Wednesday, November 29, 2017

The Pearl Sister : (The Seven Sister's #4)

The Pearl Sister by Lucinda Riley



    This is another adventure in the Seven Sisters series.  I enjoyed the descriptions of life in Thailand as well as Australia.  I feel like this book gave a few more clues than the other books, but there is still quite the mystery surrounding Pa Salt.  I enjoyed the present day and the past for Cece's story.  I really enjoyed the part about Ace in Thailand and wish that had been expanded on a bit more.  This was another Audiobook that I enjoyed hearing the accents and it was a great narration.  I am hooked on this series and already looking forward to the next one! 4/5 Stars.

Tuesday, November 28, 2017

Top Ten Tuesday- My Winter TBR

Top Ten Books on my Winter TBR

Here are books that I have my eye on to read this winter.  A few of these are available to request on Netgalley and some I have already been approved for!  Most are coming out Jan-March 2018.  Here are additional books from Nonfiction November that are new to my TBR list.  Thanks to The Broke and the Bookish for hosting TTT


1.  Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng. I love this author and have seen glowing reviews. 


2.  The Girls in the Picture- by Melanie Benjamin.  This cover caught my eye and the description matches.



3.  The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Tara Jenkins Reid  (Will be reading for January Book Club that I am hosting)


4. The Great Alone-  by Kristin Hannah  I loved the Nightingale and have already heard/read great things about this book from others.


5.  I Was Anastasia-  by Ariel Lawhon  Love Historical Fiction

6.  By The Book- by Julia Sonnenborn - I read a First Look from BookishFirst and have to keep reading about the professor's who ex is her new Dean at a University.  

 7.  Educated: A Memoir- by Tara Westover  - I'm working to add a bit more Nonfiction

8.  The Good Liar-  by Catherine McKenzie. I have liked her most recent books Smoke and Fractured 

9 The Italian Party- Christina Lynch.  1950s with Americans traveling in Italy!  Perfect!

 10.  Woman Last Seen in Her Thirties- Camille Pagan  I have loved this author since the book Life and Other Near Death Experiences!

I am sure after I see what others have picked I will have an even longer TBR for Winter.  Thanks for visiting!







Monday, November 27, 2017

Nonfiction November- New to my TBR list

Nonfiction November- New to my TBR

Thanks to all the bloggers that hosted Nonfiction November this year.  This week I am linking up with Lory at Emerald City Book Review to share the New to my To Be Read list that others have shared during November.  Here are the top 4 that I have added.  

Midnight in Mexico- by Alfredo Corchado recommended by Iliana at Bookgirl's Nightstand. This book of a journalist in Mexico and the political climate sounds like one I would love.  

Into Thin Air-  by Jon Krakauer was on the Nonfiction November favorite's page of Angela @ Musings of a Literary Wanderer.  I can't believe I haven't read this book before, but this is the reminder I need and its now on my TBR list.

Why the Caged Bird Sings- by Maya Angelou is a favorite of Ceri @ Bookmarks and Postcards and is one I know I need to read. I haven't read much about the conflicts in the south in the 1930s and this memoir from Maya Angelou will help me learn and understand the struggles. 

The Radium Girls: The Dark Story of America's Shining Women- by Kate Moore Mentioned as a 5 star read by Kim@ Time 2 Read.  I also saw this book on the favorites list at Curiosity Killed the Bookworm.  This book has caught my eye before, but then I saw it on sale at Audible.  I think it is the sign I need to buy it and listen to it!  

What I learned was just how many Nonfiction books are out there that I have never heard of.  It was fun to see how some people loved memoirs (like me) and others avoided them for more informative nonfiction. 

** I have tried to link the books back to the blogger that mentioned them, but I apologize if I have made an error or missed anyone!



Sunday, November 26, 2017

Thankfully Reading Weekend- Wrap-Up

Thankfully Reading Weekend Wrap-up

Thanks to Jenn at Jenn'sBookshelves for hosting!
It has been a great Thanksgiving Weekend!  I didn't read nearly as much as I had planned or hoped to read.  Even though we didn't travel we were busy cooking, hosting, and then decorating the house for Christmas.  It was great to catch up with family and friends and I am thankful to not have as many dishes to do for awhile!!  

I finished The Wife Between Us and highly recommend the book.  My 4.5 star review is here.


I am still working on the Audiobook of The Pearl Sister (The Seven Sisters #4) and I absolutely love it.  I am 16 hours into the 20 hour book.  I hope to finish it in the car this week!

I'm reading (50% through) and enjoying a Netgalley ARC.  Surprise Me by Sophie Kinsella.   Although I see Sophie Kinsella's writing maturing from her famous Shopaholic series, she still has humor in her books that I love. 

