Sarai Henderson's Blog, page 187

Free From the Curse | The Beast's Heart by Leife Shallcross

Title: The Beast's HeartBy: Leife ShallcrossGenre: FantasyPages: 304Release Date: May 3rd, 2018Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton
Summary from Goodreads: A luxuriously magical retelling of Beauty and the Beast set in seventeenth-century France--and told from the point of view of the Beast himself.
I am neither monster nor man—yet I am both.

I am the Beast.

He is a broken, wild thing, his heart’s nature exposed by his beastly form. Long ago cursed with a wretched existence, the Beast prowls the dusty hallways of his ruined château with only magical, unseen servants to keep him company—until a weary traveler disturbs his isolation.

Bewitched by the man’s dreams of his beautiful daughter, the Beast devises a plan to lure her to the château. There, Isabeau courageously exchanges her father’s life for her own and agrees to remain with the Beast for a year. But even as their time together weaves its own spell, the Beast finds winning Isabeau’s love is only the first impossible step in breaking free from the curse . . .

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Review: There is always a special place in my heart for beauty and the beast. A childhood memory that always brings love, joy and danger to a wonderful story. This beast was a pure gentleman. A man... or beast of his word. He is only looking for someone who will love him for who he is, but aren't we all? There is something wonderful about a story like this. It really shows the good in people, something that is rare these days. This is what I loved about this book.
There were two things I didn't like, pretty big things. The beginning was a little flimsy. The beast let the father go and told him to bring his daughter back to live with him for a year. The father could have left and never returned since the beast had nothing that the father needed, but of course the father brought his daughter back to live with the beast. 
The second thing that bothered me was the slow nature of the story. I was hoping something would happen, but it never did. Nothing really happened until the last 10% of the book and it made for a long read. 
All together, this was still a good book. A wonderful twist on the childhood story that we all love. Read it and make up your own mind.
Received an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review.

Both Worlds From Crumbling | White Stag by Kara Barbieri

Title: White StagBy: Kara BarbieriGenre: FantasyPages: 368Release Date: January 8th, 2019Publisher: Wednesday Books
Summary from Goodreads: The first book in a brutally stunning series where a young girl finds herself becoming more monster than human and must uncover dangerous truths about who she is and the place that has become her home.

As the last child in a family of daughters, seventeen-year-old Janneke was raised to be the male heir. While her sisters were becoming wives and mothers, she was taught to hunt, track, and fight. On the day her village was burned to the ground, Janneke—as the only survivor—was taken captive by the malicious Lydian and eventually sent to work for his nephew Soren.

Janneke’s survival in the court of merciless monsters has come at the cost of her connection to the human world. And when the Goblin King’s death ignites an ancient hunt for the next king, Soren senses an opportunity for her to finally fully accept the ways of the brutal Permafrost. But every action he takes to bring her deeper into his world only shows him that a little humanity isn’t bad—especially when it comes to those you care about.

Through every battle they survive, Janneke’s loyalty to Soren deepens. After dangerous truths are revealed, Janneke must choose between holding on or letting go of her last connections to a world she no longer belongs to. She must make the right choice to save the only thing keeping both worlds from crumbling.
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Review: Oh, I love this kind of book. The Goblin world is one that I haven't delved in and love to read more about. This story was a wonderful ride of emotion and war. There were so many intense moments where you could feel the emotions tensing. The characters were wonderful and really melded together well. The one thing that I would have liked to change was how quick Soren and Janneke fell in love. It could of had a little more tension, but other than that, I blasted through this book and couldn't put it down. 
Received an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review.

What I'm Reading This Week | #WeeklyMenu Week #281

Last Monday of the year. Last day of the year. I can't believe 2018 is over. Its been one hell of a ride. Frankly, I'm glad this year is over. I'm ready for a new year with new challenges. Yes...

I actually read something this week, but I didn't finish it. Christmas got in the way, but that's life. Hopefully I should have it done within a day or two and then I will post a review for you all, but for now, here is another book for you to read this week.

I'm working on a Breath of Snow and Ashes from the Outlander series. These books take me forever to read because they are so large and full of a lot of filler. I get bogged down and put the book down for a while, then pick it back up and make my way through them. Don't get me wrong, They are heavy, but I love them all the same. Diana Gabaldon has said recently that she is writing two more books in the Outlander series and I'm super excited about it. Since I've never actually finished a series, at least not that I can remember, I'm hoping to finish this one.

This weeks menu is going to be amazing. Enjoy!

