The Improbable Wonders of Moojie Littleman by Robin Gregory

  Moojie is unlike any other being in this world. Descended from an unknown place, Moojie was set in this world with crooked legs, barely any capability of speech, and a heart full of love.
  But as Moojie grows older, he feels out of place. He is searching for unconditional love to mend his spirit, but will he ever find it? Is anyone in his life capable of loving Moojie the way he deserves? His quest will find the answer to that.
  His quest for love, and his quest for acceptance in this world.
  The Improbable Wonders of Moojie Littleman by Robin Gregory is unlike any other book I've read. This book confounded me and entranced me at the same time. I read this book with "I really may come out of this reading experience not liking this book, but I can't stop reading it" continuously running through my head.
  After much internal arguing, deep thinking, and decision-making, I've come to the conclusion that this book was not my cup of tea, but it should be read. Not unlike that book you read in high school that didn't capture your interest throughout, but you still think of to this day.
  The Improbable Wonders of Moojie Littleman needs to sit. It needs to be mentally digested. I think that's why it took me so long to sit down and review it. I needed to make sure I wrote down the right things, and got my opinion of this book across and in a way where it was complimentary to the author, without feigning my true opinions.
  I've decided to give this book a four out of five. It wasn't one of my favorite reads, but I would be lying if I said I came out of this not loving Moojie. This book had a beautiful message. In many ways this book reflects Moojie, but one message in particular sums up their comparison perfectly.
  You may be put off by someone at first glance, but when you look deep inside, there will always be an underlying beauty to be discovered.

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The Legacy of Hunger by Christy Nicholas

  Young Valentia McDowell has decided that it is time for her to leave her home in Ohio, and venture to Ireland in pursuit of her distant relatives and a mysterious family heirloom.
  But Valentia is unaware of what dire straits await her in 1846 Ireland. She receives more than she bargains for in The Legacy of Hunger, and she may not come out of this quest completely unscathed.
  I went into this story not knowing what to expect. I was approached by the author to read her book, and after I was provided a short synopsis of the story, I deemed it interesting enough to pick up and review.
  By the first chapter, I was intrigued. I didn't need time adjusting to the writing or anything of the sort, it was quite similar to love at first sight. I didn't want to build my expectations too high, but I was hoping that this particular story would be mesmerizing throughout. I was not disappointed.
  From the very first page, to the very last, I was sold. This book is a winner. Valentia's growth as a character was so subtle and clever, the effect didn't even completely make an impact on me until the last chapter. When it did, I had to take a moment and congratulate the author, Christy Nicholas, in my head for a job well done. Ms Nicholas' research for this book was very impressive. The amount of detail and love she put into her story is noticeable and very honorable. Positive praise for The Legacy of Hunger must be noted, because it is well deserved.
  As time ages this story in my head (like a fine wine), I may have to alter my rating from a four star to a five. Time will tell in the end, but I promise I will be thinking about this book for a long time.
  By the "#1" indicator next to the book's description on Amazon, I'm assuming The Legacy of Hunger is the first of several books in this series. I'm glad. I will read on, and enjoy every minute of it.
  I pray the books that follow will be as wonderful as book one.

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When It's Love, I'll Let You Know by Andrea Sommers

  Peter DeHavilland is successful, handsome, charming, a world famous director, and...everything Kate Adams avoids in a man. Kate is unsure of herself, inexperienced, best friends with a stunning Hollywood actress, and is desperately trying to make it as a script writer for soap operas. Though Peter is twelve years older than Kate, an unintentional blind date turns this unlikely couple into a possible match. 

  If only their friendship would stop growing. 

  Will these two finally put aside their differences and realize they were only searching for each other their entire lives? Or will their friendship get in the way? 

