Book Review: To All The Boys I've Loved Before by Jenny Han

To All the Boys I've Loved Before (To All the Boys I've Loved Before #1)
by Jenny Han
Hardcover, 355 pages
Published April 15th 2014 by Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers

(Goodreads Synopsis) Lara Jean's love life goes from imaginary to out of control in this heartfelt novel from the New York Times bestselling author of The Summer I Turned Pretty series.

What if all the crushes you ever had found out how you felt about them... all at once?

Lara Jean Song keeps her love letters in a hatbox her mother gave her. They aren't love letters that anyone else wrote for her; these are ones she's written. One for every boy she's ever loved—five in all. When she writes, she pours out her heart and soul and says all the things she would never say in real life, because her letters are for her eyes only. Until the day her secret letters are mailed, and suddenly, Lara Jean's love life goes from imaginary to out of control.

Lara Jean's love life goes from imaginary to out of control in this heartfelt novel from the New York Times bestselling author of The Summer I Turned Pretty series.

What if all the crushes you ever had found out how you felt about them... all at once?

Lara Jean Song keeps her love letters in a hatbox her mother gave her. They aren't love letters that anyone else wrote for her; these are ones she's written. One for every boy she's ever loved—five in all. When she writes, she pours out her heart and soul and says all the things she would never say in real life, because her letters are for her eyes only. Until the day her secret letters are mailed, and suddenly, Lara Jean's love life goes from imaginary to out of control.

I was DYING for this book to come out and it took to stinking long before I had it. I remember when I took it to the counter I was all giddy and excited. I LLLLOOOOOVVVVEEEEDDDD the Summer Series. Unfortunately I didn't LOVE this book. I tried so hard but I just couldn't. Maybe I am growing out of this category of YA (lets just say thats the case here).

I absolutely loved Kitty. She is Lara Jean's little sitter and she is just so funny and completely herself. She never tries to be more than herself. I also loved the concept of the book. Everyone has their own way of venting especially when you are heart broken. I used to write my every though and feeling so I totally get writing goodbye letters.

Lara Jean was very young aka immature. Their were so many things that she just didn't get. The whole area of boys she had no experience with. I was so worried that she would end up getting herself into a compromising position but instead she was hurt so deeply. Can't lie totally cried for her a few times.

Overall this book wasnt terrible, it was just a little young for my taste. I couldn't understand her ignorance on so many levels but I enjoyed watching her growth. I can't lie though, I hated the ending. I was left with a wtf face. Don't take my word for it though. I know there were a lot of people who really loved it.

Waiting on Wednesday: By Way of Accident by Laura Miller

 

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Breaking The Spine to show upcoming releases that we can't wait to read (aka going crazy waiting for). This weeks book is:

By Way of Accidentby Laura Miller Expected publication: October 21st 2014

Goodreads Synopsis:

They say in every guy’s life there’s a girl he’ll never forget and a summer where it all began. Well, for me, 1999 is that summer, and Brooke Sommerfield is that girl. But that was nearly nine years ago. And what they don’t tell ya is that you’ll blink, and both the summer and the girl will be gone.

I have no idea where Brooke ended up. She disappeared that same summer I met her. And kind of like when you move something on a wall after it’s been there for a long time and everything around it is faded, that’s how I feel about Brooke. She wasn’t there very long, but when she left, everything around her memory sort of dimmed. That is until a letter postmarked the year she left mysteriously resurfaces. And call me crazy—everyone else has—but I have to find her. I have to know what became of the green-and-gray-eyed girl who stole my last perfect summer. I have to know if she believes in second chances—because I do—even if they do come with good-byes.

Pre-Order Link: http://goo.gl/MNz6XT

Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22611549-by-way-of-accident

I loved Laura Miller's last book so when I found out that she was coming out with a new book i was like YYYYYYEEEESSSSS. Trust me this is a must read.

What are you "waiting on"?

Inspired Friday: Tardis Bookshelf

Inspired Fridays is hosted by  Inkk Reviews

You don't have to actually craft anything to "be inspired". Show something you maybe have done, want to try, or even a cool looking book nook or library. Whatever inspires you!

I have turned into a huge Doctor Who fan. Can't believe it took me this long but I'm happy I finally jumped on that train. This is probably the most amazing bookshelf ever! I would die if I had this so naturally I thought this would be the perfect come back post for Inspired Fridays. Hope you guys love it as much as I do!!

What has Pinterest inspired in you?

REVIEW: WHEN I FALL IN LOVE BY SUSAN MAY WARREN BLOG TOUR

About the book: 

Hawaii was the last place Grace Christiansen ever imagined she'd vacation, much less fall in love. But when her family surprises her with a cooking retreat in paradise, she is pulled-or maybe yanked-away from her predictable, safe life and thrown headfirst into the adventure of a lifetime.

Max Sharpe may make his living on the ice as a pro hockey player, but he feels most at home in the kitchen. Which is why he lives for the three-week culinary vacation he takes each year in Hawaii. Upon being paired with Grace for a cooking competition, Max finds himself drawn to her passion, confidence, and perseverance. But just when Grace dares to dream of a future beyond her hometown, Max pulls away.

