Sunday, March 11, 2018

Sundays with Sam - The Sunday Post

Sundays with Sam is a combination of Sunday Post hosted by Caffeinated Book Reviewer and Stacking the Shelves hosted by Tynga's Reviews.

My Week in Review

Mother nature and NJ Transit were not kind to me last week, so we can only hope next week is better. I am hoping the weather cooperates, because I really want to attend the Obsidio signing on Wednesday. It's kind of far from my house, but really close to my job. Keeping my fingers crossed all goes well.

I don't know if anyone saw this, but I love that Free Form did it.

I would apparently thrive in a magical fictional world, like that of the Shadowhunters. Where would you thrive?
Is everyone getting excited about Love, Simon? I probably won't be going, but I heard a rumor that 3 of 4 WLABBers will be together next weekend and plan to go.


On the Blog:
STACKING THE SHELVES

I was over the moon with my approvals this week, but I was especially excited about Fat Girl on a Plane, because it was on my anticipated debuts list. So, yeah! I also excited that my hold for Still Me came through. I love Lou so much, and cannot wait to see what Moyes has in store for her.


NetGalley/Edelweiss
Bought/Free
Library Holds
What I Read Last Week


Another great batch of books. My top read was The Wicked Deep, but Going Places was close behind.
  • A Kiss in the Dark by Gina Ciocca: This wasn't the story I was expecting. I thought it would be a romance, but it's more a story about broken friendships, figuring out where it all went wrong, and what needed to be done to fix it. ★★★ 1/2
  • Runaway Groom by Lauren Layne (audiobook): Lauren Layne is now permanently on my list of go-tos when I want a fun romance. I loved the hero, the heroine, the reality show setting, and the inordinate amount of times I laughed. ★★★★
  • Finding Felicity by Stacey Kade: This book joins a growing list of YA-goes-to-college, and I couldn't pass this one up with it's nod to one of my all-time favorite TV shows. I found this to be a very sweet coming-of-age tale, which spoke to this awkward introvert. ★★★★
  • The Wicked Deep by Shea Ernshaw: I had a hard time putting this one down. I was totally enthralled by the story, and I loved all the twists and turns. ★★★★★
  • Kasey & Ivy by Alison Hughes: I have been having such good luck with middle grades. This story was so sweet, charming, and heartwarming. I absolutely adored Kasey and could not get enough of her. ★★★★
  • Going Places by Kathryn Berla: Berla is winning a place in my heart. Once again, she pulled on my heart strings, and I was so happy to tag along on Hudson's journey of healing and self discovery. ★★★★ 1/2
  • The Unexpected Forever by Heidi McLaughlin (audiobook): More crying over Mason. This one had a nice balance of that soapy drama, that I sometimes want, and the heartwarming things I always love. ★★★ 1/2
  • The Astonishing Color of After by Emily X.R. Pan: This is a really beautifully written story of one girl's painful journey to learn about her mother following her suicide. I loved the magical elements, and getting to take a trip to Taiwan. ★★★★
What I Am Currently Reading


I have about an hour left in Forever Right Now and I am really enjoying it. This is a companion to a book I listened to a while ago, featuring a character I was really rooting for. I love the story Scott is giving her, and can't wait to get to that HEA.

The Secrets We Bury is really wonderful. I wasn't expecting it to delight me this much. I am in love with these two slightly broken characters, and what a great trip I am getting to take on the Appalachian Trail!
What I Plan to Read


It's a mixed bag for next week. I am especially excited to read the new Mackintosh book, because that woman knows how to write a great thriller.








How was your week?
Let us know in the comments!

69 comments:

  1. Oh man I can imagine your commute was not fun. Hope you get to the signing! That would be awesome. I need to put a hold on Still Me. I keep forgetting to do that!!! Glad you liked Finding Felicity. I want to get that one. Have a great week!!

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    1. I had a scheduled day off Wed (thank goodness). A wire went down between Trenton and Princeton Jct, so the train was bypassing my stop. On Thursday, no departure times were posting, nor was I hearing the train whistle very often, so I took a personal day. On Friday, all looked well, and the second I stepped on the platform, they announced a trespasser strike in Seacacus and suspended trains in and out of NYC. When the bus looped back, I went home and drove to work. I was 30 mins late, but it was a good decision, because the train was delayed over an hour. Starting Still Me today. I am so excited!!!

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  2. I hope you're able to get to the Obsidio signing. Fingers crossed that the weather cooperates. Your haul this week is fantastic. I can't wait to see what you think of Still Me. Have a great week!

