Can't Wait Wednesday: Strange Folk / The Bookshop of Sisterhood / Full Speed to a Crash Landing / The Killer Next Door

The New

Can't-Wait Wednesday is a weekly feature hosted by the marvelous Tressa at Wishful Endings to spotlight upcoming release we are excited about that we have yet to read.

Here are three upcoming releases that caught my attention and immediately ended up on my wish list. I am looking forward to reading all of them! 

Strange Folk by Alli Dyer
Release Date: 08/06/2024 by Atria Books

A woman returns to her estranged, magical family in Appalachia but when a man is found dead in the woods nearby, it seems the family has conjured something sinister in this lush, shimmering, and wildly imaginative debut novel that is perfect for fans of Alice Hoffman, Deborah Harkness, and Sarah Addison Allen.

Lee left Craw Valley at eighteen without a backward glance. She wanted no part of the generations of her family who tapped into the power of the land to heal and help their community. But when she abandons her new life in California and has nowhere else to go, Lee returns to Craw Valley with her children in tow to live with her grandmother, Belva.

Lee vows to stay far away from Belva’s world of magic, but when the target of one of her grandmother’s spells is discovered dead, Lee fears that Belva’s magic may have summoned something dark.

As she and her family search for answers, Lee travels down a rabbit hole of strange phenomena and family secrets that force her to reckon with herself and rediscover her power in order to protect her family and the town she couldn’t leave behind. [Goodreads Summary]

The Bookshop Sisterhood by Michelle Lindo-Rice
Release Date: 08/06/2024 by MIRA

“This drama-packed page turner will warm your heart!” —Eliza Knight, USA Today bestselling author of The Mayfair Bookshop

When life rewrites the story, only friendship will see them through.

After years of hard work, four best friends—Celeste, Yasmeen, Toni and Leslie—are finally on the verge of opening the bookstore of their dreams. A place where their community can find solace with an intriguing new read, a comforting beverage and book-loving friends.

But before they can cut the ribbon, their worlds are upended.

Toni receives devastating news just months before her wedding, while Celeste’s struggling marriage threatens to collapse completely. Leslie learns a shocking secret about her family, and a lotto ticket changes Yasmeen’s life—but not for the better.

As the bookstore’s grand opening fast approaches, the four women must lean on each other now more than ever to navigate their grief and uncertainty. And together, they’ll learn that sometimes, even life’s most unexpected plot twists can lead to beautiful new beginnings. [Goodreads Summary]

Full Speed to a Crash Landing (Chaotic Orbits #1) by Beth Revis
Release Date: 08/06/2024 by DAW

A high octane sexy space heist from New York Times-bestselling author Beth Revis, the first in a novella trilogy.

Ada Lamarr may have gotten to the spaceship wreck first, but looter’s rights won’t get her far when she’s got a hole in the side of her ship and her spacesuit is almost out of air. Fortunately for her, help arrives in the form of a government salvage crew—and while they reluctantly rescue her from certain death, they are not pleased to have an unexpected passenger along on their classified mission.

But Ada doesn’t care—all that matters to her is enjoying their fine food and sweet, sweet oxygen—until Rian White, the government agent in charge, starts to suspect that there’s more to Ada than meets the eye. He’s not wrong—but he’s so pretty that Ada is perfectly happy to keep him paying attention to her—at least until she can complete the job she was sent to pull off. But as quick as Ada is, Rian might be quicker—and she may not be entirely sure who’s manipulating who until it’s too late…

A phenomenally fun novella that kicks off a trilogy of sexy space heists and romantic tension, Full Speed to a Crash Landing is packed with great characters and full of twists and turns that will keep you guessing until the end. [Goodreads Summary]

Do any of these books interest you? What upcoming releases are you looking forward to reading?

The Old(er) 

Carole of Carole's Random Life in Books has given me the perfect excuse to spotlight those unread books on my TBR in her Books from the Backlog feature, reminding me what great books I have waiting for me under my own roof still to read!

These past few months I have been featuring books on the losing end of my TBR List Poll, all books which are on my TBR shelves. This one was one of the options in my April 2017 poll that I have not managed to get to yet.

