WoW [99]

Waiting on Wednesday [WoW] is a weekly event hosted by Jill @ Breaking the Spine that spotlights upcoming releases that we’re eagerly anticipating.

The Life Intended by Kristin Harmel

Expected Publication: December 30, 2014

Publisher: Gallery Books

Synopsis...

What does it take to move forward in life without forgetting the past?

After her husband's sudden death over ten years ago, Kate Waithman never expected to be lucky enough to find another love of her life. But now she's planning her second walk down the aisle to a perfectly nice man. So why isn't she more excited?

At first, Kate blames her lack of sleep on stress. But when she starts seeing Patrick, her late husband, in her dreams, she begins to wonder if she's really ready to move on. Is Patrick trying to tell her something? Attempting to navigate between dreams and reality, Kate must uncover her husband's hidden message. Her quest leads her to a sign language class and into the New York City foster system, where she finds rewards greater than she could have imagined.

Why I Can’t Wait…

I sense a whole a lot of tears on this one. Sounds simply amazing.

Feel free to link me to yours.

Review: Hereafter [Shadowlands #2] by Kate Brian

Hereafter [Shadowlands #2] by Kate Brian
Published: October 1, 2013
Format: ARC provided by publisher
Publisher: Disney-Hyperion
Rating: 3/5

Synopsis

Rory Miller thought her life was over when a serial killer set his sights on her and forced her into witness protection. But a fresh start on Juniper Landing Island was exactly what she and her family needed. For the first time in years she and her sister hang out at the beach, gossip about boys, and party together. She's also made friends with a local clique--including a magnetic and mysterious boy named Tristan.

But Rory's world is about to change again. Picturesque Juniper Landing isn't what it seems. The truth about the swirling fog that rolls in each morning, the bridge that leads to nowhere, and those beautiful locals who seem to watch Rory's every move is more terrifying than being hunted by Steven Nell. And all Rory ever wanted was the truth. Even if it means learning that she can never go home again. From the best-selling author of the Private and Privilege series comes the second novel in a heart-stopping trilogy about a girl who must pick up the pieces after the only life she's ever known ends.

My Thoughts

I must admit I was disappointed in this sequel to Shadowlands. This book left me wanting way more. I honestly felt it was a filler novel. It didn’t tell me that much more than I didn’t know from the previous novel.

In this novel it picked up where Shadowlands left off. We learned that not everything is what it seems in Juniper Landing. Rory found out she was indeed dead and so was her family. She learned she is a “lifer” someone who will stay there and help usher in those who aren’t ready to move on. 

However some strange things start to happen and those who were supposed to go to heaven were indeed ushered to the “shadowlands.” Not to mention things that never had happen before suddenly do. Many wonder if it’s Rory that has brought this odd behavior with her. While I liked certain parts of this book, I just felt there were things missing. I just didn’t feel there was enough of a story for my taste. I didn’t feel a connection with this one as I did with the first.

I’m hoping that in the final installment we get more of a story and hopefully get more questions answered. All in all I thought this book was simply… alright. Not bad but clearly not as good as the previous book.

WoW [31]

Waiting on Wednesday [WoW] is a weekly event hosted by Jill @ Breaking the Spine that spotlights upcoming releases that we’re eagerly anticipating.

This week’s WoW feature is:

Hereafter [Shadowlands #2] by Kate Brian

Expected Publication: October 1, 2013
Publisher: Disney-Hyperion

Summary via Goodreads...

Rory Miller thought her life was over when a serial killer set his sights on her and forced her into witness protection. But a fresh start on Juniper Landing Island was exactly what she and her family needed. For the first time in years she and her sister hang out at the beach, gossip about boys, and party together. She's also made friends with a local clique--including a magnetic and mysterious boy named Tristan.

But Rory's world is about to change again. Picturesque Juniper Landing isn't what it seems. The truth about the swirling fog that rolls in each morning, the bridge that leads to nowhere, and those beautiful locals who seem to watch Rory's every move is more terrifying than being hunted by Steven Nell. And all Rory ever wanted was the truth. Even if it means learning that she can never go home again.

Why I Can’t Wait....

I’m actually so excited since I don’t have to wait. I received my ARC yesterday! I love this series. If you haven’t read Shadowlands please do, it’s a really great read and will have you gripped until the surprise ending. Can’t wait to dive in and sees how it all plays out.

That’s what I’m waiting for…please share yours.

Review: If I Stay by Gayle Forman

If I Stay [If I Stay #1] by Gayle Forman

Published: April 2009
Publisher: Speak
Format: Kindle E-Copy
Challenges: 2013 TBR Pile & E-Book
Rating: 5/5

 A critically acclaimed novel that will change the way you look at life, love, and family. In the blink of an eye everything changes. Seventeen ­year-old Mia has no memory of the accident; she can only recall what happened afterwards, watching her own damaged body being taken from the wreck. Little by little she struggles to put together the pieces- to figure out what she has lost, what she has left, and the very difficult choice she must make. Heart wrenchingly beautiful, Mia's story will stay with you for a long, long time. [Goodreads]

My Thoughts

AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Why on earth have I waited this long to read this book??!! From the first page I was hooked. I loved the story of Mia and her relationships with her family and especially Adam. The moment I realized she was in the accident I wanted to cry. Ok so I did cry several times throughout the book.

The writing was so realistic and beautiful it took my breath away. Now I know why everyone loves Gayle Forman’s writing so much. The way she writes through Mia’s voice was heartbreaking. Struggling with what choice to make was gut wrenching. Needless to say I’m now an official fan and will buy any and everything she writes.

I can’t wait to read Where She Went, which is the second book in the series. I read the sample via my Kindle and man oh man I was hooked again. Seeing how it’s told through the voice of Adam I so excited to see what happens! This is one series and author I just can’t get enough of.

Review: Shadowlands by Kate Brian

Shadowlands by Kate Brian
Expected Publication: January 8, 2013
Format: ARC from publisher
Publisher: Disney-Hyperion
Rating: 5/5
　
[Goodreads]: Rory Miller had one chance to fight back and she took it. Rory survived… and the serial killer who attacked her escaped. Now that the infamous Steven Nell is on the loose, Rory must enter the witness protection with her father and sister, Darcy, leaving their friends and family without so much as a goodbye.
Starting over in a new town with only each other is unimaginable for Rory and Darcy. They were inseparable as children, but now they can barely stand each other. As the sisters settle in to Juniper Landing, a picturesque vacation island, it seems like their new home may be just the fresh start they need. They fall in with a group of beautiful, carefree teens and spend their days surfing, partying on the beach, and hiking into endless sunsets. But just as they’re starting to feel safe again, one of their new friends goes missing. Is it a coincidence? Or is the nightmare beginning all over again?

My Thoughts

I wasnt sure if I was going to enjoy this I'll admit that. Boy was I wrong! I was sucked in from page one. I LOVE this book!
It's a fast paced book that will have you questioning everything and everyone in it. There was times when I didnt want to stop reading. I had to know what was going to happen next. Is Rory going crazy or is everyone around her? There were times when I didnt know if what I was reading was real or not. I'm all up for an author who can take me on a ride with all kinds of twist and turns. This book had me guessing and thinking until the very end and man was I suprised in the end. I read that this is the first book in a series. I hope so because I cant wait to see what happens next.