Waiting to Read Wednesday: A Mix of This and That, From Historical to Suspense to Family Drama & Romance

The Old(er) 

I have an embarrassing number of unread books sitting on the shelves in my personal library. Carole of Carole's Random Life in Books has given me the perfect excuse to spotlight and discuss those neglected books in her Books from the Backlog feature. After all, even those older books need a bit of love! Not to mention it is reminding me what great books I have waiting for me under my own roof still to read!

The Tide Watchers by Lisa Chaplin (2015)

In the winter of 1803, one woman stands between Napoleon and the fall of Great Britain

The free-spirited daughter of an English baronet, Lisbeth defies convention by eloping to France. When her husband abandons her, she must find a way to survive and be reunited with her young son, who is in the care of her mother-in-law.

A seasoned spy known as Tidewatcher, Duncan apprenticed under Lisbeth's father and pledged to keep his mentor's pretty daughter safe—a promise complicated by the wily Napoleon Bonaparte. The British believe he is planning an attack, and Duncan is sent to search for signs of invasion on the French coast—where he draws dangerously close to adventurous and unpredictable Lisbeth.

A sensational new invention may shift the tide of a French victory. A brilliant and eccentric American inventor named Robert Fulton has devised a deadly weapon that can decimate an enemy's fleet. To protect English ships, Tidewatcher must gain control of Fulton's invention and cross enemy lines . . . but he cannot do it alone. Left with no other options, he enlists Lisbeth's help in outwitting the American inventor and uncovering Bonaparte's secret plans.

Going undercover for the handsome and duty-bound spy, Lisbeth risks her freedom and her life as she navigates double agents and submarine warfare to outwit the greatest military tactician in history. The only question is . . . who can she trust? [Goodreads Summary]

Why I want to read this: I was so excited when this first came out and couldn't wait to read it. Like so many other books on my TBR pile though, there it remains unread. I still very much want to read this. Historical fiction featuring a female spy? I really need to move this up on my TBR list.

Have you read this one? If so, what did you think? What book has been lingering on your shelf for a while that you want to read?

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The New

Can't-Wait Wednesday is a weekly feature hosted by the marvelous Tressa at Wishful Endings to spotlight and discuss upcoming release we are excited about that we have yet to read.

The Favorite Daughter by Kaira Rouda
Release Date: May 21, 2019

From the author of the page-turning domestic suspense Best Day Ever, comes another gripping novel of psychological suspense set in an upscale Southern California community, for fans of B.A. Paris and Shari Lapena.

The perfect home. The perfect family. The perfect lie.

Jane Harris lives in a sparkling home in an oceanfront gated community in Orange County. It’s a place that seems too beautiful to be touched by sadness. But exactly one year ago, Jane’s oldest daughter, Mary, died in a tragic accident and Jane has been grief-stricken ever since. Lost in a haze of anti-depressants, she’s barely even left the house. Now that’s all about to change.

It’s time for Jane to reclaim her life and her family. Jane’s husband, David, has planned a memorial service for Mary and three days later, their youngest daughter, Betsy, graduates high school. Yet as Jane reemerges into the world, it’s clear her family has changed without her. Her husband has been working long days—and nights—at the office. Her daughter seems distant, even secretive. And her beloved Mary was always such a good girl—dutiful and loving. But does someone know more about Mary, and about her last day, than they’ve revealed?

The bonds between mothers and daughters, and husbands and wives should never be broken. But you never know how far someone will go to keep a family together… [Goodreads Summary]

Why I want to read this: I like novels that delve in the realm of family dynamics, add in secrets and suspense, and I cannot help but be even more intrigued. The Southern California setting is also appealing. 

Natalie Tan's Book of Luck and Fortune by Roselle Lim

Release Date: June 11, 2019

Lush and visual, chock-full of delicious recipes, Roselle Lim’s magical debut novel is about food, heritage, and finding family in the most unexpected places.

At the news of her mother’s death, Natalie Tan returns home. The two women hadn’t spoken since Natalie left in anger seven years ago, when her mother refused to support her chosen career as a chef. Natalie is shocked to discover the vibrant neighborhood of San Francisco’s Chinatown that she remembers from her childhood is fading, with businesses failing and families moving out. She’s even more surprised to learn she has inherited her grandmother’s restaurant.

