First Chapter ~ First Paragraph

It's Tuesday . . . time for . . .

                                                      

First Chapter ~ First Paragraph Tuesday Intros, hosted by Diane at Bibliophile by the Sea, where bloggers post the first paragraph(s) of a book they are currently reading or planning to read sometime soon.  

Today I'm featuring an upcoming read, The Marriage Lie by Kimberly Belle, borrowed from the library.

 

 

 

1

 

I awaken when a hand winds around my waist, pulling me head to heel against skin heated from sleep.  I sigh and settle into my husband's familiar form, fitting my backside into his front, soaking in his warmth.  Will is a furnace when he sleeps, and I've always got some place on me that's cold.  This morning it's my feet, and I wedge them between two warm calves.

 

 

 

What do you think?  Would you continue reading?

Admittedly, there's not much to go on in this first paragraph, but the plot premise promises shocking secrets within the marriage.  Since I am always drawn to stories of this nature, I'm eager to give this novel a try.  Cover blurbs by Mary Kubica (The Good Girl and Pretty Baby), Susan Crawford (The Pocket Wife). and A.J. Banner (The Good Neighbor and The Twilight Wife) sealed the deal for me.

This First Chapter ~ First Paragraph post was originally written and published by Catherine for bookclublibrarian.com.  It cannot be republished without attribution.  Retweeting and sharing on Google+ are appreciated.

First Chapter ~ First Paragraph

It's Tuesday . . . time for . . .

                                                      

First Chapter ~ First Paragraph Tuesday Intros, hosted by Diane at Bibliophile by the Sea, where bloggers post the first paragraph(s) of a book they are currently reading or planning to read sometime soon.  

Today I'm featuring an upcoming read, The Daylight Marriage by Heidi Pitlor, borrowed from the library.

 

 

 

Chapter 1

 

Later, in weaker moments, Lovell Hall reminded himself of the logical fallacy that young scientists so often committed: Post hoc, ergo propter hoc.  After this, therefore because of this.   Of course, without certain information--and in the face of other unfortunate realities--the timing of that evening with his wife was impossible to ignore.

 

 

What do you think?  Would you continue reading?

I am intrigued by the title, and when I saw this novel on the library shelf, I decided to add it to my upcoming reading.  There are quotes from Geraldine Brooks and Tom Perrotta on the back cover, so I'm anticipating a good story.  The opening paragraph is enough of a teaser to want to find out more about the Hall relationship.

This First Chapter ~ First Paragraph post was originally written and published by Catherine for bookclublibrarian.com.  It cannot be republished without attribution.  Retweeting and sharing on Google+ are appreciated.

 

First Chapter ~ First Paragraph

It's Tuesday . . . time for . . .

                                                      

First Chapter ~ First Paragraph Tuesday Intros, hosted by Diane at Bibliophile by the Sea, where bloggers post the first paragraph(s) of a book they are currently reading or planning to read sometime soon.  

Today I'm featuring my current read, The Assistants by Camille Perri, borrowed from the library.

 

prologue

You've probably heard of my former boss.  And even if you haven't heard of him, he has influenced you.  I promise.  Ever watch the all-day news or seen a big blockbuster summer movie?  Him.  Do you read the newspaper?  What about one of those glossy magazines with magenta cover lines like Dirty Talk Hot Enough to Make His Boxers Combust?  Him.  Odds are, if you exist in the modern world, Robert owns all or a portion of the media you consume.  He hovers around number thirty-five on the Forbes billionaire list.  I was his assistant.

* * * * * * * * * * *

1

Here's how the whole mess started: Robert had to be in LA for a big meeting with his West Coast Titan Corporation execs and his Boeing's engine had the gall to malfunction.

What do you think?  Would you continue reading?

I'm reading this novel for an upcoming book club meeting.  After a few heavy reads in 2016, the group decided to start 2017 with a highly recommended and entertaining debut.  And having worked in the corporate world many years ago, I can relate to the narrator's plight, and am living vicariously through her experience as the pages fly by.  

This First Chapter ~ First Paragraph post was originally written and published by Catherine for bookclublibrarian.com.  It cannot be republished without attribution.  Retweeting and sharing on Google+ are appreciated.

Friday Focus: The Friday 56 & Book Beginnings

It's Friday . . . time to share book excerpts with:

• Book Beginnings on Fridays hosted by Rose City Reader, where bloggers share the first sentence or more of a current read, as well as initial thoughts about the sentence(s), impressions of the book, or anything else that the opening inspires.  
• The Friday 56 hosted by Freda's Voice, where you grab a book and turn to page 56 (or 56% of an ebook), find one or more interesting sentences (no spoilers), and post them.

Today I'm featuring Naked in Death by J.D. Robb.  The excerpts shared are from a paperback edition I borrowed from the library.

 

 

 

Beginning:  Chapter One

She woke in the dark.  Through the slats on the window shades, the first murky hint of dawn slipped, slanting shadowy bars over the bed.  It was like waking in a cell.

For a moment she simply lay there, shuddering, imprisoned, while the dream faded.  After ten years on the force, Eve still had dreams.

********************

Page 56:  "I've heard of them.  Still hear about them.  You think Rockman's involved with a fanatic splinter group like that?'"

