Book Nook: An Fans out There?

 I may have done this novel before, but I began rereading it again recently. (Nearly done once more.) It's a nice break from the other novels I've been reading. More light-hearted and what-not.

Here are a few of my favorite aspects of this novel

1. It was written during National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) purely for fun

2. It plays with something every fan has encountered at least once.

3. It doesn't take itself seriously until it does

4. It covers more material than any book that size should (and does it well)

Rainbow Rowell's introduction is pure gold. She states how and why she wrote the book from the very beginning. At the end she then thanks everyone who's ever read or written FanFiction as well.

Ah, FanFiction. The art of taking something you love and writing a new character into the universe to meet the original characters. Taking the original characters and putting them into new circumstances. Slash.

WARNING PAST HERE BE SPOILERS!

This novel follows Cather through her first year of college and all of the awkward socialities that ensue.

We meet the following cast of characters in the regular narrative:

  Wren - her twin

  Regan - her upperclassman roommate

   Levi - The smiling guy who's always in their room

   Art - Cather's dad

   Nick - fellow student and story thief

Cather prefers to be alone. She goes to classes, engages when she has to, but people are not her cup of tea. (To which I can relate, hiding in my room and avoiding people in the safety of my book-filled bedroom.)

Her preferred method of coping is writing.

FanFiction.

Slash.

Simon Snow and Baz slash, to be precise.

She has been writing her fanfiction, Carry On for two years and has to have it finished before the final book in the series comes out. All while attending college and taking a writing course which wants a 10,000 short story as a final.

Between trying to focus on Simon and Baz and her courses is a bi-weekly meeting with Nick. He's in her Fiction Writing course and wants to "collaborate" *coughstealherstuffcough*. Then there's Levi who's constantly in their room because he's Reagan's boyfriend (or so we assume because Cather assumes).

This novel deals with new roommates, social anxiety, mental health, and abandonment.

I won't spoil it all completely, but the issues that it talks about definitely are not listed in the fun going title. This is an excellent read for anyone beginning college, moving away for the first time, and living with mental issues. It takes us through the steps from the point of view of someone who is coping with them firsthand.

I recommend reading this book. And fear not.

Carry On is next on my To-Read list....provided I don't get caught up in another Cozy Mystery.

What is your favorite novel to read? Any recommendations?

See you next week!

Book Nook: Undecided Title

 With the past year being what it was I finally got around to some decent reading. Meaning I got the chance to start and finish some work.

I like to change up the genres I read so as not to keep things stale. Though I would be lying if I said I didn't have a type.

Cozy Mysteries

Fantasy

Science Fiction

Mixtures of them all.

I am always on the lookout for a new book, a new genre, something different.

Today I'm just going to list some of the novels I finished last year, most of which were fun. The final one will not be listed as it is residing in the corner where it belongs. It knows what it did.

      Fudge Cupcake Murder - Joanne Fluke

      The Woman in Black - Susan Hill

      Undercover in High Heels - Gemma Halliday

      Caraval - Stephanie Garber

      The World Above - Cameron Dokey

      Dead Beat - Jim Butcher

      One Taste Too Many - Debrah Goldstein

      Hiddensee - Gregory McGuire

      Beauty and the Clockwork Beast - Nancy Campbell

      As Old As Time - Liz Braswell

      Tales From the Haunted Mansion - ??

Take a gander at any of these and they won't disappoint. Just check to see if they're part of a series first.

No one likes a spoiler

What are some books you love reading? Let me know and I'll see you next week!

Book Nook: Castle Life

Book: We Have Always Lived in This Castle

Author: Shirley Jackson

Genre: Thriller/Suspense

 

This is a book I’ve been waiting to read for a while. It took me a while, but I managed to snag the audio copy of the book and was able to listen to it while driving to and from school the last few weeks.

This was a story I hadn’t fully expected.

I knew it was a scary story based on what I’d previously heard about it, but I had to see if it was true.

It’s true.

From the onset we are introduced to our narrator, Mary Catherine, or Merricat. She tells us about the routine she and her household have.

