On Facing the Quiet Truth and Getting Back to the Good Stuff

 I've spent the last two years "reading to escape" the spectacular awfulness of the current state of our country. I thought one way to cope with my stress level was to keep reading--which normally is my calming technique for anything that makes me worry or stress out. Give me all the cozy fantasy, the feel-good reads--I want to escape through a book that doesn't give me anxiety, not one tiny bit. 

However, I've had a bit of a big moment of self-realization this week while I've been on a staycation at home. Surrounded by all my books, flitting from one to another, starting but not finishing dozens of books. I've been thinking about years past, when I was a bookseller, and how much I absolutely loved diving into all sorts of books--especially novels that made me shout out loud, curse, run to my friends to discuss. And non-fiction--reading about all the interesting bits of history and the people who shape the world. I realized I missed that so very, very much. 

I've decided it's time to stop trying to escape, and instead get back to the love of reading I have that has been dimmed a bit. I'm truthful in saying I've been dumbing myself down, and F*** that! We desperately need all the appreciation and love for the arts and humanities. I need to do my part in spreading my enthusiasm for reading, writing, and books. 

It's going to be a journey, for sure. And it won't happen overnight. While I would love to sit and read all day, it's just not possible. But, I can definitely start by limiting social media and time on my phone. 

There are a few books I'm excited to read over the summer--new books coming out. Mary Kay Andrews has a new book out in a few weeks, 

and I absolutely love her novels. But, I will also be working on going back and finishing books I've started and set aside. Here are a few on that list:

I've been obsessed with Anne Boleyn for decades. This novel asks the question: what if Anne comes back to life, and seeks to kill Henry VIII?

Another novel I've started and set aside. A young wife in 1957 copes with trying to be the perfect wife and mother in a neighborhood where all eyes are on her.

Yes, it's the hot series everyone is talking about. I wasn't going to ever read it, but my brother and SIL raved about the series. When they rave about a book, I listen. I started it, put it down weeks ago, but I'll pick it back up and enjoy the wild ride. 

I'm also reading Yesteryear, which is the hottest book this month. People either love it or hate it. I'm about 100 pages in, and set it aside because I got distracted. I'll pick it up again and finish it. 

I'm also going to start posting my reviews again. I stopped last year because it just became too much, and after 15 years of steadily posting on my blog, I was burnt out. It all comes down to my love of talking about books. There's no monetary reward, and it takes time to post and blog, but I do enjoy it even if I feel like I'm shouting into the void. Comments are welcome!!

Anyway, here's to listening to that inner voice that says "Get your shit together, girl!" It promises to be a very busy summer, but I'll carve out time to sit on my deck, relax, and read. 

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On Facing the Quiet Truth and Getting Back to the Good Stuff

May Read: Lula Dean's Little Library of Banned Books by Kirsten Miller

 

I'm a huge fan of Kirsten Miller. The Change was a favorite novel of mine from a few years ago, and I've been eagerly anticipating her second novel, which will be available in the U.S. on June 18th. Big thanks to NetGalley for the chance to read it ahead of publication. I don't think I could have waited another month to read it!

I'll preface this review by saying this novel doesn't pull any punches, and if you have a particular set of beliefs or opinions, it's probably not the book for you. Or may it is the book for you, but you won't feel comfortable reading it. 

The small town of Troy, Georgia is steeped in Southern tradition and the kind of place where manners are everything and you can still be annoyed by your high school nemesis thirty years after cheerleader camp. People are long on memory and short on minding their own business. Especially when it comes to books. 

Lula Dean is a busybody, nosy, orange-haired person who likes to stick herself into things that aren't her business. A kid's prank of putting a naughty cake cookbook in the public library starts the flames of book banning, with Lula Dean leading the way. In short order she's organized a citizen's group, pulled hundreds of books out of the public and school libraries, and has set up a little library outside her home that only has "appropriate" books she has curated for the townsfolk. Books that have a slant towards racism, whiteness, and putting women in their place. 

