"Inquisitive and observant, Dora dreams of escaping her aristocratic country life to solve mysteries alongside Sherlock Holmes. So when she learns that the legendary detective might be her biological father, Dora jumps on the opportunity to travel to London and enlist his help in solving the mystery of her cousin's ransomed love letters. But Dora arrives in London to devastating news: Sherlock Holmes is dead. Her dreams dashed, Dora is left to rely on her wits-and the assistance of an attractive yet enigmatic young detective-to save her cousin's reputation and help rescue a kidnapped heiress along the way. "
Last week, my mom made a trip to the library, and she picked up Secret Lettersby Leah Scheier for me to try.
I fell in love.
When I first started it, I didn't love it. It was a bit slow, and...I don't know. I just wasn't in love with it. But something about it kept me reading, and I'm so glad that I did. Sometimes historical mysteries can be a little harder for me to get into at first, so that might have something to do with it.
Dora is a great protagonist- strong, intelligent, and witty. She's extremely independent in a society where women are supposed to be mild, complacent, and polite. She has an amazing ability to think on her feet, and her deduction skills are top-notch. She also has a bit of a temper, and she doesn't like being wrong. Those tendencies can cause her to get into some scrapes.
When Dora arrives in London looking for Sherlock Holmes, she instead meets a young detective, Peter Cartwright. Peter is definitely my favorite character in this novel! If any of you have seen the movie Anastasia (One of my favorite movies, hands down. If you haven't seen it, GO WATCH IT!!), Peter reminds me a bit of Dimitri. He's very worldly, has a bit of arrogance to him, and always seems to be teasing Dora and trying to outsmart her. Peter is very cunning, and has deduction skills to match Dora's. One thing that I really liked about him was how he treated Dora as an equal, not like women were typically treated during this time period. At the same time, though, he was really caring and protective of her. He maintained a healthy balance, which was really cool to see.
The storyline itself was very well-written, and it kept me engaged throughout the book. The way that everything tied together was really cool, and while I was able to figure out parts of it, other parts came as a complete shock. The mystery is fascinating, and I really couldn't put this book down. (Which, granted, wasn't the best thing for me, sleep-wise, - but I had to finish it! I had to know what happened!)
The ending was really well-done as well. Some personal details are wrapped up, and it helped the reader to understand the characters better. And the last page had my fangirl-self flipping out. Like, a lot. I NEED A SEQUEL. RIGHT NOW. PLEASE!!!
Seriously, if a sequel isn't written, I just might cry. It's perfectly set up for a second story, and I want to know what happens!!
Honestly, I can't recommend this book enough. PLEASE, go pick it up! You won't regret it!
I have a love/hate relationship with this week. It's so sweet but oh so sad.
Also, Tom isn't here this week, which is sad. He had to go home because his dad is sick. Tom, hope that your dad gets better soon and you can come back to make us all laugh soon!
*None of these pictures are mine*
Alexa and Mark- Alexa's most memorable year is 2000, the year she booked Spy Kids. She was pretty upset by Alfonso's comment last week. She said, "Carlos comes before winning anything. Family comes first. Carlos is my family." This dance is all about her family, and she's dancing to a song her mom used to blare all the time.
I really liked that dance!!! It was great. There was a bit of a footwork slip-up, but other than that I loved it. The concept was great; the scenery and costumes were so fun. The judges penalized her a good bit for that slip-up though. 21/30.
Gary and Anna- Gary's most memorable year was 1979. He was in the Buddy Holly story, which started his rise to fame. In 1988, Gary was in an accident, which caused him serious brain damage. That makes things a little harder for him, but he works so hard and really does such a great job. Haha, oh my goodness, I love Gary so much. He messes up, but he's so much fun to watch! 16/30.
HAHAHAHA, oh my gosh. Sasha recreated Bruno's 80's outfit. That was beautiful xD
Tamar and Val- Tamar's most memorable year is 2012, when she almost lost her husband, Vince. He had multiple blood clots in his lungs and went into a coma. While he was in the hospital, they decided to have a baby, and they now have a healthy young boy. To quote Tamar- "I wouldn't trade that for the world."
It was so great, her husband played the piano for her dance. <3 That was so sweet. The dance was really pretty, and they did connect better, but I still didn't feel a huge connection. She and Val seem as though they're two different people dancing, instead of dancing together as one. The judges loved it though, and there's been a ton of positive response to her online. I just don't think their connection is as strong as it could be. 27/30.