The Killer Next Door by Alex Marwood (2013)

Everyone who lives at 23 Beulah Grove has a secret. If they didn't, they wouldn't be renting rooms in a dodgy old building for cash--no credit check, no lease. It's the kind of place you end up when you you've run out of other options.

The six residents mostly keep to themselves, but one unbearably hot summer night, a terrible accident pushes them into an uneasy alliance. What they don't know is that one of them is a killer. He's already chosen his next victim, and he'll do anything to protect his secret. [Goodreads Summary]

Have you read The Killer Next Door?  Does this book sound like something you would like to read? 

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© 2024, Musings of a Bookish Kitty. All Rights Reserved. If you're reading this on a site other than Musings of a Bookish Kitty or Wendy's feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.

Can't Wait Wednesday: A Very Woodsy Murder / No Road Home / In the Lonely Hours / White Collar Girl

The New

Can't-Wait Wednesday is a weekly feature hosted by the marvelous Tressa at Wishful Endings to spotlight upcoming release we are excited about that we have yet to read.

Here are three upcoming releases that caught my attention and immediately ended up on my wish list. I am looking forward to reading all of them! 

A Very Woodsy Murder (A Golden Motel Mystery #1) by Ellen Byron
Release Date: 07/23/2024 by Kensington Cozies

“Recovering TV sitcom writer Dee Stern leaves behind punchlines for peril in a delightful whodunnit set at a remote motel in rural California that mixes a perfect cocktail of gut-busting one-liners with heart-stopping suspense!” —Lee Hollis, Author of Death of a Clam Digger

New motel owner Dee Stern has checked out of the familiar comforts in the Studio City and checked in to the quaint village of Foundgold. Running a rustic getaway in the woods sure beats LA traffic—until murder ruins the peace and quiet . . .

Down-on-her-luck sitcom writer Dee Stern is flipping the script. Twice divorced and wasting her talents on an obnoxious kids’ show, the lifelong Angeleno embraces the urge to jump in her car and keep driving. It's a road trip with no destination—until she pulls into a mid-century motel filled with cobwebs and retro charm. Nestled in the shadow of a national park, it’s a time capsule of a place that, like her, could use some work. So, in the most impulsive move of her life, Dee teams up with best friend, Jeff Cornetta—who happens to be her first ex-husband—to transform the aging ranch into the Golden Motel-of-the-Mountains, a hiker’s oasis on the edge of the wilderness . . .

But Dee and Jeff soon realize there couldn’t be two people more unprepared for the hospitality business. There’s also the panic-inducing reality of prowling bears and a general store as the only shopping spot for miles. Living and working in the middle of nowhere takes some getting used to—especially when a disrespectful guest ends up murdered! Now, with the motel duo topping the suspect list, Dee must steer clear of a meddling park ranger, face her past in show biz, and determine if the killer is a local or tourist. Because as she quickly finds out, there are many things worse than a one-star review. [Goodreads Summary]

No Road Home by John Fram
Release Date: 07/23/2024 by Atria Books

A young father must clear his name and protect his queer son when his wealthy new wife’s televangelist grandfather is found murdered in this binge-worthy locked-room thriller from the acclaimed author of The Bright Lands—perfect for fans of Ruth Ware, Paul Tremblay, and Alex North.

For years, single father Toby Tucker has done his best to keep his sensitive young son, Luca, safe from the bigotry of the world. But when Toby marries Alyssa Wright—the granddaughter of a famed televangelist known for his grandiose, Old Testament preaching—he can’t imagine the world of religion, wealth, and hate that he and Luca are about to enter.

A trip to the Wright family’s compound in sun-scorched Texas soon turns hellish when Toby realizes that Alyssa and the rest of her brood might have some very strange plans for Toby and his son. The situation only grows worse when a freak storm cuts off the roads and the family patriarch is found murdered, stabbed through the heart on the roof of the family’s mansion.