Someone decides to swap out those books with books that were pulled from the public library--keeping the covers from Lula's books, but swapping out the books. So it appears that her books are in the little library, but people who decide to take one get a big surprise when they start reading. But that big surprise sets in motion so many life changing events for some of the townspeople that it's clear change is afoot and boy, is it coming fast!

Of course Lula has no idea what's happened to her little book library, which kept me snickering through the story. I loved getting to know the people of Troy. Some of their stories were funny, others were troublesome, but all of them were changed for the better by a book they read-a book that was banned. 

It's an all out war in little Troy, GA as national news arrives, marriages crumble, friendships are strained, and beliefs long held dear are tested. Kirsten Miller's writing is biting, funny, witty, and also very pointed. 

I loved this novel. We must protect books, authors, librarians, booksellers, and anyone who advocates for those who are seen as "less than". I know this is fiction, but oh, wouldn't it be wonderful if this battle played out with a happy ending in our real lives. 

Rating: 6/6 for a novel that addresses all the things that are happening in our country--all the dark, weird, misinformed things. Loved the characters, the humor, the points made, and the evolution of some of the characters from ignorant to informed. 

Available on June 18th in hardcover, ebook, and audio. 

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May Read: Lula Dean's Little Library of Banned Books by Kirsten Miller

The Break-Up Book Club by Wendy Wax

Click here to purchase from Amazon

I had to start my summer reading in May when I purchased this novel and couldn't be disciplined enough to wait for June. 

I've read a number of Wendy Wax novels and am never disappointed. Her latest, The Break-Up Book Club was the perfect read to finish up on a holiday weekend and darn it all, gave me a few book recommendations, too. 

There are quite a few characters telling their stories in alternating chapters: Jazmine, Judith, Erin, and Sara are the main characters. There's also Dorothy and Meena, and Annell.  It may seem like a lot of characters to keep straight, but it's really pretty easy. Annell owns the Between the Covers bookstore where their monthly book club meets. It sounds like a dream place (for me, it certainly is!) and the book club sounds pretty wonderful, too. It is the landing space for all of these women who live around Atlanta, Georgia and at first don't have much in common except this book shop and book club. However, friendships form and the book club becomes a support group, too--in the best possible way. 

Jazmine is a sports agent, and wildly successful, too. Judith is in a long marriage and has found out her husband is bored but sticking with the marriage because it's comfortable. Erin is engaged to her childhood sweetheart, who has been signed to the Atlanta Braves baseball team and is having second thoughts about marriage to Erin. 

Sara, oh, poor Sara. She's married, but her husband has taken an out of town job that keeps him away for weeks at a time. His mother Dorothy lives with Sara after having surgery. They have a frosty relationship. When Sara finds out the truth about her husband, it flips her life in ways she never imagined. And it changes her relationship with Dorothy, too. 

Each chapter is told in the alternating voices of Jazmine, Erin, Sara, and Judith. Over the course of many months, the women all experience highs and lows as their lives change and they empower themselves to take control of their happiness. There are some sad moments, but a whole lot of happy moments, too. The monthly book club meetings keep everyone connected and the friendships formed are what help each women navigate big life changes. 

If you're like me, you'll also take note of the books they read and add a few to your TBR list. I've been part of book clubs for over 20 years, and it's always fun to pick out reads and get together to discuss. And yes, books help bring people together. That's just part of their magic. 

I thoroughly enjoyed this read and just as a warning if you read the author note at the beginning you may get a little weepy. My heart goes out to Wendy Wax. Bless her. 

Add this to your summer read list! I find novels about books, libraries, bookstores and book clubs irresistible. I'd love to craft a post about all the titles I've read that fit this particular sub-genre. Add that to my summer to-do list!

Rating: 4/6 for an enjoyable novel about friendship, a book club, and women coming into their own power. I gulped it down! 

