The Forbidden Library by Django Wexler (Tuesday Intro & Teaser Tuesday)

Sometimes I get a craving for a good middle grade book and, so far, The Forbidden Library is proving to be just that! I haven't read enough for a full-blown review yet, but so far I'm loving it. It has feels like Jonathan Auxier and Jasper Fforde and I absolutely adore them. I already suspect that this will also be added to the list of "must-own"s rather than just "must download from the library."

The Amazon Description

The Teasers

"First Chapter First Paragraph Tuesday Intros" is from the first paragraph or two of
a book being read now (or in the future) and is hosted by I'd Rather Be At The Beach.

"Teaser Tuesday" at The Purple Booker asks for a random line
or two from anywhere in the book currently being read.

The Magicians by Lev Grossman (Book Beginnings & Friday 56)

I absolutely adore the SyFy show The Magicians and have know all along that it was based on a trilogy of books. Well, the fifth season of the show will be starting in a few weeks so I figured it was about time I started in on the books since I've already marathoned my way through the first four seasons (again). I haven't gotten far thanks to Christmas and the flu, but so far the first book is amazing and I would already highly recommend it and the show.

Friday 56 (today is page 56 of the paperback) is hosted at Freda's Voice 

& Book Beginnings (share the first few sentences) is at Rose City Reader.

Not familiar with the show and feeling too lazy to Google?

Here's the pre-release trailer from New York ComicCon:

The Twelve Clues of Christmas by Rhys Bowen (Book Beginnings & Friday 56)

What a fun book this has been! 

In order to escape what is sure to be a dreadfully boring Christmas in Scotland, Lady Georgie answers an advertisement looking for help hosting a holiday house party -- in the same little village where her mother and beloved grandfather will be.  Of course, there is nothing boring about her Christmas there since bodies start to drop before she even arrives. 

Even more? 

Darcy shows up.

I've had mixed feelings about Darcy, but the further along in the series I get, the more swoon-worthy he becomes. The chap is growing on me.

I do believe that this is my favorite of the series so far. It may be because I love the whole house party shtick ... it may be because the pacing of the story felt better than some ... or it may be because Darcy shows up. 

Friday 56 (today is 56% from the ebook) is hosted at Freda's Voice 

& Book Beginnings (share the first few sentences) is at Rose City Reader.

Murder on a Mystery Tour by Marian Babson (Book Beginnings & Friday 56)

I haven't read Marian Babson before but was scrolling through a list of "winter mystery" recommendations and she popped up more than once so I figured "eh ... what the heck" and then hit Amazon and jumped on Murder on a Mystery Tour when I saw the fun cover and read the description. I've acted in a murder mystery or three before ... somehow always cast as the floozy ... and couldn't wait to see what Babson did with it in a house party atmosphere! Besides, I've heard oohs and aahs about Babson for years and figured it might as well be time to what the hype has been all about.

The Amazon Description

The Teasers 

Friday 56 (today is 56% from the ebook) is hosted at Freda's Voice 

& Book Beginnings (share the first few sentences) is at Rose City Reader.

The Verdict

This was a fun and light read. As the mystery weekend had a 1930s theme, a lot of references were made to the Golden Age of mysteries -- even the resident cat is named Ackroyd after the Agatha Christie character. The story itself had much the feel of a classic golden mystery -- the snowed-in house party, plenty of red herrings, and a ton of humor. This definitely makes me want to pick up more Babson at some point!

Once Upon A Duke by Erica Ridley (Tuesday Intro & Teaser Tuesday)

I wasn't sure I would be reading anything schmaltzy this season. I had every intention of murder and supernatural and anti-festive .... actually, much like the hero of Erica Ridley's Once Upon a Duke. 

Hmmmm. 

Might be a reason there as to why I like him so much. Of course, I also love the heroine and she's all about the holiday spirit. I'm a conundrum. I'm also only about half-way through, but so far this is as wonderful as every other Ridley I've read and I'm already looking at getting the next eleven Dukes!

"First Chapter First Paragraph Tuesday Intros" is from the first paragraph or two of
a book being read now (or in the future) and is hosted by I'd Rather Be At The Beach.

"Teaser Tuesday" at The Purple Booker asks for a random line
or two from anywhere in the book currently being read.