The last book I am slowly reading and savoring is Fresh Off the Boat: Stories of Immigration, Identity and Coming to America by Larry Smith
I have been invited to a small gathering with the Author, Larry Smith, in December.  This book is absolutely amazing to me. There are many 6 word powerful phrases of immigration and also short stories that have me stopping and thinking. I have only been reading a few pages at a time to appreciate and internalize what I am reading.  I can't wait to write a full review in a full weeks after the event. This book also doubles for Nonfiction November.  A list of my nonfiction
Favorites ones that are New to my TBR and my My Nonfiction List that I hope to read in 2018.


Tuesday, November 21, 2017

The Wife Between Us

The Wife Between Us 

by Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen


I loved the character development in this book. I felt like I was living life along with Nellie and Vanessa as their narration alternated chapters in the first part of their book. Life in NYC was so appealing for Nellie that I couldn't help but think she and her roommate, Sam had an ideal life with minimal responsibilities. Oh the days of being a young professional! 

After I got to know both Nellie and Vanessa, the plot line picked up in part two and then I couldn't stop reading. Part three was just as exciting. (Although I can't say much so I don't give anything away). Since it is a thriller I wasn't sure who to trust and I liked that the authors dropped hints or seeds of information along the way just to (possibly) lead me astray. My best advice, just read and enjoy it, and once you get 60% through it don't plan to go to sleep or accomplish anything else until you have finished it! Thanks to St. Martins publishing for the opportunity to read an ARC of this book through the BookishFirst program.  4.5 Stars. Look for this in January 2018.

I hear this is already in talks to be a movie, Im trying to think of who would be great to play the roles.  Any thoughts?



Beartown

Beartown by Fredrik Backman


This book must be read slowly to savor the words. I was hooked from the beginning.  There are conflicts in the book about society and good vs. evil and right vs. wrong. I loved the many perspectives of this book and the character development was amazing. I'm not a huge fan of hockey but appreciated the role it played in Beartown.  These characters will stick with me. There were many things I loved about this story and I am glad I took my time reading it to fully understand it. I am surprised at the scope of the Author Backman. I loved A Man named Ove, the curmudgeon, but also appreciate the thoughtfulness of Beartown.  Ove made me laugh and Beartown made me think.  Two very different books but shows Backman is a  talented author. Thanks to Netgalley and Atria Books for the opportunity to read this book. 4.5 Stars rounded up to 5

Monday, November 20, 2017

Nonfiction Favorites

Nonfiction Favorites

This year I've joined Nonfiction November.  Thanks to Katie @ DoingDewey for hosting this week.

I have to be honest, I don't read as many nonfiction books as I do fiction.  I am all about stepping out of my comfort zone so maybe 2018 will be the year I read more nonfiction! Click Here for my 2017 year in Nonfiction.

Memoirs-  When I look over all of the books I have read on my Goodreads page, Memoirs are the majority of non-fiction.  I tend to pick comedians and I love to listen to Audiobooks when they are the narrator.  My two all time favorites are Ellen Degeneres Seriously I'm Kidding and Tina Fey's Bossypants.


Other Audiobooks read by the author I have enjoyed include Amy Poehler's Yes Please and Mindy Kaling's  Why Not Me?  Chip and Joanna Gaines - A Magnolia Story (reviewed here)

Interests-  Books that I love for a specific reason, time, or life experience.

Born To Run by Christopher McDougall

Running has been a favorite activity of mine for years and I found this book fascinating.  I think it is a favorite book because it was a topic I could relate to and appreciate.  

Bringing Up Bébé- By Pamela Druckerman
This was a great book when I was pregnant with our first child.  It is a favorite because the author made it seem so easy! Oh the days when I thought we'd live like the French.

Book Club-  I have to give my book club credit, they help me read books I wouldn't normally pick up to read, including non-fiction. A few we have read,

**Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail- by Cheryl Strayed 4/5 Stars (I loved the movie as much as the book.)

**The Glass Castle by Jennette Wells- 4/5 Stars (I plan to see the movie)

Year of Yes- By Shondra Rhimes 3/5 stars



What makes a nonfiction a favorite for you?  Are you a fan of Audiobooks narrated by the author?










Sunday, November 19, 2017

Thankfully Reading Weekend 2017

Thankfully Reading Weekend


Thanks to Jenn's Bookshelves for hosing the Thankfully Reading Weekend (November 22nd-26th)

We are hosting a Friendsgiving Brunch this year for our fun neighbors just like we did last year.  Its a great way for friends to enjoy before some of us share a family meal later in the day.  On the menu, breakfast casseroles, cheesy potatoes, fruit, cinnamon rolls, coffee and mimosas!  Yum!

While I do hope to get a few online bargains (and thankfully the sales have already started) I am also hoping to get some reading done! I only need 2 more books to hit 50 books this year! Can I do it before December 1st?


The Wife Between Us-  by Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen. This is a great book, but I just haven't had time to read it. I hope this challenge forces me to sit down and finish it!  I got an ARC copy through Bookish First and can't wait to write and share my review.



The Paris Secret- By Karen Swan   I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway and am looking forward to reading it.  I love Paris and this book should be an enjoyable read.

