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!
It wasn't until the 1950s that seeing The Nutcracker at Christmastime became an American tradition. But the story itself is much older and its original intent more complex. This eye-opening new volume presents two of the tale's earliest versions, both in new translations: E.T.A. Hoffmann's Nutcracker and Mouse King (1816), in which a young girl is whisked away to the Land of Toys to help her animated nutcracker defeat the Mouse King, and Alexandre Dumas's 1845 adaptation, The Tale of the Nutcracker, based on Hoffmann's popular work. Irresistible tales of magic, mystery, and childhood adventure, these timeless delights and fresh interpretations about the importance of imagination will captivate readers of all ages. [Goodreads Summary]
Why I want to read this: This particular book has only been on my TBR shelf for a year now. I originally bought it to read with my daughter who performed in her dance studio's annual production of The Nutcracker. This will be her second year performing in the ballet, and so maybe this year we actually will read these two classic stories. That is the plan, anyway!
Have you read either of these versions of the story or perhaps both? Have you seen the ballet?
Have you read either of these versions of the story or perhaps both? Have you seen the ballet?
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.
Release Date: September 24, 2019 by Kensington
This holiday season, teddy bear shop manager Sasha Silverman must solve the slaying of Santa Bear . . .
Sasha and her sister Maddie are thrilled that the Silver Bear Shop and Factory has won the Teddy Bear Keepsake Contest, which means they get to produce a holiday specialty toy, a wizard bear named "Beary Potter." Promising to be just as magical is Silver Hollow's annual tree-lighting ceremony and village parade. Only one hitch: the parade's mascot, Santa Bear--played by Mayor Cal Bloom--is missing.
After a frantic search among the floats, Bloom is found dead. When the outfit is removed, it's clear the mayor's been electrocuted. Who zapped hizzoner and then stuffed him into his Santa Bear suit? While the police investigate the grisly crime, Sasha attempts to track down the murderer herself, with some help from the Guilty Pleasures Gossip Club. Can they wrap up this case in time for Christmas--or will Sasha meet her own shocking end? [Goodreads Summary]
Why I want to read this: Teddy bears! And a Guilty Pleasures Gossip Club? How intriguing! I do love a good cozy mystery and this holiday-themed one sounds like one I do not want to miss.
Release Date: September 24, 2019 by HQN
Hearts are lighter and wishes burn a little brighter at Christmas…
Elizabeth Hamilton has been lost. Trapped in a tangle of postpartum depression and grief after the death of her beloved parents, she couldn’t quite see the way back to her husband and their two beautiful kids…until a car accident stole away her memories and changed her life. And when she finally remembered the sound of little Cassie’s laugh, the baby powder smell of Bridger and the feel of her husband’s hand in hers, Elizabeth worried that they’d moved on without her. That she’d missed too much. That perhaps she wasn’t the right mother for her kids or wife for Luke, no matter how much she loved them.
But now, seven years later, Luke finds her in a nearby town and brings Elizabeth back home to the family she loves, just in time for Christmas. And being reunited with Luke and her children is better than anything Elizabeth could have imagined. As they all trim the tree and bake cookies, making new holiday memories, Elizabeth and Luke are drawn ever closer. Can the hurt of the past seven years be healed over the course of one Christmas season and bring the Hamiltons the gift of a new beginning? [Goodreads Summary]
Why I want to read this: RaeAnne Thayne is one of my favorite romance authors, and I look forward to returning to Haven Point in her latest book in the series.
Release Date: September 24, 2019 by HQN
In the snowy perfection of Aspen, the White family gathers for youngest daughter Rosie’s whirlwind Christmas wedding. First to arrive are the bride’s parents, Maggie and Nick. Their daughter’s marriage is a milestone they are determined to celebrate wholeheartedly, but they are hiding a huge secret of their own: they are on the brink of divorce. After living apart for the last six months, the last thing they need is to be trapped together in an irresistibly romantic winter wonderland.
Rosie’s older sister, Katie, is also dreading the wedding. Worried that impulsive, sweet-hearted Rosie is making a mistake, Katie is determined to save her sister from herself! If only the irritatingly good-looking best man, Jordan, would stop interfering with her plans…
Bride-to-be Rosie loves her fiancé but is having serious second thoughts. Except everyone has arrived—how can she tell them she’s not sure? As the big day gets closer, and emotions run even higher, this is one White family Christmas none of them will ever forget! [Goodreads Summary]
Why I want to read this: A Christmas wedding sounds so perfect, doesn't it? But will this wedding come off or called off? I am looking forward to this holiday-themed romance by Sarah Morgan.
Release Date: September 24, 2019 by Kensington
Addie Greyborne is preparing for the holidays at her bookstore in seaside New England--but a winter storm is coming, in more ways than one . . .
Addie's getting into the spirit for the upcoming Charity Auction—especially since she's got an 1843 copy of Charles Dickens's A Christmas Carol to donate. Her former colleagues at the Boston Public Library have confirmed that its worth runs toward the high five figures, which should help with the new pediatric wing. Her mood darkens, though, when a visitor from the past appears—Jonathan Hemingway, the father of her late fiancé. His presence stirs up sad memories for Addie, but also has her fuming when Jonathan, true to his womanizing ways, runs off for a lunchtime liaison with Teresa Lang, who's in charge of the auction.
Soon after, Addie heads to Teresa's office at the hospital—and finds the poor woman's dead body. What she doesn't find is her valuable first edition. What sort of Scrooge would steal from sick children and commit murder in the process? As a Nor'easter bears down and a mystery emerges about Jonathan's past, Addie must find out if she can appraise people's motives and characters as well as she can appraise rare books . . . [Goodreads Summary]
Why I want to read this: I have been wanting to try this series for some time and this sounds like the perfect cozy mystery for this upcoming holiday season.
