Ten Books I'm Thankful For

Top Ten Tuesday was created by The Broke and the Bookish in June of 2010 and was moved to That Artsy Reader Girl in January of 2018. It was born of a love of lists, a love of books, and a desire to bring bookish friends together. This week's topic is Top Ten Thanksgiving Freebie.

So I decided to go with ten books that I'm thankful for.

1. Twilight (Twilight, # 1) by Stephenie Meyer - To be honest, Twilight is what rekindled my love for reading. I loved reading in high school but stopped until I picked this book up. And I haven't stopped since.
2. Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen - Started my love for historical fiction as well as my willingness to give the Classics a chance.
3. The Forest of Hands and Teeth (The Forest of Hands and Teeth, # 1) by Carrie Ryan - My first zombie book.
4. Harry Potter (the series) by JK Rowling - Because who knew that a book series could be this epic?
5. The Power of a Praying Woman by Stormie Omartian - The book that changed my prayer life for the best.
6. Crazy Love by Francis Chan - Changed the way I thought about a lot of things related to my faith.
7. Slammed (Slammed, # 1) by Colleen Hoover - Sparked my love for her books. As of now she's an auto-buy author.
8. Boundaries by Henry Cloud & John Townsend - This book...It is Christian based, but there's so, so, so much that anyone could get out of it when it comes to setting proper boundaries. I cannot recommend this book enough.
9. Grave Mercy (His Fair Assassins, # 1) by Robin LaFevers - This series has it all. Strong female characters. History and strategy. Twists. Romances. And SYMBOLISM!
10. Captivating by Stasi & John Eldredge - This book broke me a little bit. It made me cry more than once. This book revealed my heart to me.

Which books are you thankful for? Let me know!

Ten Things I'm Thankful For 2016

Top 10 Tuesday is a post hosted by The Broke and the Bookish and this week's topic is Top Ten Thanksgiving.

1. Jesus Christ - My personal Savior for loving me (and you) enough to empty Himself of being God and come to earth as a man who lived a perfect life and die a death at the hands of His own creation only to be raised from the dead in victory over death so that I (and you) have the opportunity to live eternally with Him. He is good all the time, and all the time He is good.
2. Husband - This year with life changing as much as it has he has been such a help to me. He's been supportive and helpful. He's an awesome dad and I love him more every day.
3. Little Girl - She has filled my life with immense joy. She makes me smile every single day even on the tough days. I love seeing her joy in the littlest things. I love watching her brain process and learn new things as she's exploring the world around her.
4. Family/Friends/Spiritual Family - I know it's probably cliche to add another "family" to my thankful list, but isn't life really about who you spend it with and not so much the things that you have? I'm surrounded by some of the best people in the world. They're happy. They're supportive. I wouldn't want to do this life thing without them.
5. Staying at Home - I'm so thankful to be able to stay at home with Little Girl. It broke my heart to leave the few days that I had to go back to work this time last year. Seeing her smiles and all of her accomplishments and new skills that she learns each day is not something that I want to miss. Someone else would get to see those if I wasn't able to be at home with her.
6. Reading/Blogging - Even though I don't get to read as much as I used to or maybe want to, my life is still so full. And I love being able to continue to read books that blow me away and share those with you guys.
7. Home - There are so many people in the world that don't have homes or their homes consist of dirt floors and bamboo walls and roofs. I'm thankful for a home to keep my loved ones and I safe and warm at night.
8. Authors - I'm thankful for authors who can't get characters or stories out of their heads until they put them to paper. Their words allow me to live many lives and explore many worlds and experiences.
9. Publishers - Like authors, I'm thankful for publishers who work so hard to bring us the stories written by the authors that we love. If not for all of their work in editing and cover creation and marketing we wouldn't see many of the stories or characters that we've come to love.
10. The Book Blogging Community - I've been blogging about books for 5 1/2 years, and in that time I have RARELY had a bad experience within this community. I love having this community of people who are so open to talking about books that they love as much as I do. No one freaks out because we love books, characters, and authors with the passion that we do. I'm thankful for each of you because you make this blogging experience worth it!

