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December 31, 2011

Happy New Year! + Wrap Up

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Hey guys, can you believe it!? It's almost 2012 and wow, 2011 was fast!

I can't say 2011 was bad, actually, it was pretty amazing. I traveled, graduated, got a job. I was healthy and happy. And even when I couldn't achieve some of my goals (as my reading goals), I'm really happy and thankful for 2011.

As I kid I never understood why people cared so much about the new year, but now I get it. It's the time to start over, forget the past and write some new goals. I'm still thinking about my goals for 2012...but let's talk about my reading goals in 2011:

My 2011 Reading Challenge at Goodreads was to read 125 books. I couldn't keep up with my reading and I managed to read 89 books. Not bad actually, but less than 2010. I have excuses, of course, but how about 100 books for 2012?

I failed to achieve my goals on the Dystopia, GLBTOutdo Yourself and Cozy Mysteries Challenges, but I did great on my 1st in a Series ChallengeE-Book Challenge and Holiday Reading Challenge. =)

So, what do you think? How did you do on 2011, and what are your goals for 2012?

BTW, Happy New Year!

Holiday Reading Challenge 2011: Wrap Up

The Holiday Reading Challenge 2011 is almost over and I had such a great time participating! :D I read more books than I thought and honestly, I liked them all.

My goal was to complete the Serial Mistletoe-er level, I had read 4 to 6 holiday themed books. I actually read 9 books plus a very short story, so.....Good Job Gaby! :) I wasn't feeling very festive this holiday, but the books definitely helped me to improve my mood toward Christmas...

Anyway, are you interested in what I read?


Holiday Hideout by Vicki Lewis Thompson, Jill Shalvis, Julie Kenner 


Dating Mr. December by Phillipa Ashley
Merry Christmas, Baby by Vicki Lewis Thompson, Jennifer La Brecque, Rhonda Nelson
Wish Upon a Star by Sarah Morgan 


Small Town Christmas by Jill Shalvis, Hope Ramsay, Katie Lane
Only Us by Susan Mallery
Dash & Lily's Book of Dares by Rachen Cohn and David Levithan


Six Geese A-Laying by Sophie Kinsella (short story)

How did you do on your challenge? Did you like your books? Personally, I can't wait for next year xD

Book Review: Dash and Lily's Book of Dares by Rachel Cohn and David Levithan

Dash and Lily's Book of Dares by Rachel Cohn and David Levithan
Author: Rachel Cohn and David Levithan
Release Date: October 26th, 2010
Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers
Age: Young Adult
“I’ve left some clues for you. If you want them, turn the page. If you don’t, put the book back on the shelf, please.” So begins the latest whirlwind romance from the New York Times bestselling authors of Nick & Norah’s Infinite Playlist. Lily has left a red notebook full of challenges on a favorite bookstore shelf, waiting for just the right guy to come along and accept its dares. But is Dash that right guy? Or are Dash and Lily only destined to trade dares, dreams, and desires in the notebook they pass back and forth at locations across New York? Could their in-person selves possibly connect as well as their notebook versions? Or will they be a comic mismatch of disastrous proportions? Rachel Cohn and David Levithan have written a love story that will have readers perusing bookstore shelves, looking and longing for a love (and a red notebook) of their own.
What an interesting book! I've been wanting to read Dash and Lily's Book of Dares since forever, because I've read so many good things about David Levithan and Rachel Cohn.

I'm so glad I did. It's a different book, that managed to surprise me (which isn't easy). The story starts with Dash, a very lonely and snarly boy who is alone for the holidays and on his favorite library he finds a red notebook. The notebook have clues only a boy like him would follow, and the prize of all these clues will be Lily.

Lily is a very weird girl. She's very delicate, shy and kind of awkward, but a nice and lovely girl. I think the characters aren't very realistic, it's difficult to imagine someone as Dash to exist, but I have to say I really liked them as a couple.

Their exchanges with the notebook were amazing, I loved to read them. I really wanted them to finally met, but I think I preferred when they only talked via the notebook, they were so backward when they finally met.

I think it worked that each author wrote one character and every chapters is written by the point of view of one of the protagonists. It helped to understand what was happening on their heads.

Overall, I loved Dash and Lily's Book of Dares, specially because it's an original book, and it surprised me with every turn. It's a cute story, and I recommend it if you are looking for a sweet young adult romance.


More about this book at Goodreads, Amazon, The Book Depository.

