Happy Monday everyone! I ran across this post on Book Date and liked the idea of sharing what I’m currently reading, so here goes!
Wild Country (World of the Others) by Anne Bishop
I really took my time with this one. It is so detailed and the plots intertwine, I didn’t want to miss anything! It’s the only book I read last week and was worth it 100%.
Last Sentence: Never Alone.
CURRENTLY READING
Come Find Me by Megan Miranda
First Sentence: They say the universe is constantly heading toward disorder, and I believe it.
It was a short month but I still managed to read 16 books. Some of them were audio books that I listened to while driving or working out and yes, I am counting those too! Not all of them were talked about on my blog in February and some of them are posts scheduled for the future release dates.
What happened on my blog in February? Here’s a recap!
GREAT FEBRUARY READS!
Fall (VIP #3) by Kristen Callihan
“This was not a lighthearted novel. Yes, I did laugh, but I also cried a bit and stopped to think about how this portrayal could parallel a lot of people’s lives that read it. Not that we’re all rock stars, well at least outside my own head, but the fact that we all have moments of darkness and that dream that being needed and loved can help us overcome despair.”
On Thin Ice (Juniper Falls #3) by Julie Cross
“On Thin Ice explores a lot of tough subjects; bullying, depression, and suicide but the novel does a great job of putting a spotlight on these problems and allowing it’s characters to work their way to a solution in a very real, unforced way. “
Circle of the Moon (Soulwood#4) by Faith Hunter
“Circle of the Moon advances Nell’s journey away from her Churchwoman background towards a “city” life. Her magic gets stronger and she has to constantly fight the urge to kill for her land, Soulwood, but she is also in a more maternal role with becoming the guardian of her younger sister Mud, who also has earth magic tendencies similar to Nell’s. Her tentative feelings for Occam resolve into want and his feelings for Nell into love.”
BLOGGER TO BLOGGER SERIES
If you missed learning a little bit more about these two book bloggers, here’s your chance! They are both wonderful and very different from each other.. Click the link to take a look.
If you know what a Mash-Up is then you probably understood my other post in this category. A Mash-up in music is when you combine two different genre’s to create an original flavor of music. What I was shooting for in this next post was to describe a book blogger using the books they had read recently on their blog. If you missed this one click the link and let me know if I missed the mark or not.
I have started to contribute to a weekly Meme called It’s Monday, What are you Reading? I’ve always liked reading what my fellow bloggers are reading because I’m nosy and curious. My taste in books varies so much that I thought you may enjoy seeing what I’m reading each week. I created this graphic, so when you see it, come visit and let me know what you think about my book choices!
ELIMINATING MY TBR
I only read one of the books I listed in this category last month. Since I’m a mood reader it’s really hard to set a list and stick with it. Here are a couple I’m looking forward to reading in March.
A Dangerous Collaboration (A Veronica Speedway novel) by Deanna Raybourn
Synopsis:
A bride mysteriously disappears on her wedding day in the newest Veronica Speedwell adventure by the New York Times bestselling author of the Lady Julia Grey series.
Lured by the promise of a rare and elusive butterfly, the intrepid Veronica Speedwell is persuaded by Lord Templeton-Vane, the brother of her colleague Stoker, to pose as his fiancée at a house party on a Cornish isle owned by his oldest friend, Malcolm Romilly.
But Veronica soon learns that one question hangs over the party: What happened to Rosamund? Three years ago, Malcolm Romilly’s bride vanished on their wedding day, and no trace of her has ever been found. Now those who were closest to her have gathered, each a possible suspect in her disappearance.
From the poison garden kept by Malcolm’s sister to the high towers of the family castle, the island’s atmosphere is full of shadows, and danger lurks around every corner.
