Waiting On: Wish You Were Italian by Kristin Rae

WISH YOU WERE ITALIAN

by Kristin Rae

YA Contemporary
Expected Publication: May 6, 2014
Publisher: Bloomsbury

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Pippa is in Italy for the summer and, despite her parents’ wishes, she has no intention of just studying the local art! She has a list of things of her own to do: from swimming in the Mediterranean Sea to getting a makeover – and falling for an Italian boy! As Pippa explores the dramatic ruins of Rome and Pompeii, she is swept into her own drama with two guys: an irresistible local she knows is nothing but trouble and a cute American archaeology student . . . Will she find her true love?

WHY I'M ANTICIPATING THIS BOOK:

Kristin is a fellow Texan and I met her waiting in a signing line at a book event a while back (2011? 2012?). She was with her mom and they were both super nice, and we talked about her sending chapters to her crit partners... and now LOOK! A BOOK!

Also, Italy! And adventure! And boys! (I've pre-ordered a copy, obviously.)

GET THE BOOK: Goodreads | Amazon | IndieBound | Book Depository

Waiting on Wednesday is hosted by Breaking the Spine and is a weekly event to highlight books we're anticipating.

Waiting on: Fan Art by Sarah Tregay

FAN ART by Sarah Tregay

Expected Publication: June 17, 2014
Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books / HarperCollins

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Senior year is almost over, and Jamie Peterson has a big problem. Not college—that’s all set. Not prom—he’ll find a date somehow. No, it’s the worst problem of all: he’s fallen for his best friend.

As much as Jamie tries to keep it under wraps, everyone seems to know where his affections lie, and the giggling girls in art class are determined to help Jamie get together with Mason. But Jamie isn’t sure if that’s what he wants—because as much as Jamie would like to come clean to Mason, what if the truth ruins everything? What if there are no more road trips, taco dinners, or movie nights? Does he dare risk a childhood friendship for romance?

This book is about what happens when a picture reveals what we can’t say, when art is truer than life, and how falling in love is easy, except when it’s not. Fan Art explores the joys and pains of friendship, of pressing boundaries, and how facing our worst fears can sometimes lead us to what we want most.

WHY I'M ANTICIPATING THIS BOOK:

First, the cover! It's eye-catching, and I love the colors. Also, Jamie's predicament sounds believable and I'd like to get to know Mason to see what the fuss is all about. Plus, I liked Sarah Tregay's book, Love and Leftovers, enough to give anything she writes a try.

GET THE BOOK: Goodreads | Amazon | IndieBound | Book Depository

Waiting on Wednesday is hosted by Breaking the Spine and is a weekly event to highlight books we're anticipating.

Top Ten Books On My Spring 2014 TBR List

It's TOP 10 TUESDAY time! Hosted by The Broke and the Bookish.

The Topic: TOP TEN BOOKS ON MY SPRING TO BE READ LIST

VERONICA MARS: THE THOUSAND-DOLLAR TAN LINE by R. Thomas & Graham

I watched the show as it aired, Kickstarted the movie on day one, saw the movie on Thursday night before the Friday release, and have gotten many people to watch the show. So, yeah... I'm a fan. I'll watch or read anything with Veronica Mars and love it. Thank you, Rob Thomas.

WE WERE LIARS by E. Lockhart

E. Lockhart wrote my favorite YA, The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks, so she's forever a must-read for me, and I'm loving what I've heard about this book so far.

WHAT I THOUGHT WAS TRUE by Huntley Fitzpatrick

I've been waiting for another book by Huntley Fitzpatrick since her debut in 2012 with My Life Next Door (that book had me smiling, crying, and late night texting with G).  

THE GEOGRAPHY OF YOU AND ME by Jennifer E. Smith

She's all about the meet-cute and I totally eat it up. Two teens meet in a NYC elevator during a citywide blackout? Sign me up. 

OPEN ROAD SUMMER by Emory Lord

As soon as I saw this cover, my contemporary loving heart knew it was for me. It's got a country superstar BFF on a summer tour and the cute guy opening for her. What's not to love?

