First Chapter ~ First Paragraph

 It's Tuesday . . . time for . . . 

. . . First Chapter ~ First Paragraph Tuesday Intros . . . now hosted by Yvonne at Socrates' Book Reviews, where bloggers share excerpts from a book they have read, are currently reading, or are planning to read.

 

Today I'm featuring a recent read, The Other Black Girl by Zakiya Dalila Harris. The excerpt shared is from an advance reader copy (eBook format) I received from the publisher at a librarian preview event.

First Chapter:  July 23, 2018

Wagner Books

Midtown, Manhattan

The first sign was the smell of cocoa butter.

When it initially crept around the wall of her cubicle, Nella was too busy filing a stack of pages at her desk, aligning each and every one so that the manuscript was perfectly flush. She was so intent on completing this task--Vera Parini needed everything to be flush, always--that she had the nerve to ignore the smell. Only when it crept up her nostrils and latched onto a deep part of her brain did she stop what she was doing and lift her head in sudden interest.

 

What do you think?  Would you continue reading? 

Here are my thoughts about the book: Nella Rogers is a hard-working editorial assistant who can't seem to secure a promotion despite her dedication and determination. And as the only Black woman on the editorial staff at Wagner Books, she is continually subjected to slights and subtle forms of hostility. When Wagner hires new staff member Hazel-May McCall, Nella dares to hope that her work environment is about to take a progressive step forward . . .

Yet as Nella gets to know Hazel, it's uncertain whether her new co-worker is the ally she had hoped for. As Hazel scores several coveted assignments, she begins to outshine Nella and achieve favored employee status. And when Nella begins to receive threatening notes at work, her career appears to be hopelessly unravelling.

Can Nella successfully navigate the unexpected and dangerous obstacles she faces? Is there a chance that she and Hazel can move forward as friends and colleagues?

The Other Black Girl offers a fictional account of the world of publishing from the unique voice of an insider. Ms. Harris weaves together an account of day-to-day race relations in the workplace with a subplot of strange and mysterious goings-on that give the story a sinister twist. This is a notable debut novel from a talented writer.

 

This First Chapter~First Paragraph post was originally composed and/or compiled by Catherine for the Book Club Librarian blog. © 2021, Book Club Librarian All Rights Reserved. If you're reading this on a site other than Book Club Librarian without attribution, know that this post is being used without permission.

Friday Focus: The Friday 56 and 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 a book from my summer reading list, Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid.

Beginning:  Malibu catches fire.

It is simply what Malibu does from time to time.

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Page 56: June sat right in front as he sang to her. She tried not to cry and laughed as she failed. If this was their beginning, my God, how high could they fly?

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My thoughts:  I like to read at least one family saga during the summer, and I think this one will check that box.

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From GoodReads: Four famous siblings throw an epic party to celebrate the end of the summer. But over the course of twenty-four hours, their lives will change forever. 

Malibu: August, 1983. It’s the day of Nina Riva’s annual end-of-summer party, and anticipation is at a fever pitch. Everyone wants to be around the famous Rivas: Nina, the talented surfer and supermodel; brothers Jay and Hud, one a championship surfer, the other a renowned photographer; and their adored baby sister, Kit. Together, the siblings are a source of fascination in Malibu and the world over—especially as the offspring of the legendary singer, Mick Riva.

The only person not looking forward to the party of the year is Nina herself, who never wanted to be the center of attention, and who has also just been very publicly abandoned by her pro tennis player husband. Oh, and maybe Hud—because it is long past time to confess something to the brother from whom he’s been inseparable since birth.

Jay, on the other hand, is counting the minutes until nightfall, when the girl he can’t stop thinking about promised she’ll be there.

And Kit has a couple secrets of her own—including a guest she invited without consulting anyone.

By midnight the party will be completely out of control. By morning, the Riva mansion will have gone up in flames. But before that first spark in the early hours before dawn, the alcohol will flow, the music will play, and the loves and secrets that shaped this family’s generations will all come bubbling to the surface.

Malibu Rising is a story about one unforgettable night in the life of a family: the night they each have to choose what they will keep from the people who made them... and what they will leave behind.

