31 Aug 2018

#Feature Kick-off: We Can(ada) Read 2018!

31 August 2 Comments
Hello everyone and welcome to the kick-off for

We Can(ada) Read!

We Can(ada) Read is by Canadians for EVERYONE to learn more about some amazing Canadian authors! It is a highlight of Canadian Literature and those of us who promote it as much as possible.

This year's giveaway is sponsored by Moonbeam Books, an independent bookstore in Toronto, Ontario that specializes in Kids and Young Adult books!

Moonbeam Books is an independent children's bookstore in the west end of Toronto. We sell books for kids of every age, from first board books for babies to captivating young adult reads. We also sell a selection of high quality games, puzzles and activities that inspire creativity and help build cognitive skills.

Visit them in person at 335 Jane St, Toronto, ON M6S 3Z3!

Schedule of Posts

Clicking on the date will take you to that post, once it's live! Make sure you check out all the bloggers below and show them some love on their blogs!

It feels like I started this early this year because I reviewed SADIE by Courtney Summers and had an interview with Danielle Koste prior to these dates. So those posts are quasi-We Can(ada) Read!

September 1, 2018

Lynne @ Words of Mystery - Top 10 Books By Canadian Authors


September 2, 2018


Jamie @ Books and Ladders - Review: NOT EVEN BONES by Rebecca Schaeffer


September 3, 2018


Jamie @ Books and Ladders - Review: CHAOTIC GOOD by Whitney Gardner


September 4, 2018


Jay @ The Awkward Bookworm - Favourite Vampire Novels + MERCY BROWN by Tiki Kos


September 5, 2018


Jay @ The Awkward Bookworm - SciFi Novels + THE CROSSOVER by Heather Horst


September 6, 2018


Interview: YOUNG WARRIOR: JACOB'S FIRE by David Jurasek


September 7, 2018


Erin @ Bluestocking Bookworm - Review: MERCURY RISES by Scarlett Kol


30 Aug 2018

#BlogTour: WHAT THE FLOWER SAYS OF DEATH by Danielle Koste // #Interview + #Giveaway

30 August 1 Comments
Hello and welcome to my blog tour post of

WHAT THE FLOWER SAYS OF DEATH by Danielle Koste!

I have an interview with the author about her book plus give you the chance to win a copy and some other goodies, so be sure to read all the way to the bottom. But first, let's learn more about the book!


WHAT THE FLOWER SAYS OF DEATH

Author: Danielle Koste
Series: N/A
Publisher: Self-Published
Publication Date: September 25, 2018

Summary:
Violet Holt has already met Death once.

After a failed suicide attempt, she finds herself dumped by her callous mother on the doorstep of her family’s desolate oceanside estate. With only the company of her estranged grandmother, comatose grandfather, and the monsters in her head, at least there was no one to interfere with her plans to try again on her eighteenth birthday.

No one, except maybe Jack: a skeleton of a boy who says he’s there to rake her grandmother’s leaves, yet seems more experienced at stalking than grounds-keeping. She knows he’s keeping a secret behind his gentle smiles and aloofness, but it’s difficult for Violet to be put off by his untimely thin-air appearances when figuring out the mystery of his true identity makes for such a good distraction.

Violet’s trauma is deeper than the wound on her wrist though, and it cannot be simply whisked away in a whirlwind of guessing games and pleasant gestures. She struggles to reconnect with her grandmother, find forgiveness for her mother, and closure with her grandfather’s dire condition, all while battling the strain of it all on her family. Even with a flicker of something hopeful blossoming within herself, Violet knows her birthday plans must be inevitable.

Death wouldn’t be there for her if it wasn’t.
Purchase:

Describe your book in 10 words or less.

Danielle Koste: WHAT THE FLOWER SAYS OF DEATH is: A love story. Violet, learning to love herself and life.


What do you hope readers take away from this novel?

Danielle Koste: WtFSoD is a story about beginnings. I’d like people to take from Violet’s story that it’s never too late to make those hard decisions, to stop running from the things that scare you the most, and that endings aren’t really endings, they’re just the beginning of a new chapter.

29 Aug 2018

#BlogTour: SADIE by Courtney Summers // #Review

29 August 1 Comments
Hello and welcome to my blog tour post for

SADIE by Courtney Summers!

I have a review of the book for you today, which is just as good as you've heard from others. If you want, you can even check out the podcast! But before we get there, let's learn more about the book!


SADIE

Author: Courtney Summers
Series: N/A
Source: eARC via Publisher
Publisher: September 4, 2018
Publication Date:
Rating: 4/5 stars

Summary:

Sadie hasn't had an easy life. Growing up on her own, she's been raising her sister Mattie in an isolated small town, trying her best to provide a normal life and keep their heads above water. 

