Working from home today and enjoying my #audiolisten and candle.

I liked book two of Samantha and Wyatt‘s adventures. Hoping to get to book 3 soon. Eager to see what‘s next for this detective duo.

Casey and Eric have left the toxicity of Rockton behind. Unfortunately their dreams for Haven‘s Rock aren‘t starting off as planned. Unexpected neighbors, mining exploration, missing crew members, and an accelerated schedule for their new residents pile on the pressure. This was a good spin off from the Rockton novels.

This was interesting. I liked reading about different buildings, like the Mitaka lofts and the Fable hospital, and the scientific theories and research that went into their design. We spend a lot of time in indoor spaces, whether it‘s school, home, work, the office, or the gym, so it was fun to look at how their flow and design and access to or incorporation of natural elements can impact our health, mood, and thought processes.

It wasn‘t a bad read, but I got easily distracted by other things often while reading it, so it didn‘t really hold my attention and took a while to finish. The stories were interesting but also sometimes felt like they were being told about someone else.

Really enjoying this series. The first book was really good and this one was also. Looking forward to book three and hoping the series lasts because I‘m already attached.

Cozy, heartwarming read with humor. Liked how the relationships built over time and enjoyed the ending. The character growth worked really well. Appreciated how she developed her own life, and friendships, along with the romance. Added so much dimension to everything.

I knew this would be a difficult read so even though I‘ve owned this for a while, I kept putting it off. Glad I finally got to it, though it was hard going in some places. The atrocities people can commit against each other because of “otherness” never ceases to amaze me.

Parts of this were good and others were sort of like a fever dream. Got some of the gothic elements and liked having a biracial heroine. Overall, the concept worked better than the execution for me, though I will say that sometimes when things are supposed to questionablew it‘s can be difficult to describe. Ending was so-so. Didn‘t hate it but from the description had hoped to like it more.

Enjoyable audiolisten. 😄

Loved it! I really enjoyed the format and the characters in this one. Loved how it blended the locked room mystery and forced proximity romance in a remote location, with the added bonus of being surrounded by lots of dangerous elements, hidden tunnels, and a twisty maze. Great characters, intriguing mystery, and clean but steamy romance.

#mystery #romance

An enjoyable #audiolisten. Looking forward to the next book in the series. Fun and interesting contemporary series in a charming location.

It was helpful in listing different types of beans and for providing ideas. Wasn‘t really blown away by the recipes though.

May your holidays be full of good health, good cheer and plenty of good books.

Merry Christmas! 🎄

I want book two in my hands now! Fresh and original and I need more of this in my life.

Loved this! Stayed up past my bedtime with this gem, it was so good! Enjoyed everything about it except that it‘s a trilogy and the next two books aren‘t out yet. This was a library read, but picked up my own copy so I can read it again. Serious slow burn, lots of political plots and intrigue, betrayal, mistrust, and revenge. The romance wasn‘t an afterthought but didn‘t dominate the plot. It was well done and developed as the characters did.

A dark and twisty Cinderella retelling that makes Cinderella the monster who goes bump in the night. Really liked the ending.

This always makes me smile. 😊

This was a cute, fun read. Enjoyed the blend of mystery and romance. The romance didn‘t overpower the mystery and the diverse cast of characters were all fully three dimensional and interesting. Although it was a mystery and there were some serious elements in it, it was also cheerful and uplifting. Really liked it.

I was not expecting that ending. Hannah did an excellent job of bringing the characters and the times to life in this one. While this took place during the Dust Bowl, it‘s still very timely and relevant. Loved this.

Dark topic and it delves into Sara‘s past. I like how it built. From not knowing for sure if a crime was committed, to wondering if it was related to another incident, to building a case that it might go deeper than anyone expected. Sara remembering Jeffrey and how what happened to her colored their relationship and Will‘s connection to her during the investigation brought a lot of depth to the story as well. Look forward to the next installment.

It was choppy and uneven jumping around from Tolly remembering things to telling the reader the story. It was gory, but also heartfelt and sad. Normally don‘t feel bad for the slasher, but it was hard not feel bad for Tolly as he found himself transforming into a slasher. Amber tried to save him and in the end, when he realized there‘d be a sequel, Tolly made sure that didn‘t happen. His allergy was an interesting twist.

#horror #slashernovel

I used to read this series when it first came out, but lost track around book 13. This is book 18 so I‘ve missed a few entries. However, while nothing is wrong with it, I think it‘s hard for both writers and readers to maintain momentum in long running series. Don‘t feel the need to read the ones I skipped and I can see missing a few more until the series end without feeling like I‘m missing anything.

