20 Books of Summer Challenge Wrap-up

August 30, 2021August 27, 2021 / Janelle @ The Meanderings of a Bookworm / 2 Comments

Hello everyone,

Today’s post is a wrap-up of most of the books I read this summer, specifically for the 20 Books of Summer Challenge. I managed to read and review 20 books, but I definitely deviated a lot from my initial list that I posted back in May/June. However, I still completed the challenge and it was a success! I’m looking forward to taking part in it again next year.

Happy Reading,

Janelle L. C.

First Line Fridays #63 – The Winter of the Witch by Katherine Arden

August 27, 2021July 21, 2021 / Janelle @ The Meanderings of a Bookworm / Leave a comment

Hello everyone,

Welcome to another installment of First Line Fridays hosted by Hoarding Books.

The Winter of the Witch by Katherine Arden

“Dusk at the end of winter, and two men crossed the dooryard of a palace scarred by fire.”

Happy Reading,

Janelle L. C.

Book Review: Tokyo Ever After by Emiko Jean

August 25, 2021August 23, 2021 / Janelle @ The Meanderings of a Bookworm / 1 Comment

Hello everyone,

Today’s review is on Tokyo Ever After by Emiko Jean.

Tokyo Ever After has been on my radar ever since I came across it on Netgalley a while ago, and I was intrigued. Well, fast forward a few months later to know when has not only been hyped up on BookTube, but also was a Reese’s Book Club pick, and on Modern Mrs. Darcy’s 2021 Summer Reading Guide pick, and I was even more intrigued. It also helps that a lot of people compared it to the Princess Diaries. Needless to say I was completely sold on picking it up, but I was also nervous because it has gotten so much hype.

Tokyo Ever After follows Japanese American Izumi Tanaka, who lives with her mom in Mount Shasta, California. She is still trying to find her place in the world, but one day she comes across a clue as to who her father might be – only to discover that he is the crown princes of Japan, making her a princess. Soon she finds herself in Japan getting to know her father (and his family), and learning how to be a princess, and all the adjustments that come with it: having body guards, and the ever-present press.

I liked Tokyo Ever After, however, it had a slow start and seemed to drag in some places, particularly in the first half of the book. I did, however, fly through the second half, I did enjoy the plot and following Izumi and her journey to find out where she belongs. However, I really can’t find much else to say because my experience was that this book was pretty generic. But again, that could be because it is so hyped up – which might have influenced my enjoyment of the book.

Overall, this was an okay read. I do plan on picking up the next book, and hopefully I won’t be as influenced by the hype. It is still a cute contemporary, and I do recommend it to fans of the Princess Diaries. 3/5 Stars.

Happy Reading,

Janelle L. C.

Book Review: Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life by Donald S. Whitney

August 23, 2021August 18, 2021 / Janelle @ The Meanderings of a Bookworm / 1 Comment

Hello everyone,

Today’s review in on Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life by Donald S. Whitney.

Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life was a reread for me. I read it alongside Disciplines of a Godly Woman by Barbara Hughes (review to come), because I was curious to see what spiritual disciplines both authors recommended. I had first read Spiritual Disciplines right before my freshman year of college, and I remembered liking it. Since then I have read of the author’s other titles, Praying the Bible (which I highly recommend).

For the most part, I enjoyed my reread of Spiritual Disciplines. I appreciate how for most of them the author was able to add quite a bit of scriptural evidence for each one -except journaling. I also appreciate how he opens up the book with why it is important to practice the spiritual disciplines in order to grow in godliness. Although, I will admit this is a concept I still struggle with, not because I don’t think it is important, but rather that I have a hard time resolving it to how we aren’t saved by works, etc. But that’s just me, and probably because I recognize my bent for legalism.

I agreed wit the author on almost all the spiritual disciplines he recommends. However, there were a couple that seemed a bit of stretch – the one that is at the front of my mind is journaling. While I myself am an avid journaler, I personally don’t view it as a spiritual discipline, and I feel like it is a stretch to say everyone should do it. I do recognize the importance of journaling, but I don’t recognize it as a spiritual discipline.

Another complain I have is that about halfway through the book it seemed to turn into a bunch of lists, with some exposition throw in. There were a couple of times I also felt like some of the verses were used out of context, but I can’t think of specific examples right now.