She goes into the village on Tuesdays and Thursdays for basic supplies. From there we learn that she and her family are ostracized by the villagers.

Through the story we come to learn that six years prior four people were poisoned during a family dinner. Poison in the sugar bowl.

The elder sister, Constance, was the prime suspect in the case. She was ultimately acquitted of the charges, but suspicions run deep.

Now, Constance, their uncle, and Merricat live in Blackwood house alone. The talk and scorn of everyone, until an unexpected visitor shows up on their doorstep putting into play grievances and stress.

I don’t want to give the ending away, but this little book is worth the read!

After all, we have always lived in this castle.

 

 

What are you currently reading? Anything you think I should read?

Book Nook: Sci-Fy, Steampunk, and Proper Romance?

 Four years ago I picked up an interesting novel at a conference. Simple titled: “Beauty and the Clockwork Beast”.

It sat on my shelf since then until the beginning of summer when COVID hit.

When I began it I was under the assumption that it was just another retelling with steampunk additions

I.

Was. 

Wrong. 

This novel took me on a ride including vampires, werewolves, air ships, ghosts, and grisly murder. 

I ate it up. 

The best part?

Three more novels currently in the series.

I finished the latest (which came out this year) just last night and now I’m rather frustratedly awaiting the next one. 

If you like fairy tales or alternative telling a these are a must have from amazing author Nancy Campbell Allen. 

“Beauty and the Clockwork Beast”

“Kiss of the Spindle”

“The Lady in the Coppergate Tower”

“Brass Carriages and Glass Hearts”

This was one of the best series I’ve read in a while. Check them out!

(I may add photos later on.)

Book Nook: Ever Been to -

 - Caraval?

 Series: Caraval

Title: Caraval, Legendary, Finale

Author: Stephanie Garber

These books kept me up late into the night.

Every.

Single.

One.

And I will read them all again once I've read something else.

The premise: Once a year a man by the name of Legend sends out invitations to his Caraval. It's five days (or so), of magical whimsy where you can't take anything for face value. Nothing it what it seems, and if you're not careful it will drive you mad.

But that's all part of the charm.

Here at Caraval you can buy a dress for a memory.

Throughout the trio of novels you'll find yourself immersed in Legend's realms of make-believe and fakery.

Find out what's real, what isn't, and who exactly Legend is.

Because I love artists here are a few images I've found (credit to ALL authors):

(I was unable to find the artist name, if you know who it is, please let me know.)

(Credit: VanePyroRocker on Devientart)

(Credit: tokio92 on Devientart)

And remember..... It's all a game.

Book Nook: What have I been reading?

This week I'm just going to list a few titles I've had on my To-Read shelf that I've finally managed to begin reading.

This blog has been a bit harder to post to since quarantine (don't ask me why, I have no will power at this point in the game, and things are looking downhill again in society).

So without much further ado, and in obviously no particular order:

Legendary - Stephanie Garber
Moriarty - Anthony Horowitz
Stalking Jack the Ripper - Kerri Maniscalco
DeadLand: Ghostwalkers - Jonathan Maberry
Asylum - Madeline Roux

Those are just a few that I can see from my desk.


What books are on your To-Read list?

Which ones have you finished?

Next month I will (try) to get a new little review up and running.

Have a fantastic week, and stay safe!

Book Nook - A Cue

Today's Book Nook is a little novella from a series I actually haven't read yet. To be fair, I didn't realize until it hinted at other things that had happened and such forth.

After reading this little bit though, I am thorougly interested in finding the other novels and giving them a good read through.


Title: A Cue to Kill
Series: Stage Door
Author: Lilian Watts


While performaing their Halloween production of Bone Chiller, one of the ensemble is targeted by someone out to get her! Being pushed down the stairs before Act One, the cast is wondering whether or not it's her imagination running wild.

Until she is nearly strangled.

With a cast who smuggled alchol onto set and are having a roaring time, it's up to Kath to find the killer before curtains!


It's a short story, but full of love and wit. Check it out!

