Happy Friday! I am very ready for this coming weekend. It has been a long and busy week at work, and I am looking forward to some quality reading time! I am reading two books right now, one of them being my September TBR List poll winner (thanks to all who voted!), Haunted Ever After by Jen DeLuca. I was smitten with this book the moment I started reading it. I cannot wait to get back to it.
A weekly meme where readers share the first sentence of the book they are reading and say what they think. Hosted by the amazing Gillion Dumas of Rose City Reader.
That meeting could've been an e-mail. [opening of Haunted Ever After]
I have lost count of the number of times I have had that same thought.
A weekly meme in which readers share a random sentence or two from page 56 or 56% of the book they are reading. Our wonderful host Freda of Freda's Voice is on a break, and Anne of My Head is Full of Books has stepped in to host!
"I'll ask him about Sarah under one condition."
The enthusiasm drained from Cassie's eyes, replaced by suspicion. Oh, no. That wasn't the look he wanted to put on her face. "What's the condition?"
His heart pounded as he took the leap. "Have dinner with me. Let me prove to you that I'm not that guy." Nick held his breath. This was his chance. If she said no, he wasn't going to ask again. He wasn't that guy, either. If a girl said no, she said no. [excerpt from 56% of Haunted Ever After]
This is a jump ahead for me in the novel because I'm not quite there yet. I cannot help but wonder what Nick did to make Cassie think he was that guy (and just what kind of guy that is).
It's love at first haunting in a seaside town that raises everyone’s spirits from USA Today bestselling author Jen DeLuca.
Small Florida coastal towns often find themselves scrambling for the tourism dollars that the Orlando theme parks leave behind. And within the town limits of Boneyard Key, the residents decided long ago to lean into its ghostliness. Nick Royer, owner of the Hallowed Grounds coffee shop, embraces the ghost tourism that keeps the local economy afloat, as well as his spectral roommate. At least he doesn’t have to run air-conditioning.
Cassie Rutherford possibly overreacted to all her friends getting married and having kids by leaving Orlando and buying a flipped historic cottage in Boneyard Key. Though there’s something unusual with her new home (her laptop won’t charge in any outlets, and the poetry magnets on her fridge definitely didn’t read “WRONG” and “MY HOUSE” when she put them up), she’s charmed by the colorful history surrounding her. And she's catching a certain vibe from the grumpy coffee shop owner whenever he slips her a free slice of banana bread along with her coffee order.
As Nick takes her on a ghost tour, sharing town gossip that tourists don't get to hear, and they spend nights side-by-side looking into the former owners of her haunted cottage, their connection solidifies into something very real and enticing. But Cassie's worried she’s in too deep with this whole (haunted) home ownership thing… and Nick's afraid to get too close in case Cassie gets scared away for good. [Goodreads Summary]
Does this sound like something you would enjoy? If you have read it, what did you think?
In the olden days (six plus years ago), I often took comfort in domestic thrillers, needing that adrenaline rush to grab me and not let go, in order to help keep me distracted as well as those cozier feeling novels. I don't find thrillers quite as comforting as I used to--although I still enjoy a good one from time to time. That isn't to say I do not enjoy (and love) reading other types of books either. Sometimes the book that rips my heart out and stomps on it over and over can be cathartic. Or the beauty of the writing and story in a literary fiction novel fills me with a sense of awe that lingers on awhile. There's room in my reading life to fit just about any mood I am in.
Tell Me Something Tuesday is a weekly discussion post where bloggers discuss a wide range of topics from books and blogging to life in general. It is hosted by Linda Book Girl of Mur-y-Castell and Jen from That’s What I’m Talking About. Join in by answering this week's question in the comments or on your own blog.
I may not be able to name just one book, but over the past five or so years, I find myself craving comfort reading more often than not. Books with a cozy vibe or happy ending are my ideal comfort reads these days, whether mystery, historical, fantasy, or science fiction. Middle grade novels and manga are good for that too. I would even expand that to include just about most fantasy novel really, especially urban fantasy.Do you have a go-to comfort book/read?
