Real Recommendations 5; The Undomestic Goddess by Sophie Kinsella

The Undomestic Goddess is a light-hearted and fun, cute romance that focuses on the main character's growth and healing.

Workaholic attorney Samantha Sweeting has just done the unthinkable. She’s made a mistake so huge, it’ll wreck any chance of a partnership. 

Going into utter meltdown, she walks out of her London office, gets on a train, and ends up in the middle of nowhere. Asking for directions at a big, beautiful house, she’s mistaken for an interviewee and finds herself being offered a job as housekeeper. Her employers have no idea they’ve hired a lawyer–and Samantha has no idea how to work the oven. She can’t sew on a button, bake a potato, or get the #@%# ironing board to open. How she takes a deep breath and begins to cope–and finds love–is a story as delicious as the bread she learns to bake. 

But will her old life ever catch up with her? And if it does…will she want it back? 

This book is perfect for this time of year. Set in the English countryside, it gives you a real sense of summer. The characters are hilarious, especially as Samantha goes around pretending to be a maid and having no idea what to do. 

The romance is adorable and gives off such sweet summer romance vibes. During this time of year, I always miss the warm weather, bright sun, and greenery of summer. This book transports you into those warmer months in a witty and adorable way. 

The Undomestic Goddess is the perfect book for the colder months when you're looking for a lighter, fun read to brighten everything up. Not only does it include great humor and a charming romance, but it also places significance on Samantha's healing and growth as a character. As she is working as a maid in the countryside, she is able to heal herself and find love during the process. Her growth as a character from the start to the end of the book makes you root for her. 

That's all for today's post! I really hope you guys enjoyed this post and decide to pick this book up! I love recommending books, and during this time of year I need something summer-y, so make sure to recommend some fun, light reads to me in the comments! Thanks again for reading! 

~Evie

Love & Luck by Jenna Evans Welch

This book is the sequel to Love & Gelato by Jenna Evans Welch. However, this is a non-spoiler review. Check out my review of Love & Gelato here.

average Goodreads rating: 3.79/5 stars
my rating; 5/5 stars

Goodreads synopsis:

Addie is visiting Ireland for her aunt’s over-the-top destination wedding, and hoping she can stop thinking about the one horrible thing she did that left her miserable and heartbroken—and threatens her future. But her brother, Ian, isn’t about to let her forget, and his constant needling leads to arguments and even a fistfight between the two once inseparable siblings. Miserable, Addie can’t wait to visit her friend in Italy and leave her brother—and her problems—behind.

So when Addie discovers an unusual guidebook, Ireland for the Heartbroken, hidden in the dusty shelves of the hotel library, she’s able to finally escape her anxious mind and Ian’s criticism.

And then their travel plans change. Suddenly Addie finds herself on a whirlwind tour of the Emerald Isle, trapped in the world’s smallest vehicle with Ian and his admittedly cute, Irish-accented friend Rowan. As the trio journeys over breathtaking green hills, past countless castles, and through a number of fairy-tale forests, Addie hopes her guidebook will heal not only her broken heart, but also her shattered relationship with her brother.

That is if they don’t get completely lost along the way.

I really like how the book focused more on Addie's character development than a romance. This book emphasized the importance of self-love and growth, which is extremely important. The character development not only of Addie, but of Ian and Rowan was on another level. I love it when authors can take characters and write them coming into themselves and accepting themselves for all of their flaws. Seeing yourself as beautiful is one of the most important things you can do for yourself.

Aside from all of the growth within the sequel, I LOVED that Addie was interested and had a talent for a STEM career. Women definitely need more representation in those fields, so that was amazing to see. I found it empowering that the author wrote Addie as the one in charge and in her element as she fixed the car's issues.

This book came to me at a weird time in my life, and I'm so grateful for it. So much change is occurring for me right now and it was nice to see a book that exemplified characters thriving in their change and growth. And, this book provided a much needed escape.

Thank you all so much for reading today's post! I know I am not extremely active on here, and for that I apoligize. I really want to get back into blogging and it is a goal of mine for this month that I blog once a week. I have faith in myself that I can do it, so I hope you all enjoy!

~Evie

(photo above taken from goodreads). 

Books With Strong Female Leads

Hey guys! After just finishing a book with a strong female lead, I had the idea of creating this post. I love when I get to see strong, capable women take the leading role of any book. So today, I thought I would compose a post of some of my favorite books with strong female leads. Of course this list will always be growing, so this is not a complete list, but it is a start!

Book 1: Pride by Ibi Zoboi 

Pride is such a great book that features a strong-headed young woman who is not afraid to stand up for what she believes in. Zuri has strong opinions and is very stubborn, but continues to grow throughout the book and can admit when she made a mistake. I loved many aspects of this book and Zuri's character was a big part of it. 