Book Nook: Between Readings

This past month, well few months actually, I've been working so much I've hardly had time to read.

Actually hard back/paper backs, that is.

I have been reading books on my phone in between waiting and such. There are a few that I'm in the middle of, yet none that I've finished as yet. Well...there is one.


Title: Alice
Author: J.M. Sullivan
Series: The Wonderland Chronicles #1

One thing I'm completely in love with is fairy tale retellings. This one is up there on my list of new favourites.

There are a few others I could name right now - but for the moment we are talking about "Alice".

This is a re-telling of the gal who follows the rabbit down the hole.

When a brilliant scientist stumbles upon a supposed cure for what ails everyone, it goes horribly awry. The serum turns its victims into mindless momewraths.

Alice and her sister Dinah live in a safe compound, but when Dinah starts coughing in the pre-signs of the disease, Alice has to act.

She follows the White Rabbit until she has to head to the Tulgy wood to confront the Red Queen.

From there it's all a matter of finding the cure.


I highly recommend picking this up and giving it a read though!


What are some books you've been reading lately? Any recommendations?

Book Nook: Murder Buys a T-Shirt

Glad tidings this Book Nook Day!

I finally finished reading a book!!

Title: Murder Buys a T-Shirt
Author: Christy Fifeld
Series: A Haunted Souvenier Shop


This little novel was one of the best reads I've had so far this year.

It takes place in Key Hole Bay, Florida. We follow the owner of Southern Treasures, Miss Glory as she tries her best to make ends meet during the off season.

The introduction of the characters is a delightful way to find yourself sitting in a small town. It brings you into the community.

When an young rising football star is killed in an automobile accident, things appear straight and narrow. Until a ghost in the shop starts hinting that not everything is quite as it seems.

Now Glory and her friends must find out the truth of what happened before its too late!


With a wonderful array of character and a cursing parrot, this novel is one of the best quick reads you'll find.



Keep tuned for the last couple weeks of 2019!





I am going to do a Disney Pin Giveaway for everyone following. All you have to do is leave a comment with your favorite novel, or a mystery you love to read. Everyone who comments will be entered to win a Disney Pin from the Walt Disney World parks.


Leave a comment and I'll see you next week!

Book Nook: Summer Reading

This is a friendly reminder that, even though it's summertime and vacations run rampart, now is a good time to pick up that cool nifty novel you've been wanting to read.

It's okay to read fun books now. School's over.

That's it.

Go pick up that book off your "To Read" stack and read it.

Later.

Book Nook: Twist Anyone?

Check out the novel. It's got a great Twist.




Title: Olivia Twist
Author: Lorie Langdon

Book Nook: The Diva

The last book I read all the way through was over the Thanksgiving holiday. Ironically it was based around the holiday and actually took place over the day before, the day of, and the days after Thanksgiving. It was rather poetic.

Book: The Diva Runs Out of Thyme
Author: Krista Davis


The premise: what happens when your husband leaves you for a network diva, who then come to Thanksgiving dinner.

This novel includes recipes for all the delicious food in the novel, plus a few craft tips for decorating your home for autumn.


Sorry I don't have much tonight, it's been a long week - started a new job last week and the hours are a bit crazy.

Come back next week.

Book Nook: The Architect of Song

Welcome to the wonderful world of Reading!

I will try and not completely take this novel apart today. I LOVED this book. I can't wait to get my hands on the others in the series (yup, I've once again stumbled upon a series. It must be a brick that's constantly in my path).

(Disclaimer: The image is not mine. The only thing that is, are my opinions of this novel.)

Title: The Architect of Song
Author: A.G. Howard
Series: Haunted Hearts Legacy
Book Number One


First off, I will laud how much I love this author. Her novels are some of the best that I've had the pleasure of reading in a while. She can take a fairy tale, or previous novel, and embellish it in such a way that draws you in and literally keeps you up until the wee hours of the morning reading constantly.

There are two types of books she writes:
Y/A - taken from fairy tales, or amazing novels. (The Splintered series, and RoseBlood)
Adult Historic Fiction - original stories that are geared towards adults more than young adults.


