Last Days of Summer

My sweet spot: the Jersey shore

With summer quickly drawing to a close, I've decided to take some time away from the blogosphere and savor the end of the season.  

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I'll be back to blogging after Labor Day.  

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In the meantime, I hope you get the time to enjoy all the things that make summer special for you. 

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And, of course, happy reading!!!

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 an upcoming read,  A Rising Man by Abir Mukherjee.  The excerpts shared are from the hardcover version I borrowed from the library.

Beginning:  Wednesday, 9 April 1919

At least he was well dressed.  Black tie, tux, the works.  If you're going to get yourself killed, you may as well look your best.

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Page 56:  "I turned over, buried my hands under the pillow and contemplated, not for the first time, just what I was dong here."

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My thoughts:  I'm intrigued by the opening lines and the time period.  I want to know more about the narrator and the setting.  It's also appealing to me because it's the first book in a historical crime series.

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From Goodreads:  Captain Sam Wyndham, former Scotland Yard detective, is a new arrival to Calcutta. Desperately seeking a fresh start after his experiences during the Great War, Wyndham has been recruited to head up a new post in the police force. But with barely a moment to acclimatise to his new life or to deal with the ghosts which still haunt him, Wyndham is caught up in a murder investigation that will take him into the dark underbelly of the British Raj.

A senior British official has been murdered, and a note left in his mouth warns the British to quit India: or else. With rising political dissent and the stability of the Raj under threat, Wyndham and his two new colleagues–arrogant Inspector Digby, who can barely conceal his contempt for the natives and British-educated, but Indian-born Sargeant Banerjee, one of the few Indians to be recruited into the new CID–embark on an investigation that will take them from the luxurious parlours of wealthy British traders to the seedy opium dens of the city.

The start of an atmospheric and enticing new historical crime series.

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This Friday Focus: The Friday 56 & Book Beginnings on Fridays post was originally composed and/or compiled and published by Catherine for the blog, bookclublibrarian.com.  It cannot be republished without attribution. Sharing this original post on Twitter, Google+ and/or other blogs with appropriate recognition is appreciated.

Thursday Thoughts ~ Books from the Backlog

Happy Thursday . . .  aka, Happy Almost Friday!!

It's time for Books from the Backlog, hosted by Carole's Random Life in Books.  It's a fun way to feature some of those neglected books sitting on your bookshelf unread.  If you are anything like me, you might be surprised by some of the unread books hiding in your stacks . . . or on your eReader.

 

This week's neglected book is . . . 

Release Date:  May 9, 2017

Publisher:   Viking/Pamela Dorman Books

From Goodreads:   No one’s ever told Eleanor that life should be better than fine. 

Meet Eleanor Oliphant: She struggles with appropriate social skills and tends to say exactly what she’s thinking. Nothing is missing in her carefully timetabled life of avoiding social interactions, where weekends are punctuated by frozen pizza, vodka, and phone chats with Mummy. 

But everything changes when Eleanor meets Raymond, the bumbling and deeply unhygienic IT guy from her office. When she and Raymond together save Sammy, an elderly gentleman who has fallen on the sidewalk, the three become the kinds of friends who rescue one another from the lives of isolation they have each been living. And it is Raymond’s big heart that will ultimately help Eleanor find the way to repair her own profoundly damaged one.

Soon to be a major motion picture produced by Reese Witherspoon, Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine is the smart, warm, and uplifting story of an out-of-the-ordinary heroine whose deadpan weirdness and unconscious wit make for an irresistible journey as she realizes. . . 

The only way to survive is to open your heart.

Why I selected it:  Several friends have read and enjoyed this novel, and I hope to read it before the movie version is released.

This Thursday Thoughts ~ Books from the Backlog post was originally composed and/or compiled and published by Catherine for the blog, bookclublibrarian.com.  It cannot be republished without attribution. Sharing this original post on Twitter, Google+ and/or other blogs with appropriate recognition is appreciated. 

Can't Wait Wednesday

  

Can't-Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Tessa at Wishful Endings which spotlights and discusses forthcoming books that bloggers are looking forward to reading. Generally it's about books that haven't been released yet. This meme is based on Waiting on Wednesday, formerly hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine.

