Book Club and Read Alongs // February 2022 Update


Hi Friends,
I have so many announcements coming at you. One of them I still can’t say, but I will be announcing it next month. The first is that I am going to be starting a book club! I have been wanting to do this for a while. I don’t know if anyone will actually join in, but I thought I would give it a shot. There will be a GoodReads page for the group, and it will be the ‘Hop It To Reading’ Book Club.

On the GoodReads page, we can discuss the book, and possibly set a date for a live discussion of the book. I will post a poll for us to pick the book for each month. The first poll is up now! I also might do reading sprints once a week on my Twitter (@bookswithbunny). I really hope some of you will join in on the book club.

Next, I want to host a Vampire Academy read-along, or maybe a buddy read. There is a VA series coming out soon, so I would like to read the books. I know that many people have already read this series, but if you haven’t, or are planning to reread it, please join in the read-along!

Those are all the updates I have for you guys this month. Please check back in March for my other exciting announcement! If you want to buy me a coffee or donate to my blog you can visit my Ko-Fi. All your support means the world to me!

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

Friday Reads #1

Hi Friends,
Today, I am doing my first Friday reads post. I might not always have one of these post every week, but I do enjoy sharing my weekend reading plans with you. So, I will be letting you know what I plan on reading throughout the weekend.

Bunnicula by James and Deborah Howe
I have about two hours left on the audiobook. I am confident that I can finish it by Friday night.

The Hawthorne Legacy by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
I have been wanting to read this forever! I have the audiobook and plan on starting it on Saturday.

Twilight by Stephenie Meyer
In between, Saturday and Sunday I will be trying to finish Twilight with my husband. We are 40% of the way through the first book in the series.

Caraval by Stephanie Garber
I will most likely not get to this book until next week, but I still have hopes that I can pick it up before the weekend is over.

Those are all my weekend reading plans. I would love to know what you are currently, or planning on, reading over the next couple of days. Please support the blog by liking and sharing this post. Also, it would mean a lot if you’d follow me. It really helps withmy blog’s growth.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

Some Girls Do // Books Meet Beauty // Toss-Up Tuesday

Hi Friends,
Valentine’s Day is is just around the corner, so I thought I would do my first ‘Book Meets Beauty’ post. I picked a book and created a makeup looked based off the cover. I choose my book cover with Valentine’s Day in mind. I loved the purples and pinks in the cover, so I played off of them. I think that the look turned out nice, and it reminds me of the cover. But, keep in mind that I am know makeup professional and just do makeup for fun.

Face
elf Superhydrate Gel Moisturizer
Cate Watermelon Burst Setting Spray
Anastasia Beverly Hills Liquid Glow
Essence Pretty Natural Hydrating Foundation
Wet n’ wild Concealer Make-Up Stick
L.A. Colors Translucent Setting Powder
Almay Smart Shade Blush (Coral)
Mac Extra Dimension Skin Finish Highlighter

Eyes
Elf Putty Eye Primer
I Heart Revolution Eyeshadow Palette (Strawberry Cheesecake)
* Creased Shade: Syrup
* Lid Shade: Drizzle
* Outer Corner Shade: Juicy
*Brow Bone Shade: Butter
L.A. Colors Auto Liner (Black)
Maybelline ‘Sky High’ Mascara (Black)

Lips
Revlon Sheer Lipstick (820 Pink Cognito)

If you like these type of post combining my love of beauty and books please like and share this post with others.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny
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The Toymaker’s Apprentice | Book Review

Title: The Toymaker’s Apprentice
Author: Sherri L. Smith
Published: 2015
Genre: Middle Grade/Fantasy/Retelling
Rating:Full, star, bookmark, favorite, favourite, like, rating icon - Download on IconfinderFull, star, bookmark, favorite, favourite, like, rating icon - Download on IconfinderFull, star, bookmark, favorite, favourite, like, rating icon - Download on IconfinderFull, star, bookmark, favorite, favourite, like, rating icon - Download on IconfinderFull, star, bookmark, favorite, favourite, like, rating icon - Download on Iconfinder

Synopsis
Based on the original inspiration for the Nutcracker ballet, Sherri L. Smith brings the Nutcracker Prince to life in this fascinating journey into a world of toymaking, magical curses, clockmaking guilds, talking mice and erudite squirrels.


