The Repeat Year by Andrea Lochen, A Review

The Repeat Year by Andrea Lochen

Review

I borrowed a copy of this book from my library.  Here is my honest review.

What would you do differently if you could live a year over? Lochen explores this very question in The Repeat Year, a book that I completely enjoyed despite my doubts. I joined a reading challenge that required a science fiction read, a genre I do not read since the few I've read in the past have not been especially enjoyable. Fortunately, my library has a science fiction section that I began to browse in search of a book that would fulfill the criteria. The Repeat Year was a title that stood out from the rest and the cover definitely did not look like what I expect to see in science fiction, so it came home with me. 

The story was immediately engrossing and the characters were easily to sympathize with. With the way the story plays out, the reader can form opinions as whether Olive is making the best choice the second time around. "Hindsight is 20/20" shines out as a true adage in the events that unfold. There were moments when I doubted that Olive would be able to accomplish her main goal of repairing the relationship with her ex; the twists that Lochen added to the plot enhanced the story and kept it from being a predictable love story to one that had me on the (virtual) edge of my seat, with fingers crossed that Olive and Phil would have a happy ending.

I will definitely keep an eye out for Lochen's second book and would read more science fiction if it was this enjoyable to read.  I found Lochen's debut book to be exceptionally well written with great character development and an intriguing, well thought out plot.

I gave this book: ★★★★★

★ = I did not like it     ★★ = It was okay     ★★★ = I liked it    

★★★★ = I really liked it     ★★★★★ = I loved it

Winter Reading Challenge Final Update

I stumbled across Semi-Charmed Kind of Life's Winter Reading Challenge sometime in January. With such specific categories, I knew it would be fun to find books to fulfill each one and that I would certainly find some gems hidden in my library!  I was able to complete all but two of the categories; I just simply forgot to pick up books and then ran out of time this week.  I had to really be focused to squeeze in the last book but I managed to read it all in one day by grabbing every spare minute I could (read while hubby drove on errands, read while cooking, etc).  I will definitely participate in future challenges that Megan hosts. 

I ended up earning 165 points out of a possible 200.  Below are the challenge categories along with the books I read for each one.  The link will take you to my review (using that word loosely as most of them are just quick thoughts really) on Goodreads.  Let me know in the comments if you have read any of these books and what your thoughts on them were.

5 points: Freebie! Read any book that fits the general rules.

Every Bitter Thing is Sweet: Tasting the Goodness of God in All Things by Sara Hagerty 

10 points: Read a book written by an author who has published at least 10 books.

  The Making of Us by Lisa Jewell  

10 points: Read a book of short stories.

 My True Love Gave to Me: Twelve Holiday Stories edited by Stephanie Perkins

15 points: Read the first book in a series that is new to you (so no rereads for this one!)

The Selection by Kiera Cass

15 points: Read a book that was originally written in a language that is not your native language.

 Pippi Longstocking by Astrid Lindgren

15 points: Read a book written by a local author (either from your state if you live in the United States, or in your country if you live somewhere else - note: author must be from where you currently live).

Rewriting Monday by Jodi Thomas

20 points: Read a "bookish book" (in which books play an important role, e.g. the setting involves a bookstore or library, a major character is an author, or a book that celebrates reading and books.

Books Can Be Deceiving by Jenn McKinlay 

20 points: Read a book with a direction in the title (e.g. north, south, east, west or any combination of those).

Five Miles South of Peculiar by Angela Elwell Hunt

25 points: Read a book with a song lyric in the title. Be sure to tell us the song name and artist as well!

It Had to be You by Susan May Warren

 "It Had to be You" by Gus Kahn, 1924

30 points: Read two books with a different meal in each title.

 

Breakfast in Bed by Sandra Brown

Lunch in Paris by Elizabeth Bard

10 points: Read a book with a food (not a drink!) in the title.

Didn't complete this one. I picked up The Peach Keeper by Sarah Addison Allen at my library; perhaps I'll read it in March.

25 points: Read a book from a genre you don't usually read.

Didn't complete this one.  The two genres I read the least are poetry and science fiction.  My library shelves Science Fiction books all together so I just browsed the shelves for a title that stood out.   I picked up The Repeat Year by Andrea Lochen; I thought the title seemed different from the other titles I was seeing, more like contemporary fiction so I figured it would be a good one to try.  I'm intrigued by the premise so I will definitely be reading this one in March.

The Jewel by Amy Ewing, Quick Thoughts ~ 365 Days of YA Reading Challenge

The 365 Days of YA Reading Challenge is having a link up for January reading.  If you haven't seen this challenge yet, you really should jump over and check it out.  The graphic is amazing and full of book recommendations.  What is really neat about this challenge is you could read 4 books up to 365 books if you were able to read a book a day.