Happy Thanksgiving to you all! What are you thankful for? Let me know!

Sunday Post - 125 & Stacking the Shelves - 87

The Sunday Post is a weekly meme hosted by Kimba @ The Caffeinated Book Reviewer ~this meme was inspired in part by ~ In My Mailbox~ It's a chance to share News. A post to recap the past week, showcase books and things we have received and share news about what is coming up for the week on our blog.

Monday we had a special Thanksgiving celebration and meal at work. I'm really appreciative to work for a company that does stuff like that and really takes care of their employees. Speaking of, they also give us paid time off for Thursday and Friday of this week. Thursday, Husband and I drove to Mobile to celebrate Thanksgiving with my grandparents and family for lunch. Then we drove all the way back home to celebrate Thanksgiving with Husband's family. Friday we celebrated Husband's sister's birthday. And I also put my Christmas tree up this week. I love the time of year. And I just want to say that I'm thankful to everyone who's commented or read or visited my blog. I'm thankful for authors and publishers who tell these wonderful stories and spread them to the world. I'm thankful for so much more, but since this is a blog about books I'll stop there. Hope you guys have a great week!

THIS PAST WEEK:

Monday: Review of Undertow (Undertow, # 1) by KR Conway (3 Stars)
Tuesday: Top Ten Winter 2014 TBR List & 2014 Series Enders Reading Challenge - November Wrap Up
Wednesday: Waiting on The Fill-In Boyfriend by Kasie West
Thursday: Happy Thanksgiving!
Friday: 4th Annual Black Friday Book Bonanza Giveaway Hop (Ends 12/1/14 12:01 a.m.)

UPCOMING THIS WEEK:

Monday: November EOM Wrap Up & Review of A Thousand Pieces of You (Firebird, # 1) by Claudia Gray
Tuesday: Top Ten Books To Look Forward To In 2015
Wednesday: Waiting on Wednesday
Thursday: Review of Sometimes It Lasts (Sea Breeze, # 5) by Abbi Glines
Friday: Review of Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell

Don't forget to sign up for the 2014 Series Enders Reading Challenge! You have until December 15, 2014 to sign up. Each month there will be a giveaway for those participating with a BIG giveaway at the end of the year! Click on the picture below or the link above to find out more!

Also the sign up for the 2015 Series Enders Reading Challenge is already up! You have until December 15, 2015 to sign up. Click on the picture below or the link above to find out more!

Stacking the Shelves is hosted by Tynga's Reviews.

Beautiful Oblivion (Maddox Brothers, # 1)

By: Jamie McGuire

Published: July 1st 2014 by Atria Books

416 pages

Genre: New Adult, Contemporary

Source: Personal Kindle Library

( Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository )

*Note: The above links to Amazon and Book Depository are affiliate links. Affiliate links support giveaways for Somewhere Only We Know readers.

Goodreads description--The Beautiful Disaster and Walking Disaster phenomenon continues in the first heart-pounding new adult romance in The Maddox Brothers series.

Fiercely independent Camille "Cami" Camlin gladly moved on from her childhood before it was over. She has held down a job since before she could drive, and moved into her own apartment after her freshman year of college. Now tending bar at The Red Door, Cami doesn’t have time for much else besides work and classes, until a trip to see her boyfriend is cancelled, leaving her with a first weekend off in almost a year.

Trenton Maddox was the king of Eastern State University, dating co-eds before he even graduated high school. His friends wanted to be him, and women wanted to tame him, but after a tragic accident turned his world upside down, Trenton leaves campus to come to grips with the crushing guilt.

Eighteen months later, Trenton is living at home with his widower father, and works full-time at a local tattoo parlor to help with the bills. Just when he thinks his life is returning to normal, he notices Cami sitting alone at a table at The Red.