Determined to discover Rosamund’s fate, Veronica and Stoker match wits with a murderer who has already struck once and will not hesitate to kill again.…
The Last Woman in the Forest by Diane Les Becquets
Synopsis:
From the national bestselling author of Breaking Wild, here is a riveting and powerful thriller about a woman whose greatest threat could be the man she loves.…
Marian Engström has found her true calling: working with rescue dogs to help protect endangered wildlife. Her first assignment takes her to northern Alberta, where she falls in love with her mentor, the daring and brilliant Tate. After they’re separated from each other on another assignment, Marian is shattered to learn of Tate’s tragic death. Worse still is the aftermath in which Marian discovers disturbing inconsistencies about Tate’s life, and begins to wonder if the man she loved could have been responsible for the unsolved murders of at least four women.
Hoping to clear Tate’s name, Marian reaches out to a retired forensic profiler who’s haunted by the open cases. But as Marian relives her relationship with Tate and circles ever closer to the truth, evil stalks her every move.…
OK, I may be cheating a bit because both of these are ARC’s so I MUST read them! LOL. We’ll see if the month gets away from me again.
When I hop over to Charley’s blog I’m instantly transported. The beautiful stories about her travels, the pictures, and of course the books she reads and reviews are totally captivating. I’ll admit that I only found out how wonderful she was because of the name of her blog Books and Bakes. It turns out she and I share a love for CAKE! If you haven’t been to her blog, please click the link below, but come back and read her answers to my ten questions.
Blogging is universal and even though we inhabit the same community, we don’t always live in the same country. What country do you live in?
I live in the United Kingdom but my time is split between two very contrasting places: Stratford upon Avon and Hull. Stratford is William Shakespeare’s home town so he is referenced everywhere – even in the pavements which feature famous quotes from the playwright himself as well as his plays. Hull is basking in the afterglow of City of Culture, where the city has changed so much over the past couple of years. I’m incredibly lucky to be a part of both of these places.
What is the view outside your front door?
This depends very much on where I am! However, when I open both doors I see lots of green which I love. I’m also quite excited today as it’s a really sunny day. It feels like Spring is in the air.
Most blogs have a fun story of origin. Please share the story behind your blogs name and/or why you started blogging.
My blog name came to me quite naturally because it includes two things I absolutely love: books and bakes. I love reading and I love cake and I’m particularly happy if the two are combined! I came into blogging after reading 60 Postcards by Rachael Chadwick. Then it turned into a little space for me to write about all the things I’ve loved and enjoyed.
Describe where you write your blog.
I write my blog on my iPhone but this can be in a variety of places. Usually, it is on my sofa in the lounge. However, I have been known to write posts in my car as I’ve been travelling to and from different places. It really depends on when I feel the need to whip it out and start typing. Despite being ridiculously organized in my everyday life, I’ve never scheduled a blog post.
Most of us have a stack of books sitting next to our couch or bed waiting to be read. What books are in your stack?
I dedicate a whole bookshelf to the books I want to read (so much for a stack!) However, I am currently on holiday so I do have a stack. I find myself reading more non-fiction which is quite strange for me. Nevertheless, my stack is looking quite eclectic which I’m rather pleased about.
<a href=”http://A Pinch of Magic“>A Pinch of Magic by Michelle Harrison
Synopsis:
Three sisters trapped by an ancient curse.
Three magical objects with the power to change their fate.
Will they be enough to break the curse?
Or will they lead the sisters even deeper into danger? …
IN 1612 IN LANCASTER, ENGLAND, THE HUNT FOR WITCHES IS RAMPANT…
BUT IN A TIME OF SUSPICION AND ACCUSATION, TO BE A WOMAN IS THE GREATEST RISK OF ALL
1612 Pendle Hill
Young Fleetwood Shuttleworth is with child again. As the mistress of Gawthorpe Hall, she is anxious to provide her husband with an heir. But none of her previous pregnancies have come to term. Then she discovers a hidden letter from her physician that warns her husband that she will not survive another pregnancy.
Distraught over the frightening revelation, Fleetwood wanders the woods of Pendle Hill, where she meets a young local woman named Alice Gray. A midwife, Alice promises Fleetwood she can help her deliver a healthy baby. But soon Alice is drawn into the frenzied accusations of witchcraft sweeping the countryside. Even the woodland creatures, the “familiars,” are suspected of practicing the dark arts. Can Fleetwood trust that Alice is really who she says she is?
