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
This was a blur of frustrations with every bus I had to ride. Between my morning bus driver forever being late, and my new shuttle bus driver missing the exit to the train station, my frown lines grew more pronounced. I am lucky to have a very kind co-worker, who will sometimes drive me to the station, which alleviates some of that stress.
I cannot believe it's the last month of the year, and with that, we have all sorts of end of the year stuff going on. I love December, because we make all those fabulous "favorites" lists, and it's just another opportunity to celebrate the books, which made me happy this past year.
AND because it's the end of the year, I am celebrating with a giveaway. Go. Retweet and follow (if you don't already).
You know what else I have to do in preparation for 2019? I need to select which reading challenges I will participate in. The ever wonderful Nicole has been compiling a list for all of us (thank you!). So, now I just need to get real with myself and pick challenges that are actually a little challenging for me.
Looking for a List of 2019 Reading/Book Blogging Challenges? Look No Further! https://t.co/MleyuLWWwS pic.twitter.com/KAzu8wSYPH— Nicole Hewitt (@NicoleMHewitt) November 29, 2018
I was really excited about the cover reveal for the next Royals book by Rachel Hawkins. They also re-named the first book and gave it a make-over. I liked it. What do you think?
A queer romance in the royal family? Her Royal Highness will make you swoon https://t.co/VFAbIpf1y8— Entertainment Weekly (@EW) November 27, 2018
And incase you missed the stupendous news......
Get ready for more @lanacondor + @noahcent! The ‘To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before’ sequel is officially in the works. https://t.co/WaXUt18TPY— Collider (@Collider) November 27, 2018
On the Blog:
- Monday: Nutshells - The Infinite Pieces of Us, Paper Girl, Kiss Collector
- Tuesday: TTT - It's Friendship!
- Wednesday: CWW - Famous in a Small Town by Emma Mills
- Thursday: One Old, One New: The Curses and Brooklyn Bruja
- Friday: Discussion - Avoiding Responsibility
I had not one approval ALL week, and then I got four on Friday. It's a nice mix of YA, middle grades, and adult books, all of which sound fabulous to me.
- The Sound of Silence by Myron Uhlbert
- The Sound of Drowning by Katherine Fleet
- The Girls of Firefly Cabin by Cynthia Ellingsen
- The Perfect Fit by Mary Jayne Baker
What I Read Last Week
I went for high drama this week by reading three Emma Scott book, which were all very good. I also finally read a book I have owned for years, Open Road Summer, and I sort of loved it. It would be great to get a Dee book, just saying.
I got all mad while reading reviews for Pink Hair. I liked the book. I think a preteen with a sick parent could related to Jo and probably shares some of her feelings. I thought a lot of adult reviewers were judging this pre-teen character a little too harshly. She was 12!!!! *deep breath*
My favorite of the week was a book, that slipped through the cracks earlier this year - Invisible Ghosts. You know I love grief and loss books, and there was just something about this one. It was so well balanced as far as humor and sadness, and it had some really deep moments. I really liked it.
Books
- Bring Down the Stars by Emma Scott - ★★★★
- Long Live the Beautiful Hearts by Emma Scott - ★★★★
- In Harmony by Emma Scott- ★★★★ review
- Invisible Ghosts by Robyn Schneider - ★★★★★
- Open Road Summer by Emery Lord - ★★★★ 1/2 review
- Pink Hair and Other Terrible Ideas by Andrea Pyros - ★★★★ review
- Faking Normal by Courtney C. Stevens - ★★★★ 1/2 review
- Ex Games by Stella Rhys - ★★★★ review
- Little White Lies by Jennifer Lynn Barnes - ★★★★ review
- Back in the Game by Meghan Quinn - ★★★★ review
What I Am Currently Reading
I have not read enough of The Me I Meant to Be to have anything to say, but I am in LOVE with Layne's newest series. Totally enjoying the office and its denizens, and even though I have yet to finish book 1, I am looking forward to future books.
- The Me I Meant to Be by Sophie Jordan
- Hot Asset by Lauren Layne (audiobook)
What I Plan to Read
I am excited to finally read Starfish, and reading another two books that should have been read months ago - Summer of Constellations and The One You Can't Forget. Then I and reading another January 2019 release.
- Starfish by Akemi Dawn Bowman
- Summer of Constellations by Alisha Sevigny
- The One You Can't Forget by Roni Loren
- The One You Fight For by Roni Loren
How was your week?
Let us know in the comments!
I'm so glad To All The Boys is getting a sequel! I thought they did a fabulous job with that movie. And wow I guess I better start thinking about what Challenges I want to do for next year- I've hardly given it any thought. Yikes. :)
ReplyDeleteSummer Constellations I want to get just for that amazing cover! And if the book is good too then bonus haha!
