"Fall Into Your Sunlight"

Things are still up and down but I don't want to complain about the downs so I will stick with the good for this one. This past weekend I went to the movies and saw Guardians of the Galaxy 3. I overall enjoyed it. I do think the first two movies were a touch better, but I liked that all the characters had growth throughout the movie, and it ended well. Although I have heard there might be spin-offs with some of the characters. I wouldn't mind. This week I actually broke out my sewing machine for the first time in a long while. I am going to try to sew at least one night a week. I do like sewing, I love making quilts, but I haven't made time for it lately. I think there are two reasons why. One, I used to have a sewing group I would get together with at least a couple of times a month, and unfortunately the main woman who organized it moved to another state, so we do not meet up anymore. Two, I do not a dedicated space for my sewing machine so every time I want to work on something I have to drag my sewing machine and quilt project I am working on out and set it up on my kitchen table and I can't leave it set up because we need the table for dinner. I get tired of having to drag it out and put it back every time I want to try to make progress. I dream of having my own room with the walls lined with bookshelves, a reading nook in the corner, and a sewing table where I can set out my latest quilt and leaving it out till I am done. Hopefully one day in the future.

This week I read: 2 historical mysteries, 1 YA mystery, and 1 literary fiction.

Still Life with Murder by P.B. Ryan
Boston, 1868: The dawn of the Gilded Age, an era of burgeoning commerce and invention, of unimaginable new fortunes and lavish excess—for some. Born into dismal poverty, young Nell Sweeney scratches by on her wits and little else until fortune blesses her with a position as nursery governess to the fabulously wealthy Hewitts. But she soon learns that ugly secrets lurk beneath the surface of their gold-plated world.
The Hewitts’ eldest son, William, a former Union Army battle surgeon and the black sheep of the family, was reported to have died three years before in a notorious Confederate prison camp. But one snowy February afternoon, his parents learn that he is, in fact, still alive—and in jail for having murdered a man while intoxicated on opium. Infuriated by his son’s deception and convinced of his guilt, August Hewitt forbids his wife from coming to Will’s aid, so she begs Nell to help exonerate him. Nell finds that she must delve into the kind of dark and treacherous underworld she thought she’d left far behind if she is to unearth the truth before the hangman’s noose tightens around William Hewitt’s throat. ~Goodreads Description
This was an awesome start to what will hopefully be a great series. I loved the protagonist of the book, Nell. She was smart, tough, and kindhearted. Nell also had layers to her character that was unexpected and that made for a welcome change from some of the mysteries I have read lately. The mystery was a good one and keeps you guessing till the end. The author also did a good job with the historical setting. The time and place didn't feel historically nebulous it was very much rooted in the Gilded age in it's descriptions and social mores of the time. I will definitely be continuing on in the series.

The Dragon's Promise by Elizabeth Lim
To start off with Elizabeth Lim's books always have such gorgeous covers. The artist is Tran Nguyen, and they do such an awesome job every time. I absolutely loved Six Crimson Cranes it was truly one of my favorite books that came out a couple of years ago. The Dragon's Promise is a well-written sequel that didn't quite live up to the first book. I still loved the main protagonist Shiori and the adventure she goes on to save her country was a good one. Also, Shiori and Takkan were the sweetest and I loved the bits we got of the two of them. One of the critiques I have of this book is that it didn't have the charm of the first book, there was just something missing. And since I wasn't having as good of a time it felt overly long even though it wasn't that much longer than the first book, whose length I had no problem with. I do think in the end I liked Lim's Spin the Dawn series better, but I would still recommend both series as they are amazing fantasy retellings.
( Two More Under the Cut... )
How is your week going? And if you could create your dream room, what would it hold?

This week has been better which is good, of course there are still things that are causing my anxiety to be triggered but overall, I am managing. One of the things that is making me the most anxious is school is wrapping up. The Last month or so of the school year is always pretty hectic. Especially this year as my eldest had chemistry and it was very difficult for them. I tried to help where I could but some of the equations and formulas where so complex, I didn't even know where to start. Because they have struggled so much it is all down to the final this year on whether they will pass or have to retake the class next year. I am really hoping they pass. Yesterday I went with my youngest on a field trip to a historic fort that is in our area. Field trips are always fun things to go on, if I have that day free, I always try to volunteer. It was nice to get to hang out with her for the whole day and meet all the kids she is always telling me about.

This week I read: 1 YA fantasy, 2 Sci-fi, and 1 history.

