Four Weeks And Counting ... To Faction Day!

Another week ... another faction!  October 22nd will be here before you know it.  Have you made your plans for the day yet?  Have you picked out what you are going to wear?  Or ... have you decided what faction you belong with?  Not sure yet?  Well, this post may help you decide!  Today, we are focusing on Amity.


Citizens who blamed aggression for war joined Amity.  In the Amity faction, they live for peace and fun. Amity loves to smile and tend to choose professions such as counselors and caretakers.  They are kind, loving and free!


What kind of books would they be reading?  Here are some from our list:
These books feature characters who exhibit characteristics the Amity faction in Divergent values: peacefulness or a longing for peace, a commitment to democracy, a willingness to serve or help others, and happiness.  Since Amity is also an agricultural community, some books are set on farms.

Let us know other novels you think could be added to our list!  And let us know if you agree with our choices ... we do have good reasons why these made Amity's "Must Read" list.  ; )

Keep reading and you can find out more about these books!  Here's a look:

Our First Ever Guest Blogger

First off ... I would like you all to meet our first ever "Guest Blogger" ... Belle!
Belle is 11 years old and is in her first year of Middle School.  She loves all things aquamarine and anything with bling!  She loves jewelry, shopping, drawing, doing crafts and reading.  Belle can never have enough fun.  Every day is a "GREAT!" day for Belle.  Here is her book review:

Ever After High ... The Storybook of Legends
One of my favorite book series is the Ever After High series.  I think it is a good book for anyone my age.  The first book in the series is The Storybook of Legends and I LOVED it!!!  I had a hard time putting it down each night.  I wanted to keep reading even though I needed to be getting my sleep for the next school day.  It was a resort-to-flashlight-under-the-covers kind of reading.

The Storybook of Legends taught a good lesson.  It made me want to "write my own story" and not worry so much about what others think I should be doing.  After reading this book you will realize that following the crowd is not the way to go!  

And ... you don't need to be a kid to enjoy this novel.  My Mom and I read it together and she even liked it.  Any age will love these books.  I strongly suggest reading out loud with your mom or anyone else who wants to join in the fun.  It made reading the book even better.

My favorite character in the book is Madeline Hatter (the daughter of the Mad Hatter).  I like her because Madeline doesn't care what other people think of her.  She is a loyal friend, she's carefree, she loves to have fun, she's playful, and has a good personality.  She also walks to the beat of her own drum.  All of the students in the story are children of famous fairy tale characters.  The adults in the story are also based off of fairy tales.  I loved meeting new people throughout the pages of the book and trying to figure out who's kids they were.

There is also a little side story twist that I thought was cute!  An unexpected romance at Ever After High between Ashlynn Ella (the daughter of Cinderella) and Hunter Huntsman (the son of the Huntsman in Snow White).  You don't find out too much about their story but I'm hoping to find out more in the following book.

Oh ... I almost forgot ... not only are the books great, but there are other things that go along with the books!  They have clothing ...

... and what I love ... DOLLS!
And I just found out ... they have Halloween costumes!!!
How's that for "Three Wishes"?!!  I have a few more things to add to my Christmas list!

The Storybook Of Legends is absolutely charming!  I was surprised with how fun the plot was and how much I liked the characters.  Will they choose to keep the story they were born to do or will they choose their own destiny?  Find out everything in the Ever After High Series!

Here is more about the book The Storybook Of Legends:

Another Cover Reveal!!

Today we have a gorgeous cover reveal for Dani-Lyn Alexander’s Reluctant Prince. She’s also sharing an excerpt with us and hosting a giveaway!!! So make sure to keep reading and check all the goodies we have for this awesome cover! :)
Title: Reluctant Prince Kingdom of Cymmera 
Book One
Author: Dani-Lyn Alexander
Release Date: November 3, 2014

Betrayal lies cloaked in shadow.