TO ALL THE BOYS I'VE LOVED BEFORE by Jenny Han

I was pretty sure I'd like this book and then G told me there's a solid depiction of a sister relationship, so I'm sold. (Being part of a sister group is a fantastic, interesting, complicated thing, and I love when it's well done.)

REBEL (REBOOT #2) by Amy Tintera

There is no way I'd read Reboot and not keep going. I've been waiting for Rebel for ages, since I read a Reboot ARC before it even came out and OHMYGOD! CAN I KNOW WHAT HAPPENS YET?!

WAITING ON YOU (BLUE HERON #3) by Kristan Higgins

I read everything Kristan Higgins. Her books and characters are charming, cute, and interesting.

CITY OF HEAVENLY FIRE (THE MORTAL INSTRUMENTS #6) by Cassandra Clare
I read the first five books last year right before the movie came out, so obviously I'm going to read the 6th to see what happens.

BEFORE WE KISS (FOOL'S GOLD #14) by Susan Mallery

If there's a Fool's Gold book out there, I'm reading it. I love visiting the same place over and over to get a glimpse of the previous romances and quirky town while following along with a new love story.

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I'll read more than 10 books in the spring and could make this list go on & on forever, but this is a good start! 

Waiting on... Raven

RAVEN (DELIRIUM #2.5)
by Lauren Oliver

Release: March 5, 2013 (HarperCollins)

Goodreads / B&N / Amazon

As a teenager, Raven made the split-second decision to flee across the border to the Wilds, compelled to save an abandoned newborn—a baby girl left for dead and already blue from the cold. When she and the baby are taken in by a band of rebels, Raven finds herself an outsider within a tight-knit group. The only other newcomer is an untrustworthy boy known as the Thief until he finally earns himself a new name: Tack.

Now she and Tack are inseparable, committed to each other, the fledgling rebellion, and a future together. But as they both take center stage in the fight, Raven must decide whether the dangers of the revolution are worth risking her dreams of a peaceful life with Tack.

As her story hurtles back and forth between past and present, Raven transforms from a scared girl newly arrived in the Wilds to the tough leader who helps Lena save former Deliria-Free poster boy Julian Fineman from a death sentence. Whatever the original mission may have been, Raven abides by a conviction that she believes to her core: You always return for the people you love.

HOW did I not realize there is another Delirium novella coming? And it's about Raven! Moving to the Wilds! And becoming a leader! Yes, please!

FYI: All three Delirium previously digital-only novellas will be available together as a paperback called Delirium Stories on March 5, the day Pandemonium (Delirium #3) releases. (This means I will likely own each one separately as ebooks and the paperback with them grouped together, because THAT'S JUST WHO I AM, OKAY!)
IndieBound / Book Depository / B&N / Amazon

No one try to talk to me on March 5, because I'll be very, very busy. Until then, I should probably re-read all things Delirium before then so I make sure I remember all of the details I loved so much the first time around.

"Waiting On Wednesday" is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine.

Waiting On... SINCE YOU ASKED

SINCE YOU ASKED
by Maurene Goo

Release: July 2013 (Scholastic)

Goodreads / Book Depository / B&N / Amazon

A humorous, debut novel about a Korean-American teenager who accidentally lands her own column in her high school newspaper, and proceeds to rant her way through the school year while struggling to reconcile the traditional Korean values of her parents with contemporary American culture.

When I saw this cover, I wanted to read the book right away. I love the bright colors on the cover & the fonts & the pink sunglasses. 

Then I read what it was about, and now I want to read it even more. Korean-American teen with traditional Korean parents? Schools newspaper? I'm there.

"Waiting On Wednesday" is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine.

