THE GIRLS AT 17 SWANN STREET by Yara Zgheib {Book Blog Tour}

Series:	Standalone
Genre:	Fiction
Publication Date:	February 5th 2019
Format:	Digital
Published By:	St Martins Press
Goodreads:	The Girls at 17 Swann Street on Goodreads
My Review Copy:	Thanks to Clare at St Martins Press for my review copy

Where to get:

The chocolate went first, then the cheese, the fries, the ice cream. The bread was more difficult, but if she could just lose a little more weight, perhaps she would make the soloists� list. Perhaps if she were lighter, danced better, tried harder, she would be good enough. Perhaps if she just ran for one more mile, lost just one more pound.

Anna Roux was a professional dancer who followed the man of her dreams from Paris to Missouri. There, alone with her biggest fears � imperfection, failure, loneliness � she spirals down anorexia and depression till she weighs a mere eighty-eight pounds. Forced to seek treatment, she is admitted as a patient at 17 Swann Street, a peach pink house where pale, fragile women with life-threatening eating disorders live. Women like Emm, the veteran; quiet Valerie; Julia, always hungry. Together, they must fight their diseases and face six meals a day.

Yara Zgheib's poetic and poignant debut novel is a haunting, intimate journey of a young woman's struggle to reclaim her life. Every bite causes anxiety. Every flavor induces guilt. And every step Anna takes toward recovery will require strength, endurance, and the support of the girls at 17 Swann Street.

                                

Certainly not a light read, The Girls at 17 Swann Street deals with anorexia; a disease that is very real and can take your life if you aren't careful.

The Girls at 17 Swann Street is an honest, unflinching, but fundamental hopeful portrayal of anorexia and the struggles of recovery. Anna enters treatment at the beginning of the novel primarily at the persistence of her husband, who is at the end of his rope and fearful that he wouldn't be able to keep her alive on his own. She is resistant to the idea of treatment at that time, filled up with fear and denial.

Anna doesn't feel the treatment center really knows what she needs. After all, she's been fine up till now. So what that she doesn't eat. So what that she doesn't find anything fun anymore because she's so worried about the food she isn't eating. She can handle it on her own. That is just the attitude she goes in with but what comes after will bring tears to your eyes. For Anna's bravery, is beautifully written and portrayed by the author.

I fell hard in love with this book and the writing style. The emotional connection I felt toward Anna was instant. There was no judgement towards her; just sorrow, encouragement, and joy. Everyone from the staff to Anna's husband, Matthias, as well as the other girls, were all so supportive of each other. They really looked out for one another and that made me smile. Through all the emotions you feel as a reader while reading Anna's story, you also feel joy and happiness at all the things she goes through. Every mountain she climbs is just another reminder that anything is possible if you just give yourself a chance.

Such an amazing story I will read over and over again.

About the Author

Yara Zgheib is a Fulbright scholar with a Masters degree in Security Studies from Georgetown University and a PhD in International Affairs in Diplomacy from Centre D'�tudes Diplomatiques et Strat�giques in Paris. She is fluent in English, Arabic, French, and Spanish. Yara is a writer for several US and European magazines, including The Huffington Post, The Four Seasons Magazine, A Woman�s Paris, The Idea List, and Holiday Magazine. She writes on culture, art, travel, and philosophy on her blog, "Aristotle at Afternoon Tea" (http://www.aristotleatafternoontea.com/).

Author Social Media Links:

 Facebook  | Tumblr  |  Website  |  Instagram

 

Book Blitz: Work in Progress by Staci Hart

Her fake husband is a Work In Progress�

Work in Progress, an all-new romantic comedy from Staci Hart, is available now!

I never thought my first kiss would be on my wedding day.

But here I stand, clutching a bouquet of pale pink roses behind the doors of a Las Vegas chapel, and at the end of the aisle is the absolute last man I imagined would be waiting for me.

Blog Tour: Circle of Shadows by Evelyn Skye (Feature + Giveaway)

Genre:	Young Adult, Fantasy
Publication.Date	January 22nd 2019
Pages:	400
Published By:	Balzer+Bray
Author	Evelyn Skye
	Circle of Shadows on Goodreads
My review copy:	Received from the publisher in exchange for a blog tour.

Where to get:

ora can move as silently as a ghost and hurl throwing stars with lethal accuracy. Her gemina, Daemon, can win any physical fight blindfolded and with an arm tied behind his back. They are apprentice warriors of the Society of Taigas�marked by the gods to be trained in magic and the fighting arts to protect the kingdom of Kichona.