But when Mattie is found dead, Sadie's entire world crumbles. After a somewhat botched police investigation, Sadie is determined to bring her sister's killer to justice and hits the road following a few meagre clues to find him.


When West McCray—a radio personality working on a segment about small, forgotten towns in America—overhears Sadie's story at a local gas station, he becomes obsessed with finding the missing girl. He starts his own podcast as he tracks Sadie's journey, trying to figure out what happened, hoping to find her before it's too late.

Purchase:
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book and chose to review it. This in no way impacts my opinion.


"It'll h-heal f-fine."
"It'll heal ugly."
But most things do.
This was such a unique book, especially with its writing style. I love Courtney Summer's writing style and believe she is one of the most creative authors in the game. Having this set up as a podcast with different perspectives from Sadie was a stylistic choice that wouldn't have worked if it was anyone but Courtney Summers writing it. 

28 Aug 2018

#BlogTour: DARIUS THE GREAT IS NOT OKAY by Adib Khorram // #Review

28 August 0 Comments
Hello and welcome to my blog tour post for

DARIUS THE GREAT IS NOT OKAY by Adib Khorram!

I have a review of the book for you today and it was so ah-mazing. Heartfelt, feeling, and everything you'd want in a contemporary novel, but you can read all about that below. First, let's learn more about the book!


DARIUS THE GREAT IS NOT OKAY

Author: Adib Khorram
Series: N/A
Source: ARC via Publisher
Publisher: Dial Books
Publication Date: August 28, 2018
Rating: 4.5/5 stars

Summary:

Darius doesn't think he'll ever be enough, in America or in Iran. Hilarious and heartbreaking, this unforgettable debut introduces a brilliant new voice in contemporary YA.

Darius Kellner speaks better Klingon than Farsi, and he knows more about Hobbit social cues than Persian ones. He's about to take his first-ever trip to Iran, and it's pretty overwhelming--especially when he's also dealing with clinical depression, a disapproving dad, and a chronically anemic social life. In Iran, he gets to know his ailing but still formidable grandfather, his loving grandmother, and the rest of his mom's family for the first time. And he meets Sohrab, the boy next door who changes everything.


Sohrab makes sure people speak English so Darius can understand what's going on. He gets Darius an Iranian National Football Team jersey that makes him feel like a True Persian for the first time. And he understand that sometimes, best friends don't have to talk. Darius has never had a true friend before, but now he's spending his days with Sohrab playing soccer, eating rosewater ice cream, and sitting together for hours in their special place, a rooftop overlooking the Yazdi skyline.


Sohrab calls him Darioush--the original Persian version of his name--and Darius has never felt more like himself than he does now that he's Darioush to Sohrab. When it's time to go home to America, he'll have to find a way to be Darioush on his own.

Purchase:
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of the book and chose to review it. This in no way impacts my opinion.


"Suicide isn't the only way you can lose someone to depression."

This was so good. I loved Darius and how he handled life. It was just so incredible to read about someone who deals with depression and anxiety. I just loved it so much. There were times when I felt a little meh about the writing. If you are a fan of THE SERPENT KING, this is the book for you.

24 Aug 2018

#EventRecap: Tracy Banghart and Elly Blake at Indigo Yorkdale + #Giveaway

24 August 5 Comments
On Saturday, August 18, I headed to the big city (Toronto, although technically this Indigo is in North York) to join YA authors Tracy Banghart and Elly Blake as they discuss and sign their latest books. The event was moderated by YA author Morgan Rhodes, so of course I also brought the latest (and last) in her series as well! I'll be giving you an inside look at what was discussed at the event and giving away a SIGNED copy of the Indigo Staff Pick of the Month, GRACE AND FURY by Tracy Banghart, so be sure to read all the way through!

See my tweet by tweet live tweeting by checking out the hashtag #FuryandBlood on Twitter!


I got to Yorkdale early so I could do some shopping and it was well worth it! If you've never been to Yorkdale, you should check it out one day. Then I went over to the !ndigo to grab my seat and talk shop with some readers!

22 Aug 2018

Double #Review: THE DARKEST MINDS by Alexandra Bracken

22 August 0 Comments
Hello all! I have a special post for you today where I review

THE DARKEST MINDS by Alexandra Bracken!

I am reviewing both the book and the movie since I took myself on a date to the movies to see it. I am reviewing the book first, then the movie and I can't wait to share my thoughts with you! So, let's get to it!

THE DARKEST MINDS

Author: Alexandra Bracken
Series: The Darkest Minds #1
Source: Purchased from Kobo
Publisher: Disney Hyperion
Publication Date: December 18, 2012
Rating: 3/5 stars

Summary:
When Ruby woke up on her tenth birthday, something about her had changed. Something frightening enough to make her parents lock her in the garage and call the police. Something that got her sent to Thurmond, a brutal government “rehabilitation camp.” She might have survived the mysterious disease that had killed most of America’s children, but she and the others emerged with something far worse: frightening abilities they could not control.