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This Friday Focus: The Friday 56 & Book Beginnings post was originally composed and/or compiled and published by Catherine for the blog, bookclublibrarian.com.  It cannot be republished without attribution. 

© 2021 Book Club Librarian All Rights Reserved. If you're reading this on a site other than Book Club Librarian without attribution, know that this post has been stolen and was used without permission. 

 

First Chapter ~ First Paragraph

  It's Tuesday . . . time for . . . 

. . . First Chapter ~ First Paragraph Tuesday Intros . . . now hosted by Yvonne at Socrates' Book Reviews, where bloggers share excerpts from a book they have read, are currently reading, or are planning to read.

 

Today I'm featuring a book from my summer reading list, Her Three Lives by Cate Holahan. The excerpt shared is from a trade paperback version borrowed from the library.

First Chapter:  She would make them late. Greg paced between moving boxes, fighting the urge to call Jade a second time and remind her of Friday traffic into the city. He didn't want to nag his new fiancee about the importance of their presence at a cocktail hour, in which she couldn't partake, for an event that neither of them wished to attend. They both knew what awaited them at the building's unveiling, the critical assessments they'd face from his colleagues and, worse, their spouses. Over the years, several of the wives had become friends with his ex. And even those with whom Leah had never ingratiated herself were unlikely to welcome a two-decades-younger replacement.

 

What do you think?  Would you continue reading? 

The opening paragraph gives a few hints about the couple whose life is about to unfold in the story and a sense of imminent trouble in paradise. That's enough to spark my interest and keep me reading.

 

This First Chapter~First Paragraph post was originally composed and/or compiled by Catherine for the Book Club Librarian blog. © 2021, Book Club Librarian All Rights Reserved. If you're reading this on a site other than Book Club Librarian without attribution, know that this post is being used without permissionn 

Friday Focus: The Friday 56 and 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 Maidens by Alex Michaelides. The excerpts shared are from a hardcover version borrowed from the library.

Beginning:  Edward Fosca was a murderer.

This was a fact. This wasn't something Mariana knew just on an intellectual level, as an idea. Her body knew it. She felt it in her bones, along her blood, and deep within every cell.

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Page 56:  "What did Tara say to you? You said—she sounded crazy?"

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My thoughts:  This author's debut novel, The Silent Patient made me an instant fan. I am eager to begin reading his new book, which has also been highly acclaimed.

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From GoodReads: Edward Fosca is a murderer. Of this Mariana is certain. But Fosca is untouchable. A handsome and charismatic Greek Tragedy professor at Cambridge University, Fosca is adored by staff and students alike—particularly by the members of a secret society of female students known as The Maidens.

Mariana Andros is a brilliant but troubled group therapist who becomes fixated on The Maidens when one member, a friend of Mariana’s niece Zoe, is found murdered in Cambridge.

Mariana, who was once herself a student at the university, quickly suspects that behind the idyllic beauty of the spires and turrets, and beneath the ancient traditions, lies something sinister. And she becomes convinced that, despite his alibi, Edward Fosca is guilty of the murder. But why would the professor target one of his students? And why does he keep returning to the rites of Persephone, the maiden, and her journey to the underworld?

When another body is found, Mariana’s obsession with proving Fosca’s guilt spirals out of control, threatening to destroy her credibility as well as her closest relationships. But Mariana is determined to stop this killer, even if it costs her everything—including her own life.

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This Friday Focus: The Friday 56 & Book Beginnings post was originally composed and/or compiled and published by Catherine for the blog, bookclublibrarian.com.  It cannot be republished without attribution. 

© 2021 Book Club Librarian All Rights Reserved. If you're reading this on a site other than Book Club Librarian without attribution, know that this post has been stolen and was used without permission.

 

Great Escapes Blog Tour, Review, and Giveaway: Murder at the Lakeside Library by Holly Danvers

 

Today I’m participating in the Murder at the Lakeside Library Great Escapes Blog Tour. In this post you’ll find information about the book and author along with my review. And be sure to enter the giveaway contest below for a chance to win a signed print copy of the book.

About the book . . .