Waiting on... The Last Academy

THE LAST ACADEMY
by Anne Applegate

Release: May 1, 2013 (Point)

Goodreads / IndieBound / Book Depository / B&N / Amazon

Camden Fisher arrives at boarding school haunted by a falling-out with her best friend back home. But the manicured grounds of Lethe Academy are like nothing Cam has ever known. There are gorgeous, preppy boys wielding tennis rackets, and circles of girls with secrets to spare. Only . . . something is not quite right. One of Cam's new friends mysteriously disappears, but the teachers don't seem too concerned. Cam wakes up to strangers in her room, who then melt into the night. She is suddenly plagued by odd memories, and senses there might be something dark and terrible brewing. But what?



"Waiting On Wednesday" is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine.

Waiting On... THE MOON AND MORE

THE MOON AND MORE
by Sarah Dessen

Release: June 4, 2013 (Viking Juvenile)

Goodreads / IndieBound / Book Depository / B&N / Amazon

Luke is the perfect boyfriend: handsome, kind, fun. He and Emaline have been together all through high school in Colby, the beach town where they both grew up. But now, in the summer before college, Emaline wonders if perfect is good enough.

Enter Theo, a super-ambitious outsider, a New Yorker assisting on a documentary film about a reclusive local artist. Theo's sophisticated, exciting, and, best of all, he thinks Emaline is much too smart for Colby.

Emaline's mostly-absentee father, too, thinks Emaline should have a bigger life, and he's convinced that an Ivy League education is the only route to realizing her potential. Emaline is attracted to the bright future that Theo and her father promise. But she also clings to the deep roots of her loving mother, stepfather, and sisters. Can she ignore the pull of the happily familiar world of Colby?

Emaline wants the moon and more, but how can she balance where she comes from with where she's going?

#$%

A quick search for "Dessen" on the blog would show you that I'm a longtime Sarah Dessen fan. I started reading her books with the very first one (waaaaay back when I was a teen & YA was not quite a real thing). I can always count on her books to be summer vacation on the beach with a twist. I'm sure this one will be just as comforting as her books always are for me. (And I love the new covers!)

"Waiting On Wednesday" is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine.

Waiting on... FALLING FOR YOU

FALLING FOR YOU
by Lisa Schroeder

Release: January 1, 2013 (Simon Pulse)
Goodreads / IndieBound / Book Depository / Amazon

Rae's always dreamed of dating a guy like Nathan. He’s nothing like her abusive stepfather—in other words, he’s sweet. But the closer they get, the more Nathan wants of her time, of her love, of her...and the less she wants to give. 

As Rae’s affection for Nathan turns to fear, she leans on her friend Leo for support. With Leo, she feels lighter, happier. And possessive Nathan becomes jealous. 

Then a tragedy lands Rae in the ICU. Now, hovering between life and death, Rae must find the light amid the darkness…and the strength to fight for life and the love she deserves.

"Waiting On Wednesday" is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine.

Waiting On... THE PROGRAM

THE PROGRAM
by Suzanne Young

Release: April 30, 2013 (Simon Pulse)
Goodreads / Book Depository / B&N / Amazon

Sloane knows better than to cry in front of anyone. 

With suicide now an international epidemic, one outburst could land her in The Program, the only proven course of treatment. Sloane’s parents have already lost one child; Sloane knows they’ll do anything to keep her alive. She also knows that everyone who’s been through The Program returns as a blank slate. Because their depression is gone—but so are their memories.

Under constant surveillance at home and at school, Sloane puts on a brave face and keeps her feelings buried as deep as she can. The only person Sloane can be herself with is James. He’s promised to keep them both safe and out of treatment, and Sloane knows their love is strong enough to withstand anything. But despite the promises they made to each other, it’s getting harder to hide the truth. They are both growing weaker. Depression is setting in.

And The Program is coming for them.

"Waiting On Wednesday" is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine.

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Looking for a book to read for Halloween? See my recommendations here.

Waiting on...

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT
by Colleen Clayton

Expected Release: October 9, 2012 (Poppy)
Goodreads / IndieBound / The Book Depository / B&N / Amazon

Before the ski trip, sixteen-year-old Cassidy “Sid” Murphy was a cheerleader (at the bottom of the pyramid, but still...), a straight-A student, and a member of a solid trio of best friends. When she ends up on a ski lift next to handsome local college boy, Dax Windsor, she’s thrilled; but Dax takes everything from Sid—including a lock of her perfect red curls—and she can’t remember any of it.