Seventeen year old Ryleigh Donnovan is certain her life is cursed. Nothing ever goes smoothly, and her first job interview is no exception. An earthquake rocks the building, sending Ryleigh on a frantic search for her younger sister, a search which lands her in the hospital. Terrified they’ll push her for answers she can’t afford to give, Ryleigh flees with a mysterious stranger.

Jackson Maynard is about to be ordained as a Death Dealer, a warrior for the Kingdom of Cymmera, but first he must pass one more test. When he fails to acquire the human girl the prophet has chosen, he’s forced to stand trial for treason. Banished from his realm, he seeks out the girl from the vision, Ryleigh Donnovan, and together they embark on a journey to save his dying kingdom.

Advance Praise for Reluctant Prince
"A gorgeously wrought fantasy realm with a heroine who will make you cheer!"
~Wendy Higgins, NYT and USA Today bestselling author of the Sweet Evil trilogy.

Buy Links:
Amazon
Barnes & Noble
Reluctant Prince Goodreads

Exclusive Excerpt:

Jackson clutched the stone wall of his chamber and gasped for air. What had just happened? He had returned to Cymmera, of that he was certain, but how? He hadn’t accessed the gateway. At least he didn’t remember opening it. A vision of her assailed him, beat at him, reminded him that he’d failed.

Oh, man. He was in trouble. He pushed away from the wall.
Images of his target taunted him.
He shoved a chair aside and tore through the pictures scattered across the table in a desperate search for salvation. There. He pulled the shot from the mess but found only condemnation. The long blond hair flowing behind her in the snapshot had not been visible to him, but there was no mistaking the deep blue of her eyes.
The pounding of a fist against the heavy wood door released him from whatever spell she’d cast.
“Jackson.” Another loud thud punctuated his name.
He struggled to get his bearings, tried to slow the racing of his heart. “Yeah, one minute.”
“Now. Your father wants to see you, immediately.”
Kai, his father’s most trusted warrior. He was in more trouble than he’d originally thought. Was it possible the king would sentence him to death for ignoring a direct order? Surely not without offering him a fair trial, or at least granting him the opportunity to explain. But what could he say? What explanation could there be for failing to deliver the girl? None.
“I won’t knock again.” The warrior would soon break down the door and drag him before the throne.
He crumpled the offending photo, the evidence of his disgrace, into a ball. Instead of tossing it in the trash as he’d intended, he shoved it into the small leather satchel he wore at his waist. With a deep breath, he released the latch and pulled open the door.
“Come.” Kai turned his back on him and strode purposefully down the corridor, their footfalls echoing through the silence of accusation.
The thought of escape taunted him, but he would never make it out of the castle. He had only recently completed his warrior training under Kai’s watch and would be no match for the seasoned soldier. Besides, Kai was a stickler for the rules. If he tried to run, the warrior would surely take him down, protégé or not.

About Dani-Lyn Alexander
 Dani-Lyn Alexander lives on Long Island with her husband, three kids and three dogs. She loves spending time with her family, at the beach, the playground, or just about anywhere. In her spare time, which is rare, she enjoys reading and shopping—especially in book stores. Some of her favorite things include; Bernese Mountain Dogs, musicals, bubble baths and soft blankets. She’s an incurable insomniac and has an addiction to chocolate.

Website / Facebook / Twitter / Author Goodreads

Enter Dani-Lyn’s giveaway!!


href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/4cf78adb115/" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway

REBELLION COVER REVEAL!!!

Today J.A. Souders and Rockstar Book Tours are revealing the cover for REBELLION, book 3 in the Elysium Chronicles releasing in June 5, 2015! Check out the gorgeous cover and enter to win the books!
On to the reveal....
Title: REBELION
Author: J.A. Souders
Publisher: TOR Teen
Release Date: June 9, 2015
Find it: Goodreads

About J.A. Souders 
J.A. SOUDERS is the author of the Elysium Chronicles and lives in the land of sunshine and palm trees with her husband and two children where she spends her time writing about the monsters under the bed, day dreaming about living in an underwater colony, and failing miserably at playing video games.
Website / Blog / Twitter / Facebook / Goodreads / Pinterest


Giveaway Details:


1 winner will receive physical copies of RENEGADE and REVELATIONS plus the eNovellas. And ASK AGAIN LATER by Liz Czukas.. If you have J.A.s books already, she will do an amazon or book depository gift card of the same value and it's International!

