Weekly Mews: Back to School - Almost (August's TBR List Poll Winner)

I am linking up to the Sunday Post hosted by 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 Deb Nance of Readerbuzz where participants discuss what they are reading and other bookish topics. In addition, I am linking to Stacking the Shelves hosted by Team Tynga's Reviews and Marlene of Reading Reality a meme in which participants share what new books came their way recently. 

What I Am Reading: I recently finished Katie Ruggle's Hold Your Breath, the first in her Search & Rescue romantic suspense series, and Sweep of the Blade by Ilona Andrews, the fourth book in the Innkeeper Chronicles. I enjoyed both quite a bit. I am about to dive into this month's TBR List winner (thanks again to all those who voted!).

What I Am Listening To: I did not get in any listening time this past week, unfortunately.

What I Am Watching:  As a last splurge before school starts up this next week, Mouse and I went to see the live action version of Aladdin in the theater for the second time--I think it was even better the second time around. We also took in Dora and the Lost City of Gold. Mouse loved it. I was pleasantly surprised. It was a bit cheesy in spots, which I expected (did they really need to include Swiper?), but I enjoyed it, particularly the nods to the original cartoon series. Of course, having recently sat through a couple different versions of the Power Rangers (my daughter's current favorite), the bar may have been low going into it.

Beverly Hills, 90210 was a staple of my high school/college days, and so is it any wonder I wanted to check out the new BH90210 show? I was able to catch it on Hulu, and have to agree with my friends on Facebook who called the show a disaster but will most likely not be able to help tuning in next week.

Off the Blog: This was a relatively uneventful week. I attended a training for work one afternoon, and had a couple days off for vacation--seeing out the summer with my daughter. She and I saw a couple of movies, did a little back to school clothes shopping ("Mom, this is so '90's! I love it!"), and just enjoyed each other's company.

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

New to My Shelves (all books purchased by me): 

To Catch a Stolen Soul (Djinn Haven #1) by R.L. Naquin

To Seize a Wayward Spirit (Djinn Haven #2) by R.L. Naquin

Magick & Mayhem (An Abracadabra Mystery #1) by Sharon Pape

That Olde White Magick (An Abracadabra Mystery #2) by Sharon Pape

Have you added any new books to your shelves recently?

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.

What authors do you always read and recommend? (submitted by Elizabeth @Silver's Reviews)

I am always discovering new-to-me authors, but there are quite a few authors I like to return to--and will often recommend to others, depending on their bookish interests and tastes. Here are just a few:

If you like action-packed fantasy set in multi-dimensions involving dragons, fae and magical librarians, Genevieve Cogman's Invisible Library series is a must read.

I have yet to read a book by husband and wife writing team Ilona Andrews that I haven't liked. Their books offer a good dose of urban fantasy with a side of romance I find irresistible. Her Innkeeper series, which is among my favorites, is a mix of science fiction and fantasy.  Seanan Mcguire is an urban fantasy author I have only recently discovered, but I highly recommend giving her a try.

One of my all-time favorite fantasy series is Anne Bishop's Other series, which I cannot recommend enough for those interested in dark fantasy. The world building in the series is amazing.

Perhaps though you prefer something of the lighter variety. A cozy mystery perhaps? Kirsten Weiss writes cozy mysteries that often contain a paranormal element. Or there's Jennifer Ashley's historical cozy mysteries, which I am always pushing on people to to read. I haven't yet tried any of her other books, but I hear her romances are good as well. Tessa Arlen is another historical cozy mystery writer I cannot recommend enough.

A name I have not seen a lot of recently is Elizabeth Haynes, which is a shame because her police procedural mysteries and thrillers are so good! She has a way with getting into the minds of her characters.

RaeAnne Thayne is one of my go to romance authors when I want something sweet with a happy ending and characters I can relate to. Melonie Johnson won me over quickly with her humor and well developed characters. Her novels are on the steamy side, for those who prefer more heat with their romance.

Lisa See is one of my favorite historical fiction authors, writing nuanced characters in complicated situations. Another historical fiction author I recommend is Yangszee Choo, whose The Ghost Bride knocked my socks off and her book The Night Tiger is an intriguing read as well. Hazel Gaynor also writes impressive historical fiction. Oh, and Sarah McCoy!

Other authors whose work I love and can highly recommend: Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie is a brilliant author. Thrifty Umrigar's novels have brought me to tears time and time again. Nadia Hashimi novels are heartbreaking and beautiful. If you are looking for literary fiction novels that take on difficult subject matter by women of color, these are must read authors.

I have not read a lot of science fiction in recent years, although I am working on changing that. I do recommend John Scalzi or Anne Lecke though. Both are great authors whose books are worth checking out if you have not already. I have only read one book of sister writing team S.K. Dunstall, but I loved Stars Uncharted, and plan to read more by them.

Jane Austen (for the romance reader), Agatha Christie (if you like mysteries), J.R.R. Tolkien (for lovers of fantasy) come to mind when I think of authors of Classic novels to recommend. There's also Victor Hugo (for those who like delving into history and socioeconomic aspects of society) and Ursula K. Le Guin (for those who like science fiction and fantasy).

Obviously there are many more I could mention, but these are just a few that came to mind instantly.

What about you? What authors are you always reading that you would recommend?

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 Saturday 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). 

I am excited to be starting the winner of this month's TBR List Poll this afternoon. I would have been happy with any of the choices, had they won (there's a reason they are on my TBR pile, after all!), of course.

The Lost Words Bookshop by Stephanie Butland received three votes to the six votes received by How to Find Love in a Bookshop by Veronica Henry. Coming in with the solid win with thirteen votes, however, was Abbi Waxman's The Bookish Life of Nina Hill. I cannot wait to dive in!

Thank you for voting! 

I hope you all have a wonderful week! Happy Reading!

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