Constellations does have a great cover, and it also has a pretty high GR rating, so I am hopeful I will like it. I am confident the Boys sequel will be great, as long as they stick with all the same creators involved in the first film.
DeleteI like seeing everyone looking back at the best and worst of what they read, planning what challenges and goals they're doing for next year-and of course doing my own planning!
ReplyDeleteDefinitely a busy time of year with all the wrapping up and planning. Can't wait to see what everyone puts out.
DeleteI think I would be really stressed about dealing with public transportation anytime things went wrong. You are a trooper. I must say that working 3 miles from my house is one of the things that I really like about my job. I do enjoy seeing all of the year end posts and stats. I have to say that I am not a fan of renaming books like they are doing with Royals. It just confuses me. Have a great week!
ReplyDeleteI used to have a 6 minute commute, but my job was miserable. I think I prefer the miserable commute and the decent job better. You really can't win where I live. The drive is way more stressful than the train. I was a little confused by the renaming of Royals too. I thought it was a different book at first. I guess Hawkins' vision for the series changed (?)
DeleteSorry to hear about your commute woes. That's never fun when things like that happen and have the power to muck up your day. I'm still trying to decide what challenges to do as well. Probably the same ones I've done, though I am fearful that I will fail on some of them this year! Have to figure out which one to complete! Eek!
ReplyDeleteNice new reads too! Totally new to me ones! I hope you enjoy them all!
Here's my STS
Have a GREAT day!
Old Follower :)
Last year I was tracking new releases and contemporary romances. That's not really a challenge for me. The 2017 Throwback and series enders was a BIG challenge for me, because I am terrible at both those. Shelf-love is a good one for me too. Gotta peruse the list.
DeleteSorry about all the bus troubles. That has to be annoying. I love all the end of year posts and gearing up for 2019 reading challenges. I think I want to try some new ones this year. Have a great week!!
ReplyDeleteI am definitely seeking some new ones, because some of the ones I track are not really challenging for me. Curious to see the prompts for PopSugar, which I skipped last year, because the prompts were too challenging.
DeleteI can't wait for the sequel to All The Boys I've Loved Before! The first movie was so adorable. My expectations are high for the second one. Buses are a nightmare for me! Heck, public transportation in general in my city is bad. The ticket prices keep getting higher and higher but they can't make enough to ensure that all the buses have working AC units. Even though it's Brazil and it's scorching hot 10 out of the 12 months of the year. I hope that it gets better for you! Have you tried calling the company responsible and explaining the issues you're having? It's a long shot but it could help :)
ReplyDeleteI know! I totally did a little dance when I saw the sequel announcement. I like to take the bus to the station, because parking is another $95 per month on top of my $267 ticket. That's a lot of money. But, still better than driving the 40 miles each way. Me and the other riders from my stop call all the time. Doesn't seem to make a difference.
DeleteYES! I love the blogosphere in December. My TBR list explodes with all the favorites posts. Sorry about your bus problems. I rely on public transportation, too, so I can relate. Have a great week!
ReplyDeleteAj @ Read All The Things!
I just love the whole celebratory nature of it! I only do BESTS never worsts. (I try not to be nellie negative). I just want my bus to be on time. That's all.
Deleteyes, yes, yes you've read The Beautiful Heart duet!!! Now sorry about your bus problems as a fellow commuter I can relate! Happy Sunday Sam. Sophie @bewareofthereader
ReplyDeleteEmma Scott always makes me cry, and I really liked how she worked that whole mess out in the duet. Commuting ain't easy, but it still beats driving in all that traffic AND I get to read a lot.
DeleteIt's so hard to believe it's December! You are right about it being a great month for favorites lists. I get so many recommendations in December.
ReplyDeleteSeriously? Where did this year go? I like seeing and comparing lists and taking note of what I might have missed at year end. Always so much fun.
DeleteI'm going to check out Nicole's 2019 Challenge. It's been so long since I've joined any other than the Goodreads one I do every year. I'm excited about the sequel to All the Boys I Loved Before. The movie was cute! Hope you enjoy The One You Can't Forget, I really liked it!
ReplyDeleteHope you have better luck with your commutes, Sam!
I like tracking the books and having a little bit of guidance, that could, perhaps, push me outside of my comfort zone. That's why I do the challenges. I don't make fancy posts or anything. I just keep track on my spreadsheet. I loved the first book in Loren's series. I have no idea how I missed book 2.
DeleteI entered the wrong link above...anyway, you have some tempting books, and I'm curious about To All the Boys I've Loved Before.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your week, and here are MY WEEKLY UPDATES
If you have Netflix and need a happy, fluffy movie, you should watch To All the Boys. My face hurt from all the smiling I did.
DeleteOh I love the new Lauren Layne series!! Its so good!!
ReplyDeleteRight! I am so ready for the other friends' stories.