Now sixteen, Ruby is one of the dangerous ones. When the truth comes out, Ruby barely escapes Thurmond with her life. She is on the run, desperate to find the only safe haven left for kids like her—East River. She joins a group of kids who have escaped their own camp. Liam, their brave leader, is falling hard for Ruby. But no matter how much she aches for him, Ruby can’t risk getting close. Not after what happened to her parents. When they arrive at East River, nothing is as it seems, least of all its mysterious leader. But there are other forces at work, people who will stop at nothing to use Ruby in their fight against the government. Ruby will be faced with a terrible choice, one that may mean giving up her only chance at having a life worth living.
Purchase:
This wasn't a bad book per say. I didn't mind reading it, but I thought it was pretty predictable. I felt like I knew everything that was going to happen before it did. Maybe I just have some latent mind powers though. You never know.

21 Aug 2018

#BlogTour: MIRAGE by Somaiya Daud // #Aesthetic + #Giveaway

21 August 3 Comments
Hello and welcome to my blog tour post for

MIRAGE by Somaiya Daud!

Today I have a book aesthetic for you so you can visualize the story before you read it! I also have a US only giveaway for a finished copy of the book, so be sure to check out the whole post. This tour is hosted by Aimee, Always. But first, let's learn about the book.


MIRAGE

Author: Somaiya Daud
Series: Mirage #1
Source: ARC via Publisher
Publisher: Flatiron Books
Publication Date: August 28, 2018

Summary:
In a star system dominated by the brutal Vathek empire, eighteen-year-old Amani is a dreamer. She dreams of what life was like before the occupation; she dreams of writing poetry like the old-world poems she adores; she dreams of receiving a sign from Dihya that one day, she, too, will have adventure, and travel beyond her isolated moon.

But when adventure comes for Amani, it is not what she expects: she is kidnapped by the regime and taken in secret to the royal palace, where she discovers that she is nearly identical to the cruel half-Vathek Princess Maram. The princess is so hated by her conquered people that she requires a body double, someone to appear in public as Maram, ready to die in her place.

As Amani is forced into her new role, she can’t help but enjoy the palace’s beauty—and her time with the princess’ fiancé, Idris. But the glitter of the royal court belies a world of violence and fear. If Amani ever wishes to see her family again, she must play the princess to perfection...because one wrong move could lead to her death.
Purchase:
I loved the scenery and imagery of this book. There was so much lush descriptions to this and I loved imagining every scene. Here are some visuals that you can use to imagine the world of MIRAGE before you pick up your own copy!

20 Aug 2018

#Discussion: Caption Writing 101 // #Instagram101

20 August 1 Comments
There have been a lot of articles written about the pros and cons of Instagram, how to "hack" the new Instagram algorithm, and anything else you can think of regarding the largest photo sharing social media platform. Whether you're using Instagram for business or personal, here are some tips for creating a feed that everyone wants to follow - and have "post notifications" for.

We've discussed planning out your feed and your photos! We also focused on determining when and what to post on Instagram. But how do you get people to read the caption? And once you get them to, what do you put into it? That's what today's post is all about!



Read the whole series to upgrade and maintain your Instagram feed by clicking on the different links below!

There are three parts to the caption and I'm going to tell you how I write them to best get engagement. Before we begin, it's important to note, before you rush off to cram your captions with 50 hashtags and your life story, Instagram has a maximum character limits: Instagram caption character limit: 2,200 characters. Instagram hashtag limit: 30 hashtags. Instagram tagging limit: 30 accounts.

Hook

The first thing you should know is that the caption of an Instagram post that appears on a feed is only 75 characters. You have 75 characters to draw people into the caption, so make it sparkle!

17 Aug 2018

Double #Review: THE MISEDUCATION OF CAMERON POST by Emily M. Danforth // Book and Movie Review!

17 August 0 Comments
Hello all! I have a special post for you today where I review

THE MISEDUCATION OF CAMERON POST by Emily M. Danforth!

I am reviewing both the book and the movie since I was lucky enough to see it on Saturday because Windsor-Essex Pride Fest in collaboration with Windsor International Film Festival had it playing on the silver screen! I am reviewing the book first, then the movie and I can't wait to share my thoughts with you! So, let's get to it!

THE MISEDUCATION OF CAMERON POST

Author: Emily M. Danforth
Series: N/A
Source: Purchased from Chapters
Publisher: Balzer + Bray
Publication Date: February 7, 2012
Rating: 4.5/5 stars

Summary:
When Cameron Post’s parents die suddenly in a car crash, her shocking first thought is relief. Relief they’ll never know that, hours earlier, she had been kissing a girl.