********************

 

My thoughts:  This is the first book in prolific bestselling author Nora Roberts's (writing as J.D. Robb) futuristic suspense In Death series featuring lady cop Eve Dallas.  It's been on my to-read list forever, but a recent conversation with a good reading buddy who has read all of them made me decide to finally dig in.  Some--including me--may question my sanity at starting a series of 44 books (and a 45th is scheduled to be published in September 2017), but it feels right, and the opening drew me in immediately.

 

 

 ********************

From Goodreads:    In a world of danger and deception, she walks the line--between seductive passion and scandalous murder... Eve Dallas is a New York police lieutenant hunting for a ruthless killer. In over ten years on the force, she's seen it all--and knows her survival depends on her instincts. And she's going against every warning telling her not to get involved with Roarke, an Irish billionaire--and a suspect in Eve's murder investigation. But passion and seduction have rules of their own, and it's up to Eve to take a chance in the arms of a man she knows nothing about--except the addictive hunger of needing his touch.

 

 

 

This Friday Focus post was originally written and published by Catherine for bookclublibrarian.com.  It cannot be republished without attribution.  Retweeting and sharing on Google+ are appreciated.

 

 

 

Thursday Thoughts: Lillian Boxfish Takes a Walk

Today I'm sharing my thoughts about a recent read, Lillian Boxfish Takes a Walk.

 

On December 31, 1984 Lillian Boxfish decided to take a lengthy walk around Manhattan--her beloved adopted city of the past fifty years--on her way to a party hosted by an artist acquaintance.  New Year's Eve is a contemplative time for many--a chance to look back on the year that is drawing to a close.  For this octogenarian, it was also an opportunity to revisit many of her old haunts on foot and reflect on the relationships, choices, and experiences that brought her to the present moment.

Lillian had arrived in 1930's New York City as a young woman with a fierce sense of independence and a strong determination to make it there on her own in a man's world.  Her talents led to a successful career as an ad copywriter for R.H. Macy's and recognition as a published author and poet.   As the story unfolds by way of her memories, readers witness the setbacks and accomplishments of a life lived fearlessly and honestly, and come to appreciate Lillian as a trailblazer ahead of her time.  

In this engaging novel, Rooney crafts a realistic view of evolving urban life; and as a native New Yorker, seeing the city through the eyes of the graceful, adventurous, humorous, and intelligent Lillian was a special treat for me.  The decades came alive as Lillian shared the joys and challenges of her life.  Moreover, the supporting cast of friends, business associates, and family members--as well as her encounters with strangers from various social strata along her walk--showcased Lillian's openness, spunk, and compassion for others.

Lillian thoroughly fascinated me from the very first page, and as the story progressed, I relished her authenticity and cheered her on in each ensuing chapter. She's an appealing and unforgettable protagonist--the beloved aunt, friend, and/or mentor for every woman trying to find her way in the world.  As I turned the final page, I was pleased to learn that Lillian and her indomitable spirit would forge strongly ahead into 1985.  Furthermore, it was a delightful surprise to read in the author's notes that Lillian's character was partly inspired by a real-life 1930's poet and R.H. Macy's advertising copywriter by the name of Margaret Fishback.  It's heartening to know that female pioneers of yesteryear are still relevant and able to influence and inform us in so many ways. 

I wholeheartedly recommend Lillian Boxfish Takes a Walk to book club members and individual readers alike.  There is much to contemplate and enjoy in this finely written novel by Kathleen Rooney.

Note:  My review is based on reading a library copy of the novel.  No compensation was received in exchange for this blog post.

This Thursday Thoughts post was originally written and published by Catherine for bookclublibrarian.com.  It cannot be republished without attribution.  Retweeting and sharing on Google+ are appreciated.

First Chapter ~ First Paragraph

It's Tuesday . . . time for . . .

                                                      

First Chapter ~ First Paragraph Tuesday Intros, hosted by Diane at Bibliophile by the Sea, is where bloggers post the first paragraph(s) of a book they are currently reading or planning to read sometime soon.  

Today I'm featuring my current read, Paris for One & Other Stories by Jojo Moyes, borrowed from the library.

  

Paris for One

Chapter One

Nell shifts her bag along the plastic seating in the station and checks the clock on the wall for the eighty-ninth time.  Her gaze flicks back as the door from Security slides open.  Another family--clearly Disney bound--walks through into the departure lounge, with baby stroller, screaming children, and parents who have been awake way too long.

For the last half hour, her heart has been thumping, a sick feeling high in her chest.

What do you think?  Would you continue reading?

I've read and enjoyed several of Moyes's novels, so was intrigued to see a collection of her short stories while browsing the shelves at one of my library's branches.  The book contains nine stories, and I'm nearly finished with the title story, which has an interesting plot, good character development, and a wonderful setting.  It has me reminiscing about my last trip to Paris in 2014.  In fact, I've been viewing the pictures on my iPad from that visit and am longing to return to the City of Lights.

This First Chapter ~ First Paragraph post was originally written and published by Catherine for bookclublibrarian.com.  It cannot be republished without attribution.  Retweeting and sharing on Google+ are appreciated.