Tag: books

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Book Date! It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? 

It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? 

It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? a place to meet up and share what you have been, and are about to be reading over the week. It’s a great post to organise yourself. It’s an opportunity to visit and comment and er… add to your groaning TBR pile! So welcome in everyone. This meme started on J Kaye’s blog and then was hosted by Sheila from Book Journey. Sheila then passed it on to Kathryn here at The Book Date.

In a few days we will be taking some of the kids to a Fall festival at Cowan’s Gap state Park here in Pennsylvania. It’s such a fun time but I don’t like the addition of food trucks because it’s just a money grab and doesn’t add anything to the festival. They always come home with a nice pumpkin to carve. I’ve been upping my working out and have started back with the Core Rhythms workout. It really works the core and is so much fun. I’ve been eating less sugar and have more energy for it.

WHAT I READ LAST WEEK

WHAT I’M READING NOW

READING NEXT

Have you read any of these? What does your upcoming reading week look like? Thanks for stopping in. Have a wonderful day.

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Confessions of a Christmasholic: A Grumpy meets Sunshine festive romance for Christmas 2023 

273 pages One More Chapter publisher October 19,2023 publication date

ABOUT THE BOOK

Sutton Alsop hates Christmas. So much so, when confronted with a house that looks like Santa himself vomited Christmas all over it, she accidentally (drunkenly) destroys every fairy light, fake reindeer and candy cane in sight. Unfortunately for Sutton, this house belongs to none other than Gus Langston, single dad and owner of the village’s year-round Christmas shop – aka Mr Christmas himself.

But Mr Christmas has a secret only Sutton knows…

With the two of them forced together for the holidays, the sparks between them are hot enough to melt even the coldest of hearts!

MY THOUGHTS

The book is charming and alive with Christmas vibes, many of which we see in plenty of Christmas books. But we love Christmas books and keep reading them.

This one is a bit different in the sense that it’s usually the guy who is grumpy and doesn’t like Christmas or whatever, this time it’s the girl.

Sutton Alsop hates Christmas and then she stumbles upon the home of Mr. Christmas with its glitzy lights that could surely double as a runway. Gus Langston is known about town as Mr. Christmas, he runs an all-year-round Christmas village shop.


Sutton agrees to nanny for him over the holidays with him being a single dad. This is the cutest little family ever.

Mr. Christmas has a secret that only Sutton knows, one that would surprise everyone in town. A spicy Christmas romance that was fun and full of laughter and good times.

You’ll be sure to read it more than once.

Pub Date 19 Oct 2023
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

“

“Sizzles with drama, intensity and sensuality… “

“Chemistry and connection…”

“Knows how to keep her reader’s attention and on the edge of their seats”

I’ve been a reader all my life and I wrote my first book at the age of eight, and haven’t stopped since. Writing and reading have been my solace and my joy. Stories are where I lose, and find, myself.

I also love traveling, a backpack and an airplane ticket are two of my favorite things. What else? I have the domestic skills of a pot plant, drink far too much coffee and have an on-off, mostly off, relationship with exercise.

I’ve written over fifty books and I write for both the Harlequin Presents and Desire lines. I’ve also published romantic action novels with Tule Publishing and Penguin/Random House’s Intermix imprint.

I spent many boring years in sales, pro-business lobbying and local economic development, but now I’m lucky enough to write full time. I live with my husband in Kwa-Zulu Natal, South Africa and am the proud mom of two amazing young adults.

I am bossed around by two spoiled cats and the worst behaved dog in the world, who also happens to be the size of a small cow. I love meeting readers, so come hang out with me on my social media channels.

Have an amazing day and thanks for stopping in.

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CAN’T WAIT WEDNESDAY

Can’t-Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted at Wishful Endings to spotlight and discuss the books we’re excited about that we have yet to read. Generally they’re books that have yet to be released. Find out more here.

This week I’m featuring a book I started reading and have had to set aside because of other reading commitments. Hopefully I’ll be able to pick it back up again soon.

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Shadow Mountain (April 2, 2024)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 272 pages

ABOUT THE BOOK

A ghostly estate. A handsome caretaker hiding a secret. And the intrepid Hyacinth Bell who is set on solving the mystery of both.

1887, the Cornwall coast

For years, rumors have flown through the village of Suttonsbury about Ashthorne Hall–that its occupants hoard pirate treasure, that a ghost walks its halls–but botanist Hyacinth Bell only cares about the estate’s extensive, one-of-a-kind orchid collection. As an independent woman, she is eager to focus on her career, even if it means waiting to pursue a romantic relationship. After all, love–like an orchid–must be nurtured and tended before it can bloom.

What she doesn’t expect is to be swept away by Lucas Harding, the manor’s caretaker, upon their first meeting. He is handsome and charming, and the connection between the two is nearly instantaneous. Hyacinth is certain this autumn will be the season that everything good in her life takes root.

