Most Anticipated New Releases- April 2022

Spring is in the air, and it’s time to look at the new books coming out in April. These are the books that have caught my eye. What new releases are excited about?

Release Date: April 5

Karter is a venture capitalist and Dreamy’s goal is to win the lottery. Looks like a fun opposites-attract contemporary romance.

Release Date: April 5

In the 1880’s Daiyu is kidnapped from China and smuggled to America. She spends the years that follow continually reinventing herself.

Release Date: April 5

Hotel Magnifique appears in a different location every morning. Despite its whimsical presence, there are dark secrets hidden within. Jani is determined to unravel the mystery. This sounds similar to The Night Circus.

Release Date: April 5

This is book 17 in the Sebastian St. Cyr series. I am only a few books into the series, but it is one my favorite historical mysteries series. If you haven’t read any of the books, I would recommend starting at the beginning, What Angels Fear. While the mysteries can stand alone, there’s a lot of family history and character development that evolves throughout the series.

Release Date: April 19

Amish fiction is a great option when looking for a clean romance., and I can never resist a book featuring bookstores or libraries.

Release Date: April 19

I always enjoy books set during WWII. They have such a strong message of survival. This story is based on a real department store during WWII.

Release Date: April 19

It’s a good month for historical mysteries. The Lady Darby series is another of my favorites. Again, I would recommend starting with book 1, The Anatomist’s Wife.

March 31, 2022

Top Ten Tuesday- 3/29/22, 21st Century books destined to be classics

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly prompt hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl. This week’s prompt is “21st century books destined to be classics”.

When selecting books for this list, I asked myself several questions. What characteristics do classics share? (Universal themes, engaging writing, intriguing characters) What books would people still enjoy reading 100 years from now? If I were teaching a class on 21st century books, what would I assign?

28187 — The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan, published 2005

I’m listing The Lightning Thief because it’s book one, but the entire Percy Jackson series is destined to be a classic. Children’s adventure stories never go out of style.

18143977 — All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr, published 2014

There are so many historical fiction novels about WWII, but this is so beautifully written it is destined to stand the test of time.

35959740. sy475 — Circe by Madeline Miller , published 2018

While the Percy Jackson books are fun look at Greek Mythology aimed at middle grader readers, Circe is a darker, adult view. I can see this being read in college English classes to look at how our views of mythology have evolved.

18749 — Half of a Yellow Sun by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, published 2006

Half of a Yellow Sun is set in Africa in the 1960’s as colonialism is coming to an end and Nigeria is being established as an independent republic. Prior to the 21st century, African history was virtually ignored in literature. This book is a perfect example of a modern classic.

43225180. sy475 — Verity by Colleen Hoover , published 2018

This novel stayed with me long after I finished reading. It’s modern but has the feel of classic Hitchcock tale.

15507958 — Me Before You, Jojo Moyes, published 2012

This is both one of the funniest and one of saddest books I’ve ever read. Already made into a movie, it’s destined to be a classic.

34927828 — The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah, published 2018

Even though it’s set in the 1970’s and 80’s, the Alaskan setting gives the feel of the classic pioneer spirit ingrained in American lore, with contemporary issues dealt with head-on.

15803059 — Ordinary Grace by William Kent Krueger, published 2013

Coming of Age stories make for great classics. This is a mysterious, thought-provoking book, no matter your religious beliefs.

49365319 — The Island of Sea Women by Lisa See, published 2019

I think that when scholars look back at hallmarks of 21st century writing, one of the dominant themes will be books about strong women told in dual timelines. This one is set on the island of Jeju in Korea and tells the story of female divers.

12837725 — Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn, published 2012

Like most classics, the movie didn’t do this book justice. It was twist after twist after twist, that kept the reader guessing the entire time.

March 29, 2022

Top 5 Wednesday- first in series

Top Five Wednesday is a Goodreads group where people respond to different bookish prompts each week. This week’s prompt: first in series. There are so many series I love, it was hard to decide. I tried to vary genre and avoided obvious picks like Harry Potter and Hunger Games.

This is my favorite historical romance series. I like everyone of the heroes and heroines and while the way the couples get together may not be conventional. They do treat each other with respect and make an effort to make their relationships work instead of wasting a lot of time on misunderstandings that fill so many historical romances.

Yelena is saved from execution with an offer to become the court food taster. Under the watchful eye of the chief of security, it’s her job to test all food being served to the Commander and detect any poisons. I love this series. It’s full of action and there are so many fascinating characters.