December 29, 2011

Review: Only Us: A Fool's Gold Holiday by Susan Mallery

Title: Only Us: A Fool's Gold Holiday
Author: Susan Mallery
Series: Fool's Gold #6.5
Release Date: November 1st, 2011
Publisher: HQN Books
Age: Adult
Pet groomer Carina Fiore wants nothing more than to confess her feelings to the man she loves. She's drawn to veterinarian Cameron McKenzie's good looks, caring nature and especially his devotion to his young daughter. But he's also her boss and a good friend. Putting her heart on the line could cost Rina both her job and their friendship forever. Since his divorce, Cameron hasn't been willing to trust his heart—or his daughter—with anyone else. For months he's pushed away all thoughts of taking Rina in his arms and kissing her, unwilling to risk their friendship for a single night of pleasure. But when a kiss under the mistletoe unlocks the simmering passion between them, Rina and Cameron may just find love for the holidays after all... 
An ebook exclusive Fool's Gold series novella.
I decided to read this one because a lot of people like Susan Mallery's books, so reading this novella I could get an example of her writing. Also because it was free on amazon, and because it got me when I read the protagonist are a veterinarian and a pet groomer.

Christmas is coming and all Carina "Rina" Fiore wants to do is confess her love to veterinarian Cameron McKenzie. She has been in love with him since the day they met, and she already loves his daughter. She's ready to became one of their family, except Cameron isn't so sure about it.

Being a novella, it was a very short and fast story, but I think it worked. If you have read the series (which I haven't), you are probably more familiar with the characters, but I must say the author did a good job explaining the situation and describing the characters quickly. The story was very sweet, and I loved that Cameron's daughter played a big part in it. 

I liked that Rina was so brave and decided to pour her feelings, and even when Cameron was a little difficult, I liked the way he was portrayed, as a very sweet and protective man. Of course I wanted the story to be longer, I wanted more details!!

Overall, if you are looking for a short and sweet holiday clean romance, this one is for you. It's easy to love the characters, and it got me on the mood to read more of Susan Mallery's books.


More about this novella at www.susanmallery.comGoodreads, Amazon.

December 28, 2011

January is going to be NetGalley Month!



I'm declaring that January is going to be NetGalley Month here @ Oh My Books!

DETAILS:

1. Declare yourself!: Write up a post, share it on Facebook, Tweet, sky writing, carrier pigeons...Somehow, let the world know you're participating and link it up below.

2. Read NetGalley books in January! And tell us about them in February :)

What do you think? I definitely need an extra push to read some of my NetGalley books, and January is the perfect time (since I don't start work until 9/01). I'm not sure which books I'm going to read, I think I will just go with the flow this time...

Waiting on Wednesday # 79 - Pizza, Love, and Other Stuff that Made Me Famous

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted at Breaking The Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

My pick: Pizza, Love and Other Stuff that Made Me Famous by Kathryn Williams

Can a spot on a teen reality show really lead to a scholarship at an elite cooking school AND a summer romance?
Sixteen-year-old Sophie Nicolaides was practically raised in the kitchen of her family’s Italian-Greek restaurant, Taverna Ristorante. When her best friend, Alex, tries to convince her to audition for a new reality show, Teen Test Kitchen, Sophie is reluctant. But the prize includes a full scholarship to one of America's finest culinary schools and a summer in Napa, California, not to mention fame.
Once on-set, Sophie immediately finds herself in the thick of the drama—including a secret burn book, cutthroat celebrity judges, and a very cute French chef. Sophie must figure out a way to survive all the heat and still stay true to herself. A terrific YA offering--fresh, fun, and sprinkled with romance.
August 21st 2012 by Henry Holt and Co.

December 27, 2011

Book Review: Small Town Christmas by Jill Shalvis, Hope Ramsay, Katie Lane

Title: Small Town Christmas
Authors: Jill Shalvis, Hope Ramsay, Katie Lane
Release Date: November 1st, 2011
Publisher: Grand Central Publishing
Age: Adult
Three heartwarming holiday stories to prove that love is the greatest gift of all. 
Kissing Santa Claus (Lucky Harbor #2.5)
NASCAR driver Logan Perrish returns to Lucky Harbor, Washington, with love in his heart and a ring in his pocket. But can Sandy Jansen forget the past and give him a second chance? Or will Logan be spending another Christmas alone? 

I'll Be Home for Christmas

After ignoring the advice of Miz Miriam Randall, local matchmaker, Annie Roberts expects another hum drum holiday in Last Chance, South Carolina. But when a stray cat arrives in the arms of Army sergeant Matt Jasper, a calico named Holly just may be the best matchmaker of all. 

