BREAKING NEWS UPDATE!! OMG OMG OMG OMG!!!!!! :D!!! The latest book, Heartbreak Warfare, co-written by one of my FAVORITE authors ever (Kate Stewart) IS LIVE!!!! ➔ ➔ ➔ ➔
I hear this one will be MEGA-SUPER-UBER-ANGSTY just like I love (boy can she tear my heart out!!) AND now I get to discover Heather M. Orgeron’s writing too!! YAY ME!!! YAY US!!!!!
“…I thought the nightmare was over when they pulled us from that hole in the ground, but nothing could have prepared me for the war I’d face at home.
I know it’s selfish of me to ask, but, please, I have to see you one last time. . .”
Today’s Friday Finds is kind of… themed (and fun!!). 😉 Discussions has been ongoing in the comments section here about the 2018 Goodreads Choice Awards, and what we’ve been voting for!! So I highlighted a bunch here.
P.S. I’ll be adding to this list throughout the day, so keep checking back.
TAKE A LOOK AT WHAT WE FOUND FOR THE WEEKEND 
!!
Cards of Love: Knight of Swords by Autumn Jones Lake <— LIVE!!! HE’S BROKEN… “Tragic. Both our lives were soaked in tragedy from day one. Reckless. I ignored the people who warned me he was dead inside. Truth. He was as broken as I was. Strength. Together, we’d heal our hearts and stitch together our souls.- LuLLaY: Portland ME, a Christmas Novella by Freya Barker <— LIVE!!! STRANGERS HAVE TO RIDE OUT THE STORM TOGETHER “…They’ve never met, but their paths run in the same direction—home for the holidays. Yet their reasons for leaving are as different as the reasons they return. Meeting by chance along a 1400 mile stretch of highway when a snowstorm grinds traffic to a halt, they have no choice but to jointly ride it out…”
It Ends with Us: A Novel by Colleen Hoover <— I LOVED IT SO HARD!!! My favorite Colleen Hoover read!!! And Michele G chose this one as her Goodreads Best
Leslie M: I voted in “best of the best” category. It Ends With Us. Every single woman needs to read this book.
Michele G: I picked It Ends With Us because I agree with Leslie that every woman should read it. I believe that so much so that it was the first Colleen Hoover book I recommended to my daughter. She read it and gave it to several friends to read as well. It’s a powerful read!
- TICK TOCK (EOD (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) Book 1) by Jane Harvey-Berrick <—THE LATEST BY Jane Harvey-Berrick IS LIVE!!!!!! This one sounds incredible! He’s training her in a secret camp, deep in the woods… “…They say he doesn’t have blood in his veins, he has ice. They say he has no nerves. All that’s about to be tested. Amira is recruited by the CIA to infiltrate a terrorist cell living in rural Pennsylvania. She’s the perfect plant, no one would ever suspect her. Because her brother was killed when a bomb was dropped on the Syrian hospital where he was working as a doctor. And now hate burns deeply inside her. She’s perfect. That’s what they tell James when he’s told to train her...”
Jane Harvey-Berrick: Thank you so much! Buckle up! It’s going to be a bumpy ride
Someday (Sawtooth Mountains Stories Book 2) by Susan Fanetti <—ENEMIES-TO-LOVERS ALERT!! Jan is reading this one!
Jan: From Someday, the new CR from Susan Fanetti. I’m liking it and I think I might go back and read book 1 LOL. This one’s about a female lawyer in Idaho and a sexy charming manwhore cowboy kinda guy (who I hope is going to reform his ways) who against both of their wills fall deeply in love. Enemies-to-lovers kinda thing going on but they just can’t fight it. Both slightly older protags too which I like.
- The Cinderella Pact by Sarah Strohmeyer <— WEIGHT LOSS PACT!!! Grayson recommends these!
Grayson: A good story is the Cinderella Pact by Sarah Strohmeyer. It’s about 3 women who make a pact to lose weight and each one goes it about it differently. It’s light reading but I found it inspiring.Someone else recommended Big Girl Panties: A Novel by Stephanie Evanovich. I loved this as well
Too Good Girl by Eleanor Lloyd-Jones <— DARK & GRITTY & R is LOVING IT!!!
R: Too Good Girl by Eleanor Lloyd-Jones, and OMG I’M LOVING IT!!! It’s a little dark and gritty and man, can she write dark and gritty! I’m reading an ARC but it releases on the 14th. Soooo good!