But then strange things start happening in the seemingly empty halls of the estate: unexplainable noises, items appearing then disappearing from her room, threatening messages, and glimpses of a woman in white who vanishes into the dark. Lucas dismisses Hyacinth’s worries, insisting that there is no ghost at Ashthorne Hall, but she suspects he is withholding information and decides to investigate the mystery herself.

Armed with little more than her instincts and her courage, Hyacinth must venture deep into the shadows of Ashthorne Hall to uncover the truth Lucas is keeping secret before she herself falls victim to the dangers hidden in the estate.

Grab a copy here

What do you think? Will you be reading this?

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TOP TEN TUESDAY

Welcome to another TTT! This week’s topic was submitted by Susan @ Bloggin’ bout Books, and is Bookish Jobs I Would Do For Free (Real or Imaginary). Hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl.

Bookish Jobs I Would Do For Free

Now considering money is no issue I’d love to do these bookish things.

Recommend books based on a person’s interest.

Set up a little free library. I have so many books to give away.

Open a used bookstore/bakery coffee shop.

Collect donations of children’s books for children and set up a reading program with older adults reading to them and they would get books and snacks to take home with them.

Set up a program where children would read to a pet. We have this program at our library, and it works beautifully.

Be a personal assistant for authors

Have author interviews on my blog

Start a book blog meme

Work at a library checking out and shelving books.

Help set up for a public book sale.

girl read book surrounded by books, vector illustration, books

What types of bookish things would you love to do ?

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The Stranger Upstairs-“Most people wouldn’t buy an infamous murder house to renovate for fun” . . .

278 pages publisher Bantam publish date Sep. 12,2023

Grab a copy here

ABOUT THE BOOK

A therapist and self-help writer with all the answers, Sarah Slade has just bought a gorgeous Victorian in the community of her dreams. Turns out, you can get a killer deal on a house where someone was murdered. Plus, renovating Black Wood House makes for great blog content and a decent distraction from her failing marriage. Good thing nobody knows that her past is just as filthy as the bloodstain on her bedroom floor.

But the renovations are fast becoming a nightmare. Sarah imagined custom avocado wallpaper, massive profits, and an appreciative husband who wants to share her bed again. Instead, the neighbors hate her guts and her husband still sleeps on the couch. And though the builders attempt to cover up Black Wood’s horrifying past, a series of bizarre accidents, threatening notes, and unexplained footsteps in the attic only confirms for Sarah what the rest of the town already knew: Something is very wrong in that house.

With every passing moment, Sarah’s life spirals further out of control—and with it, her sense of reality. But as she peels back the curling wallpaper and discovers the house’s secrets, she realizes that the deadly legacy of Black Wood House has only just begun.

MY THOUGHTS

Debut author, Lisa M. Matlin writes a psychological thriller that’ll keep you glued to the pages.
The “Death House” it’s called, the lovely Victorian mansion she buys to renovate and resell, flipping houses is all the rage now. She knows she can make a nice buck doing it. Never mind a murder took place here forty years ago and the neighbors know not to go anywhere near it.


That’s them and not her though, she’s a social influencer and A therapist and self-help writer, her blog posts about the renovations will boost her followers’ numbers immensely.


Never mind the house has putridly stale air from being closed up for forty years, very few windows and they don’t even open for a good airing.


I could visualize everything I was reading. The book is dark with a gothic feel to it.

From sleeping in a bloodstained room to sounds in the attic, creepy notes found around the house and feeling sicker and sicker all the time. She’s lost her mind; the evilness of the house consumes her. She’s gone into such a dark place, is it possible for an escape without hurting herself or others?

You can’t read this without feeling creeped out. It will have you wondering when you’re alone, what’s that noise, is there someone here. I wouldn’t advise reading this alone at night.

Something is very wrong in Black Wood House, everyone knows it. Will she become its next victim? Looking forward to the author’s next book.

Pub Date 12 Sep 2023
I was given a complimentary copy of the book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

What do you think? Would you read this book?

Have a wonderful day. Thanks for stopping in.

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The Green Mountains in Vermont 💚🏔️🌄

New Hampshire has the White Mountains 🤍and Vermont has the Green Mountains💚. A fun bit of miscellaneous as well. The Green Mountains are not nearly as high.

Have a blessed day!

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 Christmas at the Inn on Bluebell Lane by Kate Hewitt Books On Tour

Book Description:

As the snow begins to fall and the lights twinkle, Ellie realizes Christmas has finally come to the Inn on Bluebell Lane. But as she watches the guests arrive, she hopes this won’t be her family’s last winter in this magical place…

It’s been two years since Ellie and her family left their lives in America behind and moved to a small Welsh village to run her husband’s family inn. Having fought to save it from disrepair, Ellie is shocked when her sister-in-law, Sarah, breaks the news that the inn is facing financial trouble and might have to close after Christmas, a thought that breaks all their hearts.

