Musings of a Bookish Kitty: October 2017

Tuesday, October 31, 2017

Wishing For Wednesday: Craving Science Fiction & a Little Romance

Can't-Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme, hosted by Tressa 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. (Based on Waiting on Wednesday, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine.)

Terminal Alliance (Janitors of the Post-Apocalypse #1) by J.C. Hines (352 pgs)
Release Date: November 7, 2017 by DAW

In his hilarious new sci-fi series, Jim C. Hines introduces the unlikely heroes that may just save the galaxy: a crew of space janitors.

The Krakau came to Earth to invite humanity into a growing alliance of sentient species. However, they happened to arrive after a mutated plague wiped out half the planet, turned the rest into shambling, near-unstoppable animals, and basically destroyed human civilization. You know—your standard apocalypse.

The Krakau’s first impulse was to turn around and go home. (After all, it’s hard to have diplomatic relations with mindless savages who eat your diplomats.) Their second impulse was to try to fix us. Now, a century later, human beings might not be what they once were, but at least they’re no longer trying to eat everyone. Mostly.

Marion “Mops” Adamopoulos is surprisingly bright (for a human). As a Lieutenant on the Earth Mercenary Corps Ship Pufferfish, she’s in charge of the Shipboard Hygiene and Sanitation team. When a bioweapon attack wipes out the Krakau command crew and reverts the rest of the humans to their feral state, only Mops and her team are left with their minds intact.

Escaping the attacking aliens—not to mention her shambling crewmates—is only the beginning. Sure, Mops and her team of space janitors and plumbers can clean the ship as well as anyone, but flying the damn thing is another matter.

As they struggle to keep the Pufferfish functioning and find a cure for their crew, they stumble onto a conspiracy that could threaten the entire alliance… a conspiracy born from the truth of what happened on Earth all those years ago. [Goodreads Summary]

Why I want to read it: This one caught my eye from the first moment I heard about it. I enjoy the Guardians of the Galaxy movies, a set of misfits who save the world, and this one gives off a similar vibe from the description. I love that the heroes of Terminal Alliance are janitors. I cannot wait to read this one!

Someone to Wed by Mary Balogh (384 pgs)
Release Date: November 7, 2017 by Berkley

A very practical marriage makes Alexander Westcott question his heart in the latest Regency romance from the New York Times bestselling author of Someone to Hold.

When Alexander Westcott becomes the new Earl of Riverdale, he inherits a title he never wanted and a failing country estate he can’t afford. But he fully intends to do everything in his power to undo years of neglect and give the people who depend on him a better life. . . .

A recluse for more than twenty years, Wren Heyden wants one thing out of life: marriage. With her vast fortune, she sets her sights on buying a husband. But when she makes the desperate—and oh-so-dashing—earl a startlingly unexpected proposal, Alex will only agree to a proper courtship, hoping for at least friendship and respect to develop between them. He is totally unprepared for the desire that overwhelms him when Wren finally lifts the veils that hide the secrets of her past. . . . [Goodreads Summary]

Why I want to read it: I almost passed this one by, but after reading the description, I am more than curious about Alexander and Wren, and their situations. What is Wren hiding? And how will Alexander react when he learns the truth? I also like that this one seems a bit role reversal. Usually it's the female love interest who wants to seek out friendship and respect in marriage. I think I like Alexander already.

Do either of these sound like something you would like to read too?

© 2017, Wendy Runyon of Musings of a Bookish Kitty. All Rights Reserved. If you're reading this on a site other than Musings of a Bookish Kitty or Wendy's feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.

Monday, October 30, 2017

Tuesday Favorites: My Top Twelve Novels Featuring Witches/Wizards

Happy Halloween!

What Mouse will be wearing when she goes trick-or-treating is anyone's guess--although you can be sure she will be Ninja Princess Sparkle (aka Ninja Glitter Sparkle when she takes her gown off) if anyone asks. It comes down to these two dresses:

(Do you recognize these dresses?)

One she will be wearing for her school Halloween parade and the other for her night out on the town--or rather, around our neighborhood. I got lucky again this year in that Mouse is happy to wear costumes we already have on hand. Whew. I know I won't always be so lucky.