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    1. The weather has kept me from quite a few bookish things, so I am hoping whatever mess is on its way happens early in the week and leaves Wednesday alone.

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  3. There are many books I was interested in here! I almost requested Fat Girl and Meet the Sky! But I decided to show some restrain for a change since I have 13 ARCS pending! :) The Wicked Deep is another one I'm glad to see it was 5-star for you! The Astonishing Color of After is the other :)

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    1. Fat Girl has been on my radar forEVER, and I don't usually get lucky with Harlequin books, so I was overjoyed to get it. I think I lost count of my pending ARCs 😂 And I should know better, because I will get like 20 approvals at once, especially on EW.

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  4. I hope you are able to get to the signing. That sounds awesome. I definitely need to purchase a copy of that soon. I have heard nothing but great things about the book.
    You got so many great reads in this week. I am glad to hear you enjoyed The Astonishing Color of After. I am really looking forward to reading that.
    Have a great week!

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    1. The Illuminae File books are the only ones I really want in physical form, because the layout is so incredible and such a huge part of the experience for me. When I saw the signing was about 15 mins from my job, I had to go. Astonishing Color was heartbreaking, but also very touching. The author was very thoughtful in her handling of the mental health portion, and I loved being in Taiwan.

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  5. I want to go see Simon!!! I've heard it incredible. OMG, I so wanted to pick up A Kiss in the Dark because it definitely looks and sounds like a romance, but it sounds like that was entirely the case. I'll skip it. :/

    I hope you enjoy all of your new books! Have a wonderful weekend, Sam. =)

    Alyssa @ The Eater of Books!

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    1. I am so sad all the WLABBers will be so far away for Simon. 😢 The movie looks like it really captures what is so special about the book. I know a lot of people was frustrated about A Kiss in the Dark, because it seemed to be a romance. I still liked it. I just would have liked it more had there been more romance.

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  6. I enjoyed the snow, but yeah, it does make getting to work very difficult! My husband had to work at a different office a couple days this week because of the train problems. Have a great week and enjoy the signing!

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    1. Snow is a life ruiner for me. I was hoping my kid would get her job somewhere with nice weather, but so far her two offers are both in Chicago. -- sigh --

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  7. Oh nice new reads! Those are new to me ones! I hope you enjoy them all!

    Here's my STS

    Have a GREAT day!

    Old Follower :)

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  8. I want to read The Astonishing Color of After as well as the Wicked Deep. I hope you are okay as another storm plows into the east coast.

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    1. Astonishing Color was beautifully written, and I was so taken in with all the ways color was used in the story. I hope that storm stays over the ocean. I work about 40 miles from my house, and I hate using all my days because of weather.

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  9. I hope you’re able to get to the signing! I’m excited for Love, Simon. I probably won’t be able to see it in the theater, but I’ll see it eventually. Enjoy your new books!

    Aj @ Read All The Things!

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    1. The weather has been my enemy before, and this is actually a book I want in physical format. Hopefully the storm stays over the ocean. I fall asleep at the movies, but I am ok with waiting for movies to come to cable

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  10. I am very lucky my commute is from the bed to computer chair. You've had some good reads. I am curious about The Wicked Deep. I am off to check out the synopsis. I hope this week is easier for you!

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    1. You have my dream commute. I spend 3 - 3.5 hours commuting each day.

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  11. I hope the weather is good on Wednesday! That sounds like a great event to go to. I love the trailer for Love Simon! My daughter wants to see it, so hopefully we’ll be able to see it too. Have a happy Sunday!

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    1. How good is that trailer!!! I fall asleep at movies. My daughter would always wake me up. I cannot go to the movies without her

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  12. You had a great week! I am eagerly awaiting my copy of Let Me Lie. Enjoy the new week, and here are MY WEEKLY UPDATES

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    1. It is really good so far. I am a total Mackintosh fangirl

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  13. Wow, lots of great books you have read. I can't seem to get more than a few a week. I just have other things going on. Lots of lovely books. I hope you have a good week in reading. I just got back in my home after a week of no power so I am behind in things. Have a good week. =)

    Mary #SundayRoundup #9

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    1. Long commute leaves lots of time for me to read. So sorry to hear you had no power. I was so grateful we didn't lose power, because I still shudder when I remember the 8 days without electricity after Sandy. Glad you are back home though.

