Top Ten Tuesday: Literary Costumes

Top Ten Tuesday is weekly meme created by the lovely folks at The Broke and the Bookish. They created it because they're "particularly fond of lists" and since I also enjoy lists, I've decided to participate in this fun feature.

I am a huge 'fraidy cat. Scary movies or books? Totally not my thing. So, it's not surprising that Halloween isn't my favourite holiday. But, there's something fun about dressing up and eating lots of candy. Not to mention carving pumpkins and roasting the seeds. This week's Top Ten Tuesday offers two options: Top Ten Books/Movies To Read Or Watch To Get In The Halloween Spirit OR Top Ten Characters Who I Would Totally Want To Be For Halloween. Can you guess which option I'm choosing for this week's list? :) What is your favourite thing about Halloween? What's your costume this year? PS Sorry I don't have any pictures...this was a last minute thing and my head demanded I go to bed!

Tris Prior - Divergent by Veronica Roth
This is in the running for my own costume this year. Minor snag: I don't own a leather jacket. But I DO have the raven tattoos courtesy of the special edition blu-ray edition of the movie.

Hermione Granger - Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling
She is one kick ass witch. Need I say more?

The Paper Bag Princess - The Paper Bag Princess by Robert Munsch
I've wanted to dress up as this illustrated character ever since I saw a girl at a bar wearing a big, paper bag and a crown. Love.

Alice - Alice's Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll
Also acceptable: The White Rabbit or the Queen of Hearts. So many bright colours!

Anne Shirley - Anne of Green Gables by Lucy Maud Montgomery
I'm sure if I had red hair I would have been Anne over and over again when I was a kid.

Nancy Drew - Nancy Drew by Carolyn Keene
Especially suited for those who love the vintage look.

Mia Thermopolis - The Princess Diaries by Meg Cabot
I can't decide if I'd like to be pre- or post-makeover Mia. I have the hair for Before Mia but After Mia gets the crown and the pretty dresses.

Red Riding Hood - Little Red Riding Hood
My sister and I had a cape when we were little. I think my mom made it for my sister one year. It was awesome and every once and awhile I remember it and wish I still had it!

Elizabeth Bennet - Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
Bonus points if you have a Mr. Darcy accompany you to the party.

Review: Shopaholic to the Stars

Everyone's favourite shopaholic is back! Yes, Sophie Kinsella has written a new Becky Bloomwood novel. Shopaholic to the Stars was released yesterday, October 21st. It's been a long few years since Kinsella's last Shopaholic book and I found myself wondering if I would still like these books after all of this time. Verdict? Wellllll...I didn't love this one. But I didn't hate it either.

Here's the synopsis:

Becky Brandon (née Bloomwood) has stars in her eyes. She and her daughter, Minnie, have joined husband Luke in LA—city of herbal smoothies, multimillion-dollar yoga retreats, and the lure of celebrity. Luke is there to help manage the career of famous actress Sage Seymour—and Becky is convinced she is destined to be Sage’s personal stylist, and go from there to every A-list celebrity in Hollywood! But things become complicated when Becky joins the team of Sage’s archrival. How will charming and supportive Luke deal with this conflict? Is it possible that what Becky wants most will end up hurting those she loves most? Shopaholic fans old and new will devour Sophie Kinsella’s newest adventure!

I know it seems wrong for a self-professed chick lit lover to say that she didn't love a book by one of the great chick lit authors. But, there it is. My problem is Becky. She does the same (stupid) things over and over again and never seems to learn from her mistakes. I can handle Kinsella's standalone novels, where the characters are usually doing that same thing, because it's not a series. How has Becky not figured out that she shouldn't spend a ton of money on useless things in SEVEN books?!? I was worried with the last book, Mini Shopaholic, as I was getting more annoyed than usual with Becky and it seems that carried over to this book. Sigh. 

The other thing that bothered me about this book was the ending. I won't give any specific spoilers but be warned that this book ends with a cliffhanger. A CLIFFHANGER. In a chick lit book! I don't think I've ever really encountered that. The whole reason I put up with Becky's silliness is because, in the end, she figures out her mistakes and all is well. She does have that epiphany in this book but there's a secondary plot line that isn't concluded at the end. And, I admit, that frustrated the hell out of me. This could very well be a very personal thing but I think it's something readers need to be aware of.

Those who adore the Shopaholic series will still like this one. It is a fun book. I especially liked that Suze and her family went to LA to stay with Becky, Luke, and Minnie. I always enjoy reading about best friends and Becky and Suze are great chick lit besties. I also quite liked the storyline surrounding Sage and her archrival (I don't want to give a name because I don't want to give it away!). It was fun and dramatic (without being series) - and involved fashion! Always a good component of a Shopaholic book.