Murder at the Lakeside Library

A Lakeside Library Mystery

Cozy Mystery
1st in Series
Publisher: Crooked Lane Books (July 13, 2021)
Hardcover: 336 pages
ISBN-10: 1643856324
ISBN-13: 978-1643856322
Digital ASIN: B08L5VF4X5
 

Synopsis . . . In this series debut perfect for fans of Jenn McKinlay and Miranda James, Rain Wilmot must discover the killer, before the book closes on her life.

 

Rain Wilmot has just returned to her family’s waterfront log cabin in Lofty Pines, Wisconsin after the untimely death of her husband. The cabin is peaceful compared to Rain’s corporate job and comes with an informal library that Rain’s mother, Willow, used to run. But as Rain prepares for the re-opening of the library, all hopes for a peaceful life are shattered when she discovers the body of Thornton Hughes, a real estate buyer, on the premises.  

The community of Lofty Pines starts pointing fingers at Willow, since she has been unusually absent from the library this summer. A fishy rumor surfaces when Rain learns that Willow had been spending a lot of time with Thornton. The town even thought they were having and affair. 

While theories swirl about Thornton's death, Rain takes it upon herself to solve the case to exonerate her mother. As more clues surface, Rain will have to piece together the mystery. But if she isn't careful, she may be the next to end up dead in the water in Murder at the Lakeside Library, the first in Holly Danvers' new Lakeside Library mystery series.

My review . . . Rain Wilmot returns to the lakeside community of Lofty Pines in the Wisconsin Northwoods seeking to escape the reality that had been her fast-paced life in Milwaukee. Recently widowed, she is in search of rest and relaxation as she ponders her future. Upon arrival, Rain feels the possibility of renewal, as she recalls happy childhood memories of summers at the lake cabin with her parents and reconnects with her childhood friend Julia. But Rain's peaceful respite is short-lived. Soon after she reluctantly agrees to reopen the family library to the public--a pet project of her mother Willow--the body of Thornton Hughes, a real estate investor and outsider--is found on her family's property. As a result, the town folk are abuzz about the first murder in Lofty Pines in more than twenty years and rumors are rampant. And when Rain's parents Willow and Stuart are eyed as suspects, she takes it upon herself to clear their names. 

Together with her best friend Julia and older neighbor Marge, Rain launches an investigation into Thornton's untimely demise. As she tracks down clues, motives, and persons of interest, Rain uncovers long-buried secrets that hold unexpected consequences for the case and her family.

Murder at the Lakeside Library is an intriguing mystery set in an idyllic locale that armchair travelers are sure to enjoy. Furthermore, anyone with a long-term friendship that started in childhood will appreciate--and likely relate--to the dynamic duo of Rain and Julia, and enjoy the many comic moments they share in their investigative exploits. Well-placed red herrings sustain reader interest in the story, which has an unexpected revelation towards the end.

Author Holly Danvers has created an appealing physical environment and cast of characters that cozy mystery fans will want to revisit time and again. And she has given her protagonist Rain the chance for a fresh start on familiar territory, surrounded by friends, family, and, of course, a library full of fabulous books, thus providing the potential for a successful, long-running series.

About the author . . . 

Holly Danvers grew up devouring every mystery novel on the shelf of her local library. She lives in the Midwest with her husband and 3 chickens, where she’s already plotting her next novel.

Author links . . . 

Website – www.authorhollydanvers.com
GoodReads –https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/20823355.Holly_Danvers
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/HollyDanversBooks/

Purchase links . . .  Amazon – B&N – Kobo – IndieBound 

Giveaway . . . Enter the giveaway contest for a chance to win a signed print copy of Murder at the Lakeside Library by clicking here.

Tour Participants . . .

July 13 – Novels Alive – GUEST POST

July 13 – Book Club Librarian – REVIEW

July 13 – Ruff Drafts – SPOTLIGHT

July 14 – The Avid Reader – REVIEW

July 14 – I Read What You Write – REVIEW

July 15 – Here’s How It Happened – SPOTLIGHT

July 15 – Maureen’s Musings – SPOTLIGHT

July 16 – Books to the Ceiling – REVIEW

July 16 – Moonlight Rendezvous – REVIEW  

July 17 – Celticlady’s Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

July 18 – Books a Plenty Book Reviews – REVIEW

July 19 – Socrates Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

July 19 – Sapphyria’s Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

July 20 – Ascroft, eh? – GUEST POST

July 20 – FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT

July 21 – Novels Alive – REVIEW

July 21 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – REVIEW

July 22 – Reading, Writing & Stitch-Metic – SPOTLIGHT

July 22 – StoreyBook Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

July 23 – Baroness’ Book Trove – REVIEW

July 23 – Christy’s Cozy Corners – REVIEW, RECIPE

July 24 – Brooke Blogs – REVIEW

July 24 – Reading Is My SuperPower – REVIEW

July 25 – Cozy Up With Kathy – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