The Afterlife of Holly Chase by Cynthia Hand (Tuesday Intro & Teaser Tuesday)

Most years, for as long as I can remember, I start reading Christmas-y books as soon as Thanksgiving is over. I wasn't so sure I would be in the mood this year ... until I saw the write-up for Cynthia Hand's The Afterlife of Holly Chase :

I figured I would like it, but had no idea that I would love it as much as I did. It may even end up being a hardcopy purchase so it can be on my shelves as needed for Christmas seasons to come!

"First Chapter First Paragraph Tuesday Intros" is from the first paragraph or two of
a book being read now (or in the future) and is hosted by I'd Rather Be At The Beach.

"Teaser Tuesday" at The Purple Booker asks for a random line
or two from anywhere in the book currently being read.

A Night Like This by Julia Quinn (Book Beginnings & Friday 56)

I haven't finished the book yet so no actual "review" ... and even after I finish there probably won't be an actual review because I'll be busy finishing up my work shift and then sleeping and then diving into whatever the next book might be and blah blah blah. If I were to write an actual review, though, it would be glowing ... because it's Julia Quinn. 

I am fairly certain that Julia Quinn is perfect for whatever might ail me -- or not -- at any given time. 

Can't sleep? Read Julia Quinn. She won't help me sleep, but she'll make the insomnia worthwhile.

In a funk? Read Julia Quinn. She'll cheer me up like few others can. 

Sick in bed? Read Julia Quinn. She'll take my mind off the yuck.

Read a bad book? Read Julia Quinn. She doesn't seem to know how to write them.

Everything basically going well for a change? Read Julia Quinn. Because it's Julia Quinn.

Friday 56 (today is 56% from the ebook) is hosted at Freda's Voice 

& Book Beginnings (share the first few sentences) is at Rose City Reader.

Once Upon A Grind by Cleo Coyle (Tuesday Intros & Teaser Tuesday)

Once Upon A Grind is the fourteenth book in the Coffeehouse Mystery series. I've had a love-hate relationship with the series over the years. There are parts of each book I really enjoy -- mostly the side-characters like the main character's ex, her ex-mother-in-law, and her staff. This time around? I'm really not sure if they can keep me reading. And magic coffee beans that allow Clare to become psychic? When did this even become a thing? On one hand I feel like I need to keep reading to see if it improves past the 43% mark .... and on the other hand, how did I even make it to 43%?

"First Chapter First Paragraph Tuesday Intros" is from the first paragraph or two of
a book being read now (or in the future) and is hosted by I'd Rather Be At The Beach.

"Teaser Tuesday" at The Purple Booker asks for a random line
or two from anywhere in the book currently being read.

Royal Blood by Rhys Bowen (Book Beginnings & Friday 56)

Not my favorite of the series so far, but it was an enjoyable read and gosh how I've missed Georgie! I just realized that I read the third in June of 2016! Almost 3 1/2 years?!? No wonder it felt like I was catching up with an old friend. I may have to dive right into the fifth book of the series next since 1) I'm 9 books behind and 2) the sixth is a Christmas themed book and 'tis just about the season for such things after all. I had considered skipping all sorts of festive reading this year as so much of the holiday season is just blah .... but there's a rumor of Darcy and mistletoe so stay tuned.

Friday 56 (today is 56% from the ebook) is hosted at Freda's Voice 

& Book Beginnings (share the first few sentences) is at Rose City Reader.

Refining Felicity by Marion Chesney/M.C. Beaton

I have, of course, read M.C. Beaton before. I've picked up a few of her Agatha Raisin and Hamish Macbeth books and enjoyed them. They're fun little cozy mysteries. I haven't finished either series, though. In fact, I don't think I've picked either up in a couple of years. Good books, but nothing I have felt compelled to marathon read. Even the shows based on the series I'll watch an episode or two of now and then, but again ... not marathon.

I found out a couple of years ago that Beaton has written several genres under several names -- including a ton of historicals under her "actual" name, Marion Chesney. It took me until now to pick up the first from her Regency series, The School for Manners. I'm sure at some point I'll continue with Agatha and Hamish, but these I could definitely see myself marthoning. Reading. Watching. Whatever.