Back home and unable to relate to her old friends, Sid drops her college prep classes and takes up residence in the A/V room with only Corey “The Living Stoner” Livingston for company. But as she gets to know Corey (slacker, baker, total dreamboat), Sid finds someone who truly makes her happy. Now, if she can just shake the nightmares and those few extra pounds, everything will be perfect... or so she thinks.

The dark image & the eye-catching font & the almost complete mystery about what is actually going to happen in this book make me really want to read it. The "or so she thinks" is taunting me. I don't know what happens next, but I NEED TO. 

"Waiting On Wednesday" is a weekly event, hosted by Jill from Breaking the Spine.

Waiting on...

TIME BETWEEN US
by Tamara Ireland Stone

Release: October 9, 2012 (Hyperion)
Goodreads / IndieBound / The Book Depository / B&N / Amazon

Anna and Bennett were never supposed to meet: she lives in 1995 Chicago and he lives in 2012 San Francisco. But Bennett’s unique ability to travel through time and space brings him into Anna’s life, and with him, a new world of adventure and possibility.

As their relationship deepens, they face the reality that time might knock Bennett back where he belongs, even as a devastating crisis throws everything they believe into question. Against a ticking clock, Anna and Bennett are forced to ask themselves how far they can push the bounds of fate—and what consequences they can bear in order to stay together.

This one grabbed me on pretty hair and lighting, and kept my interest when I read the words "travel through time"... I can't remember reading a time travel book (have I?!), but I definitely want to!

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Over on my personal blog recently: a peek inside my May Birchbox, super easy (and delicious) stove top mac & cheese, and how I accidentally liked Battleship. All right here. 

Do you use Bloglovin'? I've started following a bunch of blogs over there recently and it does seem to keep me up to date more than I had been recently. >>> Follow my blog with Bloglovin!

"Waiting On Wednesday" is a weekly event, hosted by Jill from Breaking the Spine.

Waiting On...

MY LIFE NEXT DOOR
by Huntley Fitzpatrick

Expected Release Date: June 14, 2012

Goodreads / IndieBound / The Book Depository / B&N / Amazon

“One thing my mother never knew, and would disapprove of most of all, was that I watched the Garretts. All the time.”

The Garretts are everything the Reeds are not. Loud, numerous, messy, affectionate. And every day from her balcony perch, seventeen-year-old Samantha Reed wishes she was one of them . . . until one summer evening, Jase Garrett climbs her terrace and changes everything. As the two fall fiercely in love, Jase's family makes Samantha one of their own. Then in an instant, the bottom drops out of her world and she is suddenly faced with an impossible decision. Which perfect family will save her? Or is it time she saved herself?

I've wanted to read this book forever based on the cover alone. I love the light, the sky, the fence, and the yellow font is just perfect. Then I read Ginger's review and now I'm anxiously awaiting my pre-order!

"Waiting On Wednesday" is a weekly event, hosted by Jill from Breaking the Spine.

Waiting On Wednesday

SMART GIRLS GET WHAT THEY WANT
by Sarah Strohmeyer

Expected Release Date: June 26, 2012
IndieBound / The Book Depository / B&N / Amazon

Gigi, Bea, and Neerja are best friends and total overachievers. Even if they aren’t the most popular girls in school, they aren’t too worried. They know their real lives will begin once they get to their Ivy League colleges. There will be ivy, and there will be cute guys in the libraries (hopefully with English accents)! But when an unexpected event shows them they’re missing out on the full high school experience, it’s time to come out of the honors lounge and into the spotlight. They make a pact: They will each take on their greatest challenge—and they will totally rock it.

Gigi decides to run for student rep, but she’ll have to get over her fear of public speaking—and go head-to-head with gorgeous California Will. Bea used to be one of the best skiers around, until she was derailed. It could be time for her to take the plunge again. And Neerja loves the drama club but always stayed behind the scenes—until now.

