My Favorite Books & A Giveaway!

I have a lot of passions in my life which include first and foremost my husband (wink). Following that would be good coffee and even better books... be it true romance, suspense, mystery or fun read alongs. To share my passion I wanted to create a grandfather of all book posts PLUS host a giveaway to bless my fellow book worms...a Jane Austen Tote Bag + A Barnes And Noble Gift Card! Be sure to read how to enter at the end of the post!!  ~Heather ♥

♥♥♥♥♥x's 100000

By far my favorite series of all time. I realize this puts me into one of those "YA screaming fiction girls". But, it's the truth. One girls steps up to save her sister. One boy loves her more than life itself. Together, they defy the government to prove they are not pawns. My favorite character besides Katniss and Peeta?
Cinna. 

 ♥♥♥♥♥

Closely following the Hunger Games is the Lois Lowry trilogy. This story follows three different characters individually, eventually crossing paths throughout the story. Set in a futuristic society where emotions are stamped out in hopes of controlling the human race. A tragic tale of of forgiveness, hope and overcoming evil by taking a leap of faith.

♥♥♥♥♥ x's 10!

The tale of two sisters, a tragic betrayal and a love story that with stands the test of time. Read this book for the second time and loved it even more. I just wish the movie gave it justice! Beautiful, excellent writing from the beloved Austen.

♥♥♥♥♥

When "The Help" was recommended to me by one of my dearest friends, Rachel, I knew I had to give it shot. Honestly, this book was heartbreaking. I felt angry, hurt, bitter, scared and about 100 other emotions. I. Could. Not. Put. It. Down. Note: There is quite a bit of language and a "scene" that I had to skim over just because I couldn't handle it. Not recommended for younger readers.

♥♥♥♥

Ahhh, how I adored this book! Read it last year and found myself busting a gut in fits of laughter in the middle of Starbucks. And people stared. But, it's still my fav little young kiddo book. =) Suitable for just about any age!

♥♥♥

Oh the horrors! I read those books! Terrible, right? Whatever. I kinda got annoyed with people bashing the books when they didn't even bother to read the back of the cover. It's classic teen romance, super sappy, slightly annoying, but fun to read. I may also get a kick out of reading literature that most people consider non-touchable. What I don't get is why people freaked out about someone falling in love with a vampire. Yet, we hail movies where the main character falls in love with super heros, villains, half man/half animal and consider those acceptable. I'm pretty sure that's a double standard. But, with all that said, they aren't my favorite. Notes: TMI situations in the book and some "violence" to be aware of.

♥♥♥♥

Picoult is an amazing writer. The different characters throughout this book pulls you into the story until you feel every bitter thought, heartbreak, triumph and more. By the end of the book, I was so angry at the mother I wanted to punch her in the face. What a selfish pig! I still get mad just thinking about it. Amazing, heart wrenching read that will stick with you for weeks and months afterwards. Notes: Some language, a few incidents that wouldn't be suitable for younger readers.

♥♥♥♥♥ x's 10

For as long as I can remember, I loved reading about WWII. Not that I loved what happened, but that there were survivors. There were those who fought back. Those that found resources and the will to stay alive. These kind of stories touch my heart and inspire me to stand strong in my own daily grind. Even when I've got it so much better. Number The Stars is set in WWII era and follows a young girls story of survival during the terror of those days. A haunting, triumphant tale suitable for most ages. Loved it.

♥♥♥♥♥

If you were faced with losing your family, your home, even your life-- all because of your faith, would you still stand strong? This is a story of faith, trust and giving your all to God in the face of persecution. A haunting, endearing tale of two vastly different men living in a vastly different world.

♥♥♥

I found a copy of this at a recent book fair for $1 and it was brand  new. SUCH A GOOD BOOK. Follows the story of a young girl who is watching a recent tragedy unfold...and she's involved. The only bone I had with this book is there were a few un-lady like phrases that I could have done without. Otherwise a really great read.

♥♥♥♥♥ x's 100000000

Do I have to explain myself with this one? Amazing. Brings me to tears every single time.

 ♥♥♥♥♥ x'10000!

I grew up reading, watching and loving all things related to the Anne girl. I loved her whimsical personality, her love for Gil (as much as she tried to deny it) and of course the gentlemanly kindness that was bestowed on Anne through Gil. A true blue love story without too much fan fare or frills. Still favorites after all these years.

♥♥♥♥♥ x's 100000000!

Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy. Is there anything quite so lovely as this old fashioned love story? I think not.

♥♥♥♥

When I first picked up these books, I was a bit afraid to read them. For starters, I'm all about the futuristic/utopian era books. However, when you read books like Hunger Games, it's hard to fall in love with another series. So yes, I liked matched. BUT. When I read Crossed...oh wow. It was good! Really, good! Can't wait for the third book release coming out in November!

♥♥♥♥♥

I love the rebellious spirit of each character. Sometimes, rebellion is necessary. Espeically when it involves a government trying to snuff out a particular race or group of people. I read this in the car and finished it in two sittings.

♥♥♥♥♥

I read David Copperfield one summer in high school. It took about 4 weeks to plow through the hearty book. It wasn't a fairy tale or filled with happy endings. But, as I read each page, I was sure that David Copperfield was somehow my friend. The kinship born out of reading through the trials, tribulations and triumph of David has lasted all these years.


CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR WINNER: #2 Leanna!



On to the giveaway...

A Jane Austen Tote Bag & $10 Barnes and Noble Gift Card:

You must be a follower of Mrs. Southern Bride (follow via Google Connect on the right hand side)

For an entry:

A) Leave Me YOUR favorite book reviews in the comments!!
 -or-
B) Leave Me a link to your OWN favorite book reviews on your blog in the comments!!

For A Bonus Entry (separate comment on each):

Follow On  Twitter and Tweet about the giveaway!
Follow On Good Reads

I'll announce a winner on August 1st, 2012!