Are you doing anything special to celebrate Halloween?

Top Ten Tuesday is hosted by the lovely ladies at Broke and Bookish.

This week's Top Ten Tuesday is Halloween Freebie! I love stories about witches, real and imagined, and thought today's prompt would be the perfect time to share some of my favorite witch or wizard novels. It's actually a quite varied list, from mysteries, contemporary to high fantasy. There's dark and light and funny and serious. I have a ton of books featuring witches on my TBR shelves still to read. Here is a list of some of my favorite books read in recent years involving witches (or wizards):

The Trouble With Magic by Madelyn Alt

The Witch Hunter by Virginia Boecker

Storm Front by Jim Butcher (& the rest of the Dresden Files)

Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell by Susanna Clarke

Witchlanders by Lena Coakley

All Souls Trilogy by Deborah Harkness

What's a Witch to Do? by Jennifer Harlow

Dead Witch Walking by Kim Harrison

Practical Magic by Alice Hoffman

Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West by Gregory Maguire

Uprooted by Noami Novik

Harry Potter Series by J.K. Rowling

Have you read any of these? Are there any books featuring witches you would recommend?

Sunday, October 29, 2017

Mouse's Corner: The Too Scary Story by Bethanie Deeney Murguia

The Too-Scary Story by Bethanie Deeney Murguia

Arthur A. Levine Books, 2017

Fiction (Children's); 40 pgs

Source: Purchased at school book fair.

One of Mouse's favorite books is Princess! Fairy! Ballerina! and so when I mentioned the author had written The Too Scary Story, she said she wanted to give it a try. Mouse was a little concerned The Too-Scary Story might be too scary for her at first. The artwork in the opening pages is quite dark and a bit creepy.

In the book, a father asks his two children if they want to hear a bedtime story. His two children, an older sister Grace and her younger brother Walter both have very different ideas of the kind of story they want. The father has a job of it, finding a balance between their two desires--extra scary for his daughter and not too scary for his son. Mouse and I enjoyed guessing with each page what would come next as the story progressed--the story within the story about two children home at night through the forest. The suspense builds as the story goes and even Grace finds herself too afraid in the end. Although I doubt she'd admit it.

The artwork is cleverly done throughout the novel to match the story itself. Mouse could identify with both Walter and Grace, at varying points in the story, and she was anxious to find out how the story would end. Both Mouse and I had fun with The Too-Scary Story, finding it not so scary in the end. In fact, the final page brought memories back of our trip to Pennsylvania this summer and seeing the fireflies waking up as darkness feel in the woods.

You can learn more about Bethanie Deeney Murguia and her books on the author's website. You can also find her on Twitter.

Thursday, October 26, 2017

Where Is Your Bookmark? (Cinder by Marissa Meyer)

The last couple of weeks have been exceptionally stressful at work, not to mention my allergies have been playing havoc with my head. I cannot seem to shake this awful cough and I feel like I am constantly battling a sinus headache. The last two days have been especially bad, and I am very much looking forward to the weekend. Thank goodness for books, chocolate, a cuddly kitty, my happy-go-lucky daughter and loving husband.

I currently am reading Marissa Meyer's Cinder, with just over 100 pages to go. It feels like I am one of the last people out there to read it sometimes. In this fairy tale re-telling, science fiction YA novel, Cinder is a cyborg, the ward of a mean guardian.

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

The screw through Cinder's ankle had rusted, the engraved cross marks worn to a mangled circle. Her knuckles ached from forcing the screwdriver into the join as she struggled to loosen the screw one gritting twist after another. By the time it was extracted far enough for her to wrench free with her prosthetic steel hand, the hairline threads had been stripped clean.

A weekly meme in which readers share a random sentence or two from page 56 or 56% of the book they are reading. Hosted by the wonderful Freda of Freda's Voice.

But she didn't try to run. No one ever put up a fight when being taken to the quarantines.

