Hello everyone! How are you?
My final book haul for 2019!
NetGalley has been a site I’ve been contemplating signing up for, for some time now but late November I decided to give it a go! I had a look requested some titles that looked interesting and the next week I was fortunate enough to to have a few of those title requests to be accepted! You can imagine my amazement as I wasn’t sure if I met the standards to be accepted, as I am still new to this, but like I said I was very fortunate.
If you wanna know more about the books I provided links to their GoodReads page.
Finding Balance by Kati Gardner (Brave Enough #2)
Publication date: 5 May 2020
Genre: Young Adult
Synopsis (from NetGalley)
“Jase Ellison doesn’t remember having acute lymphocytic leukemia when he was three years old. His cancer diagnosis only enters his mind twice a year. Once at his yearly checkup at the oncology clinic and one when he attends Camp Chemo in the summer. No one in his “real” life knows about his past, especially his friends at Atlanta West Prep.
Mari Manos has never been able to hide her cancer survivorship. She wakes every morning, grabs her pink forearm clip crutches, and starts her day. Mari loves Camp Chemo—where she’s developed a healthy crush on fellow camper Jase. At Camp, she knows that she’ll never get “the look” or have to explain her amputation to anyone.
Jase wants to move on, to never reveal his past. But when Mari transfers to his school, he knows she could blow his cover. That’s the last thing he wants, but he also cannot ignore his attraction to her. Mari wants to be looked at like a girl, a person, and not only known for her disability. But how do you move on from cancer when the world won’t let you?”
This was the first ARC I’ve ever received. I did grow an interest as the topic is very close to me. I thought it’d be a good idea to read about. Even though this is the second book in the Brave Enough series the author did say that you don’t have to read the first book to understand the story.
The Opposite of Falling Apart by Micah Good
Publication date: 25th February 2020
Genre: Young Adult
Synopsis (from NetGalley)
” After losing his leg in a terrible car accident, Jonas Avery can’t wait to start over and go to college. Brennan Davis would like nothing more than to stay home and go to school, so she can keep her anxiety in check. When the two accidentally meet the summer before they move away, they’ll push each other to come to terms with what’s holding them back, even as they’re pulled closer to taking the biggest leap of all—falling in love. ”
The plot of this sounded interesting and hope will be executed well. I have heard from some reviews that it’s quite cute and the discussion around the topics of anxiety and PTSD is done well. I hope it’s as good as it sounds.
Geronimo Stilton: The Mummy With no Name (Reporter #4)
Publication date: 28th January 2020
Genre: Children’s Fiction, Graphic Novel
This a graphic novel all about the reports of a mummy roaming around the museum and scaring everyone. It’s up to Geronimo Stilton to solve the mystery. I have in fact read this and wrote about it in my readathon update post.
Aggie Morton Mystery Queen: The Body Under the Piano by Marthe Jocelyn
Publication date: 4th February 2020
Genre: Middle Grade, Mystery
This is a middle grade mystery that’s set in England 1902. Aggie Morton is a quiet, imaginative girl who has been wondering how to spend her time after her father passed away. Until she met twelve year old Hector Perot and come across a body! Now it’s up to them to help solve the mystery.
The description of this is how this story was inspired by Agatha Christie’s life and her creation of Hercule Poirot. Good for fans of Agatha Christie.
I’m a fan of Agatha Christie and so happy to be approved for this book! Definitely will be getting around to reading this very soon.
May Leaves Stars: Writers Cut by Catherine C. Heywood
Publication date: 4th February 2020
Genre: Historical Fiction, Romance
First impression gave me Moulin Rouge vibes. May Leave Stars is set in Paris 1889. It’s set all around Jasper and Amelie which starts as a no-strings attached relationship and their story of slowly falling in love.
If what I’m understanding is correct it’s her published novellas put together in one book. This version is the Writer’s Cut so it’s the extended version with extra parts to the story. I thought it’d be best to get the full uncut edition to get a good grasp on the story. I’m looking forward to delve into this world.
Field Notes on Love by Jennifer E. Smith
This seems like the perfect fluffy, rom-com story. The main downside of the story, from what I’ve read on Goodreads, is that there isn’t a lot to the plot but that was an upside to others as it was a great in between books. I agree with that, on how books like these can be nice to read when wanting something not too serious.
Coraline by Neil Gaiman
I’ve been wanting this book for a few months and happy to have a copy of it now. I have always liked the film and want to check out the book. This will be my first Neil Gaiman and I’m excited to try it.
On the Same Page by Penelope Janu
This just seems like a whole lot of fun. It’s about a girl, Miles, who’s a romance writer who has a nom de plume and her assistant secretly sends in her boss’ (Miles’) novel into the biggest literary’s award in Australia and she won. Now the head of the company who held the literary awards is intrigued about the winner and trying to uncover her real identity.
This one I own is a review copy from a family friend and she passed it to me thinking I’ll enjoy and it caught my eye. Seems like a cute, fun read.
Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
This is the Puffin Classics edition, same as my A Little Princess edition from my last book haul. Coincidentally I bought this from the same place, Mockingbird Lounge. This edition is really nice as at the back it includes extra content such as a glossary, a summary on the characters, information about the author and all about the film adaptations. That’s also one of the reasons I wanted to buy it as well with the newest adaptation at the end of this year.
The Magnolia Sword by Sherry Thomas
The Magnolia Sword is a retelling of Mulan. This will be just incredible, I have high hopes for this. This is inspired by the centuries-old tale. I really want to fall in love with this.
Frankly in Love by David Yoon
Speaking of love, Frankly in Love was a birthday present. This book has spread across the book community and I have yet to read it. It’s definitely on my list next year.
I hope you enjoyed this post! Have you read any of these books?
*Edit: since writing this I also got two new audiobooks. Dreams of God and Monsters by Laini Taylor and the Christmas Pact by Vi Keeland.
Until next time…
xx
Bella 