Discovery of Witches

The first in the All Souls Trilogy, A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness is another book recommended by the Phenomenally Decisive Book Club. Although I'd checked it out before and never made it past the first little bit, Jules' recommendations haven't let me down so I decided to forge ahead. I ended up LOVING this book and agreed with the comparison to a 'grown up Harry Potter and Twilight'. Similar in the 'lore', witches, vampires and daemons mingle with humans.

Diana Bishop comes from a long line of witches but tries to deny her power until the supernatural world ends up coming to her. Armed with a great vampire, she learns about her true history, family, and priorities in a fight for her life. This book was very smart and well written and researched (the author is a professor). The historical, cultural and scientific references were even entertaining to my husband and we both really liked this book. I always think the supernatural rules and worlds are fascinating. In this 'world', vampires can eat food (but have diets more like wolves), supernatural creatures aren't allowed to mingle or mix races (making a vampire-witch relationship tricky!), and witches have varying gifts that were really interesting. This was a really great read and I can't wait for the last one now (dang sequels!)

Favorite quote:
"Somewhere in the center of my soul, a rusty chain began to unwind. It freed itself, link by link, from where it had rested unobserved, waiting for him. My hands, which had been balled up and pressed against his chest, unfurled with it. The chain continued to drop, to an unfathomable depth where there was nothing but darkness and Matthew. At last it snapped to its full length, anchoring me to a vampire.

Magic Study by Maria Snyder

The sequel to Poison Study, Magic Study by Maria Snyder is every bit as fascinating. I knew things wouldn't be easy for Yelena but was cheering her along and hoping things would work out the whole time. Reading about a new 'country' and culture was fascinating and the ending left my satisfied but excited to read the final book in the trilogy (hurry up library hold list!)

Juliet by Anne Fortier

I've been reading a ton of books lately and fallen behind! Here's a book club book I read over the summer- Juliet by Anne Fortier. The story focuses on a young woman named Julie who is floundering through life until the death of her Aunt (and mother figure) sends her to recover a mysterious inheritance in Italy. She learns that she may be related to Juliet (as in... Romeo and Juliet) and discovers more about herself and her history along the way. There's action, history, love, speculation, mystery, and even some intrigue. It was a good read although a little slow in parts. The author obviously loved Italy and did a great job sharing details that made me feel like I was there.

Heaven is Here by Stephanie Nielson

I read Stephanie Nielson's new book "Heaven is Here" about a month ago. 'Nie Nie', a popular blogger, Mormon wife and mother, was in a terrible plane crash a few years ago. This book recounts her life before and her recovery. It was pretty heart wrenching to hear of her loss but triumphant to see your recover, grow stronger each day and share her hope and message of the love of our Savior and the importance of our families. It made me want to be a better mother, to be more patient and appreciative. And never to ride in a small plane! I know that's terrible but this book was really inspirational and I would definitely recommend it to anyone looking to change their perspective for the better.

These is my Words

Book club has started at Church again. I have a hard time with this because people are really unpredictable in their book choices and preferences. I hate to recommend a book and be told off that it was terrible and inappropriate and then feel that I must be too by extension. So I'm along for the Church book club ride for now. But I jumped on the wagon to reread this book because I loved it so much when I read it a few years (for the first time in 2008 I think). This time I read it, I couldn't help but think about Claire and Jamie and their relationship compared to Sarah's. These is my Words is a beautiful novel, inspired by a true story of Nancy Turner's ancestor. She lives in the Arizona Territory, overcomes loss, disaster, death, and the run of the mill stuff that would probably kill the rest of us (primitive standard of living, limited women's rights, etc). This book inspired me to be stronger, to suck it up and be grateful I have a washing machine and remember that I can do hard things. And to hold my babies close and enjoy them- life can change on a dime and while it's not helpful to stress over that, it is important to stop and be grateful every day.

The Time Traveler's Wife

I posted about The Time Traveler's Wife last year but since I intend this blog to be a sort of personal reading log I'm posting again. Last night I was stashing something in the hall book case and saw this book and thought I should reread it. So I started, put in two or three hours last night and then finished this morning. I didn't mean to have a marathon session (particularly since I knew the ending already and easily started to tear up at all the foreshadowing) but I couldn't put it down. I love the characters and this reading I really saw a lot of my husband in Henry. I know it's easy to project when reading but I normally feel that way. This was another book that reminded me to treasure my life and my husband, to appreciate the everyday and not stress over the little things. A beautiful book to treasure and read again and again.

See it on Amazon.

The Hand that First Held Mine

The Hand that First Held Mine is the story of two women, living 50 years apart in London. Elina, in the present, is a new mother, trying to figure out parenthood, her relationship, and herself. Lexie, in the 50's, is trying to stretch her wings and see where she will go and what she will become. I loved reading their two stories and was waiting to see how they would eventually connect but when they finally did, I was pretty sad. I guess I would say I liked this book because I enjoyed reading the whole thing but it was sad how it all worked out. I did leave with a feeling of hope- that things can work out, that we can grow and do better, that there is a plan and it will all be alright, even if the ending is nothing like we imagined.

A Breath of Snow and Ashes

Book Six in the Outlander Series, A Breath of Snow and Ashes is fast paced and exciting, lots of development in the characters and stories as war officially comes to the Colonies. With personal hardships, false accusations, kidnappings, and more, this book was one that I absolutely couldn't put down. Thank goodness the sequel was alright out when I read this one. There really was a lot of sad things happening to characters I loved but the lesson that the father teaches his daughter about forgiveness. Even in the face of serious betrayal and hurt, he teaches compassion, forgiveness, and what truly matters in a very poignant way. We would all be so lucky to have learned such a great lesson.

Drums of Autumn

Drums of Autumn, book 4 in the Outlander series, lived right up the previous novels. Set in Colonial America, Claire and Jamie have a world of opposition they happily face together. It's inspiring and a good reminder that we really are so blessed and need to give back. I loved the descriptions of medical knowledge and practice, cultural differences and the historical backdrop. Frank's letter of confession at the end literally haunted my dreams last night when I finished the book- thinking about it's implications and what the future will hold for the characters I have come to love. Can't wait for the next one (it's ready at the library tomorrow!)

Voyager

The third book in the Outlander series, I devoured Voyager in about 2 days (impressive considering I was still there for my kids!) When Claire learns Jamie might have survived the battle of Culloden, she goes back to search for him. The travel through Edinburgh and the Indies was fascinating, funny, and at time terrifying. Now a physician, Claire helps many but is faced with the reality that she often can't help those that are closet to her. This book was a joy and I loved it, even if it made me feel like my comfortable, 21st life was kind of vain. I need to find more ways to serve and help others.

The Birth House

I put this book on hold after it was recommended by my favorite 'mommy blog' Clover Lane and I loved it. Set in a small town in Nova Scotia during WWI, it follows a girl named Dora Rare as she transitions from childhood to womanhood and becomes a midwife along the way. The societal issues and point of view was fascinating- realizing how far we have come but how similar we are in some ways. Loved it.

Cleopatra's Daughter

Just finished this awesome historical novel by Michelle Moran about the children of Marc Antony and Cleopatra, twins Selene and Alexander who lose their parents young and are taken back to Rome to be raised at court. The glimpse into their world- the politics, gender roles, religions, and fashion was fascinating. Will read more of her books again soon I hope!