Sunday Summary: February 1 to 29, 2020

Oh, the days are definitely getting longer! Spring is in the air and I LOVE IT! The world may be a bit of a mess right now, but somehow spring always fills me with hope. What is it about spring? 

Of course, spring is a great time for book lovers. Many publishers start putting out hot books for occasional readers to enjoy along with the die-hard readers on beachy vacations and summer travel.  There are so many great books on the horizon, I am torn between the utter joy of it all, and a little sadness that I don't have enough time to read them all. There is great pleasure in trying though! 

2020 is a leap year, so 1 extra day of reading!

Click on image to be taken to the full posted review. 

I am currently Reading Darling Rose Gold, by Stephanie Wrobel. A Thriller about a deranged mother and her now grown daughter.  There is a definite creep factor at work in this book. 

I have a lot of good looking stories on my "to be read' list, but the next one up will likely be The Glass Magician, by Caroline Stevermer. Although the synopsis does refer to a strong romantic element, you simply cannot compare a story to Helene Wecker's The Golem and the Jinni and not pique my interest! (Still waiting for the sequel to that one - The Iron Season, which was originally anticipated in...2018...hmmm *checks calendar*, oh well, fingers crossed).

I have crossed 4 more of the categories off my list in February, bringing my total to 8.  I have left some categories unchecked that could have been crossed off (how many audiobooks have I read this year?!) but those will be an easy fill at any time. 

It is not too late to join the challenge - you can retro any books read in 2020.  To see the details of the challenge click HERE. 

1. The Backlist - Read a book that is at least 2 years old.- Good Omens, by Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman
2. The Frontlist - Read a book that is a new release (less than 6 months old) - Dear Edward, by Ann Napolitano
3. The Truth - Read a Non-Fiction title that is not a biography/memoir (True Crime, Documentary, etc.)
4. People Person Books - Read a Biography or memoir
5. The Quick and Easy - Read a novella or short book - 250 pages or less (or the audiobook equivalent) OR read a collection of short stories. - Smile, by Roddy Doyle
6. The Long Haul - Read a long book - 450 pages or more (or the audiobook equivalent)
7. Indie Inclined - Read an Indie or small press published title – West Of Sin, by Wesley S. Lewis
8. Listen Up! - Listen to an audiobook
9. Long Ago - Read a book that takes place more than 25 years ago
10. Different Worlds - Read a Science Fiction or Fantasy Book
11. Reading on the Edge of Your Seat - Read a Thriller/Suspense/Mystery book
12. Traveler Through Books - Read a book that has been translated from another language
13. Young at Heart - Read a YA novel Children of Virtue and Vengeance - by Tomi Adeyemi
14. Books That Go Bump In The Night - Read a Horror or Ghost story - The Invited, by Jennifer McMahon
15. New Beginnings - Start a new (to you) series or trilogy - Master of Sorrows, book 1 of The Silent Gods, by Justin Call
16. Meet a New Author - Read a debut novel
17. Relationship Goals ...Or Not - Read a book that centers around the beginning or the end of a relationship/marriage. (Romance, Domestic Noir, etc)
18. Read a Movie - Read a book that is also a movie
19. The Winner is... - Read a book Short-listed for a major literary award - To The River: Losing My Brother, by Don Gillmor
20. One World - Read a book written by, and that has a main character that is someone of a different color, culture, sexual orientation, or religion than you.

Happy Reading

Christine

Sunday Summary: January 5 to January 31, 2020

January has flown by, as it often seems to do.  I think often the early part of January gets associated with December activities in my mind, as there are still the odd get-togethers, gift exchanges, time away from work & School, Christmas clean-up, etc.  

I am happy to see January gone. I live in a region where winters are bitterly cold, and January is traditionally the worst of it. From here on, the temperatures will warm gradually until the arrival of our brilliant and hot summer months, where I can sit outside with a cold drink and good book. 

Click on images to be taken to the posted review. 

 

I would like to take a moment here to note the passing of one of the most famous and prolific mystery writers, the Queen of Suspense - Mary Higgins Clark, who died January 31, 2020 at the age of 92.

I am currently reading The Antidote For Everything, by Kimmery  Martin, and currently listing to the audiobook of The Invited, by Jennifer MacMahon.

Click on the images to be taken to the posted review.

Released January 28, 2020

Released January 6, 2020

I have crossed 4 of the categories off my list in January.  As I catch up with my reviews pending for books I have already read, I am sure I can cross off several more!

1. The Backlist - Read a book that is at least 2 years old.- Good Omens, by Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman
2. The Frontlist - Read a book that is a new release (less than 6 months old) - Dear Edward, by Ann Napolitano
3. The Truth - Read a Non-Fiction title that is not a biography/memoir (True Crime, Documentary, etc.)
4. People Person Books - Read a Biography or memoir
5. The Quick and Easy - Read a novella or short book - 250 pages or less (or the audiobook equivalent) OR read a collection of short stories.
6. The Long Haul - Read a long book - 450 pages or more (or the audiobook equivalent)
7. Indie Inclined - Read an Indie or small press published title – West Of Sin, by Wesley S. Lewis
8. Listen Up! - Listen to an audiobook
9. Long Ago - Read a book that takes place more than 25 years ago
10. Different Worlds - Read a Science Fiction or Fantasy Book
11. Reading on the Edge of Your Seat - Read a Thriller/Suspense/Mystery book
12. Traveler Through Books - Read a book that has been translated from another language
13. Young at Heart - Read a YA novel Children of Virtue and Vengeance - by Tomi Adeyemi
14. Books That Go Bump In The Night - Read a Horror or Ghost story
15. New Beginnings - Start a new (to you) series or trilogy
16. Meet a New Author - Read a debut novel
17. Relationship Goals ...Or Not - Read a book that centers around the beginning or the end of a relationship/marriage. (Romance, Domestic Noir, etc)
18. Read a Movie - Read a book that is also a movie
19. The Winner is... - Read a book Short-listed for a major literary award
20. One World - Read a book written by, and that has a main character that is someone of a different color, culture, sexual orientation, or religion than you.

I hope everyone's year has started on a positive note! 

Happy Reading, 
Christine

Sunday Summary: December 1, 2019 to January 4, 2020

It is hard to believe another year has passed. 2019 came and went in a blur, and 2020 has arrived so quickly, I have barely had time to process the thought.  The holidays -  which always rush by, seemed to pass even more quickly this year with my step-daughters visiting from out of province. My niece, also from out of province, visited earlier in the month so December was really a blur of last minute shopping, prepping, cooking, baking, decorating and visiting. Tomorrow it is back to our usual routines at our house.  

I hope everyone had a wonderful (if busy) holiday season, and I wish you all the best for 2020.

Last year I was able to post an array of detailed personal reading stats, but to be honest, i simply did not manage to keep my spreadsheet up to date this past year. All I have is my GoodReads stats.  I did (barely) manage to meet my goal, so I am setting the same goal for 2020. Challenging without being unattainable. Really, the goal is to enjoy as many books as I can regardless of what the number is, but I like seeing how the numbers stack up. Do you set a reading goal and/or keep stats?

Click on any of the images below to link to the full review. 

Like most readers, I have my favorite genres. I think sometimes I miss out on good books, or important books by always reaching for my go-to genres and rarely exploring beyond.  For 2020 I thought it would be fun to host a reading challenge to encourage a slight stretching beyond those boundaries.  My #20For2020Reading challenge is an easy one, but one that I hope will see myself (and hopefully others who take the challenge with me) at least sampling at least one or two different choices.  You can see the details of the challenge and the list of 20 prompts by clicking on the image below.  Come join the fun!

Currently, I am reading Dear Edward, by Ann Napolitano, a book about a twelve year old boy who is a sole survivor of a plane crash.  This book is available tomorrow - January 6th, 2020. 

I am currently listening to Whisper Network, by Chandler Baker.

Next on deck will likely be West Of Sin, by Wesley S. Lewis. A story set  against the backdrop of Las Vegas lights and action.

Happy Reading, 
Christine

Sunday Summary August 3rd to September 7th, 2019

Welcome to my Sunday Summary.  A look back on my bookish adventures for the past week - Or at least what was supposed to be a week.  It has been longer.

In preparing for vacation, being on vacation, and catching up after vacation at work and at home, and preparing to send my son off to school again, there has been little time or energy for reading, and even less for reviewing and blogging.  I am currently considering re-thinking the frequency of my summary posts. It certainly would make them more interesting at times when I am busy in life and only have one or two posts to reference. Options I am considering include keeping the weekly summary over the majority of the year and suspending during the busy summer months, doing a monthly wrap-up.summary at the end of every month like many others do, or  reducing the frequency of my Sunday Summary and only posting on the Second Sunday of every month. I will likely choose one of the latter two options for the sake of keeping some consistency over the course of the year. 

My last summary posted was August 4th and was itself a two-week summary instead of one.  More reason to consider new options. 

School has just started again, and we are clumsily falling back into our routine here. How about you? 

Well, enough said, we are here now, so let's look at what happened since the last summary!

Books Reviewed:

The Lucky Ones, by Tiffany Reisz. You can read my review of this story with themes of morality and romantic undertones HERE. 

The Arrangement, by Robyn Harding. My review of this taut, highly enjoyable thriller can be found in THIS POST. 

Chances Are, by Richard Russo.  This engaging character driven literary mystery was reviewed in my post which you can read HERE.

Thirteen, by Steve Cavanagh. A nail-biter of a legal thriller.  Read my review in THIS POST.

The Innocents, by Michael Crummey. A deeply moving and engaging historical fiction about life on the rocky Newfoundland shore for two young orphans. My review is HERE

Ramblings and Miscellany:

Not much to report here. As I said, finding time to even read has been a struggle lately.  I did post a 2-for-1 meme on social media celebrating Read A Book Day on September 6th and Buy A Book Day on September 7th. 

Advance Reading Copy (ARC) Books Previously Reviewed and Released Recently:

The Arrangement, by Robyn Harding (link to review above under "Books Reviewed") was released July 30th. 

Thirteen, by Steve Cavanagh (also linked above under "Books Reviewed") was released August 13th

(This section is better when I am not so behind in my reading and reviews - I'm working on it!)

Currently Reading and Notable Titles on Deck:

I am currently reading The Ten Thousand Doors of January, by Alix E. Harrow. 
I am currently listening to The Night Tiger, by Yangsze Choo

I have several great books on deck including 29 Seconds, by T. M. Logan, The Butterfly Girl, by Rene Denfeld (the sequel to The Child Finder), Siege and Sacrifice (Numina Book 3), by Charlie N. Holmberg, Right After The Weather, by Carol Anshaw, and several more ARCs as well as some previously published works by Indie and small press authors.

Until next time.

Happy Reading, 

Christine

Sunday Summary - July 21 to August 3, 2019

Welcome to my Sunday Summary.  A look back on my bookish adventures for the past week.

I am sitting outside at the in-laws cottage on a very warm summer morning of a long weekend. Coffee at my hand, my dog contentedly exploring  the limits of her tie-out. 

Yesterday while taking my dog Pepper for a walk, I came across this gem.  We have plenty in the city, but it was a real treat to come across it in this tiny lake community! 

Books Reviewed:

The Favorite Daughter, by Kaira Rouda. My review of this thriller full of characters you will love to hate can be found  HERE

Magic For Liars, by Sarah Gailey. A magical mystery is reviewed in THIS POST

Rooms, by Lauren Oliver. A deep and moving ghost story. My review  is HERE.

Ramblings and Miscellany:

The very first Penguin Paperbacks were first published in 1935. Read more in THIS POST.

Advance Reading Copy (ARC) Books Previously Reviewed and Released this Week:

As I have fallen behind in both reading and reviewing, there are two books released this week that I will be reviewing. Chances are by Richard Russo, and The Arrangement,  by Robyn Harding. Stay tuned for those. 

Currently Reading and Notable Titles on Deck:

As above, I am currently reading Chances Are by Richard Russo and next on deck is The Arrangement,  by Robyn Harding. 

Happy Reading, 

Christine

Sunday Summary: July 14 - 20, 2019

Welcome to my Sunday Summary.  A look back on my bookish adventures for the past week.

Well, Mother Nature has been making up for the cool June weather with some serious heat now. On the prairies, heat means THUNDERSTORMS!  I love a good thunderstorm. Unfortunately (for me), all the ones that have come lately have been while I was at work. I really feel the need to sit on the couch staring out of the window while the house rattles and shakes and the sky lights up.  Prairie thunderstorms can be epic!  Of course the drawback to all this is the humidity. Several of my son's daycare outdoor field-trips have been cancelled due to high humidex levels. Only a few more weeks before vacation and a few weeks outside the city at my husband's family cottage.  I am ready now 😊☀🏖🍹

Books Reviewed:

All Is Not Forgotten, by Wendy Walker. This thriller explores the dynamics of memory and trauma. You can read my review HERE.

The Toll, by Cherie Priest. My review of this creepy jaunt through the swamplands of the south is in THIS POST. 

Ramblings and Miscellany:

My ramblings on unfinished book series was posted this week. You can read the post HERE.

Advance Reading Copy (ARC) Books Previously Reviewed and Released this Week:

None this week. 

Currently Reading and Notable Titles on Deck:

I am currently reading Chances Are, by Pulitzer Prize winning author Richard Russo. I am currently listening to Rooms, by Lauren Oliver. 

I still have several reviews pending, including a review of Magic For Liars, by Sarah Gailey.

On deck is Canadian Author Robyn Harding's latest offering - The Arrangement.

Happy Reading, 

Christine

Sunday Summary - Catch-up Edition - June 23 to July 13, 2019

Welcome to my Sunday Summary.  A look back on my bookish adventures for the past week - or so it is supposed to be. This is a catch-up edition. Sometimes life just gets in the way.

My mother fell I'll, and concerned for her overall appearance I took her to hospital. As it turns out she had had a heart attack. 4 days after I brought her in I was able to drive her home. Fortunately she will be fine, but she requires a little more help than usual as she recovers. 

Less than a week later, my son's daycare calls to say he hit is head quite hard and was tired. While both I and the daycare felt he was probably fine, out of an abundance of caution I spent the evening at the local children's hospital getting him checked. 

After all is said and done, everyone is doing fine now, and while a little stressed, I am extremely grateful. 

Books Reviewed:

The Assassination of Brangwain Spurge, by M. T. Anderson - My review of this quirky fun fantasy can be found in THIS POST. 

Tempests and Slaughter, by Tamora Pierce. You can read my review of this captivating tale of friendship and magic HERE.

The Need, by Helen Phillips. Creepy and dark! I really wanted to say more in MY REVIEW, but what I really liked about this book was difficult to discuss without spoilers.  

Unbreakable, by Kami Garcia. Read my post on this book HERE

Ramblings and Miscellany:

Canada Day fell during this period. I settled for a quick visual on social media. 

I had planned on doing proper Canada Day postings here and on social media,  but it was way sided by my mother's heart attack. I will say, that living somewhere where good medical care is readily available, and will not bankrupt you is something to celebrate! 

Advance Reading Copy (ARC) Books Previously Reviewed and Released this Week:

The need by Helen Phillips - link is above under "books Reviewed.

The Toll by Cherie Priest. A southern Gothic horror. My review is pending. 

Currently Reading and Notable Titles on Deck:

I have several reviews pending, and hope to slowly catch up. 

I am currently reading an ARC of Chances Are, by Pulitzer Prize winning author Richard Russo. This book will be available on the 27th of July. I am in-between Audiobooks at the moment. 

Next on deck is The Arrangement, by Robin Harding which will also go on sale July 27th.

Happy Reading, 

Christine

Sunday Summary: June 16th to 22nd, 2019

Welcome to my Sunday Summary.  A look back on my bookish adventures for the past week.

Summer is now officially here, but you would never know it around here. I love to sit outside and read, but so far the weather has not been conducive to that, especially on the weekends. Here's hoping that July sees us enjoying more seasonal weather. 

Books Reviewed:

A Philosophy Of Ruin, by Nicholas Mancusi. My review of this story about  life derailed by depression and grief can be found in THIS POST.

Miracle Creek, by Angie Kim. This stunning story is probably the best courtroom thriller I have ever read. You can read more about it in my 5-star review HERE

Ramblings and Miscellany:

Advance Reading Copy (ARC) Books Previously Reviewed and Released this Week:

A Philosophy Of Ruin,  by Nicholas Mancusi was released this past week on June 18th. You can find a link to my review above under "Books Reviewed".

Currently Reading and Notable Titles on Deck:

A review is pending for The Assassination Of Brangwain Spurge,  by M. T. Anderson.

I am currently reading The Need, by Helen Phillips and listening to Tempests And Slaughter,  by Tamora Pierce. 

Next up in my reading list is The Toll, by Cherie Priest.

Hard to believe another school year is wrapping up already!  Hoping the summer brings great books and great weather to relax outside with a good book.

Happy Reading, 

Christine