Spotlight: Everything To The Sea: A Novel by Alicia Upano

Love the cover and title of this book! Makes me want to grab it and dive right in, which is exactly what I did. And thankfully, I enjoyed the story to bits as well. 

Everything To The Sea is about growing up, loss, tragedy, falling in love, and family. Oh, and did I mention, Hawaii. Yep, the setting is just as lovely to read about as are the unforgettable characters and unputdownable story. I fell in love with this book and really enjoyed getting to know Janie and Kenji and seeing where life took them. Such a terrific novel!

I would happily recommend Everything To The Sea to anyone and everyone looking for their next great read. You are going to LOVE this book!

Thank you to the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book!

Currently reading...

TBR Book

 

I love Miriam Toews writing. It is smart, strong, and unforgettable. All My Puny Sorrows was my first Toews book and it has stayed with me ever since. The beauty of that story just wrecks me. Two sisters, one who is truly depressed and suicidal, and the other sister who is desperate to keep her sister alive. Oh how my heart breaks just thinking about their story. I suppose I love it so much because it resonated so deeply. All this to say that Toews writing does that - it yanks on your heartstrings and yanks hard. Her writing is fierce, tender, raw, and powerful. So any book she writes I will read. And this new one is her memoir, A Truce That Is Not Peace. I am eager to lose myself in her words once more. 

TBR Tuesday...

 

Currently at the top of my TBR list on my Kindle. I'm excited to read it. I love Edwards' books - they always manage to have a surprising twist. 

Hopefully Tuesday's been good to you. Happy reading!

Up Next:

 

Looking forward to starting this lovely by Miranda July. Everyone has been raving about it for quite some time, so I'm interested to see what all the fuss is about. 

Wishing you all a lovely Wednesday. Happy reading!

TBR Tuesday...

 

Currently reading...

 

Currently reading...

 

Out Today: Smalltown Tales by Iain McCaig

(Thank you to Titan Books for providing me with a copy of this book!)

 

Wow! What a fantastic book! Perfect for the upcoming fall season, Iain McCaig's latest creation, SmallTown Tales is chock full of terrific ghost stories and amazing illustrations. This book has vampires, sirens, demons, werewolves, and ghosts to name a few of the spooky creatures residing in Smalltown. And let me just say they are fascinating and strange, which make for one excellent reading experience. I absolutely LOVED settling down for the evening with this awesome book in hand. I made sure to keep the lights on, of course. 

Make sure to grab a copy when you can and dive right in - you are going to fall in deep with this one! 

Thank you to Titan Books for providing me with a copy of this book!

Still reading...

 

Normally when I pick up a new Murakami I devour it in one sitting. This time round, I can't seem to get caught up in the story. I know that he's written about The Town before, so there is a familiarness to his new book, but I don't think that is the problem. Especially, since I've picked up other books and can't seem to enmeshed in their stories. I think it's just me at the moment. I'm hoping it goes away soon, because I am missing reading. So, I'm going to grab a magazine and read that - sometimes just reading something helps flip the switch and I'm able to get my reading mojo back. I've already tried re-reading an old favorite book, but that didn't work either, so, fingers crossed this works. 

Hope you are having a great morning! Happy reading!

1st book for 20 Books Of Summer...

 

I meant to read this one as soon as it arrived in my mailbox, but my mind was not up for it.  Anxiety and depression are too busy interrupting my life, so reading has been a bit haphazard. I'm feeling a bit better, so I was able to pick up the new King and start reading. I'm already hooked and excited to keep reading. What about you? Did you pick up the new King? Let me know if you've read the book or plan to. 

Wishing you a groovy weekend. Happy reading!

My Friday Five...

1. Mental health. I'm feeling a bit better, which is great. I just need to keep doing all the things that help me, so that I can keep feeling better and better. Wish me luck!

2. TV/Movies. I finally watched the last Spider-Man movie, No Way Home. I thought it was fun, but sad. I'd be interested to see what happens next to Spider-Man. I also watched an older movie that I had seen ages ago, but forgotten about - Only the Lonely. It starred John Candy as a cop living with his mom (Maureen O'Hara). He falls in love with Ally Sheedy. Anyhow, his mom is not happy and breakups ensue. It was fun watching an oldie, but goodie. Now I want to watch more John Candy films and St. Elmo's Fire. Oh, and I was thinking of watching Return To Me - the one with David Duchovny and Minnie Driver - she has his wife's heart. I'm feeling like old favorites are what I need to see right now. They're like comfort food for my brain. What about you? Any movies like that for you? 

3. Music. Taylor Swift. Yes, I listened to TTPD and bought the album. I am a Taylor fan. I haven't listened to the new songs that closely, but truthfully they all sound the same to me. Then again, I thought that her  albums, Folklore and Evermore all sounded the same, too. I feel like she was going for Stevie Knicks vibes with those two albums. And with this new one, it has Tori Amos and Fiona Apple vibes. I love those artists, so I'm digging it. I just need to listen to it again and again. What do you think? Are you a Taylor fan? 