As their graduation approaches, Sora and Daemon look forward to proving themselves worthy of belonging to the elite group�but in a kingdom free of violence since the Blood Rift Rebellion many years ago, it�s been difficult to make their mark. So when Sora and Daemon encounter a strange camp of mysterious soldiers while on a standard scouting mission, they decide the only thing to do to help their kingdom is to infiltrate the group.Taking this risk will change Sora�s life forever�and lead her on a mission of deception that may fool everyone she�s ever loved.

(Goodreads)

Let's go be legendary. 

Cloak of night. Heart of light.

She was a beautiful, deadly weapon.

TOP 5 reasons to read Circle of Shadows

1. It's a treat to all fantasy fans! Circle of Shadows is fantastically imagined - a brand new society with intriguing inner workings and magical system. Evelyn Skye did a really great job building the world from scratch! 

2. Work hard, mischief harder - the amazing relationships (especially friendships) between the characters are really what made this book for me! The characters really bring this story to life and make the message of courage and camarederie very clear.

3. It's an explosive read, full of breath-taking action and plot twists! 

4. Although completely original at its core, it feels inspired by Japanese society! 

5. There's a certain dash of darkness to it, so if that's your flavor, you absolutely must read it! 

About the author

Evelyn Skye is the author of New York Times bestsellers THE CROWN�S GAME and THE CROWN�S FATE. Her new series, CIRCLE OF SHADOWS, will be published on January 22, 2019.

Evelyn has a B.A. in Russian literature & history from Stanford University and a J.D. from Harvard Law School. She was once offered a job by the C.I.A., she not-so-secretly wishes she was on �So You Think You Can Dance,� and if you challenge her to a pizza-eating contest, she guarantees she will win.

Author Links: Twitter | Goodreads | Tumblr | Instagram | Facebook

Tour Schedule:

January 21st - Bookish Lifestyle - Feature and Tote Design Reveal
January 22nd - The Reader and the Chef - Places To Visit in Circle of Shadows
January 23rd - The YA Book Traveler - Author Interview
January 24th - Alexa Loves Books - Gift Guide
January 25th - YA and Wine - Review


January 28th - Twirling Pages - Author Interview
January 29th - MTMC Tours - Quotes from Circle of Shadows
January 30th - Paperfury - Review
January 31st - It Starts at Midnight - Feature
February 1st- The Books Buzz - Transforming into a Taiga

Giveaway:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

Handle with Care by Helena Hunting {Cover Reveal and Excerpt}

I�m startled out of my thoughts when my brother jumps up and shouts a bunch of profane nonsense, hands flailing like he�s trying to swim on land, or approximate the chicken dance while on an LSD trip.

�You can�t do this! It�s absolute bullshit!� Armstrong yells.

I look around the table, trying to piece together what I missed.

�I�m sorry, Armstrong. I know this is a shock, but we feel it�s in the company�s best interest to put Lincoln at the helm during this transitional stage,� G-mom says firmly.

At the helm? I look to G-mom who�s busy not looking at me.

Armstrong jabs at finger at himself. �But I�m the one who�s put in all the time here! I deserve to run the company! Lincoln doesn�t know the first thing about Moorehead. All he knows how to do is dig wells and forage for food in the wilderness. How are those valuable assets here?� He turns his attention to our mother. �Did you know about this? How can you let this happen? Look at him. How can that be the face of our company? He looks like he crawled out of a gutter and mugged a twenty-year-old college kid on a bender. How is this better for our bottom line?�

My mother clasps her hands in front of her. �I�m sorry, Armstrong, but this decision wasn�t mine to make. I know this is hard for you, but your grandmother and fath��

Armstrong stomps his foot, exactly as a toddler would. �The company is mine! Lincoln can�t have it!�

I raise a hand, half to quiet my brother and also to find out what the freaking deal is. �Whoa, let�s back this bus up. Can someone explain what�s going on?�

�You�ve been appointed as the CEO of Moorehead Media, according to the will,� Christophe�no R, because that would make it far too pedestrian a name�my father�s lawyer says.

I�m working on trying to remain calm as I address my grandmother. �You didn�t say anything about me being CEO. You said you needed my help.�

�Running the company, yes,� she says through a practiced, stiff smile.

It�s her warning face, but seriously, when she said she needed my help for a few months I figured it meant I�d be keeping Armstrong in line while she sorted out who was going to take over the company, which I realize now was a stupid assumption.