Suspicion immediately turns to Toby, but when his son starts describing a spectral figure in a black suit lurking around the house with unfinished business in mind, Toby realizes this family has more than murder to be afraid of. And as the Wrights close in on Luca, no one is prepared for the lengths Toby will go in the fight to clear his name and protect his son. [Goodreads Summary]

In the Lonely Hours by Shannon Morgan
Release Date: 07/23/2024 by Kensington

In a bewitchingly melancholy, thrillingly modern ghost story for readers of Eve Chase, Megan Shepherd, and Lisa Jewell, the new inhabitants of a centuries-old castle perched on a remote island in northwest Scotland must confront its tragic and terrifying history...

On a small island in a remote corner of northwest Scotland lies Maundrell castle, owned by its wealthy namesake family for centuries—until now. Edwina Nunn is shocked to learn a relative she never heard of has bequeathed the castle and its land to her. What awaits Edie and her teenage daughter, Neve, is even more startling, for the castle is home to a multitude of ghosts.

Yet there’s a strange beauty in the austere architecture and the eerie, bloody waters of Loch na Scáthanna, the Lake of Shadows. Beguiled by a frightened ghost who gazes longingly out of the castle’s windows, Edie and Neve are drawn to the legends shrouding the island and the mystery of the Maundrell Red—a priceless diamond that disappeared decades before.

Is the gem really cursed, and the cause of the family tragedies that have all occurred on Samhain—Scottish Halloween? As Samhain approaches once more, Edie and Neve race to peel back the dark secrets entwining the living and the dead—a twisted story of bitter cruelty and hidden love—or they will become another Maundrell tragedy trapped in the lonely hours . . . [Goodreads Summary]

Do any of these books interest you? What upcoming releases are you looking forward to reading?

The Old(er) 

Carole of Carole's Random Life in Books has given me the perfect excuse to spotlight those unread books on my TBR in her Books from the Backlog feature, reminding me what great books I have waiting for me under my own roof still to read!

These past few months I have been featuring books on the losing end of my TBR List Poll, all books which are on my TBR shelves. This one was one of the options in my May 2017 poll that I have not managed to get to yet.

White Collar Girl by Renée Rosen (2015)

The latest novel from the bestselling author of Dollface and What the Lady Wants takes us deep into the tumultuous world of 1950s Chicago where a female journalist struggles with the heavy price of ambition...

Every second of every day, something is happening. There’s a story out there buried in the muck, and Jordan Walsh, coming from a family of esteemed reporters, wants to be the one to dig it up. But it’s 1955, and the men who dominate the city room of the Chicago Tribune have no interest in making room for a female cub reporter. Instead Jordan is relegated to society news, reporting on Marilyn Monroe sightings at the Pump Room and interviewing secretaries for the White Collar Girl column.

Even with her journalistic legacy and connections to luminaries like Mike Royko, Nelson Algren, and Ernest Hemingway, Jordan struggles to be taken seriously. Of course, that all changes the moment she establishes a secret source inside Mayor Daley’s office and gets her hands on some confidential information. Now careers and lives are hanging on Jordan’s every word. But if she succeeds in landing her stories on the front page, there’s no guarantee she’ll remain above the fold.… [Goodreads Summary]

Have you read White Collar Girl?  Does this book sound like something you would like to read? 

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© 2024, Musings of a Bookish Kitty. All Rights Reserved. If you're reading this on a site other than Musings of a Bookish Kitty or Wendy's feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.

Weekly Mews: the Peter Pan Musical, More Doctor Who, Good Books, & A Low Key Week in July

I am linking up to the Sunday Post hosted by Kim of Caffeinated Book Reviewer and The Sunday Salon (TSS) hosted by Deb Nance of Readerbuzz  where participants recap our week, talk about what we are reading, share any new books that have come our way, and whatever else we want to talk about. I am also linking It's Monday! What Are you Reading? hosted by Kathryn of Book Date where readers talk about what they have been, are and will be reading.

It was another week of triple digit temperatures. I often sit in my car and read while my daughter is in her voice lesson, and I worried it would be too hot for that, but luckily, by then, the temperature had dropped to the low 90's and there was a nice breeze out. With the car windows open, it wasn't bad at all. Work picked up some this past week, but fortunately I was able to get out on time which I always feel is an accomplishment. 