Monday- Cheesy Mexican Beef and Rice
Tuesday- Figgy Balsamic Pork
Wednesday- Chicken with Scallion Pesto
Thursday- Smoked Gouda Pork Burgers
Friday- Italian Noodle Soup

Saturday- Beef Chili Dinner 
Sunday- Leftovers Night

What I'm Reading This Week | #WeeklyMenu Week #280

Merry Christmas Eve!!! I can't believe it is here already. This year has gone so fast and next year is looking promising. We had a crazy week, and surprisingly I didn't actually finish a book. Work was crazy, home was crazy and nothing really happened. That's a first.
Well, I'm not sure if I'm going to get any reading done this week either, but here is the book I'm planning on diving into. The Outsiders by Stephen King. Its one of the best books of 2018 on Goodreads and one of the first books I'm going to read from the list. I'm not a huge horror fan, but Stephen King is an amazing author no matter what he does, so here's to being scared shitless on Christmas. 
Alright then, on to this weeks menu. Enjoy!


Monday- Christmas Eve with the In-Laws
Tuesday- Crispy Lemon Basil Chicken
Wednesday- Pineapple Beef Tacos
Thursday- Shake it up! Pork Cutlets 
Friday- Rosemary Mustard Sirloin Steak
Saturday- Mediterranean Chicken Cutlets 
Sunday- Leftovers Night

Books to Movies | The Golden Compass

I just finished reading The Golden Compass by Philip Pullman and it was one of my favorite books I've read this year. Since this book has been made into a movie, I decided it was a good time to watch it since the story was fresh in my mind. What was I thinking? I can see why the movies never took off. Sadness...


All the good parts of the book were jam packed into the movie, but all the good parts don't do you any good without the nitty gritty. You need all that dirt to give background to the story, without it, its dead and bland. If I hadn't already read the book, I would have never understood the movie. My poor husband was completely lost. At several points in the movie, I had to give him back story that wasn't included, just so he could keep up.
And lets not forget the ending. The book left you on a cliffhanger, but it was a wrapped up, neat little package that left you feeling fulfilled, but wanting more. The movie on the other hand cut the story short and left you wondering what the hell happened to one of the key characters. And to make it  worse, there was never a second movie to answer those unanswered questions that left you hanging for no reason. 
The characters should have been the main focus, but they all seemed shallow and random. Its was like, here is one guy and he randomly introduces the main little girl to some other guy whom she automatically trusts without any context. OMG, there is a big bear and.. guess what?... he pledges his life to the little girl for no reason... It was so wrong. 
I think that there was too much in the book that it couldn't all fit into the movie without missing something. That or, the writer/director was way over his head and should have left this book alone.  
Book, five stars, movie two stars. If you are going to watch the movie, read the book first. You will know whats going on a whole lot better.

Best Books of 2018 | I am Enough by Grace Byers

Moving along on my Best Books of 2018 voted by all you wonderful readers on Goodreads. I'm excited to share this next one with you. Its simple, wonderful and I loved it. Yes, I know its a picture book but can't I be excited about something different for once?


Title: I am EnoughBy: Grace ByersGenre: Picture BookPages: 32Release Date: March 6th, 2018Publisher: Balzer + Bray
Summary from Goodreads: I Am Enough is the picture book everyone needs
This is a gorgeous, lyrical ode to loving who you are, respecting others, and being kind to one another—from Empire actor and activist Grace Byers and talented newcomer artist Keturah A. Bobo.

This is the perfect gift for mothers and daughters, baby showers, and graduation.

We are all here for a purpose. We are more than enough. We just need to believe it.
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Review: Oh, wow. I really didn't think this book was going to give me the feels. I mean, come on, its a picture book for crying out loud. I really loved the rhyming. It wasn't too much, but just enough. The story itself was a wonderful uplifting tale for all children and adults alike and I loved the art, it was wonderful. I can definitely see why this book won the Best Book of 2018 Picture Book category.
  

What I'm Reading This Week | #WeeklyMenu Week #279

Hey hey Monday! There are only 8 days until Christmas. How did we get here so fast. This whole year has gone quickly and I don't think I'm ready for 2019. The boys will be another year older, things are looking up in our lives, but we know all too quickly how fast that can change. I guess that's what scares me. The unknown.... I got this...

Last weeks book The Golden Compass has got to be one of the best books I've read this year. I can't believe it took me this long to read. Have you read it? What are your thoughts?

This weeks book will be a review book that I picked up from the publisher. The Beast's Heart by Leife Shallcross. A retelling of Beauty and the Beast. I do love retellings as long as they are done right. If not, this could be a disaster. Stay tuned to find out. 

Make sure you check out this weeks menu. It is going to be delicious. Enjoy!


Monday
- Chicken Alfredo with a Twist
Tuesday- Cheesy Stuffed Pork Burgers
Wednesday- Pineapple Beef Tacos
Thursday- Pulled Chicken Rice Bowl
Friday- Ravioli and Shrimp
Saturday- Crispy Lemon Basil Chicken
Sunday- Leftovers Night

Goodreads Best Books of 2018

Have you all seen the winners of the Goodreads Best Books of 2018? The list looks amazing. If you want to check it out, Click here.