Comfort reads are the books I turn to when I am feeling extra stressed out or cannot quiet my mind. They ease me out of a reading slump--or even prevent me from falling into one. They keep me entertained, provide me a brief moment of respite from the real world, and leave me with that warm fuzzy feeling inside.
What is a comfort read for you?
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.September is a busy month for literary events and book awards. Are there any award-winning books or authors you're eager to read, or any forthcoming book events you intend to go to or cover on your blog? (submitted by Billy @ Coffee Addicted Writer)
One of my favorite book events, the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books, is in April. Although it's been awhile since I have been able to attend a discussion panel, I really enjoy hearing what authors have to say about their books and writing process. In more recent years, when I have been able to go, my family and I mostly visit the booths, attend book signings, enjoy the entertainment, and buy books. There's something special about being surrounded by other book lovers, in a place that celebrates books. I did not make it to the festival this year, unfortunately, but hopefully this coming year I will. As for literary or book events this time of year, I think there is a Children's Book Festival this weekend in the neighboring county, but we have no plans to go.
I see mention of book awards on blogs and other social media platforms throughout the year, but I do not really follow any myself. And while I have read plenty of award nominated books and winners over the years, I do not choose books to read based on the fact that they are nominated or win. If it weren't for Susan of The Cue Card, I wouldn't have known one of my current reads, James by Percival Everett, is a Booker Prize nominee!
Are there any upcoming literary events or book awards you are looking forward to?
I hope you all have a wonderful weekend! Be sure and tell me what you are reading!
© 2024 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.
I don't pay attention too much to award winning books either. I have to be reminded of when a book I read won an award! Lol. I know some of them might have won something or other, but I can't even keep all the literary award names straight! As for events I do have a nice handful coming up in October that I am excited about! I haven't been to a large festival style one in ages. They don't hold many in the Midwest. Or if they do, publishers don't send the authors there! Or the authors that I read. I usually pay a fortune to go to them. Flights are crazy expensive so I likely won't be going to YALLFest this year. I wanted to after I saw the line up but a flight is like over $400 roundtrip and then I have to add in hotel and other transportation fees, meals...it's super pricey for a free event! Lol.
ReplyDeleteHere's my BBH
Have a GREAT day!
Old Follower :)
Jessica - Me too! LOL I honestly can't keep the award names straight either--or remember what the criteria is for most of them. It sounds like you have a few events to look forward to coming up! I know what you mean about the expense of traveling to some of these events. I would love to attend a a couple of big ones but travel and hotel, not to mention time off work. It's just too much, especially when I have limited time off per year and I'd rather spend it with my family, doing something we'd all enjoy. Someday maybe. Thank you for visiting!
DeleteI love my comfort reads and sometimes they are so needed
ReplyDeleteBlodeuedd - Yes, comfort reads are a necessity sometimes! Thank you for stopping by!
DeleteOh, I want to read this so bad, Wendy. It's on my TBR list for sure!
ReplyDeleteJody - I am loving it so far! I hope you get a chance to read it. Thank you for visiting!
DeleteI’m glad Nick’s not that guy. Too many men are.
ReplyDeleteI’m with you on the cozy mystery for comfort reading.
Olivia - I am glad he's not that guy too! It's hard to resist a cozy mystery when I need something comforting to read. :-) Thank you for stopping by!
DeleteComfort reads for me are often books I've read in the past and enjoyed - mysteries and thrillers top that list as might be expected. I saw the book you featured above at the library the other day. Maybe I should put it on hold and see how it works for me - ha! Have a nice weekend, Wendy!
ReplyDeleteKay - I am not much of a re-reader personally, but comfort reads seems to equal rereads for many readers. I am enjoying Haunted Ever After quite a bit so far. Thank you for visiting!
DeleteI am waiting for the National Book Award Longlist, which comes out October 1st. I do try to read at least some of the nominated books, if I can.
ReplyDeleteAnne - I hope the National Book Award nominations will all be ones you enjoy! I'm terrible about keeping awards straight. Other than the Edgars and Hugos and couple of the children's awards (Newbery and Cybils), they all kind of blend together for me these days. Thank you for stopping by!