The neighborhood seer reads the restaurant’s fortune in the leaves: Natalie must cook three recipes from her grandmother’s cookbook to aid her struggling neighbors before the restaurant will succeed. Unfortunately, Natalie has no desire to help them try to turn things around—she resents the local shopkeepers for leaving her alone to take care of her agoraphobic mother when she was growing up. But with the support of a surprising new friend and a budding romance, Natalie starts to realize that maybe her neighbors really have been there for her all along. [Goodreads Summary]

Why I want to read this: Although I am not much of a foodie, I do love books about tradition and community. I also want to know more about Natalie and her mother's relationship, especially given her mother's mental illness. I imagine this will be a heartwarming novel in the end.

Pride, Prejudice, and Other Flavors by Dev Sonali
Release Date: May 7, 2019

Award-winning author Sonali Dev launches a new series about the Rajes, an immigrant Indian family descended from royalty, who have built their lives in San Francisco...

It is a truth universally acknowledged that only in an overachieving Indian American family can a genius daughter be considered a black sheep.

Dr. Trisha Raje is San Francisco’s most acclaimed neurosurgeon. But that’s not enough for the Rajes, her influential immigrant family who’s achieved power by making its own non-negotiable rules:
· Never trust an outsider · Never do anything to jeopardize your brother’s political aspirations · And never, ever, defy your family

Trisha is guilty of breaking all three rules. But now she has a chance to redeem herself. So long as she doesn’t repeat old mistakes.

Up-and-coming chef DJ Caine has known people like Trisha before, people who judge him by his rough beginnings and place pedigree above character. He needs the lucrative job the Rajes offer, but he values his pride too much to indulge Trisha’s arrogance. And then he discovers that she’s the only surgeon who can save his sister’s life.

As the two clash, their assumptions crumble like the spun sugar on one of DJ’s stunning desserts. But before a future can be savored there’s a past to be reckoned with...

A family trying to build home in a new land.

A man who has never felt at home anywhere.

And a choice to be made between the two. [Goodreads Summary]

Why I want to read this: Dev Sonali is on my must read author list--one I haven't managed to get to yet. All her books sound good to me, but this one especially caught my attention because of the title and its tie-in to one of my favorite classics, Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice.

Do these interest you too? What upcoming releases are you looking forward to getting your hands on and reading?

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© 2019, 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.

Bookish Thoughts: Getting Hot With the Scot by Melonie Johnson

Three weeks ago, Cassie Crow left Chicago armed with a naked charm bracelet and a full box of condoms. ~ Opening of Getting Hot With the Scot

Getting Hot With the Scot (A Sometimes in Love, #1) by Melonie Johnson
St. Martin's Press, 2019
Romance (Contemporary); 368 pgs

"What are you reading now?" my husband asked one evening. I blushed, lowered my voice and replied after a pause, "Getting Hot With the Scot." Because, you know, that title. But Melonie Johnson, through her character Cassie, reminded me: "'I want to dispel the idea that smart people, smart women in particular, don't read romance.'" And then, "'Nobody should ever be ashamed of what they read.'" So when a coworker asked me what great books I had read recently, I did not hesitate to say, "Melonie Johnson's Getting Hot With the Scot." (Among others.)

Getting Hot With the Scot was such a fun read, and it is an example of why I got back into reading romance again. I admit I can be rather picky about romance--and it sometimes takes me a little longer to be pulled in (at no fault to the author), especially when it involves  the main characters jumping into anything impulsively—like in bed with a stranger. We all have our biases, after all.  But Melonie Johnson worked her magic and won me over quickly.

I like my romance heroines to have good heads on their shoulders, and Cassie Crow certainly has that. She and her friends had been planning their trip to Europe for years, and now that they are finally able to, they are having the time of their lives. As they near the end of their trip, Cassie has yet to fulfill one of her dreams. Always so focused on work, this is the one time she can let loose—and he comes in the form of Scot. When she unknowingly stumbles in the middle of the filming of a prank for Logan’s web show, one look at the gorgeous Highlander and she realizes this might be her chance. The heat between them is intense and immediate—only nothing can be that simple, can it?

I really appreciated that the author develops her characters and their relationship over the course of the novel. Even as Cassie says she is setting work aside for this trip with her friends, she still is constantly checking in with her office. A possible promotion is on the line for the pop-culture reporter, so it’s understandable. I like that she is independent and goes after what she wants. And I like how Logan, despite his ulterior motive, takes Cassie's feelings into consideration at just about every turn. And even while the chemistry between them is extremely hot, Johnson takes their relationship to the next level, tackling each of the character's emotional baggage thoughtfully and respectfully. It was impossible not to fall for this couple and root for them every step of the way. Getting Hot With the Scot is witty and charming as well as sexy and smart. I thoroughly enjoyed it!