July 25 – Melina’s Book Blog – REVIEW

July 26 – BookishKelly2020 – SPOTLIGHT  

July 26 – eBook Addicts – REVIEW

Note . . . I received a complimentary copy of Murder at the Lakeside Library from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

 

This Blog Tour post was originally composed and/or compiled and published by Catherine for the Book Club Librarian blog.  It cannot be republished without attribution.

First Chapter ~ First Paragraph

It's Tuesday . . . time for . . . 

. . . First Chapter ~ First Paragraph Tuesday Intros . . . now hosted by Yvonne at Socrates' Book Reviews, where bloggers share excerpts from a book they have read, are currently reading, or are planning to read.

 

Today I'm featuring a recent blog tour read, Murder at the Lakeside Library by Holly Danvers, the first book in the new Lakeside Library mystery series. The excerpt shared is from an advance readers copy I received from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

First Chapter:  The road ahead spanned like an endless ribbon leading to nowhere. Despite the bone-chilling blast from the air conditioner, Rain Wilmot's hands, clammy with perspiration, slid down the steering wheel. She glanced in the rearview mirror to reassess the backseat of her Ford Explorer, stuffed to the brim with all her worldly possessions. At thirty-two years old, her belongings didn't amount to much. It was as if the ten years of full-time work trapped inside a cubicle amounted to absolutely nothing.

 

 What do you think?  Would you continue reading?

Recently widowed Rain Wilmot is sorely in need of a fresh start after a fast-paced life in Milwaukee. She hopes that a return to her family's summer cabin in the Wisconsin Northwoods will provide a much-needed respite. What awaits her, however, is a little more than she bargained for.

 

 

 

 
This First Chapter~First Paragraph post was originally composed and/or compiled by Catherine for the Book Club Librarian blog.  It cannot be republished without attribution.    

 

Friday Focus: The Friday 56 and 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 The Hunting Wives by May Cobb. The excerpts shared are from a hardcover version borrowed from the library.

Beginning:  I keep seeing her face, upturned in the pool. Her long hair darkened by the water, stringy and tangled and noodling around her neck. Her eyes are closed, her body floating. Her lips are parted just slightly, and it looks as if she's resting, tranquil and at peace.

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Page 56:  I felt like I wore new-mommy-hood well. I luxuriated in the whole attachment-parenting phenomenon--wearing Jack in a pumpkin-orange sling across my chest as often as I could, having him sleep tucked between me and Graham.

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My thoughts:  I'm looking forward to starting what sounds like a scandalous, guilty pleasure type of novel--my idea of the perfect summer read!

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From GoodReads:  The Hunting Wives share more than target practice, martinis, and bad behavior in this novel of obsession, seduction, and murder.

Sophie O’Neill left behind an envy-inspiring career and the stressful, competitive life of big-city Chicago to settle down with her husband and young son in a small Texas town. It seems like the perfect life with a beautiful home in an idyllic rural community. But Sophie soon realizes that life is now too quiet, and she’s feeling bored and restless.

Then she meets Margot Banks, an alluring socialite who is part of an elite clique secretly known as the Hunting Wives. Sophie finds herself completely drawn to Margot and swept into her mysterious world of late-night target practice and dangerous partying. As Sophie’s curiosity gives way to full-blown obsession, she slips farther away from the safety of her family and deeper into this nest of vipers.

When the body of a teenage girl is discovered in the woods where the Hunting Wives meet, Sophie finds herself in the middle of a murder investigation and her life spiraling out of control.

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This Friday Focus: The Friday 56 & Book Beginnings post was originally composed and/or compiled and published by Catherine for the blog, bookclublibrarian.com.  It cannot be republished without attribution. 