A lot of the middle grade books I read usually fall some where around the 3-star range. However, this book exceeded my expectations. I learned about this book from BookTube, and the storyline piqued my interest. I had recently read ‘The Nutcracker’, so finding out that this was a retelling of that story made me even more interested.

When we meet the protagonist, Stefan, his mother has just passed away, and he is thinking about his next steps. He questions being a toy maker is his destiny, as it was for his father. Grief has left him confused about the future, and made him guarded. When his estranged cousin, Christian, shows up Stefan immediately finds him suspicious. However, they quickly form a connection and bond while reminiscing about Stefan’s deceased mother.

Stefan accept Christian’s offer to be his apprentice, and become a clock maker. More than anything, it seemed like he desired to forge a new path, due to his mother’s death. Stefan wasn’t necessarily a complex character, but he was clever. He easily combined his love of toy making with his fascination with clock making, which made him unique.

“True survivor swallows is his pride.”

The other characters, such as Christian, Stefan’s father, and Christian’s companion were well rounded characters. However, I found Stefan to be the most enjoyable character. Still, every characters had their own place in the story, even all the mice, and I don’t think the plot would have been complete without all of them. As I mentioned, there are mice characters, because it wouldn’t be a Nutcracker retelling without mice.

I liked how we got a look into the mice kingdom and the evil Mouse Queen. Her mice babies were all different in personality, but you could see how much their mother’s influence affected them. Their thoughts and emotions were very human like, which is an odd thing to say about mice.

The story is slow at first, but around the third chapter, it picked up. There wasn’t a point throughout the story that I was bored, or wanted to put it down in favor of something else. There was so much mystery and excitement within every chapter. Stefan goes on this adventure that changes his life forever, and you can see how it helped him come to terms with his mother’s passing.

There were so many twists and turns throughout the book, that you almost couldn’t tell where the story was going, or what to expect next. Right when you think the ending is near, and everything is wrapping up, the author throws you for a loop, and you are left needing to know how it all turns out.

I couldn’t put down the last few chapters, because the plot was so enticing. The ending was fantastic, while being somewhat sad. I wanted these characters’ journeys to continue. In my opinion, the author needs to write more books that include this cast of characters. Also, if you are new to the fantasy genre, this would be a good book to pick up. It is a gripping fantasy, but it isn’t intimidating. More of a lighter fantasy, in essence.

If you haven’t read this book yet, I really don’t know what you’re waiting for. I would also recommend it to any tween, 12+ years old. Please leave me a like, and share my reviews with others. Remember, something as little as liking my blog means a lot to me.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

These Books Will Self Destruct // Unhaul TBR

Hi Friends,
I have been seeing people do these self destruct or unhaul TBR posts and videos for a while. This year, I have made it a goal of mine to read more of my own books. So, I have picked 8 books from my shelves that must be read before the end of the year. If they don’t get read than they must be sold or donated. This is a good way to In courage me to read some books I’ve had forever, and remove unwanted books from my bookshelf.

Renegades by Marissa Meyer: I have a few unread Marissa Meyer books, but this is the first in a YA superhero series that sounds pretty interesting. If nothing less, I will discover whether or not I want to continue with the series.

Long May She Reign by Rhiannon Thomas: I read 40% of this book a couple of years ago. However, I put it aside and never picked it back up. I read liking the story, but I’m unsure if I really care to read it anymore.

Evil Librarian by Michelle Knudsen: In 2014, I received this book from the publisher. It interested me back than, but my reading taste has changed a lot since than. Still, I want to give it a chance.

The Time Traveler’s Wife by Audrey Niffenegger: I am pretty positive that I won’t be picking this book up. Still, I could be wrong. The only reason I got the book was because I saw the move version, and wanted to read the book to compare it too.

Looking for Alaska by John Green: This book has been on my shelves for a long time now. However, I am hesitant to read it since I haven’t been a fan of any John Green book I have read. Yet, I want to read it before watching the new Hulu series based on the book.

Truly Devious by Maureen Johnson: I tried reading this YA mystery, but I couldn’t get into it. Hopefully, the second time is a charm and it will keep me intrigued enough to want to keep reading. This book series is highly praised, so I want to learn what all the hype is about.

The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight by Jennifer E. Smith: This is actually a short read that I didn’t hate. Yet, the plot was slow moving and the romance was definitely a slow burn, which I don’t typically like. But, I still own it so I would like to finish it.

