The Reading Hideaway

*I received this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.* This story is based off historical fact and real people who were prisoners in Auschwitz during the Holocaust.  The only thing I struggled with was the amount of time it took me to get into.  The beginning was just too slow for me, although the build was essential for the plot.  Descriptions throughout this book made you feel as though you were really there witnessing the horrors for yourself, and there was more than one time reading where I felt sick to my stomach. The romance between Mala and Edek brought about a sense of hope and every time they met up with one another, butterflies swarmed my stomach.  A third character who stood out to me was Mala's closest friend and accomplice, Zippy.  I loved her fire and resilience; same goes for Mala who stopped at nothing to save as many prisoners as she could by assigning them to specific work forces and/or literally giving them the clothes off her...

  Waiting on Wednesday was a daily meme hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine and inspired Can't Wait Wednesday hosted by Wishful Endings .  It highlights what newly released books us bloggers are most excited to read. Title: A Dog's Courage Author: W. Bruce Cameron Synopsis (via Goodreads): Bella was once a lost dog, but now she lives happily with her people, Lucas and Olivia, only occasionally recalling the hardships in her past. Then a weekend camping trip turns into a harrowing struggle for survival when the Rocky Mountains are engulfed by the biggest wildfire in American history. The raging inferno separates Bella from her people and she is lost once more.  Alone in the wilderness, Bella unexpectedly finds herself responsible for the safety of two defenseless mountain lion cubs. Now she’s torn between two equally urgent goals. More than anything, she wants to find her way home to Lucas and Olivia, but not if it means abandoning her new family to danger. And danger...

*I received this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.* There were five ways I fell in love with this book: 1. Emily Martin's writing - The flow was great, the pace was solid; I was able to put myself in her writing as a character observing everything unfold (which is my favorite thing about reading a good book).  I also liked how she split the book up into sections. 2. The characters - All of them stole a piece of my heart, which is not something that happens often.  I really enjoyed getting to know each one of them.  I related to Aubrey the most and when you're able to connect to a character in a certain way, I think that makes the book that much better (if you know what I'm saying). 3. How relatable it is - This book legit sent me back to high school... and I didn't mind one bit. 4.  The smexy scenes - Very tastefully written for the target audience (some YA books take it too far, ya know?) 5. The ending - So good; left me feeling content and happy...

  I have a valid excuse for this month being so slow blog-wise... my new job!  I think I'm finally getting into a routine, and I plan to incorporate more reading into it soon! - Books Read -  In April, I read one book which was an e-book. Surviving Savannah by Patti Callahan - Currently Reading - - TBR Pile for April -  (basically all I was supposed to read this past month plus some) Not Broken by Lyn Hemphill She's Too Pretty to Burn by Wendy Heard Kisses & Croissants by Anne-Sophie Jouhanneau What Beauty There Is by Cory Anderson My Epic Spring Break (Up) by Kristin Rockaway Sunkissed by Kasie West Get Over 'I Got It' by Elayne Fluker Spells Trouble by P.C. Cast and Kristin Cast The Woman with the Blue Star by Pam Jenoff Sloppy Firsts by Megan McCafferty Homewrecker by Deanna Cameron This Is for Tonight by Jessica Patrick The East End Girl in Blue by Fenella J. Miller The Ivies by Alexa Donne The Life and Deaths of Frankie D by Colleen Nelson - ...