For more information about the author and her books, visit her website. You can also find her on Twitter and Facebook.

Source: I received an eARC copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

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© 2019, 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.

Sunday Mews and My April TBR List Winner

I am linking up to the Sunday Post hosted by the wonderful Kim of Caffeinated Book Reviewer, where participants recap our week, talk about what we are reading, share any new books that have come our way, and whatever else we want to talk about. I am also linking The Sunday Salon hosted by the amazing Deb Nance of Readerbuzz where participants discuss what they are reading and other bookish topics. 

Playing in the sprinklers.

It is such a lovely spring day. The kind of day I would love to be outside reading under the shade of a tree, with nature all around me. Or at the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books. It feels like forever when I was last able to go. Perhaps next year . . .

What I Am Reading: I currently am reading Karen Lord's Unraveling, and confess I am struggling a little getting into it. The premise is intriguing, and I am interested to know where the story is going still--so definitely not DNF material at this point. Hopefully it will pick up for me soon!

The truth is my reading has been in a bit of a low place as of late. I have read some great books, but I feel so distracted. I am sure it is partly the stress I feel under. At least I am reading some, if not a lot. So I suppose I cannot call it a slump at this point. 

What I Am Watching: Mouse is going through a Pokémon phase, and so we have been watching Pokémon movies lately. And more Find Me In Paris, a time travel show about a ballet school. I did watch Russian Doll, which I wasn't sure about at first, but ended up really enjoying. Have you seen any of these?

• What are you reading and watching this week? 
• Just how much of a chance will give you give a book before deciding to not finish it? 
• What steps do you take to avoid falling into a reading slump when you feel one coming on? 

Thank you for helping me decide what book from my TBR collection I should read next:

My TBR List is a meme hosted by the awesome Michelle at Because Reading. It’s a fun way to choose a book from your TBR pile to read. The 1st Sunday of every month, I will list 3 books I am considering reading and take a poll as to which you think I should read. I will read the winner that month, and my review will follow (unfortunately, not likely in the same month, but eventually--that's all I can promise). 

This month I put three very different books against each other and it was not much of a competition.
The Tea Master and the Detective by Aliette de Bodard got 3 votes with Paula Paul's A Killer Closet received 8 votes. The Master Key by Masako Togawa won 11 votes. Talk about winning by a nice lead!

I am thrilled that The Master Key won and am looking forward to diving in soon.

The Master Key by Masako Togawa, translated by Simon Grove

The K Apartments for Ladies in Tokyo conceals a sinister past behind each door; a woman who has buried a child; a scavenger driven mad by ill-health; a wife mysteriously guarding her late husband’s manuscripts; a talented violinist tortured by her own guilt. The master key, which opens the door to all 150 rooms, links their tangled stories. But now it has been stolen, and dirty tricks are afoot.

A deadly secret lies buried beneath the building. And when it is revealed, there will be murder. [Goodreads Summary]

Thank you for voting! I hope you all have a wonderful week! Happy Reading!

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© 2019, 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.

Bookish Thoughts: The Mortal Word by Genevieve Cogman

Please forgive the haste and informality of this letter: you know my respect for you and my obedience to your will. ~ Opening of The Mortal Word

The Mortal Word (Invisible Library, #5) by Genevieve Cogman
Ace, 2018
Fantasy; 433 pgs
Source: I received an eARC copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

I am a big fan of Genevieve Cogman’s Invisible Library series, and eagerly dived into The Mortal Word. It is the fifth book in the series, and I highly recommend the series be read in order. Our feisty librarian, Irene, is pulled into the middle of the tenuous peace talks between the fae and the dragons when one of the dragon’s contingent is murdered. She and Vale are asked to be part of a joint team investigating the death. They, along with the dragon and fae representatives, have their work cut out for them. Uncovering the truth while balancing a very delicate political situation proves quite the challenge. Everyone is blaming everyone else, including the Library, whose own political agenda may not be as neutral as everyone is lead to believe.

I can always expect to be entertained as well kept up late into the night when reading one of Cogman’s novels, and The Mortal Word was no different. Irene continues to be one of my favorite series characters. Her resourcefulness and quick thinking on her feet are qualities I admire and wish I possessed. Although, I suppose I am glad I do not find myself in the same or similar predicaments! She has a strong sense of wanting to do the right thing while still keeping in mind the bigger picture.