Wrestling with personal demons, Max fights against opening his heart to a love he knows he should never hope for. And as his secrets unfold, Grace is torn between the safe path in front of her and what her heart truly desires. If love means sacrificing her ideal happily ever after, Grace's faith will face its toughest test yet.

Purchase a copy: http://ow.ly/z5Ijj

My Review:

I am a big fan of cooking; absolutely love it. I always wanted to be a chef so this book was gold! The one thing I absolutely love about the books in this series is how real they are. Grace and Max's story played out exactly how many love stories do. There is struggle and fears and so many emotions that they you feel everything they are going through. 

Max Sharpe has a secret that he battles with everyday. He lives in the right now and refuses to look or plan for the future. On his off season from hockey he goes to Hawaii for a culinary vacation. His friend and old teammate Jace "makes" him help out Grace whom her family has sent on the same trip. Grace is a homebody who is afraid to do anything out of her comfort zone. She wants to stay in Deep Haven forever and go to have her own catering business. Unfortunately she doesn't hear back from culinary school and begins to doubt herself. When her family presents her with a culinary vacation in Hawaii, her automatic response is to run. As she is flying to Hawaii she gets seated next to an attractive man who helps her through her fears. He of course turns out to be Max. Neither of them expected to find such friendship and enjoyment together but as they work through this trip and spend every minute together; they find there is more that awaits them then they ever could have imagined. Only problem is if they trust in God enough to allow His will to be done instead of their fears to take rule.  

Along with Grace and Max's story, we have Casper and Raina. They don't get the happily ever after in this book. We are left with wondering and wanting to know what happens next in the book to come but their relationship is something so common. Casper is a Christian struggling with finding his place in life and family. Raina has been run over by tragedy and just has had a horrible life. She doesn't believe in God and struggles in this new town where everyone seems to be devout Christians. Owen (one of the Christiansen boys) hurts her right away which scars her and transforms her world a little more. When they meet they automatically hit it off but Raina keeps him and everyone at a distance and sure enough when she lets her guard down, things blow up and her life turns in a direction she never could have imagined. Casper is left broken and lost which KILLED ME!! I just wanted to hug him and make him feel better.  

Have I ever mentioned how much I love dual points-of-view?! This book is every character's point of view and it makes it so lovely! You see the real struggle and battle that each character is going through. It makes the book feel so alive and so raw. Each of us has our own struggle especially going into a relationship. Nothing is ever completely easy. We have all been through something that we bring into a relationship with someone or something that keeps us from that person. It all comes down to will we surrender to God and allow Him to take control of our situation. 

I love the way Jesus was tied into this book. It wasn't corny or trying to shove it in your face. It was genuine and showed the wonders of God and how important it is to just let go even if you fall and allow Jesus to be in complete control. 

About the author: 

Susan May Warren is the bestselling, RITA Award-winning author of more than forty novels whose compelling plots and unforgettable characters have won acclaim with readers and reviewers alike. She served with her husband and four children as a missionary in Russia for eight years before she and her family returned home to the States. She now writes full-time as her husband runs a lodge on Lake Superior in northern Minnesota, where many of her books are set. She and her family enjoy hiking, canoeing, and being involved in their local church. Several of her critically acclaimed novels have been ECPA and CBA bestsellers, were chosen as Top Picks by Romantic Times, and have won the RWA's Inspirational Reader's Choice contest and the American Christian Fiction Writers Book of the Year award. Five of her books have been Christy Award finalists. In addition to her writing, Susan loves to teach and speak at women's events about God's amazing grace in our lives. She also runs a writing community for authors.

Find Susan online: website, My Book Therapy, Twitter, Facebook

Win a KitchenAid Mixer in Susan May Warren’s Hawaiian Chef Showdown!

Susan May Warren's newest book in the Christiansen Family Collection, When I Fall In Love,  has won over readers' and critics' hearts alike. With critical reviews like, ". . . an exquisite romance. Profoundly touching on the topic of facing fears, this book is a true gem," and more than 60 five-star reviews at Amazon, When I Fall in Love is sure to please.


Susan has teamed up with some amazing food bloggers for a fun food challenge and a KitchenAid Mixer giveaway!

One grand prize winner will receive:

• A KitchenAid Mixer
• The first three books in the Christiansen Family Collection.
• Melissa Ringstaff’s Kitchen Planner
• Jackie Brown's Freezer Inventory sheet

Grab your aprons and wire whisks and buzz on over to the When I Fall in Love website to learn more and enter the Hawaiian Chef Showdown! Susan is challenging you to make a Hawaiian-inspired dish using coconut, mango, or one of the other ingredients mentioned in the book. You’ll get extra points for creating your own recipe—plus she might share it on the When I Fall in Love site! Or if you're not up for an adventure in the kitchen just click one of the icons below for easy entry.


Hurry, the giveaway ends on August 10th. All winners will be announced August 13th at Susan's blog.

Don't miss a moment of the fun; enter today and be sure to visit Susan's blog on the 13th to see if you won!