Their eyes met. Cinder opened her mouth but nothing came out. She tried to plead forgiveness with her eyes. [pg 56]

Cinder got off to a bit of a slow start for me, but I am truly engrossed now. It's pretty obvious the direction the book is going--at least, I think so, but maybe I will be surprised. I am looking forward to finishing the novel this weekend. I have the next book in the series handy in case I need to dive right in . . .

What do you think? Would you keep reading? Or, if you've read this one, what did you think?

A rabbit at the petting zoo (Pumpkin Patch)

Contemplating

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

Wednesday, October 25, 2017

Bookish Thoughts: Gin and Panic by Maia Chance

I cannot believe that I, Lola Woodby, am saying this, but there is only so much ornamental ham, puff pastry, and pink fondant icing one can stomach. ~ Opening of Gin and Panic

Gin and Panic by Maia Chance

Minotaur Books, 2017

Crime Fiction (Cozy); 304 pgs

Source: E-Copy provided by publisher via NetGalley

Goodreads Summary:

Former socialite Lola Woodby, not-so-discreet private eye in Prohibtion-era New York City, along with her grim Swedish sidekick, Berta, take on a piece-of-cake job: retrieving a rhinoceros trophy from the Connecticut mansion of big game hunter Rudy Montgomery. After all, their client, Lord Sudley, promises them a handsome paycheck, and the gin and tonics will be free. But no sooner do they arrive at Montgomery Hall than Rudy is shot dead with a houseful of suspicious characters standing by. Lord Sudley ups the ante, and Lola and Berta take the case. Armed with handbags stuffed with emergency chocolate, gin flasks, and a Colt .25, Lola and Berta are swiftly embroiled in a madcap puzzle of stolen diamonds, family secrets, a clutch of gangsters, and a flapper who knows her way around a safari rifle.

Gin and Panic is my first foray with the Discreet Retrieval Agency cozy mysteries, although the third book in the actual series. I admit to not being sure what to think when I first started reading Gin and Panic. Retrieving a rhinoceros head for a client wasn’t the most appealing start. However, the more I read, the more I invested in the novel I became. Lola and Berta are quite the private eye pair. Set in the roaring twenties, it is easy to see how these two women fit into it—no one taking them seriously enough, which only gives them more of an advantage.

The mystery itself was twisty and fun. Just when you think it is going to go one way, it goes another. While I wasn’t surprised by the outcome, I sure had a good time getting there.

It was hard not to laugh my way through this one what with the humor and rather eccentric characters. This mystery had a bit of everything: murder, theft, gangsters, socialites, a con artist radio talk show hosts, romance, and two heroines I couldn’t help but cheer for.

You can learn more about Maia Chance and her books on the author's website. She can also be found on Twitter and Facebook.

Tuesday, October 24, 2017

Wishing For Wednesday: Charles Dickens, An Orphan Raised by Wolves & A Lady of Deception

Mr. Dickens and his Carol by Samantha Silva (288 pgs)
Release Date: October 31, 2017 by Flatiron Books

For Charles Dickens, each Christmas has been better than the last. But when his newest book is an utter flop, his publishers offer an ultimatum: either he writes a Christmas book in a month, or they will call in his debts, and he could lose everything. Grudgingly, he accepts, but with relatives hounding him for loans, his wife planning an excessively lavish holiday party, and jealous critics moving in for the kill, he is hardly feeling the Christmas spirit.

Frazzled and filled with self-doubt, Dickens seeks solace and inspiration in London itself, his great palace of thinking. And on one of his long walks, in a once-beloved square, he meets a young woman who might be just the muse he needs. Over the next few weeks, Eleanor Lovejoy propels Dickens on a Scrooge-like journey that tests everything he believes about generosity, friendship, ambition—and Christmas.

Laced with humor, rich historical detail from Dickens’ life, and clever winks to his work, Mr. Dickens and His Carol is an irresistible new take on an adored classic. [Goodreads Summary]

Reason I want to read this one: I love The Christmas Carol in just about all its forms and what a great idea for a re-telling than to cast the author in that re-telling? And don't you just love that cover?