�I didn�t think that meant CEO. How am I going to run a company with this dickhead on staff?� I motion to my brother.

�The name calling is unnecessary,� G-mom replies.

�Lincoln�s not even part of this family! He hasn�t attended one event in the past five years except for Dad�s funeral. He didn�t bother coming to my wedding and now he�s going to run the company? How is that fair?�

I snort. �Your wedding was an expensive joke.�

He crosses his arms over his chest. �I was set up. Amalie had cold feet and made me out to look like the bad guy.�

The woman beside him shoots him disgusted look.

Armstrong clears his throat and tugs at his collar. �My wedding is not the real issue. The point is that you�ve never involved yourself in any part of this family and now you think you can come in and take over. I will not stand by and let this happen!� He keeps jabbing his finger at me, as if he�s engaged in a finger sword fight.

I lean back in my chair and lace my fingers behind my neck. Armstrong has always been reactive. And self-absorbed. For a while it seemed like he finally had it together�back when he was engaged. But ever since that fiasco of a wedding he seems to have come completely unglued. Again. But worse this time. �Someone needs a timeout.� 
Buy Links 

AMAZON-BARNES & NOBLE-GOOGLE PAY-IBOOKS

About the Author

New York Times  and USA Today bestselling author of PUCKED, Helena Hunting lives on the outskirts of Toronto with her incredibly tolerant family and two moderately intolerant cats. She's writes contemporary romance ranging from new adult angst to romantic sports comedy.

Social Media Links:

• Author Web Site
• Facebook
• Twitter

Top 10 of 2018 - Favorite Reads by Debbie

I know I'm a bit late to the book party, but I still wanted to share some of my bookish bests from 2018 and I absolutely adore KimberlyFaye and her amazing blog. So first I'll give you my Goodreads stats and then I'm going to tell you which 10 books I loved the most for 2018. 

Statistics

Books Read: 176
Genres: Romance, Poetry, Suspense/Mystery, Contemporary and Historical Fiction

Verity by Colleen Hoover

Date Read: December 26th, 2018
Rating:????

(My Review) Oh my God what did I just read. I cannot for the life of me fathom the type of mind that writes this amazing psychological suspense. Colleen Hoover is a genius. I cannot even get my mouth closed after reading the last chapter of the book.
This book goes from mild to major creepy in seconds so many times. I feel like I was on the edge of my seat most of the time.
An unknown writer gets a chance to finish a best selling series by a well known author just when she needs the money and distractions the most. Little does she know how all consuming writing the last three novels of this series will be. Revealing anything else might give too much away. This is a must read. You will be captivated from the 1st page. You won't be able to return to real life till you devour this book. Jump in, the words are hot and ready to read

My One Despair by Claudia Y Burgoa

Date Read: November 07, 2018

Rating:?????

(My Review) Ahhhhh, what to say? Just another Claudia Burgoa book that left me in pieces. I don't believe I have let go yet and its been 12 hours and I'm supposed to be concentrating on work.

Tess had a horrible childhood with her mother who was only focused on herself and not her kids. This makes Tess shy away from anything serious and she is very guarded when she walks into a bar one night and meets Gage Rodin. He is instantly mesmerized by her but she is aloof and walks away.

Gage is a teacher of music in a private school until he is fired through no fault of his own. His dream and passion is to be a singer but he believes that dream is gone until he meets Tess again. He doesn't ask anything from her even though her father is the famous band member of The Killing Hades and multiple men have used her for this purpose alone.

The two form a bond of friendship that continues to blossom into more. Although Tess is away at school, Gage can't stop thinking about her and doesn't everything he can to make her feel the same.

After Anna by Lisa Scottoline

Date Read: April 07, 2018

Rating:????

(My Review) I received an arc of this read from the publisher.

Maggie and Noah have no idea what they are getting into when they allow Maggie�s estranged daughter to move in with them and become a part of their family. Maggie, who hasn�t seen her daughter Anna since she was an infant, is full of guilt at not being there for Anna and is ready to step up and do her best as a mother.

Things quickly escalate into a horrible situation. Anna is murdered and all evidence points to Noah as the murderer. Noah is arrested and tried for the crime. The story moves back and forth between the trial and the time Anna was living with them before she was murdered.

The story is one of hope and different expectations, looking at those around us to figure out just how much we truly know those we love. Can the man you love be capable of murder? the child you gave birth to capable of manipulation? what has Anna really been through in the 17 years she wasn't with Maggie and what does her death have to do with it?