Michele G: want to second R’s comments above regarding Too Good Girl by Eleanor Lloyd-Jones. I read an ARC of it as well and it is really good. R’s “dark and gritty” description is spot on because she doesn’t shy away from writing about difficult topics. It’s a good one!
- Hello Stranger: The Ravenels, Book 4 by Lisa Kleypas <— HISTORICAL ROMANCE & JAN’S CHOICE for the Goodreads awards!
Jan: I voted for a lovely HR for best romance – Hello Stranger. I know a CR will win, but it’s a lovely and well-written book and I’m happy to vote for it.
Doll House by John Hunt <— IT’S CRAZY & NOT FOR EVERYONE BUT JEAN LOVED IT!!
Jean: Wanted to let you all know, I just read Doll House by John Hunt. It was crazy and definitely not for the faint of heart but I loved it! Cringeworthy beginning, but so intriguing I couldn’t put the book down!
- High Voltage (Fever Book 10) by Karen Marie Moning <— Tessa chose these for her Goodreads choices!
Tessa: I voted High Voltage for Fantasy. The only one that was up there that I considered was Bright Burning, but High Voltage was better. Best YA fantasy was The Cruel Prince *swoons* EVERYTHING I love in a book, including a huge bully.
My Oxford Year: A Novel by Julia Whelan <— SHOULD HAVE BEEN IN THE GOODREADS AWARDS LIST!!! Susan and I agree on this! Super-angsty, teacher-student, tearjerker of a romance!!
Susan: I can’t believe My Oxford Year isn’t on the list, so I have nominated it in several categories. It was definitely one of the best books of the year for me as well as one of the best books of all time on my list. If you liked it I’m asking that you add it as well for a nomination. I added for debut author as well as Romance and fiction.
Maryse: Susan I LOVED IT SO HARD!! 5 STARS PLUSSSSSS LOVED IT!! I agree with you. Best book in ages!
Amy: Susan! *snaps fingers* THAT’S the one I was thinking of. I knew there was a book I read this year by a debut author, but I couldn’t remember which one and haven’t looked through my read books yet. You saved me the trouble!
Sadie by Courtney Summers <— Amy Goodreads voted for this one… and these:
Amy: I voted for Sadie (YA fiction), All Your Perfects: A Novel (Romance), and It Ends with Us: (Best of the Best) because OF COURSE IT’S THE BEST OF THE BEST!!!! At least to me it is.…Did Sadie affect you like it did me? I’m STILL having the hardest time wrapping my head around that ending. I expected it to end one way or the other, but I was NOT expecting the way it did end…
- A Court of Wings and Ruin (A Court of Thorns and Roses Book 3) by Sarah J. Maas <— And Tessa voted for this one!
Tessa: Did you all see the “best of the best” category? I absolutely love some of those books. I voted for Wing and Ruin, because it was really one of my all-time favorites, specifically that book.
Dark Harmony (The Bargainer Book 3) by by Laura Thalassa <— A GOODREADS NOMINATED AUTHOR & Tessa read and loved it!!
Tessa: Already finished Dark Harmony. If anyone has read the series, read this now! I don’t think I have many greats this month, but this was the perfect ending to the series. Also, if you read it, the Unearthly series takes place in the same world, though YA. It does make me have a theory with one phrase said, but sadly, no guarantee I’m right.
Teri: I did 1-click a book under the fantasy category called Pestilence (The Four Horsemen Book 1) by Laura Thalassa (new to me author).
The Wedding Date by Jasmine Guillory <— Kathy is happy about these Goodreads choices:
I did enjoy the Wedding Date. It is an interracial romance that takes place in the Bay Area/LA and since I am originally from the Bay Area it made it for interesting to read. Her new book is on this list. Loved the The Kiss Quotient
- The Electric Tunnel Series by Rachel Blaufeld <— SERIES BUNDLE SALE ALERT!!! P.S. The author is donating to the relief funds for the families of the victims in the Synagogue shooting (which is in the author’s hometown). She says:
Rachel Blaufeld: I’ve decided to donate 20% of all my sales in November to relief funds for these families.
This includes all ebooks, new releases, paperbacks, signed paperbacks on my website and my new box set that was prescheduled for release today.
AUDIOBOOK L VERS!