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The Break-Up Book Club by Wendy Wax

October Reads: Putting the Boo! in Books

 This year just keeps on flying by, even when some days it feels like time is  moving super slow. I had to keep reminding myself today that tomorrow is October first, and the weather is turning much cooler and feeling like Fall. 

This month's reads are full of supernatural hijinks and I can't wait to jump in! I'm still reading Raybearer by Jordan Ifueko. Wow. It's definitely not a book I can read quickly but I'm enjoying it quite a bit. I'll confess that holiday books are starting to look very tempting, too. I'm going to try and have some self control and hang on until November before I start reading my feel good novels for the holiday season. I'm pretty sure I won't be alone reading escape fiction this winter. Is it wrong to be excited that I have a new flannel robe on the way? Holy cow my nesting vibe is hitting an all-time high. 

Here's what's on the reading list this month:

I know. It's not spooky. But I can't wait to read this novel about a librarian finding love. 

A cross between Big Little Lies and Practical Magic? Sure. This is one book that keeps popping up everywhere I look, so I took the hint and will read it this month. 

Garth Nix writes great stories. This one has booksellers who are magical, murder, and adventure. 

1902. A school for girls. Shocking murders. A modern day movie set, and a story within a story. This is a big hulking book, and I'm super curious! 

I've had two friends read this book and they LOVED it. A podcast, a small town, and a cover up. Thriller vibes! 

I've been waiting a few months for this to come out and was happy to buy my copy a few days ago. Books in a library that lies in between life and death give a woman a chance to relive her life with many different choices. If you could do it over and fix your regrets, would you?

I've got a bit of reading to do this month, so I will hop to it. Some nights it is a battle between watching holiday cooking shows and just keeping the TV off and reading for a few hours. Tonight is a TV night. 

Happy reading this month! Please share your reads with me. I'd love to know what you've discovered, and happy to get recommendations on what I should read. 

The Bookalicious Babe

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October Reads: Putting the Boo! in Books

Starting Fresh in September: I'm Ready for Fall!

Well. August 2020 certainly is a month I will never forget. My city of Cedar Rapids and the surrounding communities are still digging out from the derecho that hit on August 10th. The National Weather Service categorized it as a level 3 hurricane. It struck fast, lasted for a little over an hour, and unleashed destruction everywhere you look. 

In the past few weeks, I've been busy in a few different places: work and home. Work (the Marion Public Library) is keeping me feeling just a bit off-kilter. Our library sustained extensive water damage, and we have had to move the entire collection out of the building and into a facility where I'll be working for the next 14 or so months while our new library is being built. Our staff is scattered across Marion in a few different spots. The good news is that we have a rock star director and deputy director, and they have been working very hard to secure a temporary library location, which will open in a few weeks. It's small, and will house our newest additions to our collection for our patrons, along with computers, a printer, and wi-fi. Our staff has been working through a nasty heat wave unboxing, shelving, shifting books, getting organized so we can begin operations again and continue to serve our community. Thankfully, we have a break in the heat (fall temps can show up anytime!). I also took a break from working out at the gym for the past three weeks, and I hope to return tomorrow. Little things that help reframe daily life and keep me calm. 

My house--I am so lucky. With the help of my partner, and a great group called 8 Days of Hope, my big tree is now gone. Only a very large stump remains. My backyard has been transformed from one with a bit of shade, to one with no shade at all. It's hard to step outside and look at it. It's still a bit of a mess with a whole lot of sawdust around, dead grass (No rain & hot temps for weeks), and all my plants and flowers are dead. My partner's skid loader tore up my yard as he worked to get the largest and heaviest bits of the tree out to the curb. I've kept one piece of the tree, but haven't figured out just what I'll make from it. Next Spring I'll have a whole new yard to work on...replacing shade plants with full sun plants. So yes. I'm so lucky and grateful for whatever higher powers protected my home during the storm. 