First published in 1988, a couple of months before I turned 13, I probably would have originally claimed Felicity to be one of the greatest characters ever (had I any interest in the time in anything that could be classified in any way as a romance). Now? I'm all about the Tribble twins. Maybe it's the fact that I'm closer in age to them than the so-called heroine. Maybe we're just kindred spirits and would have been thirty-plus years ago as well. I'm not sure which one I'm drawn to more, yet. Maybe by the time the series is finished I'll have it figured out. Right now I'm leaning Team Amy .... except for when I'm feeling more Effy-ish .... 

******************************************

Title Refining Felicity

Author Marion Chesney/M.C. Beaton

Publication originally published 1 October 1988, St Martin's Press

Amazon Description

Cover Art

First Lines

It is a sad fact that one's insides do not keep pace with one's outsides. Pains in the lower back, wrinkles round the eyes, soft puffiness under the chin, elasticity gone from the step; all the outward manifestations of growing old make up a pitifully hardening shell over the ever-youthful and hopeful soul.

Faves on 4s

4%: Effy was soft and timid on the outside and had a hard core of steel within, the hallmark of a truly feminine woman. Amy was crude and harsh and ungainly and swore on occasion quite dreadfully, but could be sentimental and impractical to a fault.

14%: Felicity swung a leg over the polished banister and slid down the staircase, vaulted over the polished carved heraldic beast on the bottom post and landed lightly in the hall, to cries of shock from the ladies and roars of noisy approval from the hunting crowd.

44%: Her poor head, stuffed by Felicity with romantic tales, led her to believe that Felicity had taken her own life. She rushed up to the drawing room and flung herself weeping on the middle of the carpet and begged for mercy.

64%: 'What are they saying?' he asked.

         'Only that this house is being called Ravenswood's harem and they are saying that you are Turkish in your tastes and prefer older women.'

         The marquess laughed, as much with relief as anything else. 'If that is all they have to say, let 'em,' he said.

84%: Her heart had lifted when he said he wanted to talk privately to her. Disappointment that the only reason he wanted to be alone with her was to be reassured that his monstrous behaviour had not reached the delicate ears of his fiancee, who must be cherished and protected unlike such a hurly-burly girl as herself, enraged her.

Erica Ridley's Kissed By Magic (Tuesday Intros & Teaser Tuesday)

Sometimes one just needs sweet and magical and, for me, it has been one of those times lately. Thank goodness for Erica Ridley's Kissed By Magic! It's a story of adventure and longing and humor and heartbreak and aggravation and sweetness and passion and oh-so-much magic. Lance and Marigold are absolutely delightful and perfect together -- in spite of the 600 year age difference. After all, age is only a number, right?

Amazon Description

"First Chapter First Paragraph Tuesday Intros" is from the first paragraph or two of a book being read now (or in the future) and is hosted by I'd Rather Be At The Beach.

"Teaser Tuesday" at The Purple Booker asks for a random line or two from anywhere in the book currently being read.

Jonathan Auxier's The Night Gardener (Tuesday Intros & Teaser Tuesday)

It has been a long time.

It has been a long time since I've written a proper review (well, as proper as I ever get).

It has been a long time since a book has felt worthy enough than "oh it was great ... I'll slap five stars on Goodreads."

It has been a long time since I've read anything by Jonathan Auxier.

His Peter Nimble and His Fantastic Eyes was amazing. The sequel,  Sophie Quire and the Last Storyguard even moreso. I have no idea why it took me so long to pick up The Night Gardener. 

For some reason I drifted away from my beloved middle-grade books. Sure. I'm about thirty years or more "too old" for them ... according to those who don't know any better. When I first read Peter Nimble I said that "A well-written book is a well-written book regardless of who it's written for."

Jonathan Auxier does a damn good job doing well-written books.

He also does a damn good job spooking the ever-loving bejeebers out of me. 

And making me cry a bit. 

And maybe more than a bit.

The Night Gardener is the story of two Irish orphans, Molly and her younger brother Kip. There's storytelling and magic and creepy old houses and creepier old people and so much love and so much creepiness that it ends up being the near perfect book to read when you're all curled up and cozy.

Safe under a blanket. 

With the lights on. 

When it's daylight. 

(Did I mention that it can get creepy?)

Now, I'm sure that Auxier and the publishers at Amulet Books know what they're doing when they slap thee ol' middle-grade ages on something but so far they seem to be just as suitable for middle-aged as middle-grade. After all, a well-written book is a well-written book.

"First Chapter First Paragraph Tuesday Intros" is from the first paragraph or two of a book being read now (or in the future) and is hosted by I'd Rather Be At The Beach.

