Where Is Your Bookmark: A Peek Into Haunted Ever After & Other Friday Fun

Happy Friday! I am very ready for this coming weekend. It has been a long and busy week at work, and I am looking forward to some quality reading time! I am reading two books right now, one of them being my September TBR List poll winner (thanks to all who voted!), Haunted Ever After by Jen DeLuca. I was smitten with this book the moment I started reading it. I cannot wait to get back to it. 

A weekly meme where readers share the first sentence of the book they are reading and say what they think. Hosted by the amazing Gillion Dumas of Rose City Reader.

 

That meeting could've been an e-mail. [opening of Haunted Ever After]

I have lost count of the number of times I have had that same thought. 

A weekly meme in which readers share a random sentence or two from page 56 or 56% of the book they are reading. Our wonderful host Freda of Freda's Voice is on a break, and Anne of My Head is Full of Books  has stepped in to host! 

"I'll ask him about Sarah under one condition."

The enthusiasm drained from Cassie's eyes, replaced by suspicion. Oh, no. That wasn't the look he wanted to put on her face. "What's the condition?" 

His heart pounded as he took the leap. "Have dinner with me. Let me prove to you that I'm not that guy." Nick held his breath. This was his chance. If she said no, he wasn't going to ask again. He wasn't that guy, either. If a girl said no, she said no. [excerpt from 56% of Haunted Ever After] 

This is a jump ahead for me in the novel because I'm not quite there yet. I cannot help but wonder what Nick did to make Cassie think he was that guy (and just what kind of guy that is). 

Haunted Ever After (Boneyard Key #1) by Jen DeLuca

It's love at first haunting in a seaside town that raises everyone’s spirits from USA Today bestselling author Jen DeLuca.

Small Florida coastal towns often find themselves scrambling for the tourism dollars that the Orlando theme parks leave behind. And within the town limits of Boneyard Key, the residents decided long ago to lean into its ghostliness. Nick Royer, owner of the Hallowed Grounds coffee shop, embraces the ghost tourism that keeps the local economy afloat, as well as his spectral roommate. At least he doesn’t have to run air-conditioning.

Cassie Rutherford possibly overreacted to all her friends getting married and having kids by leaving Orlando and buying a flipped historic cottage in Boneyard Key. Though there’s something unusual with her new home (her laptop won’t charge in any outlets, and the poetry magnets on her fridge definitely didn’t read “WRONG” and “MY HOUSE” when she put them up), she’s charmed by the colorful history surrounding her. And she's catching a certain vibe from the grumpy coffee shop owner whenever he slips her a free slice of banana bread along with her coffee order.

As Nick takes her on a ghost tour, sharing town gossip that tourists don't get to hear, and they spend nights side-by-side looking into the former owners of her haunted cottage, their connection solidifies into something very real and enticing. But Cassie's worried she’s in too deep with this whole (haunted) home ownership thing… and Nick's afraid to get too close in case Cassie gets scared away for good. [Goodreads Summary]

Does this sound like something you would enjoy? If you have read it, what did you think?

Tell Me Something Tuesday is a weekly discussion post where bloggers discuss a wide range of topics from books and blogging to life in general. It is hosted by Linda Book Girl of Mur-y-Castell and Jen from That’s What I’m Talking About. Join in by answering this week's question in the comments or on your own blog.

Do you have a go-to comfort book/read? 

I may not be able to name just one book, but over the past five or so years, I find myself craving comfort reading more often than not. Books with a cozy vibe or happy ending are my ideal comfort reads these days, whether mystery, historical, fantasy, or science fiction. Middle grade novels and manga are good for that too. I would even expand that to include just about most fantasy novel really, especially urban fantasy. 

In the olden days (six plus years ago), I often took comfort in domestic thrillers, needing that adrenaline rush to grab me and not let go, in order to help keep me distracted as well as those cozier feeling novels. I don't find thrillers quite as comforting as I used to--although I still enjoy a good one from time to time. That isn't to say I do not enjoy (and love) reading other types of books either. Sometimes the book that rips my heart out and stomps on it over and over can be cathartic. Or the beauty of the writing and story in a literary fiction novel fills me with a sense of awe that lingers on awhile. There's room in my reading life to fit just about any mood I am in. 

Comfort reads are the books I turn to when I am feeling extra stressed out or cannot quiet my mind. They ease me out of a reading slump--or even prevent me from falling into one. They keep me entertained, provide me a brief moment of respite from the real world, and leave me with that warm fuzzy feeling inside.

What is a comfort read for you? 

Every Friday Coffee Addicted Writer from Coffee Addicted Writer poses a question which participants respond on their own blogs within the week (Friday through Thursday). They then share their links at the main site and visit other participants blogs.

September is a busy month for literary events and book awards. Are there any award-winning books or authors you're eager to read, or any forthcoming book events you intend to go to or cover on your blog? (submitted by Billy @ Coffee Addicted Writer)

One of my favorite book events, the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books, is in April. Although it's been awhile since I have been able to attend a discussion panel, I really enjoy hearing what authors have to say about their books and writing process. In more recent years, when I have been able to go, my family and I mostly visit the booths, attend book signings, enjoy the entertainment, and buy books. There's something special about being surrounded by other book lovers, in a place that celebrates books. I did not make it to the festival this year, unfortunately, but hopefully this coming year I will. As for literary or book events this time of year, I think there is a Children's Book Festival this weekend in the neighboring county, but we have no plans to go. 

I see mention of book awards on blogs and other social media platforms throughout the year, but I do not really follow any myself. And while I have read plenty of award nominated books and winners over the years, I do not choose books to read based on the fact that they are nominated or win. If it weren't for Susan of The Cue Card, I wouldn't have known one of my current reads, James by Percival Everett, is a Booker Prize nominee! 

Are there any upcoming literary events or book awards you are looking forward to? 

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend! Be sure and tell me what you are reading!

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