4. Journal. I bought a new one. And, I love it. I started using it straightaway. It's a light grey/blue color with a suede feel. The pages are lined, which I do not like ( I prefer blank ), but I am enjoying it for some reason. I think because it reminds of a dark blue velvet journal I had in college that I loved. That one had lined pages, too. Except, back then I didn't care about lined or unlined pages. LOL!

5. Book. I'm reading the new Mark Edwards book, The Darkest Water. I just started, so we'll see how it goes. I usually like his books, because they are quick and easy reads. I think of them like palate cleansers. I tend to pick those types of books up after reading something substantial. 

And now, I'm off to cross off some to-dos from my list. Wishing you a great weekend! Happy reading!

Murder Road: A Novel by Simone St. James

(Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book!)

 

What is happening to me? I am obsessed with creepy thrillers lately and I am LOVING it! Murder Road by Simone St. James is the latest murder mystery novel that I devoured in one sitting. And it was fantastic! I would absolutely recommend it to everyone looking for their next great read - you are going to LOVE this book to bits! It's an exciting story with elements of suspense and the supernatural - whoa! I found myself hooked right from the start - this is one book you won't be able to put down for anything - it's soooo good!! 

So, what exactly is Murder Road about?

July 1995. Instead of enjoying their honeymoon weekend, April and Eddie find themselves suspects to murder after a wrong turn leads them to deliver a dying hitchhiker to the local hospital. Rumored to be haunted by the legend of The Lost Girl, unexplained murders have been happening along Atticus Line for years. As April and Eddie start to dig into the history of the town and that horrible stretch of road to clear their names, they soon learn that there is something supernatural at work, something that could not only tear the town and its dark secrets apart, but take April and Eddie down with it all.

Talk about a riveting read, right? I know that I wanted to pick the book up after reading that blurb. How could I not? A honeymoon gone wrong, a legend called The Lost Girl, small town history that is rife with murder - all of that screams, "READ ME!" So, I did. And let me just, "Damn! That was a freaking good book!" So, make sure to grab a copy of Murder Road ASAP and dive right in - you won't be disappointed!

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book!

My obsession with Freida McFadden's books continues...

 

I feel like I can't stop reading McFaddens' books - they are just so much fun and the shocking twists she always includes are just too good to be missed. So, I am now on the umpteenth book of her's from my FMTBR list...Ward D. And let me just say, creepy is the vibe. Or at least that is what I am getting so far based on the little girl mentioned in the story. Of course, I am barely at the start, so who knows where this story will wind up going. All I know is that my evening is booked with Ward D and I couldn't be more excited. Let me know if you've read this one or any of McFadden's books. We can fan out together. 

Hope you are having a lovely weekend! Happy reading!

Currently reading...

I wanted something fun to kick off the new reading year, so I went for Lisa Unger's latest novel, The New Couple In 5B. It's a mystery thriller set in a historic NYC building and it oozes with creepy vibes - I'm loving it! The book will be released March 5th. And, I just know that Unger's fans are going to LOVE reading all about the Lowans. 

And now, I'm off to find out what happens next once Rosie and Chad move into the Windermere. 

Hope you are having a terrific Monday morning.  Happy reading!

Thank you to HarperCollins for my advanced copy of this book!

2024 Bookish Resolutions

Happy New Year! Wishing you all the very best in 2024!

It's a new month in a new year and that means resolutions! Or at least it's supposed to. I always set out to write a list of all the bookish things I want to accomplish in the new year and I never manage to cross any off the list. So, you would think that I would stop making resolutions, right? Well, that's not happening. In fact, I have a few.

Here goes...

1.  Read.  

2. Buy the books.

3. Join the challenges that intrigue me.

4. Create my own challenge.

5. Post on my blog.

6. Post on IG.

7. Keep track of all the books I read.

8. Stop buying notebooks and planners - use what I have.

9. Write.

10. Have fun.

Yeah, I had to include that last one, because blogging hasn't been fun lately. I mean, I stopped blogging months ago and didn't miss it. It was only towards the end of the year that I realized I did miss writing about the books I was reading and sharing what I loved about them. So, I decided to reread my old posts from when I first started this blog - talk about feeling inspired. In 2024, I am going to just read and write and that's it. No more feeling obligated to post about ARCs or trying to post more often to keep up. Instead, I will just write as often or as little as I want. And, I will write about books, journals, music, life, etc. I will just enjoy this blog for what it was meant for...sharing about my bookish life. 

And now, I am off to cook lunch. We're having a New Year's lunch and I am the chef - wish me luck! Hope you all have a wonderful day and are enjoying a great new read. Cheers!

Currently Reading and Just Watched...

I picked up this gem on the recommendation of an old friend of mine. I thought it would be the perfect book to read for Paris in July.  I started it over the weekend and have been making my way through the story rather slowly. For some reason, I want to savor it and just take my time. It's a slow-going read and I like that. Right now, I want stories that detail characters and the mundane trivialities of life. I'm craving routine, so I'm enjoying reading all about Ambroise and Manelle - he's an embalmer and she's a home help carer. They have yet to meet, but I believe when they do that sparks are going to fly. I'm looking forward to reading some more chapters later on today.

