reading month?
Read anything awesome?!
I would love to hear about it!

*side note: I limited this list to the books I counted toward my GoodReads goal. I reread a *few* books, but did not count them toward my goal. I pick up random books, reread them, then forget to add them to my reading goal constantly.

**another side note: How in the world is next month September?!

On My E-Reader: The Adventures Of Katie Button

Hi, my name is Angela and I have a hard time saying no to purple book covers by awesome writers. This month's On My E-Reader features both: an adorable purple cover and a fantastic writer. Which is why it's a shame I haven't read Lizzie Koch's The Adventures Of Katie Button.

goodreads
amazon

Book Description: What happens when your dreams collide with reality?

Katie Button doesn’t believe in soulmates. When charismatic Jack Masterson asks her out on a date, despite him being her new boss alongside his more aloof brother, James, she agrees.

But her romantic dreams about a dashing highwayman, heroic gladiator and Tudor lord are becoming more frequent. And, worryingly, they feel real. She remembers every detail, every touch, every kiss. Until she realises the man in her dreams is James.

But Katie doesn’t even like James. And what about Jack, who is whisking her away for sexy mini breaks in the here and now?

Katie knows she needs to put an end to her dreams before they ruin her life. But how?

Reasons I bought it: Aside from the aforementioned love of the color purple and that I think Lizzie Koch is the bee's knees? Glad you asked! I'm a huge fan of Sophie Kinsella. (The Undomestic Goddess and I've Got Your Number being two of my favorites. For those who are wondering.)

When I saw The Adventures Of Katie Button's cover plus read the book description, I instantly thought of Kinsella's books. And I knew I had to snag myself a copy. Alas, it's been sitting on my E-Reader ever since. D'oh! I am looking forward to reading this loveliness in the very near future!

Check out Lizzie Koch's Instagram and Twitter!

Pick up a paperback copy of The Adventures of Katie Button on Amazon.

And look for the sequel here.

Have you read The Adventures of Katie Button?

I'd love to hear what you thought!

A Book Review:The Girl Who Chased The Moon

This month's book review is Sarah Addison Allen's The Girl Who Chased The Moon. It's a book I've reread so many times I've lost track. Here's why I adore it.

goodreads
amazon

Book Description: Emily Benedict came to Mullaby, North Carolina, hoping to solve at least some of the riddles surrounding her mother’s life. Such as, why did Dulcie Shelby leave her hometown so suddenly? And why did she vow never to return? But the moment Emily enters the house where her mother grew up and meets the grandfather she never knew--a reclusive, real-life gentle giant—she realizes that mysteries aren’t solved in Mullaby, they’re a way of life: Here are rooms where the wallpaper changes to suit your mood. Unexplained lights skip across the yard at midnight. And a neighbor bakes hope in the form of cakes. 

Everyone in Mullaby adores Julia Winterson’s cakes—which is a good thing, because Julia can’t seem to stop baking them. She offers them to satisfy the town’s sweet tooth but also in the hope of rekindling the love she fears might be lost forever. Flour, eggs, milk, and sugar . . . Baking is the only language the proud but vulnerable Julia has to communicate what is truly in her heart. But is it enough to call back to her those she’s hurt in the past?

Can a hummingbird cake really bring back a lost love? Is there really a ghost dancing in Emily’s backyard? The answers are never what you expect. But in this town of lovable misfits, the unexpected fits right in.

Ang's Review: Ms. Allen's stories have a special kind of magic to them, a combination of bitter and sweet, dark and light that is done so seamlessly I am in awe of her.

While her books are not perfection (but honestly, what book is truly perfection?) the way they make me feel when I read them takes my breath away. I long to live in the world she's created, to eat flowers that will make me fall in love or have books follow me around, to meet a very tall man who checks his empty dryer for frogs or live in a room with mood changing wallpaper.

Ms. Allen looks for magic in this world, magic of the everyday-ordinary variety and that of the extraordinary, the impossible, the impracticable, but mostly love's magic and the bounds between not just lovers but sisters, friends, mothers and daughters. She weaves her own magic, that cannot be bottle like fog, but felt deep within. The kind of magic that makes you laugh and cry, swoon and sigh. The kind of magic you hope to find every time you open a book.

