The Magnolia Story by Chip and Joanna Gaines

The Magnolia Story by Chip and Joanna Gaines
Published by Thomas Nelson in October 2016

"In The Magnolia Story fans will finally get to join the Gaines behind the scenes and discover: The time Chip ran to the grocery store and forgot to take their new, sleeping baby Joanna s agonizing decision to close her dream business to focus on raising their children When Chip buys a houseboat, sight-unseen, and it turns out to be a leaky wreck Joanna s breakthrough moment of discovering the secret to creating a beautiful home Harrowing stories of the financial ups and downs as an entrepreneurial couple Memories and photos from Chip and Jo s wedding The significance of the word magnolia and why it permeates everything they do The way the couple pays the popularity of Fixer Upper forward, sharing the success with others, and bolstering the city of Waco along the way." -- From Goodreads

Will you like it?
I loved hearing the stories of Chip and Joanna Gaines.  I am completely obsessed with their show, Fixer Upper!  It was wonderful to finally get a glimpse of the people behind all of the funny bits you see on television.  The love that they share for each other, their family, and their community shines through.  They have had a lot of lucky breaks in their lives, and they credit it all to their faith.  I found it refreshing that they talk about their faith but are not overly preachy.

Overall, if you love their show, you must read their book!  I would recommend the audiobook, because it is narrated by both Chip and Joanna.  Such a wonderful read!

Disclosure: I borrowed the audiobook and printed book from my local library.

Passenger by Alexandra Bracken

Passenger by Alexandra Bracken
Published by Disney-Hyperion in January 2016
Passenger #1

"In one devastating night, violin prodigy Etta Spencer loses everything she knows and loves. Thrust into an unfamiliar world by a stranger with a dangerous agenda, Etta is certain of only one thing: she has traveled not just miles but years from home. And she’s inherited a legacy she knows nothing about from a family whose existence she’s never heard of. Until now.

Nicholas Carter is content with his life at sea, free from the Ironwoods—a powerful family in the colonies—and the servitude he’s known at their hands. But with the arrival of an unusual passenger on his ship comes the insistent pull of the past that he can’t escape and the family that won’t let him go so easily. Now the Ironwoods are searching for a stolen object of untold value, one they believe only Etta, Nicholas’ passenger, can find. In order to protect her, he must ensure she brings it back to them—whether she wants to or not.

Together, Etta and Nicholas embark on a perilous journey across centuries and continents, piecing together clues left behind by the traveler who will do anything to keep the object out of the Ironwoods’ grasp. But as they get closer to the truth of their search, and the deadly game the Ironwoods are playing, treacherous forces threaten to separate Etta not only from Nicholas but from her path home... forever." -- From Goodreads

Will you like it?
Omg this book!  I don’t know why I waited so long to pick up this book.  I have loved all of Bracken’s previous books, but this one made me hesitate.  Or maybe the reason I waited a year was because now I can go right on to the sequel without having to wait.

Without getting into a lot of spoilers, Etta finds out her mom lied to her about her family, and crazily enough, Etta & her mom can travel through time using things called passages.   Long story short, Etta is kidnapped and must go find a priceless relic before her mother is killed.

This entire book was meticulously written.  I loved the characters and the settings.  Etta is thrust into this world and this ability without any training.  Even without training she does remarkably well.  Nicholas’s backstory is an extremely heartbreaking one.  He was born into the Underwood household after his father took advantage of a household slave.  The only way that he was saved was because of his traveler’s ability.  Etta and Nicholas of course fall in love, but it’s not insta-love which I hate so dearly.  Their love transforms over the entire story.

The setting is a major part of the book.  My favorite places are 1940s London, where they meet a younger version of Etta’s tutor, and 1775 Manhattan.  Bracken describes each setting in detail, and it’s clear that she did extensive research before choosing her time periods.
If you’re looking for a time travel novel that isn’t science fiction based, then Passenger is a book that you must read!

Disclosure: I won the Kindle edition in a Twitter giveaway.

The Princess in Black Takes a Vacation by Shannon and Dean Hale

The Princess in Black Takes a Vacation by Shannon & Dean Hale
Published by Candlewick Press in November 2016
Princess in Black #4

"After battling monsters all night, a sleepy Princess in Black decides that she needs a vacation. After all, the Goat Avenger, a new hero who looks oddly familiar, has offered to protect the goats while she takes a much needed break. The very next day Princess Magnolia rides her bicycle to the seaside, where the air is salty, the sun is shiny, and the sea is as blue as monster fur. But just as Princess Magnolia is about to take a nap on her hammock, she hears a "ROAR!" Seriously? A monster? On the perfect beach? Impossible! Could a sea monster really ruin this vacation for the Princess in Black?" -- From Goodreads

Will you like it?
Another favorite middle grade book!  I am always highly entertained by Princess in Black.  She is perfect for those who have just started reading chapter books on their own.  I'd definitely recommend this series to those who really like action and princesses.

Disclosure: I borrowed a copy of this book from my local library.

Things I Wish I'd Known Before We Got Married by Gary Chapman

Things I Wish I'd Known Before We Got Married by Gary Chapman
Published by Northfield Publishing in September 2010.

"With more than 35 years of experience counseling couples, Gary has found that most marriages suffer due to a lack of preparation and a failure to learn to work together as intimate teammates.

So he put together this practical little book, packed with wisdom and tips that will help many develop the loving, supportive, and mutually beneficial marriage they envision, such as:

What the adequate foundation for a successful marriage truly is.  What to expect about the roles and influence of extended family.  How to solve disagreements without arguing.  How to talk through issues like money, sex, chores, and more.  Why couples must learn how to apologize and forgive.  Ideal for newly married couples and those considering marriage, the material lends itself to heart-felt, revealing, and critical conversations for relational success.

Read this book and you’ll be prepared for—not surprised by—the challenges of marriage." - From Goodreads

Will you like it?
If this guy sounds familiar, it's because he's the one that wrote the 5 love languages book.  Each chapter is devoted to a certain topic: money, chores, or how to fight without really fighting.  I appreciated each chapter, and loved how each chapter had questions to ponder over with your significant other.  If you're in a relationship and thinking about marriage, I would definitely recommend this book to you.

Disclosure: I borrowed a copy of this book from my local library.

Waiting on Wednesday: King's Cage

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted at Breaking the Spine, which shines a light on eagerly anticipated upcoming releases.  This week, my pick is:

King's Cage by Victoria Aveyard
Publisher: HarperTeen
Date: February 7, 2017
Red Queen #3

"Mare Barrow is a prisoner, powerless without her lightning, tormented by her lethal mistakes. She lives at the mercy of a boy she once loved, a boy made of lies and betrayal. Now a king, Maven Calore continues weaving his dead mother's web in an attempt to maintain control over his country—and his prisoner.

As Mare bears the weight of Silent Stone in the palace, her once-ragtag band of newbloods and Reds continue organizing, training, and expanding. They prepare for war, no longer able to linger in the shadows. And Cal, the exiled prince with his own claim on Mare's heart, will stop at nothing to bring her back." -- From Goodreads

I am so excited to read the conclusion of this series!  I neeeeeed to know what happens!