*gasp* ALLISON'S PREGNANT!!!!!!! OH MY GOSH!!!!!!!!! YAY!!!!!!!!! I'M SO EXCITED RIGHT NOW AGH!!!!!!!!!!!
Hayes and Emma- Hayes's most memorable year is 2014. He turned into this huge video star, going from 21 followers to 100,000 followers overnight.
Oh my goodness, I loved their dance!! The choreography was absolutely adorable, go Emma!! Hayes executed it INSANELY well. I loved that!! 27/30- Oh my gosh, I thought they were both going to pass out there xD When they got those 9's, their faces were priceless!
Alek and Lindsey- Alek's most memorable year is 2015. With all of the things that have happened since the train,
Alek's had a pretty great year. This past week though, was terrible. The shooting in Oregon took place in his hometown, at the college he almost went to. He's dedicating this dance to that community.
OH MY GOSH. I'm literally just sitting here grinning. That was incredible! He nailed it. He had so much strength and intensity, and he executed it flawlessly. I love to watch him dance, he's absolutely amazing. I'm freaking out right now. I want him in top 3. 24/30.
Nick and Sharna-Nick's most memorable year is 1992. That was the year he met the Backstreet Boys and joined them. He had a really rough childhood, and the Backstreet Boys got him out of that environment and helped him. They're doing a Backstreet Boys themed routine this week.
Haha, that was a really cool dance! Every girl who was ever a fan wants to be Sharna right now! 27/30.
Carlos and Witney- His most memorable year is 2012. He's dancing to the song Amazing Grace, because it's one of the first songs he ever heard in church. After he toured, he hit rock bottom, didn't want to leave the house, and was smoking weed. He went to church because he wanted a change, and soon became a Christian. The Thursday after he started going to church, he met his wife at a Bible study. His story is so amazing. : )
Wow!!! He had one tiny stumble, but otherwise it was really good!!!!! Carrie Ann was super complementary of him, which made me really happy. 25/30
Also, WITNEY GOT ENGAGED AHH I'M SO HAPPY!!!!
Paula and Louis- Paula's most memorable year is 1989. She started to really take control of her life that year. She's having some trouble really trusting herself and having confidence with this dance. You couldn't tell, though! She did a really good job. 18/30. Hahahahahaha!!! Oh my gosh Paula Deen you crack me up. That was the funniest thing ever. You whip your hair, girl!
Andy and Allison- Andy's most memorable year is 2009. In 2009, his mom was diagnosed with breast cancer. He only had two or three days to say goodbye to her. That's so sad... He then wrote a song, and it was the start of his career. I wish I could say that I absolutely loved that dance, but I really didn't. It was alright, but it wasn't my favorite. Compared to some of the other dances we've seen, it wasn't as good. Hopefully I'll like it a bit better next week! (Also, if they make it to the finale, Allison will be six months pregnant??? Wow!) 23/30.
^These images came from @abcdancingwiththestars on Instagram it's a really awesome account :D
I LEARNED TO ATTACH VIDEOS TO MY POSTS JUST FOR YOU GUYS TO SEE THE PERFECTION THAT THIS IS NOW YOU HAVE NO EXCUSE
Bindi- (This is going to make me cry I guarantee.) Bindi's most memorable year is 2006. When she said, "I had the best daddy in the whole world," at her dad's memorial service, I almost lost it. Oh my gosh. And then they played Photograph in the package that made things ten times worse. I shouldn't be on the brink of losing it before the dance even starts. Please, nail this, Bindi.
OH MY GOSH. THAT WAS PERFECT. That dance was so beautiful, Derek could not have choreographed it more perfectly. I cannot even put into words how perfect the choreography was, it told such a beautiful story. And Bindi was flawless. I was on the verge of tears, it was insane. This is going into my top ten favorite dances. And then Bindi started crying once it was over and everyone in the room could feel how much emotion went into that dance. 28/30- SHE GOT A TEN!!! OH MY GOSH SHE GOT A TEN THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU I AM SO FREAKING HAPPY RIGHT NOW THANK YOU BRUNO TONIOLI I LOVE YOU.
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In jeopardy.....Carlos and Witney
Also in jeopardy......Gary and Anna
NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO THIS IS NOT OKAY OH MY GOSH NO NO NO
Going home...Gary and Anna.
