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My name is Ardis and I am an avid reader and budding writer. I want to share my love of books with others. I work with kids and am interested in finding and creating books that will ignite the reader in everyone. Contact me at: ardis.atkins@gmail.com

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MsArdychan's bookshelf: read

I Owe You One
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society
Love, Hate & Other Filters
The Wartime Sisters
The Belles
The Gilded Wolves
Hey, Kiddo
Blackberry and Wild Rose
Queen of Air and Darkness
Firestarter
The Retribution of Mara Dyer
The Evolution of Mara Dyer


MsArdychan's favorite books »

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Thursday, November 19, 2015

Spreading The Blogger Love #6


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This week all I've wanted to do is hug my cat (and my kids). I am dedicating this week to highlighting other blogs that I love. I have learned so much from becoming a book blogger, not just about books, but about being supportive to others, writing honestly while maintaining civility, and thinking carefully about what kind of energy I am sending out into the web when I post.  I know that what I am doing this week is not going to change anything.  But in the face of tragedy I choose to respond with kindness.  I hope we can all try to be a little nicer to each other; no matter what color, what religion, what citizen status, we are all the same.

Here are three more wonderful blogs that you should check out.

1.  It Starts at Midnight:




One of the best organized book blogs I have ever seen, this blog is run by Shannon.  She reads and comments on all kinds of YA books.  She has some great opinion pieces, reviews, blog tours, and giveaways.  Everything is laid out so well, it makes you want to meander around and look at everything.  Shannon also seems to be heavily involved in connecting to other bloggers through challenges such as the 2015 Discussion Challenge, The Shelfie Hop, and the New Release giveaway hop.  When I go to this blog, I feel like I'm "In the know" about all the cool happenings among book blogs.

2.  Reading Addict:




 I've gotten a lot of comments and interaction from a blogger named Crina.  She runs a blog called Reading Addict.  Her blog focuses on YA, NA, Dystopia, Paranormal, Urban Fantasy, Contemporary and Mystery/Thriller.  Whew, that's a lot of different types of books!  Crina does a BUNCH of blog tours, Book Blitzes, giveaways, and reviews.  Her blog is another place where I feel like I am getting the latest information on new books.  Crina is very friendly and kind and I am so glad I found her blog.

3.  Novel Ink:






Isn't this a lovely logo!  This is a beautiful Blog run by two bloggers, Christy and Erica.  They are both fun, happy people who absolutely love all things books.  They have book reviews, discussion posts, and unique features such as Trivia Tuesday, Hooked, and Inked.  Because there are two bloggers, you get twice the amount of books, genres, and styles.  Erica focuses on Contemporary and Romance, while Christy loves Dystopian and Mystery.  This blog has reviews that really personify writing with a voice.  I can learn a lot from how they show their personalities through writing.  They are also sweethearts who take the time to write comments on other blogs.  This is something I need to dedicate time to do each week.  It takes effort and I appreciate it when folks take the time to comment.







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Wednesday, November 18, 2015

Spreading The Blogger Love #5


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My week of Spreading The Blogger Love continues.  I love how bloggers are there to encourage each other.  When I first started this blog, I didn't know the first thing about blogging and had tons of questions.  Thankfully, several bloggers came to my rescue.  Other bloggers have been very kind in encouraging me through their comments.  Here are a few more blogs that make me smile.

1.  Mikayla's Bookshelf:








This blogger loves YA, Fantasy, Dystopian, and Chic Lit.  I like her blog because her reviews are fun and filled with cool GIFs.  It doesn't hurt that I happen to have very similar tastes in books (Queen of The Tearling is one of my favs, too).  She has regular features such as Top Ten Tuesday, Waiting on Wednesday, and Feature & Follow Friday. I also appreciate that she takes the time to come to my site and comment on a regular basis.  This makes me feel like people are actually reading my blog and that I am getting to know them, which is why I started a blog in the first place.