My Current Audiobook is :

The Pearl Sister (Book #4 of the Seven Sisters) I absolutely love this series!  I'm 45% of the way through this book and wish I had more time in the car to read!  Not sure I will get much of this finished unless I convince my husband to listen to it while we do dishes after Friendsgiving.

Other Books that I hope to read soon.....
1. Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng
2.  The Address by Fiona Davis 
3.  Surprise Me by Sophie Kinsella (I have an ARC thanks to Netgalley)


Please comment below......What books are you planning to read this Thankfully Reading Weekend?  Also just for fun.....What is your favorite Thanksgiving Food?  All my life I loved my late grandma's homemade bread, I miss it every year, but now I eat more Mashed Potatoes so I guess those are my new favorite!


The Handmaid's Tale

The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood


Im glad I read this book. It seemed far fetched at times but scary realistic at other times. It's amazing to think that this book was written years ago because some of the topics are still relevant.  The most worrisome part to me were the subtle changes that occurred and described in the book.  I highly recommend Claire Danes narration for fans of Audiobooks! Oh how I love Claire Danes!  Her narration and voice made the book full of tough material a very manageable experience! I hope to watch the show soon on Hulu. Has anyone seen the show? Which did you prefer, book or show?

Thursday, November 16, 2017

The Story of Arthur Truluv

The Story or Arthur Truluv by Elizabeth Berg




This is a heartwarming book about 3 lonely people that find comfort in each other. Arthur's laid-back and thoughtful personality is what we all need. This is a short book that is a refreshing but thoughtful read and reminds us to be more like Arthur.  The character development of Maddy was great, and poor Lucille as well.  I think that the patiences that Arthur showed and the insight into understanding others was so well done.  The nose ring reminds us that he can't fully relate to a teenager, but that he still adored Maddy.  I understand why the father's role was written as it was for the book, but I loved how it all worked out and the importance of the phone calls.  Thanks to Random House publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.

4.5/5 Stars

Monday, November 13, 2017

Murder on the Orient Express

Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie



I loved this! I am glad I read it before I go to see the movie. I will be reading more Agatha Christie novels. I think Hercules Poirot is an amazing detective using his logical, and skills long before technology. For me it was great to read a book written in 1934 while so much has changed, humans have stayed the same in some aspects. Highly recommend to anyone that hasn't read it to challenge themselves to get away from new releases and enjoy traveling back in time!
Has anyone watched the movie?  Thoughts!!?!  I hope to see it soon!
5/5 Stars

Saturday, November 4, 2017

The Bridge Across the Ocean

The Bridge Across the Ocean by Susan Meissner



I enjoyed this book more than I expected. My advise to others is not to let the plot summary about paranormal activity scare you off. I liked the struggles of the present day character Brette, as well as the perspective of the WWII war brides. I found this book one I couldn't put down. I love the symbolism of the title that unfolded throughout the book. I am appreciative of my opportunity to win and read this book in a Goodreads Giveaway! 

5/5 Stars

Friday, November 3, 2017

Sisters First: Stories from Our Wild and Wonderful Life

Sisters First: Stories from Our Wild and Wonderful Life

by Jenna Hager and Barbara Bush



This was an Audiobook for me. I really enjoyed hearing about Jenna and Barbara's lives. I am close to their age so I can relate to some of the same things (flip phones, etc.). I love how the Bush family writes so many personal letters and they are shared in the book. Hearing the girls read their story was wonderful. I also love Maine and enjoyed hearing stories of their time in Kennebunkport and Cadillac Mountain. There are many humorous stories and I was laughing with them and also humble/sentemential moments.  This book touched upon political topics (like the gulf war, elections) but it was because it was part of their lives and not in a preachy way. I loved hearing about the bond they share and how they have chosen very different paths in life but remain close.
An unexpected 5/5 stars!!!


Thursday, November 2, 2017

Lowi & G: Living Outside the Lines

Lowi & G: Living Outside the Lines




I liked the short story format of this book. I was able to read a few stories/essays before bed each night. The stories are made up of real life stories, humor, and even some advice/encouragement. I marked a few of my favorites and think it will be fun to see what similar thoughts people have at book club. The sisters writing this book alternated between chapters and I found their "code" for who was telling the story quickly (HINT: Lowi&G) Super fun and creative way to highlight the author of each story. I laughed with these stories and I felt like I could relate to some as well too. There are stories for everyone in this book.
5/5 Stars

**We read this one for book club and the authors joined us.  It was so fun to be part of the discussion with them.  I applaud them for putting their stories out there and for also sharing it with us in person.  I think that I enjoy the book even more now that I have seen Lori and Angela's personalities.  I'm happy to pass along my copy if anyone is interested.  Let me know!

Dr. Schwartzman series books 1-3

Danielle Girard has a series about a medical examiner, Annabelle Schwartzman that I enjoy. I haven't posted any of my reviews on the blo...