Pick up a copy of The Girl Who Chased The Moon
on Amazon or other major retailers.

Make sure to check out all of
Ms. Allen's awesome books on GoodReads.

July: A Month Of Defeats

Everyone struggles in life. It’s just a fact. Maya Angelou warned that “you may encounter many defeats, but you must not be defeated.” She said “in fact, it may be necessary to encounter the defeats, so you can know who you are, what you can rise from, how you can still come out of it.”

This year one of my goals is to face my defeats, learn from them, and walk away stronger. Part of that path forward includes being honest when I’m struggling and not hiding.

So here’s the truth:

This month I did not meet two important deadlines.

This month I wanted to make a big announcement
but I chickened out.

This month I dropped the ball on marketing.

This month I felt like a failure.

This month I felt like an imposture.

This month I believed what I do doesn’t matter.

This month life defeated me.

Why am I telling you this? Because we all struggle. Most of us silently. Posting happy pictures on Instagram and snarky comments on Twitter is easier than being real, being honest.

Ultimately, what I want to say to every person who drops by this blog is: We got you.

We got you during the good times.

We got you during the hard times.

We got you during the lonely times.

We got you during the hurricane.

We got you during the rainbow.
We got you when you’re defeated.

We. Got. You.

Here you can be honest. Here no one is pretending to be anything other than human. Here we make mistakes but we learn from them. Here we crawl forward. Here there is no judgement. Here there are no comparisons or snide remarks or ignoring each other's pain.

This month I felt defeated.
This month I failed a lot.

But that’s okay.
Because I will rise.
I will know who I am.

And my hope for you is that you too will rise from the ashes of your defeats and know better who you are and what you are capable of.

On My E-Reader: Absolute Liability (Southern Fraud Thriller)

This month's On My E-Reader is another fantastic looking mystery novel. Sporting a brand new cover and an intriguing book blurb, Absolute Liability by Jennifer Becton is sure to please.

amazon
goodreads

Book Description: A woman was abducted in her place. Now, time is running out for Julia Jackson to save herself from the same fate.

A woman is taken at gunpoint from a downtown office building, and the police believe the victim is Special Agent Julia Jackson.

Only it isn’t true.

Now, with the help of her new partner Mark Vincent, state fraud investigator Julia Jackson must find justice for the woman who was taken in her place.

As Vincent and Julia begin to unravel the multimillion-dollar scam that led to the abduction, they encounter several quirky suspects, one of whom will go to desperate lengths to hide a deadly secret. 

Things only become more dangerous as bodies begin accumulating around town, and Julia must uncover the truth before the abductor comes to rectify his mistake.

Reasons I bought the book: Back in February I reviewed Holidays With Jane: Will You Be Mine? here on the blog. I have been a fan of the Holidays With Jane books since they first came out. The first book in the Holidays With Jane series is Christmas Cheer. Ms. Becton's short story The Work of an Instant (a retelling of Jane Austen's Persuasions) is clever and swoony and all the yes.

When I found her Southern Fraud Thriller series on sale, I picked up the whole series. Cause don't we all need a good cozy mystery series around for a cold winter night? It's just good science! I look forward to reading Ms. Becton's Southern Fraud series in the near future.

Check out Jennifer Becton

on Twitter, FaceBook, and her website.

Pick up your copy on Amazon.

Have you read Absolute Liability?

Did you review it?

If so, share it with me!

I'd love to hear your thoughts.

A Book Review: Truth or Beard

This month's book review is Penny Reid's Truth or Beard. I adore the Winston Brothers series. Let me tell you why!

goodreads
amazon

Book Description: Beards, brothers, and bikers! Oh my!

Identical twins Beau and Duane Winston might share the same devastatingly handsome face, but where Beau is outgoing and sociable, Duane is broody and reserved. This is why Jessica James, recent college graduate and perpetual level-headed good girl, has been in naïve and unhealthy infatuation with Beau Winston for most of her life.

