THE LOST ORPHAN BY STACEY HALLS [ARC REVIEW]

I received a copy of this book via Netgalley in exchange for my honest thoughts and review. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are solely my own.

A mother’s love knows no bounds…

London, 1754. Six years after leaving her newborn, Clara, at London’s Foundling Hospital, young Bess Bright returns to reclaim the illegitimate daughter she has never really known. Dreading the worst—that Clara has died in care—the last thing she expects to hear is that her daughter has already been reclaimed. Her life is turned upside down as she tries to find out who has taken her little girl—and why.

Less than a mile from Bess’s lodgings in a quiet town house, a wealthy widow barely ventures outside. When her close friend—an ambitious doctor at the Foundling Hospital—persuades her to hire a nursemaid for her young daughter, she is hesitant to welcome someone new into her home and her life. But her past is threatening to catch up with her—and will soon tear her carefully constructed world apart.

Set against the vibrant backdrop of Georgian London, The Lost Orphan explores families and secrets, class and power, and how the pull of motherhood cuts across them all.

 

My Rating:

This book was an intriguing story and overall was a book I quite enjoyed! It was a beautiful tale of motherhood and shows a fascinating and more in-depth look at London and the Foundling Hospital in the 1750’s. The whole premise of someone having claimed another woman’s child as their own and then searching for that child. Only to then find out you know the woman who has claimed your child as their own! But from there it fell flat for me as it’s then just a story of a child torn between two women! Which is totally fine but I found that I wasn’t expecting more and kept waiting for a bit more than that.  But overall this is a enjoyable historical fiction novel.

 

 

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Orbits – Album Review

I was given a copy of Keith Kitchen‘s newest album to review and that’s what I intend to do!

So I’ve never reviewed an album before really. I’ve attempted it and am not sure how well I did at it so I’m just gonna talk about why I love it and hope you all get the idea on how amazing it is.

 

My rating: 

 

My Thoughts: I’ve been a fan of Keith Kitchen for a while now, having seen him in concert and my family owning all his albums. So I was REALLY excited when I saw he was working on a new album and now that its out in the world!

Something about his music is absolutely mesmerizing and relaxing! On top of that the story telling and such in the songs is beautiful and can only come from a lot of time put into writing each song. With this album I honestly couldn’t choose a favorite song. They were all just beautifully written and once again I’m blown away by the sheer beauty of the songs themselves.

 

You can purchase Orbits or Keith’s other albums on his website or even have him come play at your local church or event! Trust me, it would be totally worth it!

 

 

 

 

Time To Fall Into Things

So.

Summer has come to an end and fall begins.

Its my first semester where I’m a graduated human being and so far things have been weird and uncomfortable. I feel I should be doing something but I don’t know what.

 

 

 

So in this post, I’m gonna address the elephant in the room. My blog has changed! The change might seem sudden and maybe I should have warned you all considering I knew about this for a while…but I didn’t. Honestly the reason I didn’t warn anyone was because I was on the fence about it all.

Do I change the blog? or do I leave it? I even entertained the idea of starting a new blog. But then I decided, I have some lovely and wonderful followers here so why leave them behind and hope they find my new blog? and who wants to go back and forth between two blogs? YUCK.

 

Please know that I still love books and writing and will continue to post about those things! But I also want to branch out. Personally I feel that God has put a lot on my heart lately with things going on in our world and I wanna speak up and talk about them. Part of the reason things keep getting worse and worse is because people don’t take action against that ever-growing thing. Talking about an issue won’t fix it…but it can start a movement.

So thats kind of where I’m at with the new blog at this moment but know that all my bookish love and craziness will still continue. There will just be more posts like THIS and THIS.

 

Also if you have something on your heart you want to blog about, let me know! I don’t care if you are a writer or not or have a blog. You can guest post on my blog, no problem. If you’ve got something you want to say then say it. Let me help you get your words out there 🙂

 

Comment below or fill out the contact form on my contact page if you wish. And if you don’t wanna guest post and just read stuff, then by all means go ahead!

 

See you around the blog!

 

 

 

The Rest of Us Just Live Here by Patrick Ness

Hey look at that! I FINALLY have a book review on here again. I just read this book this weekend and have been reading through it this month with Briana Morgan and I just finished it this weekend! I had …

Well, We Don’t Like Being ‘Eye Candy’ Either…

So I recently went and saw the Ghostbusters movie in theatres with my sister and co-worker, Taylor, and I really really enjoyed the film (maybe I’ll review it another time) A few days after watching the movie, I stumbled upon some posts and articles posted on Facebook written by some enraged guys about Chris Hemsworth’s character Kevin in the film.  People were mad that he played a dumb guy who was basically just there for his looks. (The term I read that was used frequently was ‘Eye Candy’ )

Now normally I’m not one to whine or complain about this kind of stuff but I just want to say this. ‘Us girls don’t like it when you do this to us, either.’