"Teaser Tuesday" at The Purple Booker asks for a random line or two from anywhere in the book currently being read.

The Daughters of Temperance Hobbs by Katherine Howe

I've been sitting on this beauty since early January thanks to Netgalley and Henry Holt & Company. Of course, it being the second in a series, first I had to read The Physick Book of Deliverance Dane (which you should, as well. The background information there really is important here even though it could be read on its own). 

Then I had to recover. 

Then life happened repeatedly and other books got added to the pile and I kept thinking "well, it's not set to be released until late June so there's plenty of time." All of a sudden the release date was rapidly approaching and I still hadn't cracked the digital spine. Based on my experience with the first book, I should have known that this wouldn't be an issue. 

I started reading late on June 23rd. I read it while walking to and from work. I read it at work. I read it in bed. I read it when I was waiting for the coffee to brew and the food to cook. 

I couldn't put it down.

Today is the release date and, quite sadly, I finished the book early this morning. 

"Sadly" because I've grown so attached to the women in these books and I'm going to miss them. Sam and Arlo, too, but most definitely the women. Howe has a real talent of making her characters so very real and relatable -- whether she's writing about ten years ago or two hundred and ten years ago. I'm hoping that it doesn't take another ten years for a third book to appear. There's still so much story that could be told!

"First Chapter First Paragraph Tuesday Intros" is from the first paragraph or two of a book being read now (or in the future) and is hosted by I'd Rather Be At The Beach. "Teaser Tuesday" at The Purple Booker asks for a random line or two from anywhere in the book currently being read.

Time After Time by Lisa Grunwald (Book Beginnings & Friday 56)

Lisa Grunwald's Time After Time is part time travel fantasy, part boy-meets-girl love story, part love story to Manhattan. I found it fascinating at times (especially the love story to Manhattan bits), swoon-worthy on more than a few occasions, heartbreaking beyond belief, and incredibly frustrating for a whole slew of reasons.Unfortunately, none of these I can really get into without this turning into one giant spoiler. Well, I suppose the Manhattan bits might be safe if they didn't tie in so tightly to so many other aspects.
Rating this is hard. I suppose a 3.5 would work. The parts that I loved, I loved enthusiastically. The parts that I didn't would have had me throwing the book across the room had it not been on my phone. I will say, though, that I'm already thrilled that the movie rights have been acquired. We'll have to wait and see.

Friday 56 (today is 56% from the ebook) is hosted at Freda's Voice 

& Book Beginnings (share the first few sentences) is at Rose City Reader.

Never Kiss a Notorious Marquess by Renee Ann Miller (Book Beginnings & Friday 56)

Never Kiss a Notorious Marquess was another case of accidentally requesting on NetGalley the third book in a series without realizing it. I'm so awfully glad that the folks at Kensington approved the request because it made me get the first two books, fly through them, fall in love repeatedly, and add yet another author to the "must read" list.

The series in question is Renee Ann Miller's The Infamous Lords. It centers on a group of friends known for their scandalous ways (whether warranted or not) and the women who end up shaking things up in more ways than one. In Never Dare a Wicked Earl we had Hayden and Sophia. In Never Deceive a Viscount it was Emma and Simon. Now we get James and Caroline. Do yourself a big favor and read them in order. They're likely fine on their own, but they do go in order to some degree ... and from the bits and pieces seen of James in the first two, you'll be more than curious and ready to fall in love with him by the time you get to the third.

Friday 56 (today is 56% from the ebook) is hosted at Freda's Voice & Book Beginnings (share the first few sentences) is at Rose City Reader.

Edie Browne's Cottage by the Sea by Jane Linfoot (Book Beginnings & Friday 56)

Of all of the fictional locations I wish I could visit, Jane Linfoot's St Aidan in Cornwall isn't just at the top of the list of places I wish I could visit -- it's at the top of the list of places I wish I could call home. I first fell in love with St Aidan and Jane's storytelling abilities three years ago with the first book in her Little Wedding Shop series (which I loved so much it got a Teaser Tuesday AND a Friday 56). I may have even audibly squealed when the shop got a little shoutout early in her latest offering -- Edie Browne's Cottage by the Sea.