His friendly smiles make her tongue-tied and weak-kneed, and she’s never been able to move beyond her childhood crush. Whereas Duane and Jessica have always been adversaries. She can’t stand him, and she’s pretty sure he can’t stand the sight of her…

But after a case of mistaken identity, Jessica finds herself in a massive confusion kerfuffle. Jessica James has spent her whole life paralyzed by the fantasy of Beau and her assumptions of Duane’s disdain; therefore she’s unprepared for the reality that is Duane’s insatiable interest, as well as his hot hands and hot mouth and hotter looks. Not helping Jessica’s muddled mind and good girl sensibilities, Duane seems to have gotten himself in trouble with the local biker gang, the Iron Order

Certainly, Beau’s magic spell is broken. Yet when Jessica finds herself drawn to the man who was always her adversary, now more dangerous than ever, how much of her level-head heart is she willing to risk?

Ang's Review: Okay. First off: How about that cover?! It's so adorable I want to start cross stitching again. Not that I'm good at it, but that is not the point! Beardy cross-stitch: where have you been all my life?!

So book review, that's what I'm doing.

I am head over heels in love with the Winston Brother series. Book one is Duane's story. It's a quirky, fast-paced read. The tension between Jessica and Duane is just right: childhood enemies turned love interests is always a fun trope. Their push me pull me relationship kept me hoping things would work out yet terrified it wouldn't. Jessica's wanderlust and her fears that her hometown and the people in it would hold her back was easy to relate to.

From the first page to the last page I was hooked on Truth or Beard. The moment I finished it, I bought the second book and read it just as quickly.

If you're looking for a smart romance that will make you laugh out loud and swoon, Truth or Beard is the book for you.

Pick up a copy today on Amazon or other major retailers. And make sure to checkout the other books in the series (including book .5 that's part of Peggy Reid's Knitting in the City series)!

Ang's Top Five They Need To Be Out Now Books

Who here feels like they're going to die a slow agonizing death if the book they are DYING to read doesn't come out yesterday?! You do too?! IT'S EXHAUSTING. Amiright?! The following is a list of books that need to be out right NOW. One doesn't even have a cover. What. Even.

Without further ado. I give you. My top five they need to be out NOW books:

The Queen of Nothing by Holly Black

goodreads

The Starless Sea by Erin Morgenstern

goodreads

My Calamity Jane by Cynthia Hand,

Brodi Ashton, Jodi Meadows

goodreads
(NO COVER TO DATE)

Beard Necessities by Penny Reid

goodreads

A Heart So Fierce and Broken by Brigid Kemmerer

goodreads

What books are you dying for?

Are they coming out this year?
Or do you (like me) have to wait until next year?
THE AGONY.

June: Where Did You Go, Boo?

Somehow it is the last week of June. Not sure how, but the calendar assures me it’s a fact.

Time is relentless. And as I sit here thinking back on the first six months of 2019, it’s all too easy to focus on what’s gone wrong and what I haven’t been able to achieve. So I hope you'll humor me while I look back on the last six months and twist these negative thoughts into positive ones.

1. Of Lies and Zombies turned one!

Topping the list is the book that made me an author times two. There have been moments in the past when I’ve allowed myself to believe only publishing two books over the last decade is some kind of failure. Lately I have been embracing the idea that not only is publishing one story (be it a short story or a fan fiction or a full-length novel) an amazing achievement but writing a story from start to finish is noteworthy too. Every writer who has achieved this goal should take a moment to pat themselves on the back and realize they’ve accomplished something big.

Wherever you are on your writing journey know what you’re working on is worthy and you have achieved so much. Keep moving forward. Write the words. Work toward the goal. You are awesome.

2. Blogging again is a joy.

Getting back into book blogging after years of floundering is so much stinking fun. Sharing my favorite books and talking about the authors I heart is something I have missed. Ultimately it doesn't matter if others think it's a waste of time or believe it's not what authors should be doing. I'm an author. It's what I'm doing. Making it a thing authors do. Fancy that.

3. It’s been a good bookish year (so far).

This year (so far) has been an awesome reading year. I have primarily been reading young adult novels. And why not? I’m a young adult author. The idea that I should be ashamed of my reading habits is so strange. The need to prove myself to other authors and readers (that I am not just writing fluffy, silly kid stories) is a pressure I put on myself and need to let go. I heart young adult novels. I do not think I’m too old for them. And I read and write young adult novels because I enjoy them. Case closed.