As the two women’s lives become intertwined, Fleetwood must risk everything to prove Alice’s innocence in order to save her own unborn child. The hunt for witches reaches fever pitch. Time is running out. The trials are about to begin. Both their lives are at stake. Only they know the truth. Only they can save each other.
Set against the Pendle Witch Trials of 1612, this rich and compelling novel draws its characters from historical figures as it explores the lives and rights of seventeenth-century women, ultimately raising the question: Is witch-hunting really just women-hunting?
If you have had a bad day and want to spend an hour reading a book, what is your go to genre or favorite book that will lift your mood?
I tend to pick up the book I am reading at the time. I’ll always deviate to Harry Potter though. Their just so magical to me still, I absolutely love them.
When you aren’t blogging, how do you spend your time? Work, Play, School?
Being an English teacher takes up 98% of my time so I’m usually at school quite late each day. When there are moments of free time I try and read or visit the theatre. I am also quite happy in the garden or talking long walks in the countryside. I’m a member of the National Trust too so I like to take advantage of that and go exploring.
What is your favorite blog post you’ve ever written? Please include the link!
My favourite blog post is coincidentally my most popular post which was all about my visit to the Harry Potter Studio Tour in London.
Have you ever met one of your favorite authors? If so, what did you say to them? Looking back, what do you wish you had said instead?
One of the first authors I ever remember reading was Jacqueline Wilson. I was a young girl, I really loved her stories and felt like I was friends with each and every character. I especially loved The Lottie Project, but was desperately sad that she wasn’t called Charley like me! I did meet her when I was about 6 or 7 years old. She was so so lovely and she even signed two books for me. I’ve kept them to this very day. Also, she is still the only author I’ve ever met.
If you could sit down with an author for a slice of cake and a question, who is the author, what kind of cake would you serve, and what is the first question you’d ask?
I’d love to meet J K Rowling. What a remarkable woman she is! I’d thank her immensely for not only my life, but every life who has been touched by Harry Potter in some way or another. We’d have hot chocolates, scones, cream and jam. Then we would follow with chocolate cake. The more cake the better in my opinion!
Wow, Charley, if I had that view outside either my front or back door I think I’d stare in a stupor out the door all the time. Gorgeous! I think you would have to stand in a queue to get a chance to sit down with JK Rowling. I’d be standing in it right along side you! She is so iconic, and I agree, the more cake the better! Thanks for participating in my series!
If you’re interested in being featured in Blogger to Blogger, please reach out! I’d love to hear your answers.
The setting is Elizabethan England when it is treasonous to be a practicing Catholic. Lady Katherine’s father is killed right before her eyes when he is discovered harboring a Catholic priest, his secrets revealed. Escaping imprisonment, Lady Katherine travels to London dressed as a young man intent on revenge against those responsible for her father’s death. Intent on killing the Queen of England. Overhearing Shakespeare and his players in a tavern talking about a secret play they will be putting on for a private performance for the Queen, Kit decides to try out and lands one of the leads. Little does she know that she is playing opposite a young man named Toby who is a spy and the mastermind behind the plan to catch those plotting to kill Elizabeth.
In Elizabethan England women’s roles in plays were played by men or boys so when Kit gets cast as Olivia in Twelfth Night the humor of her success at playing a boy playing a girl is remarkable in that no one has figured out that the girl is actually a girl. Our spy Toby who is trying to catch a potential killer finds himself drawn to Kit the boy a fact that is punishable by death and when Kit seems to return his regard? That is when the plot truly becomes interesting. Even as Kit is one of his suspects, are their feelings for each other more important than saving the Queen’s life?
I really enjoyed Kit’s evolution. As Katherine she was restricted to a woman’s life but as Kit so many things were available to her. I think this combined with her feelings for Toby helped her to make the decision revealed at the end of the book. No spoilers here, but the line between life and death was trod very closely and the conclusion was just as dramatic as one of the plots in a Shakespeare play.