One Day in December by Josie Silver: This is another book that was sent to me that I haven’t read. I have been reading more adult books, so I think this is the perfect time for me to try to read it.

There you have the eight books that must be read by twenty-twenty three and like them, or must be unhauled. Please, share and like this post, and show your love for my blog by giving it a follow.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

Pretty Little Liars Fashion Inspiration // Toss-Up Tuesday

Hi Friends,
Today, I am doing another fashion inspired by books post. But, this one is also Valentine’s Day inspired. I decided to go with ‘Pretty Little Liars’ since the outfits are very wearable high fashion. I used a mix of their style from the television show, and their book personalities to create these looks. I noticed that on the show there wore a lot of prints, bold colors and boots so I played on those things quite a bit.

I hope that this post gave you some great V-Day style ideas. I am sure you will looks amazing in whatever you choose to wear. Let me know which outfit was your favorite in the comments below. Give this post a share and a like, so I know that you enjoy these fashion posts.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

5 Star Predictions #3 // 2022

Hi Friends,
I thought it was time to guess some 5 star reads. I picked 5 books that I believe will be highly rated books for me. All of the books are young adult books, because that is what I primarily read. Weirdly enough, my last five star predictions post included some 2022 releases. This time I will be including some 2022 releases as well as previously released books.

Tweet Cute by Emma Lord (January 2020)
I have seen mixed reviews on this book, but I have a feeling that I’d love it. It is a YA enemies-to-lovers that includes food and Twitter. You all know that I am a sucker for a cute YA contemporary.

The Mary Shelley Club by Goldy Moldavsky (April 2021)
Don’t know why I am predicting this to be five stars. If nothing else, it has to do with the fact that Mary Shelley interests me. The premise is very intriguing, and it is bound to have a lot of twists.


You’ll Be the Death of Me by Karen M. McManus (November 2021)
This is described as a dark ‘Ferris Bueller’s Day Off’. Three friends’ ditch day turns scary, when things go fatally wrong. I am always in the mood for a good YA thriller, and Karen McManus books usually rank pretty high for me.

Places We’ve Never Been by Kasie West (May 2022)
This one might be a letdown, since West’s last book release, Sunkissed, was a big disappointment. Still, I normally always rate her books around 5 stars. I am keeping my fingers crossed that this will be another amazing book from her.

I Guess I Live Here Now by Claire Ahn (May 2022)
This one is giving me Katharine McGee’s ‘American Royals’ meets ‘The Princess Diaries’ vibes. This book takes places in Korea, and is a ‘found family’ story, which isn’t typically something I gravitate to. But I hear it includes a lot of family drama and hidden secrets, which is something I do love.

I am not sure how accurate these predictions will turn out to be, but I am hoping for the best. Check back for my reviews on each book (if I actually read them) to see my final rating and thoughts. Better yet, follow the blog to get post notifications.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

The January Book Tag

Hi Friends,
Today I’m going to do a tag that I saw in my YouTube subscriptions. It is call ‘January Book Tag’ and was created by ‘Jan Agaton’ on YouTube. However, the person I saw do the tag was ‘MyThicPages’ on YouTube as well.

What was the last (& first, if you remember) book you read last year?
I did have to check my GoodReads account for this question, but apparently the first book I read was ‘Geekerella’ by Ashley Poston. The last book was ‘The Toymakers Apprentice’ by Sherri L. Smith.

What is your first read this year?
I started the year off by reading ‘Late To The Party’ by Kelly Quindlen. It wasn’t the best book to kickstart my reading year, but it could have been worse.


Share 3 of your reading goals this year.
I have a whole post up on my bookish (and more) goals for 2022. Nevertheless, some are to read more of my owned books, to finish some series, to get around to more backlist titles. Honestly, most of these goals sound pretty simple, so hopefully I accomplish them.

Share 3 of your most anticipated titles.
‘Blaine For The Win’ by Robbie Couch (April 2022): The plot of this book makes me predict that it will be a funny and cute YA contemporary. The story is about a high school boy that wants to prove he’s serious to win back his ex. Anyone else getting ‘Legally Blonde’ vibes? Also, the name Blaine always makes me think of Glee, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing.

‘I Kissed Shara Wheeler’ by Casey McQuiston (May 2022): This is a surprising pick for two reasons. The first being that I wasn’t a fan of ‘One Last Stop’ by Casey McQuiston, which I read in 2021. Still, I’d like to give her a second chance. The second reason being that the plot is similar to ‘Paper Towns’ by John Green, which I hated. But for some reason I am very interested in picking this book up.

