Exactly one month ago, I posted my last blog. For once, I have not let
an incredible amount of time go by between posts. August was a slow reading
month for me, so this update may be short.
I began the month reading the newest Twilight Saga Release, Midnight
Sun by Stephanie Meyer. 662 pages...and it wasn't long enough! I want more! It
was exciting to revisit the world of Twilight and see everything from a new
perspective. I actually like Bella better after reading Midnight Sun. My
favorite part of this book was getting to know more about the Cullens and
learning that Edward was in the background of many of the scenes we believed he
was absent from in the first book. I will never read Twilight the same again. I
would love to read Eclipse and Breaking Dawn from Edward's POV, but know that
dream will probably never become reality. I will settle for reading the two
additional Twilight books Stephanie Meyer's plans to write. Although I will
miss Bella and Edward's story line, I am curious to see where the spin offs
take us. Now if the author would just decide to write Renesme's story....4.8/5
stars.
Dust by Kara Swanson was the second read I completed for the month. From
the moment I saw the magical cover of this Peter Pan inspired story I was
excited to read it. The author did not disappoint. I always begin reading with
an average rating of 3/5, allowing the final rating to shift up or down
depending on where the story takes me. Dust exceeded all expectations. The
characters are so alive, the plot fast paced and captivating, and the
descriptions are incredibly detailed in the best of ways. Trust me, I quickly
get bored with too many details. Kara Swanson included just enough detail to
paint a world I did not want to leave. I cannot tell you how many times I
laughed aloud or cried out in frustration while reading this book. The one
aspect of the story that I was not a big fan of was Claire's character. The
growth and development of all the characters in this novel is evident
throughout the story, but Claire never broke through for me. Even though I
understand her final decision, I was disappointed by it. As my allegiance will
always lie with Peter Pan over Hook, though, I admit I may be a little biased.
My favorite character overall was Tiger Lily. Lily is every inch a fierce
warrior princess and tribal beauty. Peter would have been lost without her. I
received my copy of Dust in the debut Faith and Fiction Book Box along with
some fun Neverland-themed swag, which made this reading experience even more
enjoyable. There was so much beautiful writing throughout the novel it was hard
to choose a single favorite quote, but one phrase I loved most was, "You
were created for more than to bear the weight of your shadows-but you have to
choose to no longer let them define you. You have to choose to let the light
shine through the shattered pieces." Now the countdown to the sequel
Shadow begins...coming July 2021! Oh! This book was so good even the newest
release of The Twilight Saga: Midnight Sun could not fully distract me from
this story! 4.9/5 stars
Hardy Boys Book # 12: Footprints Under the Window. Another cased
closed, this one full of excitement and political espionage! Chet Morton said
it best, "There was an awful lot afoot." 4/5 stars
And that wraps up the month of August for me. What treasures did you
find in August to read? What is on your list to read in September? Please share
you picks with me in the comments. Below is a picture of my September TBR. I
have a few books left from my August TBR (Once Upon an Irish Summer, New
Beginnings, and The Princess Trials) along with book #13 in the Hardy Boys
mystery series: The Mark on the Door, and a recommendation from
@moonlightbookreviews Echo. Also Grimm's Legacy if my library ever contacts me
to let me know my hold is available...
In other news, I celebrated my 30th on August 19th.
My mama, sister, and I camped out in the backyard in our camper. We played
board games and laughed until we could not breathe. I am thankful to be blessed
with another year of life and for the best family and friends! Here are some of
the sweet gifts I was given along with a birthday selfie.
Enjoy the first month of my favorite time of year, everyone! Thanks
for reading!