Source: library book

The January recommendation was The Jewel by Amy Ewing.  I like books with girls in fancy dresses on the cover even though I know many readers are over this style of cover art.  I had no idea what the story was about.  Very interesting plot line; hubby and I both remember watching a movie with some similarities many years ago that was based on a book but we can't remember what it was now.  This is a young adult book so one big difference is the age of the main characters.  It's a little - okay, a lot, insta-lovey but I think in this plot framework, it makes sense (plus, teenagers in general I think are prone to insta-love.  In my day, we called it a crush.)  I appreciated that it was a pretty clean read; I would be comfortable with a teenage girl reading this book.  Yes, sex happens, but there are no details and it would easily open discussions on how do you deal with lust?

I liked it but I didn't love it. I definitely want to keep reading to see what happens to each of the characters -- and oh my word - that ending. A little bit cruel to the reader.  Just a little.  

I gave this book: ★★★

★ = I did not like it     ★★ = It was okay     ★★★ = I liked it    

★★★★ = I really liked it     ★★★★★ = I loved it

The Best Book I Ever Read {Vampires}

Liza at Reading with ABC just started a feature titled The Best Book I Ever Read on her blog.  She will have a variety of themes/topics for several months.  I thought it sounded like a great way to share books outside of a typical review.

The topic this week is {Vampires}.  I don't typically read books about vampires so please know that I do not have a very long list to pull from.  I recall reading some romance that had a vampire in it; it was okay but was so cliche (or at least felt that way) that I didn't really like it and wasn't inspired to pick up another vampire book.*

All Souls Trilogy by Deborah Harkness

A friend recommended A Discovery of Witches to me during the summer.  I do not know (in real actual life) that many people that love to read as much as I do.  She is one of them and so I immediately looked this book up at the library.  The story follows a witch and a vampire that fall in love.  Harkness creates this amazing world within our familiar world that is completely tangible.  The characters are rich and deep, flawed yet seeking to do the right thing.  The twists in the plot - oh my! 

I don't want to say much because I don't want to give anything away in the form of a spoiler.

I devoured the first two books and then had to wait for the final book to come out in the Fall.  I was very happy to see that it was chosen as best in its category at Goodreads.  Just read them;  especially if you want a grown-up vampire story.  They are adult fiction, but absolutely on par with the Harry Potter franchise in terms of an amazing world and a cast of characters that you will want to know as well as miss once you reach the end of the series.

*Until the Yearathon March challenge last year which was to read Twilight.  I have no desire to read that series so I found another book at Amazon -- you can still pick it up for free here if you are interested.  I picked up Captured by Erica Stevens.  I rated the first book 2 stars, it was okay. 

Top 10 Recommendations - Bout of Book 12.0

Trees of Reverie is hosting today's challenge. 

The Challenge: You’ve just started to work at a bookstore (or library) - what are your top ten go-to book recommendations?

I'm pretending that I work in a bookstore, perhaps one called The Shop Around the Corner.  I've been asked to put together a collection of 10 books for my customer to take to a literary baby shower.  Here are ten books I'd recommend to start off any child's library.

1. Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown simple, repetitive text, gorgeous illustrations that invite children to "read" the pictures.

2. Room for a Little One: A Christmas Tale by Martin Waddell sweet story set around the birth of Jesus

3. Harold and the Purple Crayon by Crockett Johnson encourages imagination

4. The Dot by Peter H. Reynolds encourages art and believing in oneself youTube video reading

5. Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus by Mo Willems silly and fun

6. It Looked Like Spilt Milk by Charles G. Shaw encourages spatial thinking

7. Press Here by Herve Tullet interactive, works for readers of ALL ages

8. Mix It Up! by Herve Tullet interactive, science

9. How to Catch a Star by Oliver Jeffers darling illustrations, sweet story

 10. Chicka Chicka Boom Boom by Bill Martin Jr. Classic book, great for alphabet awareness

This was a super fun challenge Sarah!  Thanks for hosting!!  Be sure to swing over to her blog, Trees of Reverie and see other readers takes on her challenge.

Bout of Books 11 Day 1 Update

I ended up working much later than I had anticipated yesterday and while I accomplished a lot (at work), I also had quite a few distractions that slowed me down.  I even missed American Ninja Warrior which bummed me out when I realized it! 

I read a little Sunday night, which was technically Monday, before turning out my light. I began A March Bride by Rachel Hauck.  I did not realize that this book was a novella in her Royal Wedding Series so that was a sweet little surprise! 

Then after work and before bed on Monday, I finished the book. I enjoyed it and will rate it with 4 stars. I find it's hard for any novella to rate 5 stars because I always want more! 

I also started Accidents of Marriage Monday evening.  It was really hard to read - in that "emotions are being torn" way....I am looking forward to reading a bit more tonight. I am estimating that I am about 30% - my Kindle is back in the bedroom and I'm too tired to get up and walk back there to check. And my house isn't larger than normal so it's a pretty lame excuse. 

