Books I Love

I've always loved to read. Unfortunately, I don't have as much time for it now as I would like {my time seems to be consumed with required reading instead of the fun stuff...} but I always like to take a good trip down memory lane and remember some of my favorites over the years.

A Billion Reasons Why: Okay, here it is, I'll admit it, I am a sucker for a good romantic, love-overflowing, flirty back-and-forth novel. This book {minus its over the top cheesy title} is everything I love about sappy romance. While it does have its stereotypical moments, the moral of the story is strong and the love story is very romantic.

Can't Let You Go: I've written reviews on Jenny B Jones' books before {see one here} and I can honestly still say she is my favorite author. Her books are the perfect balance of fun, witty, romantic, and laugh out loud hilarious. This book I especially liked because it continued the story of one of my all time favorite JBJ characters. This one is a definite must read {but read the prior books first or you'll be completely confused}

What a Girl Wants: Ashley Stockingdale {the main character of this book series} will always have a special place in my heart} I think one of the reasons why I love this character so much is because she's so different from me yet so similar all at the same time. Her life is a crazy, chaotic, beautiful mess and somehow she makes it work. If you're looking for a book to remind that everything is going to be okay, this series is a definite must for you. Plus I can guarantee you'll have tears pouring down your face from laughing so hard.

The Convenient Groom: This story is the perfect combination of "this could never happen" and "I kinda wish it would" but it works all at the same time. The leading characters are so real and the story that develops is truly beautiful. While it may be a bit unrealistic {or at least I hope...} you will be laughing and crying right along with our leading lady.

Heist Society: I started reading Ally Carter with the Gallagher Girls mysteries when I was in middle school. This "more grown up" mystery series is very interesting. Reading from the viewpoint of a criminal and learning to relate to that criminal is very interesting and new for me. I really appreciate the writing style and the solid story plot that accompany this book.

Even Now: This book had me in tears. I'm not a big "cryer" but I full out ugly girl cried through this book. The story is so beautiful and heart-breaking all at the same time. It will remind you of the beauty that can come out of sad situations. {If you're looking for another good book to make you cry, the sequel this one, Ever After, will make you ball like a baby}

Leaving: Baily Flannigan, the main character in this Karen Kingsbury series, was very relateable to me. It's not often that I really "connect" with a character in a book and feel as if they are just like me. I found the storyline to be a bit unrealistic and idealistic but overall, you really learn a lot from the girl with a heart of gold.

Do you have an all time favorite book? Share in the comment section below, I'd love to read it.

App Lovin'

I am by no means a technological guru. I can barely tell a widget from an app (that's a joke...). But I do appreciate technology that makes my life: more productive, more amusing, interesting, funny, etc. Some of my favorite blog posts to read are peoples favorites. So here are few of my ultimate favorite apps and why a love love them.

1. She Reads Truth: I posted about this app previously (see post here) but I just really like this devotional app. I always feel so trendy and hipster when I open this app (I'm not... but I like to pretend I am). Also, the content is inspired and well organized. I'm currently working the Hymns devotional series and love it. It's perfect for a quick bible study before class and really boosts my day.

2. Shutterfly App: I've been a committed user of Shutterfly since 6th grade when I was given my first digital camera. Now I love having the app because I can store all of my pictures in one place and still have access to them on my phone if I want to post a #tbt or #fbf or... well you get the point. It's free, easy, you have unlimited storage, and it helps me keep my photos organized and streamlined.

3. Dwelp: This game is addictive!!! I received this app as free promo from Starbucks through their rewards program and I have a serious love/hate relationship with it. It really makes you think but it will make you angry... in a good way. It's like the intellectual version of Flappy Birds.

4. Coupon Sherpa: My aunt told me about this app a few months ago and it's really good. Not to brag but this app helped me get an $80 Polo Ralph Lauren dress shirt for $20 (I. Know.) I love this app and it has great deals that actually work.

5. The Weather Channel: I'm not sure about you guys but where I live it has been VERY COLD lately. While I like the simplicity of the weather app that comes on my iphone, the weather channel gives details like what it feels like (negative 30 in case you're wondering), wind speed, etc. that the apple app doesn't provide. And that's pretty nice.

6. Pinterest: I know, classic blogger app but my cousin recently got engaged (squeal!!) and we've been pinning a lot to our shared board with wedding ideas. I have an all new appreciation for Pinterest.

What are your favorite apps that can't live without (or could but choose not to)?