I love that a majority of this story is based in a court room. Lisa, a former lawyer, knows how to get in a lawyers mind and can truly describe jurors, the judge and even the defendant.

I love Lisa for her stories, her voice and that all her novels are close to my home. She just keeps getting better.

Bring Down the Stars by Emma Scott 

Date Read: August 20, 2018

Rating:?????

(My Review) Holy shit!!! How am I going to review this book with my heart laying broken on the ground? I'm in pieces right now. Emma Scott is one of those writers who makes you feel every emotion a thousand times over. She is a master at the angsty love story but I was still surprised by this book. I never saw the heartache coming.
Abby is an Economics major that wants to do something good for humanity. She's petitioned Harvard to let her make up her won
major when she goes to grad school. She's done with love after her boyfriend of two years humiliated her by cheating. But Abby is a hopeless romantic and believes in love so fully, she can't stop the attraction she feels for Connor.
Connor is a rich, intoxicating guy that smiles all the time. You can't help but want to be near him. Then there's his best friend Weston who never smiles, is always brooding about something but Abby loves their conversations.
It is impossible to put into words the effect this book has on me. I was lost from page 1. I'm going to be holding my breath until the conclusion of this duet comes out. For now, I'll just remember the story with vivid detail that Emma Scott brought to life.

The Left Side of Perfect by Meghan Quinn 

Date Read: August 29, 2018

Rating:?????

(My Review) 
What can you say about a book that gives you everything but breaks you at the end? Be glad it is a duet!
Ryan has always thought of herself as chubby, and not meant to be happy. After all that is what her mom always told her growing up. Even though her dad was always in her corner, getting teased constantly has done its damage to her and she can't seem to stop feeling this way even though she is not at all chubby now.
Colby was meant to be a pilot. He gave up everything in order to make this one dream happen. Now that he has this dream, he doesn't have much else. Unless you count his books and laundry.
He was a quiet one and when he met Ryan she brought him out of his shell for one wild weekend. Then she went home. When he saw again, he was mesmerized but circumstance made them friends.
That was okay with him or so he thought.
This is a love story.
It's a story of friendship.
Its a story that leaves you in pieces and begs for more.
Your typically Meghan Quinn book. Perfection.

Somebody's Daughter by Rochelle Weinstein

Date Read: April 17, 2018

Rating:????

(My Review) It's almost impossible to read this book and not let it effect you at your very core. A family is faced with an unimaginable event going public and must decide whether to band together or let it rip them apart. I immediately developed feelings for each character. Sympathy. Anger. Shock.

Emma and Bobby lead a charmed life with their two fifteen year old daughters in Miami beach, Florida. They own their own hotel called the Ross, that is thought of as a family destination but still the place to be. They live in the Ross and feel connected to each and every one of their employees. Their two twin daughters, Lily and Zoe attend private school and have a bunch of great friends. All these people come out to celebrate with them at the hotel for their fifteenth birthday. Then a message is sent to some and tragedy strikes close to home. Emma rushed to try to fix things while Bobby can't even acknowledge what happened.

As a family is tested, family bonds will be broken, friendship will be questioned and revenge will unfold. Somebody s daughter is sure to make you question your own relationships with your children and make you wonder what would happen if it was your daughter? What would you do? How far would you go to protect your own?

This book not only tells a very relevant story but does it so the reader really understands all sides of the story. The story was so moving and told perfectly with just the right amount of laughter and tears. A huge winner for this reader.

Bro Code by Kendall Ryan

Date Read: April 28, 2018

Rating:?????ALL THE STARS 

(My Review) I received a copy of this book from InkSlinger PR in exchange for an honest review.

Hold on a minute, while I hose myself off from this explosive book. Wow. This book was amazing. I can't believe this is my first read by Kendall Ryan. I'm pretty sure I'm going to go purchase a ton of her books now that I've been blown away by this one.

Barrett and Ava were both great characters that you quickly started to route for. Barrett is a lawyer that will do almost anything to make partner this year in his Chicago firm. Ava is the little sister of his best friend and certainly OFF LIMITS according to the bro code that every guy knows about and follows right? Barrett is doing his best but with comments from Ava such as "I don't like being told what to do, unless I'm naked" he is having a heck of a time complying with what is right. The scenes between them are either scorching HOT or LOL funny. I enjoyed them so much.

If you enjoy contemporary, romance and great writing, you have to pick this novel up as soon as possible.

Links by Lisa Becker

Date Read: December 22nd, 2018

Rating:?????