As the baby sister of four rowdy brothers, Cami believes she’ll have no problem keeping her new friendship with Trenton Maddox strictly platonic. But when a Maddox boy falls in love, he loves forever—even if she is the only reason their already broken family could fall apart.

In the first installment of the Maddox Brothers books, readers can experience the rush of reading Beautiful Disaster for the first time, all over again.

Heat of the Moment (Moment of Truth, # 1)

By: Lauren Barnholdt

Expected Publication: May 12th 2015 by HarperTeen

304 pages

Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary

Source: Publisher via Edelweiss (Thank you!!)

( Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository )

*Note: The above links to Amazon and Book Depository are affiliate links. Affiliate links support giveaways for Somewhere Only We Know readers.

Goodreads description--Before graduation, I promise to...learn to trust. In the first book in the Moment of Truth series, Lyla discovers that trusting her head might be easy but trusting her heart is a whole other matter.

Each book in this paperback original series is told from the perspective of a different girl—Lyla, Aven, and Quinn—former best friends who wrote emails to their future selves back in freshman year about one thing they hope to accomplish before they graduate. When the emails get delivered on the first morning of their senior trip all three girls will spend the next three days trying to keep the promises they made to themselves four years ago. While each book follow’s one girl’s life-changing adventure, you have to read them all to get the whole story, including why they’re no longer friends and whether they can get their friendship back on track.

Lyla McAfee had all but forgotten the email that she wrote to herself freshman year and scheduled to be delivered right before graduation—the one promising that she’d learn to trust by the end of senior year. But when she receives it the first morning of her senior trip to Florida her life is sent into a tailspin. Soon she’s questioning her seemingly perfect relationship with her boyfriend, Derrick; her attraction to the school player, Beckett; and whether ending her friendship with Aven and Quinn, her former BFFs, was one of the biggest mistakes of her life.

The first book in a captivating summer trilogy, Heat of the Moment flawlessly balances romance and humor as Lyla embarks on her totally reluctant but completely irresistible journey of self-discovery. And readers will have a chance to discover whole truth about the fight that ended Lyla, Quinn, and Aven’s friendship in the next two installments of the series, coming out later the same summer!

Things We Know By Heart

By: Jessi Kirby

Expected Publication: April 21st 2015 by HarperTeen

304

Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary

Source: Publisher via Edelweiss (Thank you!!)

( Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository )

*Note: The above links to Amazon and Book Depository are affiliate links. Affiliate links support giveaways for Somewhere Only We Know readers.

Goodreads description--When Quinn Sullivan meets the recipient of her boyfriend’s donated heart, the two form an unexpected connection. After Quinn loses her boyfriend, Trent, in an accident their junior year, she reaches out to the recipients of his donated organs in hopes of picking up the pieces of her now-unrecognizable life. She hears back from some of them, but the person who received Trent’s heart has remained silent. The essence of a person, she has always believed, is in the heart. If she finds Trent’s, then maybe she can have peace once and for all. Risking everything in order to finally lay her memories to rest, Quinn goes outside the system to track down nineteen-year-old Colton Thomas—a guy whose life has been forever changed by this priceless gift. But what starts as an accidental run-in quickly develops into more, sparking an undeniable attraction. She doesn't want to give in to it—especially since he has no idea how they're connected—but their time together has made Quinn feel alive again. No matter how hard she’s falling for Colton, each beat of his heart reminds her of all she’s lost…and all that remains at stake.

The Secrets of Attraction

By: Robin Constantine

Expected Publication: April 28th 2015 by Balzer + Bray

384 pages

Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary

Source: Publisher via Edelweiss (Thank you!!)

( Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository )

*Note: The above links to Amazon and Book Depository are affiliate links. Affiliate links support giveaways for Somewhere Only We Know readers.