But that relief doesn’t last, and Cam is soon forced to move in with her conservative aunt Ruth and her well-intentioned but hopelessly old-fashioned grandmother. She knows that from this point on, her life will forever be different. Survival in Miles City, Montana, means blending in and leaving well enough alone (as her grandmother might say), and Cam becomes an expert at both.

Then Coley Taylor moves to town. Beautiful, pickup-driving Coley is a perfect cowgirl with the perfect boyfriend to match. She and Cam forge an unexpected and intense friendship — one that seems to leave room for something more to emerge. But just as that starts to seem like a real possibility, ultrareligious Aunt Ruth takes drastic action to ‘fix’ her niece, bringing Cam face-to-face with the cost of denying her true self — even if she’s not exactly sure who that is.


The Miseducation of Cameron Post is a stunning and unforgettable literary debut about discovering who you are and finding the courage to live life according to your own rules.
Purchase:
THE MISEDUCATION OF CAMERON POST is one of the best books I've read. It was a little on the long side, but it was so lush with depictions and I never felt as though what I was reading wasn't necessary. I definitely understand why people would say the length of the novel is off putting, but it gives depth to the characters and backstory that is really needed for the times.

15 Aug 2018

Double #Review: RED SISTER and GREY SISTER by Mark Lawrence

15 August 0 Comments
Today I have a double review for you of the first two books in a series,

RED SISTER and GREY SISTER by Mark Lawrence!

I absolutely loved this series so far and I can't wait to share my thoughts with you. Be sure to check back next year when I review the final book in the Book of the Ancestor series, HOLY SISTER. I am on the list to get a review copy so I cannot wait! So let's start at the beginning...

RED SISTER

Author: Mark Lawrence
Series: Book of the Ancestor #1
Source: Finished copy via Publisher
Publisher: Ace
Publication Date: April 4, 2017
Rating: 4.5/5 stars

Summary:
I was born for killing – the gods made me to ruin.

At the Convent of Sweet Mercy young girls are raised to be killers. In a few the old bloods show, gifting talents rarely seen since the tribes beached their ships on Abeth. Sweet Mercy hones its novices’ skills to deadly effect: it takes ten years to educate a Red Sister in the ways of blade and fist.

But even the mistresses of sword and shadow don’t truly understand what they have purchased when Nona Grey is brought to their halls as a bloodstained child of eight, falsely accused of murder: guilty of worse.

Stolen from the shadow of the noose, Nona is sought by powerful enemies, and for good reason. Despite the security and isolation of the convent her secret and violent past will find her out. Beneath a dying sun that shines upon a crumbling empire, Nona Grey must come to terms with her demons and learn to become a deadly assassin if she is to survive…
Purchase:
Disclaimer: I received a finish copy from the publisher, but then bought a copy from Audible and listened to the audiobook. This in no way impacts my opinion.
I followed because I thought that if I turned back then I would keep turning back, turning away from every other fear, from every new thin, and that I would never leave that place to which my father had brought me. I would live, toil, grow old, and die, all within sight of my mother's hut, and the ice would remain forever a line glimpsed in the distance, and I wouldn't matter to the world nor would it matter to me.
- page 432
This was one of the best Adult fantasy books I've read in a very long time. I have so many positive things and thoughts about this one. I highly recommend it if you’re looking for a good magic system, badass nuns, and women who know being vulnerable can be strong as well.

13 Aug 2018

#Discussion: Posting on Instagram // #Instagram101

13 August 0 Comments
There have been a lot of articles written about the pros and cons of Instagram, how to "hack" the new Instagram algorithm, and anything else you can think of regarding the largest photo sharing social media platform. Whether you're using Instagram for business or personal, here are some tips for creating a feed that everyone wants to follow - and have "post notifications" for.

We've discussed planning out your feed and your photos! Today we are focusing on determining when and what to post on Instagram.



Read the whole series to upgrade and maintain your Instagram feed by clicking on the different links below!

Timing

If you have an Instagram Business Account (as you should since you are an Influencer), you can see the hours your audience is most active on each day. You can try to post during these hours or post consistently at a specific time. I post consistently at the same times every day (9:30am and 2:00pm).

It's up to you to choose what you want to do! 

Photo


Now that you took the perfect photo, you need to post it! That's key to Instagram. But you could also use a handmade graphic (maybe from Canva) that discusses a new feature, an event that you're going to, or anything else you need words for or that you want your audience to read.

Caption

Sometimes people don't read captions - just see the photo, like it, and move on. But it is important to have the caption for the people (like me!) that read every single caption. Describe the scene, explain whatever the object your featuring is, say where to get it (maybe there is a link in your bio!), and then ask a question to engage your audience. This one is essential - you need to action your audience to interact with them.