For those going on a road trip soon, or maybe you’ve got some projects that require both hands this weekend but still allows you to “listen”… check out the free audible trial + 2 free audiobooks deal —>
- AND! Here’s the fun-tool again! —> Find out which of YOUR Kindle books are available as audiobooks at a BARGAIN-PRICE! <—
This thing is so cool (Amazon calls it “Matchmaker“)! It’s an Amazon feature, that scans all of your Kindle books and will list all of the ones you have that are also available as an audiobook at a discounted price (not normal audiobook prices). This way, you can switch back and forth, seamlessly between your ebooks and your audiobooks. VERY COOL!
Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens <— Michele G is listening and loving this one!
Michele G: I’m currently obsessed with the audiobook I’m listening to (Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens). Truthfully, it surprises me how much I’m loving it. Even though it’s received so many good reviews, it looked to be a little different from my typical book choices. However, it is set in North Carolina which is where I’m from (and my parents still live there) – – so that was a big reason that I chose to read/listen to it. Otherwise, I really don’t know if I would have tried it but I’m so glad I did. I’m about 75% through. It’s a beautifully written story about survival, with a mystery, a love story and so much more thrown in.
The Highlander Series by Karen Marie Moning <— Nay recommends these!
Nay: have you ever considered KMM’s Highlander series? Most of them tie into the Fever series (I believe it’s 3-7, which have Adam Black and Christian MacKeltar’s ancestors), and they’re super sexy. I highly recommend the audiobooks–I listened to all of them.
Jessica: I totally second the rec for the highlander series. It’s so good.
PREORDERS (going live soon!!! )
Hate Notes by Penelope Ward & VI Keeland – November 6th 2018- Good Time by Jana Aston – November 6th 2018
- Long Road Home (Love In The Heartland) by Stacey Lynn – November 5th 2018
- Oracle’s Haunt (Desert Cursed Series Book 4) by Shannon Mayer – November 6th 2018
- Dangerous Exes (Liars, Inc. Book 2) by Rachel Van Dyken – November 6th 2018
- Erik: An Arizona Vengeance Novel by Sawyer Bennett – November 6th 2018
- Leopard’s Run (A Leopard Novel) by Christine Feehan – November 6th 2018
- Dining with Angels: Bits & Bites from the Demonica Universe by Larissa Ione – November 6th 2018
Someone Like Me by M. R. Carey – November 6th 2018- You Don’t Own Me by Mary Higgins Clark – November 6th 2018
- Diamond Fire: A Hidden Legacy Novella by Ilona Andrews – November 6th 2018
- How About No (The Bear Bottom Guardians MC Book 3) by Lani Lynn Vale – November 6th 2018
- Seduce Me (Austin Singles Book 1) by Kelly Elliott – November 6th 2018
➔➔➔ Get Maryse’s Book Blog updates delivered by email (you’ll get one daily email that will have each post from that day consolidated on it).
*tosses TGIF glitter*
🙂
Omg…I just realized it’s 3 weeks til black Friday. Wow! The crept up fast.
Maryse and all you other “foodies”…I think I want a new Crock-Pot for Christmas…any recs?
Can’t wait to see all the good book & other stuff deals.
Good Morning Everyone-
Leslie-you just stressed me out swearing *black Friday* On a more positive note this crockpot my Mom bought me and I absolutely love it.
“Hamilton Beach 33861 Programmable Slow Cooker, 6 Quart, Dual Digital Timer, Stainless Steel” sorry had to type it out as I do not know how to put links in (I’m such a rookie at that stuff)! I love the flex cook feather, it allows you to cook something on high for a set number of hours than you can have it switch to low for so many hours.
and sorry can’t let my error go it’s *feature* not feather lol 🙂
Oh, Someone Like Me (on the preorders) sounds absolutely perfect *rubs hands together*. Liane Moriarty’s Nine Perfect Strangers will also release November 6, but today, I’m in the mood for something like Someone Like Me. Of course, I still haven’t finished my current read. Too busy taxiing and catching up on laundry.
I slept horribly last night (again). This time bc the baby has a cold. *sigh*
So, Christmas is here, did you know? I’d like to know how ALL the stores, even the local ones and local coffee shops and what not, knew that it was coming so early this year. Cuz I swear it’s even earlier than last. I’m actually embracing it this year though. Anyway, I need to do a couple errands this morning, and coffee. Holiday coffee is here and I can’t decide what I want. You all know I don’t like the peppermint (I actually like peppermint tea now) but, the local shop has peppermint bark latte and it looks divine. So, do I try it? They also have sugar free peppermint mocha, but the words sugar free are always a turn off. And another shop has Homemade Sugar Cookie (vanilla + almond latte) which is right up my alley. Which would you choose??
