Spoiler: Dear John by Nicholas Sparks

This novel broke so many boundaries for me. So many people go through long distant relationships and find those difficult. But nothing can be as difficult as someone who has signed to live away for years at a time, risking their life for those around them.

Dear John shows a side of the military I had never witnessed, love at first sight and a love that is beyond words.

I often read this book while on my lunch break at work. I was often warned that I was going to cry and had people throw the Kleenex box at me. I did cry in the end after I flopped the book down and was going back to my office. Throughout the book, as a reader you realize that maybe things will not always work out, and by the end it just doesn’t fit together. It’s heart breaking, but that’s also how you can tell John feels a real love for Savannah.

♥Characters♥

John: He’s a little rough around the edges. The beginning of this story doesn’t do much to make us like John. He acts like a jerk towards his father, and rebels. But as he joins the army he becomes that all good guy type, that is with the tattoos included. I did fall in love with him a little more story by story. The trouble with that is, that as I read about his heart breaking, my heart broke over and over. Seeing the struggle he went through with Savannah was sad, but seeing him finally give his all to his one love without reciprocation is hard.

♥Savannah: I know there are probably some who blame her for not staying faithful to John. I don’t agree with that for the simple reason, that you can’t control what the heart wants. Sometimes we can fall in love with two people at the same time, especially when there is such a great distance between two people. I strongly believe that while long distance is a capability, not all people or relationships are built for it.

♥John’s Father: It was heart breaking to hear about how his life had diminished near the end, but I’m happy that John had a chance to get to know who he really was, and why he was the way he was. It’s hard to learn something like that about someone you love. But just because there may be an additional support need it doesn’t mean there is something the matter with a person.

♥Tim: It said at the beginning that Tim appeared to be in love with Savannah, but I never thought the book would end with him. I was surprised they ended up together, I just didn’t see it coming until she sent the letter. Then again, the fact that he got cancer was a tragedy in itself. John couldn’t very well steal up a cancer patient’s wife, now could he? All the same I’m happy that Tim made it through thanks to John’s contribution.

♥Moments to Remember♥

♥Pg. 47

“‘I have to start my day with coffee. It’s my only vice.’”

♥Pg. 133

“‘I’m going to marry you one day, you know?’

 ‘Is that a promise.’

 ‘If you want it to be.’

 ‘Well, then you have to promise that you’ll come back for me when you get out of the army. I can’t marry you if you’re not around.’”

♥Pg. 144

“From the very beginning, the calls and letters between us were regular. We e-mailed as well, but I soon learned that Savannah preferred to write, and she wanted me to do the same. ‘I know it’s not as immediate as e-mail, but that’s what I like about it,’ she wrote me. ‘I like the surprise of finding a letter in the mailbox and the anxious anticipation I feel when I’m getting ready to open it. I like the fact that I can take it with me to read at leisure, and that I can lean against a tree and feel the breeze on my face when I see your words on paper. I like to imagine the way you looked when you wrote it…”

♥Final Line: “And for the briefest instant, it almost feels like we’re together again.”

Thanks for reading,

Love,

Sidny xoxo

Book Review: After Summer by Hailey Abbott

Title: After Summer

Author: Hailey Abbott

Series/Novel: Summer Boys Series (Book #3)

Genre: Young Adult, Romance, Chicklit
Pages: 163

Publisher: Alloy Entertainment

Year Published: 2006

First Line: “Beth lined up her bare toes along the edge of the platform and arched her body forward, extending her arms over the still, blue water.”

“Summer may be over; but the hook ups are hotter than ever:

Beth: George is supposed to be my boyfriend and my best friend. Now, it’s like he’s only interested in one thing- and it’s not my friendship

Ella: Unbelievable. Ryan is an even bigger player than… I am. Have I finally met my match?

Kelsi: Even though Tim is great, I still want us to wait a while. But what if I’m the only one at college who hasn’t done it yet?

Cold winds. Hot boys. Can summer love survive?”