While I have those two criticisms of the book, I still found it to be a beneficial read. I also gleaned a lot of nuggets of truth that stood out to me. i would like to share some of my favorite quotes before I end off.

“The spiritual disciplines are the God-given means we are to use in the Spirit-filled pursuit of godliness” (p.15).

“The purpose of all methods of Bible intake is obedience to what God says and the development of Christlikeness” (p.25).

“The ongoing worship of God cannot be separated from the Word of God” (p.26).

“Worship often includes words and actions, but it goes beyond them to the focus of the mind and heart. Worship is the God-centered focus and response of the inner man; it is being preoccupied with God” (p.82).

“The people of God do not serve Him in order to be forgiven, but because we are forgiven” (p.115)

“Worship empowers serving; serving expresses worship. Godliness requires a disciplined balance between the two” (p.121)

Overall, while I did have a few minor issues with this book, I do highly recommend this for all believers, old or new! It provides some great insights and tips and tricks. 4/5 Stars.

Happy Reading,

Janelle L. C.

Book Review: Crown of Midnight by Sarah J. Maas

August 20, 2021August 18, 2021 / Janelle @ The Meanderings of a Bookworm / 1 Comment

Hello everyone,

Today’s review is on Crown of Midnight by Sarah J. Maas.

If you’ve seen my review for Throne of Glass you will know that I am in the process of rereading the first four books in the series so that I can finally read the last three books without being seriously lost. As with the previous book, this will be a somewhat spoilery review, so I apologize, but I also just need to fangirl and rant about some stuff.

Crown of Midnight opens up a couple of months after Celaena Sardothein has been named the King’s Champion – essentially his assassin. She still has secrets that she carries that she can’t reveal to anyone, not even her best friend, Nehemia. However, she is soon tasked with dispatching members of a rumored rebel group who seek to overthrow the king and restore the long thought to be dead prince of Terrasen, Aelin Galathynius , in his place. Celaena knows that this is not possible, but she seeks to find out more about this rebel group. Meanwhile, something evil and sinister is lurking deep within the castle that could cause chaos if allowed to roam.

It is honestly hard to summarize Crown of Midnight because there are so many different things going on throughout the novel. First off, the first chapter was great, at first it seems so gruesome, until it is revealed that Celaena isn’t as ruthless as she seems and she isn’t actually killing the individuals that the king wants her to. I think this shows how she is striving to keep her humanity intact rather than becoming cold-hearted and cruel like the king. It is also interesting watching her make hard decisions, but also her loyalty to those she cares about.

And then there is Prince Dorian and Chaol. I like some aspects of their characters, however I hate their petty jealousy towards one another over Celaena. Also Chaol and Celaena’s relationship throughout the book was not my favorite part. However, I did like Dorian’s growth and his coming into his own as a character, and even going as far as standing up t and questioning his father and the council members over their treatment of others.

Then there is Nehemia – who’s death I have never gotten over ever since I first read Crown of Midnight 4 years ago. I get why she was killed, but at the same time I still wish it hadn’t happened.

I also liked how we get to see how even though there are people who want to overthrow the king, it is not necessarily with good intentions – although they will say anything to gain a following – but rather they are just trying to gain power for themselves without thinking about the various ramifications of said power.

Also, I had completely forgotten about Baba Yellowlegs, however I think she served as a great introduction to the Ironteeth witches who start having a more prominent role in the next book. It was great foreshadowing, but she also gave me the heebie-jeebies. Another character I enjoyed was Mort the enchanted door knocker on the door to Elena and Gavin’s tomb. I loved his banter with Celaena, and even though he’s probably supposed to have a somewhat menacing voice, for whatever reason I also imagined the door from Alice in Wonderland when he was talking.

Also the reveal at the end made a lot more sense this time around and did not seem to come out of left field like it had before when I first read it. (If you know, you know).

Overall, a solid follow-up to Throne of Glass and on to Heir of Fire now. 4/5 Stars.

Happy Reading,

Janelle L. C.

Book Review: Because He Loves Me by Elyse M. Fitzpatrick

August 18, 2021August 13, 2021 / Janelle @ The Meanderings of a Bookworm / 1 Comment

Hello everyone,

Today’s review is on Because He Loves Me by Elyse M. Fitzpatrick.