Beasts of Extraordinary Circumstance by Ruth Emmie Lang (352 pgs)
Release Date: November 7, 2017 by St. Martin's Press

Orphaned, raised by wolves, and the proud owner of a horned pig named Merlin, Weylyn Grey knew he wasn’t like other people. But when he single-handedly stopped that tornado on a stormy Christmas day in Oklahoma, he realized just how different he actually was.

That tornado was the first of many strange events that seem to follow Weylyn from town to town, although he doesn’t like to take credit. As amazing as these powers may appear, they tend to manifest themselves at inopportune times and places. From freak storms to trees that appear to grow over night, Weylyn’s unique abilities are a curiosity at best and at worst, a danger to himself and the woman he loves. But Mary doesn’t care. Since Weylyn saved her from an angry wolf on her eleventh birthday, she’s known that a relationship with him isn’t without its risks, but as anyone who’s met Weylyn will tell you, once he wanders into your life, you’ll wish he’d never leave.

Beasts of Extraordinary Circumstance tells the story of Weylyn Grey’s life from the perspectives of the people who knew him, loved him, and even a few who thought he was just plain weird. Although he doesn’t stay in any of their lives for long, he leaves each of them with a story to tell. Stories about a boy who lives with wolves, great storms that evaporate into thin air, fireflies that make phosphorescent honey, and a house filled with spider webs and the strange man who inhabits it.

There is one story, however, that Weylyn wishes he could change: his own. But first he has to muster enough courage to knock on Mary’s front door.

In this warm debut novel, Ruth Emmie Lang teaches us about adventure and love in a beautifully written story full of nature and wonder. [Goodreads Summary]

Reason I want to read this one: Just reading the synopsis of this one makes me want to read it right now. It sounds like the type of book I could lose myself in.

City of Lies by Victoria Thompson (304 pgs)
Release Date: November 7, 2017 by Berkley

Elizabeth Miles scours 1920’s Washington, D.C. for a killer in the first Counterfeit Lady novel from the author of the New York Times bestselling Gaslight mysteries.

Every woman plays a part—but some are more dangerous than others…

Like most women, Elizabeth Miles assumes many roles; unlike most, hers have made her a woman on the run. Living on the edge of society, Elizabeth uses her guile to relieve so-called respectable men of their ill-gotten gains. But brutal and greedy entrepreneur Oscar Thornton is out for blood. He’s lost a great deal of money and is not going to forgive a woman for outwitting him. With his thugs hot on her trail, Elizabeth seizes the moment to blend in with a group of women who have an agenda of their own.

She never expects to like or understand these privileged women, but she soon comes to respect their intentions, forming an unlikely bond with the wealthy matriarch of the group whose son Gabriel is the rarest of species—an honest man in a dishonest world. She knows she’s playing a risky game, and her deception could be revealed at any moment, possibly even by sharp-eyed Gabriel. Nor has she been forgotten by Thornton, who’s biding his time within this gilded orbit, waiting to strike. Elizabeth must draw on her wits and every last ounce of courage she possesses to keep her new life from being cut short by this vicious shadow from her past. [Goodreads Summary]

Reason I want to read this one: I have been hearing great things about this book, and add to that the fact that I can't resist a historical mystery.

Do any of these sound like something you would like to read too?

Monday, October 23, 2017

Tuesday Favorites: Not So Much Unique Titles as a Common Word Shared - Books Read With Daughter in the Title

Top Ten Tuesday is hosted by the lovely ladies at Broke and Bookish.

Since I was struggling with this week's Top Ten Tuesday topic of my top ten unique titles, I thought I would go in another direction. My husband and I recently had a conversation about book titles. I had mentioned I was thinking of reading a particular book, and he rolled he groaned, "Not another 'daughter' book!" It made me curious just how many daughter-in-the-title books I have read since I began tracking my blogging. I was only able to come up with eight that I have actually read, but I have a dozen or so on my TBR pile that fit in this category. "Daughter" seems to be a popular word for book titles. (Also, see my Top Ten Post from April of this year when I listed books with "Girl" in the title.)

1.