Mouse and my mom spent an afternoon at the movie theater and caught a showing of Thelma. They both gave it a big thumbs up and said it was laugh out loud funny. Now I want to see it too! Anjin and I celebrated our 26th Wedding Anniversary. Look at the beautiful flowers he gave me: 

My cats enjoying some summer cat tree time

What have you been up to?

Somehow I did not manage to get in much reading this past week. I am really not sure what happened. I did finish The Berlin Letters by Catherine Reay. I enjoyed it very much. 

Now I am reading A Botanist's Guide to Society and Secrets (Saffron Everleigh Mystery #3) by Kate Khavari. I enjoyed the first two books in this historical cozy mystery series and am delighted to join Saffron and friends on her latest case. I also am continuing to read Barbara Kingsolver's Demon Copperhead, reading a couple chapters at a time each day. 

Thank you to everyone who voted in my July TBR List Poll! I am excited about all three of the options this month and look forward to reading them. But which one will I be reading this month, you ask? 

The Housekeepers by Alex Hay kept a steady lead from the start, winning with eight (8) votes. Dreadful by Caitlin Rozakis received five (5) votes and Assistant to the Villain (#1) by Hannah Nicole Maehrer got four (4) votes. I cannot wait to start reading Housekeepers! Thank you again for voting! 

What are you reading right now?

My TBR List is hosted by Michelle at Because Reading. The 1st Saturday of every month, I will list 3 books from my TBR pile I am considering reading and let you vote for my next read during that month. My review will follow (unfortunately, not likely in the same month, but eventually--that's all I can promise).  

We have continued our watching of Doctor Who and started the latest season at last. It was so good to see David Tennant reprise the role of the Doctor, tying up some loose ends and making way for the new Doctor played by Ncuti Gatwa to make the show his own. 

This weekend we visited the Hollywood Pantages Theatre again, this time to see the musical Peter Pan. There's nothing like being able to see a show performed live. We had a great time and enjoyed the show. 

What have you been watching lately? 

I hope you have a great week! Let me know what you have been reading!

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© 2024, Musings of a Bookish Kitty. All Rights Reserved. If you're reading this on a site other than Musings of a Bookish Kitty or Wendy's feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.

Where Is Your Bookmark: A Peek Into The Berlin Letters & More Friday Fun

I 

A weekly meme where readers share the first sentence of the book they are reading and say what they think. Hosted by the amazing Gillion Dumas of Rose City Reader.

East Berlin Germany
Sunday, August 13, 1961

The jangling telephone broke into her dreams.  

As Haris climbed from bed with a groan, Monica felt the cool air touch her skin. Today would be another hot day, but it wasn't hot yet. It wasn't fully light yet. It was too dark for calls or climbing from the bed. Too dark for anything but sleep. [opening of prologue of The Berlin Letters]

and 

Arlington, Virginia
Friday, November 3, 1989

While seemingly complex, codes, ciphers, cryptograms, or whatever you choose to call them, are deceptively simple. Once you crack them. [opening of Chapter One of The Berlin Letters]

The prologue opens with a phone ringing in the early hours of the morning, too early, which is rarely good. Unfortunately for Monica and Haris, there day is about to get a lot worse. And then in the first chapter, we jump to the future, to a scene that sets a different tone but is no less intriguing. What sort of code are we about to break, I wonder? 

A weekly meme in which readers share a random sentence or two from page 56 or 56% of the book they are reading. Our wonderful host Freda of Freda's Voice is on a break, and Anne of My Head is Full of Books  has stepped in to host! 

My heart races. I pop up and hold my hand out to him. "I don't have the letters with me, but I'll bring them into work tomorrow. I--" The lie comes easily to my lips. "I don't feel so well."

He stands and takes my hand. He holds it a moment longer, as if he's offering me condolences or some sort of gift. I resist pulling away. "Take the rest of the day. We'll talk first thing tomorrow. Back at our offices."

"Yes, sir, Thank you." With that he escorts me back to the lobby. I stay calm and I keep my steps measured.