O Little Town of Bramble

All Ethan Miller wants for Christmas is to celebrate in Bramble, Texas, with family and friends. But when his childhood neighbor, Samantha Henderson, comes home for the holiday, Ethan realizes that the girl-next-door could be the girl of his dreams.
I've been reading holidays anthologies this month, and I'm glad I read Small Town Christmas. It features three very short stories, very sweet and romantic.

Kissing Santa Claus by Jill Shalvis is part of the Lucky Harbor series and it's about NASCAR driver Logan Perrish, who returns to Lucky Harbor with a ring in his pocket for Sandy, the woman he couldn't forget. He's used for women to throw themselves at his feet, but Sandy isn't exactly happy with him. Maybe because it has been five months since they spend a week together. I'm not familiar with the Lucky Harbor series, but it does sound sweet. Sandy and Logan's story is very quick and I really wanted to slow down and learn more about them, but I guess I have to read the series for that. Still, I enjoyed it.

I'll Be Home for Christmas by Hope Ramsay is about Annie Roberts, who is alone for this Christmas until she met Army sergeant Matt Jasper. He's in Last Chance to deliver a gift, but he found a stray cat and he doesn't have a place to go. This story is extremely sweet, about two lonely people finding love when the least expected it. Definitely one of those stories that makes you cry. 

Little Town of Bramble by Katie Lane was probably my favorite, because it's the funniest and sweetest story of all. Samantha Henderson, a veterinarian, is back to her home town and the first thing she wants to do is see Ethan Miller. her childhood friend. Ethan Miller is very surprised to see her, all grown up. Still, he finds it difficult to talk to her, so he's about to give up until Samantha's sister decide to intervene. This story had me laughing out loud with the live nativity scene, and even when it's a little bit unrealistic sometimes, it was so sweet that I just felt happy for the characters.

Overall, if you want to read quick, sweet and happy holiday stories, this is your book. They were short, clean, full of romantic gestures and very enjoyable.


More about this book at Goodreads, Amazon.

December 25, 2011

In My Mailbox # 55

In My Mailbox is a weekly bookish meme hosted @ The Story Siren

Merry Christmas! Happy Holidays!


Only Us: A Fool's Gold Holiday by Susan Mallery (free from Amazon)
The Lover's Dictionary by David Levithan

What did you get this week? I got a lot of gifts because of Christmas, but curiously, not one of them were books xD

December 24, 2011

Happy Holidays!


Finally it's Christmas Eve! It's like 3pm on my country, but I still have to rest a little bit, dress up and finish some dishes for today's dinner with the family so..

Merry Christmas!

Book Review: Wish Upon A Star by Sarah Morgan

Title: Wish Upon A Star
Author: Sarah Morgan
Release Date: October 7th, 2011
Publisher: Mills & Boon
Age: Adult
Love is in the air this Christmas!
Christy was hoping to skip Christmas this year. Her kids have other ideas - they've put their dad's name at number one on their Christmas list. So it looks as if Christy will be hightailing it up to the Lake District to play happy families with her ex!
Snow-capped mountains and roaring log fires - Alessandro's home is like walking into a Christmas card. Is it really safe for her to spend Christmas with her dreamy, funny - no! - entirely infuriating ex-hubby?
Miranda has completely the opposite problem. Being single and pregnant at Christmas was certainly not her wish come true. She doesn't believe in miracles, but then resident hunk Jake sweeps her off her snow-covered shoes. Come Boxing Day dare she dream that Mr Sex-on-Legs might be for more than just Christmas?
Wish Upon a Star is a lovely book that I deeply enjoyed. It has two very cute stories and  I read it in only one day.

The first story is about Christy. She made a mistake, leaving her husband a few months ago to make him notice her, but he was supposed to follow her and make her come back. He didn't and now it's Christmas, and the kids want to spend the holidays with the two of them, together. It's the moment to see if Alessandro, her sexy Spanish husband, still want to be with her or if they are really over.

I really enjoyed this story. Christy is an easy to like woman, and I really liked that she knew her husband's faults but still loved him and accepted him that way. Alessandro was very temperamental and controlling, but he loved Christy and their kids, and he's not going to loose them.

The second story is about Miranda, single and very much pregnant, and Jake, the sexy and lonely doctor. They met and Jake is unable to let her go, but when he discovers she's pregnant, he instantly jumps to the conclusion that she's with someone else. When it's obvious she's on a very difficult situation, he invites her to live with him while trying to make her fall in love.