Graced with the skill of killing, Katsa is the king’s assassin. The books in this series are connected, but can be read on their own as well.

This series definitely wins the prize for best opening line. The Lady Julia Grey series has it all: History, mystery, romance, humor and a character with psychic abilities. Did I mention Nicholas Brisbane? One of the greatest leading men ever!

The Stephanie Plum series might be the funniest series ever written. It has one of the craziest casts of characters ever created and a love triangle where you like all three characters.

March 23, 2022

Top Ten Tuesday- 3/22/22: Books with Adjectives

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly prompt hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl . This week’s promt is books with adjectives in the title.

54227458 — Off the Wild Coast of Brittany

6815514 — The Good, the Bad and the Dumped

42431386. sy475 — The Bookish Life of Nina Hill

What are your favorite books with adjectives in the title?

March 22, 2022

Six for Sunday- 3/20/22: Books to get you out of a reading slump

#SixforSunday is a meme hosted by A Little But A Lot. This week’s topic is books to get people out of reading slumps. I tried to think of a different reasons someone might be in a reading slump when choosing my recommendations. Some of them are just really fun and that’s what we need when we’re in a slump. Others appeal to a range of readers or depart from what is expected in their genre.

Recursion was a departure from my usual reading habits that turned out to be one of my favorite reads last year. It’s filled with twists and turns that make the reader think.

Silent in the Grave is the first book in the Lady Julia Grey series. This book is a perfect blend of mystery, historical fiction and romance. The quirky members of the Grey family add plenty of comic relief as well.

The Bookshop on the Corner is a book about matching people to books, that will make you laugh out loud. What better way to get out of reading slump?

The Last Train to Key West was my favorite read of 2021. This follows the formula of a lot of contemporary fiction, with multiple stories that are interconnected. It just does it better than most of them.

My (not so) Perfect Life is one of the funniest books I’ve read. But, it also makes a statement on the affect social media has on all of our perceptions of those around us.

Let’s Pretend this Never Happened was recommended to me on goodreads. At the time I wasn’t familiar with Jenny Lawson’s blog. I’ve since become a follower. You’re so busy laughing that you don’t even realize that your reading about serious problems.

March 20, 2022

Top Five Wednesday- Favorite Villains

I know I’m a day late with this post, but couldn’t let this topic go without participating. Villains are what make stories interesting. I am drawn to villains who evolve over time. Therefore, all of my picks are from series.

Nellie Olsen- Little House series by Laura Ingalls Wilder

Nellie Olsen is a lesson to us all that we should always be kind. You never know when the girl you tease my grow up to be a famous author. While the character of Nellie Olsen is a combination of a couple of Wilder’s childhood nemeses, the name has been synonymous with spoiled brats everywhere.

Khalid, the Caliph of Khorasan: The Wrath and the Dawn and The Rose and the Dagger by Renée Ahdieh

This is a retelling of One Thousand and One Nights. Khalid is the evil prince who takes a bride each night, only to strangle her come morning. But, there’s more to the story.

Rhysand from A Court of Thorn and Roses Series by Sarah J. Maas

I debated about whether to even call Rhysand a villain, but to the majority of his world he is viewed as the villain. An image he has carefully cultivated.

Trent Kalamack The Hollows series by Kim Harrison.

There are many great villains in this series, but wealthy bachelor, councilman and drug lord Trent Kalamack is my favorite.

Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer

The only villain on my list who is the protagonist, Artemis is an evil genius by the age of twelve.

Who are your favorite book villains?

March 17, 2022

Spring TBR- Top Ten Tuesday 3/15/22

Top Ten Tuesday is sponsored by That Artsy Reader Girl . This weeks theme is ten books on your spring tbr pile. Spring is an “anything goes” period of reading for me compared to my holiday themed books of December or beach reads of summer. Aside from seasons, a lot of my reading is determined by books people choose from me in swaps in the games forum at paperbackswap. So I will start with the three books I am reading at the moment, and then add others that I am currently offering in swaps.

This may not seem like a “spring” book, but I am reading it now for Women’s history month. I have read a lot of Tudor fiction, including others by Alison Weir. The Six Wives of Henry VIII is a nonfiction account. I have only gotten as far as Arthur’s death so far, but I am enjoying it. While it cites research, it is written in a very reader-friendly manner.