It was good to visit with other familiar and favorite characters, such as Kai and Vale. Vale is called upon to lead the murder investigation, his skills as a private investigator being renowned across dimensions. I love that he stuck to his guns in conducting the investigation his way, rather than give in to the unsubtle suggestions of others. Too, it was interesting to see Kai more among the other dragons, although I would not have minded more of that. There was, of course, our old frenemy Silver who I can never quite decide if I like or not. Readers are introduced to a new dragon in this installment of the series----and I quite liked her. She works independently of any of the royal houses, which means her loyalties are her own. I hope to see more of her in future books.

Cogman has created such an interesting and complex world, the Library having a foot in several different dimensions, it’s role to help maintain the balance between chaos and order. The fae and dragons have long been at odds and many do not believe peace is possible. And there are those within the Library who wish for the Library to have more power, especially in these ever changing times. One can’t help but feel for the humans who seem to be in the middle of all of it, even if not always present.

The Mortal Word is high in action and the mystery itself is quite intricate in this one, taking the reader through the streets of Paris and into the middle of fae, dragon, and Library politics. Suspenseful and entertaining as ever, this latest book has me wanting more. No surprise there!

To learn more about Genevieve Cogman and her work, please visit the author's website. You can also find her on Twitter and Goodreads.

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© 2019, 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.

Sunday Mews: New Books, Illness, and My April TBR List Poll (Come Vote!)

I am linking up to the Sunday Post hosted by the wonderful Kim of Caffeinated Book Reviewer, where participants recap our week, talk about what we are reading, share any new books that have come our way, and whatever else we want to talk about. I am also linking to Stacking the Shelves hosted by the great Team Tynga's Reviews and Marlene of Reading Reality a meme in which participants share what new books came their way recently. 

The amazing Deb Nance of Readerbuzz has added new life to the The Sunday Salon, and I hope you will consider visiting her blog as well as those of other participants. 

March seemed to both fly by and drag its feet at the same time. We celebrated Mouse's birthday, attended the Drag Queen Story Hour at our local indie bookstore, closed out the Girl Scout cookie season, started rehearsals for The Greatest Showman, continued to attend dance classes and Girl Scout meetings, attended a dance competition to cheer on the competing dancers from our studio, fought and continue to fight illnesses (will this cough ever go away?!), and, well, went to work. A lot of big changes came at the end of the month at work that have left many of us within my agency a bit shaken. Work and illness have affected my reading and blogging, unfortunately. They has left me feeling rather out of sorts.

Mouse enjoyed a week off with her dad during her spring break. It rained. A lot. But spring is definitely here now. It has been nice to finally open the windows.

I hope you had a wonderful March and that your April has gotten off to a good start!

New to My Shelves: 

Dead Witch on a Bridge by Gretchen Galway ~ I couldn't resist adding this to my TBR pile after hearing about it from Jenclair at A Garden Carried in the Pocket.

Smoke Gets In Your Eyes & Other Stories Lessons from the Crematory by Caitlyn Doughty ~ I saw this book mentioned by a couple book bloggers, and decided it might be something I would enjoy reading.

The Songs of Achilles by Madeline Miller ~ I read an review of Circe (which I haven't yet read--I'm waiting for it to come out in paperback) recently and the blogger mentioned loving this one even more. I decided I should give it a try as well.

Afterland by Mai Der Vang ~ In my recent search for a book of poetry to try, I came across this one and couldn't resist. 

The Moon Within by Aida Salazar ~ I saw mention of this on someone's blog (I can't remember whose) and knew I had to get a copy. While my daughter is still a bit young for it, she won't be for long. This novel in verse deals with a girl's first period.

The Island of Sea Women by Lisa See ~ I wasn't able to attend the signing in March, but Lisa See and Vromon's Bookstore were kind enough to make sure I got a personalized signed copy! Lisa See is one of my favorite authors.

The Night Tiger by Yangsze Choo ~ I had the privilege of attending her book signing at a local bookstore this weekend. She is amazing and so are her books! It was a real honor to meet her. 

Mouse's School Book Fair Picks:

Jada Jones: Rock Star (#1) by Kelly Starling Lyons, illustrated by Vanessa Brantley-Newton

The Scaredy Cat (Purrmaids #1) by Sudipta Bardhan-Quallen

101 Great Science Experiments: A Step by Step Guide by Neil Ardley

Mysticons, Volume 1 by Kate Leth

(She goes again to the book fair with her class this next week and has already asked if she can have more money to buy more books)

 Mouse's recent book purchases at the bookstore:

Who Was Princess Diana? by Ellen Labrecque, illustrated by Jerry Hoare

Sisters by Raina Telgemeier

Who Was Joan Arc? by Pam Pollack & Meg Belviso, illustrated by Andrew Thomson & Nancy Harrison

What I Am Reading: I just finished reading Yangsze Choo's The Night Tiger, a historical novel with ghosts, weretigers, and a mystery--what can be better than that? Next up is Unraveling by Karen Lord, which also delves into the realm of spirits and is a murder mystery.