Until I'm out of his sight. [excerpt from 49% of The Berlin Letters] 

Sounds like a tense situation, doesn't it? I am just past this moment in the novel and am anxious to find out what Luisa plans to do next. 

The Berlin Letters is a compelling read so far, and I was disappointed that I had to work through my lunch breaks the last few days and was unable to pick it up and read more. I wasn't alive when the Berlin Wall went up, but I was for its fall. It is one of those moments that is cemented in my memory. I am enjoying the dual timelines and look forward to seeing how the author brings everything together. 

The Berlin Letters by Katherine Reay

Near the end of the Cold War, a CIA code breaker discovers a symbol she recognizes from her childhood, which launches her across the world to the heart of Berlin just before the wall comes tumbling down.

November 1989 —After finding a secret cache of letters with intelligence buried in the text, CIA cryptographer Luisa Voekler learns that not only is her father alive but he is languishing in an East German Stasi jail. After piecing together the letters with a series of articles her grandfather saved, Luisa seeks out journalists Bran Bishop and Daniel Rudd. They send her to the CIA, to Andrew Cademan—her boss.

Luisa confronts Cademan and learns that nothing is a coincidence, but he will not help her free her father. So she takes matters into her own hands, empties her bank account, and flies to West Berlin. As the adrenaline wears off and she recognizes she has no idea how to proceed, Luisa is both relieved and surprised when a friend shows up with contacts and a rudimentary plan to sneak her across the wall.

Alternating storylines between Luisa and her father, The Berlin Letters shows the tumultuous early days of the wall, bringing Berlin, the epicenter of the Cold War, to life while also sharing one family’s journey through secrets, lies, and division to love, freedom, and reconciliation. [Goodreads Summary]

Does this sound like something you would enjoy? If you have read it, what did you think?

Tell Me Something Tuesday is a weekly discussion post where bloggers discuss a wide range of topics from books and blogging to life in general. It is hosted by Linda Book Girl of Mur-y-Castell and Jen from That’s What I’m Talking About. Join in by answering this week's question in the comments or on your own blog.

Have you kept any hobbies you started during the pandemic? 

I remember hearing about people who were able to take up new hobbies and projects during the early part of the pandemic, during the lockdown, but that was not me. I still had to work every day, including putting in lots of overtime because my office was so short staffed (not pandemic related). Schools in the state were mostly virtual at that time, and so Mouse's schooling was all online. She was in elementary school, and so I often had to juggle parenting and working at the same time on the days I was able to work from home, which was sometimes very challenging given the demands of my job. Her daycare was connected to the school and was closed--so that wasn't an option. Daycares in general were pretty scarce around that time. On the days I went into the office, my husband, who was working from home, had to do the juggling. We were lucky Mouse wasn't younger--I really felt for my coworkers and friends who had very young children and were trying to make it all work. Mouse was at least old enough to be somewhat independent. 

For fun, one of my coworkers put little masks on various figurines at her desk in the office.

 She was kind enough to add them to mine too! 

(back when I still had my own desk) 

I may not have picked up any new hobbies, but my blogging picked up a bit the first couple of years of the pandemic and I never stopped reading. Mouse still had her extracurricular activities--just virtually. She even performed virtually in a musical and ballet put on by her former dance studio! Her Girl Scout troop got very creative in the activities they did, dropping supplies for various art and science projects on the front porch, and they would have meetings via Zoom. Mouse took virtual piano lessons, attended theater and art classes online. And even attended a virtual spy camp! Mouse is really the one who got the opportunity to try out things she might not have otherwise, not me and my husband. My husband and I tried to make being cooped up fun for her. We took part in drive by birthdays and Mouse and her friends would occasionally leave little presents for each other at each others doors, and wave and chat a little from a safe distance outside. There was the occasional outdoor playdate later in the lockdown with people in our "bubble," who we knew hadn't been around anyone others and weren't sick. Our weekends and evenings didn't change much. We were still able to visit the park and take walks around the neighborhood. Mouse got to go trick-or-treating one Halloween inside our house, visiting each room where she found a stuffed animal passing out candy. While I missed my alone time which became nonexistent, one of the best benefits of that time was being able to spend more time with my husband and daughter. We were already close, but that time brought us even closer.