Because He Loves Me explores God’s love through the gospel and how it is something we should ground our identities in it and how it can transform the Christian’s life. It reminds believers how the pursuit of godliness has to be rooted in the gospel and what God has done. The first section focuses on God’s love and the gospel and what that means for the believer, and the second section focuses on the application of the first section. It is a reminder that everything that we do ought to be motivated by the gospel. It also strives to show how the gospel can intersect with daily life . It also continually reminds readers that they are loved and have been cleansed from sin by God’s grace and love for us.

I liked rereading Because He Loves Me, and I definitely learned a lot from the first section of the book, however, the second section left a lot to be desired. Yes, there were some good truths there, but I also found the message to be confusing at times, and I also disagreed with the author on a few points. I won’t delve into that a whole lot because I am still trying to think through what would be a good response to those things. I think my biggest beef is the statement that anxiety is an issue of idolatry. And I’m sorry to say that there was a time I would have agreed the author. However, as someone who struggles with anxiety, I can that there are parts of it that do fall inline with this, but there are other aspects that I don’t what triggers my anxiety, or rather it is triggered by past trauma that I am working through. I also felt that sometimes there were verses and passages taken out of context, I can’t remember which ones, but there were definitely some that made me stop and think that they were being misused, but I could be wrong.

I also did not like chapter 10, which had several case studies in which the author shows how the different components of the gospel can be used by the individuals and be transformed by it. I do think it fails to show the importance of going deeper into those issues. Again, it could be because that was not the purpose of the book. While reminding oneself of the gospel is important, I don’t think that is the only action someone should take to recover from various issues. I think it can be helpful, but sometimes more needs to be done. I have no idea if I am making sense, and I apologize.

Alright, I fell like my review has been mostly negative, so I would like to take sometimes to share some of my favorite quotes from the book:

“True Christianity is not a program of self-improvement; it’s an acknowledgement that something more than self-improvement is needed. What’s needed is death and resurrection: gospel words, gospel constructs, gospel motives, gospel power – a loving Redeemer.” (p. 25).

“The purpose of our life is to reveal to others how wonderful He is and to glorify and enjoy Him eternally.” (p.56).

“His [God’s] disposition toward you today is what is has been since He made you His own: He loves you and longs for you to know it and savor every drop of it.” (p.91)

“…your growth inn holiness is firmly bound to your appreciation of the gospel and God’s love, for it is only an appreciation of His love that can motivate genuine obedience.” (p.109)

“Every one of the positive gospel imperatives in Scripture can be summed up in this: live a life of love because you’ve been loved.” (p.152).

Overall, I am on the fence when it comes to Because He Loves Me. On the one hand it contains some great truths that remind readers of God’s love for them and the gospel. But then there are things that I disagree with the author on, and there are parts that border on our faith being dependent on our feelings. 3.5/5 Stars,

Happy Reading,

Janelle L. C.

Book Review: Meant To Be: If the Shoe Fits by Julie Murphy

August 16, 2021August 5, 2021 / Janelle @ The Meanderings of a Bookworm / 1 Comment

Hello everyone,

Today’s review is on Meant To Be: If the Shoe Fits by Julie Murphy.

Before I jump into my review, I would like to thank Disney Book Group and Netgalley for providing me an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Meant To Be: If the Shoe Fits is the first book in a new adult contemporary series, each installment adapting a different Disney Princess movie into a contemporary setting. If the Shoe Fits is a twist on Cinderella. Cindy, who has a passion for shoes, has just graduated from fashion design school, and finds herself jobless and moving back in with her stepmother, Erica Tremaine, to take care of triplet half siblings. Erica also happens to be the brains behind the popular reality show, Before Midnight (a fictional version of The Bachelor). When a few contestants for the upcoming season drop out, Cindy and her step-sisters – Anna and Drew – step in to help fill a few spots. Cindy not only finds herself thrust in the spotlight and a body positivity icon, but she might just fall in love in the process.

Alright, full disclaimer, from this point on, spoilers are very likely!!!!