My Rating: 4/5

This book is the first and only book from the Summer Boys series that takes place in each of the girls’ separate towns. I was surprised how much of a difference that made. While this novel showed some contact between the cousins it made it harder to follow each individual story as they did not overlap nearly enough for my liking.

That being said, I also found that this instalment in the series was completely over dramatic. It seemed as though it was repeating parts from the first two books, so it was hard to be put on edge by anything.

But truth be told, I’m a sucker for drama. I got sucked into each story and was heartbroken at times along with the girls, but also angry at the girls for doing things I never thought they would do.

I am extremely excited to read the last instalment of these books, as I want to see who ends up with who and why, etc. In all honesty, I’m hooked!

THANK YOU HAILEY ABBOTT FOR MAKING ME FEEL LIKE A TUTTLE COUSIN!

Thanks for reading,

Love,

Sidny xoxo

Spoiler: After Summer by Hailey Abbott

Welcome back (told you I’d get better with posting more frequently!). So this book caught me off guard in so many ways. As I’ve read through the Summer Boys series, I realized that the girls lived in different areas. When I found that this book wasn’t based on Pebble Beach I thought nothing off it, in fact I looked forward to it. Truth be told it changed the way the individual perspectives were told, as the girls didn’t see each other nearly every day. I found it hard to keep all the stories separate when a lot of similar things were happening with Kelsi, Beth and Ella. Also, can we hear from Jamie more often??? Please!

♥Character♥

♥Ella: I think I expected her to leave Jeremy in the dust during the beginning of the book, but I was still disappointed in her when it happened. Although that being said, it seemed like Jeremy had decided he was out, so she must have been hurt. So forth, Ryan. What a piece of work!! I was overjoyed when she realized that she was a different person than who she was before Jeremy. She’s really changed and started to think about having one boyfriend, instead of every boy. That’s a real step up for her. Hopefully she can make it to summer to be with Jeremy. Fingers crossed.

♥Beth: What in the world is going on here? I was cheering for her and George. But I guess things can’t always be patched. Especially when she was feeling so stretched out. It could happen with time that she and George get back together. But at some point I had to realize it was done for them. Especially with how jerk-ish George was acting about the sex thing. Grrrr….

♥Kelsi: Kelsi is certainly right. People change, they grow apart, it just happens. It’s sad, and parts of you might still love the other person, but it takes a real adult to be able to stand up and say, “This isn’t working.” I wouldn’t be surprised if she ends up with Bennet, but if she doesn’t that’s ok too. Maybe she just needs time to explore her options and whatever. Have to wait and see I suppose.

♥Moments to Remember♥

♥Pg. 111

“‘Not the hotel, George,’ Beth snapped at him. ‘I can’t believe you. This was supposed to be a new romantic weekend. And you decide that means I should dress up like some ho. Then you paw at me all night, and now you think I want to go and have sex with you? Who are you? What happened to you?’”

♥Pg. 116

“Kelsi wasn’t sure she’d missed her sister while away at college. But when Ella came up for the long Veteran’s Day weekend in November, Kelsi realized that she had. A lot.”

♥Final Line: “All she had to do was jump.”

Thanks for reading,

Love,

Sidny xoxo

Book Review: Four by Veronica Roth

Title: Four: A Divergent Collection

Author: Veronica Roth         

Series: Divergent Collection (0.1-0.4)

Genre: Young Adult, Dystopia, Science Fiction

Pages: 285

Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers

Year Published: 2014

First Line: “I emerge from the simulation with a yell.”

“Two years before Beatrice Prior made her choice, the sixteen-year-old son of Abnegation’s faction leader did the same. Tobias’s transfer to Dauntless is a chance to begin again. Here, he will not be called the name his parents gave him. Here, he will not let fear turn him into a cowering child.

Newly christened ‘Four’, he discovers during initiation that he will succeed in Dauntless. Initiation is only the beginning though; Four must claim his place in the Dauntless hierarchy. His decisions will affect future initiates as well as uncover secrets that could threaten his own future- and the future of the entire faction system.