How has your progress been?  I checked out the Monday challenges today and they both sounded super cool! I had no chance to even remember to look, let alone participate; it is nice to see all the creative ideas out there.

Bout of Books 11

It's hard to believe that it is time for another Bout of Books readathon!  School is starting soon so I have been working more and more each day in preparation.  Despite my busy schedule, I can't imagine not reading along with everyone; I am keeping my goals pretty simple for this week.  

You can sign up to join in at the link above.  See the schedule here.

It is fun to see some of my favorite bloggers & youTubers hosting challenges this week.  I'd love to participate in every challenge if I'm being honest but I just don't see it happening this week.  

I am going to focus on getting some books read that are in my review pile.  Here's what I've got lined up for the week.

I picked up The Headmistress of Rosemere on audiobook at my local library for a car trip that I took last week. I am about half-way through and hope to finish listening to it this week during another car trip.  I tried to listen earlier this week while working around the house but I couldn't concentrate on the story.  I found that I kept missing key elements and so will keep audiobooks for those times when I can more attention to listening than to other tasks. 

Image Source: http://www.vectorstock.com/royalty-free-vector/question-mark-vector-899320

It's a Mystery Read!  I will stop by the library to pick up another audiobook to take on my car trip in case I finish the audiobook above.  But I'm not sure what it will be.  Any suggestions? 

Rachel Hauck is an author that I have discovered this year and she quickly became a favorite.  I have read a few other books in this series and when I saw A March Bride I quickly requested it for review! 

Earlier this year I read The Good Wife which at the time was a step away from my typical books.  I love romance stories but hadn't read really read any contemporary fiction that looked at a marriage years down the road.  I really enjoyed it and I think Accidents of Marriage will be very similar in looking at a marriage after the first blush of love.  

As my son gets older, he is more observant of the world around him and asking more complicated and in-depth answers.  I admit that I am often stumped at what to say. Not really what the answer is but what is the appropriate level of information for his age.  Any other moms struggle with this as well?  It will be interesting to see what Answering Your Kids' Toughest Questions has to say.  I will start this book but I don't believe that I will finish it as I take much longer to read non-fiction - I like to ponder and really absorb the information.

I'll be posting short updates this week; I hope you'll come back and check out my progress.

Are you reading along?  Leave a comment if you are ~ I'd love to stop by and see your progress! 

Friday Book Memes, featuring A Paris Apartment

I have had The Book of Life by Deborah Harkness on hold request at the library for the last few weeks. They called yesterday that it was ready so I of course had to dash over and pick it up. I haven't started it yet because there are things I need to get done in a timely manner and I know that I'll be immersed in the story and won't want to put it down. So I'm holding off for a few days. I did browse a few shelves and picked up a few other books to add to the stack. I spied one of the books on my reading list that fits perfectly with the Paris in July event hosted this month by A Wandering Life. Anything Paris related goes and there have been some really wonderful posts this month. 

 I began reading  A Paris Apartment by Michelle Gable last night and that is where today's selections come from.

I'm about a fourth of the way into the book and it is very good so far. I admit that I added this to my TBR list based solely on the title and cover (recurring theme around here).  I told myself that I would read a chapter or two this morning over breakfast and a cup of tea. But then I finished breakfast and kept reading, beginning a new chapter without realizing that I had meant to stop. Does this ever happen to you?

Hosted by Gilion @ Rose City Reader

Chapitre I

(yes, it actually uses the French....*sigh*)

She only wanted to get out of town. 

Hosted by Freda @ Freda's Voice.

p.56

Despite its lack of decorative charm, April loved the place upon sight. She loved the location, its original thick-plank wood floors and how one side of the living room was more windows than wall. April imagined herself leaning against the panes at night, a glass of wine in hand, the city twinkling before her. The apartment did not show all it had to offer, but it still showed Paris. 

The cover shows some wide-planked floors that have been whitewashed; paired with that paragraph above.....I'm thinking that I could fall in love with floors like that in my house. I've always been a carpet girl, but my kitchen floor is one of those things I work really hard to ignore. These floors call me to me!

Thanks for stopping by!

There's A Green Plastic Monkey in My Purse (And Other Ways Motherhood Changes Us) by Jessie Clemence ★★★★

by Jessie Clemence

Amazon          Goodreads          Barnes and Noble
 Christian Book

I am recording this for the Parenting Reading Challenge.

Book Description

There’s no doubt about it! Motherhood changes your life—mentally, emotionally, and physically. “So if you’re feeling inadequate for the job, join the crowd!” says Jessie Clemence. “No one is adequate! We all need to humbly seek God’s wisdom and blessings to raise these children.”