Today I'm finally grocery shopping to replace some of what I lost during the 12 days I had no power. Keeping it light! And yesterday, I visited a few bookstores. As I've said before, books are my ultimate comfort go-to. Some people watch movies or tv to escape; I read books. It's been a very hard year reading-wise. I've struggled so much, more than I think I've ever struggled to read in my life! Between being physically tired and mentally fried, I spent a lot of nights just staring at the TV, watching Food Network. Couldn't land on any one of the many books I've got at home. Nothing clicked. But I certainly wanted to buy a few things this weekend, and hope it kick starts my reading flow again. 

Here's what I'm reading in September: 

I've been waiting for this book all summer!  I loved the Iron Druid Chronicles. A magical man with a terrible curse, and a mystery to solve. And he likes craft cocktails. Win win! 

This series has been around for a few years, and I never read it. Now it's going to be on Netflix and I can't wait! Found this at the Swamp Fox Bookstore in Marion, Iowa during a fundraiser for the library. Enola is the sister of Sherlock Holmes, and a mystery solver herself. Young adult. 

Another book I've been waiting to be released. I'm a big Susanna Kearsley fan, so this one was a no brainer. Each author writes a novella, with a cursed watch as the theme. Historical, mysterious, and a little bit of the unknown. I figured this would be a good way to return to reading--novellas are a bit longer than a short story, but not as long as a novel. 

Historical fiction by one of the best. This is about two women who are transported to penal colony Australia, and an aboriginal woman who has been displaced from her family and society. 

I've had an advanced reader's copy of this novel on my bookshelf for a few months. A young adult fantasy novel about a young woman who wants to belong, but may become a pawn to higher powers if she chooses the wrong path.

I hope you are all safe, well, and taking care of yourself while Covid-19 still rages. Iowa, unfortunately, has numbers that just keep going up. I plan on keeping myself safe with limited shopping trips, and lots of at home reading. I've had pumpkin everything on my mind lately, so I think today is a great day to make a pumpkin dessert of some kind, and I'm bringing out the crockpot for a tasty meal tonight. 

Take care and I'll be back soon with reviews! 

The Bookalicious Babe

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Starting Fresh in September: I'm Ready for Fall!

A Note From the Bookalicious Babe

Hi all. It's bizarre out there, isn't it? I wasn't too nervous up until yesterday, when I realized I had spent all Friday night tossing and turning, thinking about this virus and realizing it is a really big deal. And thinking about all the folks I know who are elderly, who have compromised health. How easy it is to spread something even when you don't have any symptoms and feel fine. How many people I come into contact with every day. How many things I touch, that other people touch. I'm not a super social person, but I do like to socialize, and that's usually in a bar, a bookstore, or a restaurant. 

I am fine, by the way. But I've been struggling to read the books I chose to read and review this month, and I decided today that I just wasn't going to do that anymore. I'm going to read some other books; books I've wanted to read but are way down on my list; fun books that lift me up a bit. Books to take my mind off of the current status of the world. 

So I'm putting this month's books on hold for now, and you'll see some other books reviewed. Not sure what yet, but I've thankfully got a lot to choose from here at my home. 

Take care, stay safe, and stay home. Please don't stockpile good that others need and are currently hard to get. Stay informed, but please make sure you're informed from a reputable news source. There is no social event that can't wait until the world is a healthier place. 


Take care-

The Bookalicious Babe

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A Note From the Bookalicious Babe

November...Wait! How Did We Get Here So Fast?!

I don't know about the rest of you, but here in Iowa we got about 4 inches of snow last night (Halloween Eve) and the kiddies are out and about tonight in temperatures that are dipping into the 20's. Yikes! Not the Halloween folks around here were hoping for--usually it's fairly moderate and lovely. We're prepared for snow and cold, just not in October. More like December. 