4. I haven’t told someone not to read my books in a long time.

If you’ve followed my publishing journey over the last three and a half years, you know I have this terrible habit of telling people not to read my books. Why? It's complicated.

But I can report that while the urge to slap my book out of a reader's hands is still a daily struggle, I am much more relaxed about it. And instead of telling people not to read my books, I simply say thank you when they mention it to me. Progress. Imagine that?

5. This is me. This is my struggle.

Welcome to the party.

I am not a fan of social media. Large group settings (even online) are exhausting. I dislike sharing my thoughts on social media and struggle to feel like what I say online is important or interesting.

This is me. This is what I struggle with. In the past, when these feelings have overwhelmed me, I have disappeared: no tweets, no Instagram posts, no book promotions, no blog posts, nothing. How it comes across I can venture to guess, but the reality is I hide because I am uncomfortable and unsure.

Some might think I’m making this up. Others might think I’m just quirky. The reality is everything I share online feels like a tiny piece of myself I am giving away. And don’t even get me started on publishing my books.

So why do it? Why does it matter? How do I turn this one into a positive?

Let's take these one at a time:

Why do I do this? Because I wrote two books. And I have so many more inside of me.

Why does it matter? Because I care.

How do I turn this into a positive? Keep moving forward despite my desire to give up and hide.

Because one day I will regret hiding. None of these things make me weak. None of these things make me broken. We all struggle. Even if we don’t want to admit it. And deep down we all hope someone will see us and tell us what we do matters.

But what if we decided we mattered to ourselves? What if we did the things not because someone else validated our work, but because we decided our work is important and good? What if we moved forward no matter the pressure of the status quo or our irrational thoughts?

These are my positives. These are the things I'm taking with me into the second half of this year. And I hope you too can believe that you matter, that your work matters, and that we all can and will do the things.

On My E-Reader: The Selkie Spell

Back in March I reviewed USA Today bestselling author Sophie Moss's Wind Chime Café (book one of the Wind Chime series). You may have heard of Ms. Moss's other series The Seal Island Trilogy. A series I have not  read, but it's on my E-Reader and here's why!

amazon
goodreads

Book Description: American doctor Tara Moore wants to disappear. On the run from an abusive husband, she seeks shelter on a windswept Irish island and dismisses the villagers' speculation that she is descended from a selkie—a magical creature who is bewitching the island. But when a ghostly woman appears to her with a warning, Tara realizes it was more than chance that brought her to this island. Desperate to escape a dark and dangerous past, she struggles against a passionate attraction to handsome islander, Dominic O'Sullivan. But the enchantment of the island soon overpowers her and she falls helpless under its spell. Caught between magic and reality, Tara must find a way to wield both when a dangerous stranger from her past arrives, threatening to destroy the lives of everyone on the island.

Reasons I bought it: Growing up my grandma told me stories about selkies. They intrigued me. Anytime I see a book or movie with them in it I get nostalgic for rainy spring days on Long Island sitting in my grandmother's den listening to her tales.

A selkie story set in modern times is appealing for so many reasons! Plus knowing Ms. Moss's writing style, storytelling skills, and love for Ireland (which you too can find out about by following her on Instagram and Twitter!), I'm positive I will enjoy this series.

It's a shame I haven't read The Selkie Spell yet! It's at the top of my summertime to read list.

Check out Sophie Moss's website, Instagram, and Twitter.

Pick up a copy for kindle, nook, ibooks, kobo, and google play: links here!

Have you read The Selkie Spell?

If so, did you review it?
I'd love to hear what you thought!

Also:
What are your reading plans this summer?
Anything I NEED to check out right meow!?!

A Book Review: Awake (A Fairytale Trilogy)

This month's book review is Jessica Grey's Awake (book one of the Fairytale Trilogy). A series filled with magic, friendship, and swoon!

goodreads
amazon

Book Description: Alexandra Martin didn't believe in fairytales.