  Only time will tell in Andrea Sommers' When It's Love I'll Let You Know.
  I am being completely honest with you when I tell you that I was interested in this story from the very beginning. Besides some adjustment to Andrea Sommers' writing (which was only needed because I had just finished a book by an entirely different author just minutes before), When It's Love, I'll Let You Know had me from the very first page.
  Kate didn't irritate me. In fact, I actually found her incredibly realistic and relatable.
  I loved Jen, Kate's best friend. For a Hollywood bombshell, she was very down to earth and lovable in her own right.
  Even Peter didn't annoy me! Each and every character had their charming qualities, and together they made me very interested to see where their story would go.
  Every night, I wanted to stay up to read more of this book to see what was actually going to happen. Would Jen find happiness? Would Peter and Kate FINALLY admit they love each other?? Would there be a happily ever after?
  Everything was just as it should be in a charming romance, until...
  Until about 75% of the way through the book. I won't spoil it for future readers, but there was a turning point, a happy turning point actually, that turned my "I really liked it" to an "I liked it."
  I almost feel as if the characters changed, and not for the better. Kate and Peter's relationship went in a direction that ended up disappointing me. Jen, thankfully, was left intact, but I was sad to see my OTP (one true pair) change so drastically. Maybe it's just me. I don't know if any other readers noticed this shift in the story, but it hit me like a ton of bricks.
  It's quite disappointing, to be honest. I was waiting for that, "a-ha!" moment, and instead I got an, "...oh."
  When It's Love, I'll Let You Know was every unrealistic "romance novel" I've ever read turned realistic and beautiful. I only wish it had an ending as strong as the beginning.
  I encourage my readers to try this love story, and let me know what you think.

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The Reckoning (Earth Haven #3) by Sam Kates

  The third and final installment of the Earth Haven trilogy is finally here, and the Literary Connoisseur's verdict is in.
  First there was the Cleansing of Earth Haven. Then, the Beacon was activated, which signaled to more toxic beings destined to destroy what we call home. And in the end, there will be a Reckoning.
  The Reckoning was an extremely satisfactory ending to an original Sam Kates story. As I expected, The Reckoning was missing the key elements that made The Cleansing (book one) magical. The Cleansing provided a fresh, new story that captured my attention at first glance. The Beacon held my interest and further dug me deeper into the story of Earth Haven. The Reckoning wrapped everything up (in as neat a package as possible). Like most trilogy endings, The Reckoning provided a story that didn't have me as enthralled as the first two, but in the end completed me. The third and final book may not be my favorite of the trilogy, but it was certainly fulfilling enough to have the Earth Haven series, once again, at the top of my favorites list.
  There were shocking moments in the Reckoning that I didn't see coming. There were well-needed character developments, and introductions to characters that were key to the story. The Reckoning contained everything needed in a "final book."
  I am giving The Reckoning four stars out of five, but I'm giving the Earth Haven trilogy five stars altogether.
  I am not a sci-fi fan. But I am a huge Sam Kates fan.

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The Thompson Sisters Anthology by Charles Sheehan-Miles

When I first became a blogger, and first started to truly evaluate the books I pick up to devour, I read Charles Sheehan-Miles' Thompson Sisters series. Since then, I have fallen in love with each book he releases, and I have never fully recovered from having my heart split into two and set on fire by Charles' magnificent stories. 

This series will absolutely ruin you in a way that only remarkable books can ruin you. 

This is one of my favorite book series in the entire world. It's beautiful, heartbreaking, and life-changing in every way. 

I stand by this series 100%, and recommend it to anyone and everyone willing to give it a try. 

Now, for only 4.99, with six books and two novellas in one... Thompson Sisters Anthology  

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The Gone Series by Michael Grant

