I haven’t done one of these in a while, mainly because I’ve been busy studying my butt off and living life and such, and didn’t have any real time for reading new material. I’ve been rehashing some of my favourites, but hey, I need to explore new things in order to have new favourites, you know? I recently did a bit of reading what all my favourite authors have out there, and compiled this shiny and ambitious list today so I can remember everything and refer back #oldage
I am Malala by Malala Yousafzai
When I first heard the story about the young Pakistani girl that got shot in the head by the Taliban because she believed in education, it felt a little unreal and horrible. I cannot imagine that life, daily horror and constant worry. Miraculously, Malala survived and is now an international symbol for female and children rights. I need to read this book because Malala makes me believe for the survival of the human race and gives me the courage to keep on studying. She humbles me in every way possible, because even though I never make light of my access to education, it is too easy to forget how easy Westerners have access to education.
Nora Roberts: Cousins O’Dwyer Trilogy (all descriptions were taken from the author’s site)
Why? Well, I adore Nora Roberts (I’ve certainly never kept it a secret). She is excellent in what she does and covers every genre she tackles so well. I’ve read most of her books – and she’s well over 200 novels, and I enjoyed at least 90% of them. Her latest reads also includes Whiskey Beach, The Witness, The Search and Black Hills and I LOVED all of those. This series seems like it has a romantic bent as well as some spooky stuff, which sounds like just the right treat to me!
#1 Dark Witch
With indifferent parents, Iona Sheehan grew up craving devotion and acceptance. From her maternal grandmother, she learned where to find both: a land of lush forests, dazzling lakes, and centuries-old legends. Ireland – County Mayo, to be exact. Where her ancestors’ blood and magic have flowed through generations and where her destiny awaits.
Iona arrives in Ireland with nothing but her Nan’s directions, an unfailingly optimistic attitude, and an innate talent with horses. Not far from the luxurious castle where she is spending a week, she finds her cousins, Branna and Connor O’Dwyer. And since family is family, they invite her into their home and their lives. When Iona lands a job at the local stables, she meets the owner, Boyle McGrath. Cowboy, pirate, wild tribal horsemen, he’s three of her biggest fantasy weaknesses all in one big, bold package.
Iona realizes that here she can make a home for herself and live her life as she wants, even if that means falling head over heels for Boyle. But nothing is as it seems. An ancient evil has wound its way around Iona’s family tree and must be defeated. Family and friends will fight with each other and for each other to keep the promise of hope-and love-alive.
#2 Shadow Spell
With the legends and lore of Ireland running through his blood, falconer Connor O’Dwyer is proud to call County Mayo home. It’s where his sister, Branna, lives and works, where his cousin, Iona, has found true love, and where his childhood friends form a circle that can’t be broken…
A circle that is about to be stretched out of shape—by a long-awaited kiss.
Meara Quinn is Branna’s best friend, a sister in all but blood. Her and Connor’s paths cross almost daily, as Connor takes tourists on hawk walks and Meara guides them on horseback across the lush countryside. She has the eyes of a gypsy and the body of a goddess…things Connor has always taken for granted—until his brush with death propels them into a quick, hot tangle.
Plenty of women have found their way to Connor’s bed, but none to his heart until now. Frustratingly, Meara is okay with just the heat, afraid to lose herself—and their friendship—to something more. But soon, Connor will see the full force and fury of what runs in his blood. And he will need his family and friends around him when his past rolls in like the fog, threatening an end to all he loves…
#3 Blood Magick
County Mayo is rich in the traditions of Ireland, legends that Branna O’Dwyer fully embraces in her life and in her work as the proprietor of The Dark Witch shop, which carries soaps, lotions, and candles for tourists, made with Branna’s special touch.
Branna’s strength and seflessness hold together a close circle of friends and family – along with their horses and hawks and her beloved hound. But there’s a single missing link in the chain of her life: love…
She had it once – for a moment – with Finbar Burke, but a shared future is forbidden by history and blood. Which is why Fin has spent his life traveling the world to fill the abyss left in him by Branna, focusing on work rather than passion.
The Woman Who Stole My Life by Marian Keyes
Marian Keyes is another favourite female literature author of mine. Her books always address serious issues like drug abuse, spousal abuse and insecurities, and they aren’t always light hearted reading. This book promises to be yet another good read by the talented lady. I can’t wait to see what she pulls out of her hat this time!
Silver Shadows by Richelle Mead
I have to admit that I am not crazy about all the material the author writes, but Vampire Academy grabbed me enough to read the series (but NOT love the movie), and I found true addiction when I read her Bloodlines series, the series that follows the adventures of Sydney Sage, the Alchemist that has troubles reconciling her beliefs with her feelings. This is the next instalment of the series, and I am quite excited as to what it holds for Sydney and Adrian!
Currently reading: Definitely Dead by Charlaine Harris (Book #6 of the Southern Vampires Series)
Hmm, even though I am slightly ashamed these are so addictive, I can’t stop. (that sentence really doesn’t make sense, does it) I don’t want to stop, so I won’t, but I can see myself being a bit scathy in the interview because this book sure leaves a lot to be desired for the sake of literature!
Life of this city girl 