I am a fan of historical novels and The Assassin’s Guide was right up my alley. A devious plot and a romantic sub-plot set in a Shakespeare play? It had me asking questions about the era and I used Wikipedia a few times to fact check my own knowledge. I was surprised by many things but nothing as much as how enjoyable I found this novel. ❤️❤️❤️❤️
Opinions from around the Blogosphere
“..although it is unique and not at all a chore to read, there was something missing, the same thing that, if I remember correctly, was missing in The Witch Hunter too. The reason for my inability to give it four stars or more. And that thing is… seriousness.” Hit or Miss Books
“Overall, it was an okay-ish read for me! It was a decent YA historical novel filled with drama, conspiracies, and forbidden romance. I liked the ending part which is why I gave it a three and a half star instead of three stars. ” Dreamy Addictions
Rosie’s worked hard to become a Michelin starred sous chef and thought she and her also chef husband were happy in their marriage when she comes home to find him moving out and asking for a divorce. It seems he’s found someone else, someone less rigid and more carefree. Heart broken, Rosie gives it all up to travel the festival circuit in her fuchsia pink travelling teashop named Poppy. She learns to live in the moment, build friendships, and yes, finds love again.
I thought Rosie’s Travelling Teashop was sweet, romantic and surprisingly thought provoking. What would it be like to give up a successful career and start all over on a new venture? Rosie had to let go of over planning every stage of her life and when she did that she found a peace that had been missing. I found it really easy to identify with Rosie and I’d imagine a lot of other readers who feel they are plodding away in a job where they are no longer happy will too. I found this escape from my own life through Rosie’s adventures a fun way to spend the afternoon.
Max, Rosie’s love interest was just delicious! If there was a Max at the end of a life change I think there would be a lot more women willing to make this kind of move! LOL. It was fun to read he and Rosie’s verbal sparring and also see how he opened Rosie’s life to a world outside of the one she was used to living in. There was only one minor flaw in this novel regarding a sub plot with another male character. I thought it wasn’t needed and was frustrated with how that plot was resolved. I just wanted to scratch it from the story entirely, but overlooking that one minor thing, I really did enjoy this book. ❤️❤️❤️❤️
I received a free ARC of this book for my honest review and it was honest.
It’s been a few months since I’ve read a science fiction novel. The Terrans was recommended to me a long time ago by my sister who is seldom wrong when it comes to book recommendations. I like science fiction but have to really be in the mood because sometimes the book may be more technical than I’m comfortable with, but The Terrans was a great balance of sci-fi imagery, technology, and a Star Trek like “going where no man has gone before” adventure.
Jacaranda MacKenzie finds herself drawn back into service after retiring to her home in the Hawaiian islands. Having strong psychic tendencies, language skills, and proven psychic fighting techniques she is now on a mission as an Ambassador because her face was seen in psychic precognitive visions as being important in a future war. On their first mission they come upon an alien life form called the Salik who have human captives that her team must save. After reaching out telepathically to the humans leader Li’eth, she gathers that the Salik are not friendly aliens and in fact are only looking for their next meal. Humans are a tasty treat, and live humans are their preferred meal. Saving Li’eth and his team who are human, but not Terrans, is the first contact with another life force that the Terrans have ever had. They realize pretty quickly that both races have qualities that are needed on the other side and can make them allies in the war against the Salik.
Jackie’s a really unique lady! She’s a linguist, and her thought process on how to quickly learn V’Dan (Li’eth’s planet, language, and people) teach the V’Dan her own language and then also the cultural proprieties could’ve been really time consuming. Thank goodness she was telepathic and could skip a lot of steps! She knew how to speak to people without being offensive, yet still be warm and welcoming. Underneath all of these kind of technical aspects to her personality was also the fact that she was mostly Polynesian. I don’t know that I’ve ever read a science fiction book that had a Hawaiian main character? It really added a level of depth to her understanding of body language due to her hula dancing training. Her ancestors way of story telling with body movements. I really enjoyed her character alot.