Alex has always been more interested in rocks and science than stories about princesses and magic. Now she’s far too busy with her summer internship at the Gem and Mineral Museum to think about children’s stories. Between avoiding her former best friend and high school baseball star, Luke Reed, and trying to hide her unrequited crush on her mentor at the museum, the real world is occupying all of her time.

Until she walked into one.

It turns out fairytales aren’t all fun and games. A curse has turned her neat and orderly world upside down, and to break it, she bands together with a fellow intern and a recently awakened princess who’s been asleep for 900 years. Can this trio of unlikely heroines put an end to an ominous enchantment, discover true love, and keep an ancient and evil magic from being unleashed on modern-day Los Angeles?

Ang's Review: Awake: A Fairytale is refreshing. Ms. Grey does a fantastic job of taking an old classic and making it her own. At the heart of this fairytale is the bond of friendship between three girls: Lilia, Becca, and Alex. The girls learn to not only rely on their own powers, but to depend upon each other and help build one another up. They present a fantastic example of what true and lasting friendships should be built upon: trust, caring, encouragement, and fun.

Luke is a-flippin-dorable: handsome, snarky, and smart. He's not your typical jock nor your traditional "hero." He's an even keeled character willing to protect those he cares about, while at the same time brave enough to let others save the day.

The twist and turns of the plot were what kept me reading. I enjoyed seeing how Ms. Grey weaved the classic tale of Sleeping Beauty with her own modern musings. The main focus of this story is the developing plot. Ms. Grey does not play up the angst and drama between Luke and Alex in order to make for inorganic tension, but trusts her story and her writing to do it naturally. If you are a fan of fairytales retold and looking for something fun and heartfelt, this is the book for you.

Pick up a copy today on Amazon!

And while you're at it check out
Atone (book two of the series) and Avowed (a novella).

Ang's Top Five Books Read This Year (So Far)

It's June, my friends. Summer is right around the corner. And I have decided to take a moment to reflect back on what I have read this year (so far)! I am guilty of getting to the end of the year and barely remembering the books that I kicked off the year reading. No. More! This month's top five is five books I read this year (from January to April) and loved! In no particular order they are:

The Reaper's Bride by A.J. Richmond

goodreads

Full review on my blog here.

Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo

goodreads

My GoodReads Review:

Who knew Ocean's Eleven meets

an epic fantasy novel

was what my life was missing?!

Not me. And what a fool I've been!

Man, this book was good.

Coldest Girl in Coldtown by Holly Black

goodreads

My Goodread's review:

Haven't read a vampire book in a hot minute.

But I'm pretty sure this is my new favorite.

Goooood gravy, I want a monster of my own now too!

A Symphony of Dragons by Lisa Shambrook

goodreads

Full review on my blog here.

A Curse So Dark and Lonely by Brigid Kemmerer
goodreads

My GoodReads Review:
Boasting an innovative plot and compelling characters,
A Curse So Dark and Lonely is a captivating re-imagining
of the Beauty and the Beast fable.
The pages flew by despite the book's length,
making it a quick, enjoyable read.

You can find the complete list of books I have read here.

What books have been your favorite this year (so far)?
Are you on GoodReads? If so, are we friends?!
Did you know I have two GoodReads pages: author and reader?
Happy June, my friends!

May: A Time Of Reflection And Moving Forward

Next month All The What Ifs will turn three and a half years old, making me a published author for just as long. While my journey down the path of publication hasn’t been picture perfect, I can say without hesitation the decision to publish All The What Ifs was one of the best decisions I have made. Along the way I have learned some things.

Here’s a few:

Publishing a book is not for the weak of heart.

Whether you’re self-published (like me) or traditionally published, committing to publishing a novel filled with little pieces of yourself for the world to judge is terrifying. From the naysayers who will tell you it’s too hard to the people who will avoid you, there will be moments you’ll feel like a fool for even trying. Dark moments when it feels like the only person who cares about your book being published is you and maybe that’s why you should just give up.

And here’s my advice to fellow writers who are struggling right now: Fight harder. You caring matters most. And it’s a worthy reason to work toward publishing a book. So tune out those naysayers, find your tribe, and hold tight to your dream. It’s worthy. You are worthy. Now work your ass off to achieve that goal.