After a life-altering turn of events, Edie takes refuge in my beloved St Aidan to stay with her Aunt Jo. She herself has taken refuge in the confines of the cottage she moved into with her husband just weeks before he passed. She rarely leaves the cottage -- ordering the vast majority of everything to be delivered. (Been there. Done that.) Edie and Josie need each other -- and St Aidan itself -- to move on and heal. Their journeys are hilarious and heartbreaking and, through it all, more than a little cathartic. I know all about devastating and unexpected loss and how hard it is to move on like Aunt Jo, and I know way too much about Edie's angst.

20+ years ago I became the not-so-proud owner of a Traumatic Brain Injury. I remember all too well relearning how to walk; how to do basic things most take for granted; how to merge multiple noises together to make a "normal" sound. Do you have any idea how many different noises there are when a door is opened and closed? I don't recall the exact count, but I spent a couple of hours driving my family crazy by opening and closing the door repeatedly to piece it all together. I get Edie. I get her frustration at being told she looks well when she and I are both well aware that you can't really see most brain injuries without medical equipment. I know how bothersome it is to not be able to drive  (something I will probably never do again). It's been 20+ years and I still know how heartbreaking it is to not be who you were ... and to not know if you ever will be again.

*Not A Real Spoiler Alert*

It gets easier.

For myself, and for Edie.

Her story is far more enjoyable to read than mine probably would be, but there are some similarities. For both of us, much of the "easier" came from good friends and family, a really great kid, and a pretty darn spectacular, stubborn and incredibly patient man. I'll spare you the details about mine, but I definitely urge you to read all about Edie's.

Friday 56 (today is from page 256ish from the advanced pdf received by the author) is hosted at Freda's Voice & Book Beginnings (share the first few sentences) is at Rose City Reader.

An Enchanting Madness by Erica Taylor (Tuesday Intros & Teaser Tuesday)

There are a few things I need to say right off the bat:

• Read this book.
• Read ALL of The Macalister books. 
• Read them in order -- chronologically by story, not by date published. (The Perfect Duchess comes first even though it came out second.)
• Read them in private if at all possible. (You know, because of feels.)
• Simultaneously thank me and curse me for getting you hooked on an absolutely captithrallious series. Thank me for the joy and tears. Curse me that you fly through them too quickly and will have to wait until the next installment.

We're going on close to two years now since I read my first Erica Taylor book and was blown away to the point of having to make up words to describe how I felt about the story. I didn't think that it would be possible to top it. And then she did. And then she did again. And then? Oh, gosh. Then came Norah and Trevor and An Enchanting Madness and I honestly don't know if I've ever loved a fictional couple quite so much. No, not even Emma and Knightley. Maybe Catherine and Tilney ... though more because of him than her. Trevor and Norah, though? They both break my heart and then turn around and make my laugh until coffee spurts out my nose and then things get all gushy and they give me .... you know .... The Feels. 

Now, I have to warn you. This book needs to come with a trigger warning over some instances of sexual assault. It's not terribly graphic, but it can be intense and I was literally walking down the sidewalk with tears streaming down my face. That actually happened with his flashbacks, too. PTSD is a powerful thing and Erica Taylor wrote it amazingly well for both. Maybe that's really why they're my favorite fictional couple. Maybe it's because they're both so broken in so many ways and yet so much stronger than they believe ... and even stronger together. 

Of course ... there are more Macalister siblings to go ... so there's a chance that Norah and Trevor will be bumped from my top spot. A very slim chance, but a chance. (Yes, I thought that about every other couple in the series as well. Shut up.)

"First Chapter First Paragraph Tuesday Intros" is from the first paragraph or two of a book being read now (or in the future) and is hosted by I'd Rather Be At The Beach. "Teaser Tuesday" at The Purple Booker asks for a random line or two from anywhere in the book currently being read.

Kristin Vayden's Gentlemen of Temptation series

I had started to read the third book in Kristin Vayden's Gentlemen of Temptation series, The Temptation of Grace, before realizing that it was a series that really is best read in order. It was my first time reading Vayden, but before I had sent the request through Netgalley to Kensington/Lyrical, I poked around to see if she had other books available in case I fell in love. Within the first few pages it hit me that : 1) yes, I was going to fall in love and 2) I really needed to get my hands on the other two books before I continued.

I knocked the trio out in a week.

I'm still in recovery mode from all the feels.