On the complete opposite end of the spectrum of a historical biography, I’m reading Shadow and Bone a YA fantasy. I read Six of Crows first which is a spin-off of this series. It probably would’ve helped to read this first, but the stories are unique enough, that you can still understand one series without the other. Again, I am really early into this book, but the action draws you in immediately.

See Jane Score (Chinooks Hockey Team, #2)

See Jane Score, along with the rest of the Chinooks Hockey Team romance series has been on my tbr for a long time. I finally read the first book last month and immediately started book two. It’s a fun, light contemporary romance read.

Under the Whispering Door is described as A Man Called Ove meets The Good Place. When Wallace dies, he realizes he wasted his life and goes about living a lifetime while he waits to cross over. This premise is so fascinating, I can’t wait to read it.

Criminal Confections (Chocolate Whisperer, Bk 1)

A chocolate themed cozy with recipes, how could I resist? Criminal Confections is book one in the Chocolate Whisperer Mystery series. This one has been on my shelf for a long time and I think it may be time to finally read it.

April is Holocaust remembrance month. Since I am not teaching eighth grade this year, this is the first year in over a decade that I have not read Diary of Anne Frank and Hitler Youth. It might be time to read Sons and Soldiers.

I try to read most of the Goodreads award winners. The Guest List was the won for the mysteries and thrillers category in 2020. I tend to read lighter mysteries, but every once in awhile I like a good thriller.

Snow White and Rose Red is an older book, but I just got it this week. I love retellings and books with a floral name or title are very popular for spring reading challenges.

Bridgerton’s second season will be released soon and I still haven’t read The Viscount Who Loved Me , Anthony’s story. The Netflix series has taken many liberties from the original series, but on principal I always read the book first.

The Cadillac, Texas series is a lot of fun and The Yellow Rose Beauty Shop looks like a perfect floral read for spring.

What books do you want to read this spring?

March 15, 2022

The Book Was Better!!!

We’ve all been there. You read that one of your favorite books is being made into a movie. You are filled with anticipation and scour social media looking for more information. The first disappointment comes when the cast is revealed. The actors look nothing like the characters in your head. Then, the previews start, and you notice subtle changes. Scenes don’t look quite right, characters say things they would never see. Part of you wants to skip the movie know, but you can’t resist. Out of loyalty to the book, you have to see it.

At the theater, you bite your tongue to keep from shouting out. Why are they in a different city? Why is it now a comedy? Why are characters who were twelve in the book now being played by adult actors- and where did that love triangle come from?

But nothing could prepare you for the ending. The screenwriter probably had good intentions. They genuinely thought they were improving the story by making the ending happier or more dramatic. But it really did was change the entire message of the story. This person clearly did not understand the story at all.

There are exceptions, but the book just won’t live up to the book in most cases. Part of it is inattention to detail. Part of it is that some things don’t translate to the screen, primarily if the book focuses more on characterization than action. But your brain just isn’t as engaged watching something created by someone else as when it has to formulate the movie in your head from the words on the page.

March 14, 2022

Six for Sunday- 3/13/22

#SixforSunday is a meme hosted by A Little But A Lot . Today’s prompt is characters with floral names. I have a mix of fantasy, romance, YA , historical and classic literature all of which were great reads.

Princess of the Midnight Ball (The Princesses of Westfalin Trilogy, #1) — The Princess of the Midnight Ball

March 13, 2022

MG Takes on Thursday

Middle Grade Thursday is a weekly celebration of middle grade books sponsored by Book Craic . To participate:

Post a picture of the front cover of a middle-grade book which you have read and would recommend to others with details of the author, illustrator and publisher.
Open the book to page 11 and share your favorite sentence.
Write three words to describe the book.
Either share why you would recommend this book, or link to your review.

Image result for a single shard — A Single Shard

Title: A Single Shard

Author: Linda Sue Park

Illustrators: Jean and Mou-sien Tseng

Publisher: Clarion Books

My favorite sentence from page 11:

“Using his foot to spin the base of the wheel, he placed dampened hands on the sluggardly lump, and for the hundredth time, Tree-hear watched the miracle.”
Linda Sue Park

Three words to describe the book:

educational, inspirational, historical

My recommendation:

Everything Linda Sue Park writes is golden. I love A Single Shard because it has a positive message about perseverance. The book is set in 12th century Korea where orphan, Tree-Ear, ends up working for a master potter in order to pay off a debt. When he is sent to the King’s Court, his life is changed forever. Park’s meticulous research shines through transporting the reader to an often-ignored time and place.

March 10, 2022