The Disappearing Spoon by Sam Kean

This was a very well-written book. Kean takes the periodic table which we have all seen in our science classes and breaks it down into its various categories with explanations and stories that go along with their discoveries. I quite enjoyed the stories of how the elements were discovered. Although this book did make me realize just how long it had been since my high school chemistry class because every once in a while, something the author took for granted I would know just flew over my head. Other than that, it was an interesting book that I would recommend to anyone who enjoys learning about scientific history.

Almost There by Farrah Rochon
I usually have a good time with the twisted tales that Disney puts out and Almost There is no exception. The Princess and the Frog has always been one of my favorite Disney movies so I have been looking forward to this twisted tale for a while now. This was a good alternate take of what if Tiana had been tempted to take a deal from the villain Facilier, which changed everything. Considering what Facilier offered Tiana I totally understand why she took the deal. I love the creepy atmosphere Rochon creates in this story as the consequences of Tiana's deal start to become apparent. This book is a fun easy read, and I can't wait to read more in this series.
( Two Sci-Fi books under the cut... )
So How's your week going so far?

I am so glad it is Friday and can look forward to what will hopefully be a nice relaxing weekend. I just have to get through the rest of today. This week I have been trying to find a job where I can work from home, full or part time, although full time would be ideal. I would also need it to be quasi-flexible because I am caring for several family members and have to take others to appointments and ferry them around. I don't mind doing that and even enjoy getting to spend time with them, but I would also like to earn some more money than I am currently making. IDK I am not the best at applying or interviewing but I am getting ahead of myself I have to find a job I actually want to apply for before I worry about that.

This week I read: 1 history, 1 horror, and 2 YA fantasies:

The Birds and Us by Tim Birkhead
I loved this book. I have always loved birds and history, so this book felt especially tailored to my interests. The author is a world-renowned ornithologist who put a lot of time and research into this book. I love the way he linearly structured the story to bring you along on a journey through our shared history with birds. It goes from Neolithic times to the worshiping of birds in Egypt, the Renaissance, and through the ages to the modern-day study and conservation of birds. I enjoyed the way he showed not only human's history with birds but also how our perceptions of them changed over the years. All in all, a great book and very well written! Lone Women by Victor Lavalle
Adelaide Henry carries an enormous steamer trunk with her wherever she goes. It’s locked at all times. Because when the trunk opens, people around Adelaide start to disappear.

The year is 1915, and Adelaide is in trouble. Her secret sin killed her parents, forcing her to flee California in a hellfire rush and make her way to Montana as a homesteader. Dragging the trunk with her at every stop, she will become one of the “lone women” taking advantage of the government’s offer of free land for those who can tame it—except that Adelaide isn’t alone. And the secret she’s tried so desperately to lock away might be the only thing that will help her survive the harsh territory. ~Goodreads Description

This was such an interesting story. I loved the way it unfolded slowly revealing to the reader what was going on with Adelaide and her family. I don't want to say too much because of spoilers, but I did find the journey Adelaide goes on both literally, to Montana, and figuratively, to acceptance, was a well-written one. I liked the fact that Adelaide soon found other women who were outside of society like she was and how they came together to support each other. My one criticism would probably be that sometimes the writing felt disjointed, but other than that I quite enjoyed this story.
( Two YA Fantasy Books Under the Cut... )

Hi! I hope your week is starting off well. Mine is middling. Not awful but not awesome either. I am keeping my fingers crossed that the week will improve. I learned that my local bookstores are doing a book hop on Independent Bookstore Day which is always the last Saturday of April. A book hop is where a group of bookstores get together and offer special discounts, activities and prizes. Plus. the more bookstores you visit the more tickets you can put towards a few different raffles that have some pretty awesome stuff. I did one a couple of years ago and really enjoyed myself but for the last two years I've had something that kept me from being able to go. So, I am very excited to be able to participate again. Do I need more books? No. But I do have a few birthdays coming up that I could shop for plus it is just a lot of fun. They will have author signings, music, and food. Basically, just an all-around good time. Because the last few weeks have been not good, I really needed to something to look forward to.

This week I read: 1 horror, 1 historical mystery, 1 YA fantasy, and 1 urban fantasy.

Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia
After receiving a frantic letter from her newly-wed cousin begging for someone to save her from a mysterious doom, Noemí Taboada heads to High Place, a distant house in the Mexican countryside. She’s not sure what she will find—her cousin’s husband, a handsome Englishman, is a stranger, and Noemí knows little about the region.