There’s a Santa’s blend too, but it doesn’t come in decaf (sometimes I wish I wasn’t so restricted). Maybe I’ll get a small for my hubby and just have a sip. 😀
Leslie M I LOVE MY CROCKPOT. I have the actual “crockpot brand” I think it’s a 6qt.
I use it every single week.
Good morning and happy Friday!!
I just saw that How to Date a Douchebag: The Studying Hours is FREE on Amazon. I didn’t realized that book was 2 years old! Leslie–this seems like something you’d like. I’d be willing to BR it sometime…
Heartbreak Warfare went live early. Get it! It is amazing!!!
Jenn & Maryse, thanks for Crock-Pot suggestions!
Tasha, they all sound good except sugar-free. 😉 I just saw ad this a.m. for several delicious sounding holiday lattes.
Nay, of course Ms. Picky-Pants didn’t like The Studying Hours. 🙁 I have a hard time with the college setting books. Not only have I OD’d on them, but they are sometimes I can’t deal with the frat-boy stuff. I’m sorry. I am the worst book buddy.
Hey Bev, have you read the sequel to Dumplin’? The audio of Puddin’ is now available on Hoopla.
Grey, that Heartbreak Warfare one sounds…well… heartbreaking!
Only 20% into Where the Crawdads Sing but hooked! I have a feeling this read is going to go into the category ” and this is why reading is a passion.” I love when we find hidden gems all thanks to you Maryse and this group of lovelies! Need to rush through my adult duties so I can dive back in!
Gah!!! I’m dying to read Heartbreak Warfare but I have 3.5 ahead of it and I have to stick to my schedule if I don’t want to lose my library books!
Leslie, I’ve heard amazing things about it. You might want to give it a shot!
I just finished a book last night (it was just ok) so I’m on the look for my next read! I might have to look back over the Goodreads nominee list – there are several I haven’t read on there. Even though it’s been super busy, I’ve managed to read several books lately and two of them I really loved –
The Wild Heir by Karina Halle. Royal bad boy that needs to change his image. I loved this story and how both characters grew as individuals and together. These other two books in this series were good as well (they don’t have to be read in order) but this was my fav.
Fall (VIP #3) by Kristen Callihan. I’ve loved every book in this series and this one didn’t disappoint. The couple was so cute together and just what the other needed.
I got the peppermint bark….and I don’t hate it. So, progress! I even have a ham in the crockpot, maybe I should hang some stockings too. Haha! I vow to read 5 chapters today, 3 at the least.
OMG “Heartbreak Warfare” went live-Thanks Grey. Well Maryse guess we don’t have to worry about stalking the pre-order for this one. I stated in a previous post that I felt sorry for the book I would be reading when this came out because I would have to put it to the side that’s how bad I want to read this book…however I can not do that to Beckett and Zelda. I love their story. I am a huge fan of “slow burns” when it’s done right and this one is perfect! I have 30% left to go and than it’s me; my heart, and “Heartbreak Warfare” 🙂
I’m also starting Heartbreak Warfare! Screw GR noms that I haven’t read!
Leslie–I didn’t really want to read that book very much anyway–I was going to sacrifice purely for you! Now you should try Heartbreak Warfare (or you can wait for me to tell you if it’s NSFL–not safe for Leslie) 😉
LOL Nay-and Yay someone to read with me. 🙂 I do agree Leslie should read with us!
I was opinionated this week. 🙂
So my Pick for Me is Binding 13. Just started and I’m invested. (Thank you. Jan!)
Sold on a Monday by Kristina McMorris is on sale for 2.99 from 9.99. Not a romance, but sounds like a tearjerker.
Ham in Crock-Pot… I’ve never tried that. Maybe hubs would like it better that way??
Nay, funny because I was thinking of asking Robin to guinea pig Heartbreak Warfare for me. You both are good are determining NSFL. 😉
I’m curious about Binding 13…so many went crazy over this. Doesn’t it have sequel coming?
My pleasure Tessa. Glad you’re enjoying Binding 13. Yep Leslie there is a sequel supposed to be out later this month. *quietly squees*. This one wasn’t my usual kinda book but I just couldn’t stop reading it. Yes Tessa, you do get invested. you really care about the characters. I love books that do that.
Has anybody heard anything about the new Jana Aston? (Maryse???) It’s called Good Time and according to GoodReads is due on Nov 6th. But it’s not up for preorder on amazon australia yet. Hope it’s out son. I really liked Wrong. It was so wrong but good LOL.