Just click on the link

a Rafflecopter giveaway


If you wondering what this series is all about you better start reading before it comes out! Here are what the first two books are all about.

"It's Three Wishes Wednesday!"

I absolutely L-O-V-E ... LOVE the Awaken series, so coming up with "Three Wishes" this week was easy-peasy!  What more could anyone wish for than more time with friends and family?  Life gets crazy ... there's so many distractions ... and before we know it, another day is over.  And then before we can blink an eye, the week has slipped by!  Trying to find time + building memories with the people who matter most = the challenge of our lives.

So my "Three Wishes" this week is exactly that ... ideas that would be fun, build memories and will get us interacting with each other.
Wish #1
I loved this idea when I saw it!  Who doesn't love Jenga?!  With that said, who wouldn't love a Giant Jenga Game?!!  This would be so easy to make - 2 2x4 pieces (8 feet long) cut into 10.5 inch pieces ... a little sanding ... and voila!  You have hours of fun entertainment!!!
Wish #2
My kids would LOVE this game!  Divide everyone into two teams with a "catcher" on each team.  Mark two lines at both ends of the playing area.  Each team stands behind their line.  Take turns "pitching" a water balloon to the opposing team to see how well they can catch it.  All you need to make this fun play equipment is a bike helmet, a colander and some string to tie the two together.  Let the water fun begin!!!
Wish #3
Can I just say ... THIS LOOKS AWESOME!  When I saw this, I knew I wanted one!  (It seems a little more complicated than the other two "wishes" but we all know someone in our lives that is handy.  Get them working!  haha)

Check out the links below to find out exactly how to build these amazing "Together Time" projects and have fun interacting ... face to face ... building memories with the ones we love!

Giant Jenga
Water Games
Backyard Ker-Plunk

Counting Down To Faction Day

Calling all Divergent fans!  My Title Wave is joining the fun!!!  October 22 is "FACTION DAY" and we are starting the countdown now.

What is "Faction Day"?  By now, you have probably thought about ... talk about ... or decided what Divergent Faction you would have picked if you were in Tris Prior's position.  On the 22nd of October you can join us all as we let everyone know where we stand.  All fans are asked to wear the color of their faction.  What color will you be wearing that fall day?
In further celebration of this day ... and as a fun way to countdown and get you pumped up ... we are going to list books that each faction would most likely read.  (We have five weeks - so that means five factions ... PERFECT!)  To kick it off ... we have ABNEGATION!

Members of the Abnegation faction put the common good above all other concerns, and the needs of others above themselves.  They bring their selfless outlook to politics and make for great leaders.  What kind of books would they be reading?  Here are some from our list:
These books feature characters who exhibit characteristics the Abnegation faction in Divergent values: volunteering to help others (especially those less fortunate), self-sacrifice, duty, and kindness.

Let us know other novels you think could be added to our list!  And let us know if you agree with our choices ... we do have good reasons why these made Abnegation's "Must Read" list.  ; )

Read more to learn about these books:

"Awaken" To A Great Series

We are going to flashback a little bit today. In honor of the third Awaken book that recently came out, I am going to review the first two books. In my family we have a tradition that every year we draw out a name of a cousin who we are going to buy a gift for. Every year I love sitting there and getting to open the present my cousin picked out for me. Two years ago one of my cousins got my name and when I opened it, I found the book Awaken inside the wrapping. I had never heard of the book before but I was so excited to give it a go. Let me just say … I LOVED it!!!!
Growing up in a world that is so involved with technology, made this book really hit home. Every day we are becoming more and more dependent on computers, the internet, smart phones, texting, etc. In Awaken we see the world advanced to the point where human interaction is almost void. It made me realize how important everyday communication and our social lives really are.  This book is set in 2060 where everything is done on the computer. Going to school, hanging out, and even dating is done online. That is the way Maddie lives. I absolutely love Maddie. I love seeing her growth through the first book and having her realize that there might be more than just the digital world. Of course this book has a love interest and let me just say, when he was introduced, I fell in love with him almost instantly. However, the reason I loved Awaken so much is because it made me look at life and how much I was taking for granted. Was I being thankful for having friends to hang out with and have me some "girl talk"? Was I taking the time to just be outside and enjoy the world around me? Was I taking full advantage of school and all that it had to offer me? Or just simply, was I fully enjoying the opportunity to be with my family, talking ... laughing ... and communicating together? So much in life is being forgotten as we shift our focus to the things on a screen. Awaken is one of the books that I went around telling anyone and everyone I knew to go read it.
I always get nervous reading the second book when I loved the first book so much. I always have such high expectations and sometimes it is a huge disappointment. Middle Ground was definitely not a disappointment! I loved it just as much as the first book. As soon as I finished Awaken, I drove down to the bookstore and got this follow-up in my hands!  And what did that mean once I was back home ... Middle Ground and I had an all night reading date!  I couldn't put it down!!! I don’t want to give too much away for all you who haven’t read the first book. I will just say it was amazing! The book had me laughing, crying, and biting my nails at points. You continue to see Maddie fighting against the digital world … I will just stop now or else I will give stuff away.

Should you read this book series??? YES!!!!!!! A hundred times yes!!!! Awaken is the book I recommend whenever someone asks me what they should read. Go buy it so you can read the final book that just came out this month! Great author, great characters, and just an overall great book!

Here is a look at what Awaken and Middle Ground are about:

And The Winner Is ...

Time is up ... And the Winner of Battle of the Classics is ... Our wealthy gentleman from Pemberley
Fitzwilliam Darcy
As much as I love Mr. Darcy, my heart did break a little bit for Gilbert.  After all, they are my first loves. 

Now for the next battle ....
Battle of the Herondales!
Jace Herondale vs William Herondale

Jace Herondale
Jace Herondale (also referred to as Wayland, Morgenstern, and Lightwood) is described as being tall and muscular, with blond wavy hair and golden eyes.

Pros:
- Jace may be young but he is one of the best fighters the Shadowhunters.  He is always there to defend those who he has come to think of as family.

- He is true to his one true love.  He will do anything for her and never walked away.

Cons:
- The last pro can also be a con.  He still wants to be with Clary even after he finds out some devastating news.  ewwww

- He has daddy issues.  He almost drops everything and everyone he loves because Valentine Morgenstern shows up and tells him he's his dad.

Quote:
"There is no pretending, I love you, and I will love you until I die, and if there is life after that, I'll love you then."


William Herondale
Will is a 17 year old boy who decided to become a part of the shadow world at the age of 12. He is decribed as having dark blue eyes and black hair ... a killer combination.  ; )  He is half Welsh (from his mother's side) and half Shadowhunter (from his Father's side). 

Pro:
- Will is a man of many languages.  He was born in Wales and speaks fluent Welsh and English.  (Oh - and he's from London so he has an amazing accent to go along with those beautiful blue eyes!)

- His Parabatia is James Carstairs, who is slowly dying.  Will will do anything to save his friend.  Even if that means risking his life to get him medicine from Downworlders.

- He is a reader!! Will loves book!

Cons:
- He thinks he is cursed so he pulls away from everyone who tries to love him.  He figures this is the best way for others not to get hurt.

- He is known to have a dry sense of humor and a fear of ducks  Who has a fear of ducks?

Quote:
"I'm Catastrophically in love with you"

Let the fun begin!  Vote for your favorite Herondale!!!