Li’eth was also what you’d want your hero to look and act like. As the Captain of his ship he had a commanding presence. Like Jackie, he knew how to act with other cultures. He and Jackie had to interact with each other quite a bit as they were the two highest ranking people on the ship. She “downloaded” his language and had to do a Spock type mind meld to get that done relatively quick. The two of them talked telepathically and developed a bond that drew them together. It was natural that they started to have feelings for each other, however their titles made it a politically bad choice.
As you would imagine with finding a new race of human’s there was a lot of political talk about how to handle what, who and how far. Even with that jargon, I still really enjoyed the story. I think as I read further into this series Jackie and Li’eth may grow on me even more. He did well in her world, I’m looking forward to seeing how Jackie handles immersion into his alien culture.
If you like science fiction, I’d really recommend the Terrans. It’s a pretty soft immersion into this genre and is more story than techno jargon. The characters were developed well, and I really wanted to know more about them and follow their growth into the next book. ❤️❤️❤️❤️
Happy Monday everyone! I ran across this post on Book Date and liked the idea of sharing what I’m currently reading, so here goes!
JUST FINISHED
Rosie’s Travelling Teashop by Rebecca Raisin
First Sentence: “You’re just not spontaneous enough Rosie…”
CURRENTLY READING
Wild Country (World of the Others #2) by Anne Bishop
First Sentence: A year from now, it would be called the Great Predation-those terrifying days when the Elementals and the Elders, the terra indigene who are Namid’s teeth and claws, came out of the wild country and brutally thinned the human herds in Thaisia.
Wow, these are two totally different kinds of books, aren’t they? LOL!
When PsyLED leader and werepanther Rick LaFleur finds himself naked outside a witches circle where a black cat has been sacrificed he calls in his team to investigate. When it happens again it becomes apparent that someone is using magic to summon Rick to them. What they have to find out is who, why and how to stop it before Rick becomes the sacrifice that will summon a demon.
Circle of the Moon advances Nell’s journey away from her Churchwoman background towards a “city” life. Her magic gets stronger and she has to constantly fight the urge to kill for her land, Soulwood, but she is also in a more maternal role with becoming the guardian of her younger sister Mud, who also has earth magic tendencies similar to Nell’s. Her tentative feelings for Occam resolve into want and his feelings for Nell into love. It is so easy to love them as a couple because it’s a healing kind of love where they are better together than apart.
Nell’s character wasn’t the only one evolving in Circle of the Moon. Tandy seemed to be taking on some new characteristics that I’m curious to see where they lead in future novels. Rick, also, went through quite a evolution and of course being at the center of they mystery he would, but I felt different towards him after seeing what he was going through. More sympathetic to him? I think I am!
The thing about Faith Hunter novels that always amazes me is how she intertwines a few plots so that they seem separate and then all of a sudden converge onto the same path. This novel was no different. Although the Church was more of a subplot than in previous novels, her “adoption” of Mud kept her family in the story. Her romance with Occam was stronger than in previous books because she is finally ready to move forward towards a relationship with him. The mystery was fabulous. I’d imagine if I had kept pace with the Jane Yellowrock series I may have been just a little more informed over Rick’s background but I really didn’t care. I was caught up in the action, the characters, and the resolution of this case. It was great reading and I enjoyed it thoroughly! ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
I was given a free ARC of this book for my honest opinion and it was honest!
Opinions from around the Blogosphere
“I can’t think of a single problem with this book, it satisfied every fan-impulse/desire I had, was a step up from previous installments in many ways, and told a solid and complete story that still drives the reader to want more. I can’t imagine a Hunter fan not liking this book — and it’s the kind of book that should get her some new readers, too.” The Irresponsible Reader
In the city of Juniper Falls hockey reigns supreme. When Brooke Parker’s father goes to jail, she and her mother return to her mom’s home town to live with her grandmother. With her mother’s downward spiral into depression Brooke turns to hockey to take her mind of her troubles and joins the brand new girls hockey team. Jake Hammond, captain of the Varsity boys hockey team, finds himself on the wrong side of the law when a 100 year old hockey tradition goes wrong. As punishment he has to be the assistant coach to the girls hockey team and finds himself drawn to Brooke, a girl who has obviously never played hockey but has some serious talent.