Two years later, Four is poised to take action, but the course is still unclear. The first new initiate who jumps into the net might change all that. With her, the way to righting the world might become more clear. With her it might become possible to be Tobias once again.”

My Rating: 5/5

This book follows Tobias through his transfer into Dauntless, his initiation and several trials that help him become the man we know as Four in Divergent. The stories are put into several different categories that show different values that Tobias has completed.

Although it’s been quite a while since I finished the Divergent series, books which are told from Tris’ perspective, this book was a beautiful reminder of the world Veronica Roth has created. It gives a different perspective of the faction system, Dauntless Initiation, and the rebellion as a whole. Not to mention a few of the amazing moments that Tobias and Tris shared through the series. Learning more about Tobias’ life before leaving Abnegation helps the reader understand his actions throughout the series.

I only wish that this addition to the collection had come out, but I understand how that would not have been possible, as the series had to gain a following first.

THANK YOU VERONICA ROTH FOR OPENING A NEW AREA OF DIVERGENT FOR THE FANS!

Thanks for reading,

Love,

Sidny xoxo

Spoiler: Four by Veronica Roth

The first thing I thought when I finished this novel was that it was pure poetry, a bittersweet ending to a fantastic collection. This being said there are many of us who wish this was not the end. I suspect, sadly, that Veronica Roth may have trouble returning to the series again.

Following Four through similar struggles as Tris was fascinating. But I found it was most interesting to see Four’s life in Abnegation. His perspective on why he left, why he never became a leader and how he found out about the Erudite plans helped patch together parts I felt were missing a bit in the rest of the series.

I’m so extremely glad to have read this novel!

♥Characters♥

♥Four/Tobias: This man is strong, compassionate and quite the introvert. I found that the way he began vs. the way he came to be at the end of the third book was a huge contrast. I was shocked at the way his appearance changed, as well as the massive strides he took to controlling his own life. Although he went through so much he continued to overcome and was able to begin trusting others again.  While I often thought in Divergent that Four was acting stupidly with Tris this change of perspective helps readers understand how Four handles different situations.

♥Zeke: He’s that fun best friend you can count on to have a drink with anytime you need. I’d compare him to Chandler Bing in a moment with some of the jokes he makes. Although he makes a far better drinking buddy. It was fun to see him in a different light.

♥Shauna: It’s not easy to tell a close friend you’re interested in them in a different kind of friendship, but watching her struggle with Zeke was heartbreaking. Especially if you know the end results.

♥Moments to Remember♥

♥Final Line: “One thing I know: For helping me forget how awful the world is, I prefer her to alcohol.”

Thank you for reading,

Love,

Sidny xoxo

16000 VIEWS!

Holy crow!!!! It's been a crazy ride and I never ever thought this many people would have viewed this site. I would like to say thank you for those who have continued reading, or those who have taken the time to just take a look around this site.
You all mean the world to me, thanks for everything!!!
I'm terribly sorry that the posts this past year haven't been more regular, but I'm working on it.


Thank you for reading,
Love,
Sidny xoxo

Book Review: Darkness by Ciye Cho

Title: Darkness

Author: Ciye Cho

Series: Florence Waverly Series (Book #3)

Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult

Pages: 245

Publisher: Studio Amazepop

Year Published: 2015

First Line: “In a dark cavern, I found myself standing in a cage.”

“A dire prophecy has emerged and the mer believe that humans and merfolk are in grave danger. Terror is closing in, but only one person hold the key to stop it: Florence Waverly. However, her mission to save two worlds will lead her far, far out into the darkness0 a shadow realm full of monsters, magic and wicked tides that could tear apart bodies.

With the help of her friend, Florry must uncover a secret about humans and mer. A long-lost secret that could change her life. And above al else she must fight hard to light the darkness. Everything depends on her mission: her friends, her world and the one she loves.

The past, present and future are about to collide- but can she stay afloat? One way or another nothing will be the same when she enters the Darkness.”