So, not only are my fellow Iowans confused, annoyed, and just plain ticked off, but oh golly, the poor trees! Still fully loaded with leaves, and I don't think we're going to get much of a chance to rake 'em up as they fall. Usually, I think you'll agree, we've got a little time to ease into thinking about Thanksgiving and Christmas, but I think it's safe to say we're all a bit perplexed as to how we should actually be feeling. I'm not ready to even think about turkey, gifts, or decorating. Nope. Not yet. 

I am, however, putting my December reading list together. I love, love, love to read holiday novels in December. It's my month of unapologetic fun reads. I've got a stack sitting out, and I was tempted to start, but this snow has killed it for me. I'm content to wait another month before I start. Definitely not ready for holiday reads just yet. 

So, November. What am I going to read? I've got a few novels that I've started in October, and hope to finish in November. And a few that I bought a few months ago and haven't managed to jump into just yet. Here's what's up for November:

 So I've got to read this novel so I can read the holiday themed novel that comes after it! I liked the first in the series--The Library at the End of the World. Ah, Ireland. Take me away. 

Oh, this one will stretch my comfort zone. A serial killer stalks his young victims at an amusement park in 1915 Chicago. Yikes! Getting rave reviews. 

Victorian gothic novel about a young widow who returns to New York to restore a dilapidated mansion, and uncovers a whole lot of secrets. 

I've started this, but haven't gotten very far. A young woman discovers doors into other worlds and goes on a grand adventure. Another novel getting rave reviews. 

I'm also reading Alice Hoffman's The World That We Knew. It's pretty wonderful, as Alice Hoffman's novels always are for me. I have to take it in bites, because it takes place during World War 2 in France, and I have a difficult time reading World War 2 novels. Hard on my soul, I guess.

I'm also going to attempt NaNoWriMo this month! That will cut into my reading time, but I'm hoping it will fire up my very rusty and dusty creative bone. I'll keep you posted on my progress! Honestly, my story idea is very thin, so I'm just going to sit down and start typing November 1st and see how it goes. 

So long, October! November...well, I can't believe you're here. Wasn't it just summer a little bit ago? 

Happy Reading!  
The Bookalicious Babe

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November...Wait! How Did We Get Here So Fast?!

September Reads: Cool Nights, Lots of Coffee, and the Lure of Fall

It's unseasonably cool for August in Iowa. Freakishly cool. I wasn't in a frame of mind for the conveniences of summer to be over just yet-no coats, slip on sandals, and lots of fresh basil for the picking just outside my kitchen door. But this past week has really kicked in the Fall feels for me and I think everyone else  in Cedar Rapids. It doesn't hurt that college football started yesterday, too. 

As per my usual reading habits, I always love to dive into my creepy, spooky, thriller-ghosty stories as the nights get longer and Halloween approaches. I'm going to be good this season and not eat bags of Brach's pumpkins. It's going to be tough! I know Halloween is still 8 weeks away, but the thrill of it is the build up to it, so I'm starting now. 

My picks for September are a mix of library books (I've got to read them STAT!), new buys, and a few that I've had on my shelves at home:

It's been sitting on my bookcase for 4 years. Shame on me. Reading this for a September book group where banned or challenged books are our theme. 

Modern day magic in San Fransisco. I haven't read any reviews, so I'm not sure what to expect! Diving in with an open mind. 

I've had this sitting at home for months! Just moved a pile of books and found it. First in a trilogy by Nora Roberts. Magic, three brothers, and a terror in the woods. 

I'm not going to lie: this one may give me the major creeps! A serial killer who lures his victims outside with whispers. Yikes! Keeping the windows closed while reading this one. Getting lots of buzz. 

Non-fiction about unsolved murders and a man determined to solve them. 

Books aren't dead! In fact, they're thriving. Book lovers, we know this.

I've never read a Preston & Child novel, but this one--oh, heck yes. It involves the Donner Party! One of my obsessive historical mysteries. I can't wait to read this. It may lead to a whole lot of Preston & Child novels in my future.