You might want to hide and that doesn’t make you weak.

Being honest with the people in my life about publishing has been a difficult journey. From the people who doubted I could write a coherent sentence (and let me know), to family and friends who would flat-out ignore me when I talked about writing a book, to those who have judged me for my subject matters or the genre I’ve chosen to publish, my default has been to hide my head in the sand and never, ever discuss my books.

Which is a shame, since I love my characters and I’m proud of my books. So here’s more unsolicited advice to any fellow authors out there feeling the desire to hide: Don’t. Pull your head out of the sand, stand up tall and proud, and look the world straight in the face (even if your brain is screaming at you to shove your head back in the sand). Again: keep pushing forward.

You matter. Your book matters. Do the thing.

It’s that simple and that terrifying, my friends. Your book. Your passions. YOU matter. There’s no right or wrong book to publish. There’s no worthy or unworthy story. Twilight is as worthy as To Kill A Mockingbird. Don’t believe I know what I’m talking about? Then don’t take my word for it, here’s a few published authors who agree:

Sylvia Plath: And by the way, everything in life is writable about if you have the outgoing guts to do it, and the imagination to improvise. The worst enemy to creativity is self-doubt.

Neil Gaiman: The one thing that you have that nobody else has is you. Your voice, your mind, your story, your vision. So write and draw and build and play and dance and live as only you can.

Madeleine L’Engle: You have to write the book that wants to be written. And if the book will be too difficult for grown-ups, then you write it for children.

So write, my friends. Write because you love it. Write because you care. Write because only you can tell your story. Don’t worry about the rules. Don’t worry about what people will think or say. Shove aside the voices in your head and all the people around you making you doubt your goals and create a book you are proud of. Then publish the damn thing, one way or another.

Remember: Be you. Warts and all. The world is a better place for it. And your dream is oh-so-very-worthy.

On My E-Reader: Willow Walk

One of my favorite genres is mystery/thriller! Back in high school, I would stay up far too late binge reading them, one right after another. S.J.I. Holliday's debut novel Black Wood (book one of the Banktoun series) is a fantastic example of an excellent mystery/thriller. Which is why it's a shame I haven't read book two Willow Walk!

amazon
goodreads

Book Description: When the past catches up, do you run and hide or stand and fight?

When a woman is brutally attacked on a lonely country road by an escaped inmate from a nearby psychiatric hospital, Sergeant Davie Gray must track him down before he strikes again. But Gray is already facing a series of deaths connected to legal highs and a local fairground, as well as dealing with his girlfriend Marie's bizarre behaviour. As Gray investigates the crimes, he suspects a horrifying link between Marie and the man on the run - but how can he confront her when she's pushing him away?

As a terrified Marie is pulled back into a violent past she thought she'd escaped, she makes an irrevocable decision. And when events come to a head at a house party on Willow Walk, can Gray piece together the puzzle in time to stop the sleepy town of Banktoun being rocked by tragedy once more?

Reasons I Bought It: First, did I mention I loved Black Wood? Because I did. You can find my review of it here. I could leave it there, but let's talk about this cover: HOLY GOODNESS PINK LOVELY. Between an awesome book description, a solid start to the series in Black Wood, and this killer cover, buying Willow Walk was a must! I'm looking forward to reading Willow Walk soon and freaking myself out! 

Check out S.J.I. Holliday on
Twitter, FaceBook, and her website.

Pick up your copy on Amazon.

Have you read Willow Walk?

Did you review it?

If so, share it with me! I'd love to hear your thoughts.

A Book Review: The Reaper's Bride (The Reaper Chronicles)

This month's book review is author A. J. Richmond's debut novel The Reaper's Bride. I had the opportunity to read the novel before publication, my friends. Now that it's out I want to share with the universe how much I enjoyed The Reaper's Bride! Let me tell you all the reasons why you need this book in your life!

goodreads
amazon

Book Description: It’s not an easy task ushering souls to the afterlife—just ask James the Reaper. When he stumbles upon 83-year-old Molly at a funeral, he realizes she has the uncanny ability to see into the secret world of reaping souls.