I see it Jan! But of course I’m on the US version, and I’m putting up the series post right now…
*soon
I also picked It Ends With Us for the best of the best category! I love so many of her books but that one just really stuck with me and I agree with Leslie that it’s a book every woman should read (men too!). And I loved Colleen’s answer on goodreads to if Ryle was going to get his own book.
I was super happy that Birthday Girl was up for romance book of the year- I’ve recommended it to a few people. I’ve reread that one so many times!
Leslie you have to, have to read bilnding 13, it’s fantastic. The sequel is coming out this month called keeping 13.
Maryse, you said you were updating the website, do you think you could have search engine under the date you posted. Or the date on the side and you can click to go to that post. I hope that makes sense? That way if we miss a post we can find it.
I haven’t really read anything great of late.
Jan, I’m so excited for Good Time! It doesn’t seem to have an amazon preorder anywhere. The characters and teasers dropped in Good Girl were so good!
Ashley, I was so happy to see Birthday Girl nominated too. Loved that book so much!
Binding 13 was perfect. More than 5 stars. I NEED BOOK TWO NOW! Just saying. I didn’t realize it was the same author as the one who wrote The Carter Kids. Just more reason to A, read the rest of that series and B, to have grabbed this book and read it right away. Good thing I only need to wait a month for book two.
And his mom… OMG, I was laughing SO HARD. Tears hard. I absolutely adore her.
I declare Heartbreak Warfare NSFL AT ALL. Maryse, drop everything and read it. Amy, it’s probably not for you.
I’m in Mists of the Serengeti level pain right now and this is so much worse. And I’m only at 30%! I’ve got Manny if anyone’s looking.
Yeah, I’ll just live vicariously through all y’all as you read Heartbreak Warfare and enjoy your turmoil. And I’ll be envious the whole time! But not envious enough to read it myself. You guys know why. 😉 Take good care of my Manny!
I’m sick today, but that just gives me all day long to lay around and read and organize all the pretties in my library and TBR lists. 😀
Remember me gushing about the old-school indie PNR feel of the Captive series? Welllll…THE BUNDLE IS ON SALE!! It’s the first five books, and if you read those then afterwards you HAVE to read the prequel Broken. I swear, I felt broken after I read it.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product?ASIN=B00RKY0HIO&force-full-site=1&ref_=kin_tos_ipd_bwsr_bk_dp_dp
I love my slow cooker! I have a couple hundred recipes saved on Pinterest, and I use it at least once a week. I recommend getting one that you can set the timer for a certain number of hours and then it will automatically kick over to warm at the end of that time so nothing is over cooked. It’s definitely worth paying a little extra for a slow cooker.
I just finished Doppel Banger by Heather Obergon. She co-wrote Heartbreak Warfare. I haven’t laughed so hard in a book in forever. Yes, there were some snorts! So good and really recommend.
Robin I am at 25% and yes Manny please
Sorry, I’m not prepared to share unless you come here. However, I’m making cosmos so…
*giggles at Jenn and R while sipping honey vodka-spiked hot lemon tea*
Hey, it’s yummy when you’re sick.
So….I’ll come to you-Manny+Cosmo…yes perfect!
AMY! AMY! READ BINDING 13! I know your type of books and the angst alone will make you fall in love with this book.
Alright Tessa, I’m starting it. I was feeling left out of the Kate Stewart angst fest (by my own choice, mind you ;)) so I opened up The Fall by her. But after all the love for Binding 13 and now your declaration, I’m in!!
Aaaaw Aaaammyyyy you lucky thing starting that book. You will love it.
It’s right down your alley.
Thanks so much for including LuLLaY!!! ❤️
OMG LuLLay is an amazing read! I love the characters what a great way to start the holiday season
Yay! It is definitely angsty!
Just catching up on this week’s posts and comments. Crazy, busy week with family visiting, my son’s birthday and work.
I did read The Day I Started Falling for Jerks duet. A good read if you need a laugh out loud book; maybe after Heartbreak Warfare.
Looking forward to not working this week. It’s NJ teacher convention week and our district closes for the entire week. Have to decide which book to start with and have a few “projects” I want to get done around the house and I can run and go to the gym more!! Yeh!! 😉
Tessa and Melinda…if it’s as angsty as you guys make it seem, then I’m going to be in angst heaven soon! 😀
Speaking of angst, WHY is formal dress shopping so stressful??? This is stupid! I can’t decide what style I want…form fitting, mermaid, A-line, open back, plunging neckline, long sleeves, short sleeves, cap sleeves, NO sleeves, covered in sequins, sheer overlay with sequins, no sequins, off the rack, custom made (even though I’m running out of time for THAT). I. Just. Don’t. Know. UGH!