The rare can of Lysol was treated like royalty in our house. 

At the time it was next to impossible to find in the stores. 

My family and I have maintained certain safety precautions we began at the start of the pandemic, including wearing masks in certain high risk situations. My agency still has a pandemic protocol in place for all employees, although it isn't as strict now as it once was. I am lucky that my employer still allows many of us in my office to continue working a hybrid schedule, part of the time from home and the other part in the physical office. Staff rotate in and out of the office, so there are still not a lot of us in the office at one time (these days not because of the pandemic--it's more a space issue now). I had my own desk pre-pandemic and now I desk share with several other supervisors. While I have to go into the office more often now than I did during the lockdown, I am grateful it is still an option. My husband started working from home full-time at the start of the pandemic, which he loves (no long commute!). Mouse and I try not to feel too jealous.

Did you start any new hobbies during the pandemic that you continue today?

Every Friday Coffee Addicted Writer from Coffee Addicted Writer poses a question which participants respond on their own blogs within the week (Friday through Thursday). They then share their links at the main site and visit other participants blogs.

July is the month for reading by the pool or on the beach. What's your favorite summer beach book, and why is it suitable for a sunny day? (submitted by Billy @ Coffee Addicted Writer)

For me, a beach book is a state of mind and not the book itself. Whatever I am in the mood to read is the perfect "beach read". But can we change the location, please? I rarely have access to a pool and am not really the kind of person who likes to sit on the beach under the hot sun. I love the ocean, don't get me wrong, but in more of a romantic evening walk along the water's edge or checking out the niche shops along the boardwalk kind of way. I would much prefer being in the mountains, surrounded by trees, and, even better, by a lake.  

What about you? Are you a beach person or perhaps you like the mountains like me? Do you have a favorite "beach" read? 

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend! Be sure and tell me what you are reading!

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© 2024 Musings of a Bookish Kitty. All Rights Reserved. If you're reading this on a site other than Musings of a Bookish Kitty or Wendy's feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.

Can't Wait Wednesday: The Haunting of Hecate Cavendish / There's No Murder Like Show Murder / A Certain Kind of Starlight / Mercer Girls

The New

Can't-Wait Wednesday is a weekly feature hosted by the marvelous Tressa at Wishful Endings to spotlight upcoming release we are excited about that we have yet to read.

Here are three upcoming releases that caught my attention and immediately ended up on my wish list. I am looking forward to reading all of them! 

The Haunting of Hecate Cavendish (#1) by Paula Brackston 

Release Date: 07/23/2024 by St. Martin's Press 

The Haunting of Hecate Cavendish is book one in New York Times bestselling author Paula Brackston's new, magic-infused series about Hecate Cavendish, an eccentric and feisty young woman who can see ghosts. 

England, 1881. Hereford cathedral stands sentinel over the city, keeping its secrets, holding long forgotten souls in its stony embrace. Hecate Cavendish speeds through the cobbled streets on her bicycle, skirts hitched daringly high, heading for her new life as Assistant Librarian. But this is no ordinary collection of books. The cathedral houses an ancient chained library, wisdom guarded for centuries, mysteries and stories locked onto its worn, humble shelves. The most prized artifact, however, is the medieval world map which hangs next to Hecate’s desk. Little does she know how much the curious people and mythical creatures depicted on it will come to mean to her. Nor does she suspect that there are lost souls waiting for her in the haunted cathedral. Some will become her dearest friends. Some will seek her help in finding peace. Others will put her in great peril, and, as she quickly learns, threaten the lives of everyone she loves. [Goodreads Summary]

There's No Murder Like Show Murder by M.S. Greene
Release Date: 07/23/2024 by Crooked Lane Books

Tasha Weaver has seen her fair share of divas come and go while working as the costume shop head at the Eastbrook Playhouse, but her beloved theater is put at risk when the star of the show is killed in this fun but deadly debut for fans of Ellery Adams and Kellye Garrett.