There’s a Green Plastic Monkey in My Purse creatively expresses many parenting issues faced by moms and offers encouragement to help you on your journey. You’ll enjoy Clemence’s sense of humor and casual tone as she explores God’s perspective on motherhood and also shares her personal experiences as a mother of two. Not only will you find practical insights and biblical wisdom, but you’ll also find a funny quiz, interesting interviews with moms, study questions, and more.

Reminding you to rely on God to help you display humility, patience, and love, Clemence says, “Thanks to God’s grace, I have far more patience than I ever knew existed. And you, too, can have this blessing. May God teach you about His patience as He continues to teach me.”

Review

I received an eARC copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. Here is my honest review.

I really enjoyed this book. I expected it to be more humor - and there were bits of humor but that is not the focus.

Clemence really hits the profound truth of Motherhood as God designed it in a no-holds barred kind of way....but full of love and grace at the same time. The big truth - as mothers we are to be selfless - and she points that out in scripture. There were many points that I highlighted as gentle reminders that I should be more focused on my family, than myself. Early in the book, Clemence states "I can become the mother I want to be because God is the parent who loved me first". I am so thankful for His patience with me --- of course my child deserves that from me as well. He sets an example of how to love our children. 

One reason I found this book enjoyable was Clemence's writing style - it was easy to follow and felt very genuine. I appreciated her first person point of view and perspective that she doesn't have it all figured out exactly - but she knows what the goal is and has identified the steps (actions and attitudes) to get there. 

I have an eARC copy of this book but will eventually add the printed version to my library to refer back when I need encouragement and gentle reminders of how I can be a better mother.

I gave this book: ★★★★

★ = I did not like it     ★★ = It was okay     ★★★ = I liked it    

★★★★ = I really liked it     ★★★★★ = I loved it

Picture This Challenge

The Book Monsters are hosting a really fun challenge. Take a book you have finished or are reading and compile picture images that reflect what is happening in the book. 

I recently finished Scarlet by Marissa Meyer.

Photo Credit 

(you should click through to see the rest of the photos - engagement photo shoot and they are gorgeous! Just throwing that in here!)

Photo Credit

Photo Credit

I am about halfway through Cress at the moment and not really looking forward to having to wait another year to find out how the story ends. For series that leave off with cliffhangers, I much prefer reading the entire series at once.

Summer Library Challenge

One of the great things about Bout of Books is all the new blogs and challenges/readathons I discover during the week. One of my goals was to find three new blogs this round and I have found about 5 new ones! One is The  Book Monsters; they are hosting a Summer Library Challenge during June and July that I am looking forward to participating in.

Our local library is pretty wonderful - they have great selections: with 5 branches as well as membership in a library consortium, I have never not been able to get a book I wanted to read. They also have a summer reading program that I eagerly looked forward to each summer. Back then, you earned prizes based on the number of books you read. Today, they also focus on the time you spend reading - this works really well for the younger readers like my son while I still keep track of the number of books I read.

Head over and check out the Summer Library Challenge. Then join in and discover a great book (or 20) this summer!

Bout of Books 10.0

The Bout of Books read-a-thon is organized by Amanda @ On a Book Bender and Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal. It is a week long read-a-thon that begins 12:01am Monday, May 12th and runs through Sunday, May 18th in whatever time zone you are in. Bout of Books is low-pressure, and the only reading competition is between you and your usual number of books read in a week. There are challenges, giveaways, and a grand prize, but all of these are completely optional. 

For all Bout of Books 10 information and updates, be sure to visit the Bout of Books blog. - From the Bout of Books team

I am looking forward to participating in Bout of Books 10.0 this week. I participated last time as well and while I didn't meet all my goals then, I was happy overall. You can sign up until Wednesday evening at the Bout of Books blog. Comment below if you are participating as well - I'd love to check in on your goals and progress! 

2014 Parenting Reading Challenge

Julie @ Books Are Portable Magic is hosting a reading challenge this year. It is all about parenting; "books may be novels, mom lit, parenting advice and how to, inspirational such as the Chicken Soup books or Mom devotionals, parenting memoirs, or parenting humor".

Julie did request that we select a level and since I work with preschoolers, I thought that would be a good starting place - so that means my goal is to nine to twelve books this year. Completely doable!

I read all the time and one of my goals this year is to read more non-fiction than I normally do so this is challenge will be a great accountability tool. 

I'll update this post throughout the year with books I read for this challenge as well as on my Goodreads account. Click on the banner for Julie's post!

Currently Reading: 

1. Raising a Lady in Waiting: Parent's Guide to Helping Your Daughter Avoid A Bozo by Jackie Kendall
an e-ARC review copy

Completed:

1. Raising Boys: Why Boys Are Different - and How to Help Them Become Happy and Well-Balanced Men by Steve Biddulph


2. There's A Green Plastic Monkey in My Purse (And Other Ways Motherhood Changes Us) by Jessie Clemence