YEAH Cheryl!! Get your playlist and RUN!!!!
I’m so getting on the Heartbreak Warfare train but nervous. I’ve been reading light, fun reads lately. Also so want to read Binding 13 after seeing all the comments. Just finished Professor Feelgood and it was a good one!
Amy, just try on clothes and whatever seems right is what you want. Even custom made, you get an idea after trying on off the rack stuff.
Tessa…it sounds simple enough, right? Then hubby has to go and say, “Try not to get something that will clash with my dress blues.” Cue smoke blowing out of my ears.
I just looked at the bottom left of my screen and saw I have 13 hours, 22 minutes left in Binding 13. Wow.
Dress blues…are you going to swoon?
So no to certain colors. Simple enough. Just try the dresses on. And if it is the wrong color… who cares? That’s when you get it customized.
Thank you Maryse! I just checked the Aus amazon and it’s gone up for preorder here now too 🙂
Welp, mid-term break so no work today yay! And tomorrow it’s a public holiday for the Melbourne Cup. Which is a horse race. I know. Not exactly Martin Luther King day. And I don’t even like horse-racing. But I’ll take the holiday LOL.
We should go shopping for Amy. Pick out 2/3 dresses…..just for fun.
Amy, tell your hubby there’s not much that doesn’t go with dress blues. Just saying. I tried on A LOT of formal dresses this summer and also many different styles. It’s true, you’ll know when you get the right one on. Don’t think too much about how it looks on the hanger, just try it on. Good luck! 😉
Nope bev, no swooning. Seeing him in his dress blues before taking what he calls his “death photo” killed the dress blues swooning a long time ago. 🙄 But he still looks pretty hot. *giggle*
Tessa and Cheryl…that’s why I was so annoyed! Dresses don’t need to be coordinated with dress blues. I’m having a hard enough time picking one out for some stupid reason.
I have my eye on this one:
https://www.anthropologie.com/shop/serenity-dress?category=dresses-formal&color=023&quantity=1&size=4&type=REGULAR
And this one:
https://www.anthropologie.com/shop/avery-dress5?category=dresses-formal&color=053
Or maybe this one:
https://shop.nordstrom.com/s/vince-camuto-cowl-neck-sequin-gown/5062359?origin=category-personalizedsort&breadcrumb=Home%2FWomen%2FClothing%2FDresses%2FFormal&fashionsize=4%2C%20S&color=rose%20gold
And this one is lovely:
https://shop.nordstrom.com/s/carmen-marc-valvo-infusion-sequin-gown/5083868?origin=category-personalizedsort&breadcrumb=Home%2FWomen%2FClothing%2FDresses%2FFormal&fashionsize=4%2C%20S&color=navy
Those are both gorgeous Amy! I especially love the first one but that’s probably just because I’d look like I was smuggling a 20 lb tturkey in thec second one.
1 and 3!
But I love the twirly skirt on this one:
https://shop.nordstrom.com/s/mac-duggal-beaded-waist-gown/4876489?origin=category-personalizedsort&breadcrumb=Home%2FWomen%2FClothing%2FDresses%2FFormal&fashionsize=4%2C%20S&color=teal
It would probably be easier if you guys went shopping for me like bev suggested!
LOL, R! I’m going to look like I’m smuggling a 20 lb turkey in the trunk of some of them. No matter what size I am, I always have curves. *sigh*
So, you vote the taupe Anthropologie one and the cowl neck sequin one?
Amy, while I like the top of the second dress, didn’t you work hard losing some weight?? I think the more fitted first and third dress would be more flattering, although I have to say the color is kinda blah. (At least in the pic).
I love these two.
https://www.anthropologie.com/shop/sanders-dress
https://www.anthropologie.com/shop/avery-dress2
Is there a theme to the event? That might help you pick a color and/or style.
I started Binding 13 today too. Stuck working swim meets all weekend so I had a little time without the littles. I’m loving the feel of it so far. I figure it’ll take me a year to read it. LOL
Amy, I honestly love them all! But, they are all very different from each other and I don’t know what you look like (besides the gorgeous eyebrows). *giggles*
I think from what I do know about you, I’d pick 1 or 4. Both are sexy and classic and will look amazing next to handsome hubs dress blues. 2 and 3 are nice too though. 2 is princess like and 3 super sexy. Depends on what look you are going for.