I've got a few other titles on my list, so we'll see how far I get. This time of year, I like to be home at night, and make few social plans. The Great Fall 2019 Hunker Down and Read is beginning soon! 

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September Reads: Cool Nights, Lots of Coffee, and the Lure of Fall

The Bookish Life of Nina Hill by Abbi Waxman

Another novel that involves books, bookstores, literary references, and quirky characters. They are my reset kind of novel, when I need a mental break from the daily "stuff" and pure escapism. My partner finds that in movies, I prefer books. 

Nina is a 29 year old women who lives with her cat Phil, works in a bookstore, and is so organized it makes my teeth hurt. Plus, I'm a little envious of the organization, I've got to admit. But Nina is a little too organized, and her mind is running a million miles a minute. She's on a trivia team, and her head is stuffed with bits of facts about everything. Life is pretty good for Nina, until she finds out that the man who was her father has died, and she's in his will. 

This man was someone Nina never knew. Her mother, a world traveling photographer, had a quick fling, found out the man was married, and that was that. Except Nina arrived 9 months later. She had an unusual childhood-she was raised by a nanny while her mother roamed around the world, checking in but really leaving Nina to be raised by her beloved Lou. Lots of things contributed to grown-up Nina's love of being alone, anxiety, need for order, and overwhelming love of books and reading. 

Now, she finds out she's got a family she never knew about, and darn it all, that cute guy Tom on an opposing trivia team is giving her a look that's hard to resist. So much potential change is giving Nina a bit of anxiety. Just how much can she handle? Is she ready to open up her heart, and her life, or will she let her safe life continue the way it is?

Nina's internal dialogue is witty, and her quips with Tom are sweet. And what really got my heart was the fact that Nina loves books--absolutely loves them, and Tom doesn't really read much at all. That's my fate in life, too. Books are a HUGE part of my life, and by golly I love a man who hasn't read a book since high school. And yet, he gets me and my book obsession. Phew. I think if we both were avid readers, we'd probably never talk about anything else but books, so it's good we've got lots of other stuff to talk about. And he remains impressed when I randomly spit out bits of information and facts that "I read somewhere". 

I just realized Abbi Waxman also wrote The Garden of Small Beginnings , which I bought a few years ago, and still sits on my bookcase, unread. I'll be sure to read it now. I thoroughly enjoyed Nina's tale, and had moments of chuckling out loud while reading. Of course it had a satisfying ending, and I didn't expect anything else. 

Rating: 4/6 for a fun, lovely little tale about books, reading, trivia, romance, and finding your tribe. Conquering anxiety even when it wants to pull you down. Knowing that all those little baby steps can lead to some place wonderful, if you can just be brave enough to try. 

Available in paperback, ebook, and audio.

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The Bookish Life of Nina Hill by Abbi Waxman

The Book Charmer by Karen Hawkins

Well, this book was charming for me. A quick read that hopefully is the beginning of a series of tales about the people in Dove Pond, North Carolina. 

Karen Hawkins is a romance author, and when I first saw this book, I knew her name was familiar to me-probably because I shelved her romances for years while I worked at B&N! But, fear not. Yes there is some romance in this novel, but it most definitely isn't a romance novel. More of a feel good, Sweet Home Alabama-Reece Witherspoon-ish kind of novel. Yes, it could find a place on the Hallmark Channel. That being said, I'm not a huge fan of Hallmark movies, in that they just are a little too perfect. The folks in Dove Pond, and the two lead female characters, most definitely aren't perfect. 

Sarah Dove comes from a long line of women who have special talents. Sarah's talent is one that I think every book lover would wish for themselves: the books talk to her and tell her who they should go to next. Sarah hears them, loud and clear, and they can be kind of nagging, too. But she gives those books to folks, and by golly somehow they do end up needing whatever is in that book. She's the town librarian, and she knows, thanks to a cranky old history of Dove Pond, that she's going to be responsible for saving the town. Dove Pond, like a lot of small towns, is slowly dying: people are moving away, businesses are closing. 