Tasha Weaver is most at home in the cozy backstage world of the Eastbrook Playhouse. As the costume shop head at the charming regional theater, she’s used to watching dramatic acts of love and revenge from the shadows. But when Kurt Mozer–the insufferable Broadway reject who stars in their production of Annie Get Your Gun –is shot center stage, the spotlight turns to her.

Everyone knows Kurt was difficult to work with and after he got into a fight with both the director Marnie Mason and the artistic leader Arthur Winston, he promptly decided to quit the show. In deep financial trouble, the Eastbrook Playhouse depended on a big name like Kurt to keep afloat. With reporters coming in from the big apple to Tasha’s little corner of Connecticut, she realizes it's up to her to save their local theater and keep her community safe. After all, the show must go on… But what do you do when the killer could very well be one of your loved ones?

With the help of her friends, her long-time crush Bruno Machado, and her feline colleague Hilly, Tasha must catch a murderer before the shining lights of the playhouse go out forever. [Goodreads Summary]

A Certain Kind of Starlight by Heather Webber
Release Date: 07/23/2024 by Forge Books

In the face of hardship, two women learn how to rise up again under the bright side of the stars.

Everyone knows that Addie Fullbright can’t keep a secret. Yet, twelve years ago, as her best friend lay dying, she entrusted Addie with the biggest secret of all. One so shattering that Addie felt she had to leave her hometown of Starlight, Alabama, to keep from revealing a devastating truth to someone she cares for deeply. Now she’s living a lonely life, keeping everyone at a distance, not only to protect the secret but also her heart from the pain of losing someone else. But when her beloved aunt, the woman who helped raise her, gets a shocking diagnosis and asks her to come back to Starlight to help run the family bakery, Addie knows it’s finally time to go home again.

Tessa Jane Wingrove-Fullbright feels like she’s failing. She’s always been able to see the lighter side of life but lately darkness has descended. Her world is suddenly in shambles after a painful breakup, her favorite aunt’s unexpected health troubles, and because crushing expectations from the Wingrove side of her family are forcing her to keep secrets and make painful choices. When she’s called back to Starlight to help her aunt, she’s barely holding herself together and fears she’ll never find her way back to who she used to be.

Under the bright side of the stars, Addie and Tessa Jane come to see that magic can be found in trusting yourself, that falling apart is simply a chance to rise up again, stronger than ever, and that the heart usually knows the best path through the darkness. [Goodreads Summary]

Do any of these books interest you? What upcoming releases are you looking forward to reading?

The Old(er) 

Carole of Carole's Random Life in Books has given me the perfect excuse to spotlight those unread books on my TBR in her Books from the Backlog feature, reminding me what great books I have waiting for me under my own roof still to read!

These past few months I have been featuring books on the losing end of my TBR List Poll, all books which are on my TBR shelves. This one was one of the options in my May 2017 poll that I have not managed to get to yet.

Mercer Girls by Libbie Hawker (2016)

It’s 1864 in downtrodden Lowell, Massachusetts. The Civil War has taken its toll on the town—leaving the economy in ruin and its women in dire straits. That is, until Asa Mercer arrives on a peculiar, but providential, errand: he seeks high-minded women who can exert an elevating influence in Seattle, where there are ten men for every woman. Mail-order brides, yes, but of a certain caliber.

Schoolmarmish Josephine, tough-as-nails Dovey, and pious perfectionist Sophronia see their chance to exchange their bleak prospects for new lives. But the very troubles that sent them running from Lowell follow them to the muddy streets of Seattle, and the friendships forged on the cross-country trek are tested at every turn.

Just when the journey seems to lead only to ruin, an encounter with a famous suffragist could be their salvation. But to survive both an untamed new landscape and their pasts, they’ll need all their strength—and one another. [Goodreads Summary]

Have you read Mercer Girls?  Does this book sound like something you would like to read? 

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© 2024, Musings of a Bookish Kitty. All Rights Reserved. If you're reading this on a site other than Musings of a Bookish Kitty or Wendy's feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.