© 2021 Book Club Librarian All Rights Reserved. If you're reading this on a site other than Book Club Librarian without attribution, know that this post has been stolen and was used without permission.

First Chapter ~ First Paragraph

  It's Tuesday . . . time for . . . 

. . . First Chapter ~ First Paragraph Tuesday Intros . . . now hosted by Yvonne at Socrates' Book Reviews, where bloggers share excerpts from a book they have read, are currently reading, or are planning to read.

 

Today I'm featuring an upcoming read, A Peculiar Combination by Ashley Weaver. It's the first book in the new Electra McDonnell series. The excerpt shared is from a hardcover edition borrowed from the library.

First Chapter:  London, August 1940

We're going to get caught.

The alarming idea buzzed around inside my head like the menacing drone of an approaching Luftwaffe bomber, even as I tried to banish it. I had never had this sensation in the middle of a job before, and it was disquieting to say the least. It was unlucky to think such things, especially at moments like these. To lose concentration was the first step in making mistakes. And we couldn't afford to make mistakes.

 

What do you think?  Would you continue reading? 

I'm looking forward to beginning a new series that is set in one of my favorite locations and time periods. And the opening paragraphs whet my appetite for more of the story.

 

This First Chapter~First Paragraph post was originally composed and/or compiled by Catherine for the Book Club Librarian blog. © 2021, Book Club Librarian All Rights Reserved. If you're reading this on a site other than Book Club Librarian without attribution, know that this post is being used without permission.

Friday Focus: The Friday 56 and 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 a current read, The Perfect Daughter by D.J. Palmer. The excerpts shared are from an eBook I received from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.  

Beginning:  At thirty minutes past eight o'clock, red and blue strobe lights lit up the sky outside Grace Francone's modest Cape house with the frenzy of a fireworks display. A quick check out the window revealed two cars parked in her driveway, one a sedan, a single twirling red light mounted to its dashboard, and the other a black-and-white from the Lynne Police Department, lights also flashing.

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Page 56:  "Mom," Penny said weakly. "What's going on? Please . . . tell me."

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My thoughts:  The Perfect Daughter is a taut, psychological suspense novel centering around a teenage girl with multiple personality disorder who is arrested for a brutal stabbing death. Penny's staunchest supporter, her mother Grace, is determined to prove her daughter's innocence in the face of overwhelming evidence, but at what cost?

The Perfect Daughter is a totally absorbing and unputdownable read.

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From GoodReads:  The Perfect Daughter is a thriller that explores the truth or lies behind a teenage girl's multiple personality disorder, from D.J. Palmer, the author of The New Husband.

Grace never dreamt she’d visit her teenaged daughter Penny in the locked ward of a decaying state psychiatric hospital, charged with the murder of a stranger. There was not much question of her daughter’s guilt. Police had her fingerprints on the murder weapon and the victim’s blood on her body and clothes. But they didn’t have a motive.

Grace blames herself, because that’s what mothers do—they look at their choices and wonder, what if? But hindsight offers little more than the chance for regret.

None of this was conceivable the day Penny came into her life. Then, it seemed like a miracle. Penny was found abandoned, with a mysterious past, and it felt like fate brought Penny to her, and her husband Arthur. But as she grew, Penny's actions grew more disturbing, and different "personalities" emerged.

Arthur and Grace took Penny to different psychiatrists, many of whom believed she was putting on a show to help manage her trauma. But Grace didn’t buy it. The personas were too real, too consistent. It had to be a severe multiple personality disorder. One determined psychiatrist, Dr. Mitch McHugh, helped discover someone new inside Penny—a young girl named Abigail. Is this the nameless girl who was abandoned in the park years ago? Mitch thinks Abigail is the key to Penny’s past and to the murder. But as Grace and Mitch dig deeper, they uncover dark and shocking secrets that put all their lives in grave danger.

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This Friday Focus: The Friday 56 & Book Beginnings post was originally composed and/or compiled and published by Catherine for the blog, bookclublibrarian.com.  It cannot be republished without attribution. 

© 2021 Book Club Librarian All Rights Reserved. If you're reading this on a site other than Book Club Librarian without attribution, know that this post has been stolen and was used without permission.