Book 2: Truthwitch by Susan Dennard 

Not only does this book focus on one strong female, but it focuses on two! Plus, we get alternating perspectives which makes the book way more interesting. Both characters are both strong within their magical ability but also within their actions and minds. 

Book 3: The Land of Stories; The Wishing Spell by Chris Colfer

This book is such a great middle grade story, centering around two twins, Alex and Conner. While both are great characters, Alex is a particularly strong and clever girl. She is whip smart and extremely dedicated making her an interesting character to follow. This is the first in the Land of Stories series, which is one of my favorite middle grade reads. Check out my review of this book here!

Book 4: Between Shades of Grey by Ruta Sepetys 

NO, THIS IS NOT Fifty Shades of Grey. In fact it is nothing similar. This book follows fifteen year old Lina, a Lithuanian girl living during World War 2. The book tells the seldom told story of what happened in Lithuania during World War 2. This book is so powerful that it leaves me speechless. This is definitely one of my favorite historical fiction stories. 

Book 5: An Ember In The Ashes by Sabaa Tahir 

Of course, how could I not include this book? This is one of my favorite books and I definitely talk about it waaayyyy too much, but I had to include it on this list. Laia is such a brave, strong character and she does such courageous things throughout the books. 

Book 6: The Unexpected Everything by Morgan Matson

This book was one that differs from the rest. It is definitely a lighter contemporary story, but it has some depth to it. The main character Andie allows herself to grow throughout this story, which I love to see within books. I love it when authors can develop a character and make them stronger after they are vulnerable and experience hardships. 

Thank you all so much for reading today's post! I really hope you enjoyed it and decide to pick up one of these books. Comment below and tell me some of your favorite books featuring strong female roles! Do you have any to recommend to me? Let me know! Thanks again, and I'll see you next week with another post. 

~Evie

All photos above taken from Goodreads. 

Love a la Mode by Stephanie Kate Strohm

Goodreads synopsis: 

Take two American teen chefs, add one heaping cup of Paris, toss in a pinch of romance, and stir. . . .

Rosie Radeke firmly believes that happiness can be found at the bottom of a mixing bowl. But she never expected that she, a random nobody from East Liberty, Ohio, would be accepted to celebrity chef Denis Laurent's school in Paris, the most prestigious cooking program for teens in the entire world. Life in Paris, however, isn't all cream puffs and crepes. Faced with a challenging curriculum and a nightmare professor, Rosie begins to doubt her dishes.

Henry Yi grew up in his dad's restaurant in Chicago, and his lifelong love affair with food landed him a coveted spot in Chef Laurent's school. He quickly connects with Rosie, but academic pressure from home and his jealousy over Rosie's growing friendship with gorgeous bad-boy baker Bodie Tal makes Henry lash out and push his dream girl away.

Desperate to prove themselves, Rosie and Henry cook like never before while sparks fly between them. But as they reach their breaking points, they wonder whether they have what it takes to become real chefs.

Perfect for lovers of Chopped Teen Tournament and Kids Baking Championship, as well as anyone who dreams of a romantic trip to France, Love la Mode follows Rosie and Henry as they fall in love with food, with Paris, and ultimately, with each other.

average goodreads rating: 3.81/5 stars
my rating: 5/5 stars

In case you haven't noticed (and by that I mean you've definitely noticed) I haven't blogged or posted on my bookstagram in a very long time. That's because I've been in a terrible reading slump and haven't read anything in over a month. Until this book. This book has cured me. 

Perfect for fans of To All The Boys I've Loved Before and Love & Gelato, this book perfectly blends the sweet, adventurous romance and cozy cooking/baking atmosphere of both books and plops it in the middle of Paris. 

This was the book I've been searching for! An answer to my prayers! I've been looking for a book that combines travel, romance, and baking, and this book delivered. I just wish the author would write a sequel. 

To start, I loved the meet cute of Henry and Rosie! It was undeniably cute and funny. I was obsessed with this book before I was 20 pages in. The way the romance develops was amazing. It took an agonizingly long time for the two to confess their feelings, but once they did, it was worth the wait I swear. 

I also loved the amount of diversity in the book! Every character was different in a refreshing way that is unfortunately not commonly seen in many books. I loved how thoroughly researched it was! From the elements of cooking to the character's own backgrounds, everything had immaculate detail and felt authentic. 

Overall, this book was everything I wanted and more. I completely ate this up and I can't wait to reread it! This is definitely one of my new favorite contemporaries! 

Thank you all so much for reading today's blog post! I hope you enjoyed and decide to pick up this book because it is well worth it! 

~Evie

(photo above taken from goodreads) 

The Adventurers Guild by Zack Loran Clark and Nick Eliopulos

goodreads synopsis:

Few ever asked to join the Adventurers Guild. . . . Their members often died young.

In one of the last cities standing after the world fell to monsters, best friends Zed Kagari and Brock Dunderfel have high hopes for the future. Zed desperately wishes to join the ranks of the Mages Guild, where his status as Freestone's only half elf might finally be an asset. Brock, the roguishly handsome son of merchants, is confident he'll be welcomed into the ranks of the Merchants Guild.

