Sunlight, Cocoa, and Good Books

 Hello, readers! I'm super excited to create this post, because this is something I feel passionately, and I'm thrilled to be putting this out into the world. This post is all about these incredibly hard-working authors that publish their own works. I have always admired independent publishing. It takes a lot of bravery to try and do something yourself, especially when the vast majority finds professionals to do the work for them. And there's nothing wrong with publishing your novel through a publishing company- in fact, that's the route I'm considering for my own works in progress. But there's a special kind of beauty in creating something yourself, isn't there? And the sad part of it is that a lot of independently published books don't get a lot of hype because not a lot of people have read them. Though most deserve all the praise and more! So I'm shining a light on all those independently published books out there, and I'm encouraging you to s...

  The Hunger Games By Suzanne Collins The Hunger Games synopsis: Could you survive on your own in the wild, with everyone out to make sure you don't live to see the morning? In the ruins of a place once known as North America lies the nation of Panem, a shining Capitol surrounded by twelve outlying districts. The Capitol is harsh and cruel and keeps the districts in line by forcing them all to send one boy and one girl between the ages of twelve and eighteen to participate in the annual Hunger Games, a fight to the death on live TV.  Sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen, who lives alone with her mother and younger sister, regards it as a death sentence when she steps forward to take her sister's place in the Games. But Katniss has been close to dead before- and survival, for her, is second nature. Without really meaning to, she becomes a contender. But if she is to win, she will have to start making choices that weight survival against humanity and life against love.  -From ...

  Eragon By Christopher Paolini Eragon synopsis: One boy... One dragon... A world of adventure. When Eragon finds a polished blue stone in the forest, he thinks it is the lucky discovery of a poor farm boy; perhaps it will buy his family meat for the winter. But when the stone brings a dragon hatchling, Eragon soon realizes he has stumbled upon a legacy nearly as old as the Empire itself. Overnight his simple life is shattered, and he is thrust into a perilous new world of destiny, magic, and power. With only an ancient sword and the advice of an old storyteller for guidance, Eragon and the fledgling dragon must navigate the dangerous terrain and dark enemies of an Empire ruled by a king whose evil knows no bounds. Can Eragon take up the mantle of the legendary Dragon Riders? The fate of the Empire may rest in his hands. -From g oodreads.com As far as fantasies go, this book goes above and beyond the normal standards. I was hooked from the very beginning and have been devouring the...

 Hey, readers! It's that time again! Time for another awesome monthly reading advent, and March's theme is especially fun- I'll be recommending thirty-one fantasy novels! Fantasy has always been my favorite genre. Out of all the book genres, I've read the most fantasy, so it was extremely fun to compile this list for you all! Not to mention it was super fun to read fantasy again after so much romance. <3 So without further ado, here is my lengthy list of fantasy recommendations! Definitely check these out if you're in for a whimsical March! (Note: Not all of these recommendations are completely clean, including any other advent post after this. Read at your own discretion, but I try not to recommend too many books with bad content. Happy reading!) The Hobbit-J.R.R. Tolkien Wishtress-Nadine Brandes When You Wish Upon a Star-Elizabeth Lim Eragon-Christopher Paolini Dangerous Secrets-Mari Mancusi Heartless-Marissa Meyer The Wonderland Trials-Sara Ella The Lightning ...

 Not going to lie, it saddens me to make a part two of this post. I love books in all shapes and sizes, but some of them are just not my style. Below is a list of five books that just didn't keep me turning pages, but don't let me stop you from trying them out. Everyone has different opinions! Read these if you dare! 5 Books I Would Not Recommend: When We Had Wings-Ariel Lawhon/Kristina McMorris/Susan Meissner Tessa Miyata Is No Hero-Julie Abe Scarewaves-Trevor Henderson The Portal-Kathryn Lasky The Forbidden Stone-Tony Abbot

 Hello again, readers! February is nearly upon us, which can only mean one thing- another reading advent! And this time, the theme is a super fun one- contemporary romance! Valentine's Day is an important part of February, so the theme ties in the romantic aspect of the month. I really enjoyed these swoon-worthy romances, and I hope you all will too! Get ready for some heart-pounding romances for your Valentine's Day pleasure! (Note: Not all of these recommendations are completely clean, including any other advent post after this. Read at your own discretion, but I try not to recommend too many books with bad content. Happy reading!) Authentically, Izzy-Pepper Basham Truly, Madly, Deeply-Karen Kingsbury Hope Harbor-Irene Hannon The Dating Charade-Melissa Ferguson Plot Twist-Bethany Turner Dear Henry, Love Edith-Becca Kinzer All That It Takes-Nicole Deese The Last Exchange-Charles Martin A Portrait of Emily Price-Katherine Reay Second Time Around-Melody Carlson Hometown Girl-Cou...