Jake was very different to the male protagonist of the first story, he's very sweet and understand women. He knows Miranda needs space and understand that she is used to be independent, but slowly gets into her heart.

Both of the stories are sweet and have a couple of hot moments, but always very romantic and of course, with excellent happily ever after endings.

Overall, I loved this book and I recommend it if you're looking for sweet holiday stories. I think the author didn't need to repeat many times that Alessandro was Spanish, or that his temperament / personality was because of that, but still I liked the characters and enjoyed the book.


More about this book at  www.sarahmorgan.com,Goodreads, Amazon, The Book Depository.

December 23, 2011

Book Review: Merry Christmas, Baby by Vicki Lewis Thompson, Jennifer LaBrecque, Rhonda Nelson

Title: Merry Christmas, Baby
Author: Vicki Lewis Thompson, Jennifer LaBrecque, Rhonda Nelson
Release Date: November 15th 2011
Publisher: Harlequin
Age: Adult
Who will you find under your Christmas tree? 
A cowboy?
Ranch hand Tucker Rankin isn't crazy about the holidays…until a wintry night before Christmas, when Lacey Evans shows him how much fun it is to be nestled all snug in her bed…. 
A wealthy New Yorker?
Stockbroker Jared Martin needs to get away, and Alaska's the perfect place to unwind. Especially once actress Theodora "Teddy" Monroe gets him to loosen his tie—and take it all off! 
Or maybe even a man in uniform?
Soldier Silas Davenport is on Christmas leave. But when he arrives at his parents' home, no one is there…except for the irresistible Delphie Moreau. And she's one gift he won't be exchanging!
Merry Christmas, Baby  is another Christmas anthology. It has three different short stories about couples who find love at the holidays.

First story is "It's Christmas, Cowboy" (linked to Sons of Chance series), about the cowboy Tucker Rankin and Lacey Evans, who met at school and haven't seen each other for years, until an accident unite them and force them to spend a night at Lacey's cabin. Both of them have issues celebrating Christmas, but it's time for them to get over it and enjoy it, specially since they are together and still attracted to each other.

"Northern Fantasy" (linked to LaBrecque's Alaskan Heat series) is settled in Alaska, where New Yorker Jaren Martin needs a break and met Teddy Monroe, a woman who turn him on the exact moment he saw her. This one is definitely the hotest story of the three, their attraction was indomitable, but I think it would have been better if the story would have been longer, since the characters had more to say.

"He'll Be Home for Christmas" (not sure if it's linked to the Men Out of Uniform series) is about Silas, who just got permission to spend the holidays with his family and Delphie, his neighbor and the only who is looking after his parent's house. This story is very sweet, Delphie and Silas fell in love and it wasn't only about physical attraction, and I absolutely loved the ending. I think it was perfect for a short story and very realistic, it was my favorite.

Overall, I think Merry Christmas, Baby is the perfect anthology is you are looking for naughty holidays short stories. And don't worry about the stories being linked to series, you can still read them if you haven't read the previous books.


More about this book at Goodreads, Amazon, The Book Depository.

YA Story Scavenger Hunt: Question # 46!

Hi everyone!

I'm today's hunt stop for the 2011 YA Story Scavenger Hunt

Follow the hunt every day during the month of December! Answer the daily trivia questions from MG and YA books published during 2011 to be entered into the YA book giveaway :D

Today's question is from Darkest Mercy by Melissa Marr.

Question #46: Who is the mortal love of the former and current Dark Kings?

Remember to fill out your answer in the form at Most Important Letter here!

Thanks :P

December 22, 2011

Book Review: Dating Mr. December by Phillipa Ashley

Title: Dating Mr. December
Author: Phillipa Ashley
Release Date: August 5th 2010
Publisher: Sourcebooks Landmark
Age: Adult
When a nice girl asks twelve men to get naked, it’s sure to cause a scandal…
Emma Tremayne leaves her high-powered PR job and moves to the Lake District looking for peace, quiet—and celibacy. So perhaps it’s not the best idea when, in the spirit of “community-mindedness,” she agrees to help the local mountain rescue team fund raise by putting together a “tasteful” nude calendar. Especially since quite a lot of the community seems to mind what she’s up to—including the tall, dark and handsome Mr. December, Will Tennant, who appears to have gotten the wrong impression about Emma’s intentions. So how does she convince him that he’s more than just the flavor of the month?
I've been meaning to read Dating Mr. December since last Christmas, but it wasn't until now that I finally did it and I'm very glad.

