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?
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?
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?
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?
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!
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!
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!
Title: The Babysitters Coven Author: Kate Williams Genre: YA, Paranormal Publisher: Delacorte Press Release Date: September 17th, 2019
When I first read the concept of this book, I wanted to read it immediately. Babysitter’s Club meets Buffy? Yes, please! While the book did meet that brief, there were some aspects that I didn’t love. I really enjoyed all of the great pop culture references (Labyrinth, Buffy, Harry Potter and more) as well as some of the discussion surrounding difficult issues such as Esme’s mom’s condition and how the town/school treated her because of it, as well as her internal dialogue about her worries and fears. Esme’s voice/point of view is rather harsh at times, which could be considered unlikable or polarizing, but for the age of the character it is understandable.
I do wish that some things had been a little more descriptive. At times the relationships between people didn’t seem to be as close as they were described. Also, a lot of the characters (granted, more minor characters) could have used more description to differentiate them from each other. That being said though, this was mostly with characters that only appeared a few times and I’m sure that if they show up in future books they will be fleshed out more.
The last half of the book was jam packed with action and went much faster than the 1st half, which I really enjoyed. There were definitely a lot of twists and turns that were surprising, but there were also many twists that were pretty predictable. There were times that I had a hard time liking Esme and Cassandra (mostly Cassandra) because of their decisions, but I could see some of those things being addressed in future books. In that respect this book set up future conflicts really well.
All in all I did enjoy this book and as I said the last half was really quick paced and enjoyable. If you’re looking for books that have great pop culture references, lots of mystical and paranormal content and babysitters who have to protect the world, then you’ll probably enjoy it. It was definitely a fun book with a lot of quirks and capers.
The Babysitters Coven is out now from Delacorte Press, so be sure to pick up a copy if it’s something that is up your alley, Happy reading!
I’m not sure exactly where this tag originated but I saw it in a few places and thought I would go ahead and do it as I wanted to start doing Tag Tuesday posts! If you know the original creator please let me know and I will gladly credit them.
What is the last book you marked as “Read”? Your Soul is a River by Nikita Gill, I’ve been pretty addicted to her poetry as of late, so I’ve been reading some of her earlier releases.
What are you currently reading? A few different things, but I’m mostly working on e-arcs I’ve received. I’m constantly trying to get caught up!
What was the last book you marked as “to read”? Your Heart is the Sea by Nikita Gill. Obviously there is a pattern here.
What book do you plan on reading next? Probably Violet Tendencies by Kate Dyer-Seeley as I picked it as part of a challenge I’m trying to complete. I also have Hunted by Meagan Spooner out from the library so that one is going to happen soon as well.
Do you use the star rating system? I do, though when I write out reviews on Goodreads I tend to explain in the review if it’s a partial number such as 3.5. Anything that is .5 or above I will round up to the next star.
Are you doing the Goodreads Reading Challenge?
Yep.
Do you have a wishlist? I do, I would probably forget about all the things I’m anticipating if I didn’t keep a running wishlist going. I also have some sub-lists that I keep secret for my own organizational purposes.
What book do you plan on buying next? Since I recently had a few orders come in I’m holding off on buying more right now. I will definitely be picking up the last volume of The Wicked and the Divine once it is out in October and have a couple signings I’m going to so there will be book buying at those events.
What is your favorite quote? ‘Hope is the things with feathers that perches in the soul’ – Emily Dickinson
Fun fact, this is going to be part of the next tattoo I get, just not sure of the design yet.
Who are your favorite authors? Julie Kagawa, Maggie Stiefvater, Tessa Bailey, Heather Graham, Helen Hoang – believe me, the list goes on and on.
Are you a part of any Goodreads Groups? Currently the only one I’m really active in is the Dragons and Tea Book Club.
What could Goodreads do better? I would absolutely love if the ability to give half stars was introduced. I think a lot of people would love that.
Well, that appears to be all the questions! Not really sure if that all was helpful information, but it was fun. If you’d like to add me on Goodreads or follow me, I can be found here.
While this book is set in the same world as Sky in the Deep, I believe it can be read as a stand alone and as its own story. It follows Tova and Halvard primarily, as well as their respective peoples. I loved the world building and the rich lore/mythology that has been woven in, but did find some plot points pretty predictable (not in a bad way, just I pretty much knew certain things that would happen).
Tova’s struggle to find her place and to know who she really is was well flushed out, as was Halvard’s doubt of himself and other’s faith in him. Watching them grow and come into their own throughout the story was wonderful to see, as were the frequent flashbacks that provided glimpses into their respective childhoods.
I did feel the ending was a little abrupt and would have loved there to be an epilogue. When I reached the end of the book I really though there would be at least a few pages more, something solid about what came to pass. Can you assume what happened after the end? Yes, you absolutely can – but I would have loved something more final.
All in all I did enjoy the book and it made me want to pick up more similarly themed books. It was an action packed adventure that I really had fun reading and would definitely recommend to others.
The Girl the Sea Gave Back is out now, so be sure to check it out if it’s something you would like. Happy reading!