  Gone.
  Just like that, in the blink of an eye, everyone over the age of fifteen was gone. Teachers, parents, doctors, neighbors--all gone. Not one single adult left in Perdido Beach, California.
  No one knows where they've disappeared to. But if one thing's for sure, it's that things are going to get ugly in Perdido Beach. Very quickly.
  Children are starting to starve, tensions are getting high, young teens are becoming power hungry, and most of all, more and more kids are turning fifteen...and disappearing.
  What will become of the FAYZ (Fallout Alley Youth Zone)? What will become of the children, young teens, and babies when they realize they are now cut off from the rest of the world? Only time will tell in the Gone series by Michael Grant.
  When I first read Gone, I didn't know what to think. I had read it for a book club discussion, and I had extreme mixed feelings.
  On one hand, the story was undeniably addicting. Why would every single adult in the FAYZ just disappear without a trace? Mid-driving, mid-cooking, mid-living their normal life just POOF. Vanished.
  I dove into it with an open mind, fully prepared to have my socks knocked off, but that wasn't what I got. I was slightly annoyed with all of the characters (and a bit confused with the story progression), but in the end, interested enough to purchase the rest of the series.
  After I read Gone, I rated it a three out of five stars. I liked it, but didn't love it.
  Fast-forward to about four (or so) years later. Yes, it took me that long to pick up the rest of the series. Life got chaotic, and so did my TBR list.
  In a spur of the moment, I decided to binge-read the rest of the series. I didn't feel the need to reread the first book, even though I had read it so long ago, because when I picked up Hunger (book two), Michael Grant surprisingly picked up where I left off. He reintroduced characters, went over what occurred in book one (which I was very grateful for), and somehow made it easier for me to dive back into the series after putting it down for so long.
  I don't know how my state of mind stands compared to how it was when I first picked up book one, but I LOVED Hunger. Book two hooked me so hard, I went back and changed my rating of Gone. Then when I read Lies (book three), I fell even more in love with the series.
  After that, I was sure that however I grew over the years, whether it be mentally, emotionally, or in maturity, it helped me appreciate this series for what it was. I fell in love with many characters, I couldn't stop reading, and I finally gave in to the fact that this series truly is genius.
  Now, this series isn't one of the best series I've ever read. There are many things that still irk me, and there are enough plot, moral, and character imperfections (in my opinion) for me to still groan "Meh" at points. I won't deny that. But there are not enough imperfections to outweigh the things that really drew my attention this time around.
  This series most-certainly will not appeal to everyone. I can name many things off the top of my head that will "turn off" many readers, but I can honestly say I gained a lot from finishing the series.
  In conclusion, you can't always base your opinion of an entire series on the first book. Or your mental and emotional state at the time. In my case, I think I was just too young to appreciate this story for what it was. It took time for me to mature enough to handle this series, and I'm glad it turned out that way. I wouldn't trade my experience of reading this series for anything in the world.
  So, if you're prepared, and you like your stories a little apocalyptic-ish, a little Stephen King-ish, and a little bit epic, pick up this series and let me know what you think.

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Bookish Meets Boy by Dianna Dann

  The plot of Bookish Meets Boy is in the title. Book-loving (and book-living) Sophie Childers has just had her heart broken by her dirtbag ex-boyfriend. And what will any bookworm do when they've had their heart broken? Drown their sorrows in fiction.
  Which isn't difficult for Sophie, because she works at Bookish, a small indie bookstore that is well loved in her hometown.
  Sophie has sworn off all men, until Reese Fuller makes an appearance in her own little personal romance novel. It's obvious that Reese is the most charismatic, charming, and beautiful man in Florida, but there's one problem that could possibly turn Sophie off forever. One GIANT, hairball problem.
  This was such an enjoyable little story. I have been a huge fan of Dianna Dann's work for a while, so of course I gladly accepted when I was approached to do this review. But Ms Dann did warn me that this genre was a change of pace for her, and me (as a reader).
  In the end, Ms Dann had nothing to fear, because I adored this book. Any bookworm will find themselves in Sophie, in both "bookish" nature, and character.
  The only problem I had, was that I wasn't "in love" with Reese. I fell in love with another character named Hugh, who is basically a male version of Sophie (but less goofy, and more calm). Reese being Reese aside, I loved his and Sophie's story, their back and forth, and, of course, their giant conflict.
  This was a very fun, light read. Bookish Meets Boy is guaranteed to make you smile, lighten your mood, and bring happiness into your heart.

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