(My Review)  On my, I am swooning hard right now! Garrett Stephens is my new book boyfriend. He is smoking hot, sweet and sexy as hell. Garrett is used to getting what he wants and when he sets his sight on Charlotte, he believes he can make it happen immediately. Charlotte has had a crush on Garrett since they were teenagers and he called her glasses. Now she is all grown up and much more confident in herself, well a little at least. Although very attracted to him still, Charlotte won't let her heart get broken by a guy who just likes the chase.
Garrett woos and friends Charlotte and he is even surprised by the effect she has on him.
A perfect curl up by the fire read for the holidays, Links is incredibly romantic and sweet. Well worth the read

The Songbird Girls by Richard Parker

Date Read: December 19th, 2018

Rating:?????

(My Review)  

Three Words: Chilling, Hypnotic and Fascinating.

Richard Parker DOES NOT disappoint with his second novel in the Tom Fabian detective series. If it is possible, this novel is even more exciting, intense and lets you into the mind of a serial killer.


I can't lie, I was a bit fearful of picking this book up because it seemed like I wouldn't be sleeping anytime soon. However, once I got into the story, I just couldn't put it down till I finished it. It was such a page turner that I didn't sleep but not because I was terrified because I was so engrossed in the novel I couldn't let the mystery go till I finished.


Our serial killer Wisher is rotting away in prison when the story opens. He has a request though. He wants a meeting with the man that put him away, Tom Fabian. Tom is reluctant but pretty much pressured into going by his boss. Who knows Wisher could give them insight into their current case they are floundering on. Fabian meets with Wisher, but the only thing he is given is Wisher's diary. Fabian doesn't know what to think but reads a few passages as he can't resist. He quickly puts it behind him and focuses on his current case.


Then Wisher kills himself in prison at the same time as Fabian hears his doorbell ring and a dead bird is left for him outside. This is Wisher's signature, and NO ONE knows about it. It wasn't released to the media. How could this be? If Wisher is dead who did this? Why is Wisher still trying to mess with Fabian even beyond the grave? These questions and more will pop into your head as you are reading.


Richard Parker does a fantastic job at setting every scene and making his reader hold their breath while even more mysteries are revealing. His writing style is one that tells the story little by little, and he keeps the ending a secret. It is tough to know what will come next.
Sound like a great mystery? It is! Pick up your copy today. This author is quickly becoming one to watch

P.S I Hate you by Winter Renshaw

Date Read: November 16, 2018

Rating:?????

(My Review) Winter Renshaw has done it again and the �it� is P.S. I HATE YOU, her latest book. I have to say, the cover is deliciously hot and beautifully done. I loved the cast of characters and found myself drawn in immediately. PS I HATE YOU is the story about two strangers that spend a week of Saturdays with each other. A week where they end up in bed together, where they decide if they will become friends or friends with benefits� and at the end of the week with Saturdays, would they remain friends and stay in touch. I loved the angst, the humor, the chemistry between Maritza and Isaiah. Maritza and Isaiah are the main characters who are perfect for one another. Maritza Claiborne is one sassy, feisty, independent, and sweet woman who had me rooting for her from the start. She is a waitress and also going to school yet from the start,you know where you stand with her, which is something I liked. She had such a soft heart and was so giving. Then there is Isaiah Torres�he is a man who has multiple layers about him. He is complex, complicated, sexy and mysterious. He is in the military and he has some secrets which makes him irresistible. He also has at times an attitude and from that Maritza calls him �Mr. Tall, Dark, and Douche-y�. Isiah is definitely an alpha male who has a good heart but its hidden because of things in his past. These two belong together but with time and distance put between them, will they be able to make things work? And with a spanner thrown into the mix, will this change things and make them getting back together harder or completely impossible.
Ms. Renshaw really did an outstanding job. This book has the humor, the angst, the realism, the passion to have me digging in and hooked. Keep the tissues handy because there are some moments that will have you needing some tissues and also get the fans handy because the passion and chemistry is intense. There are several twists in this book that I wasn�t expecting and when it happened, WOW!! I loved this book and would love to see a story for Maritza�s cousin and roommate. I look forward to reading what Winter writes next!!!

WOW that was crazy hard to do! I read some amazing reads in 2018 so to narrow it down to 10 took me almost a week. Hence why this post is going up so late. What did you read in 2018 that is ingrained in your mind? What reads made you swoon? I'd love to hear all about your 2018 reads in the comments below.