Noemí is also an unlikely rescuer: She’s a glamorous debutante, and her chic gowns and perfect red lipstick are more suited for cocktail parties than amateur sleuthing. But she’s also tough and smart, with an indomitable will, and she is not afraid: Not of her cousin’s new husband, who is both menacing and alluring; not of his father, the ancient patriarch who seems to be fascinated by Noemí; and not even of the house itself, which begins to invade Noemí’s dreams with visions of blood and doom.

Her only ally in this inhospitable abode is the family’s youngest son. Shy and gentle, he seems to want to help Noemí, but might also be hiding dark knowledge of his family’s past. For there are many secrets behind the walls of High Place. The family’s once colossal wealth and faded mining empire kept them from prying eyes, but as Noemí digs deeper she unearths stories of violence and madness. ~Goodreads Description
After seeing Mexican Gothic recced everywhere I decided to finally pick it up. It was so good. Noemi was such a great protagonist, she is clever, confident, and sophisticated. The author does such a great job of invoking the creepy gothic vibe not only in the setting but also in the people that Noemi meets when she visits her cousin. The story is so eerie that like Noemi you start to wonder what is real and what is not. I highly recommend this one to anyone who loves horror with a gothic twist. There are a lot of warnings attached to this story, so if you are worried, I would definitely look them up because this book deals with some really horrific situations.

The Screaming Staircase by Jonathan Stroud
I have seen the show advertised on Netflix and thought it looked good. I found out the first season is based on the first two books and so I decided to read them first before I watched. I really enjoyed this book. I loved Lucy, Lockwood, and George. The author drops you right into the action and keeps it up until the end. It is a very interesting premise to have England overrun with ghosts and have children and teens being the only ones who are sensitive enough to be able to see and take care of them. As they grow older, they lose the ability to. (Although if the haunting is bad enough even adults can sense them, they just can't see them well enough to actually get rid of the apparitions.) It was such a fast-paced interesting book that I wanted to pick up the next one right away.

( Two more under the cut... )

How's your week going so far?

This week has had it's up and downs, so I am very glad tomorrow is Friday! Went on a date night with my husband we ate at a great Italian restaurant. They have such great food, but I always order their Farmer's Market salad it is the best salad I have ever had. We also went to one of my favorite used bookstores we got there close to closing time, so I was speed walking through the aisles seeing if anything caught my eye. LOL I ended up walking out of there with three books I have been wanting to read but not wanting to buy new. So, it was a very awesome evening. Unfortunately, I have also been having to deal with some life stressors nothing super awful but more the day-to-day grind that is wearing on me. I need a vacation, but I am unsure when I will get one. I would love to go on a long road trip. I haven't been on one in so long. Growing up I used to go on one with my dad every summer. He would pack us kids up in the car and take us across several states to see all of sights. He was a brave man. LOL Hopefully I will get to go on another one, one day here soon!

This week I read, 1 Fantasy, 1 Romance, 1 Cozy Mystery, 1 Paranormal Mystery:

Unmarriageable by Samiah Kamal
The cover for this book is what originally drew me in and then I saw the tagline was Pride and Prejudice in Pakistan and I knew I had to read it. This book was so well written. I loved the author's take on the Jane Austen classic and I really loved getting to learn more about Pakistani culture. The Binat family was a special delight especially all the conversations between all the Binat women sometimes they were so hilarious but also, they could be so heartfelt. The relationship between Alys and Darsee was still a great one to witness and I enjoyed watching their journey knowing they would eventually fall in love each other. My one critique was I really didn't like that Qitty kept being fatshamed by Lady and Mrs. Binat. In the end, Qitty eventually stands up for herself, but it was painful to read about it in the meantime. Other than that, this is one of the more intriguing and fun retellings of one of my favorite Jane Austen books.

Claret and Present Danger by Sarah Fox
This is the fourth book in the Literary Pub series, and I am still really enjoying them. This time Sadie is trying to solve the mystery of who killed a magician at the renaissance faire. The mystery is a good one and kept me guessing. The real charm of this series is how the author draws you into Sadie's life as she runs her pub, interacts with the various townspeople, and tries to solve mysteries. It's a cozy mystery without being too cutesy which I think is a trap some cozies fall into. I am also still enjoying the romance between Sadie and Greyson they are both sweethearts. All in all, one of my favorite cozy mystery series and I can't wait to read the next one.
How's your guys week going?  Any weekend plans?