2.  The Innocent Smiley:







When I first started my blog, I would go to other blogs and look with envy at all the cool gadgets on their pages.  One of the things that caught my attention on The Innocent Smiley's site was the Blog Roll on the side of her page.  I liked it so much, I got up the courage to email the blogger, named Valerie, to ask her how she did it.  Could she direct me to a website or reference that would explain how to do the coding?  She not only quickly replied, but explained (in a lengthy email) exactly how to do it.  She gave me example code and even offered to further explain it to me.  Such generousness  of spirit touched me greatly.  She gave me a great tool to show off the blogs I like, but also made me feel like I wasn't stupid.  Her site includes Top Ten Tuesdays, Reviews and posts about her life.  Her site shows how you can find ways to share about your life and connect with your readers (and be super nice along the way).

3.  Milky Way of Books:

Mikly Way of books








Run by Alexandra, from Greece, this blog focuses on Paranormal Romance, YA Fantasy, and Dystopian books.  She is very active with blog tours of new releases, so if you follow her blog, you are sure to be in the know for all the latest books.    Her blog has a very lovely design which will make you want to just explore and explore all the goodies on her site.  I really appreciate Alexandra because she is another blogger who takes the time to comment on my site.  The more often you can visit and comment each week, the more you can get to know your fellow bloggers.




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Tuesday, November 17, 2015

Spreading The Blogger Love #4


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My week of Spreading the Blogger Love continues.  I love how supportive bloggers are with one another. Here are three (of many) blogs that I have felt so much support from over the past few months.  These bloggers are helpful and cheer on others.

1.  Read Write Love 28:






This blog is run by the wonderful Nori.  I think she has only been blogging for about a year, but man she knows what she's doing!  Nori heads several projects that highlight debut authors.  Every month, she has her Sunday Street Team to feature new authors and she gets other bloggers in on the action.  She coordinates a whole feast of activities including author interviews, reviews, giveaways, etc. so that these authors get lots of love and support.  Nori is also very active on Twitter @ReadWriteLove28 where she hosts #RQWN (Random Questions With Nori), a Twitter chat that is fast-paced and irreverent.

2.  Chasing Faerytales:










This blog is run by Mishma from Sri Lanka, and Jillian from the Philippines.  These two are teens, leading busy lives yet they still find time to make a creative blog, filled with informative posts.  One thing they do, which I haven't seen on other blogs, is have lots of guest posts.  These guests are other excellent bloggers.  This keeps the blog really interesting.  It's like they have a talk show going with different "guests",  Very Cool.  I also know Mishma from Twitter @chasingfaes.  She is sweet, kind, and has very astute observations about the days happenings.

3.  A Great Read:













This site is run by Jessica.  She has been really nice about commenting on my posts, which make me feel so happy.  When you visit her blog you can see she has a lot of things going on.  She's got reviews, giveaways, and does weekly features including, What Are You Reading Mondays, Teaser & Top Ten Tuesdays, Waiting on Wednesdays, and more.  Plus, her blog is filled with lots of humor!  She has a great link right now to a hilarious YouTube video of Buffy vs, Edward.  Oh my gosh, I laughed so hard.









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Monday, November 16, 2015

Spreading The Blogger Love #3


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With all the horrible world-wide events of this last weekend, I feel no motivation to just do regular posts right now. Amid the senseless violence there were many acts of courage, such as the man, named Adel Termos, in Beirut, Lebanon who tackled a suicide bomber to the ground, saving countless lives.  Sadly, he did not survive.   You can read more about this here in this news report. 

 I feel like many of us could use a big hug.  Please remember that there is so much good in the world, too.  So, in the spirit of warmth and comfort, I will spend the week highlighting lots of different blogs that I like.  Please check them out, leave a kind post, and just spread the love.

1.  Rather Too Fond of Books:









This blog is run by a woman named Hayley out of the U.K.  Because of this, she is spotlighting books that I haven't heard of before, but that sound amazing!  I think I can get these books through Book Depository, so I'm looking forward to ordering several of her recommendations.  I am particularly interested in the Christmas books she has mentioned.   They look fun and that is what I need right now.  She does Blog Tours, reviews,  giveaways, and a weekly wrap-up.

2.  Books Bones & Buffy:





 
The name of the blog pulled me in.  Any mention of Buffy and I'm an instant fan!  This blog is run by Tammy, who focuses on Fantasy, Horror, and Science Fiction.  She has lots of reviews and giveaways.  I really like these genres and so I am getting lots of great book recommendations from this blog.  She does Waiting on Wednesday, and her own twice-monthly book haul post called Overbooked (too cute, right?).  If you are a fan of Fantasy, you will love this blog!