Normally I’m not one for the whole time to give you a taste of your own medicine thing…but right now this actually applies quite well. I think it was interesting and kind of nice to have the roles reversed for once because finally…FINALLY people are starting to slowly come to the realization that ‘hey. It totally sucks when this guy/girl is a total dummy and only there because they are attractive. What does that make me?’

My question and main concern is Why? Why aren’t people taking a stand against the creation of characters like this? Like, don’t get me wrong. These kinds of characters are HILARIOUS. But what is that also telling us about how much people and the media seem to take the looks of people for granted and nothing else really matters? – Now I’m NOT saying we all need to riot till things are changed but do you think there is any way this kind of thing can be changed? or should?

I ask this for the reason looking at it from a girls point of view here. But to me, it seems women’s bodies are so sexualized in our society and we and our bodies are turned into some sort of pleasure for the eye. And what do we and our bodies then become? Eye candy. There for the pure and simple enjoyment of the eyes of others. Women these days don’t seem to be held to high standards because they are clever. Its based a LOT on how we look and its one of the many things messing with many people in our society today. As women we want to be like these models or whoever and have a body like theirs to even get a guy to look at us or get their attention but then we have to worry about guys who may not wanna keep their hands (or words) to themselves. Everything has spiralled out of control based on this whole idea of people and characters only being around for the sole reason of being ‘Eye Candy’ to others.

 

Until Next Time,

Adriana G.

 

Please Note: I’m not saying all guys are horrid people or whatever. I’m just looking deeper into an issue that can and is spiralling out of control even with simple and further promptings with characters who are dumb and really only there cause they look good to the other characters or whatever.  (and I’m using the example of women cause I am a woman and yeah….you get my point)

Man, Myth, Messiah

Hello Readers!

Iiiiiii am back with another book review for you! Today I’m going to be reviewing one of the books I received from BookLook Bloggers and that book is called ‘Man, Myth, Messiah’ by Rice Broocks

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Rating: 5 Stars

Review: I first heard of Man, Myth, Messiah in the movie God’s Not Dead 2 and I was instantly intrigued as to what it was about. So I was quite excited to have been able to read this as a review copy. “Man, Myth, Messiah” is a great book that shows you how and talks about defending your own faith and what you believe about God. As well, the book explores the proof behind who Christ is, why Christians believe in him and it backs it up, with proof, from not only scripture but also proof from history. I found it both shocking and amazing how many other sources, aside from scripture, pointed to proof that Christ exists. I mean I myself know that everything in creation points to Christ but even sources that were supposed to lead away from any proof of Christ’s existence still pointed to him anyways.

I would encourage everyone to read this book. Especially if you have questions about who Christ really is and are maybe on the fence about if He exists or not. It is an intrersting and intriquing read and if you are someone who likes books with a lot of facts and helpful information you can use in your everyday life, this is definitely a book to check out!

About The Blogger – Absolute Insanity

Hello Lovely People!

I am back once again with another post about the blogger thing-y!

^^ Your reaction right now, I’m sure 😀

Today’s post is definitely going to be shorter and me kinda ranting and complaining about the horrible thing in my life known as Grade 12…because why not?

Okay okay… Not really gonna whine or complain but you get my point. Kinda just a little update on life and books and other such things with the help of some fun GIFS! Cause who doesn’t love GIFS?

LIIIIIIFE: 

SO basically the countdown for Grad, YC Alberta 2016, My friends Grad AND my bestie coming home from Mexico has begun… Well, actually it began MONTHS ago but now things are getting closer and I’m getting more and more excited! and also more and more stressed. Yes, yes. I just said I was excited but now I’m stressed? ( #myemotionsinanutshell ) …Let me explain.

So yes, all these wonderful things are happening like Graduation, spending time with friends, my birthday and all that other fun stuff (you can read about all that –>  here ) BUT its down for the final stretch for this semester and I’m really stressing about final exams cause basically they are in just over 30 days and I’m nowhere near ready…

….eeeeeespecially when it comes to Biology. I’m failing it and GAH. Things are insanity. But its ok. Its okay. I THINK I got this.