Another Week ... Even More Amazing Book Releases

Oh my goodness!  This is an awesome week for book releases!!!  As I read over the different book summaries,  I found myself making a mental note of all the books I want to add to my "Must Read" list.  And trust me ... there were LOTS!!!  These books this week have a whole slew of genres and so many of them are right up my alley.  So now the question is ... are these books "Hits" or "Misses"?  Read them and let me know what you think.  Here they are:
Keep reading to find out if these books are your style.

The 2nd Week Of September Book Releases

The second week in September brought even more new releases!  Looking over the books, they all seem a little more dark than the first week, except for a couple.  For all you that love mystery/thriller novels ... this is the week for you.  Check out the new crop and let me know what you think.  I would love some recommendations!  I'm up for something new to read!!!  Without further adieu ... here they are:
To find out what these books are all about ... keep reading!

"Mora na maidine dhuit" ... Top Of The Morning To You!

In honor of "Longing For Home" this week, we felt like we needed to add a little "Irish" to our day!  Here's the perfect cozy-night-in, curl-up-with-a-good-book meal.  There's something about stew + home + reading, that = PERFECT!  And to make it even that much better ... a dash of Irish and the "luck of the Irish" will be in your home!  ENJOY!!!

Irish Beef Stew Recipe

TOTAL TIME: Prep: 40 min. Cook: 3-1/4 hours


Ingredients

8 bacon strips, diced
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
3 pounds beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
1 pound whole fresh mushrooms, quartered
3 medium leeks (white portion only), chopped
2 medium carrots, chopped
1/4 cup chopped celery
1 tablespoon canola oil
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon tomato paste
4 cups reduced-sodium beef broth
1 cup dark stout beer or additional reduced-sodium beef broth
2 bay leaves
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
1 teaspoon dried rosemary, crushed
2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, cut into 1-inch cubes
2 tablespoons cornstarch
2 tablespoons cold water
1 cup frozen peas




Directions

In a stock pot, cook bacon over medium heat until crisp. Using a slotted spoon, remove to paper towels. In a large resealable plastic bag, combine the flour, salt and pepper. Add beef, a few pieces at a time, and shake to coat. Brown beef in the bacon drippings. Remove and set aside.

In the same pan, saute the mushrooms, leeks, carrots and celery in oil until tender. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer. Stir in tomato paste until blended. Add the broth, beer/additional broth, bay leaves, thyme, parsley and rosemary. Return beef and bacon to pan. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 2 hours or until beef is tender.

Add potatoes. Return to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer 1 hour longer or until potatoes are tender. Combine cornstarch and water until smooth; stir into stew. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Add peas; heat through. Discard bay leaves.

Yield: 15 servings (3-3/4 quarts).

"Longing For Home"

All of us have authors we love!  We follow them and keep up with all books out and any new novels soon to be released.  This is the same with me.  I have a list of “favs” and I follow them closely.  One of those on my list is Sarah M. Eden.  She had a new book released September 2nd (“For Elise”), so I decided that today I would review an old one written by her.

“Longing for Home” by Sarah M. Eden, takes you back in time to 1870 Wyoming territory.  A sweet girl named Katie is trying desperately to save money to go home to Ireland and to help her family.  Her life has not been easy and if she thought coming to America would make things easier, she is going to be disappointed.  Katie quickly finds out that the Irish are not held in high regard.  She also finds out that opening up your heart and allowing people into your life can make challenges less overwhelming.  Especially when there are two handsome men who long for Katie’s attention. 

I love most of Sarah M. Eden’s books and this was no exception.  She writes clean and cute romance novels.  This book left me wanting more.  I couldn’t put the novel down until I discovered how everything turned out.  This meant lots of late night reading with very little sleep … the markings of a good story!  Lucky for you … the 2nd book is out and you can read both right now!  Amazing right?  Nothing better than a series that is finished.  Now I need to get reading “For Elise”!

To find out more about this book, read below:

COVER REVEAL!!