If the Shoe Fits went way above my expectations. I fully expected this to be just an okay read for me, but I really enjoyed it. It was light, fluffy, and very low on the steam. I also liked catching all the references to the original Cinderella movie. First, how the show Cindy goes on is Before Midnight. Second, her stepmother is LAdy Tremaine – although a lot nicer – and her stepsisters Ana -Anastasia- and Drew – Drusilla. Also the triplets are named after the mice: Jacques, Gus, and Mary (it took me way too long to catch on to this detail). I loved discovering these references and easter eggs throughout the book.

Admittedly, I am not really a fan of The Bachelor and its different reiterations, but it was still interesting to read about! I liked getting to know some of the behind-the-scenes stuff that happens on reality TV shows, which I am assuming is a somewhat accurate portrayal.

I loved getting to know all the characters throughout the book, especially Cindy. I found her relatable, especially as someone who is also plus-sized, but I also loved how confident she was. I also liked seeing her relationships with various characters throughout the novel. I also liked our Prince Charming character – Henry. However, I wish we had gotten just a little bit more depth to his character.

Overall, this was a fun, light read that is low on the steam factor as far as romances go. This was a great contemporary take on Cinderella, and I am looking forward to seeing how the other Disney princesses get the contemporary treatment. 4/5 Stars.

Happy Reading,

Janelle L. C.

Book Review: The Other Black Girl by Zakiya Dalila Harris

August 14, 2021August 5, 2021 / Janelle @ The Meanderings of a Bookworm / 1 Comment

Hello everyone,

Today’s review is on The Other Black Girl by Zakiya Dalila Harris.

So lately I have been getting into thrillers, especially quiet thrillers where the “thrilling” aspect is woven throughout the novel, but only gets revealed at the beginning or t the end, but for the most part it is mainly a characters study. And The Other Black Girl does that.

The Other Black Girl follows 26 year old Nella Rogers, who is the only black editorial assistant at Wagner Publishing. One day, a new assistant starts, who is also black – Hazel. Nella is excited to get to know her new co-worker and become friends, however, she soon receives a note saying, “Leave Wagner Now.” Shocked at such a note she tries to figure out who sent it, and has a sneaking suspicion it is Hazel, but it doesn’t seem possible because she seems kind. Or is there something more sinister going on?

I enjoyed The Other Black Girl, it was both griping and frustrating to read, and I was hooked. I don’t feel like I am in a position to talk about all the nuances regarding race and microaggressions. I will say it was frustrating to see Nella get gaslighted by those around her in different ways, particularly Hazel. It was also frustrating how people were not considerate of Nella’s opinions, or provided a space where she could share openly her concerns about content that can come across as hurtful and insensitive to those in the public community. It also made me think about times I have been dismissive of certain topics, and this book made me realize that I do need to pay more attention to what others are saying.

I found the novel quite sinister because from the beginning you know things are not as they seem, and once Nella got the first note, I was on the edge of my seat trying to figure out what was going on. Without giving too many spoilers, the thing going on behind the scenes was interesting, and I wish we had gotten more information/ back story as to how it came to be.

I liked the characters, Nella was interesting and just seeing her trying to get through each day with the microaggressions and her dream to become an editor. Hazel , I think because I had read the synopsis and already knew something was suspicious about her, was infuriating, especially since somehow readers know she is going to mess Nella around.

I did enjoy the author’s writing style. I liked how she used a framed narrative in each chapter to show the present, and the goes back into the past and sets it up, and then comes back to the present. I also like how the novel comes full circle at the end.

Ugh! There is so much more I could say, but I don’t want to spoil it for those of you who would like to read The Other Black Girl. Overall, it is a quiet thriller that also made me think about my own attitudes when it comes to microaggressions and race. It was also informative about just how cut-throat the publishing world can be. 4/5 Stars.

Happy Reading,

Janelle L. C.

Book Review: To Be Taught, If Fortunate by Becky Chambers

August 13, 2021August 5, 2021 / Janelle @ The Meanderings of a Bookworm / 1 Comment

Hello everyone,

Today’s review is on To Be Taught, If Fortunate by Becky Chambers.

Becky Chambers is an author this popular with a lot of the BookTubers I follow, and I have been intrigued to pick up one of her books, bit I also haven’t been sure if I would like them. After hearing rave reviews about To Be Taught, If fortunate, I decided to pick it up.