DeleteI thought Haunted Ever After was cute. I liked it. :D
ReplyDeleteLark - I am enjoying it so far! I wish I could visit a town like Boneyard Key. Thank you for visiting!
DeleteMy bookmarks are in too many different books, and I have to concentrate on finishing them all.
ReplyDeleteHarvee - I only have the two going right now. I considered starting a third (nonfiction book this time), but decided against it since I'm kind of on a deadline for reading one of them for a book club. Thank you for stopping by!
DeleteHaunted Ever After sounds so delightful, I love small town romances! I recently read a middle grade haunted house story set in Florida so this is fun because it feels a bit like that but aged up hahah
ReplyDeleteVeros - Haunted Ever After is a delight! I recommend it--although I am not quite done with it yet. I love books set in haunted houses (and I like middle grade novels, so the one you read might be one I like). Thank you for visiting!
DeleteI'll add it to my tbr then good to know! The middle grade one I'm referring to is called The Curse of the Dead Man's Diamond and the haunting in that is rather cuter than scary lol. Thanks!
DeleteMy comfort reads are contemporary romance or mysteries. Quite opposites, but I generally know how things will turn out and that offers comfort.
ReplyDeleteHelen - I don't think that's so strange. They both tend to have happy endings--or at least mostly (depending on the mystery). :-) Thank you for stopping by!
DeleteThere's a certain author I read when I want a comfort read.
ReplyDeleteMary - I forgot to mention reading a book from a favorite series as a comfort read too, which goes along with you turning to a favorite author for a comfort read. I suppose that that's often a given considering the types of books I turn to for comfort. I do have favorite comfort authors. Thank you for visiting!
DeleteHaunted Ever After sounds wonderful. I have to check that one out. For me, comfort reads are usually cozy mysteries, I do like some romance and romantic suspense too.
ReplyDeleteYvonne - I hope you like it if you do read it! It definitely falls in my comfort reading zone. :-) Thank you for stopping by!
DeleteMalice Domestic, which is local to me, is also in April. I went this year and plan to go again next year. Your cat is such a beauty. And yes, that opening line is something so many of us can relate to. I like the sound and look of Haunted Ever After. I added it to my TBR. Have a great week! :)
ReplyDeleteMeezan - I hope you do make it to Malice Domestic again this next year. It sounds like a lot of fun. Nina thanks you for the compliment. :-) I hope you enjoy Haunted Ever After if you do read it. Have a great week too! And thank you for visiting!
DeleteRom Coms are my comfort reads and at this time of the year holiday-set romance. Haunted Ever After sounds great! I hope you have a wonderful week.
ReplyDeleteJodie - Holiday themed romances definitely would fit my idea of a comfort read. I really enjoy them too. :-) Thank you for stopping by and I hope you have a great week too!
DeleteI've been wanting to read Haunted Ever After. I'm glad to hear you're enjoying it so far. Hope you have a wonderful week! :)
ReplyDeleteAshley - I finished it the other day and really enjoyed it. I hope you get a chance to read it! Thank you for visiting!
DeleteI'm slowly reading through the Newbury books but that it for book awards.
ReplyDeleteSnapdragon - I hope you are enjoying what you've been reading!
DeleteI know what he did in Haunted Ever After and it's fun! I hope you're enjoying the book. If was a nice bit of escape for me (and I must admit I went out and got a Publix sub right after I finished the book). My comfort reads tend to be Agatha Christie.
ReplyDeleteKatherine - I had a feeling about that twist. :-) I really enjoyed the book. I've never had a Publix sub--they don't have them in California unfortunately. I love that you went out and got one after finishing the book! Agatha Christie books make good comfort reads. Thank you for visiting!
DeleteHey thanks for the shoutout. & James might win the Booker! I hope you're liking it -- it gets a bit intense along the way -- but we both survived Kindred recently so we can handle it. Our nearest city has a book festival coming up in mid-October so I will check out a few author talks there.
ReplyDeleteSusan - That would be great if James did win! I am liking it very much so far. It's bringing back so many memories of reading Huck Finn. I remember more than I thought I would of the original. I hope you enjoy the book festival next month! Thank you for stopping by and have a great weekend.
Delete