On Thin Ice explores a lot of tough subjects; bullying, depression, and suicide but the novel does a great job of putting a spotlight on these problems and allowing it’s characters to work their way to a solution in a very real, unforced way. Brooke’s family has gone through some really tough times and her life has been turned upside down, including moving to a small town. When she meets Jake after witnessing his teams traditional pre-season hazing she fights an attraction to him and who wouldn’t? Jake is also immediately curious about the “new” girl and when he finds himself her coach they take the time to explore a new friendship but also to help each other work their way through a land mine of adult responsibilities and feelings. Julie Cross did a great job of portraying these scenarios and as an adult myself I forgot I was reading a teen romance. The emotional impact was that good.
If you like sports novels/romances, this is a great one! There’s a good bit of hockey being played and those sports scenes were very well written. I could picture the action and feel the tension in those on the ice moments. Sports action scenes are not easy to portray and it really felt like Julie Cross had either played the game or was a huge fan. It was that good!
I highly recommend this novel if you are looking for a YA contemporary romance. It has some serious subject matter but an uplifting ending. Even though this is the third book in the series, you don’t need to read the first two. I didn’t, but I’m definitely going back to read them now. I’ve found a new author to love, yeah! ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
I received a free copy of this ARC for my honest review and it was honest
Opinions from around the Blogosphere
“Cross ties all the pieces (the romance, the hazing, parent issues) together to make a story that was both sizzly and heartfelt and left me hoping that this is not the last time that we get to visit Juniper Falls.” Bickering Book Reviews
“Overall, I just really loved On Thin Ice. I enjoyed the characters, the friendships, the romance, and the addictive writing. I really never wanted to put this one down. I recommend this one to fans of YA Contemporaries.” Stephanie’s Book Reviews
Catherine lives in the small town of Balsam, Pennsylvania working as a waitress in a truck stop while trying to quietly raise her five year old daughter. At twenty-four she has already seen her fair share of press due to her involvement with the son of a prominent Balsam family and she wants to steer clear of anything high profile and just quietly live her life. One night while traveling home from a bad blind date she comes upon a sports car that has crashed against a tree and even though there’s danger from the car catching on fire she saves the life of the passenger of the vehicle. Little does she know that by that one event her life will be put back in the spotlight. She has just saved the life of NHL star Brett Madden.
There were moments in this novel that I really enjoyed. I liked Catherine’s fight against adversity. She had gotten involved with a teacher while in high school and because he was from a prominent family she was black balled and treated horribly as the temptress while the teacher who was thirteen years older got off without a slap of the hand. Reading about that subject from Catherine’s perspective was tough. You feel so bad for her and want her life to be better than it is. You also totally get why she doesn’t want anything to do with Brett and the publicity machine that follows him. Of course, it’s a love story and you know Brett’s going to help her overcome that stigma, but that didn’t make it any easier to read although that contrast did make their love story shine brighter.
Brett was a pretty normal guy for being a pro NHL player and son of a super famous movie star and he was written as the white knight in a way. However, the bulk of the conflict centered around Catherine, her daughter, and the town of Balsam. She had some great friends who added character and humor to the novel and I enjoyed how her true spirit was portrayed and how she finally got the respect she deserved. I found it kind of strange that the romance felt underplayed, but Catherine did have a lot of inner turmoil to work through.
If you like romances where your heroine overcomes adversity, Until it Fades is the novel for you! I enjoyed the outcome because of what Catherine went through in her past and found she and Brett easy to root for. It did take me a little bit to overcome my uneasiness of her childhood romance with her teacher, I’ll admit, so because of that it gets a three and a half rating. ❤️❤️❤️❣️
Opinions from around the Blogosphere
” Unfortunately I didn’t love it – it was enjoyable but nothing in the story stood out making it an average read. ” Faith Books and Pixie Dust
The Reading Chick 
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