There are so many exciting new books on the horizon, so without further ado, this week's Can't Wait For book is . . . 

Release Date:  Atria Books

Publisher:  October 9, 2018

From Goodreads:  From the bestselling author of The House at Riverton and The Secret Keeper, Kate Morton brings us her dazzling sixth novel, The Clockmaker's Daughter.

My real name, no one remembers.
The truth about that summer, no one else knows.

In the summer of 1862, a group of young artists led by the passionate and talented Edward Radcliffe descends upon Birchwood Manor on the banks of the Upper Thames. Their plan: to spend a secluded summer month in a haze of inspiration and creativity. But by the time their stay is over, one woman has been shot dead while another has disappeared; a priceless heirloom is missing, and Edward Radcliffe’s life is in ruins.

Over one hundred and fifty years later, Elodie Winslow, a young archivist in London, uncovers a leather satchel containing two seemingly unrelated items: a sepia photograph of an arresting-looking woman in Victorian clothing, and an artist’s sketchbook containing a drawing of a twin-gabled house on the bend of a river.

Why does Birchwood Manor feel so familiar to Elodie? And who is the beautiful woman in the photograph? Will she ever give up her secrets?

Told by multiple voices across time, The Clockmaker’s Daughter is a story of murder, mystery, and thievery, of art, love, and loss. And flowing through its pages like a river is the voice of a woman who stands outside time, whose name has been forgotten by history, but who has watched it all unfold: Birdie Bell, the clockmaker’s daughter.

My thoughts:  I've read several of Morton's previous novels, and as far as I'm concerned, she's one of the best historical fiction writers of our time.  What makes her novels stand out is her ability to weave an historical tale with a contemporary one. Morton's character development, settings, and attention to detail make for rich, creative, and captivating stories.  

This Can't Wait Wednesday post was originally composed and/or compiled and published by Catherine for the blog, bookclublibrarian.com.  It cannot be republished without attribution. Sharing this original post on Twitter, Google+ and/or other blogs with appropriate recognition is appreciated.

First Chapter ~ First Paragraph

It's Tuesday . . . time for . . . 

                                                      

 

First Chapter ~ First Paragraph Tuesday Intros, now hosted by Vicki at I'd Rather Be At The Beach, 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, Mr. Flood's Last Resort by Jess Kidd.  The excerpt shared is from the hardcover copy I borrowed from the library. 

  

Chapter 1

He has a curious way of moving through his rubbish.  He leans into it, skimming down the corridors like a fearless biker on a hairpin bend.  He gallops and vaults through the valleys and hills, canters and bobs through the outcrops and gorges of his improbable hoardings.  Now and then he stops to climb over an obstacle, folding his long legs like picnic chairs.  And all the while his chin juts up and out, and his body hangs beneath it, as if his grizzled jaw is wired to an invisible puppeteer.  And all the while the backs of his big gnarly hands brush over the surfaces.  For a tall man and an old man he can shift himself when he wants to.

What do you think?  Would you continue reading?

I am quite taken by the descriptive language of the first paragraph, which makes me want to continue reading on.  I am curious about the character that has been introduced.

This First Chapter ~ First Paragraph post was originally composed and/or compiled and published by Catherine for the blog, bookclublibrarian.com.  It cannot be republished without attribution. Sharing this original post on Twitter, Google+ and/or other blogs with appropriate recognition is appreciated.

Blog Tour, Review, and Giveaway: Midnight Snacks are MURDER by Libby Klein

Today I'm participating in the Midnight Snacks are MURDER Blog Tour.  In this post you will find book and author information along with my review.

About the book . . .

  

Poppy McAllister Mystery Series

Cozy Mystery
2nd in Series
Kensington (July 31, 2018)
Mass Market Paperback: 304 pages
ISBN-13: 978-1496713056
Digital ASIN: B0776HFC8V

Synopsis . . .

When her sleepwalking aunt is accused of committing murder, Poppy McAllister finds out there’s no rest for the weary . . .