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  14. I've been hearing about how awful the weather has been where you're at, seriously isn't it meant to be Spring already? And wow that is an amazing haul Sam, there's so many books you received that I've not heard about, but will definitely be looking into such as Meet the Sky! and I really liked Still Me, I know a lot of people weren't fans after Me Before You, but I hope it ends up working out for you. I know Nick wasn't the biggest fan either of A Kiss is the Dark, which is a real shame, as I had high hopes for it. And I keep hearing the best things about Finding Felicity, I really think I need to give it a go too! I hope you have a wonderful week :)

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    1. Glad you liked Still Me. I have high hopes for it. I am a Lou fan, and I am excited to get more of her story. A Kiss in the Dark wasn't bad. It just wasn't what I expected. If I finish a book, it's at least a 3, because I DNF books that bore me or offend me. I have no time for that. Finding Felicity was a great coming of age story. It's a character driven story, so you have to be into that (which I am).

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  15. I love those Epic Reads quizzes lol, I could take those all day. And yay for an Obsidio signing! How fun. I can't wait to read that one!

    The Secrets We Bury I'll have to take a closer look at. Your mention of the Appalachian Trail has me curious...

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    1. The setting for The Secrets We Bury was so different and the author put a lot of the trail culture in there too. It was very cool. Epic Reads is one of my favorite sites.

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  16. That is so cool that there a signing near you! I hope you get to go. My colleague might bring me back Obsidio from Australia, but I can only hope (not sure he will be there at the right time). Otherwise I might have to read it as an ebook. So let's hope for the best :)

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    1. I live really close to NYC, so I get a lot of signings near me, but I don't usually want a physical book. The Illuminae Files books are an exception, because the format warrants a physical book.

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  17. Fingers crossed you get to attend the signing!
    I really want to read My Unexpected Forever. I've never read anything from Heidi McLaughlin before but she's been one of my 'want to read' authors for a while now.
    Have a great week!

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    1. If you like soapy romances, it's a pretty good one. It is the 2nd book. They are older, so I can get them from the library.

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  18. Oh I hope you can go to the Obsidio signing. I'd love to hear about it!! I really want to re-read the first two before starting the new one, but I'm so excited. Love these books. :)

    I AM SO excited about seeing Love Simon. The plan is to go with a friend of mine on Saturday, so hopefully that works out.

    -Lauren
    www.shootingstarsmag.net

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    1. I cannot go to the movies alone, because I always fall asleep, but I will definitely see Simon when it comes on cable.

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  19. I hope you get to go to the book event! The bleeping out of the word "sorry" is the best thing I've heard in awhile. It's great they did that. Enjoy your new books and have a wonderful week. 🌞

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    1. I love that sorry thing. My daughter is the one who made me aware that women over apologize and I have been really conscientious about it since she told me.

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  20. Glad you loved the Lauren Layne book. I have not always loved her books in the past and it has made me wary to try some. I hope you get to attend the event and that the weather is better. From what I have seen on the news, the northeast has had a rough week weather wise!

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    1. I have really enjoyed every 'LL book I have read. This weekly nor'easter thing needs to stop or just happen on the weekend, because it is making my commute really tough.

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  21. Go Freeform! That is too cool. :) Hope the weather cooperates and you're able to make it to the Obsidio event. *crossing my fingers* I got the same quiz result as you. (I had to laugh at the favorite classic TV show question, though. Uh, those are not "classics" to me. And I hadn't seen a single one of them. LOL) I am crazy excited for Love, Simon. I've been listening to my favorite parts of the audio book to get ready. :) Love that you're enjoying the Emma Scott one so much. I need to read more by her SOON!

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    1. I totally clapped for Freeform. That was awesome! I have no comment about the weather. We are no longer on speaking terms with each other. You know what those shows are - "new classics". Buffy was there, and that is one of my all-time faves. Awww. That is so cute that you are doing a re-listen for the film. Emma Scott writes a good, soapy romance. I love that stuff.

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  22. I hope that you get to attend that Obsidio signing! The weather is so unpredictable where I am these days as well. I saw Simon yesterday, and while I enjoyed it, I can't say that I loved it. It is a great movie, but there were just too many attempts at a John Hughes style of humour that really didn't seem to fit with Albertalli's style. I hope that your co-bloggers have fun at the movie. Enjoy your week! :)

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    1. The weather is public enemy number one these days. The winter had been pretty easy, but March is always a wild card. I wonder if my co-bloggers will enjoy Simon more, since none of them have read the book. Disclosure: I love all that is John Hughes. His films were a huge part of my teen years.

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  23. I am planning on going with my daughter to the Obsidio signing in our area on Saturday. I am really excited about it! I just grabbed Almost Jamie ~ thanks for letting me know if was free :) I am so happy that you enjoyed Runaway Groom. I hope you love all of your new books!