I really haven't read any of the books on this list, and to tell you the truth, I haven't even heard of some of them, but I've made an early new years resolution to read the entire winners list... I've already started...

Last week I picked up Herding Cats By Sarah Scribbles. It won best Graphic Novel. How did I not know about this book? It was hilarious. The book is a collection of one page short comics that are to die for. The author has a unique sense of humor and she portrays it well in her drawings. The art its self seems simple, but really, it is very interesting. I laughed and cried with this book and I think I'll purchase a copy for my dinning room table.

I will encourage you all to read all the winners with me and check out the other nominees in the Best Graphic Novel or Comic category. 

Crazily Rich | Crazy Rich Asians by Kevin Kwan

Title: Crazy Rich AsiansBy: Kevin KwanGenre: Contemporary FictionPages: 546Release Date: June 11th, 2013Publisher: Doubleday
Summary from Goodreads: Crazy Rich Asians is the outrageously funny debut novel about three super-rich, pedigreed Chinese families and the gossip, backbiting, and scheming that occurs when the heir to one of the most massive fortunes in Asia brings home his ABC (American-born Chinese) girlfriend to the wedding of the season.When Rachel Chu agrees to spend the summer in Singapore with her boyfriend, Nicholas Young, she envisions a humble family home, long drives to explore the island, and quality time with the man she might one day marry. What she doesn't know is that Nick's family home happens to look like a palace, that she'll ride in more private planes than cars, and that with one of Asia's most eligible bachelors on her arm, Rachel might as well have a target on her back. Initiated into a world of dynastic splendor beyond imagination, Rachel meets Astrid, the It Girl of Singapore society; Eddie, whose family practically lives in the pages of the Hong Kong socialite magazines; and Eleanor, Nick's formidable mother, a woman who has very strong feelings about who her son should--and should not--marry. Uproarious, addictive, and filled with jaw-dropping opulence, Crazy Rich Asians is an insider's look at the Asian JetSet; a perfect depiction of the clash between old money and new money; between Overseas Chinese and Mainland Chinese; and a fabulous novel about what it means to be young, in love, and gloriously, crazilyrich.
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Review: I'm not a huge contemporary fan, but this book was a fun roller coaster of craziness. The whole story is based on a rich family in Singapore who use their money as a status symbol and refuse to see things any other way. So, of course, when their son brings home and American girl with no money, they find anyway they possibly can to sabotage their relationship, and for a moment, it might just work. 
Of course, I loved the absurdity of it all. The characters were so shallow most the time that you just wanted to slap them and push them down in the mud. This could have gone horribly wrong for the writer, but it didn't. It really made the story more wonderful, or I guess you could say, terribly, but in a good way.
Toward the end of the book, I couldn't put it down. You want their relationship to work, no matter what bad things come to light. You want them to be together because they love each other so much, but can they overcome the truth? 
There wasn't much I can say bad about this book. I really enjoyed it and I'm looking forward to watching the movie. 

What I'm Reading This Week | #WeeklyMenu Week #278

Monday? When did you get here? It was a rough week. My middle son is having some issues with his ADHD and we are needing to change some things around. Its going to be rough figuring out what is going to work and what won't, but this is what needs to happen. That poor kid, he just cant seem to get a break.

Last week, it took me forever to finish a single book. It was a great book, but I just couldn't find the time to read it. The time I usually spend reading (aka listening at lightning speed) was spent covering for a coworker that will be out on medical leave for eight weeks. That's six more weeks of not really being able to get any reading done. Oh well, I already hit my reading goal for the year, which by the way was apparently too small. Next year, I'm going to have to shoot for 300 books, because I smashed 200.

Since I finally finished Crazy Rich Asians, which was awesome, this week I'm going to pick up The Golden Compass which happen to be the oldest book on my Goodreads TBR pile. There is no reason it has taken me this long to read this book, but the fact that there was always something else I wanted to read more. I've decided that in 2019, I'm going to start picking off more books on my TBR pile, starting with the oldest ones. I'm also going to read the entire 2018 Goodreads awards winner list. Its a large undertaking, but I'm ready for it. Who's with me?

Well, now that that's done, lets get to this weeks menu. Enjoy!

Monday- Balsamic Fig Chicken
Tuesday- Steak with Green Beans
Wednesday- Sriracha Lime Cheeseburger
Thursday- Chicken Milanese 
Friday- Chicken Alfredo with a Twist
Saturday- Rapid Stir-Fried Beef
Sunday- Leftovers Night