So, overall, I was kind of bummed with Shopaholic to the Stars. I wanted to love Sophie Kinsella's latest novel. I really did. I'm just not feeling the series anymore and I wonder why it really needs to continue. I'll probably keep reading Kinsella's standalone novels but I don't know if I'll really want to revisit Becky's world. Tell me...what do you think of the Shopaholic series? Will you read Becky's latest adventure?

*An ARC was provided by the publisher, Random House of Canada, in exchange for review consideration.*

Dewey's Read-a-Thon: Mega Post

Today's the day! If you missed my mini post about what I plan on reading for today's 24 Hour Read-a-Thon, check it out.

Be warned: This is going to be one big ol' post by the end of the day.

First up: the opening meme!
1) What fine part of the world are you reading from today?
I'm reading from St. Catharines, which is just by Niagara Falls on the Canadian side.
2) Which book in your stack are you most looking forward to?
Definitely Isla and the Happily Ever After but I'm not sure I'm going to get to it! 
3) Which snack are you most looking forward to? 
It's not so much a snack as it is an alcoholic beverages...the boyfriend and I have been waiting weeks for the pumpkin beer at a local craft brewery to be done. It finally is and we'll be having some tonight!
4) Tell us a little something about yourself! 
I am very tall (6') and have a ridiculous rabbit named Tonks (you should know the reference if you're reading this blog!). I mentioned in yesterday's post that I had to work today...I am the Event and Volunteer Coordinator for the Lions Foundation of Dog Guides Canada. Finally, I'm obsessed with tea.
5) If you participated in the last read-a-thon, what’s one thing you’ll do different today? If this is your first read-a-thon, what are you most looking forward to?
I've been pretty happy with how I've taken part in the last few read-a-thons. I know today is going to be different (and difficult) because I have to go into work (ew) so I'm taking it easy and just reading whatever I can. I'll be happy if I can finish one book and get started on another.

Coffee or Tea Challenge
Amanda over at the Fig and Thistle is holding a fun challenge. Would you agree with:

Quote A: “What on earth could be more luxurious than a sofa, a book, and a cup of coffee?” – Anthony Trollope

OR

Quote B: “You can never get a cup of tea large enough or a book long enough to suit me.” - C.S. Lewis

I've already mentioned I'm a tea lover so I am firmly #TeamCSLewis. Part two of the challenge asks us to share pictures of us with our beverage of choice so here are a few pics of me and my favourite drink! All of these pics can be found on my Instagram if you want to follow me for tea, bunny, and book pictures! :)

Top left: taking a pic for the David's Tea #selftea contest. In the rain. Top middle: buying a tea for McHappy Day. Top right: pic with tea at work because I liked my shirt!

Bottom left: my last mug of chocolate cake tea. Bottom middle: introducing author Samantha March to Tim Hortons! Bottom right: my first Christmas Starbucks beverage last November.

Update! The read-a-thon is now approaching...er...hour 14. I think? Anyway. I've driven an hour to and from work, worked an AGM (good gracious, those things are boring), ate a delicious meal (the boyfriend made chicken pot pie), and had two and a half glasses of pumpkin beer. AND finished book number one, which is the whole point of the day. The book was If I Stay by Gayle Forman. Yes, the one that was just recently made into a movie. It was very much a The Hunger Games scenario for me - I had heard of the book but wasn't interested until I learned more about the story. I'm glad I read it even though I feel like bawling in the corner, clutching a teddy bear. I will take a brief break to drink more beer (seriously, it's like pumpkin pie in a glass), perhaps do some challenges, and then I'll dive into book two. Which I don't even think is on my kobo yet (it's a NetGalley book). Guess I better get back to it!

Mid-Event Survey: (technically later than mid but that's ok)
1. What are you reading right now?

I just finished If I Stay and I should move on to Blame it on the Mistletoe but it's not on my kobo yet.
2. How many books have you read so far?

Just the one. *shakes fist and curses at working on a Saturday*
3. What book are you most looking forward to for the second half of the Read-a-thon?

Still Isla!
4. Have you had many interruptions? How did you deal with those?

TOTALLY. Work. Work on a Saturday sucks. It's been awhile since I've had to deal with that. I have dealt with that by drinking beer. And just rolling with it. I got one book done. I am thrilled with that!
5. What surprises you most about the Read-a-thon, so far?