Goodreads description--Set in the same world as The Promise of Amazing, this smart, surprising, and romantic follow-up to Robin Constantine's debut novel follows two New Jersey teens as they become friends and fall in love. Perfect for fans of Stephanie Perkins, Sarah Mlynowski, and Jennifer E. Smith. Madison Pryce thinks she's got everything figured out—she's working on a portfolio for a summer art program and hanging with her friends. Plus she has her hot boyfriend, Zach. But then a visit from a family friend turns Maddie's life upside down. Jesse McMann is still reeling from a breakup that shattered his heart and his band. Then pride (and some goading from his bass player and fellow barista) forces him to find a new drummer—and the inspiration to write music again. Kismet arrives in the unlikely form of Grayson Barrett, who tries out for Jesse's band, and whose girlfriend is BFFs with the cute girl who orders a chai latte after yoga every Thursday: Maddie. What Jesse and Maddie thought they knew about the secrets of attraction and the rules of romance changes once they start falling for each other.

Crimson Bound

By: Rosamund Hodge

Expected Publication: May 5th 2015 by Balzer & Bray/Harperteen

448 pages

Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy, Retelling

Source: Publisher via Edelweiss (Thank you!!)

( Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository )

*Note: The above links to Amazon and Book Depository are affiliate links. Affiliate links support giveaways for Somewhere Only We Know readers.

Goodreads description--When Rachelle was fifteen she was good—apprenticed to her aunt and in training to protect her village from dark magic. But she was also reckless— straying from the forest path in search of a way to free her world from the threat of eternal darkness. After an illicit meeting goes dreadfully wrong, Rachelle is forced to make a terrible choice that binds her to the very evil she had hoped to defeat.

Three years later, Rachelle has given her life to serving the realm, fighting deadly creatures in an effort to atone. When the king orders her to guard his son Armand—the man she hates most—Rachelle forces Armand to help her find the legendary sword that might save their world. As the two become unexpected allies, they uncover far-reaching conspiracies, hidden magic, and a love that may be their undoing. In a palace built on unbelievable wealth and dangerous secrets, can Rachelle discover the truth and stop the fall of endless night?

Inspired by the classic fairy tale Little Red Riding Hood, Crimson Bound is an exhilarating tale of darkness, love, and redemption.

Trouble from the Start

By: Rachel Hawthorne

Published: April 28th 2015 by HarperTeen

384

Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary

Source: Publisher via Edelweiss (Thank you!!)

( Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository )

*Note: The above links to Amazon and Book Depository are affiliate links. Affiliate links support giveaways for Somewhere Only We Know readers.

Goodreads description--Perfect for fans of Stephanie Perkins, Lauren Barnholdt, and Susane Colasanti, Trouble from the Start is a sweet and romantic read about a good girl who falls for a bad boy.

Avery knows better than to fall for Fletcher, the local bad boy who can't seem to outrun his reputation. Fletcher knows he shouldn't bother with college-bound, daughter-of-a-cop Avery. But when their paths cross, neither can deny the spark. Are they willing to go against everything and let their hearts lead the way? Or are they just flirting with disaster?

A companion novel to Rachel Hawthorne's paperback original The Boyfriend Project, this title is perfect for fans of summer beach reads and sweet treats.

That's it for my shelves and recaps of my past and upcoming week. What did you add to your shelves this week? Any bookish news you want to talk about? Let me know!

3rd Annual Black Friday Book Bonanza Giveaway

The end of the 2013 is creeping up (where did the time go?!), and it’s time to clear some space on those bookshelves! What better time to give away books than the holidays? Instead of running out to the stores on Black Friday, stay in and win new or new-to-you books. The hosts for this hop are Jennifer from The Bawdy Book Blog, Lisa from Alive On the Shelves, and Sandy from Somewhere Only We Know. The dates: 12:01 AM Friday November 29 through 11:59 PM December 1.

I'm choosing books I've enjoyed so much and am thus thankful for this year as the giveaway options. The winner gets to choose (1) of the following:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Be sure to check out the other giveaways:

Top Ten Things I'm Thankful For

Top 10 Tuesday is a post hosted by The Broke and the Bookish and this week's topic is Top Ten Things I'm Thankful For.