I vote for the serenity dress, the beaded waist gown (nordstrom) and the cowl neck–in that order.
And I’m with Leslie. They’re all gorgeous, just depends on the best fit. Can you try them all and return the duds? That’s what I usually do when I order stuff from Amazon.
I like all the dresses, except the black. I just don’t like the style of it, it makes me think of The Adams Family. I really like the color on the twirly dress. And it seems more basic/neutral/would work for anything. The flowy one with the spaghetti straps is very eye catching and whimsical, I love that too. But, that Serenity? (the 1st link) Anthropologie! Gorgeous.
Of course that would take a hefty credit card balance up front! I do that with swimsuits, so not as bad!
I missed the cowl neck one. It’s not my favorite.
Any, scratch what I said.
I LOVE that first one Cheryl posted. It’s freaking gorgeous.
Stupid phone!!
“Amy” not Any
1 is my favorite, but go to the stores and see if they have them. That way, you can decide by seeing yourself in them.
Okay, the Addams Family one is definitely out now, LOL!
To answer questions and give a little more info:
– I am 5’1”, size 4, with fuller hips and booty, and a B-cup chest (not perky anymore, mind you).
– No theme to the ball other than formal
– I did lose some weight recently and actually AM leaning toward the more fitted ones, but I love twirly skirts
– I’m a little nervous about the open back because I have freckling from too much time in the sun, but I would still go with one if I loved it enough (like the Serenity one
Thank you all sooooo much for your input! It’s really helping. 😀
I probably will order two or three and return the ones I don’t pick, if they don’t have them in the stores near me. There are a couple of Anthropologie stores about an hour or so away from me and at least three Nordstrom within 45 minutes.
And I love that first one Cheryl posted as well! The second one is the same one I posted above but in a different color.
Ooh! I also found this the other day (on Amazon of all places!):
https://www.amazon.com/Adrianna-Papell-Womens-Sleeve-Illusion/dp/B01J4HPR84/ref=sr_1_63?ie=UTF8&qid=1541378957&sr=8-63&keywords=Adrianna+papell+gown
Also this one on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/Adrianna-Papell-Womens-Sleeves-Platinum/dp/B00EKT0CI2/ref=sr_1_16?ie=UTF8&qid=1541379222&sr=8-16&keywords=Adrianna+papell+gown+cap+sleeve
It’s sparkly, fitted, AND twirly!
There is also this. It has the fitted thing to show off your figure but the flare at the bottom for fun.
https://www.anthropologie.com/shop/barnett-dress?category=dresses-formal&color=012
Though, what’s wrong with freckles?
This one doesn’t show your back, and it would show off your curves perfectly.
https://shop.nordstrom.com/s/dress-the-population-michelle-sequin-gown-nordstrom-exclusive/4538001?origin=category-personalizedsort&breadcrumb=Home%2FWomen%2FClothing%2FDresses&color=brass
I like the second amazon one far more than the first.
Ooooh https://www.anthropologie.com/shop/madison-dress2?category=dresses-formal&color=065
I gotta stop looking. lol
Yeah, Tessa? I was kind of thinking that as well. There are a TON of Adrianna Papell gowns on Amazon, so I have to be careful not to look at too many, LOL!
Oh, and I’m really enjoying Binding 13 so far in terms of the writing. Yes, it’s slow going but I’m loving the Irish terminology. And I like how their “voices” are different so I feel like I’m actually switching POVs.
Good luck Amy. Don’t know if you have a Nordstrom Rack near you, but that’s where I found my formal dress and there were a lot to choose from and definitely less expensive than Nordstrom and Anthropologie.
I love Nordstrom Rack. It’s where I get most of my shoes. SUPER deals on high end stuff. LOVE LOVE LOVE!!
I saw that one before…gorgeous! The only thing that I didn’t care for is how plain it is in the front.
See what I mean about looking at too many? It’s addicting and makes deciding more difficult!
There is a Nordstrom Rack about 45 minutes from me, and I was going to check there for shoes. I’ll check out their dresses as well, although online it didn’t have a very good selection. You never know though!
Tessa…I’m just self-conscious about the freckling since it is from the sun (not natural) and therefore looks like “aged” skin. 😕
I was eyeing that second one, I just wasn’t sure about the mesh in front and how obvious it would be. But if they have it, I am definitely trying it on! Va-va-VOOM!