So yes, thats kind of where I am at BUT I’m almost done so thats exciting!

^ I could literally watch this for hours and not get bored…. ANYWAYS.

Which reminds me. In regards to school and having one more month of it a LOT of my time will be used for studying. So much so that I even made this desktop today:

So I won’t be as active on here as I was hoping considering I kinda brought this thing back to life after months of being gone but note: I WILL NOT ABANDON YOU! (More on that in literally a moment… Just scroll down….

 

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……..Keep going……

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LIIIIIIITTLE MORE…………………

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Book and Youtube Stuff!

See. Told ya. More on that.

So as I mentioned in two different previous posts. (This one and This one ) I have joined a book review program called BookLook Bloggers and I have a Youtube Channel!

As for BookLook Bloggers, I already got the two books I requested! So I am reviewing those and have a couple other review copies on the way as I write this so I obviously will be posting reviews here as I go along through May and the first week or two of June (I WILL still be here! I’m not leaving. Just posts won’t be as frequent as I have scheduled. But then this summer you will probably (maybe) see a lot of me so YAY! fun times!) as well as a couple updates and photos I’m sure!

 

As for Youtube, I am planning on doing some Vlogging of these things I am going to and road trips I am taking. So I will be posting those on my youtube channel as I go and I will give updates on the blog when those are live too! (I make no promises cause sometimes life gets crazy and I forget to vlog! But I hope to get some things up regardless!) So stay tuned for that!

 

 

So thats about all I have going on right now (Its back to studying now cause finishing this post counted as my 20 minutes study break) nothing all that interesting as of yet but hey, just keeping you updated.

BUT before I go…A Recap in case any of what I just said made no sense. I WILL be around on the blog this summer but this next month of May I will be very slow and not posting as much as I would like due to final exams coming.

Until Next time

Adriana G.

BookLook Bloggers

Hello Lovelies!

Just popping in to talk about something called BookLook Bloggers. Basically BookLook Bloggers is a website where, once you have a certain amount of blog followers, you can request books (physical copies and ebooks) for review. Pretty cool right?

Something even cooler (yeah yeah, I know thats not used properly) is that I finally applied today and got accepted!

I kept meaning to apply for a while now but have been crazy busy!  But now I finally just sat down and did it and already I’ve requested some paper back books to read! So, it will be a little while before they come (3-4 weeks cause I’m in Canada but YES they ship worldwide!) but by then I should have life together somewhat and I’ll be almost done school at that point which means REVIEWS AND BOOK READING ALL OVER THE PLACE!

….Or maybe. I know it will for sure be more often because I’ll be free from the clutches of High School. From there I’ll be working but minor details my friends, minor details.

Is this something you’re interested in and want to check out? Well you can click the link I provided above or (hopefully if this works) click this blog button and it should take you to the website.

 

At this point I’m off to my nannying job but I just had to come tell you all because I’m excited! I’ll let you know what books I requested in another post 😉

Until Next time!

Adriana G.

 

Things I Learned From Doing A Readathon

Hello Readers!

Quick side note before I start I should let you know to read all the way to the end of this post. Got some details on an amazing giveaway for you!

My apologies on my absence. Considering what my life is like at the moment, posts my not be done as often for the next bit (just until I can actually get my crap together anyways…At the latest I’m thinking MANY posts will be written during christmas break but up to that point I’ll have some posts here and there.)But today’s post is here! So wait no longer.

So in the midst of my crazy schedule which has consisted of mostly Schoolwork and Art (for school) with a dash or writing, reading, and planning youtube videos (so I can just find a day to film a million and one of them) I found the time to meet up with my bestie and we decided to do a 12 hour readathon. (We were gonna do 24 hours but adult life commitments interfered with that)

It was LOADS of fun and so, I decided to share some things I learned from doing a readathon that you might find helpful if you do one yourself one day.

 

1. Bring MORE books than you will actually end up reading.

The LAST thing you want in the middle of a readathon is to run out of books to read O.O (that didn’t happen to me but its good to remind peoples) So always make sure you bring more books than you think you might need. (I brought 6 books and read 2 and 1/2 of them in the 12 hours)

 

2. Have a Timer Going

My friend is a million and one times smarter than me and decided to have a timer going. It was helpful when we stopped for dinner so then we knew EXACTLY where we left off before going and eating dinner or taking a break…or sometimes we got talking so often the timer got paused for that too XD

 

3. Have LOTS of food

Food is good so obviously you are gonna need lots of yummy (and mostly unhealthy) food with you! Its essential.