I don't normally blog about things non-book related aside from a paragraph a week in my Sunday Post, but while I'm thankful for books, that's just not ALL my life is about. So please pardon me while I take this time to show my appreciation for non-book related things. You'll be able to see that most of the "numbers" for my list below are people, because that's what I think is most important in this life.

1) Always first and foremost is my Savior dying on the cross to pay the price for my sins. Romans 6:23 says "For the wages of sin is death..." and Hebrews 9:22 says "...without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness." Jesus shed His blood and gave His life so that I don't have to spend eternity apart from Him. I didn't deserve it. I don't deserve it. I can't earn it. But boy am I thankful for it--for Him, and for God's plan.

2) In line with that, I'm thankful for the Bible because without it, I wouldn't even know that salvation is available to me.

3) I'm thankful for Husband. He isn't perfect, but neither am I. God brought us together to help each other make it from Earth to Heaven. Russ counterbalances me in every way. Where I am logical, he is feeling. Where I assume, he questions. Where I plan and set goals, he is laid back, goes with the flow, and forces me to be spontaneous. He is everything I'm not, and I can't think of anyone who would be better suited to be my partner for the next 60 years.

4) I'm thankful for my parents. They raised me to believe in God and that alone is worthy of praise and thanksgiving. But they're just generally great people. My dad is the social butterfly. He's literally the opposite of me in every way just about. Where were haven't always had the closest relationship because we're so different, we've gotten a lot closer over the years, and I'm coming to value him more and more with each day that goes by. I think I've taken my mom for granted over the years. She's not a lot of fuss. It doesn't take much to keep her happy. And because of this, sometimes she fades into the background. But she's always been there. She's been so many things throughout my life, from mother, teacher, and friend. The older I get, the more I appreciate everything she's done for me. And I'm sure that's going to keep growing once I'm a mother as well.

5) My siblings. My brother and I are so much alike. It's crazy. But he's wise and has been such a good influence for me over the years. I really appreciate his leadership and guidance. My sister has been my partner in crime and this may be obvious, but one of my most constant friends. I'm so thankful that she lives closer again.

6) My in-laws. Holly has become as much of a sister as if she was born into our family. I couldn't have asked for better in-laws on Russ's side. They've really been great and I know we haven't even touched the surface of our relationship together. When a snake somehow made it into my tub and Russ was at a business conference, I didn't have to ask twice before they came to my rescue. And Tonya and family just don't live close enough.

7) Nieces and nephews. Jessie, Caleb, Austin, Ethan, and Ashlyn (listed by birth order). I love them each and wish I could spend more time with them. I've really enjoyed seeing them grow into their own with each passing year. I can't wait to see the young adults they are going to become.

8) My closest friends. In order of how long I've known them, Jennifer, Lacy, Kay, Paula, Amanda, Arin, Kim. These are all ladies who have taught me so much. They're people who want to grow which I so appreciate and try to surround myself with. I know these are the people who have my back no matter what, and I hope they feel the same.

9) This probably shouldn't be number 9 on my list, but you know how that goes. My spiritual family. That's another great thing about Jesus. He brings together people from all different backgrounds into one giant family. I have spiritual family all over the world. People who all have the essentials in common. And more times than not, these people have lifted me up when I've been down. I couldn't be surrounded with better extended family.

10) All other extended friends and family. If I named them all by relationship and individual name, I'd be here for ages because I'm surrounded by so many great and wonderful people.

11) In keeping with my "people" thing, I'll lump all people book related in this one. Authors, publishers, bloggers, readers of my blog, and readers all around. This hobby wouldn't be the same without all of the wonderful people involved in this community. Authors who have these magnificent ideas and understanding about human nature. Publishers who polish the ideas and bring them to the masses. Bloggers who share the same love that I have. And readers as well who make sharing books so special. Love and thanks to you all.

What are you most thankful for?