I stumbled upon this novel after reading the Splintered Series and RoseBlood (my personal favorite, for phan reasons). I'd heard about it before and was eager to read it.

One of the things that intrigued me was the background of the characters. It kept me guessing if this was based on a Tale or not (it's not). The imagery used to conjure each background story for the main characters were compelling and vivid.

Through the novel I kept thinking about possible end scenarios, as I usually do. This one was compelling enough that I managed to be befuddled by the end game. When the final deck was revealed I found myself kicking my mental prowess for forgetting key hints that were given throughout. (In rather plain terms, I might add. Though I will defend this by saying I read only a few chapters each night for about a week, as I do have a busy schedule during the day.)

If you loved her previous novels I would definitely recommend this.

IT IS AN ADULT NOVEL, NOT A Y/A.

I cannot stress that point enough - she even states it on the GoodReads page for this book. Please, read that review before picking up the novel.

Well, this has almost everything I love most about a novel:
     History
     Fairy Tale elements
     Victorian Era
     Mushy Romance (not my favorite, but if done well, then yes)


Check out a copy at your local library. Or purchase your own via the nearest bookstore.

What are you reading this week? Any novel you think I should check out? Leave a comment below and I'll chat at you next week.

Book Nook: The Perils of Paella

Title: The Perils of Paella
Author: Nancy Fairbanks
Series: A Carolyn Blue Culinary Mystery
Number: 5


I believe I wrote a review on one of these books a while ago....[brief pause while I go and look] .... never mind. Guess not.


This is a series about a woman who loves food. She used to love preparing food for her two children and scientist husband. Now that her children are grown and out of the house, she finds her time more suited to writing columns about others making and preparing food than actually making it herself.

In book one, "Crime Brulee", she is asked to write a column for a local newspaper in El Paso titled, "Have Fork Will Travel".

Though the following novels she becomes well known and at the start of "The Perils of Paella" she has been asked to write a book.

Traveling to Catalan (Barcelona) to meet with a friend currently working at the museum, Carolyn enters a rather morbid art exhibit. While it resembles a hospital ward with patients dying, one of the student actors isn't acting. With a fresh corpse that closely resembles her friend, things slowly spiral out of control.

With a missing child, a murderer, and an artist intent on starting fights, this is one mystery that's sure to pull you in. From the wonderful old city, to the Tapas recipes, flamenco dancing and more!

Though I would recommend the first book first, this one keeps the series fresh and intriguing!



What are some of your favorite genres to read? Leave comment below.

Book Nook: Mystic Notch #1

As many of you may have noticed I love reading. One of my favorite genres is Mystery. Over the past couple of years I've stumbled across a sub-genre of the genre that my mother and I became hooked upon (okay, she'll pilfer the book first, I'll read it after and tell her my suspicions as to the suspect and we both enjoy using the recipes in the back. You should try some of those cookies recipes! Delicious!)

Cozy Mysteries.

Basically a woman begins a new life after some life alternating event, often they return to their home town, or start up a new business.

Today's book finds the main character returning home after getting shot.

Title: Ghostly Paws
Author: Leighann Dobbs
Series: Mystic Notch
Number: One


Wilhelmina Chance has returned to her roots in the White Mountains of New Hampshire after a nasty divorce and an accident from her job as a crime reporter which leaves her with a rather interesting side affect: she can see, and hear ghosts.

Returning to town to get life back in order (as well it can be with the undead talking to you), she opens a bookstore that used to be run by her grandmother. Now the proprietor she and her new housecat investigate the murder of the local librarian.

This is a fun read, as it takes you on the side of the Supernatural and mystic side. It was a quick read, but well thought out and planned. It's a great weekend book to read, if you need something for the weekend, or a road trip.

Check it out at your local library, or bookstore.


What have you recently read?

Leave a comment below and let's talk literature!

Fairy Tale - Fatal Tale

Over the last week I've read three, yes 3 books. They are the first in a new series that I've picked up. A Cozy Mystery Series that will take you into the year 1867.