I normally don't bother reading a series one right after another -- even if a review is lingering. It doesn't matter how much I enjoy a series, I just tend to skip around a bit. But this series. Oooooh this series. Once I started reading about our three reluctant heroes, I couldn't help but read them all together. These books have it all -- romance, intrigue, scandal, humor, and the feels. 

Oh. So. Many. Feels.

If you love a good Regency romance (or 3), you need to read this series. In order (Falling From His Grace, Escaping His Grace, and finally The Temptation of Grace). Read them individually or read them all together, as I did. It doesn't really matter, but if you're anything like I am you will want them all -- Lucas, Heathcliff and Ramsey. 

(And have I mentioned the feels?)

The Austen Playbook by Lucy Parker

It's been a while since I've done a proper review not tied to a teaser or a tour. Well, as proper as my reviews ever get which generally isn't saying much. When I feel it .... really feel it .... I tend to ramble more than review.

So, here comes a ramble.

As I said (only a few sentences ago for those with incredibly short memories), it's been a while since I've done more than tease a book. Book tease posts are easy. Throw together a picture of the cover and a couple of quotes. Maybe ... maybe come up with a few gushing sentences if the cook is gush-worthy. Link it up to a few other blogs. Done. And then came Freddy and Griff and Violet and Charlie and .... and .... I couldn't even bring myself to wait until Friday's "normal" (when I remember) Book Beginnings & Friday56. I have to gush NOW about how absolutely in love I am with Lucy Parker's The Austen Playbook and how ridiculously thankful I am to have been given a copy via Netgalley by Harlequin/Carina.

Back in the day of regular ramblings about books, I would include a section in almost every post of my "Faves on 4s." It seemed to work out that with almost every book I read there was something awesomely quote-worthy and shareable at the 4% mark, 14% mark, etc etc etc (or the 4th page, 14th page, so on and so forth if I actually picked up an actual book instead of my phone). I could easily do that for The Austen Playbook. I realized how easy it would be when this appeared at 4%:

"He's the guy who presents all the arts programmes on TV. Expert in the history of theatre. You know. Short-haired Lucius Malfoy. Tall. Sarcastic. Ice-blond hair. Ice in general."

Wait. What? A Harry Potter shout-out in a book that was already destined to be one giant Jane Austen shout-out? I already had my finger at the ready to hit every 4 with a highlight in my Kindle app.

And then I hit 9%.

Crap.

It was a truth universally acknowledged that an actor in a rut must be in want of a spot of murder, mayhem, and true love.

Just, well, crap. The most perfect line falling on 9% totally throws off my "Faves on 4s" concept.

And it only got more complicated from there.

I made it to 18%:

He took in the shoe problem, knelt at her side, and reached into his pocket.

"Dear me," she said with suspicious blandness. "It's not a Mr. Collins situation, is it? I really prefer to have my breakfast before I receive unsolicited proposals." 

A Mr. Collins slam?  Any good Austenite loves a good slam on Collins (and excellent boiled potatoes ... but I digress ... slightly)

I debated going through and highlighting the 9s ... or the 8s ... and then back to the 4s once I hit 34%.

"Is it just me, or does it even look--"

"Like we should have driven here in the Mystery Machine." 

One of the things I love about reading on my phone is the ability to highlight and highlight often without actually tarnishing a book. I had seventeen different highlighted passages before I gave up on the whole "Faves on ____." There were just too many. Lucy Parker is just too good.

Harry Potter. Scooby Doo. Jane Austen. Theater. Mystery. Romance. Scandal. Humor. More romance.

These are the things that make my heart happy. I could likely find a quote from almost every percentage and claim it as a favorite. Instead, though, I'll just urge you to grab a copy of your own and then thank me (and, of course, Lucy Parker) profusely.

Amazing Grace by Kim Nash (Tuesday Intros & Teaser Tuesday)

I may be a bit biased because I adore Kim Nash as a person, but I absolutely adore Kim Nash as an author! I didn't think that I was in the mood for anything "heart warming" or "feel good," but as soon as I started reading Amazing Grace it ended up being exactly what was needed. I laughed some much needed laughs and shed some much needed tears and if Kim wasn't an ocean away I would have run over to hers to give her a giant hug to thank her for Grace and Archie and Becks. They're so REAL and relatable and I kept saying to myself "yep ... been there ... felt that." This is definitely one that I want in "real" book form instead of just the ebook I have thanks to Hera and Netgalley. There aren't many in this genre that I would deem worthy of a spot on my bookshelves, but this is definitely re-readable.