Notice a theme with all these titles? Do any of them sound like something you would like to read?
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Great Picks. I will be looking into the Nutcracker and the mouse king and Tale of the Nutcracker. It will be a perfect read for my classics group.
ReplyDeleteReading Rebel - Thank you! I hope you enjoy The Nutcracker if you do read it. I am looking forward to reading it with my daughter.
DeleteVery nice, Wendy! That being said, I don't think I'm ready to read holiday stories as yet. I am going to be diving into spooky fall reading. Hope Miss Mouse has a good time with her Nutcracker experience this year.
ReplyDeleteKay - It is a little early for holiday reads, I agree, but they all seem to be coming out soon-ish. They are hard to avoid. :-) Mouse is eager to be in Nutcracker again this year. And it looks like her dad may be dancing in it too . . . We'll see though. :-)
DeleteThe cozies look great. I can't believe all the Christmas books that are out already. I'm already working on creating my December TBR.
ReplyDeleteBarb - Don't they? I am looking forward to curling up with them this fall/winter.
DeleteI do like the snowy covers, but don't typically read Christmas cozies. Right now, though, I would like anything with snow or frost or winter on the cover or in the title. :) It is unseasonably hot even for Louisiana especially for Sept.
ReplyDeleteJenclair - Anything to give us the illusion of being cold to help with this heat!
DeleteChristmas books tend to be a little sweet but I do enjoy them during the holidays. I think they all look good.
ReplyDeleteKathy - Thank you! Sweet is what I need more and more of these days . . .
DeleteThey all sound sp good! I am a sucker for Christmas book too. Great picks!
ReplyDeleteJenea - I do love a good Christmas story. :-) Thank you!
DeleteI think I once read a version of the Nutcracker, but I'm not sure which one- and it was in a children's picture book so must have been a revised or shortened version? I've seen productions of the ballet a few times.
ReplyDeleteJeane - There are a few out there, I know. I am really curious about the original. I've seen some of the illustrated versions around. There are children's ones out there, but also some fairly decent ones for the original story. I hear the ballet is very different from the actual story.
DeleteI love a nice little Christmas mystery or cozy. :)
ReplyDeleteGreg - Me too!
DeleteI love a great Christmas read! These all sound fantastic and I hope that you love them. I am feeling the itch to get my holiday TBR sorted out now!! :)
ReplyDeleteCandid Cover - Oh, me too! These all sound like they will be fun. Thank you!
DeleteOooh! I haven't read the Nutcracker for years! I need to read that book again! Great picks!
ReplyDeleteHere’s my WoW!
Ronyell @ Rabbit Ears Book Blog
Ronyell - Thank you!
DeleteChristmas reads! And for once, it's not too early bc these look like such fun!
ReplyDeleteVerushka - Haha! I am not quite ready to accept that Christmas is so close, but I am ready to dive into a Christmas book or two. But first, some creepy ones!
DeleteThose cozies sound so good! The first book in the Teddy Bear series has been on my TBR for too long. I've gotta get to it one of these days.
ReplyDeleteAshley - Thank you! I am looking forward to reading them. I haven't tried the first book in the Teddy Bear series yet, but I definitely want to give it a try.
DeleteHope you enjoy those cozy mysteries, I have found in the last few years there are a couple authors I really like, and the fun little mysteries are a great way for me to recharge after my usually heavier fare of non-fiction.
ReplyDeleteSarah - Thank you! I like to mix up my reading, often reading lighter reads in between the heavier ones.
DeleteI think it would be really neat to read the Nutcracker stories with your daughter. I am not sure how I feel about all of these holiday books popping up already, although they all look good to me. I hope you enjoy all of these, Wendy!
ReplyDeleteCarole - It does seem a bit too early, but the holidays really are just around the corner. I don't know if I'm ready!
DeleteSarah Morgan's book sounds so good. I really enjoyed her Christmas themed book from last year, so I'll definitely want to try this one out too.
ReplyDeleteSuzanne - I think so too! I like her writing. I hope you like it if you try it.
DeleteI can't believe that those Christmas-themed books are on shelves already! I'm still not ready for December yet, though I think it's fun to KIV a few and read them nearing the holidays. :)
ReplyDeleteMelody - I think so too!
DeleteHave Yourself a Beary Little Murder does look absolutely adorable!
ReplyDeleteLouise - Doesn't it? I look forward to reading it.
DeleteI haven't read any of these authors or their books, but some of these covers are DREAMY! Plus, when it's a good story, I'm always up for a good Christmas-y story. Hope you enjoy ALL of these! :)
ReplyDeleteRissi - They are dreamy, aren't they? I love these covers too. I am looking forward to reading these.
DeleteI read A Wedding In December and really enjoyed. it! I like Sarah Morgan's books. Coming Home for Christmas sounds good too! Thanks for sharing some holiday reads. I love reading holiday themed books during the holidays while sipping my coffee or tea.
ReplyDeleteLindy@ A Bookish Escape
Lindy - I am glad you enjoyed A Wedding in December! I am really looking forward to reading it. I really enjoy holiday themed books too. Thank you for visiting!
DeleteI do love cozy mysteries with a bookstore setting so my first pick would be Elliott book. Granted the "Beary" Christmas book's cover is so cute!
ReplyDeleteIliana - I can't resist a bookstore setting either. :-) Thanks for stopping by!
DeleteSome lovely Christmas reading here. Great picks!
ReplyDelete