These friends are determined to show that smart girls get what they want—but that could mean getting way more attention than they ever bargained for....

This cover grabs me. Throw in a pact between three best friends & I'm there. This one's out soooooon, so be sure to add it to your Goodreads list or pre-order a copy! 

"Waiting On Wednesday" is a weekly event, hosted by Jill from Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

WAITING ON WEDNESDAY #08

TAKE A BOW
by Elizabeth Eulberg

Expected Release Date: April 1, 2012

Goodreads / IndieBound
The Book Depository / B&N / Amazon

From the fantastic author of The Lonely Hearts Club and Prom & Prejudice comes a story of all the drama and comedy of four friends who grow into themselves at a performing arts high school.

Emme, Sophie, Ethan, and Carter are seniors at a performing arts school, getting ready for their Senior Showcase recital, where the pressure is on to appeal to colleges, dance academies, and professionals in show business. For Sophie, a singer, it's been great to be friends with Emme, who composes songs for her, and to date Carter, soap opera heartthrob who gets plenty of press coverage. Emme and Ethan have been in a band together through all four years of school, but wonder if they could be more than just friends and bandmates. Carter has been acting since he was a baby, and isn't sure how to admit that he'd rather paint than perform. The Senior Showcase is going to make or break each of the four, in a funny, touching, spectacular finale that only Elizabeth Eulberg could perform.

I am SUCH a sucker for kids at a special school... boarding school, American school in a foreign country, performing arts high school... yes, please!

"Waiting On Wednesday" is a weekly event, hosted by Jill from Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

WAITING ON WEDNESDAY #07

"Waiting On Wednesday" is a weekly event, hosted by Jill from Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

BREAKING BEAUTIFUL
by Jennifer Shaw Wolf

Expected Release Date: April 24, 2012

Goodreads / IndieBound / The Book Depository / Amazon

Allie lost everything the night her boyfriend, Trip, died in a horrible car accident—including her memory of the event. As their small town mourns his death, Allie is afraid to remember because doing so means delving into what she’s kept hidden for so long: the horrible reality of their abusive relationship.

When the police reopen the investigation, it casts suspicion on Allie and her best friend, Blake, especially as their budding romance raises eyebrows around town. Allie knows she must tell the truth. Can she reach deep enough to remember that night so she can finally break free? Debut writer Jennifer Shaw Wolf takes readers on an emotional ride through the murky waters of love, shame, and, ultimately, forgiveness.

I'm curious about this one... The way that people are practically turned into saints after their death is interesting to me. (Why? It's not like they're around to know what you're thinking about them anyway? And is their family so delusional they think they were PERFECT? Anyway... ) Sounds like it has the potential to be pretty heartbreaking & stressful, but with the right amount of sweetness & relief in the form of the BFF-turned-boyfriend. Plus, I like the cover.

WAITING ON WEDNESDAY #06

"Waiting On Wednesday" is a weekly event, hosted by Jill from Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

HOOKED
by Catherine Greenman

Expected Release Date: August 9, 2011

Goodreads / IndieBound / The Book Depository / Amazon

Thea Galehouse has always known how to take care of herself. With a flighty club-owner mom and a standoffish, recovering-alcoholic dad, Thea has made her own way in her hometown of New York, attending the prestigious and competitive Stuyvesant High School. But one chat with Will, a handsome and witty senior, and she's a goner—completely hooked on him and unable to concentrate on anything else.

Always worried that she loves Will more than he loves her, Thea is pleasantly surprised when their romance weathers his move to college and Will goes out of his way to involve her in his life. But then, Thea misses a period. And that starts Thea and Will on a wild ride that neither of them could have possibly prepared for. When they decide to keep the baby, their concerned parents chip in what they can to keep Will in school and give both teenagers a comfortable place to raise their child. But when a freak accident leaves Thea shaken and threatens to upend their little family altogether, Thea is forced to turn to the last place she would have chosen for comfort: her stiff, uncompromising father.