To Be Taught, If Fortunate is set in the late 22nd century, and scientists have finally figured out a way for astronauts’ bodies to be changed to adapt to space, as well as any planets they might land on – this process is called somaforming. Ariadne is an astronaut who has undergone this process, and she, along with her three crewmates, are on an extrasolar research vessel to explore four different worlds that have Earth-like qualities – light years away from Earth. Any news they from Earth is at least 14 years old, but that still does not change the devastating things that are happening back home. However, Ariadne sends a report of what they’ve been able to find on these habitable worlds in the hopes that someone back one Earth is listening and waiting to hear from the crew.

I’ll be honest, I have mixed thoughts on To Be Taught, If Fortunate. The Premise sounded interesting, and I wanted to know more about the explorations of those worlds. But it also dragged o in some places, and at times there was too much information being dumped about the science of somaforming, the OCA, and other stuff. Also, not much happens. It is literally the characters collecting data, etc. Don’t get me wrong, some of it was fascinating, but I wanted more. I wish we had gotten to know the other characters better, I wish we had found out more about what happened back on Earth. Also, I fell like this is a book that could illustrated because there were times I had a hard time picturing some of the creatures.

I think something else that bothered me was that at the end of the book there is no hope, I just would have liked to know if there was something else for the characters. I know that the ending is open-ended, but it isn’t hopeful. Like I’ll be honest, I think it is easy to see that it is not a happy ending for the characters.

Overall, I liked parts of To Be Taught, If Fortunate, I didn’t like other parts of it. I liked some of the science and descriptions, but it also seemed like an information overload at times. I am planning on checking out some of Becky Chambers’ other work in the future. 3/5 Stars.

Happy Reading,

Janelle L. C.

The Last Gasp Blog Tour and Giveaway

August 11, 2021August 11, 2021 / Janelle @ The Meanderings of a Bookworm / 3 Comments

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About the Book

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Book: The Last Gasp

Author: Chautona Havig

Genre: Christian Historical Mystery, Fairytale retelling

Release date: July 6, 2021

At the pinnacle of his Hollywood career, Garrison Prince’s reign ends tonight.

As plain old Gary Prinz, he can pursue his Bible education, buy a bungalow in Pasadena, acquire a few chickens, and marry the girl of his dreams. He just never imagined trading the silver screen for a pulpit would wreak such havoc.

A cigarillo girl, Lucinda Ashton spends her days with her boyfriend, Gary, and her evenings selling candy and “gaspers” to the Hollywood elite at the Taj Mahal Theater.

However, when gunshots ring out just as intermission begins, Lucinda finds herself smack-dab in the middle of a brouhaha that leaves three dead, and no one has a clue why.

All the police know is that the evidence points to Lucinda as the killer and Gary as the intended target.

Four new friends, one young orphan, and a potluck of clues that don’t seem to fit anywhere leave the police baffled, Lucinda in fear for her freedom, and Gary ready to trade in his acting shoes for gumshoes if it’ll save his “Cinda.”

The first book in the Ever After Mysteries combining beloved fairy tales and mysteries, The Last Gasp. This Cinderella retelling blends a murder with enough crime and story clues to keep you on the edge of your seat.

Click here to get your copy!

My Thoughts

The Last Gasp took me by surprise. I was little unsure how it would all play out – a Cinderella retelling set in the 1920s, but also a mystery. I did not know what to expect, and I fully expected to find it just okay, despite it being by one of my favorite authors, Chautona Havig. That being said, it far exceeded my expectations and I feel silly for doubting that a story like this could be done well, and if anyone could do it, it’s Chautona Havig. I devoured this book in mere hours, even though it had not been my plan. I’d just planned to read the first chapter to get a feel for the story and come back to it in a few days. Instead, I found myself sucked into the story and had a difficult time putting it down! Let me just say that I am looking forward to the other installments in the Ever After Mysteries series (even if they are by other authors)!

I loved the plot, it was fascinating and gripping, and every time I thought I had the mystery figured out, another red herring would show up that threw me for a loop and made me question everything. This to me is the mark of a good mystery! I liked how even those that seemed trustworthy seemed be somewhat suspicious, even though they weren’t really.