Emma is a nice girl who discovered her boyfriend was cheating on her, with her boss. It wasn't pretty, and Emma just wanted to run. So she moved to Lake District to find a new job and forget all.

She doesn't exactly fit at the town, and when she advises the mountain rescue team to make a nude calendar to raise funds, nobody is very sure about it, specially Will Tennant.

Emma is a easy to like woman. She's very realistic, and although she's absolutely devastated about finding her boyfriend with her boss, she's determined to get her life back on track. And if that means convincing Will Tennant to pose nude for her calendar, she's going to do it.

Of course, their attraction is very obvious but I liked that their romance was slow. Will has a strong personality and it isn't easy to convince him of anything, but it's obvious he likes her. Emma thought he was handsome since the beginning, but both of them have histories that made them difficult to open their hearts.

I really enjoyed Dating Mr. December. It was a quick read, maybe a little bit predictable, but still sweet and very realistic, which I loved/

Overall, Dating Mr. December was a fun and sweet read, that I recommend if you are looking for a fun chick lit read :)


More about this book at www.phillipa-ashley.comGoodreadsAmazonThe Book Depository.

December 21, 2011

Waiting on Wednesday # 78 - Princess of the Wild Swans by Diane Zahler

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted at Breaking The Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

My pick: Princess of the Wild Swans by Diane Zahler

Princess Meriel’s brothers have been cursed. A terrible enchantment—cast by their conniving new stepmother—has transformed the handsome princes into swans. They now swim forlornly on a beautiful heart-shaped lake that lies just beyond the castle walls.
Meriel will do whatever it takes to rescue her beloved brothers. But she must act quickly. If Heart Lake freezes, her brothers will be forced to fly south or perish.
With help from her newfound friends Riona and Liam—a beautiful half-witch and her clever brother—Meriel vows to finish a seemingly impossible task. If she completes it, her brothers may be saved. But if she fails…all will be lost.
With a mesmerizing voice and delightful imagination, Diane Zahler delivers an exceptionally dazzling retelling—full of magic, adventure, and fascinating characters. Fans of beautifully written and exciting fantasy novels, including those who love Shannon Hale and Gail Carson Levine, will be enthralled.
January 31st 2012 by HarperCollins Publishers

I just love stories about princesses!

December 19, 2011

Book Review: Holiday Hideout by Vicki Lewis Thompson, Jill Shalvis, Julie Kenner

Holiday Hideout by Vicki Lewis Thompson, Jill Shalvis, Julie Kenner
Authors: Vicki Lewis Thompson, Jill Shalvis, Julie Kenner
Release Date: November 1st 2011
Publisher: Harlequin Anthologies
Age: Adult
The Thanksgiving Fix by Vicki Lewis Thompson
Finding Mr. Right is the furthest thing from Beth Davis's mind when the Reno professor takes Thanksgiving break at a colleague's Lake Tahoe cabin. Until Coinneach McFarland arrives to fix a suspicious leak. It looks like somebody's playing matchmaker for two people sworn to stay single. But as things heat up, Beth is astonished to find she has discovered her soul mate just as she'd given up looking. 
The Christmas Set-Up by Jill Shalvis
Competing architects Zoe and Jason have two weeks to come up with the design to win a coveted new project. But when a snowstorm strands them together at a secluded cabin, Zoe sees her chance to show Jason how she really feels. With romance blooming under the mistletoe, can she get the gorgeous Scrooge into the true Christmas spirit? 
The New Year's Deal by Julie Kenner
Five years ago, Cleo Daire and Josh Goodson said goodbye and went their separate ways. But first they made a promise to reunite. Now the ex-lovers are spending New Year's Eve in a romantic cabin, where passion takes them by surprise and long-wished-for dreams can sometimes come true.
I don't usually read anthologies, but I have found that I enjoy holidays anthologies. Not sure why, maybe because more couples = more love!

The three stories of Holiday Hideout are connected by Lake Tahoe cabin, that is rumored to rekindle love, brings couples back together or create new couples. I enjoyed the fact that the three stories happened in the same place and of course all the couple found love one way or another.

The Thanksgiving Fix is about two people who are tired of not finding the perfect person. But when they met each other, it's obvious there is more than attraction between them. So what if they spend Thanksgiving Day just enjoying each other without ties?

The Christmas Set Up is about two coworkers who have two weeks to make a design, and the one who win is going to be ascended. But what is one of them steals your pendrive and you have to follow him to the cabin?