We are so excited to bring you the Cover Reveal for Jennifer L. Armentrout's new book Wicked!  Wicked is a new Adult Paranormal Romance and is part of Jennifer L. Armentrout's Wicked Trilogy.  It's being released December 8th 2014 so make sure you pre-order today!

 http://www.amazon.com/Wicked-Trilogy-Book-1-ebook/dp/B00NFW2OOA/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1410472520&sr=8-1&keywords=wicked+by+Jennifer+armentrout

And without further ado, here it is......
Things are about to get Wicked in New Orleans.

Twenty-two year old Ivy Morgan isn’t your average college student.  She, and others like her, know humans aren’t the only thing trolling the French Quarter for fun … and for food.  Her duty to the Order is her life.  After all, four years ago, she lost everything at the hands of the creatures she’d sworn to hunt, tearing her world and her heart apart.

Ren Owens is the last person Ivy expected to enter her rigidly controlled life.  He’s six feet and three inches of temptation and swoon-inducing charm.  With forest-green eyes and a smile that’s surely left a stream of broken hearts in its wake.  He has an uncanny, almost unnatural ability to make her yearn for everything he has to offer.  But letting him in is as dangerous as hunting the cold-blooded killers stalking the streets.  Losing the boy she loved once before had nearly destroyed her, but the sparking tension that grows between them becomes impossible for Ivy to deny.  Deep down, she wants … she needs more than what her duty demands of her, what her past has shaped for her.

But as Ivy grows closer to Ren, she realizes she’s not the only one carrying secrets that could shatter the frail bond between them.  There’s something he’s not telling her, and one thing is for certain. She’s no longer sure what is more dangerous to her—the ancient beings threatening to take over the town or the man demanding to lay claim to her heart and her soul.

I was sold as soon as I read that the book takes place in New Orleans.  There is so much mystery and magic that I associate with New Orleans.  It's the perfect setting for the paranormal world.

And let's not forget that it's written by the beautiful and ever so talented Jennifer L. Armentrout!
# 1 NEW YORK TIMES and USA TODAY Bestselling author Jennifer lives in Martinsburg, West Virginia.  All the rumors you’ve heard about her state aren’t true.  When she’s not hard at work writing. she spends her time reading, working out, watching really bad zombie movies, pretending to write, and hanging out with her husband and her Jack Russell Loki.

Her dreams of becoming an author started in algebra class, where she spent most of her time writing short stories … which explains her dismal grades in math.  Jennifer writes young adult paranormal, science fiction, fantasy, and contemporary romance.  She is published with Spencer Hill Press, Entangled Teen and Brazen, Disney/Hyperion and Harlequin Teen.  Her book Obsidian has been optioned for a major motion picture and her Covenant Series has been optioned for TV.

She also writes adult and new adult romance under the name J. Lynn.  She is published by Entangled Brazen and HarperCollins.

Interested in some of her other books?  Check her out at http://www.jenniferarmentrout.com/

Now let's just scroll back up and look at the beautiful cover one last time!  : )




And The Winner is!!!!!

Times up ... and the winner is ... A TIE!!!!
I guess the timeless debate between Edward and Jacob will never be resolved.  Those that are Team Edward, will always be Team Edward. And those that are Team Jacob, will always be team Jacob.  In a way, this is the perfect result.  :)

Now for the next battle: 
Battle of The Classics
Fitzwilliam Darcy VS. Gilbert Blythe

These two are personally my perfect men (besides my husband of course).  As a young girl, no boy could compare to these giants of literature.  Perhaps all of you can help me out with this one.
Fitzwilliam Darcy
Fitzwilliam Darcy - AKA Mr. Darcy - is a wealthy gentleman worth £10,000 a year.  (I read somewhere that would be like $680,000 a year.  I'm not 100% sure if that's correct but if it is, that's a ton of money!)  He is 28 years old and is the inheritor of Pemberley.

Pros:
- Pemberley... need I say more.  I will let the picture do the talking.
- He is loyal to a fault.  All the things that Elizabeth is mad at him for are all thing he did to protect those he loves.