Daughter of the Blood by Anne Bishop ~ Daughter of the Blood was my first introduction to Anne Bishop's Black Jewels trilogy, and Anne Bishop's writing in general. I actually had my doubts about the book at first. I had a hard time getting a firm hold on the sense of place and time. But that soon changed as I grew closer to the characters, and became more involved with the story. I was hooked after that, and ended up reading the next two books in the trilogy soon after finishing this one.

2.

The Memory Keeper's Daughter by Kim Edwards ~ In this story about two families and a child with Down's Syndrome, each of the characters found a place in my heart. I could see the bad decisions before they were made, felt the disappointment and loss, and shared in the hope or improvement and change.

3.

First Daughter by Eric Van Lustbader ~ A political thriller in which an ATF agent is up against the clock to find the kidnapped daughter of the new President-Elect. Corruption, faith, false leads, secrets, redemption, prejudice, and self-discovery are all components in First Daughter. Although this one got off to slow start for me, I did enjoy it.

4.

The Baker's Daughter by Sarah McCoy ~ One of my all time favorite books! This is a story about love, about family and about relationships. It’s about facing our demons—our pasts—our fears and our regrets. And about forgiveness—not only of others, but of ourselves. There wasn’t anything I did not like about The Baker’s Daughter, from the well-drawn characters to the various story lines, to the historical and present day aspects.

6.

Cinderella Ate My Daughter: Dispatches from the Frontlines of the New Girlie-Girl Culture by Peggy Orenstein ~ As I read Cinderella Ate My Daughter, I felt a sense of relief in a way. Peggy Orenstein had gone through just what I'm going through. She had many of the same concerns and questions about perpetuated gender stereotypes and the media and how to maneuver in today's culture as a parent. Because of that, she decided to do a little research and what we have is her book. Cinderella Ate My Daughter is entertaining, educational, and self-affirming. It offers food for thought, to be sure. And it also made me realize I'm not alone.

7.

The Ninja's Daughter by Susan Spann ~ A historical mystery set in 1565 Japan, featuring a Jesuit priest and and a ninja. The Ninja's Daughter is a traditional mystery in many ways, with the protagonists asking questions and putting together the clues they find in hopes of finding out who did what. The deeper they dig, the more they uncover, including that almost everyone seems to be keeping secrets. There is some action, but it is a relatively quiet novel, with some tense moments. Even so, this is a quick read, and it was hard to set the book aside when I was forced to.

8.

Missing Daughter, Shattered Family by Liz Strange ~ Missing Daughter, Shattered Family was refreshing in its old school detective approach, and I was especially taken with David, the main character. The main mystery was never overshadowed by the side story of David's past, but it really brings to light certain aspects of David's character. As he works on his latest case, he comes face to face with the police officer who got him kicked off the force. Beaten severely, resulting in a knee injury and hearing loss, as a result of being gay, David had no choice but to step down from his position on the police force.

9.

The Other Daughter by Lauren Willig ~ This was such a delight to read, a historical novel set in jazz era London. The Other Daughter has the feel of being a light read and yet it tackles some rather heavy issues. There are comic moments and rather tearful ones. There is plenty of drama and a bit of romance with a hint of mystery.

Have you read any of these? What daughter-in-the-title books have you read?

Sunday, October 22, 2017

Bookish Thoughts: The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas

I shouldn't have come to this party. ~ Opening of The Hate U Give

The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas

Balzar & Bray/HarperTeen, 2017

Fiction (YA); 464 pgs

Goodreads Summary:

Sixteen-year-old Starr Carter moves between two worlds: the poor neighborhood where she lives and the fancy suburban prep school she attends. The uneasy balance between these worlds is shattered when Starr witnesses the fatal shooting of her childhood best friend Khalil at the hands of a police officer. Khalil was unarmed.

Soon afterward, his death is a national headline. Some are calling him a thug, maybe even a drug dealer and a gangbanger. Protesters are taking to the streets in Khalil's name. Some cops and the local drug lord try to intimidate Starr and her family. What everyone wants to know is: what really went down that night? And the only person alive who can answer that is Starr.

But what Starr does or does not say could upend her community. It could also endanger her life.

If ever there was a book more timely . . . The Hate U Give caught my attention even before I received it in my subscription box a few months ago, and so I didn't waste time getting to it. And you shouldn't either if you haven't read it yet. Please do.