The first novel, "Snow White Red-Handed" takes us from a steamship out of New York to the fabled castles that was reported to have belonged to Snow White.

Follow Ophelia Flax and her friend Prudence (Prue) Bright, two actresses who've lost their jobs, now take on the role of maids.While working for a millionaire's wife they uncover a plot in regards to daughters who are not daughters and sisters who are not sisters.

Here we meet Professor Penrose, a studious teacher from England. Together they track down a killer who used an apple laced with cynaid.

Follow them through the first casino, through the Black Forest, and deep into the mines of Snow White's seven dwarves.

With all the fun humor of the time (an ankle!!), this will be one of those reads you simply cannot put down!

There are two more novels in the series (hopefully more to come, more to come!!)!!

Here you have it, wish it was more.

Maia Chance is a writer to whom I will be eagerly look forwards to.

Leave a comment with your current favorite read.

Book Review #1

I promise I'm going to make this something more organized.

For today, I'm going to review the latest book that I've read.

"Double Booked For Death" - Ali Brandon

This is the first book in the "Black Cat Bookshop" mysteries. I highly recommend it.

We follow Darla Pettistone, a Texas redhead who's inherited her recently deceased great-aunt Dee's brownstone, and bookstore. With four stories, two of which are apartments, and a fine books bookstore in between, she also inherits a tenant. Jake (Jacqueline, but don't ever call her that) is a former ex-cop who's an old friend of Dee, and free security for the store.

With her first bookstore event coming up, a book signing for Valerie Baylor's hit Haunted High novel, things become rather hectic. With threats for a demonstration from a church group down in Texas who think those books are abhorrence and bad for anyone who reads them, a protestor who claims that Valerie stole her novel, and midnight intruder who comes in after hours, it's more exciting than Darla thought.

Things become worse when Valerie is pushed in front of a van and killed on sight. Not only that, but the van that hit her was the church group from Texas. To top it off, hundreds of her fans were witness to the tragic event.

Darla has her suspicions, but doesn't put much stock into them. Until her female roommate, Hamlet, starts knocking books off the shelves indicating the accident wasn't all that it seemed.

With her friend Jake, and Hamlet adding his input, Darla starts to confront those who were there the night of the book signing. Who stood to gain from the diva author's death?

There's Mavis - the make up artist who flat out called Valerie a diva. Who hated the way she lorded over everyone around her.

Then there's Hillary - the book agent who's not a huge fan of Valerie, but the money she can make off the hit-selling series.

There's Morris - Valerie's twin brother who stood to gain the other half of a massive fortune from their parents. Someone who stays in the shadows of the famous sister.

The Lone Protester - a girl who's been standing outside the shop with a sign indicating that Valerie stole her story.

Which one did the deed?

This is a fun read, wonderful is you have a cat. With the first in the series I can't wait to sink my teeth into book number two.


What are your favorite book series?

Reading - Make It a Hobbt

While I would love to stake claim to that marvelous quote - I cannot.

Back in high school a trilogy of epic fantasy movies came out over the space of three years. While I had never read the novels (yet), I set a goal to read them before going to see the movies.

Reading a trilogy, especially one such as The Lord of the Rings is no easy feat. The novels were written is such a way that the words flow, how it was written, the context. For some it's an intimidating factor. For me - it was downright terrifying! But I made it through .... six times. (Still haven't gotten around to the Silmarillion, tried it, but it scares the crap out of me!)

In honor of books in general - here are a few that I have a particular fondness of. No particular order.

1. The Shadow Revolution by: Clay Griffith and Susan Griffith

           

     This is the first in a trilogy. The Crown and Key series is what happens when you mix Victorian England, magicians, and a slash of steampunk. Each book is wonderful, telling the story through a band of adventurers. Join Scribe Simon Archer, alchemist Kate Anstruther, hunter Malcom MacFarlane, and the inventor of their gadgets Penny Carter as they fight to save London, and England at large from supernatural threats.