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
I am so upset right now oh my gosh.
Dancing With The Stars should not be this emotionally draining.
Like, this has been such a draining episode oh my gosh.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Ugh I really wish Gary wasn't going home. I didn't want Carlos to go home either, not at all. I just wish it hadn't been Gary. I'm falling in love with this cast too much this is bad.
Hahaha! "The fact that I've been eliminated is false. My spirit will remain in this room throughout the show." xD
*Alfonso tries to cut him off* "I'm not finished. Stop."
He literally wouldn't stop talking oh my gosh that was perfect. xD
Gosh, this week has been busy! I can't quite say that I'm sorry it's over. Parts of it have been super stressful and tiring, so I'm ready for a fresh start. I'm so glad that it's finally the weekend! Having a chance to just relax is super nice.
I don't really have any plans this weekend, for which I'm very thankful! I'd like to work on some novel stuff, and I need to calm the tornado in my room. It's really terrible. WHY CAN I NEVER KEEP IT CLEAN? WHY?!
But I digress.
Maybe I'll go make some scones. Or watch NCIS. That sounds a lot nicer than cleaning.
Made Me Smile:
I had my auditions this week, and I'm in the ensemble of our musical! I'm really excited, it's going to be a ton of fun. : )
Long, wonderful talks with amazing people who I love to death.
More character work for my novel! Agh it's so much fun!
Having a quiz postponed. Gotta love it!
Ugh:
Headaches. They are literally the worst. Lack of sleep and dehydration do not make for a very good day, I can tell you that.
School. Just school in general. I am ahead on English this week, though, so that's good! I just feel like I'm behind on absolutely everything else.
It's getting colder. Noooooooo!!!
Loving:
Chocolate-peanut butter spread. I feel like I talk about this stuff a lot but I swear, it's the most amazing substance in the world.
Secret Letters by Leah Scheier. It is SUCH a good book!! My mom picked it up for me at the library this week, and I'm in love.
Scouring Pinterest for fun fall ideas.
Pinning:
I love this hairstyle so much! I feel like I would crash and burn if I tried it, but agh it's so cute!
This vintage 50's dress is absolutely stunning!
I love this! I actually tried recreating it, although it didn't turn out this well for sure!!
I WANT THIS OUTFIT SO BADLY OH MY GOSH
Oh my goodness, I'm laughing so hard. THG and Taylor- perfect!
While September is a bit of a transition month, October is a full-blown "Hey it's Autumn again!" month. Even though I'm sad that summer is over, I'm trying my hardest to enjoy the fact that it's fall. The way I'm looking at it, fall is here whether I like it or not, so I might as well get festive and enjoy it! *Deep breath in* Okay. I can do this.
SO, since I'm not a huge fall person myself, I need some help. What are some fall blog post ideas that you'd like to see? I'd love some suggestions!
I'm also looking for some good fall crafts, so any ideas would be appreciated! I want to make some wooden signs, but I'm not sure what else. I'll definitely be perusing Pinterest for some ideas!
One thing that I always love about October is Halloween. It's such a great holiday, and the preparations for it are so much fun- we already have our decorations up! I love the costumes, and the pumpkins, and of course- the candy!!! Ahh. I have a major sweet tooth, so any holiday that celebrates sweets is a great holiday, in my opinion! I'm going to try to do some Halloween-themed baking, so that should be fun.
We're still enjoying some warm weather here in the South, which I'm loving. Hopefully it stays this way! I think it's cooling down a bit this week, but it's still not getting cold. I'm thrilled! That's always nice. If you ask me, the weather is always best when it's above sixty-five degrees.
I remember that when I wrote my Happy September post, I was super excited about getting my braces off. *Lucky* me, I still have my top braces. They're supposed to come off this month though, which is good. I WANT MY TEETH BACK!!! (It feels so weird not having braces on the bottom. Like, I have teeth now? What?!)
School's picking up, and things are getting busier and busier. Homework has been a bit crazy, and when you add in rehearsals, life gets hectic. I've been getting kind of slack about using my planner, which hasn't helped. That's my resolution for the month- to use my planner more!!
I also really want to do more baking this month. On top of Halloween baking, I love just finding great recipes, and having yummy things to eat for days afterwards. Does anyone have some good recipes that I can try?
I'm excited for this month- hopefully it's a good one!