I also enjoyed getting to know the characters throughout the novel and how they develop over the course of getting to the bottom of the mystery. Lucinda was my favorite – she’s so witty and has a good head on her shoulders and is seemingly unfazed by the glitz and glamor of Hollywood. However, there a couple of times she seemed to fall into the “not like other girls” trope, but she was still a fun character. I also enjoyed getting to know Gary Prinz, and how he grows as he ahs to face the consequences of his actions, namely his deception to Lucinda as to who he really is. I liked that he also had noble ambitions for the rest of his life. I also enjoyed getting to know the various side characters throughout the novel, especially the Cohens.

Overall, I really enjoyed this unique take on the classic Cinderella tale. I loved the 1920s Hollywood setting and I loved the mystery aspect. I highly recommend it for anyone who loves mysteries, retellings, or both! I can’t wait to read the rest of the Ever After mysteries. 4.5/5 Stars.

About the Author

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Author of the bestselling Aggie and Past Forward series, Chautona Havig lives in an oxymoron, escapes into imaginary worlds that look startlingly similar to ours and writes the stories that emerge. An irrepressible optimist, Chautona sees everything through a kaleidoscope of It’s a Wonderful Life sprinkled with fairy tales. Find her at chautona.com and say howdy—if you can remember how to spell her name.

More from Chautona

What Beautiful, Unexpected Parallel Did I Find Writing this Mystery?

I bought it at Pic-n-Save when I was eleven—an 8.5×11 paperback book of traditional fairy tales. I learned another side of the age-old stories that you don’t see from Disney. Rapunzel? Yeah. That was the story about the queen who was craving rampion (a salad vegetable) so much that she promised to give up her child for it. Rampion—Rapunzel. It’s a thing.

It’s also where I learned Cinderella’s name as “Aschenputtel.” Look, those Brothers Grimm were… well, they were German and that should explain everything. “Puttel” just sings of German, doesn’t it? That tale was also a bit gruesome. The one sister cut off her big toe to make the shoe fit because her mother said, “You won’t have to walk anywhere if you’re a queen. Who needs it!” So the idiotic girl did. Same for the other sister and her heel. Seriously, didn’t she learn from her older sister?

Oh, and it’s the one where mother and stepsisters get their eyes picked out by birds. It reminded me of Proverbs 30:17. “The eye that mocks a father and scorns a mother, the ravens of the valley will pick it out, and the young eagles will eat it.”

Talk about bringing Scripture to life for kids there. *Gulp*

True confession, our kids used to sing that verse to the tune of “All Hail the Pow’r of Jesus’ Name.” You should have heard the lusty voices of our children in our Grand Marquis station wagon (may the wonderful beast rest in peace) singing, “The ravens shall pick out his eyes and eeee-agles eeee-eeaat the saaaammmme!”

I digress.

Cinderella—I mean, Aschenputtel—really wasn’t my favorite story, though. I liked other stories from other books. Like the Ten Brothers—a Chinese folk tale. You know. Fairy tale.

Know which fairy tale I liked even less than Cinderella?

The Little Mermaid. Seriously, I didn’t like the original (Sorry Mr. Andersen… I just didn’t), and I can’t stand Disney’s. But when we first began planning the Ever After Mysteries, I knew which one I wanted to do. The Little Mermaid had everything going for it. Houdini and a water tank. Can’t you just see it? It would have been great. But a friend asked who was writing about the “cigarillo girl” (as I mention in THIS post), and well… the rest is history. Or at least, it’s set back in history.

But there’s one truth I discovered as I wrote this mystery.

Mystery… that’s a good word for this truth, actually. Cinderella is a beautiful picture of Jesus as our prince. We can be His bride and put on the shoe He has fashioned only to fit us, or we can try to snatch it up and make it suit our wills and hold our overgrown egos (work with me here). He takes us out of our ragged, dirty lives and brings us home… to Him. To His Father.

Is there anything more beautiful? I don’t think so.

In The Last Gasp, Gary knows Cinda long before she knows him—truly knows him. He loves her just as she is. Is it a perfect retelling of the beauty of Christ’s love for his church? Not hardly. It wasn’t intended to demonstrate that relationship at all. But there are tiny nuances that do. And that’s pretty cool.