#mystery #cozymystery #mysteryseries #series

For the next time you‘re having a hard time picking your next read. Can‘t hurt. 😂

I enjoyed the follow up as much as the original. A lovely story. From the ending, wondering when book three will come along. Their story definitely isn‘t over yet.

A truly magical apartment that transports you back in time by exactly 7 years when you‘re at a crossroads. Clementine is at a crossroads, whether she likes to admit it or not. I liked seeing her slip back in time, figure out the present day connections, and finally come to terms with all the weight she‘s been carrying, including grief, her career, art, and romance. The apartment she didn‘t want ends up being just what she needed.

We get to see the world through a mermaid‘s eyes. Loved the infusion of African mythology as Simi sees the start of the slave trade as Portuguese ships sail through the waters on their way to Europe and colonized islands. She breaks the rules by saving a live human who knows more than he should. Their adventures on land take them on a quest where they learn about themselves, each other, and the world around them.

A different pandemic, but their fears played into how the characters interacted with each other and amped up the tensions between them. Lady Darby is due to give birth soon, so she‘s pressed for time trying trying to solve a murder and uncover the identity of an unknown writer stirring up trouble for her in the ton.

Still enjoying this series. Nice to see the character‘s grow, as well as learn about the changing world around them. Fun to see how some embraced the new automobiles while others stayed true to the horse and carriage mode of transportation. Liked how the changing times played into the story.

I tried reading this one in print but got stuck. Switching to the audio version made all the difference. Really liked it. Impressive creativity and world building. Loved the characters,

Amazing memoir. Very insightful, compelling, and vulnerable. Seeing Ms Jaouad‘s journey from symptoms to diagnosis to treatment and beyond was very eye opening. Really, really liked this one. 💛💛

Refreshing that most of the characters were older and that something unusual occurred (ice storm in Georgia) in order to set the up events and tension. Seeing the character relationships and motivations was interesting. Also liked how differently they could view the same topic and how they reacted to those who disagreed with them.

I liked this one well enough, but I absolutely loved the first one. With that said, hoping the next book isn‘t too far off. Want to see what happens next.

Shakespeare, Ogun, Orisha, and Fae. Enjoyable YA mashup. Liked that young Joan was in charge of the blades and fighting choreography for the players. The ending wasn‘t bad, though not generally a fan of cliffhangers.

Victorian lady pirates! This was a fun, comedic romp. Learned about the rules and etiquette of lady piracy and flying houses. lol

Happy National Book Lovers Day!

#bookloversday #nationalbookloversday

Combination of everything except Whisperer. 😂 📚

They have these at Big Lots now. Great time to treat yourself or grab a gift. 🎁

That ending…..

Enjoyed this one. Resolutions that end with someone owing a bad guy for an unknown favor at an unknown time create the best atmosphere of dread. Things looked up and then got really dark.

Cute and refreshing YA romance.

Slice of life narratives from two points of view. Not heavy handed, but covers current headlines on issues dealing with race, identity, who belongs, community, and who can or should, “do something about it.” Would‘ve liked more resolution regarding Jake, but understand that he wasn‘t the focus though his actions certainly impacted our narrators. Audio was enjoyable and helped bring depth to the characters.

#audiolisten

Part of my latest #libraryhaul and one that had been on my TBR for a while. There were some things I liked and others that didn‘t work as well. Overall, an interesting story with a diverse cast and an exploration of Victorian LGBTQ issues, misogyny, gender roles, and identity. The mystery part was ok. Considering everything that happened the ending worked.

Fun read with lots of twists and turns.

#mystery

Yes!

#librarydreams

Looked like a nice way to start the morning.

#libraryfind

Yep. 😹

#humor #cats #cathumor #pets #litsypets

Two storylines. In one, there‘s a lot of historical detail, and we see a woman whose brother has control of her life, so she continues to try and run from him to live her life on her terms. In the second, we have another woman on the run for different reasons, and a man who wants to make his name with a big find. The modern day story has a magical realism element. Answers are given, though evidence stays missing. It‘s another story. I liked it.

Jane goes undercover in this one. Quirky cast of characters in an isolated location. Enjoyed this one. Now to wait til the next book is out.

A reminder that healing is active, not passive. Recovery offers tools and wisdom for convalescence, and shows how tending to our bodies, environments, and perspectives can help us move through the landscape of illness—and come out whole on the other side.