3.  Inked Brownies:






This blogger, named Anne, is from Holland.  She combines two things I love: books and baking!  She focuses on Fantasy, YA and travel books (some of my favorites).  She loves baking and includes some yummy looking recipes to her blog.  I plan on trying out her Triple Chocolate Pumpkin cake for Thanksgiving!  I really love how some blogs seem to really embody the personality of the blogger.  I think Inked Brownies achieves this spectacularly! 




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Sunday, November 15, 2015

ARC Book Review: The Sisters of Versailles



First of all, I want to express my deepest condolences to those who lost loved ones during the atrocious attack on Paris on November 13.  It breaks my heart to see such a beautiful city torn apart by fear.  Whatever the reasons these criminals have, it is NEVER justifiable to take lives.  How I wish problems could be solved peacefully.

Okay, back to books...






Synopsis (From GoodReads):


 A sumptuous and sensual tale of power, romance, family, and betrayal centered around four sisters and one King. Carefully researched and ornately detailed, The Sisters of Versailles is the first book in an exciting new historical fiction trilogy about King Louis XV, France's most "well-beloved" monarch, and the women who shared his heart and his bed.

Goodness, but sisters are a thing to fear.

Set against the lavish backdrop of the French Court in the early years of the 18th century, The Sisters of Versailles is the extraordinary tale of the five Nesle sisters: Louise, Pauline, Diane, Hortense, and Marie-Anne, four of whom became mistresses to King Louis XV. Their scandalous story is stranger than fiction but true in every shocking, amusing, and heartbreaking detail.



Review:


I received this ARC courtesy of NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.  My views are not influenced by anyone other than myself.

When I began reading The Sisters of Versailles, I was giddy with anticipation of a juicy read.  This books is filled with fashion, court intrigue, backstabbing sisters, fashion, fashion...  Oh, did I mention there's a lot of descriptions of dresses in this book?  This is obviously a well-researched depiction of court life at Versailles.  While it was fascinating, I felt like I was eating a steady diet of sweets, and not getting a full meal.

The story centers around five sisters, four of whom managed to become mistresses to King Louis XV.  That's a pretty astounding feat to be sure, but I was looking for a more well-rounded historical fiction book.  Even though the Revolution wouldn't occur until 15 years after his death, the events of King Louis XV's reign would put into motion the decadence of Versailles and the unrest of the masses.  Although the book did make vague references to a famine and the masses hatred of the King's mistresses, I didn't feel how the events in the book fit in to the larger history of the times.  I would have loved to read a few chapters from the point of view of some of the servants.  Their more simple lives would have contrasted well with the ridiculous luxury of the main characters and would have grounded the book better.

I did enjoy the letters between the sisters.  Each letter showed the characters' personality and there were many parts where one could read between the lines to understand more of what was happening than what was actually being said. 

I did like this book!  I just feel like it could have been even better with the addition of more depth.  If you like reading about the decadence of Versailles, you will enjoy this book.  This is supposed to be a trilogy about the many mistresses of King Louis XV.  I assume at least one of the books would center around the most famous of the King's women, Madame de Pompadour.  She apparently was very influential in running the country during the Kin's later years.  Perhaps then we will see a book with more history and less bedroom drama.


Rating:  

 
Release Date: September 1, 2015
Source:ARC from NetGalley

Format:  E-book

Recommendation: A fun read, but not very historical.

Will I read more from this author:  No thanks





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Saturday, November 14, 2015

Stacking The Shelves #5



Stacking The Shelves was started by Tynga's Reviews.  Please check out this amazing blog!

I read two rather grown up books this week.  Both were on the long side, so I didn't get to read my third book for the week, so I'm a little behind on my goal of three books per week.  Can I sprint through four books this week?  I am not sure, but I will try.  I am using a monthly strategy to plan out my reading.  The problem with this approach is that it leaves no room for spontaneity.  When I suddenly get approved for an ARC or that long awaited books finally arrives at the library, it throws my whole plan out the window!   Any suggestions?