"First Chapter First Paragraph Tuesday Intros" is from the first paragraph or two of a book being read now (or in the future) and is hosted by I'd Rather Be At The Beach. "Teaser Tuesday" at The Purple Booker asks for a random line or two from anywhere in the book currently being read.

Must Love Breeches by Angela Quarles (Book Beginnings & Friday 56)

To be completely honest, I wasn't expecting much from this one. Actually, I was kind of expecting it to be drivel that would quickly hit the DNF list. Oh my goodness, how pleasantly mistaken I was! Must Love Breeches  was a delight and put some fun twists on the whole time travel romance schtick with the added bonus of including Ada Byron Lovelace (before the Lovelace) as a main secondary character. My geekish heart absolutely loved that! I will definitely be looking for more Quarles and, hopefully, the other books are even half as good as this one. Amazon Description:

She's finally met the man of her dreams - too bad he lives in a different century! A devoted history buff finds the re-enactment of a pre-Victorian ball in London a bit boring...until a mysterious artifact sweeps her back in time to the real event, and into the arms of a compelling British lord. Isabelle Rochon can't believe it when she finds herself in the reality of 1830's London high society. She's thrilled to witness events and people she's studied. But she may also have to survive without modern tools or career - unless she can find a way to return to her time. And then there's Viscount Lord Montagu, a man whose embrace curls her toes, but who has a dangerous agenda of his own. Lord Phineas Montagu is on a mission to avenge his sister, and he'll stop at nothing, including convincing an alluring stranger to pose as his respectable fiancé. He's happy to repay her by helping her search for her stolen calling card case that brought her back in time. But he doesn't bargain for the lady being his intellectual match - or for the irresistible attraction that flames between them. They're both certain they know what they want, but as passion flares, Phineas must keep both himself and Isabella safe from unseen opponents, and she must choose when and where her heart belongs. Can they ever be together for good? Don't miss the time travel romance USA Today called "a delicious twist on historical drama and romance." Friday 56 (today is from the 56% mark of the ebook) is hosted at Freda's Voice & Book Beginnings (share the first few sentences) is at Rose City Reader.

New Starts and Cherry Tarts at the Cosy Kettle by Liz Eeles (Tuesday Intros & Teaser Tuesday)

It took me a bit to get into this, but I'm awfully glad that I stuck with it. I was a bit flummoxed at first -- expecting a book about a cafe, and then it started with the main character working in a bookstore! I was a bit heartbroken thinking about having to give that up as I so love books about bookstores ... but the cafe ended up being part of the bookstore so Eeles redeemed herself in that matter. It never really became a book that I couldn't bear to be parted with, so it almost got three stars ... but Callie's grandfather, Stanley, is worth an extra star all on his own. I hope we see more of him in future visits/books!

"First Chapter First Paragraph Tuesday Intros" is from the first paragraph or two of a book being read now (or in the future) and is hosted by I'd Rather Be At The Beach. "Teaser Tuesday" at The Purple Booker asks for a random line or two from anywhere in the book currently being read.

i am Elephant, i am Butterfly by Leslie Tall Manning (Book Beginnings & Friday 56)

 Amazon description:

An absolutely lovely book. I loved Simone and cheered her and Phoebe (and the others, of course) on from the get-go ... even when they were breaking my heart. Maybe especially then. I felt like the second third or so was a bit rushed which knocked out a star.

Friday 56 (today is from the 56% mark of the ebook) is hosted at Freda's Voice & Book Beginnings (share the first few sentences) is at Rose City Reader.

Lady Helena Investigates by Jane Steen (Tuesday Intros & Teaser Tuesday)

Amazon description:

"First Chapter First Paragraph Tuesday Intros" is from the first paragraph or two of a book being read now (or in the future) and is hosted by I'd Rather Be At The Beach. "Teaser Tuesday" at The Purple Booker asks for a random line or two from anywhere in the book currently being read.

I do so love a good historical mystery with a bit of romance and a strong female lead ... although it takes a bit of convincing on Lady Helena's part. The sixth of seven children, she's referred to as "Baby" by her siblings and treated as such -- even by her younger brother. Being newly widowed (was it an accidental death or murder, though?), she's determined to stand on her own. I love that even though there is the mystery angle, this is just as much or more about her learning how to do that with so much that could stand in her way. I can't wait to see where the series takes her next!