Cons:
- He is prideful or is he prejudice ... I can't remember ... but he's one of them and that is a fault.

Quote:
"In vain have I struggled, it will not do.  You must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love you."
Gilbert Blythe
Gilbert is described in the books as being very handsome, with dark, curly hair and hazel eyes.  He is tall with a lean build.  He is Ann's schoolmate/love interest throughout the books.

Pros:
- Gilbert is depicted as having a "common sense" view on things.  If you are a dreamer like Ann, you need someone like that in your life.

- The series ends with Gilbert and Ann at 55 and he is still as deeply in love with her as he was the very first day he saw that fiery red head.

Cons:
- He is a tease when he first meets Ann.  He teases her relentlessly and calls her "Carrots" until she breaks her slate over his head.

Quote:
"You know, every day I would pick a different memory of you and play it over and over and over again in my mind, until every hair, every freckle, every part of you was exactly as I remembered." 

Well there you go.  Good luck because I have no clue.  :)




I Love A Good Remake

If you go to the bookstore, you can find a LOT of books that are remakes of the masters; Jane Austin, Shakespeare and of course your classic fairy tales.
One of my favorite shows on TV right now is Once Upon A Time.  I love how they take the classic characters and change their stories.  My Son was in shock when I told him I was watching a show where Peter Pan was bad and Captain Hook was good (and don't we just LOVE Captain Hook)!
 He would ask me daily to tell him what happened in my show.

That got me thinking ... and what inspired this post.  Let's look through some of those classics and find the remakes that go along with it.

Beauty and the Beast

Beauty and the Beast was first written in 1740 by Gabrielle-Suzanne Barbot de Villeneuve.  There have been many versions of the story told.  There was even an opera created by Marmontel in 1771.  With so many people falling in love with Belle and the Beast, it's no wonder we have so much to chose from when looking for a good retelling. 

Graceling meets Beauty and the Beast in this sweeping fantasy about one girl's journey to fulfill her destiny and the monster who gets in her way-by stealing her heart.

Based on the classic fairy tale Beauty and the Beast, Cruel Beauty is a dazzling love story about our deepest desires and their power to change our destiny.

Since birth, Nyx has been betrothed to the evil ruler of her kingdom-all because of a foolish bargain struck by her father. And since birth, she has been in training to kill him.

With no choice but to fulfill her duty, Nyx resents her family for never trying to save her and hates herself for wanting to escape her fate. Still, on her seventeenth birthday, Nyx abandons everything she's ever known to marry the all-powerful, immortal Ignifex. Her plan? Seduce him, destroy his enchanted castle, and break the nine-hundred-year-old curse he put on her people.

But Ignifex is not at all what Nyx expected. The strangely charming lord beguiles her, and his castle-a shifting maze of magical rooms-enthralls her.

As Nyx searches for a way to free her homeland by uncovering Ignifex's secrets, she finds herself unwillingly drawn to him. Even if she could bring herself to love her sworn enemy, how can she refuse her duty to kill him? With time running out, Nyx must decide what is more important: the future of her kingdom, or the man she was never supposed to love. -Goodreads-

Peter Pan
Peter Pan first appeared in a section of The Little White Bird, a 1902 novel written by J.M Barrie for adults.  The story became even more popular when turned into a stage play in 1904 called "The boy who wouldn't grow up".  The book I chose for my retelling of Peter Pan is not a Peter Pan remake but the story of Tiger Lily.  It features Peter Pan and Wendy and all the classic characters; however, the story is told from the point of view of Tiger Lily.
Before Peter Pan belonged to Wendy, he belonged to the girl with the crow feather in her hair. . . .

Fifteen-year-old Tiger Lily doesn't believe in love stories or happy endings. Then she meets the alluring teenage Peter Pan in the forbidden woods of Neverland and immediately falls under his spell.