Between trying to get her gluten-free baking business off the ground and helping her aunt remodel her old Victorian into the Butterfly House Bed and Breakfast in Cape May, New Jersey, Poppy is ready to call, “Mayday!” And now Aunt Ginny—who’s a handful wide-awake—is sleepwalking on her new sleeping pill prescription and helping herself to neighbors’ snacks and knickknacks.

Even more alarming, a local humanitarian who worked with troubled teens is found murdered, and the police suspect the “Snack Bandit.” Other than a bad case of midnight munchies and some mild knickknack kleptomania, Aunt Ginny is harmless. Someone’s trying to frame her. Poppy will need to work tirelessly to uncover the killer and put the case to rest—before Aunt Ginny has to trade in her B & B for a bunk bed behind bars . . .

Includes Seven Recipes from Poppy’s Kitchen!

My Review . . . This second installment in the Poppy McAllister mystery series continues the madcap adventures of the recently widowed Poppy and her 80-something Aunt Ginny in the seaside town of Cape May, New Jersey.

Poppy has a busy life settling back into the town she couldn't wait to leave as a young adult.  When she's not baking her gluten-free delights, Poppy is juggling the attention of two equally delectable suitors; keeping her spirited aunt out of trouble; managing the renovations on Aunt Ginny's Victorian home; and putting up with her pushy, opinionated mother-in-law, who is determined to remain a part of Poppy's life and a constant thorn in her side.  As if all this weren't enough to test Poppy's sanity, Aunt Ginny begins sleepwalking in the wee hours of the morning, breaking into neighborhood homes, helping herself to midnight snacks, and stealing knickknacks. Based on her nocturnal activities, Aunt Ginny is accused of killing local humanitarian Brody Brandt, who is found bludgeoned to death in his bed, with remains of a snack close by.  Is Aunt Ginny capable of such a heinous crime?  Or is she being framed for the murder by someone with a grudge against the victim? And who would wish harm on the seemingly model citizen who has spent years helping troubled youth in the community?

Poppy is frustrated by the police's pursuit of an open-and-shut case against Aunt Ginny and undertakes her own investigation, much to the consternation of her former high school nemesis, Police Officer Amber Fenton.  Poppy's interviews and research unveil disreputable actions in Brody Brandt's past, which expand the number of possible suspects.  As the plot moves along, the author's use of red herrings and dead ends keep readers delightfully engaged and in the dark until the story's final chapters.

Enhancing the mystery angle are the lively parade of larger-than-life characters that populate the story; the many humorous scenes and predicaments; the snappy dialogue throughout; and the antics of the furry feline Figaro.  This series features all of the things that draw readers to cozies, especially lovable main characters who feel like friends.  This sophomore book solidly highlights Klein's writing skill and talent for entertaining, firmly establishing her as a master of the cozy genre.  While Midnight Snacks are MURDER can be read as a stand-alone, I suggest readers also treat themselves to Class Reunions are MURDER, the first book in the series.  My review of that book can be read here.

I'm happy to say that the third book in the series, Restaurant Weeks are MURDER, will be published in 2019.


Giveaway . . . Enter for a chance to win a copy of Midnight Snacks are MURDER by Libby Klein by clicking on this link.


About the author . . . Libby Klein dabbles in the position of Vice President of a technology company which mostly involves bossing other people around, making spreadsheets, and taking out the trash. She writes culinary cozy mysteries from her Northern Virginia office while trying to keep her cat Figaro off her keyboard.


Connect with the author . . .

Website:   https://libbykleinbooks.com/

Facebook:   https://www.facebook.com/libbykleinbooks/

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/LibbyKleinBooks

Pinterest:  https://www.pinterest.com/libbykleinbooks/

Cozy Mystery Crew:   https://www.facebook.com/groups/1757692634274149/
Goodreads:  https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/16834863.Libby_Klein
Bookbub:   https://www.bookbub.com/profile/libby-klein
Instagram:   https://www.instagram.com/libbykleinbooks/
Amazon:  http://amazon.com/author/libbyklein/

Purchase links . . .  Amazon    B&N    Kobo   Google Play  BookBub

 

Tour Participants . . .