James must convince Molly of her talent and entice her to join him as a recruit. But if he thinks this task is without its challenges, he’s sorely mistaken. Molly’s best friend, Mildred, wants in too. Unlike Molly, Mildred is a sharp-tongued, politically incorrect senior who lacks the empathy and tact to make it as a successful recruit.

With Molly’s natural abilities at guiding souls, James is determined to add her to his growing network—even if it means taking on Mildred.

He must ensure that Mildred fulfills her reaping contract without further angering the Gods and losing control of his reaping empire. Although Mildred seems hell-bent on making mischief for James, Molly isn’t so innocent herself. She must outwit both James and Mildred to get what she truly wants.

A suave reaper, two cantankerous elderly ladies, and a melange of dead souls make up the quirky cast of The Reaper’s Bride.

Ang's Review: Molly and Mildred are funeral crashers. They get off on bad funerals and mocking the deceased person’s loved ones. The tackier the flowers and the slimier the pickles the better.

Enter James: the Grim Reaper. Not a grim reaper, not death, but THE one and only Reaper.

Death keeps James busy. So busy he’s hired living people to help him reap souls. When he learns that Molly can see departing souls he is desperate to get her on his crew. Death is busy, and James is barely hanging on. The plan seems foolproof. But there are a few unforeseen problems: pesky Spain, a bunch of pissed off gods, and the biggest problem of all—Mildred.

A. J. Richmond’s The Reaper’s Bride kept me on my toes from page one. Pack with a heavy dose of snark and heart wrenching moments, The Reaper’s Bride is a quick, clever read. Weaved throughout the story of two bitter old women and one over taxed Grim Reaper is a rich back history that begs to be explored. I could not put this book down. And I cannot wait for the second book in The Reaper Chronicles series. A. J. Richmond has become one of my go-to, must-buy-right-meow authors.

Follow A.J. Richmond on Twitter and Instagram.
Make sure to check out her website.
And pick up your copy on Amazon today!

UPDATE: The Reaper's Bride giveaway is now closed!
Winner was announced.
Thank you to everyone who entered!
Follow my Instagram account for more bookish giveaways coming soon!

Bonus: Check out my Instagram Giveaway for The Reaper's Bride!
I am giving away one paperback copy.
Rules to enter are here.

Ang's Top Five Contemporary Standalone Novels

In my humble opinion, a great standalone novel is worth its weight in avocados! Last month I shared five of my favorite standalone fantasy novels. This month we're looking at five contemporary standalone novels I think are bonkers awesome!

So Yesterday by Scott Westerfeld
goodreads

A thought-provoking young adult contemporary mystery,
So Yesterday is a fun read that will make you laugh,
fall in love with a cutie named Hunter,
and get you thinking about advertising and trends.
I would recommend it to just about everyone.

The Curious Case of the Dog in the Night-time by Mark Haddon
goodreads

The protagonist of A Curious Case is Christopher,
a fifteen-year-old boy with autism.
Christopher is relatable even when he's throwing a king-sized tantrum.
Mr. Haddon not only addresses the difficulties Christopher faces,
but the toll it has taken on his family and those around him.
The author deals with hard themes with grace.
The plot twists are enjoyable. I loved meeting Christopher.
And I know this novel gave me a better appreciation
not only for children with autism,
but the families who help them lead healthy, productive lives.

I've Got Your Number by Sophie Kinsella
goodreads

I've Got Your Number made me laugh so hard my sides hurt
and my face ached from grinning. Since reading this book the first time,
I have reread it multiple times. It never gets old.
And that's what I've got to say about it!

The Boy Who Couldn't Sleep and Never Had To by DC Pierson
goodreads

This novel left me baffled in a good way and I'll take it.
My inner geek loved The Boy Who Couldn't Sleep in ways I can't explain.
Full of wit that made me literally laugh out loud,
the book combined reality with the unimaginable
in a way that was both endearing and funny.
Darren and Eric both stole my heart.

Amy and Roger's Epic Detour by Morgan Matson

Ms. Matson's writing style is packed with wisdom and charm.
Amy's struggle with the loss of her father and the emotional distance
she feels from her mother and brother is heart-wrenching.
The story doesn't feel weighed down.
And Amy's and Roger's friendship blossoms right before the readers' eyes.
All while the author takes us on a journey
through the United States reminding us how grand it is.
This is one of my all time favorite YA Coming of Age novels!

