Latest Reads: Summer 2015

Latest Reads: Summer 2015

Wow! It’s been a long time since I’ve written anything for this blog. My last post was 3.5 months ago to promote my dear friend Becca Boucher’s latest release, Midnight Raven. Well, by now, I’m reading it and it’s got me very intrigued!

After wrapping up another school year, my alter ego, Summer Stephanie, is quite content with the bliss that is summer.  A little traveling has been done. Some fun has been had. And laughs have been abundant. SO I can’t complain in the slightest. Plus, some good things are happening with the writing. The second Ruby Hood book, “The Twistedly True Guardian Tale”, is at the publisher and getting ready to release. I’m thrilled to be working with Write More Publications again. I’ve also started the third and final book in the #rubyhoodseries. It’s exciting and sad at the same time. For now, it’s still more exciting than sad. However I suspect, the further I get into it, the sadder it will be. BUT a new series will spin off from this one. As for Ruby’s future? You never know where she may pop up! Summer has also provided me a little time to get some reading in. In fact, I have a whole slew of books for this edition of LATEST READS (How on Earth did I ever publish these once a month?!?!). Check out what I’ve been reading…

A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness

This was okay. I LOVED the storyline and the idea of evolution of the supernaturals, BUT I didn’t connect with either of the main characters. However, I did really like the supporting characters. I have the other ones downloaded and will probably read them, when I find some time.

Bared to You by Sylvia Day

Gideon Cross and Eva Tramell are quite an interesting pair. There is the basic boy likes girl, girl likes boy, boy can’t let girl know, girl pretends he doesn’t make her heart race but then there’s also a lot of sex. Set in the face paced Manhattan, NY, it’s a quick read. There is always something happening with multiple storylines all intermingled together.

The Giver by Lois Lowry

One of the first dystopian novels and a classic. I reread to see if it was appropriate for my students. And while it would have prompted some amazing discussions the idea of having to explain ‘the Stirrings’ deterred me. That being said, it may not have been my choice to teach to 5^th graders, but is a great book. Lois Lowery has an amazing storytelling ability.

Reconstructing Amelia by Kimberly McCreight

EXCELLENT! I couldn’t put this on down. One of the best books I’ve read in a long time. This heart-breaking twisted novel sucks you right in.

Benjamin McTish and the Grandfather Tree

In this fantasy fun, Benjamin and his two best mates venture out on the adventure of a lifetime. The story is filled with interesting characters and plot twists. At the end, the reader can’t help but root for Benjamin. And while one problem is solved, there is more ahead for the main characters in their journey. Book two is on my wishlist.

Beautiful Bastard by Christina Lauren

A quick fun read. Bennett Ryan is a beautiful bastard, but Chloe Mills can hold her own. At first I thought he was an absolute ass, but he’s just all twisted up over a girl. They have a sultry fun relationship, even though they’re both a touch needy.

A Dance with Dragons by George RR Martin

Holy Moly…FINALLY! I think this sucker took me a year to read. Only in George RR Martin’s 5^th book do you get a barrage of new character introductions 65% in. Why??? Because he keeps killing all his characters…it’s maddening!!! If you read the books or watch the series, you know he killed a whole slew of folks in the fifth book, so of course, I am throughly intrigued and canNOT wait for the release of the 6^th book!

American Sniper by Chris Kyle

This is a tragic and heartbreaking story of courage and bravery. I enjoyed the book, but I liked the movie better, which I don’t usually say. In the book, we see Chris Kyle’s perspective and snippets from his wife, but in the movie we see how his entire existence benefited others. He was entirely to humble to brag about this aspect of his life in the book. He was an amazing human being and American. The world is so much darker without his presence, but at least the story of his bravery and humanity is out there for the world to see. May you rest in peace, Chris “Legend” Kyle.

Currently Reading

The Girl who Kicked the Hornet’s Nest by Stieg Larson

Midnight Raven by Becca Boucher

Afterburn by Sylvia Day

Thank you for reading! May your summer be filled with books, laughter and love!