I don't know what to write about this book. Whatever I say won't do it any justice. It's one of those books I hope will become required reading in school. For anyone really. Books like this are one of the big reasons I read. They are thought provoking, eye-opening, emotional roller-coasters, and bring reality home in a way that only fiction can.

Starr Carter lives in two worlds. She grew up in and lives in a poor urban neighborhood, and goes to a predominantly white suburban prep school. She acts differently depending on where she is, doing her best to fit in. The careful balance she has created between her two lives comes crashing down when she is the sole witness to the death of her childhood friend, Khalil, who is killed by a police officer during a traffic stop.

I have so much love for Starr. My heart hurt for her. Author Angie Thomas made me feel Starr's pain and anger, and her fear and frustration as she tried to hold it together. She really struggles with what to do, whether to remain quiet, knowing the fallout that will come if she does speak out, or to give voice to what happened that night and about just who Khalil was. Starr's family is extremely supportive of her, and I am so glad she had them to help hold her up.

One of the things I especially liked about this novel is how all encompassing it is in terms of providing varying viewpoints, from the individuals in the neighborhood to those outside of it looking in, as well as the community as a whole. We see the strain of it all on Starr's uncle, a police officer himself. Starr learns who her true friends are the more people in both her worlds, both white and black, discover her involvement in what went down. Then there are the struggles her parents face individually and in protecting her and their family. The threats from a local gang leader, the uniting of rival gangs to protect their neighbors, the rioting, the community activists trying to make a difference . . . And that young man, a boy even, unarmed, who lost his life because of the color of his skin.

The Hate U Give is relevant to today, opening the door to much needed discussion about police shootings and race relations. It is also about the bonds of family and community, about self-identity, friendship, and so much more. This book is a giant emotional roller-coaster, taking me through all the emotions. I highly recommend it.

You can learn more about Angie Thomas and her books on the author's website.

Thursday, October 19, 2017

Where Is Your Bookmark? (10/20/2017)

I finished Death in the Stacks this past weekend, but had already prepared to share some excerpts from it with you for today. I requested Death in the Stacks through Penguin's First to Read program because I couldn't resist a cozy murder mystery set in a small town public library. (The cover is linked to the book's Goodreads page.)

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

September in New England was about as perfect a season as there was on earth. The days became cooler, pumpkins ripened and colorful leaves decorated the trees like they were getting ready for a party, the last colorful gala before winter.

Lindsey Norris, director of the Briar Creek Public Library, rode her bike into work, enjoying the crisp snap to the air and the fresh smell of the briny sea as it rolled in for high tide. She felt a happy burst of optimism fill her up as everything in her world seemed to be all right, especially at work. She'd been in charge of the small library for a couple of years now, and she had come to love the seaside community in which she resided.

This is clearly more than just the first sentence, or even the first paragraph. I like the opening of Jenn McKinlay's Death in the Stacks. It certainly fits with the fall season, which doesn't quite seem to be here in Southern California yet. Well, it is a little cooler today . . . And I love that the protagonist is this cozy mystery works in a library.

A weekly meme in which readers share a random sentence or two from page 56 or 56% of the book they are reading. Hosted by the wonderful Freda of Freda's Voice.

"I am the one who decides who is hired and who is fired and how things--"

Pop! The sound cut out on Olive's microphone. Sully was standing beside the dais with the power cord dangling from his grip. [page 56]

Someone needed to be cut off and quick! This was a definite she-got-what-was-coming moment in the book, I thought.

What do you think? Would you keep reading?

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

Wednesday, October 18, 2017

Bookish Thoughts: Last Christmas In Paris by Hazel Gaynor & Heather Webb

Life is forever changed without her; without the sense of her somewhere near. ~ Opening of The Last Time in Paris

Last Christmas In Paris by Hazel Gaynor & Heather Webb

William Morrow, 2017
Fiction (Historical); 400 pgs

It may be surprising to learn I do not often read epistolary novels despite my long standing history in letter writing. It wasn’t that, however, that drew me to The Last Christmas in Paris. It had more to do with the World War I setting and the description of the novel about two young people, one a soldier on the front lines and another, a woman wanting desperately to do her part in the war as well. Hazel Gaynor and Heather Webb joined forces to tell their story, doing so through letters.