DeleteUgh, sorry about your commute! It's one of the worst things about living in this area. I think I know which challenges I'm going to do, I just have to start thinking about the TBRs.
ReplyDeleteYou're way ahead of me. I think I have too many things going on, but I have a day off this week to get it all straight.
DeleteSorry about your commute blues! I do adore those Favorites lists even if the end of the year is stressful. There are so many expectations tied to it.
ReplyDeleteI finished Hot Assets last week (yay hoopla) and really liked it. I hope Matt and Kennedy's stories pop up soon!
Yay Hoopla for me to. I get almost all my audiobooks from there. Definitely want Matt and Kennedy, but I am thinking she may give us Sabrina (was that Ian's female friend's name?) story too.
DeleteI wasn't sure about To All The Boys but I ended up lovong it and can't wait for the sequel! Wow, you sure have some great looking reads. Enjoy:)
ReplyDeleteMy Sunday Post
To All the Boys was such a wonderful and fluffy movie. It just left me smiling. Even my grinchy kid liked it (and went on the read all three books).
DeleteYes, I'm so excited that To All The Boys I've Loved Before is getting a sequel. I really hope it's as wonderful as the first movie.
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean about the challenges too. I'm planning to be much more selective this year and just pick 2 or 3 to focus on. I'm leaning toward a backlist and another discussion challenge since those two are both very challenging for me.
I need to actually pick REAL challenges for me. I did new release, which let's face it, is not really a challenge for me. I have done contemporary romance in the past as well, and ditto - not a challenge. I am going to thoughtfully comb the list, but I know backlist and discussions are actual challenges for me.
DeleteThank you SO MUCH for the link to the 2019 challenge list! I need that! I hope you enjoy all your new reads!
ReplyDeleteThanks to Nicole for putting it all together. She's amazing!
DeleteI so don't envy your commute. Sorry it was even rougher last week. :( I love all the end of year lists - favorites and bests and must reads... I love it. I'm such a list junkie anyway so the end of year stuff puts me in heaven. :) Three Emma Scott books in one week? I think I would need a week in a padded room after that. LOL I'm excited for The One You Fight For. I really loved the previous two books.
ReplyDelete*LAUGHING* Emma Scott books are so emotional. I did the duet and then took a break. I didn't think I could survive three in a row.
DeleteI'm sorry your buses/commute have not been going well. No fun! And it's tough to read review of books and realize that people that are complaining are probably doing so because they aren't the right age range. It's totally fine to read books that are younger or older, but you can't judge them too harshly BECAUSE of that.
ReplyDelete-Lauren
www.shootingstarsmag.net
I thought I had gotten all my frustration about the NOT target audience panning characters' level of maturity in books, but apparently, I haven't. Makes me nuts!
DeleteOoooh this was a fun and informative post, Sam (I mean, they always are). I wasn't sure how I felt about the major switch with the Hawkins books, but I can be down for it. And I think I totally need to look at the 2019 challenges! The Art of Drowning seems intriguing, so I'm going to wait to see how you think of it. Great post, Sam! :)
ReplyDeleteHey, if Hawkins will give all those characters their own books, I will take it however I can get it, because I loved Royals and am down for more.
DeleteStarfish has been on my TBR for so long. I really need to read it as well. Hope you have a happy December!
ReplyDeleteI saw it at the eLibrary, just waiting to be checked out, and I did it. I am excited to read it.
DeleteYou know I had to check out the Mega Challenge list and joined two of them. =) Pretty ambitious of me with school but I am going to try even if I just do the lowest level of it. =)
ReplyDeleteSorry, I am late getting back to you. It's been that kind of weekend.
Mary
I don't officially join any challenges. I just use them to help me guide my reading and keep track on my own. Then, if I don't have time to do the posts or whatnot, it's all good, because it's just for me.
DeleteI am working on those lists. It is fun right now. There are less December releases so I am enjoying reading what I feel like or things I didn't read earlier in the year. Enjoy your new reads! Anne - Books of My Heart
ReplyDeleteI am through all my December books, but I have a massive amount of January books to get through .
DeleteOh yeay for the To All The Boys I Loved Before sequel! I still haven't read the books but I loved the movie.
ReplyDeleteReading challenges for next year... This should be good. I failed at all of mine this year. :/ Good luck with your choices!
Fingers crossed for better behaved work transport this week!
My daughter watched and loved the film, so she read the books, and she was disappointed in Peter K in the book. He was not as swoony in book 1 as he was in the movie. He gets there. In book 3 he was in full-on BF mode.
DeleteI know right?! Already December and I do love it. I can't wai to celebrate Christmas and I live to see everyone's favourites videos and posts going up. I make a favourites video and then I make my resolutions and recap my resolutions from last year on my blog ^.^
ReplyDeleteI stopped the resolution thing a loooooooong time ago. Never works for me, but if it helps some people, that's great.
Delete