Peter is unlike anyone she's ever known. Impetuous and brave, he both scares and enthralls her. As the leader of the Lost Boys, the most fearsome of Neverland's inhabitants, Peter is an unthinkable match for Tiger Lily. Soon, she is risking everything—her family, her future—to be with him. When she is faced with marriage to a terrible man in her own tribe, she must choose between the life she's always known and running away to an uncertain future with Peter.

With enemies threatening to tear them apart, the lovers seem doomed. But it's the arrival of Wendy Darling, an English girl who's everything Tiger Lily is not, that leads Tiger Lily to discover that the most dangerous enemies can live inside even the most loyal and loving heart.

From the New York Times bestselling author of Peaches comes a magical and bewitching story of the romance between a fearless heroine and the boy who wouldn't grow up. - Goodreads - 
Cinderella
Cinderella is a European Folk Tale first published in 1697 by Charles Perrault.  Interesting fact ... the story of Rhodopis about a Greek slave girl who marries the king of Egypt is considered the earliest known variant of the "Cinderella" story.  Now for one of the most recent variants....
Humans and androids crowd the raucous streets of New Beijing. A deadly plague ravages the population. From space, a ruthless lunar people watch, waiting to make their move. No one knows that Earth’s fate hinges on one girl. 

Cinder, a gifted mechanic, is a cyborg. She’s a second-class citizen with a mysterious past, reviled by her stepmother and blamed for her stepsister’s illness. But when her life becomes intertwined with the handsome Prince Kai’s, she suddenly finds herself at the center of an intergalactic struggle, and a forbidden attraction. Caught between duty and freedom, loyalty and betrayal, she must uncover secrets about her past in order to protect her world’s future. - Goodreads - 
Snow White

Snow White is a German Fairy Tale that has become one of the most well known Fairy tales of all time.  The Brothers Grimm published it in 1812 in their first edition of Grimm's Fairy Tales. 
Seventeen-year-old Snow’s life changed forever the night her stepmother, the Queen, sent her huntsman to cut out her heart. Fleeing for her life, Snow runs to the Silver Forest, a place as dangerous as it is enchanting, and begins an adventure she could never have dreamed.

With no one at her side but a rowdy band of carnivorous dwarves and an arrogant, rogue prince who’s too handsome for his own good, Snow must confront the challenge that’s been laid before her: Kill the Queen, and take back the kingdom that should have been hers.

But if she is to succeed, Snow will have to tap into a powerful, ancient form of magic, one that may have been sleeping inside her all along. - Goodreads - 
Rapunzel
Rapunzel was origianlly published in 1698 written by Charlotte-Rose de Caumont de La Force.  Although the story of Rapunzel has changed over time, it still remains a classic in books and movie.
My tale has been told again and again, and I’ve heard each one. Except for my hair, I barely recognize the pitiful renditions. Muddled versions, crafted to entertain laughing children…but the children wouldn’t have laughed if they’d known the real story. It wasn't their fault. They didn't know the truth. Nobody did.

My name is Rapunzel. I will tell you my story. I will tell you the truth. - Goodreads - 
Little Mermaid
The Little Mermaid was first written by Danish Author Hans Christian Anderson in 1837.  Although the original ending is much different than the ending we see in the Disney version, the story has held strong through time.  Love at first sight, doing what it takes and just be yourself are some of the things this classic taught us.  Let's see if the book holds true to the story.
When Sam's dad whisks him and his brother off to a remote beach town for the summer, he's all for it-- at first. Sam soon realizes, though, that this place is anything but ordinary. Time seems to slow down around here, and everywhere he looks, there are beautiful blond girls. Girls who seem inexplicably drawn to him. 

Then Sam meets DeeDee, one of the Girls, and she's different from the others. Just as he starts to fall for her, she pulls away, leaving him more confused than ever. He knows that if he's going to get her back, he'll have to uncover the secret of this beach and the girls who live here. - Goodreads-

There you go.  A few classics ... and let me tell you ... there are many many more books to go along with almost any fairy tale.  What's your favorite retelling???