Vivian Conroy's A Testament to Murder (Book Beginnings & Friday 56)

I'm fairly certain that I have already found my favorite book of 2019 and Vivian Conroy's A Testament to Murder is it. It has the twists and turns and red herrings and humor and dysfunctional family dynamics that I love from so many novels written in the 1920s and 30s. I could just see Christie, Wentworth or Allingham curled up in a cozy chair with a cuppa flipping through the pages with smiles on their faces. In fact, it's a perfect homage to my beloved Dame Agatha Christie and I'm certain that the ending would have her begging for more. I may have even audibly gasped at the conclusion, drawing rather odd looks from those around me. Had I but known, I might not have finished it when I probably should have been working. (Nah .... I still probably would have .... I just would have worked harder at muffling my gasps!)

From the Amazon description:

And my Book Beginnings & Friday 56 teasers:

Friday 56 (today is from the 56% mark of the ebook) is hosted at Freda's Voice

& Book Beginnings (share the first few sentences) is at Rose City Reader.

BLOG TOUR: The Year of Starting Over by Karen King

I'm thrilled to be able to join in the blog tour for Karen King's delightful The Year of Starting Over! I was able to read it in advance thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture and absolutely flew through it.

The book starts with poor Holly and her miserable waste of a boyfriend whom she's certain is "The One" in spite of the protests of her mum, best friend, and beloved grandfather. After her grandfather dies and wants her to use her inheritance on herself and her dreams she begins to really take stock of her life and, hence, begins her year of starting over.

Haven't we all felt that desire to just start over at one point or another? I was super-jealous of her ability to make a bucket list that she would now have the means to tackle! I was especially jealous that she had friends in Spain who would let her stay with them rent-free for months! I need to get me some of those.... but at least I got to live vicariously through Holly for the couple of days it took me to fly through her story. Once I really got into it, I didn't want to put it down. (Just ask my boss .... she knows all too well!)

It was a joy getting to know Holly as she got to know herself. Along the way we also get to know  her friends Fiona and Pablo and watch them turn their run down estate into a fabulous artist retreat. Of course, there's also Matias and Luna. I absolutely fell in love with Luna! Matias? Well, he took some warming up to ... for myself and for Holly. I'll let you read for yourself how that all plays out.

Make sure you check out what everyone else is saying about this fabulous book!

The Year of Starting Over: A feel good novel about second chances and finding yourself

Amazon: https://geni.us/B07KFGL5P2Social Apple: http://ow.ly/Mfgd30nBig8 Kobo: http://ow.ly/edYm30nBijM Googleplay: http://ow.ly/qTmS30nBi94

What if – to find yourself – you had to run away?

Last year was meant to be when Holly got her happy-ever-after. But stuck in a job that’s going nowhere, and a relationship that feels more like it’s going backwards… this year Holly hasdecided it’s time to change her life. She just has to:

– End the relationship with the commitment-phobic boyfriend
– Go on a proper adventure
– Learn to be herself again
– Definitely, categorically not fall in love.

Cramming her belongings into her little yellow Mini, Holly drives on to a ferry bound to Spain, to stay at a remote farmhouse near a beautiful village in the Andalusian hills.

But the day she arrives she nearly crashes her car into a gorgeous guy on a motorbike. He’s called Matias and their paths keep crossing, much to Holly’s irritation. Because as she learns to speak Spanish from the locals, finally starts laying out plans for her own design business, and sips sangria in the sunlit village square, Holly is beginning to remember who she is and what she wants.

So she won’t allow herself be distracted by Matias. Because this year – for Holly – there are more important things in life than love. And she won’t let yet another bad relationship ruin everything… will she?

A moving and uplifting romantic comedy about living each moment and learning to trust yourself again, for fans of Jenny Hale, Debbie Macomber, and Sophie Kinsella.

About the author

Karen King is a multi-published author of children's books, YA and romantic fiction. She has had 120 children's books published, two young adult novels, six romantic novels and several short stories for women's magazines.

'The Cornish Hotel by the Sea', published by Accent Press, became an international bestseller, reaching the top hundred in the Kindle charts in both the UK and Australia, and #2 and #3 in Holiday Reads respectively. Karen recently signed a two book contract with Bookouture, the first book 'Snowy Nights at the Lonely Hearts Hotel' was published in November 2018.