I've been sick this weekend, so I haven't done much except sleep, read, and watch the house slowly fall into disarray. I will worry about cleaning when I feel better. lol  Other than being sick this week has been a good one because a car insurance issue has finally been resolved. Back in October one evening when I was driving one of the main thoroughfares in our town I was hit by a drunk driver. Thankfully no one in either car was hurt. Because of my insurance, I had to go through the other driver's insurance. I had the worst experience with them. I would call to get updates and they would swear up and down that they would call me back. Never did. Over the many months I had to keep calling them I think I got ONE call back. Every time I called (and they actually picked up, which was rare) to ask why there was so much delay their response was always that they were always waiting for someone else it was never their fault. This dragged on for months. Finally, FOUR months later I received the money for my car. My husband and I were supposed to go looking at a few used cars this weekend but since I have been sick, he's been looking by himself he knows what we need so I am trusting him with the task. I am just glad that the whole thing will be over and I don't have to think about it anymore.

This week I read one cozy mystery, one romance, one historical mystery, and one gothic thriller.

The Companion by Katie Alender
The Companion is a well-written gothic thriller. The main character Margot is the only survivor of a car accident that killed the rest of her family. She is having a hard time in foster care so when she is offered the chance to be a companion for a nearly catatonic teen her own age, she decides to take it. Once she arrives at the isolated manor Margot soon discovers not everything is as it seems, and things only go from bad to worse the longer she stays. This was quite the page-turner. The author does a great job of ratcheting up the tension and the emotional manipulation and gaslighting is truly creepy. Overall, a thrilling read.


The Year We Fell Down by Sarina Bowen
She expected to start Harkness College as a varsity ice hockey player. But a serious accident means that Corey Callahan will start school in a wheelchair instead. Across the hall, in the other handicapped-accessible dorm room, lives the too-delicious-to-be real Adam Hartley, another would-be hockey star with his leg broken in two places. He's way out of Corey's league. Also, he's taken. Nevertheless, an unlikely alliance blooms between Corey and Hartley in McHerrin Hall. Over tequila, perilously balanced dining hall trays, and video games, the two cope with disappointments that nobody else understands. They're just friends, of course, until one night when things fall apart. Or fall together. All Corey knows is that she's falling. Hard. ~Goodreads Description
This was recced to me and although I do not read a lot of college romances, I decided to give it a shot. It was a really good book. I liked both Corey and Hartley. They were both dealing with their own problems and trying to make it through college. My favorite parts was how their friendship developed and how they supported each other when they were struggling. The romance was good as well and I liked how the book ended. All in all, a really good book and I wouldn't mind reading more by this author.
( Two More Under the Cut... )

How's your weekend going so far?

There have been a lot of frustrations this week. I'm kind of all done and it is only Tuesday. :( On the flip side I found a new used bookstore and promptly forgot my vow to buy no more books until I read and get rid of a few. :)  Also, we have finally had a week of no rain, so things have been drying out. I have been soaking in the sunshine like a cat on a windowsill. :D

This week's books ended up with way more zombies than I normally read. LOL It wasn't planned and as I think I have mentioned to a few of you Zombies in movies and tv shows freak me out and I just cannot watch them.  But books are different they aren't quite so visual so I can read them especially if they are on the lighter side of the genre.  
This week I read one mystery, one paranormal romance, one thriller, one YA fantasy, and one childrens/middle grade book.

The Dog Who Knew Too Much by Spencer Quinn
This was another great Chet and Bernie mystery. Although in this one Chet is off on his own a lot and since it is from his pov you don't get as much Bernie as usual. I love these two. The author does such a good job of telling the mystery from the pov of a dog that I totally forget the book was written by a human. I enjoyed the mystery as it evolved and from a bodyguard job to a missing person's case. I especially liked how Suzy and Chet got to team up in order to help out Bernie. All in all, a great book and I look forward to the next one! (I am going to use this one for the LJ Book Bingo rec for the month of January. Thanks to severina for the rec!

The Sanatorium by Sarah Pearse
An imposing, isolated getaway spot high up in the Swiss Alps is the last place Elin Warner wants to be. But Elin's taken time off from her job as a detective, so when her estranged brother, Isaac, and his fiancée, Laure, invite her to celebrate their engagement at the hotel, Elin really has no reason not to accept. Arriving in the midst of a threatening storm, Elin immediately feels on edge--there's something about the hotel that makes her nervous. And when they wake the following morning to discover Laure is missing, Elin must trust her instincts if they hope to find her. With the storm closing off all access to the hotel, the longer Laure stays missing, the more the remaining guests start to panic. ~Goodreads Description

How's your week so far? 