That I was actually able to complete a book! It's a library book too and therefore not one I must review so I don't even have to worry about my mental review backlog (guess what I'm doing tomorrow...)

Colour Cover Challenge
You know what's fun? Inspecting your bookshelf for pretty colours after yummy beer. Wishful Endings created a fun challenge...picking four books that have the same coloured cover. Here are four GREEN books! I tried to find a fourth green and red one but it just wasn't happening. :)

Book Spine Poetry:
I really need to get back into reading but the challenges are fun. And I'm lazy (I have to retrieve my kobo and cord to put my next book onto it...not well prepared, obvi). What do you think of my poem for Ticket to Anywhere's challenge?

Dewey's Read-a-Thon: October 2014

It's that time of year again! Tomorrow is the Dewey's 24 Hour Read-a-Thon. I've taken part for a couple of years now and I thought I'd give it another go this fall. Minor problem though: I have to work for part of the day tomorrow. Boo! I will be trying to squeeze in as much reading as I can in between a coffee date with a good friend in the morning, the commute to and from work (an hour with no traffic...ugh...wish I could have found good audiobooks...), and the few hours at work. This will be my Saturday night!

So, now that I've told you what my day will look like, what books will I attempt to read?

If I Stay - Gayle Forman
I read Just One Day/Just One Year last year (this year?) and LOVED them. I had put off this one because I didn't know if I was interested and then the damn trailers hooked me. I guess those film people know what they're doing.

Blame it on the Mistletoe - Nicole Michaels
It may be a tad early for Christmas books (the weather is still so nice and fall-like and the trees are oh so pretty!) but this is one I got from NetGalley and it expires on the 24. Time to get into the holiday spirit!

Isla and the Happily Ever After - Stephanie Perkins
I AM SO EXCITED FOR THIS ONE. As much as I cannot freaking wait to dive in, my friend does own a copy of this so if I can't get to this before it's due back at the library I have a Plan B.

Here for the Cake - Emily Poule
This is the next book in my Novel Escapes queue that I've been meaning to read for ages. Plus, it'd be nice to throw in a chick lit book amongst the YA and romance!

I know I won't get to them all but a girl can dream!

My start time for the read-a-thon is 8am. That's when I planned on getting up anyway but I won't start reading until after that.  I don't think the library would appreciate me bringing If I Stay into the shower. Unless I can come up with a way to waterproof my books?

Once again I'm taking a super laid back approach to the read-a-thon. I'll read what I can, do what challenges I can, and enjoy the day. It'll give me something to look forward to while I'm at work. Trust me...reading is MUCH better than an Annual General Meeting...

Are you taking part in the read-a-thon? What are you planning on reading? Have you read any of the ones I'm planning on tackling?

Review: A Beautiful Mess Happy Handmade Home

Have you heard of the blog A Beautiful Mess? If you like decor, fashion, and all things pretty, you probably have. Sisters Elsie Larson and Emma Chapman have so many awesome ideas and they've recently compiled their home decor tips and DIY ideas in the new book, A Beautiful Mess Happy Handmade Home: Painting, Crafting, and Decorating a Cheerful, More Inspiring Space. Whew, that's a mouthful. Unlike some other interior design books, this one is totally relatable and a lot of fun to read.

Here's the book's description:

Step inside the world of Elsie and Emma, the sisters behind the décor blog A Beautiful Mess. With tiny budgets and a crafty, can-do attitude, they overhauled each room in their first homes with DIY projects using family photos, vibrant fabrics, flea-market finds, and affordable furniture. Now, you can learn how to paint, craft, and decorate your way to a happy, bright space with distinct personality. In the same upbeat spirit and modern style found on their blog, you’ll find fresh, all-new projects including:
• An inspired geometric-pattern coffee table made of balsa wood
• A hand-lettered statement wall featuring your favorite quote
• A quick and easy electrical tape update for your refrigerator
• A set of beautifully designed serving dishes
And more!
Packed with bonus styling tips from hanging the perfect gallery wall to making mismatched furniture work, Happy Handmade Home is design inspiration for personalizing your own space.

I really liked all of the DIY projects interspersed throughout the book. Some were fairly easy (making a cool design out of electrical tape on a coffee table) while others required slightly more work (a bed frame for a guest bedroom). None of the projects would be unreasonable for anyone with the space, time, and funds. Of course, you may find the ideas daunting if you're not into DIY but if you aren't, I'm not sure why you'd be reading this book! :) There are a few projects for every room of the house so you're sure to find at least one thing you're going to want to try.