Amy, I was looking at $$$ dresses just for the fun of it and not too far off from what you posted based on your first list. The first one I looked at was gold cowl back, lol.
https://www.neimanmarcus.com/p/naeem-khan-cowl-back-boat-neck-long-sleeve-fitted-sequin-evening-gown-prod214770334?childItemId=NMB4LLT_&navpath=cat000000_cat000730_cat55920965&page=0&position=6&uuid=PDP_PAGINATION_ab32a74ca1956bf7899bee15f49e861a_qcUZwB2%2BSLeUvWeJeTnSR8BM
Then I looked at sparkling overlay.
https://www.neimanmarcus.com/p/jenny-packham-celeste-v-neck-sleeveless-beaded-tulle-column-evening-gown-prod212850170?childItemId=NMB4HN9_&navpath=cat000000_cat000730_cat49670739&page=0&position=8&uuid=PDP_PAGINATION_88317c49828faee724d3865fb9a26d3c_qcUZwB2%2BSLeUvWeJeTnSR8BM
Aww. It’s not, just freckly. I’ve always gotten freckles in the sun. Also, a few not even in the sun.
Also, the “plain front” is basically showing off the body. It’s not shiny, but it’d be a moment of showing you off more than the dress.
The second one is pretty awesome. I think with B cup and full hips it’d work perfectly for your body type. Notice even the model has that type of body? 🙂
Bev, that second one’s material looks like the night sky. So pretty.
Amy, we sound like similar body types and I have that “freckling” too. I’m just a wee bit taller- 5 2 1/2! This is the dress I found at Nordstrom Rack. If you get stuck, I can send it to you. LOL. Although hubby might say it doesn’t go with his dress blues.
https://www.tradesy.com/i/carmen-marc-valvo-blueblack-infusion-long-formal-dress-size-12-l/23971539/ *Just a pic, mine is a size 4
This is so fun looking at dresses!! Bev, you have expensive taste. 😉
Tessa, that pink one is GORGEOUS. Amy, if you can do the backless, I love Tessa’s pick.
Cheryl’s blue one is great too.
I like the Addams family one. To me it looks old Hollywood. Lol.
OMG bev, I wish I could stomach spending that much on a dress because I would SO get one of those from Newman Marcus! I looked on there a couple of times but when the only ones catching my eye were $3000 and above, I knew I had to stop. I absolutely LOVE Jenny Packham dresses. *sigh*
Yep Tessa, I noticed she has some hippage going on. 😉 I will be trying that one on if they have it!
Awwwww CHERYL! That is so sweet of you!! I love knowing that I have a backup dress (and a beautiful one at that) if I get stuck. Thank you soooo much! *hugs* And despite what hubby thinks, his dress blues play no part in my decision. 😛
That’s a beautiful dress, Cheryl! I also like the style of the Madison dress Tessa posted. And the Barnett dress is pretty too.
One thing that stood out for me in Binding 13- “E” grading. So much more practical than jumping straight to F like the U.S. Lol. I had no idea.
Oh, here is the other thing with a backless dress…the backless part has to stop about midway down my back because my Spanx go up to just under my bra strap. And I am NOT going without my Spanx. No. Way. *snort*
I also like the Anthropologie madison and Nordstrom dress Tessa posted.
Maybe if it wasn’t black, it would take away the Morticia vibe for me. I tried viewing it a ton of times and I can’t see anything else. But, I’m sure in the right person, it’s pretty. 😉
**side note- Until spell check tried to correct Morticia to Mortician for me, I never once thought that’s where the name came from. How clever. Lol
I wish I had the Hallmark channel. I just saw an ad for the movie Road to Christmas premiering tonight. Looks like a lot of good movies coming this year.
Tasha, I had to look up so many colloquial phrases in the book. Some things just didn’t make sense, especially the local sports lingo. I absolutely loved that.
Thank you again for the all of the ideas and input…even though I am even more unsure now, it was FUN! 😀
I’ve always loved reading stories set in Ireland or Scotland or Australia or the UK. Let me clarify that…I love it when the stories are set there and are WRITTEN by someone native to the area. When an American author tries it, I usually end up cringing. Hearing lingo and phrases different from ours is so entertaining.
I know I’m late to the conversation but I have bought several dresses and could probably rent them I have so many. But this is a great store and so cheap and they look great on.i have the blue, black, white, gold. And red
https://www.windsorstore.com/category/Dresses
Amy I liked no 1 too and the straight gold one. Cheryl’s no one was really beautiful too.