But just as it seems the boys' dreams have come true, their lives take a startling turn . . . and they find themselves members of the perilous Adventurers Guild.

Led by the fearsome Alabasel Frond, the guild acts as the last line of defense against the Dangers-hungry, unnatural beasts from otherworldly planes. And when the boys uncover a conspiracy that threatens all of Freestone, Zed, Brock, and their new allies-Liza, a fierce noble, and Jett, a brave dwarf-must prove their worth once and for all.

This start of a thrilling new series is sure to be a hit with readers who like their fantasies clever and action-packed, with tons of humor and heart.

my rating: 5/5 stars

average goodreads rating: 4.17/5 stars

I love middle grade reads and this was no exception! This book is the next Percy Jackson, if there ever was one. It's flowing with adventure, mystery, and a quick wit that gives this book a unique voice of it's own.

The world of this book, especially the magic system, was enchanting. It's rich with history and complicated in a way only fantasy books can be. There is so much within this world that is left to be explored. I'm hoping in the future installments, the world outside Freestone is delved into as well as the complications within the city itself. Although, with the way the book ended, I can imagine it will be.

These characters were SO AMAZING. They reminded me so much of the whole PJO gang. That's not to say they're the same in any way, but they just reminded me of them. Each of them is dynamic and unique in their own ways. They all have strengths that complement each other work so well together. I also loved the way that Liza was such a strong, fierce, independent, and respected young woman. I think it gives young girls a chance to see people like themselves portraying these attributes and looking up to them.

Overall, this charming story is one you won't forget. 

Thank you guys so much for reading today's post! I love doing reviews on here and can't wait to post more. I never take notes as I'm reading, so I'll try to do that with some other books to see how it goes. I think it may help me remember more of my thoughts in the moment. Comment and tell me how you write your reviews! Do you take notes or just go straight into it like I do? Let me know! Thanks again!

~Evie

(photo above taken from Goodreads).

My Favorite Covers; Red, White, and Blue Edition

Hello bookworms! In the spirit of the 4th of July, I thought I would share with you all my favorite red, white, and blue book covers! I also plan on continuing this feature with different themes, so stay tuned! Go ahead and click the title of each book listed to find it's Goodreads page. If you haven't already skipped this long intro (thanks), enjoy some beautiful book covers!


PHOTOGRAPH IS MINE. INSTA: @cozywithbookss

Red:

• Dear Martin by Nic Stone
• Illuminae by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff

White:

• I'll Give You The Sun by Jandy Nelson
• Frostfire by Amanda Hocking 

Blue:

• Strange the Dreamer by Laini Taylor (cover depicted above)
• Passenger by Alexandra Bracken

All Three:

• Winter by Marissa Meyer (the link will take you to the Goodreads page for book one)
• Wonder Woman by Leigh Bardugo

Thank you all so much for reading today's post! Feel free to comment below and let me know of some of your favorite red, white, and blue covers!

Happy Fourth and happy reading!

~Evie

5 Books That Are Ready To Become Movies

As I was scrolling through Facebook, I stumbled upon this post by Penguin Teen. It was essentially a list of books that should be adapted into movies or TV shows. I thought this was such a fun idea that I decided to create my own list inspired by Penguin Teen, so here we are!

The Adventurers Guild by Zack Loran Clark and Nick Eliopolus

This book would make such an awesome movie! It has such a rich story that reminds me a bit of Percy Jackson. Obviously they're nothing alike, but this middle grade story brings out the same feelings that Percy Jackson does. It's exciting, fast-paced, and action-packed; it's ready to become a movie!

The Undomestic Goddess by Sophie Kinsella

Okay, this would be one of the greatest rom-coms to possibly ever be made. The story is quirky and hilarious that I think it would make an adorable and wonderful movie. 

An Ember In The Ashes by Sabaa Tahir

I don't want to repeat any books on the list Penguin Teen put together, but this is one of my favorite series ever and I couldn't pass up the opportunity to gush about it for the millionth time. All I'm going to say is these books would make an AMAZING TV series. 

Cinder by Marissa Meyer

While I haven't completed this series, I can only imagine what amazing movies these books would make. I mean, who doesn't love a good fairy-tale? SciFi + Fairy-tale = recipe for success. 

The Girl At Midnight by Melissa Grey

I mean wow. This book would make SUCH a stunning movie. I think it would be tricky to adapt, but if done correctly, it would be beautiful. 

So that's my incomplete list of books that should be adapted. These aren't even half of the books I wanted to put on this list, but I thought I wouldn't put too many for now. This post was so fun to make! I encourage you all to let me know of some books you want to be adapted in the comments below! Thank you all so much for reading!

~Evie

ALL PHOTOGRAPHS ARE MINE. INSTA: @cozywithbookss