My Rating: 3.5/5

This is the most recent instalment of the Florence Waverly Series just released previously this year. I found this story to be interesting, and when thinking back to the other Florence Waverly volumes I realize how much the main character in this series has grown. Florence has gone from a timid mouse of a human to someone who is willing to do anything for those she cares about. This is proven time and time again throughout this novel.

 Although, I must say that the details in this book seemed to slip slightly and I found it difficult to picture some of the things that were going on in this fantasy world.

Overall this series has been a thrilling adventure filled with romance, emotion and imagination.

To create such a world in such a short amount of time is impressive, and Ciye Cho should certainly have a following of YA readers that enjoy a taste for adventure.

THANK YOU CIYE CHO FOR TAKING US ON A GREAT ADVENTUE AND TESTING THE LIMITS!

Thank you for reading,

Love,

Sidny xoxo

Spoiler: Darkness by Ciye Cho

As mentioned above this is the third instalment in the Florence Waverly Series that has just come out this year. I was impressed by the self-published author Ciye Cho, as it must take a lot to go solo on a series such as these. I was even more impressed with how he created a world and a way of life through his words. His characters have grown and changed and I couldn’t be happier with it. I do have a few questions, as always, but all in all this was a good book.

♥Characters♥

♥Florence Waverly: The main character of these stories has truly changed. She is no longer timid and afraid to show who she is, in fact she shows who she is proudly and steps into the role of hero in this third book. I was impressed by the fact she walked into the Shadow Fyre. She did what had to be done to save those she loved, although she knows it could change her forever. Although I never found Florence very relatable, although this could be because she is so wishie washie about every decision she makes and I’m more the type of person who leaps in. All or nothing.

  

♥Rolan: He has also changed. He is more willing to show himself for who he is as well as able to confess his love for Florence without thinking he is “stealing” her soul. In fact, it takes two to tango, and Florence and Rolan dance this dance quite well. I wish them all the best in the future although I don’t think that all in Nimelia will be impressed with this changed Florry.

  

♥Mara: Mara has also changed. Although she gives it her all, she isn’t afraid to care for people around her (Wynn, Florence, Rolan). She fights truly till the end. Even though she finds out her father is a traitor she carries on like a true warrior.

♥Wynn: At the beginning I was questioning Wynn’s loyalties, but I believe once again her remains loyal to Florence and Rolan.

  

♥Kiren: Where did you go again????

♥Malor: I don’t know if he’s crazy, or if his madness stems from the beginning of his kind. Could it be possible that this is the colony Cornelius found? Did the darkness that affected Cornelius’s body also affect his mind and affect the leadership found here?

♥Moments to Remember♥

♥Pg. 114

“‘You’re holding me to tight,’ I whispered.

‘Maybe I’m trying to make sure you don’t slip away.

‘I’m not going anywhere.’”

♥Final Line: “It’s not over…”

Thanks for reading,

Love,

Sidny xoxo

Book Review: Maplecroft by Cherie Priest

Title: Maplecroft

Author: Cherie Priest

ISBN:9780451466976

Series/Novel: The Borden Dispatches (Book #1)

Genre: Horror, Fantasy, Historical Fiction

Pages: 435

Publisher: Roc Trade

Year Published: 2014

First Line: “No one else is allowed in the cellar.”

“Lizzie Borden took an axe and gave her mother forty whacks, and when she saw what she had done, she gave her father forty-one…

The people of Fall River, Massachusetts, fear me. Perhaps rightfully so. I remain a suspect in the brutal deaths of my father and his second wife despite the verdict of innocence at my trial. With our inheritance, my sister, Emma, and I have taken up residence in Maplecroft, a mansion near the sea and far from gossip and scrutiny.

But it is not far enough for the affliction that possessed my parents. Their characters, their very souls, were consumed from within by something that left malevolent entities in their place. It originates from the ocean’s depths, plaguing the populace with tides of nightmares and madness.

This evil cannot hide from me. No matter what guise it assumes, I will be waiting for it. With an axe.”

