With my challenges deadline looming, it’s time to hit the books! Here’s what I’m trying to get through this month!
Happy reading everyone!
Candles can sometimes be a girl’s best friend, but put them together with the luscious smell of a library? Match made in heaven I say!
Assouline.com – also known as the place for ‘The Most Sophisticated Books in the World’ has a range of candles inspired by the best teacher – The Library.
*All photos are courtesy of http://www.assounline.com.
The scents range from Books, Leather, Wood, Culture Lounge and Havana.
Each candle is $49.00, is 3.5 x 3.5 x 3.5″ and weighs 6.8oz. A quote is etched on the glass container.
It’s also possible to buy four candles at once for a steal of $79.00.
I know the prices are a bit much for a candle, but you might spend the same amount for a truly beautiful book right? Exquisite and elegant these candles are high class and I wish I had the option of smell and sniff on the blog, because I bet the aroma is the big selling aspect for these candles!
It’s time for what’s going to be (or already has) been published this month! Have a look and get reading! All summaries are from Goodreads.
City of a Thousand Dolls by Miriam Foster
An exotic treat set in an entirely original, fantastical world brimming with deadly mystery, forbidden romance, and heart-stopping adventure.
Nisha was abandoned at the gates of the City of a Thousand Dolls when she was just a child. Now sixteen, she lives on the grounds of the isolated estate, where orphan girls apprentice as musicians, healers, courtesans, and, if the rumors are true, assassins. Nisha makes her way as Matron’s assistant, her closest companions the mysterious cats that trail her shadow. Only when she begins a forbidden flirtation with the city’s handsome young courier does she let herself imagine a life outside the walls. Until one by one, girls around her start to die.
Before she becomes the next victim, Nisha decides to uncover the secrets that surround the girls’ deaths. But by getting involved, Nisha jeopardizes not only her own future in the City of a Thousand Dolls—but her own life.
Out of Nowhere by Maria Padian
At Maquoit High School, Tom Bouchard has it made: captain and star of the soccer team, boyfriend to one of the prettiest, most popular girls, and third in his class, likely to have his pick of any college, if he ever bothers filling out his applications. But life in his idyllic small Maine town quickly gets turned upside down after the events of 9/11.
Enniston has become a “secondary migration” location for Somali refugees, who are seeking a better life after their country was destroyed by war—they can no longer go home. Tom hasn’t thought much about his Somali classmates until four of them join the soccer team, including Saeed. He comes out of nowhere on the field to make impossible shots, and suddenly the team is winning, dominating even; but when Saeed’s eligibility is questioned and Tom screws up in a big way, he’s left to grapple with a culture he doesn’t understand and take responsibility for his actions. Saeed and his family came out of nowhere and vanish just as quickly. And Tom may find himself going nowhere, too, if he doesn’t start trying to get somewhere.
This is Book 2 in the Lunar Chronicles – Check out Book 1
I’m a HUGE fan of Cinder! Find my review here.
Scarlet by Marissa Meyer
Cinder returns in the second thrilling installment of the New York Times-bestselling Lunar Chronicles. She’s trying to break out of prison—even though if she succeeds, she’ll be the Commonwealth’s most wanted fugitive.
Halfway around the world, Scarlet Benoit’s grandmother is missing. It turns out there are many things Scarlet doesn’t know about her grandmother and the grave danger she has lived in her whole life. When Scarlet encounters Wolf, a street fighter who may have information as to her grandmother’s whereabouts, she has no choice but to trust him, though he clearly has a few dark secrets of his own.
As Scarlet and Wolf work to unravel one mystery, they find another when they cross paths with Cinder. Together, they must stay one step ahead of the vicious Lunar Queen who will do anything to make Prince Kai her husband, her king, her prisoner.
I’m a HUGE fan of Cinder! Find my review here.
The 39 Deaths of Adam Strand
Adam Strand isn’t depressed. He’s just bored. Disaffected. So he kills himself—39 times. No matter the method, Adam can’t seem to stay dead; he wakes after each suicide alive and physically unharmed, more determined to succeed and undeterred by others’ concerns. But when his self-contained, self-absorbed path is diverted, Adam is struck by the reality that life is an ever-expanding web of impact and forged connections, and that nothing—not even death—can sever those bonds.
In stark, arresting prose, Gregory Galloway finds hope and understanding in the blackest humor.
Pivot Point by Kasie West
Addison Coleman’s life is one big “What if?” As a Searcher, whenever Addie is faced with a choice, she can look into the future and see both outcomes. It’s the ultimate insurance plan against disaster. Or so she thought. When Addie’s parents ambush her with the news of their divorce, she has to pick who she wants to live with—her father, who is leaving the paranormal compound to live among the “Norms,” or her mother, who is staying in the life Addie has always known. Addie loves her life just as it is, so her answer should be easy. One Search six weeks into the future proves it’s not.
In one potential future, Addie is adjusting to life outside the Compound as the new girl in a Norm high school where she meets Trevor, a cute, sensitive artist who understands her. In the other path, Addie is being pursued by the hottest guy in school—but she never wanted to be a quarterback’s girlfriend. When Addie’s father is asked to consult on a murder in the Compound, she’s unwittingly drawn into a dangerous game that threatens everything she holds dear. With love and loss in both lives, it all comes down to which reality she’s willing to live through . . . and who she can’t live without.
I’m hoping to get Scarlet for myself. The others I might have to wait and (hope) they come to my library. I can’t wait to see what March will bring! Happy reading everyone!
Yay! February! Yay for new things to read! This month I’ll be reading:
Today around the UK is National Library Day!
Libraries are being taken for granted and are underappreciated. They’re also beginning to disappear. Before I moved to London I survived on working multiple part time jobs, being a nanny, receptionist and babysitter. I worked all hours and didn’t get health care. The Seattle Public Library was my saving grace and provider of all essential entertainment (other than Netflix). My life was ridiculous but I could do amazing things because of what the library could give me access to. Today I celebrate the Seattle Public Library by writing a letter to this amazing library that provides some of the best literary service, books and resources all for free.
Dear Seattle Public Library (mainly the Northeast and Northgate branches),
How do I say that one of the best things about living in Seattle is having access to the your local library branch? For my three years working as a nanny the Northeast Branch had been my Thursday destination as soon as I dropped off one of the wards for piano lessons. There was always a book waiting in the reserve section and a computer to quickly check process of the others. I must also mention that the easy to use website that makes it possible to search for practically ANY book and request it at ANY branch for free is one thing I took for granted before I moved away.
Your proactive ability to advertise the future purchase of a book before it’s published, allowing for members to request it in advance had given me more opportunity to read different types of books that I never expected. Even better? Your stock of knitting books gave me hope that one day I could knit myself my very own jumper (sweater).
Because of your standout service I treated books as an investment. If I liked them then I would purchase. The self-check out also gave me the privacy to check out books without watchful or judgemental eyes. I am so proud that Saturday hours are back and swoon over the new library card designs. I no longer live in Seattle, but I would love a newly designed library card to flaunt around London.
May you always remain standout, not just in architecture, but in service, community and of course books! (duh) Other than friends and family, honestly the one thing that I miss most of all is indeed the Seattle Public Library. Target is a close second.
Your biggest fan,
Ashley
Please take the time today to visit your local library. Check out a cookbook, a children’s book or the latest bestseller! If you don’t have a library card – WHO ARE YOU?! Get one immediately and start loving your library! These amazing places are disappearing and need your support!