New Releases - Dec. 26 - January 6th

Dear Readers,

A new year and a new list of books to enjoy.  I am excited to see what the New Year brings in fiction.  What new authors that will be discovered and what new story ideas that are out there.

Happy Reading, 

One More Song to Sing - Lindsay Harrel - More than two decades ago, Olivia Lovett left her old life behind in the red dirt of Oklahoma and forged a career in Nashville as a country music star. Now her voice is failing, forcing her to find a new dream just as the secrets of her past come knocking at the door. Long-time friend Andrew Grant agrees to partner in a new business venture--but would he stick around if he knew her whole story?

In the Shadow of Denali - Tracie Peterson/Kimberly Woodhouse - #1 The Heart of Alaska - Cassidy Ivanoff and her father, John, work at the new and prestigious Curry Hotel outside Mt. McKinley. While John will be expedition and wilderness exploration guide for the wealthy tourists, Cassidy has signed on as a cook's assistant. Both are busy as the hotel prepares to welcome the president of the United States on his way to drive in the golden spike to officially complete the railroad.

Friday Funnies

I also was the one who was jealous of the kids that were sent off to reading class.  I wanted to go with them.  A WHOLE class for just reading?  That must have been heaven. 

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So true.  Of course I always like the book better anyways. :-)

Craig Parshall

Dear Readers,

The Occupied by Craig Parshall is a fun little read that makes you wonder about the people you pass on the street.  And to be completely honest, not always in a good way.

Trevor Black has a gift.  One he didn't ask for but he is now using to his advantage, well if he can stay alive long enough to use it for good.  He can smell a demon who is hiding in a human and because of that gift they are on the hunt for him.  They involve him in a series of murders that lead back to his home town.

In some aspects this book was a bit creepy, but there was nothing about it that made me lose any sleep.  But overall I really did enjoy this book.  It wasn't one I couldn't lay down, but it did make me want to return to it every time.  I wanted to know what was happening to Trevor and the murder mystery was a fun read and who the actual bad guy was.  Craig did a good job hiding the answer to that puzzle.  I had several guesses before I settled on who it was and why.

I think this is one of those books that older teens could easily read and it would be a great way to open discuss on things of the occult and how easily it is to fall down that path.

I am interested in what Craig next book in the Trevor Black series will be about.

Happy Reading,

I use to wish this would happen to me.

Stranded in a Library
(Sing to the tune of “Let it Snow”)

Oh the weather outside is frightful,
But the library’s delightful,
By the light of my cell phone’s glow,
Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!

There are so many to get lost in,
Like the Brontës, Twain, and Austen,
Or Harriet Beecher Stowe,
Let it snow, let it snow, Edgar Poe!

When the plows come at last I’ll find,
That I’ll mourn for my reading cut short.
But just look what I’ll leave behind:
A classical tome blanket fort.

Maybe tragedy for a while,
'Cause Euripides’s my style.
Or the long Russian tales of woe,
Let it snow, let it snow, Romeo!

As the storm goes on, I’ll get to it:
Harper Lee or C.S. Lewis,
Then Emerson and Thoreau,
Let it snow, let it snow, V. Hugo!

Oh, my TBR pile will grow,
Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!

Reading Challenge

Dear Readers,

A new year brings a new reading challenge.  I tried for a little variety from last year.  There are some on the list that will be a bit of a challenge to read, but it will be fun trying.  

Happy Reading,

Reading Challenge 2017

-A book recommended by a librarian

-A book that is on your TBR list for too long

-A book written by a male author

-A book with a number in the title

-A self-published book

-A book with more than 500 pages

-A book written by someone under 30

-A funny book

-A book a friend recommended

-A book you can finish in the day

-A book set somewhere you’ve always wanted to visit

-A book by an author you’ve never read before

-A book you own but have never read

-A book that takes place in your hometown. (now if it is like my home town, you can use a 50mile radius)

-A book by a person of color

-A book with one of the four seasons in the title

-A book set around any holiday except Christmas

-A book from your childhood that you loved

-A book whose title is the name of the main character

-A book set in two different time periods

-A book set in a hotel

-A book with a cat on the cover

-A book published in 2017

-A book with a mythical creature in it

-A spy thriller

-A book by an author using a pseudonym

-A bestseller from a genre you don’t normally read

Extra points given for the follow

-A book recommended by an author you love

-A book about an immigrant or refugee

-A book with an eccentric character

-A book you bought at a used book sale

-A book with 800 pages

-A book over 100 years old.

If you do all the challenges listed, you will have read just over one book a week for the year. 

Enjoy and have fun. 

2017