‘Nothing More to Tell’ by Karen M. McManus (August 2022): I know nothing about this book, but I would probably read any book Karen McManus releases. Her YA thrillers are always interesting. Even if the plot is slow moving, there is just something that I love about her books.

Which goals did you reach/not reach last year?
I managed to not only reach my GoodReads goal for the year, but I surpassed it. As for a goal I didn’t reach, I kept saying I was going to finish some book series, but instead I started new book series. So that was a big fail.

Are there 2022 releases you’ve heard of that you have no desire to read?
‘House Of Sky And Breath’ by Sarah J. Mass (February 2022): I never got into all the hype surrounding this author. Especially because she is a bit of a problematic author. Also, I have no desire to read a series with some seriously chunky books.

‘Belladonna’ by Adalyn Grace (August 2022): I have heard some good things about Adalyn Grace books, but this series just seems weird to me. Maybe I need the plot more simplified, but after reading the synopsis, I am confused. I still have no idea what this book is about. I wish that I cared enough to read this, because the title brings back so many memories for me. I played the role of ‘Belladonna’ in my college’s production of “Sleeping Beauty.”

What are some reading habits you want to change this year, if any?
I don’t really have any habits that I would like to change. I have been pretty happy with how I read.

Are there any adaptations you’re excited about?
I did have to look up some adaptations to answer this question, since I don’t typically stay up to date with book adaptation releases. Still, I am looking forward to the adaptations of ‘Daisy Jones and the Six’ by Taylor Jeinks Reed, ‘The Nightingale’ by Kristin Hannah, and ‘Death on the Nile’ by Agatha Christie. I actually haven’t read any of these books, so I would like to do that before seeing the adaptations.

Favourite bookish memory of last year?
Starting my book blog! I am so happy that I decided to start my blog and share my love of books with all of you! Also, early last year I participated in the ‘Tis The Damn Season’ Taylor Swift readathon created by a bunch of wonderful BookTubers. That was my first readathon of the year, and it really gave me a desire to read more.

Carryovers from last year that you still plan on finishing?
For sure the ‘Caraval’ trilogy by Stephanie Garber. I have been wanting to read these books for what seems like forever. I also need to read the entire ‘Twilight’ series by Stephanie Meyer, since I started the first book last year.

Those were all the questions, and I want to tag all of you to do this as well! It was a nice tag to kick off a new year of reading. Please give my post a like and share. And, if you would be so kind, follow my blog as well to get notified whenever I post!

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

12 In 2022 // Yearly TBR

Hi Friends,
I knew that I wanted to do some kind of 2022 TBR, but I decided not to include any new releases. Of course, I will be reading many 2021 and 2022 releases throughout the year, but I wanted to do more of a backlist TBR for the year. If you read my resolutions post, then you know that one of my bookish goals is to read more older titles. I want to read all the books that came out years ago that I have forgotten about. So, here are the 12 books I would like to read this year. Also, keep in mind that I am counting a book series as one book.

Divergent by Veronica Roth: I have heard a lot of mixed things about this series. But, I really want to read it this year. My husband read the entire trilogy, and we’ve seen the first two movies. I would like to read all the books, and possibly the companion novel ‘Four.’

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins: I started this series a while ago, but never finished it. I attempted book two, ‘Catching Fire,’ but I put it down and never picked it back up. Now I think it’s time to see if all the hype about the series is true. I have seen the final two movies in the film adaptations, weirdly enough, so I kind of have an idea on how the books end.

Twilight by Stephenie Meyer: In 2020, I got the boxed-set for Christmas. Last year, I started the first book on audio, but I loaned it from the library, and had to return it before I was finished. I would like to at least read two or more books in this vampire romance series.

Burn for Burn by Jenny Han and Siobhan Vivian:

I haven’t read a Jenny Han book in a minute. I would love to see what this trilogy is all about. It is the only Jenny Han series that I have yet to read, yet my opinions on her books have been fairly mixed. I hope that I enjoy this one as much as I did the ‘To All The Boys’ trilogy.