Turning to her mother-in-law, Ellie sees tears sparkling in Gwen’s eyes. But then Ellie has an idea: a celebratory Christmas week for guests and locals with all the festive trimmings — an unforgettable experience, and her family’s last chance to save the inn.

With Christmas drawing closer, the family are busier than ever. Gwen bakes enough mince pies to feed the whole country, while Ellie adds mistletoe to every room, and her husband Matthew turns the garden into a winter wonderland.

But there are troubles ahead no one could expect. And as Bluebell Lane twinkles against the frost, Ellie marvels that the inn has never looked prettier. But will it be enough to save this beautiful place her family has grown to love?

This totally unputdownable seasonal read is perfect for anyone who believes in the magic of Christmas. Packed with heart-warming festive cheer, and bursting with merrymaking, this novel is perfect for fans of Debbie Macomber, Robyn Carr and Elin Hildebrand.

MY THOUGHTS

A beautiful and welcoming addition to Christmas joys this year. The Christmas at the Inn on Bluebell Lane is about working together, accepting who others are and knowing they may not be the ones needing to change, but it may be ourselves.

Change is inevitable, it’s not always easy, but it’s a guarantee it’s going to happen.
This glorious holiday read will open all your senses to festiveness of the season.

I had a hard time putting this one down. Filled with all the holiday descriptions in this special little inn, the Inn on Bluebell Lane. I sure wish I could visit this small Welsh village. It may not have all the trappings of the big-name fancy places you could choose to stay but it would be my choice for a comfortable, cozy and down to earth sounding stay.

The characters are relatable and sound so realistic, sure it sounds like some of them are not having an easy time of it, but I do believe in the miracle of Christmas. With the ending it makes me think there will be at least one more to round out this series and I’ll be first in line to read it.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

VISIT OTHER BLOGS ON THE TOUR

THE AUTHOR

Kate Hewitt is the author of many romance and women’s fiction novels. A former New Yorker and now an American ex-pat, she lives in a small town on the Welsh border with her husband, five children, and their overly affectionate Golden Retriever. Whatever the genre, she enjoys telling stories that tackle real issues and touch people’s lives.

https://www.kate-hewitt.com/
https://www.facebook.com/KateHewittAuthor/
https://twitter.com/author_kate

Sign up to be the first to hear about new releases from Kate Hewitt here: https://www.bookouture.com/kate-hewitt

Buy Link:

Amazon: https://geni.us/B0CB6YWWFGsocial

You can sign up for all the best Bookouture deals you’ll love at: http://ow.ly/Fkiz30lnzdo

Have a wonderful day. Thanks for stopping in.

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Snuggles 🐾🐱🧶

Because we all need some absolute cat adorableness. This is Iris, my 9 year old tabby female and newcomer Charlie, 4 month old black and white male kitten. We’ve had him for a month. She has finally accepted him as a friend but still gets annoyed when he pounces on her and play bites her

He’s almost as big as she is. He’s going to be a big boy. She’s spayed and he’s neutered.

Have a wonderful day. 🍁🍂☕🎃📚🐱🧶🐾

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A CHRISTMAS Miracle in the Little Irish Village-Bookouture Books on Tour

I apologize for my lateness in posting this. Due to my illness, I fell well behind on reading and posting.

ABOUT THE BOOK

A Christmas Miracle in the Little Irish Village: A heart-warming and utterly addictive small town Christmas romance

Ava Kelly loves returning to Emerald Bay for Christmas. Snowflakes fall on the green rolling hills and mulled wine fills The Shamrock Inn with the smell of winter spice. But this year, the Kelly family is hoping for a miracle…

When twenty-four-year-old Ava Kelly and her adventurous twin Grace return home to The Shamrock Inn, their Ma’s favourite baubles bring back so many memories of Christmases past. They have always done everything together, even leaving their little Irish village for the excitement of London. But with the locket her handsome ex Shane gave her hanging just above her heart, Ava has just one wish this festive season…

After a year stuck in a job she can’t stand and going on dreadful dates, Ava longs to be back with Shane. Curling up in front of the fire with him, the brooding fisherman everyone else sees melts away as his blue eyes meet hers. But planning a future with Shane would mean telling Grace she’ll be moving back to the village for good. Ava knows it will break her sister’s heart for them to be parted.

But, before Ava can build up the courage to talk to her twin, terrible tidings about Shane hit The Shamrock Inn like a winter storm. With everyone but Grace rushing to the harbour, will Ava’s hopes for a future with both Shane and her sister in it be dashed? Or could a Christmas miracle bring them all together?