As for Paris in July, I've just started to join in on the fun. I'm reading the above mentioned book and I just finished re-watching the following film:

I've seen this film a number of times and I always seem to find myself laughing out loud at this quirky family and all of their farcical drama. Don't get me wrong, there are some serious topics  - suicide, murder, and adultery - yet, somehow the movie is able to move past these issues with aplomb and not weigh you down. So, what exactly is this film about? Well, here goes:

In Le Divorce, we have a film about family, love, a painting, and Paris.  Isabel Walker has traveled to Paris to check in on her older sister, Roxy (who is married and pregnant with her second child).  Eager to embrace French culture, Isabel is excited about the prospects that Paris is sure to bring.  However, once there, she is confronted with a depressed and suicidal sister who has just been dumped by her cheating husband - not exactly a warm welcome.  And, things get even more complicated when her brother-in-law's mistress' husband tries to insinuate himself into her and Roxy's lives by stalking them.  Plus, Isabel has found a new job, a sort-of boyfriend, and a married man to keep her occupied.  Oh, and the painting of St. Ursula that hangs in Roxy's home may or may not be a real La Tour - which brings the whole Walker clan out to Paris (plus, they're all worried after Roxy's attempted suicide).   All the while, Roxy is dealing with her husband's meddlesome family about a divorce that she is adamantly against.  Sounds pretty crazy and kind of ridiculous, right?  Well it is, and its not.  Thanks in large part to the stellar cast of actors in the film, this movie is a surprisingly sweet treat to watch.  Oh, and of course, it helps to have Paris be the backdrop amidst all the drama.  The Eiffel Tower, those ubiquitous scarves,  a red Hermes handbag, delectable dishes, chic apartments, and country estates - what more could I want?

Definitely check it out if you get a chance. Its fun, engaging, and such a treat to watch.


And now, I'm off to read some more of The Rest Of Their Lives. Hope you are enjoying Paris in July.

Frances Mayes Always Italy with Ondine Cohane

(Thank you to the publisher and TLC Book Tours for providing me with a copy of this book!)

about book:

The world’s favorite expert on la dolce vita (Under the Tuscan Sun author) guides readers through Italy’s iconic regions, replete with lavish National Geographic images.

This lush guide, featuring more than 350 glorious photographs from National Geographic, showcases the best Italy has to offer from the perspective of two women who have spent their lives reveling in its unique joys. In these illuminating pages, Frances Mayes, the author of Under the Tuscan Sun and many other bestsellers, and New York Times travel writer Ondine Cohane reveal an Italy that only the locals know, filled with top destinations and unforgettable travel experiences in every region. From the colorful coastline of Cinque Terre and the quiet ports of the Aeolian Islands to the Renaissance architecture of Florence and the best pizza in Rome, every section features insider secrets and off-the-beaten-path recommendations (for example, a little restaurant in Piedmont known for its tajarin, a pasta that is the perfect bed for the region’s celebrated truffles). Here are the best places to stay, eat, and tour, paired with the rich history of each city, hillside town, and unique terrain. Along the way, you’ll make stops at the country’s hidden gems–art galleries, local restaurants, little-known hiking trails, spas, and premier spots for R&R. Inspiring and utterly unique, this vivid treasury is a must-have for anyone who wants to experience the best of Italy.

my thoughts:

Talk about the perfect book to armchair travel to Italy with - Always Italy by Frances Mayes.  It is spectacular! Gorgeous photographs that will have you imagining yourself wandering the streets of Italy, living 'la dolce vita'.  History about the cities and towns that make up such a beautiful country.  Tons of tidbits and recommendations about where to stop, eat, and sleep. It is treasure trove of information that you must-read for yourself. Especially, if you dream of visiting Italy one day.  I was lucky and was able to visit Italy during grad school. The trip was one I will never forget. The cities were amazing and unforgettable - Firenze was my absolute favorite! I truly hope to visit again one day. 

Mayes and travel writer, Ondine Cohane capture the beauty, the culture, and the history with such vividness, such love, and such joy.  Their words make you feel as if you are breathing in Italy and all it has to offer. This book is such a treat to read. Not only will you get lost in the photographs and words, but you will daydream about the trips you will take to a beautiful country that will leave you with memories galore. With the world thrust into the uknown at the moment, books like Always Italy are just perfect to get caught up in, because they share the beauty of the world with you and remind you that life wasn't always this scary. And, one day, you will be able to witness the beauty of the world once more.

I would happily recommend Always Italy to anyone and everyone looking for their next great read - you will LOVE this book!!


Here's the link to the TLC Book Tour schedule for: Always Italy

Thank you to the publisher and TLC Book Tours for providing me with a copy of this book!

GIVEAWAY of The Saturday Night Ghost Club by Craig Davidson

GIVEAWAY!! Woo hoo! I am so excited that the lovely people from Penguin Books have allowed me to give away a copy of my new favorite book:

Talk about cool beans. This book! Oh my! If you read my last post then you know how much I LOVED it. And, you know that you MUST read it ASAP.  So, if you want a chance to win a copy, just leave me a comment.  Oh, and don't forget to include your email address, so I can contact you if you are the lucky winner.  US only.  Last day to enter 7/12/19.  Good luck!!

My current read...