From NetGalley:






From the Library:




Borrowed from a Friend:




Books Read:




Posts for the week:


Sunday, November 8th:  ARC Review of Crystallum

Monday, November 9th:  Book Review of To All The Boys I've Loved Before

Tuesday, November 10:  Book Review of The Kitchen House

Thursday, November 12:  Three 4 Thursday:

Friday, November 13:  Feature & Follow Friday





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Thursday, November 12, 2015

Feature & Follow Friday


Happy Friday, everyone!  I am one of two featured bloggers for this Friday!  My blog is in the spotlight on Parajunkee's blog, while Alison Can Read is highlighting the blog called Whatever You Can Still Betray.  I enjoy #FFF because it is a way for me to find new blogs and check out how other blogs do their thing.  I am also developing fun friendships with fellow bloggers.  I will try to go to and follow as many of the blogs on the blog hop as I can and I hope you guys will follow me, too.  


Feature #1:  Me
Here are my answers to the Featured Blogger questions:

When did you start blogging:
Technically, I started this blog in February of this year.  But I really didn't start blogging with any commitment until July.  Since then, I have worked hard to post reviews and other original content up at least 4 times per week.  

What is your favorite part of book blogging?
My favorite part of blogging is interacting with people who write comments to my posts.  I really like getting into conversations about books and exchanging thoughts about bookish subjects.

What type of books do you mainly blog about?
I mainly blog about YA Contemporary and Fantasy books.  But I also love to read and review Historical Fiction and Classic novels.

What are your favorite novels?
My all time favorite book is Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austin.  More recently, I have loved The Wrath & The Dawn by Renee Ajdieh, The Martian by Andy Weir,  and The Book of the Unknown Americans by Cristina Henriquez (that one really killed me!).

What has been the best thing that has happened to you because of book blogging?
The best thing that has happened to me because of blogging is finding other people who share my passion about reading!  Both online, and in person, I have connected to more people by talking about books.  When I am talking to friends, I usually ask them, "What are you reading right now?".  It's a great conversation starter and I learn a lot about someone by what they read and what they think about books.



When did you start blogging:
I started blogging in 2009 but back then, it was just some random posts about life in general and ranting.  It wasn't until June 2010 that I formally established my book blog, Whatever You Can Sill Betray.  I really wanted to be part of the Iron Daughter (by Julie Kagawa) blog tour.

 What is your favorite part of book blogging?
 My favorite part of book blogging is discovering books that I would have never known if I just relied on the books being displayed in bookstores here in my country.  The book blogging community offers a wide (and wild) variety of books, it's unbelievable.  I'm in a virtual candyland.

What type of books do you mainly blog about?
Fiction, mostly from the YA category.  The genres I prefer are fantasy, paranormal, historical and the romances in between.  I do occasionally blog about adult romance though some of them are not contemporary ones since I prefer the romance books read by my mom in her age.  Then, I talk about Manga; though, I wasn't as rabid as when I was in high school.

What are your favorite books?
Aiya!  We all know we don't ask this of bookworms.  I'd ask right back from which age category, genre and subgenre you want me to pull out a substantial roll of parchment.

Naming a few... the Harry Potter series is a given as well as The Lord of the Rings trilogy ( and all  the books related to Middle Earth by J.R.R. Tolkien).  I immediately say Fire and Thorns trilogy by Rae Carson, Immortal Descendants series by April White and Eon Duology by Alison Goodman, whenever someone asks for recommendations.  Then, Legend by Jude Deveraux if they want old-school romance books.

What has been the best thing that has happened to you because of book blogging?
Having friends from all over the world!  Meeting new people ( bonus: fellow book lovers) and having conversations with the authors and bibliophiles alike.

Question of the week:  What are the funniest books you've ever read?  Suggested by Alison Can Read


                        
Modern Romance is an actual study done by sociologists commissioned by Aziz Ansari to find out how people date in the age of smart phones and the Internet.  It is funny, and informative.  If you read it, try listening to the audiobook.  It is well-produced and fun.

The Martian is a science-fiction book written by Andy Weir about an astronaut left behind on Mars and his attempt to survive long enough to be rescued.  This is a serious book, but filled with humor.  Having this levity made it easy to connect to the characters and contributed to make this and enjoyable read.

Yes, Please is written by Amy Poehler and is a memoir of her life, so far.  She is smart, wise, and funny as hell!  I love her personal story as one who took it upon herself to create her opportunities, rather than mope about the sorry state of Hollywood.





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