What I Am Watching: I missed some work in March due to illness and, if I am honest, have spent more time watching television than reading because I feel so exhausted all the time. Between Riverdale, The Umbrella Academy, Love It Or List It, Find Me In Paris, and catching up with 9-1-1 (and I am sure other shows I am forgetting), I have watched more than my share as of late.

We did catch Captain Marvel in the theater and really enjoyed it.

Off the Blog: 

The wild one caught in a rare moment of rest. 

Enjoying the sunspot

Drag Queen Story Hour: Herstory - It was a lot of fun for everyone.

She couldn't wait to get home to read her new book. 

Opening the Disney Store at the Mall with the Magic Key

One of our trees is in bloom with the help of the rain

Are they really lying this close together? I can't believe my eyes!

Tell me what you have been up to! What are you reading, listening to and watching?

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Thank you for helping me decide what book from my TBR collection I should read next:

My TBR List is a meme hosted by the awesome Michelle at Because Reading. It’s a fun way to choose a book from your TBR pile to read. The 1st Sunday of every month, I will list 3 books I am considering reading and take a poll as to which you think I should read. I will read the winner that month, and my review will follow (unfortunately, not likely in the same month, but eventually--that's all I can promise). 

This month's selections are on the short size on purpose. I have some upcoming deadlines I need to meet, and wanted to be sure to find time to fit this month's winner in. A couple of these have been on my shelf for a few years now, while another for just a year. Which do you think I should read?

A Killer Closet by Paula Paul

Irene Seligman loves the warmth and beauty of her Southwest hometown, but only one thing could make her quit her prestigious job as an assistant district attorney in Manhattan to return there: the guilt applied by her demanding mother, Adelle. After Adelle’s most recent husband dies, leaving her with nothing, Irene decides to take a break from prosecuting criminals to move back to Santa Fe and open an upscale consignment store. With Irene’s determination and her mother’s eye for haute couture, they’re sure to make a killing.

But on the day of the grand opening, Irene discovers the body of one of Adelle’s friends in her storeroom. And although the intrigue causes business to boom, when someone else from Adelle’s social circle is murdered, Irene begins to suspect her mother might be in danger too. Ever the protective daughter, Irene investigates her mother’s friends, suspicious that they’re hiding more than designer clothes in their closets. But as she gets closer to uncovering some real skeletons, Irene might not live to regret coming home again. [Goodreads Summary]

The Master Key by Masako Togawa, translated by Simon Grove

The K Apartments for Ladies in Tokyo conceals a sinister past behind each door; a woman who has buried a child; a scavenger driven mad by ill-health; a wife mysteriously guarding her late husband’s manuscripts; a talented violinist tortured by her own guilt. The master key, which opens the door to all 150 rooms, links their tangled stories. But now it has been stolen, and dirty tricks are afoot.

A deadly secret lies buried beneath the building. And when it is revealed, there will be murder. [Goodreads Summary]

The Tea Master and the Detective by Aliette de Bodard

Welcome to the Scattered Pearls Belt, a collection of ring habitats and orbitals ruled by exiled human scholars and powerful families, and held together by living mindships who carry people and freight between the stars. In this fluid society, human and mindship avatars mingle in corridors and in function rooms, and physical and virtual realities overlap, the appareance of environments easily modified and adapted to interlocutors or current mood.

A transport ship discharged from military service after a traumatic injury, The Shadow's Child now ekes out a precarious living as a brewer of mind-altering drugs for the comfort of space-travellers. Meanwhile, abrasive and eccentric scholar Long Chau wants to find a corpse for a scientific study. When Long Chau walks into her office, The Shadow's Child expects an unpleasant but easy assignment. When the corpse turns out to have been murdered, Long Chau feels compelled to investigate, dragging The Shadow's Child with her.

As they dig deep into the victim's past, The Shadow's Child realises that the investigation points to Long Chau's own murky past--and, ultimately, to the dark and unbearable void that lies between the stars... [Goodreads Summary]

Thank you for voting! I hope you all have a wonderful week! Happy Reading!

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© 2019, 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.