When it comes to reading, I'm a bit like Belle. I love stories about "far off places, daring sword fights, a prince in disguise..." As Audrey Hepburn once said, "If I'm honest, I have to tell you I still read fairytales, and I like them best of alI." I'm with you girl!
Here are some titles you should definitely add to your reading list this coming year...
I'll be placing the amazon synopsis for each book in quotes after I share my thoughts:-)
The Tales of Tarsurella Series by Livy Jarmusch
This series is actually written by one of my insta friends, Livy Jarmusch, and let me tell you, it's SO GOOD!!!
I had the privilege of pre-reading the series before it came out and you can spot my review in the front of "The Coronation"!
-The Coronation
The first book in the series is a magnificent start to a modern fairytale adventure:
"Prince Addison is only several weeks away from inheriting the Kingdom of Tarsurella. The entire Palace is ablaze with excitement, as the Royal Family prepares for the event of a lifetime. Despite the exciting event which is near at hand, Addison and his younger siblings (all seven of them!) must carry on with their daily activities. Addison’s sisters, Princesses Bridget, Chasity, and Hope, have their struggles with being iconic European starlets of a modern day monarchy. The teen heiresses grace magazine covers, smile for photoshoots, and gracefully glide through important interviews–until a certain American popstar arrives on the scene.
Kennetic Energy, the wildly popular band from the United States, is chosen to play at Addison’s Coronation. David Carter, the band’s handsome lead singer, fumbles through awkward moments with Princess Hope–in front of the cameras. When an embarrassing rumor sparks that Princess Hope is dating the young fellow, she is determined to get the band fired from their Royal gig.
Meanwhile, Princess Chasity is dealing with her own fragile affairs of the heart. Her new security guard, Hanson Fletcher, is completely captivating, yet entirely frustrating. She attempts to keep the entrance of her heart firmly protected, while following the wisdom of Proverbs 4:23. But can she be successful in guarding her heart, from her security guard?
The Coronation is Book #1 in The Tales of Tarsurella Trilogy."
Here are some quotes from the book:
-The Rebellion
Book #2 definitely isn't a let down! You pick up right where you left off with the old characters and meet some new ones as well!
"Something is brewing. Like the far off rumble of a train in the distance, a rebellion is stirring. A cry for change arises in the midst of a traditional monarchy, where King Addison has inherited the throne. Who are the underground troublemakers? What is stirring their defiant banner and demand for change? Find out in The Rebellion! (The Tales of Tarsurella #2)
Vanessa Bennett lands her dream job working at the Palace in Tarsurella. She struggles to balance everything on her plate: life in a new country, stressful deadlines, crabby co-workers, college classes at the local University, and blossoming feelings of romantic adoration toward her boss–King Addison. Keeping up with her To-Do list, while trying to earn respect in Addison’s male-dominated administration, presents its challenges. Nevertheless, she can’t help but fight a reoccurring thought and the excitement rising with it: is Addison interested in her?
Addison is adjusting to his new role as King. Rumors of a rebellious uprising among the youth in Tarsurella intensifies, as acts of violence and protest break out across the city. Addison is determined to uncover the hidden instigator who fearlessly blogs democracy-driven ideals with a secretive pen name. Will Addison discover and expose the fiery rebellion leader? Or will his efforts fail to stop the rebellious thoughts spreading like wildfire, causing a heartbreaking rift in his divided nation?"
Regal Hearts Series by Livy Jarmusch
Another lovely series by Miss Livy, "Regal Hearts" has it all; a Princess, a Popstar, an Amish Girl and an Average Girl...
"Following the dramatic birth of her royal daughters, the Queen of Bella Adar is murdered by the merciless sword of an evil usurper. The helpless princesses are placed in the care of the URIA, an undercover organization who safely extracts and protects the girls from a tragic fate. Sixteen years later, Lena Bodner encounters a stranger who uncovers secrets from her past... The Regal Hearts Season 1 Bundle introduces you to the beginning of an exciting story written in a unique “TV Show” format. Livy has been releasing these episodes on a weekly basis, but now you can read the entire first season (10 Episodes!) all at once! Please note that Episode 10 ends with a Cliff Hanger, and this is just the beginning of the Regal Hearts series! Reading Regal Hearts is like watching a TV show unfold in your mind, so you'll have to be patient for the release of each new episode in Season 2!"
The Orphans Wish by Melanie Dickerson
Melanie Is one of my favorite authors beacuse she writes Medieval Fairy Tale Retellings! This is her Aladdin retelling that came out this year:
"Orphaned and alone, Aladdin travels from the streets of his Arab homeland to a strange, faraway place. Growing up in an orphanage, he meets young Lady Kirstyn, whose father is the powerful Duke of Hagenheim. Despite the difference in their stations, Aladdin quickly becomes Kirstyn’s favorite companion, and their childhood friendship grows into a bond that time and opposition cannot break.
Even as a child, Aladdin works hard, learning all he can from his teachers. Through his integrity, intelligence, and sheer tenacity, he earns a position serving as the duke’s steward. But that isn’t enough to erase the shame of being forced to steal as a small child—or the fact that he’s an orphan with no status. If he ever wants to feel equal to his beautiful and generous friend Kirstyn, he must leave Hagenheim and seek his fortune.
Yet once Aladdin departs, Lady Kirstyn becomes a pawn in a terrible plot. Now, Aladdin and Kirstyn must rely on their bond to save her from unexpected danger. But will saving Kirstyn cost Aladdin his newfound status and everything he’s worked so hard to obtain?
An enchanting new version of the well-known tale, The Orphan’s Wish tells a story of courage and loyalty, friendship and love, and reminds us what “family” really means."
The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis
There's nothing better than classic literature, and C.S. Lewis is some of the best. I was recently in a local play of "The Lion, the Witch & the Wardrobe" and so I decided I'd re-read some of the Narnia series. It didn't disappoint! The nice thing about them is they are fairly short and nice feel good stories to read. If you don't know the plot, here it is:
"Fantastic creatures, heroic deeds, epic battles in the war between good and evil, and unforgettable adventures come together in this world where magic meets reality, which has been enchanting readers of all ages for over sixty years. The Chronicles of Narnia has transcended the fantasy genre to become a part of the canon of classic literature."
Waterfall by Lisa T. Bergren
This is the first book I've read from this author, but I absolutely loved it! It's a time travel book set in Italy..what could be better:
"Gabriella has never spent a summer in Italy like this one. Remaining means giving up all she’s known and loved … and leaving means forfeiting what she’s come to know—and love itself.
Most American teenagers want a vacation in Italy, but the Bentarrini sisters have spent every summer of their lives with their parents, famed Etruscan scholars, among the romantic hills. In Book One of the River of Time series, Gabi and Lia are stuck among the rubble of medieval castles in rural Tuscany on yet another hot, boring, and dusty archeological site … until Gabi places her hand atop a handprint in an ancient tomb and finds herself in fourteenth-century Italy. And worse yet, in the middle of a fierce battle between knights of two opposing forces.
And thus she comes to be rescued by the knight-prince Marcello Falassi, who takes her back to his father’s castle—a castle Gabi has seen in ruins in another life. Suddenly Gabi’s summer in Italy is much, much more interesting. But what do you do when your knight in shining armor lives, literally, in a different world?"
I hope you like my top picks. Let me know if you've read any of these, or if you give them a try! Also share your favorite books from this year, because I'd love to check them out!