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    1. You can thank Samantha at The Book Disciple. Her Freebie Friday list is a goto for me for sale/free romance books. Yeah for Obsidio! I am really excited they are stopping in NJ. I could have gone to the NYC stop, but I prefer to drive if I can. Fingers crossed it happens for me.

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  24. That Freeform thing is really cool---I hadn't heard of that. Hope you make it to the Obsidio event---I'm planning to go to one here on Friday. :-)

    Nicole @ Feed Your Fiction Addiction

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    1. I never realized how much I apologized for things I shouldn't until I saw this article a few years back (thanks to the kid). I try not to say I am sorry unless I really do something now. What an odd thing women have been conditioned to do, and how brilliant that Freeform used NOT doing that to celebrate women. Whoo hoo! Hope the event is awesome for both of us!

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  25. The Wicked Deep is something I'll have to check out after hearing you couldn't put it down. Hope the weather improves for you, and you get to go to Obsidio, I know the weather's been tough in the East! Have a great week, Sam! :)

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    1. I really loved The Wicked Deep. It was a rather layered story with tons of atmosphere and lots of surprises. Some storm is brewing for Tuesday. I just don't do weather as a rule, so if there is snow, I won't drive to work and then no Obsidio event for me. Hoping for the best.

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  26. So many pretty new books!! I'd love to hear your thoughts on The Wicked Deep! And I hope you enjoy In Her Skin! I really liked it :D

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    1. I think that review will be up next week. I really loved it though. Be careful reading reviews on GR. I feel like some give away important details, which I really enjoyed uncovering as I read. I think Savage's writing is beautiful, so I am excited for In Her Skin.

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  27. I hope you will feel better! I love the cover for Someone Else's Shoes - and all the covers from what you plan to read.

    I still have to read the second book before Still Me, but I hope to get to it asap.

    Have a great week!

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    1. I am a Moyes fan, but more a Lou fan. The second book, though not as good as the first, was still solid, and helped us understand the fallout from Will's death. I am excited to see what Moyes has in store for Lou.

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  28. I hope you get to go to your signing! I know I would hate to miss something like that. I'm only just starting to get into contemporaries, so watching Love, Simon was never on my radar. However, as a booknerd in general, I am very happy it made it to the big screen! And hopefully you'll enjoy it whenever you do see it! :)

    Have a great week!

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    1. Weather says storm watch right now, so that is good. My love for contemporaries is unparalleled, and my love for Simon is as well.

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  29. NJ Transit was awful last week. Our line wasn't running Wednesday or Thursday and then Friday it was sent into Hoboken. The buses were also running very far behind. Hopefully this next storm passes and tomorrow isn't insane. Have a great week!

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    1. NJT and I are not BFFs right now. My loop bus driver didn't show up again, and every time that happens, I am 30 mins late for work, because we only get two trains an hour to Trenton. The struggle. Fingers crossed tomorrow is not a complete mess.

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  30. Sorry about your commute. Hope you get to go to the signing, sounds like fun! I haven't been to a signing in a long time.

    Hope you have a good week and enjoy your new reads! :)

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    1. At least my commute gives me a lot of time to read and something to complain about on a daily basis. XD I think the last book event I attended was BookCon last June, so I am very excited about Wednesday.

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  31. Hope you get to the signing!! It would be so awesome if you could be there.

    Happy reading for the week ahead :) I recently bought I See You by Clare Mackintosh, and I'm hoping to read it soon cos I've heard great things about her books.

    Glad you loved The Wicked Deep! I'm dying to read it. It looks incredible :)

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    1. I am at the signing right now!!!! Did you read the first Mackintosh book? It is still my favorite, but the other two were solid read a as well.

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  32. Oh yay, you enjoyed The Wicked Deep. I've been eyeing that one. I hope your week is going well.

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    1. The Wicked Deep was fabulous. It had some great surprises

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  33. I hope the weather lets you get to the Obsidio signing. It's been a crazy winter! I got to go see Love, Simon at a special advanced screening and I loved it! Thanks so much for visiting Lisa Loves Literature earlier, sorry it took me a few days to return the visit.

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    1. Waiting for th authors right now. 😊 Yay! So glad you had Simon. I am really looking forward to it.

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  34. I love me some Lauren Layne, I just discovered her late last year! I need to read the Runaway Groom series, but I'm working my way through the Stilletto/Oxford books! :)

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    1. It's books are hilarious! I have read 5 or so and really enjoyed them all.

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  35. I actually got dystopian world - instead of magical (totally was expecting that!). :)

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    1. I am not sure I could survive in a dystopian world. They scare me.

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