And the New Year's Deal is about a couple who broke up in the past and made a promise to meet each other in five years, and see if they still have the spark. What if they still have the spark? Will they finally make the effort to be together?

I have to say I liked the three stories, but my favorite was The Christmas Set Up. Two coworkers attracted to each other  but always in competition. They met at the cabin and it's to hard to fight their attraction, even if that means that one of them is going to loose the ascension. Who is going to be?

Overall, I liked Holiday Hideout because all the stories were sweet but also very hot! (which is not usual on Christmas stories). I definitely recommend it if you are looking for a light reading.


More about this book at Goodreads, Amazon, The Book Depository.

December 18, 2011

In My Mailbox # 54

In My Mailbox is a weekly bookish meme hosted @ The Story Siren



(was free for Kindle)


(I liked Dating Mr. December so I decided to try this one too)

Only two books this week, but both seems to be very cute. What did you get this week?

December 17, 2011

Book Review: The Mischief of the Mistletoe by Lauren Willig

Title: The Mischief of the Mistletoe
Author: Lauren Willig
Series: Pink Carnation # 4.2
Release Date: October 28th, 2011
Publisher: Dutton Adult
Age: Adult
Arabella Dempsey’s dear friend Jane Austen warned her against teaching. But Miss Climpson’s Select Seminary for Young Ladies seems the perfect place for Arabella to claim her independence while keeping an eye on her younger sisters nearby. Just before Christmas, she accepts a position at the quiet girls’ school in Bath, expecting to face nothing more exciting than conducting the annual Christmas recital. She hardly imagines coming face to face with French aristocrats and international spies…
Reginald “Turnip” Fitzhugh—often mistaken for the elusive spy known as the Pink Carnation—has blundered into danger before. But when he blunders into Miss Arabella Dempsey, it never occurs to him that she might be trouble. When Turnip and Arabella stumble upon a beautifully wrapped Christmas pudding with a cryptic message written in French, “Meet me at Farley Castle”, the unlikely vehicle for intrigue launches the pair on a Yuletide adventure that ranges from the Austens’ modest drawing room to the awe-inspiring estate of the Dukes of Dovedale, where the Dowager Duchess is hosting the most anticipated event of the year: an elaborate 12-day Christmas celebration. Will they find poinsettias or peril, dancing or danger? And is it possible that the fate of the British Empire rests in Arabella and Turnip’s hands, in the form of a festive Christmas pudding?
I haven't read the Pink Carnation series, but it's Christmas and this book has been on my shelf waiting for the perfect time to read it.

I'm glad I did it. If you are looking to read a fun and sweet holiday book, this one is! I thought that being an historical book, it was going to be more serious, but Lauren Willig sure knows how to be funny with the simple things...as a Christmas pudding!

Arabella Dempsey is poor and with broken heart. Her father is old and her sisters are still young, so she decides to teach at the Miss Climpson's Select Seminary for Young Ladies. That way, she can be independent while keeping an eye for her sisters and maybe offering them an education. Of course she wasn't expecting to become involved with Reginald Fitzhugh or "Turnip", brother of one of her students and finding a Christmas pudding probably from a French spy the same day!

Turnip is a special character. He's rich, sweet and often made fun by his colorful clothes, but he's happy and so much fun! He isn't the typical alpha male, but much more relaxed and still very protective. He likes Arabella and wants to spend time with her, without thinking the consequences that might bring, but always with the best intentions. It was refreshing to like a male character as Turnip, and I was glad Arabella and he made such a sweet couple.

There is a mystery involving Christmas puddings with messages written in French, and Turnip is sure they are from a French spy (but Arabella doesn't agree). Why there would be a spy at a Young Ladies school? The mystery was intriguing and it wasn't easy to discover the "spy", but I definitely liked it more because it was always connected with random and funny situations.

Overall, The Mischief of the Mistletoe is the perfect holiday read if you want something sweet and funny! I'm sure I'd have enjoyed it more if I had read the Pink Carnation series, but it's definitely on my wishlist from now on.


December 14, 2011

Waiting on Wednesday # 77 - Elemental by Emily White

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted at Breaking The Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

My pick: Elemental by Emily White


Just because Ella can burn someone to the ground with her mind doesn't mean she should.
But she wants to.
For ten years—ever since she was a small child—Ella has been held prisoner. Now that she has escaped, she needs answers.
Who is she? Why was she taken? And who is the boy with the beautiful green eyes who haunts her memories? Is Ella the prophesied Destructor… or will she be the one who's destroyed?
May 1st 2012 by Spencer Hill Press