World War I was supposed to be the war that ended all wars. At the start of the war, spirits were high, and it was believed the end to the fighting was in sight. Thomas Harding, an aspiring college professor, his best friend, Will Elliott and Will’s sister Evelyn believed it too. It was with anticipation, a dash of sadness, and a lot of hope that the two young men went off to war, expecting to be home by Christmas of that same year.

A much older Tom looks back on his life at the start of the novel, revisiting the war through letters he and Evie exchanged over the years, along with a smattering of letters from others as well, including Evie’s best friend Alice and Evie’s brother, Will. The reader is taken along the journey with him, and it is through those letters, the reader gets to know each of the characters, their lives, fears and dreams, as well as experience the horrors of war and how it irrevocably changed them.

At the heart of The Last Christmas in Paris is a love story, one that evolves slowly but undeniably over the course of the letters. Evie and Tom reminisce about their childhood pranks and the fun they had, while at the same time sharing their fears and the dire state of affairs both at home and on the war front. Tom longs to be home, the war a constant reminder of how fragile life is. Evie, on the other hand, longs to be in the thick of it, wanting to see for herself and help out as much as she can. A lady of society, her mother expects her to find comfort in knitting socks and gloves for the soldiers, but Evie wants to do more. Against her mother’s wishes, she volunteers to deliver mail, but even so, she is not completely satisfied.

Tom has worries at home himself—his ailing father and a foundering newspaper business with no way to help either. Despite his reservations, he reaches out to an estranged relative for help, which only leads to more problems. The government is coming down hard on the media, demanding they feed their audiences propaganda of a more positive variety instead of focusing on the realities of war.

It took me a moment to get into the flow of the narrative, although the opening section took my breath away. I soon was lost in the letters, wanting to know more and having a hard time not reading “just one more letter” when I had to set the book down.

I fell in love with Tom and Evie. Tom and his love for literature, his support of Evie’s writing and in being her own person, his protectiveness, and honesty. I admired Evie’s longing for the truth, her will and drive, as well as both hers and Tom’s hearts. I hated to see the letters end, wanting to read more, to be a part of their lives for just a little longer.

Through the letters, the reader gets a sense of the war. The initial optimism to the reality of the damage and heartache the war brings with it—along with the exhaustion, dwindling faith in the cause, and the desperation and pain. There is a definite shift in the characters’ attitudes over the course of the novel. Evie comes to it later than the others, in part because she does not see it firsthand initially.

I enjoyed the historical tidbits, some I know better than others: the Women's Army Auxiliary Corps (WAAC) which assigned women to nonessential roles generally reserved for men in order to free the men to fight; the Order of the Feather, an organization of mainly women whose mission was to shame men at home who were not fighting in the war; the devastation caused at some of the worst battles during the war; and the treatment and stigma of those suffering from a war neuroses, what today we think of as combat fatigue or Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. It is good, especially, to see attention paid to this last given how prevalent it is today. It brings home that this is not a new problem or occurrence.

Reading a novel written in letters creates an intimacy with the characters that one might not get otherwise, but it also limits the view of what is going on outside the letters. Both Gaynor and Webb do a great job of compensating for this overall. I was thoroughly wrapped up Tom and Evie’s story. Events speed up quickly towards the end, almost too quickly, but, emotionally, this book was a real hit with me. By the end, tears were streaming down my face, and I did not want to say goodbye to the characters.

To learn more about Hazel Gaynor and her work, please visit the author on author's website. You can also find her on Twitter and Facebook.

To learn more about Heather Webb and her work, please visit the author on author's website. You can also find her on Twitter and Facebook.

I hope you will check out what others had to say about Last Christmas in Paris on the TLC Book Tours route!

Many thanks to the TLC Book Tours for the opportunity to be a part of this book tour. Review copy provided by publisher for an honest review.