2. Confessions of a Part-time Sorceress: A Girls Guide to the D&D Game (Dungeons and Dragons) by: Shelly Massanoble

          

        As a recent convert to the great game (began roughly over a year ago, though only been to about 10 sit-ins), I can attest that this is a great read for new beginners. It definitely helped me while I was learning the ropes of the game. If you need an intro to the world of the game I would highly recommend this.

3. Eyes Like the Stars by: Lisa Mantchev

         

        Okay. This entire book is based on theatre. Yes, with an "re". Take the wonderful works of Shakespeare and other plays, place them in a live theatre where they are actual people, and mix in a rambunctious girl who can call in any scene piece and make it real. When someone inadvertently unleashes Ursula, who kidnaps her best friend Nate (who happens to be a pirate from Neverland), Bertie Shakespeare Smith will do everything in her power, and the Book, to help rescue him. (Oh, it's the first of a trilogy.)

4. Northanger Abbey by: Jane Austen

       

      I had to add at least one Austen novel on this list. While there are many wonderful tales to choose from, I prefer a lesser known. This follows the life of Catherine Moreland in her quest to find love. Although, when she continues to see art in normal life, it's hard to tell what is real and what is pure imagination.

5. The Chocolate Cat Caper by: JoAnna Carl

     

      With Cozy Mysteries on the rise - well, at least for me - this is one of my favorites. When Lee McKinney divorces her husband, she moves up to Michigan to heel her aunt Nettie in her chocolate shop. Things are looking up, until a big client winds up dead with one of Nettie's chocolate's to blame! Lee goes undercover (ish) to find the culprit to clear her Aunt's chocolates. This one comes with recipes included!

I'll end it at five - but be aware there will be follow-up posts in regards to novel ideas!

Note: I am not paid for name dropping. I am not paid for anything said on this blog. Please don't sue me.

A New Year

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

This year has had a rocky start off (personally). Though it has greatly improved today.

2017

It should be an excellent new year. There are plenty of opportunities for improvement, change, travel, and learning new things. I am ready for the things ahead of me.

A few things that I've planned for myself - call them a Resolution if you must - I will call them a plan:

1) Finish a complete rough draft of my novel

     This has been a project between myself and another person - whom I'm co-writing it with.

2) Travel

      I know this is what everyone has on their bucket list, but I intend to do more of. There are a few places that I want to go - and I have high intentions of getting a passport soon.

3) Finish some art projects

      There are a few that I have on the line. Some that are taking time to get through, but I feel that this could be a great year for finishing things.

4) Read at least 25 books

      Last year I had a challenge set on goodreads.com for 15. I knocked it out of the park with 28. I think 25 this year is a reasonable goal.

What are some of your projects, or resolutions for this year?

Are you ready to knock 2017 out of the park?

Free Day - An Ideal Day

What would you do if you had an entire day to yourself?

Shopping - day at the movies - hiking - sports - relaxing with a good book - ?

I think my ideal day would be spent in a mixture of things that I find relaxing.

I would start out the day with a light breakfast, to get myself going. Foods would include: apple, water, maybe a waffle or two.

Next would be some shopping, going out, walking around the mall (a great way to exercise by the way), getting various little things - or simply enjoy window shopping. Planning out things to purchase later on. This can also be done on the internet, if you don't want to go out.

For lunch I'd find a nice little spot either indoors or someplace shady outside. I would probably have just a baguette, some honey and cheese, and cranberry juice. With maybe a few Hershey kisses for dessert.

The afternoon would be spent out walking, or exploring one of the many gardens around the city. Taking pictures of the flowers, or some candid pictures of friends. I love taking photographs, so this would be ideal. Maybe I could convince then to make a short video or something.

I'd make it back in time to clean up and get ready for a night out.

I'd have a nice, brief dinner before heading to an 8PM show. Either a play or musical that interests me. Ideally it would be Phantom. Theatre is my favorite thing.



What would you consider an 'Ideal Day'?
A spa trip?
A long drive?

Leave a comment below describing how you would spend your day.