Happy belated bookish Valentine's Day everyone!

Just had to share my Valentine's book haul from my sweetie!

And how was I able to have the shelf space available in the photo? Part of my gift was also a new bookshelf!

I may be just a teeny tiny bit spoiled. 😳😆

This book threw me for such a loop, I think my brain is still spinning!

Inventive, immersive, and convoluted in the best possible way, this book takes the concept of murder mystery to a whole new level, wrapping mysteries inside mysteries.

Don't expect to understand what is going on, at all, for a large portion of the book. But do expect to still be so wrapped up in it, you can't put it down!

I know this book has gotten some mixed reviews, but I think that has more to do with misleading marketing than any issue with the story itself.

Do not go into this book expecting the excitement and suspense of a murder mystery. There is no big moment of revelation. There is, however, a wonderful slow build up, a weaving of past and present into a tapestry of feminine strength and self-determination. I found it beautiful and mesmerizing.

I had been looking forward to this book so much, and it did not disappoint!

Emily's story continues with the characters we fell in love with moving on to a new journey with a few new companions.

The delightful tone and banter of the first book continues, as the character relationships grow and deepen, making this a great follow up, but also leaving me craving the next book in the series!

I tend to love and very quickly devour Rachel Harrison's feminist horror, and this book was no exception! I read most of it in one sitting.

This particular story revolves around themes of love, friendship, identity, and self-determination, and is, as always, steeped in Harrison's signature wit and easy to identify with characters.

This one might vie with Such Sharp Teeth as my favorite of her books!

Okay, after attending my favorite local indie bookstore's big 10 year anniversary sale this morning, and then meeting someone from Facebook Marketplace for a couple of other books, this is the state of my TBR shelves.

I am now officially on a book buying break, I think I'm going to say until I've finished at least around half of these books.

That's reasonable, right?! 😆

Why did I wait so long to get my hands on this book?!

This was such a delight! If you like character-driven stories that do have some stakes, but still have that cozy vibe, this book will not disappoint.

My only complaint is that I don't have the next book in the series yet!

Lucked into a great deal on my local Facebook Marketplace today and just had to share! Paid less for all three of these, in near new condition, than I would have for any one of them alone, even at a discount! Kind of made my day! 😁

I'm so glad I finally got to finish this series! The final book definitely managed to surprise me along the way!

I'm glad I chose this as my first read going into 2025 because there's nothing like starting the new year on a five star read!

House of Frank absolutely wrapped itself around my heart and squeezed, and I mean that in the best way possible.

This book uses the most unique setting and characters to explore love, loss, grief, friendship, and found family in an unforgettable way.

Just finishing up wrapping a few last gifts for an extended family party that we're having late this year.

Pictured are the books for my youngest great-grand-nephews and -niece.

I just love being the book auntie!

Good morning Litsy!

I'm sorry I disappeared again; it's been a busy year! But I'm going to try to start posting more regularly again.

I also just finally joined StoryGraph! My username is speculative_female for anyone who would like to add me there.

In the meantime, my current read (one of my Christmas gifts!) is pictured and tagged above.

Happy Holidays to all!

I hope everyone had a wonderful day today!

Between my son, my significant other, and his family, I ended up with an amazing holiday book haul! I'm so grateful to have so many sweet, generous, thoughtful people in my life! 🥰

I am having trouble finding the words to describe this book, which makes sense as it is a book all about the power of language.

I love what Kuang did in this book with the interplay of language, power, and money, particularly in relation to colonialism, racism, and sexism, among other issues the book touches upon.

This is just a really amazing book overall!

I've been away a while again! A phone reset signed me out of my account, I couldn't remember my password, then had some difficulty resetting it! 🤦‍♀️

Anyway, I'm back again now and need to catch up on reviews of the pictured books, the tagged book, and The Kaiju Preservation Society by John Scalzi, which I finished yesterday.

Anyone else trying to make space on their TBR shelf in anticipation of some possible book gifts in the near future? 😝

I finished this tonight and came straight here just to share how much I enjoyed it.

This one does have a slower pace, but it flows so smoothly from lightly reminiscent, to tense, to depths of emotion I found surprising. The characters were relatable and the plot went in unexpected directions. And the ending left me emotionally drained in a ball on my couch... but in a good way.

Overall, I really liked this one and would definitely recommend it

Nothing like a haunting story and a great deli sandwich for lunch on Halloween, especially after yet another medical appointment.

Sorry I've fallen off the radar again. Health issues abound and between work and doctor's appointments and tests, I have little energy for anything else.

On the bright side, I am on track to finish this book tonight, which is fitting, and hopefully I'll be back to share my thoughts on it soon!

#AutumnPlease Day 11

Here's a really fun book, especially for this time of year, set in a #SmallTown.

And my favorite furball just had to get in on the action today to rep for the #catsoflitsy

@Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks @Eggs

#AutumnPlease Day 10

This lovely #Shadow book is coming up very soon on my TBR. Loved the first of the series and keep meaning to get around to the rest!

@Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks @Eggs

#AutumnPlease Day 9

I'd say there are certainly some #FallFlowers in this one.

@Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks @Eggs

#AutumnPlease Day 8

When I saw #Bones on this list, I immediately knew what book I would be reaching for that day!

@Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks @Eggs

#AutumnPlease Day 7

Pulled out an old favorite with a flowing #scarf on the cover 🧡

@Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks @Eggs

Anyone else watch the end of season two of #WheelofTime today?