Purchase Links: HarperCollins | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Tuesday, October 17, 2017

Wishing For Wednesday: The Secret, Book & Scone Society & A Spoonful of Magic

The two titles I am featuring today first caught my attention because of their titles. You can probably guess why! The mention of books and magic? I can't resist either. And both of these sound right up my alley.

The Secret, Book & Scone Society (Miracle Springs, North Carolina #1) by Ellery Adams (304 pgs)
Release Date: October 31, 2017 by Kensington

Miracle Springs, North Carolina, is a place of healing. Strangers flock here hoping the natural hot springs, five-star cuisine, and renowned spa can cure their ills. If none of that works, they often find their way to Miracle Books, where, over a fresh-baked “comfort” scone from the Gingerbread House bakery, they exchange their stories with owner Nora Pennington in return for a carefully chosen book. That’s Nora’s special talent—prescribing the perfect novel to ease a person’s deepest pain and lighten their heaviest burden.

When a visiting businessman reaches out to Nora for guidance, she knows exactly which novels will help. But before he can keep their appointment at Miracle Books, he’s found dead on the train tracks.

Stunned, Nora forms the Secret, Book, and Scone Society, a group of damaged souls yearning to gain trust and earn redemption by helping others. To join the society, members must divulge their darkest secret—the terrible truth that brought each of them to Miracle Springs in the first place.

Determined to uncover the truth behind the businessman’s demise, the women meet in Nora’s cramped and cozy bookstore to share stories and trade support. And as they untangle a web of corruption, they also discover their own courage, purpose, and a sisterhood that will carry them through every challenge—proving it’s never too late to turn the page and start over . . . [Goodreads Summary]

A Spoonful of Magic by Irene Radford (304 pgs)
Release Date: November 7, 2017 by DAW

Daphne "Daffy" Rose Wallace Deschants has an ideal suburban life--three wonderful and talented children; a coffee shop and bakery, owned and run with her best friend; a nearly perfect husband, Gabriel, or "G" to his friends and family. Life could hardly be better.

But G's perfection hides dangerous secrets. When Daffy uncovers evidence of his infidelity, her perfect life seems to be in ruins. On their wedding anniversary, Daffy prepares to confront him, only to be stopped in her tracks when he foils a mugging attempt using wizard-level magic.

Suddenly, Daphne is part of a world she never imagined--where her husband is not a traveling troubleshooter for a software company, but the sheriff of the International Guild of Wizards, and her brilliant children are also budding magicians. Even she herself is not just a great baker and barista--she's actually a kitchen witch. And her discovery of her powers is only just beginnning.

But even the midst of her chaotic new life, another problem is brewing. G's ex-wife, a dangerous witch, has escaped from her magical prison. Revenge-bent and blind, she needs the eyes of her son to restore her sight--the son Daffy has raised as her own since he was a year old. Now Daphne must find a way to harness her new powers and protect her family--or risk losing everything she holds dear. [Goodreads Summary]

Do either of these sound like something you would like to read too?

Monday, October 16, 2017

Tuesday Favorites: A Favorite Book I Want to See Turned Into a Movie & Top Ten Books On My TBR Shelf With Some Sort of Food in the Title

Each week Maureen from Maureen's Books asks participants to share a favorite on the weekly designated topic.

This week's topic is My Favorite Book I Wish They Would Make a Movie Of.

So many of the books I can think of have already been made into movies or will soon be movies. I admit I have a weakness for a well done science fiction movie, and so choosing Ann Leckie's Ancillary Justice seemed like a no-brainer. You can find my review of the novel here or click on the cover to go to its Goodreads page.

Top Ten Tuesday is hosted by the lovely ladies at Broke and Bookish.

This week's Top Ten Tuesday is food related, and when I first sat down to prepare a list, I completely drew a blank. I know I have read a number of books featuring bakeries, restaurants, cafes, and bars, but none of them immediately stood out to me. Suddenly, staring out at me from my bookshelves, however, were several titles that I keep meaning to read with food-type items in the title. And so I am going with that. Here are Ten Books From My Shelves With Food or Food-Type Item In the Title (covers are linked to Goodreads):

1.