July 31 – StoreyBook Reviews – REVIEW
July 31 – Brooke Blogs – SPOTLIGHT
August 1 – The Pulp and Mystery Shelf – GUEST POST
August 1 – Babs Book Bistro – SPOTLIGHT
August 2 – The Avid Reader – REVIEW
August 2 – The Power of Words – REVIEW
August 3 – A Blue Million Books – CHARACTER INTERVIEW
August 3 – Paranormal and Romantic Suspense Reviews – SPOTLIGHT
August 4 – Lisa Ks Book Reviews – REVIEW – unable to post
August 5 – My Reading Journeys – REVIEW
August 5 – Cozy Up With Kathy – AUTHOR INTERVIEW
August 6 – The Montana Bookaholic – REVIEW  
August 6 – A Holland Reads – SPOTLIGHT
August 7 – Devilishly Delicious Book Reviews – REVIEW
August 7 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – REVIEW
August 8 – Bibliophile Reviews – REVIEW
August 8 – Moonlight Rendezvous – REVIEW, GUEST POST
August 9 – Maureen’s Musings – REVIEW
August 9 – Ruff Drafts – AUTHOR INTERVIEW
August 10 – The Cozy Pages – REVIEW
August 10 – MJB Reviewers – REVIEW
August 11 – Bookworm Cafe – REVIEW
August 11 – Book Club Librarian – REVIEW
August 12 – Rosepoint Publishing – REVIEW
August 12 – Readeropolis – AUTHOR INTERVIEW
August 13 – Melina’s Book Blog – REVIEW, CHARACTER GUEST POST
August 13 – Books a Plenty Book Reviews – REVIEW


Note . . . I received a complimentary copy of Midnight Snacks are MURDER from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

This Blog Tour, Review, and Giveaway post was originally composed and/or compiled and published by Catherine for the blog, bookclublibrarian.com.  It cannot be republished without attribution.  Sharing this original post on Twitter, Google+ and/or other blogs with appropriate recognition is appreciated.

 

 

Short Summer Break

My summer vacation has arrived . . . and I'll be away from the blogosphere for a few days . . .

Image Source: clipartquery.com

Happy reading everyone!  Of course I'll be taking some books along, and hopefully will get a lot of relaxed reading time.

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 an upcoming read,  The Lido by Libby Page.  The excerpts shared are from the hardcover version I borrowed from the library.

 

Beginning:  Chapter 1

Step out of Brixton underground station and it is a carnival of steel drums, the white noise of traffic, and that man on the corner shouting, "God loves you," even to the unlovable.

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Page 56:  "Kate knows this is her opportunity to confide in her sister—the hand reaching out to her.  But there is so much to say that somehow there is nothing to say."

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My thoughts:  I am really looking forward to beginning this debut novel that is getting quite a bit of buzz.  I love the descriptive opening sentence, which perfectly captures the street scene at a busy train station anywhere in the world.

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From Goodreads:  We're never too old to make new friends—or to make a difference.

Rosemary Peterson has lived in Brixton, London, all her life but everything is changing.

The library where she used to work has closed. The family grocery store has become a trendy bar. And now the Lido, an outdoor pool where she's swam daily since its opening, is threatened with closure by a local housing developer. It was at the Lido that Rosemary escaped the devastation of World War II; where she fell in love with her husband, George; where she found community during her marriage and since George’s death.

Twenty-something Kate Matthews has moved to Brixton and feels desperately alone. A once promising writer, she now covers forgettable stories for her local paper. That is, until she’s assigned to write about the Lido’s closing. Soon Kate’s portrait of the pool focuses on a singular woman: Rosemary. And as Rosemary slowly opens up to Kate, both women are nourished and transformed in ways they never thought possible.

In the tradition of Fredrik Backman, The Lido is a charming, feel-good novel that captures the heart and spirit of a community across generations—an irresistible tale of love, loss, aging, and friendship.

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This Friday Focus: The Friday 56 & Book Beginnings on Fridays post was originally composed and/or compiled and published by Catherine for the blog, bookclublibrarian.com.  It cannot be republished without attribution. Sharing this original post on Twitter, Google+ and/or other blogs with appropriate recognition is appreciated.