Top Ten Tuesday: Most Anticipated Books | Jan-June 2023

 

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl.

This Week's Top Ten Tuesday Topic:

Most Anticipated Books | January - June

 

New year, new books! 

Here are a few of the new releases I am most excited for in the first half of the year. 

January 23: Keep This Promise by Corinne Michaels

January 31: Whispers of You by Catherine Cowles

February 28: The New Guy by Sarina Bowen 

(I almost didn't include this one by Bowen because I loathe the cover so much.

Seriously, it's so awful that I can't stand it. Why, Sarina Bowen, why?!)

March 28: Bad Mother by Mia Sheridan

April 1: A Girl Called Samson by Amy Harmon

April 6: Coach by Devney Perry

May 2: Practice Makes Perfect by Sarah Adams

June 6: Hendrix by Sawyer Bennett

Are you looking forward to any of these books?

The Sunday Post #320 | January 8, 2023

 

The Sunday Post is a weekly meme hosted by Caffeinated Book Reviewer.

It's a chance to share news: a post to recap the past week on your blog, showcase books, 

and share what's coming up on your blog in the week ahead.

THE WEEK IN REVIEW

Heading back to the office after a long break (I was on PTO since December 23) was tough! By Thursday I was so exhausted I went to bed at 7 pm. lol I was beyond relieved when Friday rolled around. And that was only a four day work week. Ha!

I recently saw a blogger friend (maybe Deanna?) share that Las Vegas Public Library cards were open to anyone. Color me happy to have another avenue for digital content! I signed up that same day and have already put my access to use. I'm so thankful for libraries.

The Husband and I purchased tickets for a Tampa Bay Lightning game in March and I'm already counting the days. We lucked out and got seats in the same section as the game we attended last year (center ice, right behind the player's bench) so it's sure to be a great experience. 

The blast of winter weather we had at Christmas was short-lived and it was in the 70's all this week. That may sound idyllic to anyone dealing with snow and ice right now, but I'm wishing hard for some more winter weather.

This week's 80's music fix is Don't Dream It's Over (1986) by Crowded House. Enjoy!

ON THE BLOG

Tuesday, January 3

Top Ten Tuesday: Favorite Books of 2022

Friday, January 6

Short Take Reviews: The Backup Plan | The Belle of Belgrave Square

WHAT I READ

Audio: Wait For It by Mariana Zapata - 4.25★

Kindle: Claiming the Cowboy by Kennedy Fox - 3.5★

Kindle: Visions of You by Catherine Cowles - 4★

CURRENTLY READING

 

Kindle: Blaze of Memory by Nalini Singh

Audio: Part of Your World by Abby Jimenez

NEW ADDITIONS

Audio: Drake by Sawyer Bennett

TOTALLY RANDOM

HOW WAS YOUR WEEK?

Short Take Reviews: The Backup Plan | The Belle of Belgrave Square

 

THE BACKUP PLAN

Jill Shalvis

Format: eARC

Source: Netgalley

Alice, Knox, and Lauren have known one another since childhood. Years later they are drawn together as co-inheritors of an inn, left to them by Eleanor, a woman who meant something different to each of them. For Alice and Knox, Eleanor was a stabilizing force in their lives and, at times, a mother figure. For Lauren, Eleanor was the great aunt she never got to know, since her father had cut Eleanor from their lives. Now thrown together, the trio must navigate painful pasts, old wounds, and complicated relationships.

Shalvis provided a heartwarming tale that straddled the line between women’s fiction and romance. While Alice’s abrasive nature kept me from ever warming to her, there was still plenty to enjoy. Knox dealing with his past, Lauren spreading her wings, and the evolving relationships kept me entertained. With themes of forgiveness, letting go of the past, and second chances, The Backup Plan was a solid blend of friendship and romance. 3.5 Stars

THE BELLE OF BELGRAVE SQUARE

Mimi Matthews

Format: Trade Paperback

Source: Library

Julia Wychwood was a London heiress who prefers her books and her horse over the tedious social season. She prefers the solitude at home, but even there she is treated unkindly by her demanding parents and their never-ending ailments. Captain Jasper Blunt was hailed as a military hero, but rumors swirled about his conduct during the war, and the three illegitimate children in his care. Needing a wife with a sizable dowry, he set his sights on Julia. A marriage-of-convenience seemed to be the answer for them both, but Jasper’s past, Julia’s curiosity, and both their hearts made for a rocky road.

The Belle of Belgrave Square was quite the surprise! I was immediately drawn into this charming story and felt an instant kinship with Julia. I love that Matthews put a focus on Julia’s social anxiety (long before it had a name) and my heart ached for her as she tried to endure each social engagement. Jasper was an enigma, and I was captivated as details of his past were revealed. The sweetness and gentleness beneath his gruff exterior made my heart melt. The oh-so-slow evolution as strangers became friends and then friendship turned to love, had me swooning page after page. Julia and Jasper’s story was an utter delight. 4.5 Stars

Have you read either of these books?

Top Ten Tuesday: Favorite Books of 2022

 

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl.

This Week's Top Ten Tuesday Topic:

Favorite Books of 2022

 

This week's prompt is Favorite Books of 2022 (straightforward enough, right?), but I'm extending that number to twelve and sharing my favorite books of 2022 by month. Seems to sum up the year nicely. 😊

January: Tattered Stars | February: Most of All You | March: The Wall of Winnipeg and Me

April: Once We Were Starlight | May: Stone | June: Goodbye Paradise

July: Kulti | August: Reason to Believe | September: Carrie Soto is Back

October: Before I Let Go | November: It Ain't Me, Babe | December: The Belle of Belgrave Square

Have you read any of these books?

The Sunday Post #319 | January 1, 2023

 

The Sunday Post is a weekly meme hosted by Caffeinated Book Reviewer.

It's a chance to share news: a post to recap the past week on your blog, showcase books, 

and share what's coming up on your blog in the week ahead.

THE WEEK IN REVIEW

Hope you had a safe and happy New Year's Eve. I'm never awake at midnight (I'm fine with greeting the new year when I wake up on the 1st each year), but last night the fireworks kept me awake and I was actually reading when the clock struck midnight. Not a bad way to ring in the new year. :) 

I was off all week and it was fabulous. Some days I was productive, some days not so much. I've loved the time off and will be a little sad to return to the office on Tuesday. 

A few photos from Christmas with the family...

Now the tree is down, all the Christmas décor packed away, and while it was lovely, it also feels good to have the house in order again.

Goodreads has been giving me fits this week. If I click on Home or My Books, I stay logged in. But as soon as I click on a book title it signs me out. So annoying. Get it together, Goodreads.

Nothing from the 80's today, but enjoy this classic from Kenny G (I really love this version).

ON THE BLOG

Monday, December 26

Best Reads of 2022: Days 14-21

WHAT I READ

     

eARC: The Backup Plan by Jill Shalvis - 3.5★

Kindle: Dark Room Etiquette by Robin Roe by Piper Rayne - ?★

I finished Dark Room Etiquette at two o'clock this morning and I still 
don't know how I feel about it. No rating yet while I mull it over.

CURRENTLY READING

Audio: Wait For It by Mariana Zapata

NEW ADDITIONS

Wolfsong by T.J. Klune

The Husband gifted me a physical copy for Christmas. ❤

TOTALLY RANDOM

HOW WAS YOUR WEEK?