 

4. Take breaks

Yes, the goal is to read for a certain amount of hours without interruptions. BUT taking a break is necessary. Whether its a quick bathroom break or you need to go make a cup of tea or something then just get up, pause your timer, and take a break. My friend and I both found that after about 3 hours our eyes were getting sore and we needed a break so we would just stop the timer and chat for a bit or go make tea, or eat food or something. (at one point I was dancing around the kitchen while I waited for the kettle to boil so I could make tea so yah…) Yes, the goal is to get TONS of reading done but don’t wear yourself out either.

 

5. Tea and other caffeinated/sugary drinks are essential.

Need I say more?

 

6. Prepare to beat MUCH discomfort with comfy things!

So my one complaint about this readathon is that I didn’t take into account the beating up my old lady bones would get while doing this. I couldn’t really move for the next few days (More just because I literally have old lady bones and am almost always in pain/discomfort but sitting on a floor for hours on end didn’t help) so plan ahead. Set up an air mattress or stack cushions/ pillows to keep yourself comfortable but I will warn you. As it gets late into the night DO NOT climb into a bed. Or you will doze off. *is guilty cause this happened to me*

But seriously. Ask my friend how often I kept moving around because I couldn’t get comfortable. So prepare for that. Also Pyjamas are good too.

 

 

7. If you are reading books to review, write the reviews as you go!

If you are reading the books to review them (as I did) I suggest writing the review as you go. The reason being because you can compile all your notes and thoughts in one notebook (I have a book review notebook) or something and then you can flesh out more of the review later on. The reason its so effective is because you are going from one book right to another. So if you know you want to review the book, take a few minutes to write out your thoughts or the review as you go.

 

So those are the things I’ve learned #’s 1 and 6 are super important in my mind BUT either way I hope you enjoyed it! Have you done a readathon? If you haven’t are you planning one soon? If you have, what are some things you learned while doing one.

 

 

Until Next Time,

Adriana Gabrielle

Also, if you want to spend next NaNoWriMo writing your novel in a castle in France, you MIIIIIIGHT wanna check this out: Write Your Next Novel In A Castle Contest

 

 

Shoutout to my bestie for letting me join in on this readathon with her! ❤

A Very Merry Book Birthday

 

THE SOUND OF SILVER IS RELEASED TODAY YOU GUYS!!!! I CANNOT CONTAIN ALL THE EXCITEMENT!!!!

 

In celebration of the release of The Sound of Silver, I’m gonna post a book review. (Also if you missed my cover reveal for the third book in Rachelle Rea’s series you can find it here.)

 

The stalwart saint and the redeemed rebel. One is fighting for faith, the other for honor…

After Dirk rescues Gwyneth from the Iconoclastic Fury, she discovers that faith is sometimes fragile—and hope is not as easy as it may seem. Gwyneth continues her quest to learn more about the love of God preached by Protestants she once distrusted.

Meanwhile, Dirk’s quest is to prevent his sullied name from staining hers. Will his choice to protect her prove the undoing of her first faltering steps toward a Father God? Once separated, will Dirk and Gwyneth’s searching hearts ever sing the same song?

 

 

I LOVED this book you guys! It was beautifully feels crushing. I also hated one of the characters so much…but I’ll get there in a second. I gotta make sure this all makes sense so one thing at a time.

So, I loved this book a lot! The feel of it was very very different compared to book one as there was a lot less action and this focused a lot on the emotional journeys of the wonderful characters Rachelle has crafted but even though there was a lot less action I was very pleased. (The romance novel loving side of me adored this book a lot for the reason that is ROMANCE ❤ )

Not only did I adore this book, but it absolutely destroyed my heart okay? The feels were definitely present in this book. As usual I also adore the characters. Dirk is kinda my favourite. I love him a lot. I also LOVE Gwyn she is the absolute best and therefore I love Dirk and Gwyn together…. and talking about these characters brings me to a new character…and *yells* I HATE HIS GUTS! *takes deep breath* *clears throat* Okay… Where was I?  Oh right. So, that character is named Anders and I have one word that described him. That word is: Ship-Wrecker.

*clears throat* Anyways. That aside this book was absolutely wonderful. The characters were amazingly beautiful (except Anders. Don’t like him. Nope Nope Nope) and let me just say the ending for this book was a terrible cliffhanger I wanted to cry. Let me just say book 3 has a lot to clear up now.

 

 

So! That’s my review! Hope you liked it!

 

Until Next Time!

Adriana G.