Do you have a favorite standalone novel?
Do you prefer standalone books or series?

April: A Month Of Planning And Plotting

Of Lies and Zombies turned one-year-old this month! For what feels like forever, I worked hard on writing, editing, and publishing All The What Ifs and Of Lies and Zombies. It sucked up all my writing time and plotting energy. And if I'm honest, completely sapped me.

Yet during that time I had plenty of new story ideas. With my first two books shipped off into the great big world of publishing, it’s time to get back into the swing of exploring new ideas and finishing up current works in progress.

What are these stories? I’m glad you asked!

Magic Story of Magic (a working title): Magic Story of Magic is an adult fiction romance/coming of age story about a young woman named Lily Banks. Magic Story of Magic is a blast to write. It’s rooted in the real world, but filled with impossible magic tricks. It has lame jokes and kissing and to repeat MAGIC TRICKS (a thing I’m having far too much fun writing). The first draft of Magic Story is SO CLOSE to being done. I'll have updates on the cover, book blurb, and more soon!

Something Dumb To Do (the third book of the Richmond High series): The third book in the Richmond High series Something Dumb To Do is Quinn’s story. Told is a present and past switch off, Something Dumb To Do is the story of a girl trying to avoid her parents’ mistakes, while she denies the pesky truth that sometimes the past isn’t what we perceived. The first draft of Something Dumb To Do is roughly halfway complete and will include characters from All The What Ifs and Of Lies and Zombies! But I ain’t sharing who. Something Dumb To Do’s cover is already in the works. It’s so stinking cute, and I can’t wait to share it.

Book Four of the Richmond High series: This book has me in knots already, and I can’t say much about it yet. But here’s what I will share: Ashley Morgan is back but as a secondary character who will play a pivotal role in a high school girl’s life as she faces a major, life alerting decision. Sound familiar? Kind of. And that’s all I will say for now.

I’ve got more ideas in the works (for example an adult fiction with a social media twist and a fantasy story inspired by a Death Cab for Cutie song). I could keep going, but we'd be here for a long time.

Not only have I been plotting new stories, but I am blogging regularly again! There are four new monthly features on Ang Writes: Ang’s Top Five which features five books based on a random theme, a book review of an indie favorite, On My E-reader a shout out to the ebooks I’ve bought but haven’t read yet, and a monthly wrap up that's ever changing.

It’s a year of words, my friends! Reconnecting with the joy of writing just for fun without strings attached or publishing goals looming over my head. It’s amazing and freeing. And I can’t wait to share more with you all soon!

If you'd like to keep up with all my publishing news, sign up for my newsletter!

Happy Birthday, Of Lies and Zombies!

Today Of Lies and Zombies is one year old!

amazon
goodreads

Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you readers and reviewers for your encouragement over the last year! Thank you for buying a copy. Thank you for telling others about Of Lies and Zombies. Thank you for reaching out to me and letting me know what you think of Katie Bell. Thank you for writing a review. Thank you for sharing pictures of the book. Thank you for your encouragement and kindness. I am forever grateful. And I'll never stop saying thank you!

Haven't read Of Lies and Zombies yet?

Here's the book blurb!

And a link to Amazon.

You're welcome! 

Book Description: 

Katie Bell has a plan: the ‘Epic Summer of Epicness Before Senior Year' plan. There will be late night parties with her best friend Trevor and Grandma Frankie’s Chunky Monkey Chocolate Chip Cookies for breakfast. And maybe, just maybe, she’ll run into her nameless savior from Feldman’s party. Things she will be avoiding: her estranged father and workaholic mother 

Katie has a golden rule: when life gets too real avoid it by lying. But on the last day of junior year, when the lies won't stick and reality closes in, she is forced to run as far and as fast as she can straight into oddly familiar Logan. When Logan asks Katie to help him film a zombie movie, Katie jumps at the chance. 

Because Katie’s got a new plan: the ‘Avoid Reality at ALL Costs' plan.
Unfortunately, reality doesn’t play by Katie’s rules.