Fans of Nicola May, Trisha Ashley and Debbie Macomber will love this stunning festive romance. Get comfy under your winter blankets with a warm cocoa ready, because you will not be able to put this wonderful, heart-warming book down!

Buy link: https://geni.us/B0CGJGW2J9social

MY THOUGHTS

You will get the full Irish experience while reading this one. Being that my ancestors came over on a boat from Galway I knew this one was the perfect read for me.


You’ll be immersed in the authenticity of the Irish humor, foods and settings. Emerald Bay pulled me in, after my first visit I knew I had to return.

The twins, Grace and Ava Kelly have been stuck together like glue and always done everything together their whole life. Showing a side not often seen Grace asserts herself and moves to London, though she’d rather be in Emerald Bay, Ava follows.

Ava didn’t leave her boyfriend, Shane on the best of terms when she moved to London. Grace, the social butterfly has many friends and would feel at home just about anywhere.

When an emergency back home in Emerald Bay has Ava returning on the double, she becomes moody and so worried. Family drama and dynamics. We see sweet and sour, misunderstandings and reconciliations.

Delightful holiday read full of family warmth, romance and friendships. Kept me eagerly turning pages as I soaked in the Irish Christmas warmth. I was given a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

Visit other blogs on the tour

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Michelle Vernal is a New Zealand author who writes stories that will take you onto the page with her characters and make you feel part of their lives. She writes with humour and warmth, and her readers describe her books as unputdownable, feel good and funny. Her writing has been likened to Maeve Binchy but with a modern-day vernacular. In 2015 she was shortlisted for the Love Stories Award. In 2020 she won the Reader’s Favorite Gold Medal Award for Chick lit, and in 2021 was shortlisted for the Page Turner Book Awards.

Author social media:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/MichelleVernal

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michellevernalnovelist/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/michellevernalnovelist

Website: https://www.michellevernalbooks.com/

Newsletter sign up: https://www.bookouture.com/michelle-vernal

Have a beautiful day. Thanks for stopping in.

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The Little Books of the Little Brontës Hardcover – Picture Book, publishing October 17, 2023

80 pages publish date October 17,2023 publisher Penguin Random Canada, Tundra Books

ABOUT THE BOOK

The inspiring true tale of young siblings who loved to make stories — and grew up to be among English literature’s finest writers. A picture book for fans of Mary Who Wrote Frankenstein.

Many years ago, the four motherless children of the Brontë family — Charlotte, Branwell, Emily and Anne — lived in a windswept house by the moors with their father. Although their lives were often filled with sadness and their world was only as large as the distance they could walk, their INNER worlds were bound only by their imaginations. Hungry for stories, these children devoured novels and poetry, history and fables. And with the gift of a group of toy soldiers, they were inspired to make their own stories, and their own tiny books . . . a passion that would last them a lifetime.

A moving and atmospheric story about the power of imagination, the joy of storytelling and the love of books, The Little Books of the Little Brontës will enchant both those who love these literary sisters and those who are learning about them for the first time. Includes an author’s note, timeline of the Brontës’ lives and a fun craft with instructions on creating your own little book.

credit

MY THOUGHTS

I am embarrassed to admit that yes, I have heard of the Brontes and their literature and that’s about it. I’ve read nothing by them and know next to nothing about them. I can’t use the excuse of living in the states and not the UK as a valid reason either. Their literature is quite well known over here as well.

In this beautifully illustrated children’s book we meet the 4 children, and the father makes a very brief appearance bringing gifts to the children returning home after traveling.

This is a nonfiction book and though it is informative I will now be doing more of an Indepth research into the children, their lives and their family.

I see the children had two elder sisters and their mother who passed all within a close time due to tuberculosis.

It sounds like the children didn’t have many friends outside of themselves and their family. Making up stories and creating their own very small child sized books was a way they entertained themselves. They loved reading and would read anything they could get their hands on including literature and their mother’s bible.

The four surviving children all died young, such tragedy! Their father outlived them all.

The book is atmospheric, you can just imagine them sitting at a table making these little books with wallpaper scraps for the cover.

The Little Book of the Little Bronte’s will propel those interested in English literature and learning more about these literary greats to do your own research. I will definitely be doing this.

Children have not only the opportunity to learn the basics about this family history, but it includes instruction on making your own book. Who knows this may interest some to continue on to becoming a published author.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

THE AUTHOR

Sara O’Leary (saraoleary.ca) is a writer for both children and adults. The Ghost in the House is her first novel. She has a degree in screenwriting from the University of British Columbia and teaches at Concordia University in Montreal. A former literary columnist for The Vancouver Sun and CBC Radio, she also writes short fiction. She has written a number of critically acclaimed books for children, including This is Sadie, which was adapted for the stage by New York City Children’s Theater.

Have you read anything by the Bronte’s? Thanks for stopping in. Have a marvelous day!