I am currently sitting in my living room which is only being illuminated by a lantern and the glow of my (thankfully) fully charged laptop. Our power cut out last night around 11, thanks to a very gusty storm, and the power company is saying it won't be back on until tomorrow around 8 pm. I am also without water due to the fact we are on a well, being out in the country like we are. My neighbor let us use his generator for a while tonight to pump water from the well in order to take showers and do dishes. I also filled water bottles to use until tomorrow. I worried about the food in the fridge. I think the freezer items will be okay, but I will have to cook anything that defrosts. I am super hopeful that the power will come on earlier then they are saying I am so tired of our current situation. So not the greatest start to the year but it could always be worse.

This week I read: 1 graphic novel, 1 horror/western, 1 historical romance, and 1 cozy mystery.

In the Market for Murder by T. E. Kinsey
Spring, 1909, and Lady Hardcastle, amateur sleuth and all-round eccentric, is enjoying a well-deserved rest. But a week after a trip to the cattle market, Spencer Caradine, a local farmer, turns up dead in the pub, face-down in his beef and mushroom pie. Once again, it is up to Lady Hardcastle and her maid, Florence, to solve the case...~Goodreads Description
This was another delightful addition to the Lady Hardcastle Mysteries. I find these books to be on the lighter side of mystery books. They still have stakes but the interplay/banter between Lady Hardcastle and Florence keeps things airy and on the fun side. The mystery was well done and although not exceedingly hard to figure out, these books are more about the fun journey you go on with Lady Hardcastle and Florence than about solving whodunnit.

Pumpkin Heads by Rainbow Rowell
This was such a cute story. I loved both Deja and Josiah and their whole journey throughout the story. The art was perfect, and the storyline was so sweet. Highly recommend.
( Two More Under the Cut... )

How is your New Year's going so far?

 Once again, I am signing up for a variety of reading challenges because they are so much fun.  Plus, I don't have anyone in my offline life that reads a whole lot, so it is nice to be able to talk to a community about the books I read.  This post is so I can keep track of all of them because some communities ask for a post and for myself as well because I have some goals I want to accomplish.  

Here we go! :D  

1. I signed up for Mount TBR again.  Basically, it is where you try to read a certain number of books from your shelves first before seeking other sources.   I have signed up for the last two years and was very successful both times.  It really makes me focus on the books, both physical and electronic, that I already have.  This year I moved it up a level to Mt. Kilimanjaro, which is 60 books.  When I counted all my books, I realized that 60 should not be a problem.  lol (I may have a book hoarding problem)

2. I am also once again signing up for the Cloak and Dagger challenge. This challenge is all about mystery/thriller books.   Since mystery is one of my main genres it shouldn't be that much of a struggle.  This year I am going to try the Sherlock Holmes level which is 56+.

3. I have a few open-ended challenges from The Lost Challenges Group that I signed up for mid-year that are due whenever I get them finished.  (Also, you should check out Lost Challenges if you are looking for some fun reading challenges there are so many different challenges both short and long term) 

1. 50 State Challenge: Finished
2. Jellybean Color Challenge: FINISHED
3. Series Only Challenge: FINISHED

4. While I was over on Lost Challenges I found another one I want to do. lol  This one is a spell out challenge for a Mary Oliver quote.  (She is one of my favorite poets so I could not resist.) A spell out challenge is one where for each letter of the quote you need to find a book where either the title, author, main character, or series, starts with the same letter.  Here is Mary Oliver reading A Summer's Day which is where the quote is from:  "Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?" Finished

5. One of my own personal goals is to read Little Dorrit by Chales Dickens.  I have been wanting to read this book since forever but at almost 1,000 pages I have been too intimidated to start but I think if I put it as an actual goal then it might get done this year.  5/29/23 Finished

6. I am continuing one of my goals from last year which is to continue on in the series I have started.  I have a bad habit of starting series and not finishing them.  I am not even talking about series I don't like anymore these are series I am actually enjoying but for some reason I tend to wonder off and never get back to them even though I really want to.  

7. LJ Book Bingo is doing another challenge and this year they doing a 12 month challenge where you pick one book you were recommended from a friend for each month.  It sounds like lots of fun.

 I finally finished my bingo hc_bingoand I am fairly happy with my stories.  Especially as it has been a hot minute since I had written anything.  Hopefully completing this challenge will help me continue to write on a regular basis.  I am looking forward to next year.  

You can find my h/c bingo table here.  

( Fics under the cut... )