The book isn't all do-it-yourself projects. It also includes lovely pictures of the authors' own homes. They use those pictures to give ideas for your home. Seeing the collection of cow skulls and antlers in one of their living room's can help you envision how to showcase your own collection of unique objects. Shopping for a new dining room set? Why not do what they did: get a table and then find individual chairs at flea markets and shops and paint them all the same colour. As long as you think outside of the box, and the authors help you do that, you can take their ideas and make them work for your own home.

I also really liked how they had a page or two on how to celebrate in almost every room. Have a kid's birthday party in the new playroom. Or how about a brunch with your ladies in your stunning backyard space? I loved thinking about the parties I could have in my imaginary and newly decorated house.

It's hard to give a written review of such a stunning visual book but A Beautiful Mess Happy Handmade Home is a home decor book after my own heart. It's fun and a bit quirky but so beautiful. Elsie Larson and Emma Chapman's book may not be for everyone but if you love DIY projects or even just watching HGTV to see all of the pretty houses, you should definitely check it out. Speaking of which, I would love to see these girls get their own TV show!

Happy reading...and decorating!

*A copy of this novel was received from the publisher, Random House of Canada, in exchange for review consideration.*

Blog Tour: Goddess Born

Though I don't read them often enough, I really enjoy historical fiction and fantasy novels. So, when the opportunity arose to read Goddess Born, a novel that would include both elements, I jumped at the chance. Kari Edgren's novel was intriguing and kept me turning the pages until the end.

Here's the synopsis:

The power to heal is her divine gift, the fear of discovery, her mortal curse.
Selah Kilbrid is caught between two worlds. A direct descendant of the Celtic goddess Brigid, she is bound by Tuatha Dé law to help those in need. Yet as a human, she must keep her unique abilities hidden or risk being charged for a witch. In 1730 Pennsylvania, the Quaker community of Hopewell has become a haven for religious freedom—and fanaticism—and there are those who would see her hanged if the truth were revealed.
For eighteen years, Selah safely navigates the narrow gap between duty and self-preservation, until the day a prominent minister uncovers her secret. Obsessed with her power, Nathan Crowley disregards her betrothal to a distant cousin from Ireland and demands marriage in exchange for his silence. Selah stalls for time, but when news reaches the Colonies of her cousin’s death, time has run out.
Rather than submit to Nathan, Selah coerces a stranger to pose as her husband. It’s a good plan—her only plan—even though Henry Alan harbors his own dark secrets. But when she returns to Hopewell a married woman, the real fight has just begun. As unseen forces move against her, Selah doesn’t know which poses the greater danger—a malignant shadow closing in from outside or the internal fire that threatens to consume her heart.
Book Two in the Goddess Born series will be published in November 2014 and Book Three in June 2015.

Goddess Born was quite the riveting read. I was interested in the magical element to this novel and wondered how, exactly, Selah's powers worked and what the back story was. Unfortunately, this was where I found the novel lacking. I appreciate that Edgren avoided the dreaded info dump at the beginning of the book and did not give everything away at once. What I wished for, however, were more details about Selah's power. We find out right away that there is something special about her and that she seems to have healing powers. We also know right from the start that she is a "goddess born" but it takes a very long time (almost 100 pages if I remember correctly) before any history is shared. It wasn't that I was confused - I could tell that the power was passed on maternally and had done so for many generations. I was more frustrated that I didn't have the whole story about Selah's powers. I felt like the explanation wasn't dealt with properly and because of that my appreciation for the novel was diminished. 

This novel was an interesting one. I really did like reading it. The time period was interesting - the 1700s - not only from a historical perspective but from a fantastical one as well. It's not often that a novel will include some magical elements and take place in that time period. I think it made Selah's plight all the more stressful, for the reader, because there was a very real possibility that she would be murdered if the truth about her powers came out. Sure, that could happen now but knowing "witches" were actually killed made Selah's fate seem very bleak indeed. I don't think I would have enjoyed this book nearly as much if it had not been historical fiction.

Finally, I want to touch on the romantic aspect of the novel. Edgren did a good job of making sure the story did not stray too much into the typical romance genre. There were times when physical attraction and emotional attachments played a large part in the story but it was always done correctly. There was a time and place for these scenes and they were always well placed. So, of course, I appreciated the good love story! Henry seemed like a genuinely good man and I really hoped he and Selah could work out the various problems they had. 

I'm really happy I got the chance to read Kari Edgren's novel. I'm also happy that Goddess Born is the first in a trilogy. If you're a fan of historical fiction and fantasy as I am, I think you'll really like this one too. 

*A copy of this novel was provided by Historical Fiction Virtual Book Tours in exchange for an honest review.*