My Rating: 3.5/5

This book has taken me a long while to finish (damn you college). I’ve been reading this book for far too long and since it’s the end of the year I’ve decided it’s about time to get my but in gear on free reading time. Who needs a beach body when you’ve got reading to prepare for!

This book is much different than I thought it would be. I assumed that the book would be closer to historical fiction; perhaps the madness that ensued after the murder had taken place. It didn’t cross my mind that this rendition would be so far fetched. That being said this book certainly had moments that intrigued me, whilst making my skin crawl.

Cherie Priest has an interesting imagination, and this book shows her writing talent. The fact that she was able to make me truly believe in things that are unthinkable shows that she has true talent.

I was intrigued by the characters as well as amazed at the way the story carried out. I never thought that this book would take so many twists and turns.

I would recommend this book to anyone who likes thrillers with a mix of fantasy. This book touches on both of these genres.

Thanks for reading,

Love,

Sidny xoxo

Spoiler: Maplecroft by Cherie Priest

As mentioned above this book took me completely by surprise. I have been fascinated by Lizzie Borden since I watched the Lifetime movie about her trial and the death of her parents.

I expected this book to follow Lizzie through what many assume that she did, but rather this book took a turn towards fantasy. Claiming that the murder was in self-defence as her parents turned into monsters. At first a believed this was descent into madness, but as I continued to read I understood that this book was taking a completely different spin to the story.

In all honesty, this is not my favourite book of all time. And that’s alright, you won’t like them all. There will be some that simply will not be for you and that’s a-ok. This story just didn’t make sense to me. The idea of things coming from the ocean to take over was interesting and at times horrifying, but it didn’t gather my full interest, rather it bothered me that such an interesting real story had been changed so dramatically into this fantasy.

♥Characters♥

♥Lizzie: I noticed that Lizzie is portrayed as a hero in this telling of her story. If you do not know who Lizzie Borden is a highly suggest you look it up. It is an interesting case in history that I found fascinating. This story changed the ideas that are shared by many about the case of the Borden deaths. I can’t say that I like the character of Lizzie. Perhaps this is because I’ve assumed she was the villain for so long that this book could not change my mind.

That being said I felt for Lizzie after Nance is “infected” it couldn’t be easy to see the love your life become something that you have had to kill previously. That would mean that you would have next to no one to look after, other than Emma who has apparently just decided to peace out of the whole situation.

♥Emma: I think that Emma has an interesting side to this story. What made her sick? Why is she this way? And how did she come to realize her true calling of science, considering such things were not very lady-like in her time. I believe that she is smart, although very self-concerned. I know that Professor Zollicoffer was coming, but she didn’t appear the least concerned about what the death of Nance would do to her sister, or the fact that the rest of the town was going straight to Hell.

♥Dr. Seabury: It is terribly sad that he began to go crazy by the end of the whole scenario. Increasingly so because of the way his solution worked out to help Emma and Lizzie. Although he may not remember it, he did save the town. Lucky for them, but they will only stay safe as long as he doesn’t go through the full transformation as Zollicoffer.

♥Professor Zollicoffer: So this guy was crazy, simply because something came from the ocean. And in today’s world there are only a ton of cities by the ocean in the 21^st century. No reason to fear the Mother. Any who, I thought that this man would be smarter about defeating Emma and Lizzie, but really he seemed to be decently easy to overcome. In reality, they all should have died.

♥Nance: Curiosity killed the cat. Don’t go to the basement could not have been clearer, but apparently the call was too great for this girl.

♥Moments to Remember♥

♥Pg. 173

“‘I saw the Hamiltons’ bodies.’

 I wouldn’t have been more stunned if he’d taken off his shirt and done a little dance.”

♥Pg. 230

“She so beautifully disturbed the darkness, all flapping shape in gray and white. Like an owl. With that kind of grace and silence.”

♥Final Line: “Perhaps I can be of greater service to mankind without you.”

Thanks for reading,

Love,

Sidny xoxo