This smart, touching first novel brims with realistic, beautifully drawn characters, and reminds us that love is never as easy or predictable as we might like it to be.

I'm cautiously curious about this one... just enough to know I'll read it, of course.

WAITING ON WEDNESDAY #05

"Waiting On Wednesday" is a weekly event, hosted by Jill from Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

THE BEGINNING OF AFTER
by Jennifer Castle

Release Date: September 6, 2011

Goodreads / The Book Depository / Amazon

Sixteen-year-old Laurel's world changes instantly when her parents and brother are killed in a terrible car accident. Behind the wheel is the father of her bad-boy neighbor, David Kaufman, whose mother is also killed. In the aftermath of the tragedy, Laurel navigates a new reality in which she and her best friend grow apart, boys may or may not be approaching her out of pity, overpowering memories lurk everywhere, and Mr. Kaufman is comatose but still very much alive. Through it all, there is David, who swoops in and out of Laurel's life and to whom she finds herself attracted against her better judgment. She will forever be connected to him by their mutual loss, a connection that will change them both in unexpected ways.

Something about this book made me want to read it the second I saw it. I haven't read any reviews yet, but I'll probably probably torture myself with some soon & then wait, wait, wait until the release in September.

WAITING ON WEDNESDAY #04

"Waiting On Wednesday" is a weekly event, hosted by Jill from Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

COLD KISS
by Amy Garvey

Release Date: September 20, 2011

Goodreads / The Book Depository / Amazon

When her boyfriend, Danny, is killed in a car accident, Wren can’t imagine living without him. Wild with grief, she uses the untamed powers she’s inherited to bring him back. But the Danny who returns is just a shell of the boy she once loved.

Wren has spent four months keeping Danny hidden, while her life slowly unravels around her. Then Gabriel DeMarnes transfers to her school and somehow, inexplicably, he can sense her secret. Wren finds herself drawn to Gabriel, who is so much more alive than the ghost of the boy she loved. But Wren can’t turn her back on Danny or the choice she made for him—and she realizes she must find a way to make things right, even if it means breaking her own heart.

Amy Garvey’s transcendent teen debut is perfect for fans of Shiver and Beautiful Creatures. Wren’s unforgettable voice and story will stay with readers long after the last page is turned.

The cover is interesting and does a really good job of making me feel COLD. The synopsis has me intrigued (and a bit perplexed), so I'll have to give it a go!

WAITING ON WEDNESDAY #03

"Waiting On Wednesday" is a weekly event, hosted by Jill from Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

BAD TASTE IN BOYS

by Carrie Harris

Release Date: July 12, 2011

Goodreads / IndieBound / The Book Depository / Amazon

Kate Grable is horrified to find out that the football coach has given the team steroids. Worse yet, the steroids are having an unexpected effect, turning hot gridiron hunks into mindless flesh-eating zombies. No one is safe--not her cute crush Aaron, not her dorky brother, Jonah . . . not even Kate!

She's got to find an antidote--before her entire high school ends up eating each other. So Kate, her best girlfriend, Rocky, and Aaron stage a frantic battle to save their town. . . and stay hormonally human.

I'd give this book a shot based on the cover alone! Add in zombies, turning it into a story like no other I've ever read? I'm sold!

WAITING ON WEDNESDAY #02

"Waiting On Wednesday" is a weekly event, hosted by Jill from Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

AMPLIFIED

by Tara Kelly

Release Date: October 25, 2011

Goodreads / IndieBound / The Book Depository / Amazon

When privileged 17-year-old Jasmine gets kicked out of her house, she takes what is left of her savings and flees to Santa Cruz to pursue her dream of becoming a musician. Jasmine finds the ideal room in an oceanfront house, but she needs to convince the three guys living there that she's the perfect roommate and lead guitarist for their band, C-Side. Too bad she has major stage fright and the cute bassist doesn't think a spoiled girl from over the hill can hack it. . . .

I've wanted to read AMPLIFIED since the second I saw the cover. The promise of a girl out on her own and rocking out only makes me anticipate it more!