Grace arrives in town with her niece Daisy and her foster mom, Mama G. She's left a high powered job to bring Mama G back to the small town she grew up in, and as Mama G's Alzheimer's progresses, it's the best place to take care of her. Daisy is a little girl full of anger and grief, after Grace's sister and Daisy's mother, Hannah died recently from a drug overdose. So much grief to carry, and Grace is full of it, and feels the pressure of taking care of Mama G and trying to be a mother to her niece. And start all over in a small town. She's determined that she'll only be in Dove Pond for a year, and then she's moving back to Charlotte and her old life. She's got a job as the town clerk, and it's pretty horrible. The Mayor fishes all the time, and is terribly irresponsible. Grace isn't out to make friends, and Sarah--oh, she wants to be Grace's friend. 

Grace is going to save the town--this is what the old history book of the town tells Sarah. A little put off that she's not going to be the town savior, Sarah eventually realizes that it will take both her and Grace to do it together. Sarah has to convince Grace to care enough about the town to stay and save it. 

There are romantic interests for both ladies, and the folks of Dove Pond are a cast of characters that really flesh out the story and make Dove Pond feel like it really exists outside of this novel. There is a lot left open at the end of the book, so yes, there will be more to come. It was a fast read, and a gentle one, at that. Anyone who has dealt or is dealing with a parent suffering from memory loss, and declining in health, will feel Grace's anguish. But lucky for Grace, she has a whole town holding her up. If only every caregiver could experience that gift. 

Rating:  3/6 for a quick read introducing the people of Dove Pond, the magical Dove sisters, and the power of community to heal and help. 

Available in paperback, ebook, and audio. 

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The Book Charmer by Karen Hawkins

Summer Reading is Almost Over: Upcoming Reads and Reviews

I just can't believe it's the middle of August.  In my part of the U.S., kids start back to school next week.  Then it's a short hop to Labor Day weekend, the gateway to all things pumpkin spice and bonfires galore.  

My summer reading is coming along, but I'm not getting to nearly all the books I'd hoped to--a change in jobs and a last moment vacation have thrown my routine into chaos.  September is going to be my reset button.  Now that my commute to work has shortened from 2 hours a day to less than 20 minutes a day, I will be rethinking my audio book choices. I'll miss listening to the audio books, but not the commute. 
Here's what I've got in my reading pipeline:

Life as Ma Ingalls from Caroline's point of view

A legendary creature in Victorian England

A thriller that mixes reality and fiction: who did what?

A young woman serves as a physician to supernatural creatures in London

I've heard rave reviews about this ! Something completely different for me.

While the weather is still warm I'll be sitting on my deck reading whenever I have a chance.  Can't wait to dig into these titles!  And, of course you know I'll have a few random reads thrown into the mix.  :)

Happy Reading!
The Bookalicious Babe

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Summer Reading is Almost Over: Upcoming Reads and Reviews

How to Find Love in a Bookshop by Veronica Henry

The only bad thing I have to say about reading this novel is that I couldn't sit down and read it all in one day.  Instead, I had to fit it in a little bit each day for over a week, and it was frustrating because I just wanted to sit and enjoy it in one big gulp. 

Stacey Ballis and Jenny Colgan fans have a new author to love--Veronica Henry.  She's got a pretty good backlist of novels, but they're not available in the U.S., which I hope changes soon.  

Emilia Nightingale returns to Peasebrook, a lovely little town in the English countryside, to take over her father's bookstore, Nightingale Books.  Emilia's father was a beloved figure in town, and his death leaves not only Emilia lost and grieving, but quite a few of the townspeople, as well.  Emilia plans on taking over the bookstore, but has a slimy businessman angling to buy the store so he can gain access to much needed parking space for an apartment building behind the shop.  She also finds out her father wasn't the best businessman, and the bookshop is in danger of closing.  