A Very Large Expanse of Sea by Tahereh Mafi: I have heard nothing but good things about this book, and love the premise of it. This book follows a Muslim-American teenage girl. Although, I was born in American, I was raised Muslim. Today, I wouldn’t necessarily consider myself Muslim, but it was a big part of my upbringing. We don’t get a lot of Persian and Muslim representation in books, so I’m excited to read a book that deals with a character that I can relate too.

Clap When You Land by Elizabeth Acevedo: I have been very intrigued by this author since I discovered that she writes some books in verse. I am trying to learn more about this type of writing, because it is something I am very interested in. Now I don’t know much about this story, except that people love it. I would also like to read ‘With The Fire On High’ from her as well.

Love from A to Z by S.K. Ali: This is a Muslim teen romance that sounds very sweet and wholesome. I have had this on my overall TBR for a while, but never got around to it. However, I would love to pick it up this year if only because I just learned that the female character is named Zayneb. Fun fact that is my older sister’s name just spelled slightly different.

Tweet Cute by Emma Lord: I am shocked that I haven’t read this yet. It is an adorable YA contemporary that I know I am going to love. I need to read this as soon as possible, because I love all things cute and contemporary. Honestly, I haven’t seen one negative review of this book.

House of Hollow by Krystal Sutherland: I used to be in love with this book cover, because it is so different. But then I found out the plot, and knew it was going to be a crazy read. It has sister and mystery elements, with maybe a touch of horror. I haven’t seen too many people reviewing it, so I will be going into it with an open mind.

House of Salt and Sorrows by Erin A. Craig: I am going to be honest, but this book sounds an awful lot like the one before. However, I have been wanting to read it since it was released two years ago. It is supposedly a ‘Twelve Dancing Princess’ retelling with a dark twist. I have become a big fan of horror and thriller books, and this one sounds pretty good.

American Royals by Katharine McGee: I cannot explain why I desperately want to read the series. Everyone in my life knows that me and royal plots don’t mix. But for some reason I am dying to jump into this trilogy. I have heard that the first book is great, but the second book falls flat. All I know is that this book has a cute romance and drama, and I am here for it.

Lore by Alexandra Bracken: This book was very hyped, leading up it’s release in January 2021. After the book came out, I noticed the hype died down quite a bit. There have been a lot of mixed reviews, with some recommending the book. Others, not so much. It is a YA Greek Gods story, that, despite the polarized opinions, I would still like to read.

I am going to stop myself here, so that this post isn’t novel length. Let me know any of the books on your yearly TBR in the comments. Don’t forget to follow my blog before you go to get notifications on all my new content.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

To Be Read // January 2022

Hi Friends,
It is a new month, which means a new TBR! I decided to have my husband pick my TBR for January. To make it easy, I just had him chose five books off my GoodReads ‘Want To Read’ shelve. So what books did he end up picking?


“From author Kelly Quindlen comes a poignant and deeply relatable story about friendship, self-acceptance, and what it means to be a Real Teenager. Late to the Party is an ode to late bloomers and wallflowers everywhere.”

I didn’t remember the plot for this book, or why I added it to my TBR, but it seems like a contemporary about self-confidence and breaking out of your shell. Not sure I am still interested in it, but as you can see I am going to be reading it.


“Boarding school has never been more dangerous. What if your roommate is a murderer? Or what if he’s being framed and only you can save him?”

I have been into YA thrillers lately, so I am happy that he ended picking this book. It is also a book I own, and I have been wanting to read from my shelf more this year.


“Two sisters. One brutal murder. A quest for vengeance that will unleash Hell itself… And an intoxicating romance.”

Apparently, he wants me to start a new series this year. I have only read ‘Stalking Jack The Ripper’ by Kerri Maniscalco, but I found her writing to be very atmospheric, which added to the reading experience. I am excited to see where this series takes me.


“Frances Janvier spends most of her time studying. Everyone knows Aled Last as that quiet boy who gets straight A’ s. You probably think that they are going to fall in love or something. Since he is a boy and she is a girl. They don’t. They make a podcast.”

The synopsis baffles me completely. I am very curious to see why so many people love this book.


“In this “raw and well-crafted romance” (Kirkus Reviews), Bea learns that some things just can’t be controlled.”

This is another book that I just so happen to own. He picked this one because of my love for contemporaries and my OCD. But, I am not mad about it.


Those are the books that I have on my TBR for the month. However, if I somehow manage to get to all of them before the end of the month, I might end up doing some mood reading. Let me know the books on your January TBR in the comments.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny