Year: 2019

September Wrap Up and Haul

DeAnne2 Comments

I know I’m a little late in posting this, but I recently decided I wanted to start putting up wrap ups on my blog, not only so I have a record, but also to keep myself accountable. September was my worst reading month of 2019 so far in terms of how many books I read, but I did read a lot of really good books.

This year I had set a goal for myself to read more books each month than I bring in and each much I’ve managed to do that…except September. I’m giving myself a pass on it since I’ve done so well the rest of the year, but yeah.

In the month of September I read 13 books and added 16 physical books to my TBR (though I did read two of the books I brought in). The breakdown for the books I read are as follows:

  • 6 books that I owned in print (pictured at right)
  • 5 eARCs/Review books
  • 2 ebooks

I have posts up for all of the eARCS/review books that I completed, so if you want to know about them I will picture them below.

The two ebooks I read were Quiet Girl in a Noisy World by Debbie Tung and Your Soul is a River by Nikita Gill, which both got 5 stars from me and were amazing.

Now, onto the books I added to my TBR. I got three books from Book of the Month in September. The rest I either picked up because they were discounted, or they were stress purchases. Hey, it happens.

I’m planning on reading a couple of these in the month of October. As I said I read two in the month of September (Kamisama Kiss 16 and Great Goddesses) and have since finished Tunnel of Bones this month.

As I said, though I didn’t read a ton of books, but those I read were really good. The lowest rating I had was a 3 star, and that was only one book. All of the rest were either 4 or 5 stars.

Here’s hoping that October will be a lot better than September was. Happy reading!

Calypso thinks she’s helping.

#Bookblogtober Day 6: Autumn Drinks

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I know that a lot of people out there have been dying for this time of year to arrive, I have been hearing many a shout of “PUMPKIN SPICE TIME!” all around me. I have a confession to make. I hate pumpkin spice anything. I know I know, how dare I, but that just means more for all of you out there who love it.

Thanks again to Jenniely for creating #bookblogtober, so now let’s get into what my personal favorites are when it comes to drinks I enjoy in the autumn while reading.

Caffeine! My caffeine intake is pretty high, so it’s rare that you see me without some form of it being available to me. One of my old standbys is Diet Coke, so I will typically have some available to me in my house. Another option that I have really been enjoying is flavored sparkling water with some caffeine in it.

Most nights, especially as the temperatures start to fall, you will see me with a cup of coffee. I typically prefer a medium roast coffee and add sugar free Irish cream flavored creamer and some whipped cream, cause you know, gotta be fancy. I also have a weakness for iced chai tea lattes, though I add sugar free vanilla syrup and half and half to lower the carb count.

Now, I am mentioning a lot of caffeinated beverages here so I should add that I will usually always have some water handy. If I have a bottle of soda, then I also have a bottle of water. We all know we can lose track of time when reading, so staying hydrated is very important.

What are your favorite beverages to drink this time of year?

Happy reading!

Nanowrimo 2019: Prep

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It’s almost that time again! I both look forward and sometimes dread Nanowrimo coming back around. I’ve definitely learned from last year in that I will not be working on a story that I’ve already started, once again I will be starting something fresh and new.

I know the question of outlining and preparing vs. just pantsing it is always asked. I typically do not outline; however, I do plan a little bit. I tend to do some rough character profiles, figure out major plot points and roughly map out at least the beginning. I have a notebook devoted to this that lives in my everyday bag so if I get an idea I can jot it down quickly. While I may write down the bones of a scene, it is not pre-writing at all as it’s not much more than quick notes.

This year is also going to be a little bit tricky since November is going to be a little busier than usual. Not only am I going to be working my day job, but I’m going to the Portland Book Festival in the beginning of the month which will likely affect my writing for a few days due to traveling and the excitement of it all. My hope is that I’ll get ahead on my word goal so I won’t be too upset if I don’t write a ton while I’m gone (though I will be writing something because you know I’m getting the badge for writing everyday).

The only other thing I’ve done to prepare is make sure that those in my life who would expect to hear from me know that I may be less available during the month of November. Yes, this is a real thing. My boyfriend lets me know when he has a game expansion coming out, I let him know when Nanowrimo is happening.

I’m excited about the new story I’ll be writing and for completing Nanowrimo three years in a row. Who else is doing Nanowrimo this year?

Happy reading (and writing)!

#Bookblogtober Day 5: Best Reading Clothes

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Oh boy, this one is a hard topic because obviously it’s going to be different for everyone. Obviously you want to make sure that you are comfortable, but it’s also going to depend on the time of year and your environment. If you love to read by the pool, you aren’t going to do that in flannel pajamas.

I do most of my reading inside, so as long as I’m wearing comfy pants and a shirt, I’m happy. Some of my essentials are either being under a blanket or having super fuzzy socks on. I also always have to have my hair out of my face, which usually means pinned up or a ponytail.

If I’m reading while traveling I have either a large stuffed animal or pillow usually hugged against me or acting as a headrest. In all things reading, especially for an extended period of time, comfort is key. I have a number of lounge pants and super soft t-shirts that suit this purpose.

What do you prefer to read in? Does the outfit matter to you, or is where you are more important?

Happy reading!

#Bookblogtober Day 4: Cozy Places to Read

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Everyone knows that where you read can dramatically affect your reading experience and everyone has different preferences regarding what is comfortable.

Earlier this year I was able to get my dream couch, which has a chaise. I have it set up so that the chaise is near my sliding glass door, so when I stretch out to read I can open the door to let fresh air in. I almost always also have a quilt and some ambient noise going to set the scene.

When I’m not on the couch I can usually be found reading in bed or at my desk, but I definitely get my best reading done while curled up on my couch. I would love to someday have a house where I had a comfy window seat to stretch out in, or something outside that was cabana like.

Overall as long as I am comfortable, have hydration and little distractions I am happy.

So where do you read? Do you have dedicated furniture or a favorite spot?

Happy reading!

#Bookblogtober Day 3: Favorite Autumn Reads

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When trying to think of my favorite Autumn reads I came up with what is probably way too many options. Of course there are going to be the spooky reads that a lot of people like to read around Halloween, but since I’m a mood reader there are often a lot of other I reach for. So, let’s get started.

Spooky reads – I love a good spooky read, especially if they feature ghosts in some way. I don’t need them to be particularly scary or creepy, but spooky in subject matter.

I also gravitate towards books with a Scooby Doo or detective like group/setting. I love the original Nancy Drew and Nancy Drew Files series so anything that reminds me of those if usually enjoyable to me. I also love paranormal romance books with a crime solving aspect that also include ghosts.

I am also really drawn to actual ghost stories. Any time someone I know travels and asks me if there is anything I would like them to get me, I always respond with postcards (I collect them) and books about local ghost stories. I literally have a whole shelf of ghost story books from all over the United States (though I would love some international ones as well).

Fall and winter are also the time of year that I typically find myself reaching for sci-fi books such as Illuminae and some classic horror books. Some of my favorites are those by Shirley Jackson. If you’re looking for a place to start with her I would say check out her short stories because that will tell you pretty quickly if you like her style. I did an AP English study on her in high school and have been hooked on her writing ever since, but I know she’s not for everyone.

What are some of your favorite autumn reads? What genres do you tend to reach for this time of year?

Happy reading!

#Bookblogtober Day 2: October Releases

DeAnne3 Comments

New releases can often be a love and hate thing with me. I definitely want anticipated books in my hands as soon as possible, but I also don’t want to make my bank account wheeze. I will occasionally do a pre-order, but I do try to have some restraint.

#Bookblogtober was created by Jenniely and the prompts can be viewed on her site at the linked post. Here are some of my most anticipated releases for October, though I’m sure there will be more as well.

Like I said, I’m sure a bunch more will pop up that will test my resolve, but these ones are definitely at the top of the list.

What are you looking forward to getting and reading this month? Anything you have pre-ordered?

Happy reading!

#Bookblogtober Day 1: October TBR

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I saw a few other blogs with posts about Blogtober and was intrigued, so I decided to look into it. From what I can tell it was created by Jenniely with prompts for every day of October, day 1 being posting your October TBR. This prompt is a little challenging for me simply because I tend to be a mood reader. I can have the best intentions and plans and almost always end up veering off of them. So for the most part this post will be about what I would like to get to rather than a set TBR.

Dead Voices and Tunnel of Bones are both sequels that I want to get to since I loved the 1st books in the series. The other books in the stack are mostly what I’m hoping will be spooky reads perfect for the Halloween Season. Wilder Girls is going to be a group read in the TBR and Beyond Group so I will definitely be getting to that one. I may also be getting an audiobook of Swipe Right For Murder for a group read as well, but it will depend on if my hold comes in on time. I currently have audiobooks out from my library for The Girl Who Drank the Moon and Hunted, so those will definitely be getting read.

The only other title I know for sure I will be reading is The Girl From the Well for the Dragons and Tea Book Club. Other than that I’m sure I will be reading plenty of other things on my kindle and via audiobook, as well as reading any ARCs or books from authors I have.

I guess we’ll just wait and see how many I manage to accomplish. Happy reading!

Review: The Circle

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When I was offered this book I was immediately interested, anything with fairies immediately draws my interest, especially when they weave in some of the different aspects of fairies. The Circle introduces us to Calum who is living with guilt over the disappearance of his cousin and who is trying to figure out his place in not only the world of the Sidhe but also in the human world. The story really gets going when he meets Lauren, a human girl.

A lot of the first half is world building and setting the story and characters, but in a first book in a series that is understandable. The second half of the book moves pretty quickly as we discover that the different events in their lives are likely tied together.

I’m eager to see where the rest of the series takes these characters and could definitely see how seemingly minor characters could play a larger part in future books.

The Circle is out now from Vulpine Press. Thanks again to them for offering me a copy of this book. Happy reading!

Event Recap: A Cup of Holiday Fear Release Party

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I love hearing about book events that are close enough for me to go to them, but that’s sometimes a challenge as the closest events are usually hours away; however, when I heard that Ellie Alexander was having a release party for the 10th book in her Bakeshop Mystery series in Ashland where the books are set, I had to go. Not only is Ellie on my list of favorite authors, but Ashland is one of my favorite places and is only about an hour from where I live.

Winchester Inn, Ashland, Oregon

The release party was held at the beautiful Winchester Inn which also happens to be the setting for the book that we were celebrating, A Cup of Holiday Fear. It was the perfect cozy and historic location for this gathering and I can only imagine it being an amazing backdrop for the mystery in the book.

Everything was decked out in Christmas decorations and touches and we were treated to delicious treats and custom made drinks. Ellie took some time to discuss the genesis of her writing this book and we also heard from the owner of the inn regarding how the Winchester Inn came to be. We also learned the story of the Dickens Feast, which is an event at the inn every year that plays a part in the book.

It was amazing hearing Ellie talk about her books (as always) she is so personable and passionate about her characters and stories. Many of her characters are based on actual people in real life. For example her father is the inspiration for The Professor in the books and we were treated to meeting him at this event. While all of her books are able to be read as stand alones, I definitely recommend starting at the beginning so you get to know the characters over time.

After the discussion everyone was able to explore a few different areas including buying Torte merchandise, taking a selfie with Santa, getting some of the treats and of course getting books signed by Ellie. It was an amazing time and it was wonderful to see Ellie again! I love being able to support a local author and it’s even better when it’s an author whose books I love.

Be sure to check out Ellie’s books, they are enchanting, hilarious and so enjoyable. Though I’m not completely caught up, I have loved everything I have read from her. Happy reading!