The cast of characters rounds out this novel and keeps it from being all focused on Emilia and the bookshop.  Ms. Henry cleverly weaves books, reading, and the bookshop into multiple storylines--from the local wealthy married woman who had a affair with Julius Nightingale; to Thomasina, the very shy yet talented chef who has a crush on the local cheesemonger; and Alice, engaged to a sophisticated city man, but not realizing her heart lies with someone else in Peasebrook. There are even more storylines; Emilia's got her own chance at love, too.  I was happy reading about all of the people and their situations, and felt completely at home in the English countryside. 

A HUGE thank you to Viking/Penguin Books for the opportunity to read this before publication.  I'm afraid I wouldn't have found this book otherwise, and that would have been such a shame.  

Rating:  5/6 for the perfect read to take me away from everyday life and into a bookshop that I hope exists somewhere in this world.  Wherever it is, I'd like to visit it sometime.  

Available on Tuesday, August 15th in hardcover and ebook in the U.S. 

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How to Find Love in a Bookshop by Veronica Henry

DNF's for May and A Big List of Summer Reads: Where I Tackle the Pile of Books in the Corner of My Living Room

Well May just flew by and I still don't have any flowers potted.  Today, Memorial Day, I will rectify that; there's something to be said for planting beautiful flowers on a day of remembrance.  

This post is really two posts in one.  I've got a couple of DNF's from May, and I thought I'd show my followers all the random books I'm planning on reading the next few months.  It's not an all-inclusive list, but it's pretty darn close.  

First, my DNF's.  Neither was because the books weren't appealing; rather time and media type played parts in my calling them quits.  

I checked this out from the library and started it.  I knew it would be a difficult read for me (I struggle with WW2; especially books that involve Germany and the Holocaust).  Unfortunately, my check out time expired and since there was a waiting list for the book, I couldn't renew it.  Back to the library it went.  I'll try again at another time when I feel ready to tackle it and I have more time. 

I have always enjoyed reading Alison Weir's non-fiction books on the Tudors.  She's one historian I can rely on to be accurate.  I tried to listen to this on audio during my commute.  It was 11 discs; I made it to 5 discs and called it quits.  While the story of Margaret Douglas (niece of Henry the 8th) is fascinating, the book is so detailed, with so many names, machinations, and, quite frankly, real-life soap opera shenanigans, it would be better suited for me to read the book.  Just too much information to stay focused enough while driving.  I'll be buying this in paperback and reading through it in the future. 

AND NOW....MY SUMMER READING LIST!

Books are shown in no particular order.  I've got advanced reader's copies of a few; most are stacked in the corner of my living room, next to my very full bookcase.  Some are on my Nook. This is not everything I hope to read; I like to leave room for those unexpected books that pop up.  My plan is to read through all of these titles during the months of June, July and August.  

My never ending fascination with the Civil War continues

Long overdue reading this thriller.

Another book I've had for a few months.  Can't wait to read this acclaimed author.

WW 2 novel 

Follow up to the Sparrow Sisters (magical realism)

Food and Ancient Rome.  Bingo!

A woman returns to her home in Iran

A favorite author.  

On my Nook.  A french bistro?  Check. 

I'll read Jenny Colgan anytime!  Her newest on my Nook.

The coast of Ireland and a library.  Be still my heart. 

Teen novel about Alexander Hamilton and his love Eliza.

This looks like a wonderful summer read.

Can't wait to read this!

I screamed out loud when I saw this prequel to Practical Magic.  OMG!!

I've been wanting to read this for a very long time. 

Any book about the Ingalls family is on my must reads list. 

I can't wait to read all of these!  What are you looking forward to reading this summer?  

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DNF's for May and A Big List of Summer Reads: Where I Tackle the Pile of Books in the Corner of My Living Room