Can't Wait Wednesday: Saving Paradise/Little Family/The Secrets of Love Story Bridge/The Book of Koli

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!

Saving Paradise (Pono Hawkins #1) by Mike Bond (Mandevilla Press, 2012)

When a beautiful journalist drowns mysteriously off Waikiki, Hawaii, Special Forces veteran Pono Hawkins, now a well-known surfer and international correspondent for surfing magazines, soon gets embroiled in trying to find out why she died. What he quickly learns makes him a target for murder or life in prison as a cabal of powerful corporations, foreign killers and crooked politicians places the blame on him. Haunted by memories of Afghanistan, and determined to protect the Hawaii he loves from dirty politics tied to huge destructive energy developments, Pono turns to Special Forces buddies and his own covert skills to fight his deadly enemies, trying both save himself and find her killers. Alive with the sights, sounds and history of Hawaii, SAVING PARADISE is also a deepy rich portrait of what Pono calls the seamy side of paradise, and an exciting thriller of politics, lies and remorseless murder. [Goodreads Summary]

Why I want to read this: I am sure I selected this one to add to my TBR pile because of the Hawaiian setting. Pono's status as a veteran probably also played a part in that decision. This sounds like the kind of book I would have passed along to my dad if he were still alive--after I finished reading it, that is. 

Have you read Saving Paradise? Does it sound like something you would enjoy reading? 

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.

Little Family by Ishmael Beah

Release Date: April 28, 2020 by Riverhead Books

A powerful novel about young people in a conflict-scarred land, struggling to replace the homes they have lost with the one they have created together.

Hidden away from a harsh outside world, five young people have improvised a home in an abandoned airplane, a relic of their country’s chaos. Elimane, the bookworm, is as street-smart as he is wise. Clever Khoudiemata maneuvers to keep the younger kids—athletic, pragmatic Ndevui; thoughtful Kpindi; and especially their newest member, Namsa—safe and fed. When Elimane makes himself of service to the shadowy William Handkerchief, it seems as if the little family may be able to keep the world at bay and their household intact. But when Khoudi comes under the spell of the “beautiful people”—the fortunate sons and daughters of the powerful—the desire to resume an interrupted coming of age and follow her own destiny proves impossible to resist.

A profound and tender portrayal of the connections we forge to survive the fate we’re dealt, Little Family marks the further blossoming of a unique global voice. 
[Goodreads Summary]

Why I want to read this: When I first came across the book, Little Family, I vaguely recognized the author's name. Ishmael Beah is also the author of A Long Way Gone: Memoirs of a Boy Soldier, which won a lot of praise when it came out. Just from the description of Little Family, I already find myself feeling a connection with its cast of characters, this family by choice, not by blood drawn together by circumstance and need.

The Secrets of Love Story Bridge by Phaedra Patrick

Release Date: April 28, 2020 by Park Row

A single father gets an unexpected second chance at love in the heartwarming new novel from the author of The Curious Charms of Arthur Pepper.

It’s summer in the city and passions are soaring along with the temperature—for everyone but Mitchell Fisher, who hates all things romance. He relishes his job cutting off the padlocks that couples fasten to the famous “love story” bridge. Only his young daughter, Poppy, knows that behind his prickly veneer, Mitchell still grieves the loss of her mother.

Then one hot day, everything changes when Mitchell courageously rescues a woman who falls from the bridge into the river. He’s surprised to feel an unexpected connection to her, but she disappears before he can ask her name. Desperate to find out her identity, Mitchell is shocked to learn she’s been missing for almost a year. He teams up with her spirited sister, Liza, on a quest to find her again. However, she’s left only one clue behind—a message on the padlock she hung on the bridge.

Brimming with Phaedra Patrick’s signature charm and a sparkling cast of characters, The Secrets of Love Story Bridge follows one man’s journey to unlock his heart and discover new beginnings in the unlikeliest places. [Goodreads Summary]

Why I want to read this: I am not sure what it is about this book that makes me think of spring, but it does. Given today's climate, this feel good book sounds like it will be a perfect escape. A bit of mystery and romance makes a great combination.

The Book of Koli (Rampart Trilogy #1) by M.R. Carey

Release Date: April 14, 2020 by Orbit

Beyond the walls of the small village of Mythen Rood lies an unrecognizable world. A world where overgrown forests are filled with choker trees and deadly vines and seeds that will kill you where you stand. And if they don't get you, one of the dangerous shunned men will.

Koli has lived in Mythen Rood his entire life. He knows the first rule of survival is that you don't venture beyond the walls.

What he doesn't know is - what happens when you aren't given a choice?

The first in a gripping new trilogy, The Book of Koli charts the journey of one unforgettable young boy struggling to find his place in a chilling post-apocalyptic world. Perfect for readers of Station Eleven and Annihilation. [Goodreads Summary]

Why I want to read this: I read and enjoyed M.R. Carey's The Girl With All the Gifts, and when I saw the author's new title was up for release in a couple weeks, I was immediately interested. I am curious about Koli, what kind of person he is and just what will happen when he leaves those walls that have kept him safe for so long. 

Do any of these books interest you? What upcoming releases are you looking forward to reading?

---

© 2020, 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.