No spoilers..... but so many goosebumps!

I'm really pleased with the direction they've taken in the second season. Even the changes from the books maintain enough of the spirit of things and high points of the plot lines, IMO. I'm excited to see where they go from here!

#AutumnPlease Day 6

For #YrTownInAutumn I decided to highlight my old hometown and the area I grew up in. It is not only featured in some spooky and haunted Pennsylvania books, but is also the (self-proclaimed) Autumn Leaf Capital of the World and home of the Autumn Leaf Festival, going on right now!

@Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks @Eggs

I've been meaning to read this one for ages, just finally got around to it, and I'm so glad I did!

I adored the characters in this one: I wish I could spend a day just talking to Vince and Dave. Even though this is a tale of mystery through and through, it has an inexplicable coziness and charm to it. And, as always, in King's delightful prose style. I just all around loved it!

#AutumnPlease Day 5

I always liked the autumn feel of this cover. It certainly has some #BootsAndLeaves

@Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks @Eggs

Well, while I was feeling cruddy today due to the side effects of a flu shot (always hits me hard), I did get some reading done.

This book sucked me in immediately. I haven't picked up a King book in a while, and I think I nearly forgot how much I enjoy his writing style. The characters were the driving force in this one, for sure, but his easy flowing prose also just made the chapters fly by. Definitely glad I picked it up!

#AutumnPlease Day 4

Apple cider is without a doubt my #FaveFallDrink and for anyone in, around, or visiting western New York, Schutt's is the best! Each batch uses only one variety of apples, giving a distinctive flavor. This week's Honey Crisp was great, but I can hardly wait until they do Northern Spy again later in the fall!

@Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks @Eggs

#AutumnPlease Day 3
A really great collection and some #Candleflame
@Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks @Eggs

#AutumnPlease Day 2
A little on the nose, but definitely #Cobwebs
@Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks @Eggs

#AutumnPlease Day 1
Just a quick little #OrangeStack
@Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks @Eggs

I'm going to be 100% honest here and admit I did get bogged down in the middle of this book and put it down for a little while. But, when I came back to it, I devoured the rest of the book in about a day, so I think it was a mood thing.

There's no denying this one is dark, but the way it keeps you questioning good and evil and what it means to be monstrous take it beyond just a dark tale into something special.

If you're looking for “great literature,“ this isn't the book/series for you. But if you're looking for a quick, fun read with an ending all tied up with a bow on top, look no further. I tend to think of Lacky as my “book candy“: mostly sweet, not a lot of substance, but so enjoyable!

I wasn't sure what to expect going into this book, how any author could have the temerity to take on a retelling of a Poe classic.

It turns out, not only can it be done well, it can be done so spectacularly that I had to sit in silence for a bit after finishing the book just to let it all settle in my mind.

If you are looking for something spooky and atmospheric, but also witty and engaging, to read this autumn, look no further!

This book was so much fun and a great way to start my fall reading!

The story hovers between funny and eerie, with everything from disturbing ghost scenes to moments of pure and poignant friendship.

Ultimately, this is a girl power story about learning to be unapologetically yourself, and that I can absolutely get behind!

I've noticed this book tends to put people on the love it or hate it ends of the spectrum, and I fell firmly on the love it end of things. The characters and the bits of mystery surrounding each of their circumstances kept me reading with rapt attention. I can see how it might not be for everyone, but I thoroughly enjoyed every moment of it!

#BookBinge
Day 28
#HairOnCover

@Eggs, @Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks

#BookBinge
Day 27
#DarkAcademia

Going back to the origins...

@Eggs, @Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks

#BookBinge
Day 26
#SeniorCitizens

@Eggs, @Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks

#BookBinge
Day 25
#SmallTownSetting

I feel like sometimes people forget that L'Engle wrote more than just the Wrinkle in Time books. I loved her Austin family books, too!

@Eggs, @Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks

#BookBinge
Day 23
#SmokeOnCover

@Eggs, @Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks

#BookBinge
Day 22 Includes Recipes
#IncludesRecipes

@Eggs, @Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks

#BookBinge
Day 21 Anticipated 5⭐️ Read
#Anticipated5⭐️Read

@Eggs, @Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks

The nature of this book, with three generations of women all facing their own struggles and coming into their power in their own way, was very appealing to me, and the characters themselves really drew me in.

One warning I would offer is to check the trigger warnings - this book doesn't pull punches and hits on some tough subjects.

#BookBinge
Day 20 Immigrant MC
#ImmigrantMC

@Eggs, @Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks

#BookBinge
Day 19 About Mental Health
#AboutMentalHealth

@Eggs, @Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks

#BookBinge
Day 18. Clothes on cover
#ClothesOnCover

@Eggs, @Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks

While there were some confusing parts with too many names and secondary characters to easily keep straight, the payoff was well worth it. I plowed through this book in a way shorter time than I expected. It was so odd and unique, I just could not put it down.

This book takes all the beauty and mystery of the first book in the series and ramps it up to a whole new level.

The characters continue to develop through both struggles with their current circumstances and revelations about their pasts, while the plot twines together old and new stories, bringing some characters closer together while tearing others apart.

The emotional impact by the end left me both reeling and impatient for the next book!

Yay for our holiday: National Book Lover's Day!

Let's celebrate by sharing! Drop a recent reading recommendation in the comments!