Can't Wait Wednesday: Murder in Berkeley Square / The Village Library Demon-Hunting Society / The Crescent Moon Tearoom /Rule of Luck

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. 

Murder in Berkeley Square (Lady Worthing Mysteries #3) by Vanessa Riley

Release Date: September 24, 2024 by Kensington

Offering “a vibrant picture of the roles Black and mixed-race people played in Regency life” (Publishers Weekly), this unique historical mystery series, featuring a mixed-race heroine with a notorious past, will appeal to Bridgerton fans who want a sharper edge to their drama.

A marriage of convenience saved Lady Abigail Worthing’s family from disgrace, but she’s finding her absent husband's endless conditions increasingly repressive. Unable to stay at their London home during the oncoming winter, she accepts a ride to the country from her neighbor, Stapleton Henderson. However, she's less than delighted that she’s his excuse to avoid a dinner held by Lord Charles Duncan, one of London's most powerful—and relentless—magistrates. More irritating, women are decidedly unwelcome at the evening’s prestigious discussion of criminality—even though Abigail and Stapleton have solved several cases together . . .

Then an unexpected blizzard strands them at Lord Duncan’s with his now-houseguests. Suddenly, an evening of fine dining, fine brandy, and insightful debate becomes an inescapable—and deadly—ordeal. The ultimate test for Abigial’s skill. One of the dinner guests is found dead in front of the Berkley Square mansion. And when another party is murdered, Abigail discovers each had received a taunting, prophetic nursery rhyme . . . coincidence, or clues left by a killer on the loose?

Through deft interrogation, she learns everyone present is connected to Lord Duncan's greatest failure in the the conviction of a Martinique plantation informant for a murder he didn’t commit. But as Abigail races to find who was really responsible for the miscarriage of justice, she'll be forced to put her own and Stapleton's lives at risk in a gambit that will alter their fates forever—or end them permanently. [Goodreads Summary]

The Village Library Demon-Hunting Society by C.M. Waggoner

Release Date: September 24, 2024 by Ace

A librarian with a knack for solving murders realizes there is something decidedly supernatural afoot in her little town in this cozy fantasy mystery.

Librarian Sherry Pinkwhistle keeps finding bodies—and solving murders. But she's concerned by just how many killers she's had to track down in her quaint village. None of her neighbors seem surprised by the rising body count...but Sherry is becoming convinced that whatever has been causing these deaths is unnatural. But when someone close to Sherry ends up dead, and her cat, Lord Thomas Crowell, becomes possessed by what seems to be an ancient demon, Sherry begins to think she’s going to need to become an exorcist as well as an amateur sleuth. With the help of her town's new priest, and an assortment of friends who dub themselves the "Demon-Hunting Society," Sherry will have to solve the murder and get rid of a demon. This riotous mix of Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Murder, She Wrote is a lesson for demons and murderers. 

Never mess with a librarian. [Goodreads Summary]

The Crescent Moon Tearoom by Stacy Sivinski

Release Date: October 1, 2024 by Atria Books

A cozy and uplifting debut novel about three clairvoyant sisters who face an unexpected twist of Fate at the bottom of their own delicate porcelain cups.

Ever since the untimely death of their parents, Anne, Beatrix, and Violet Quigley have made a business of threading together the stories that rest in the swirls of ginger, cloves, and cardamom at the bottom of their customers’ cups. Their days at the teashop are filled with talk of butterflies and good fortune intertwined with the sound of cinnamon shortbread being snapped by laced fingers.

That is, until the Council of Witches comes calling with news that the city Diviner has lost her powers, and the sisters suddenly find themselves being pulled in different directions. As Anne’s magic begins to develop beyond that of her sisters’, Beatrix’s writing attracts the attention of a publisher, and Violet is enchanted by the song of the circus—and perhaps a mischievous trapeze artist threatening to sweep her off her feet. It seems a family curse that threatens to separate the sisters is taking effect.

With dwindling time to rewrite their future and help three other witches challenge their own destinies, the Quigleys set out to bargain with Fate. But in focusing so closely on saving each other, will they lose sight of themselves? [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 November 2017 poll that I have not managed to go to yet.

Rule of Luck by Catherine Cerveny

A thrilling new science fiction series -- perfect for fans of character-driven SF adventure. Linnea Sinclair, author of the Dock Five Universe novels calls it "an edge-of-your-seat ride."

Year 2950. Humanity has survived devastating climate shifts and four world wars, coming out stronger and smarter than ever. Incredible technology is available to all, and enhancements to appearance, intelligence, and physical ability are commonplace.

In this future, Felicia Sevigny has built her fame reading the futures of others.

Alexei Petriv, the most dangerous man in the TriSystem, will trust only Felicia to read his cards. But the future she sees is darker than either of them could ever have imagined. A future that pits them against an all-knowing government, almost superhuman criminals, and something from Felicia's past that she could never have predicted, but that could be the key to saving -- or destroying -- them all. [Goodreads Summary]

Have you read Rule of Luck?  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: Smoky Air and Hamilton at the Pantages

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.

I am linking up Stacking the Shelves hosted by Marlene of Reading Reality a meme in which participants share what new books came their way recently.  

We have had our attention on three big fires in the surrounding counties, one of which has made its way into our own. Some of my coworkers were evacuated from their homes or had to help relatives leave theirs. The smoke was very bad early last week, to the point that some schools closer to the fires and most other schools, like my daughter's, limited any deep breathing and outdoor activities. The heat didn't help. Fortunately, the temperatures cooled down the middle of the week, and while we aren't taking our chances opening the windows quite yet, it's very much a relief. Firefighters are still fighting to contain the fires, making slow progress. 

Last weekend Anjin, Mouse, and mom took me out for dinner to the Spaghetti Factory to celebrate my birthday. We had a nice dinner and then came home for some ice cream cake, my favorite. The running joke in our family is that every birthday I turn 33. I won't share which anniversary of my 33rd birthday I'm on, but it's a lot. I got a good laugh when I saw the cake. 

This weekend we went to see the musical Hamilton performed live at the Hollywood Pantages Theatre. It was just as good as I hoped it would be. Anjin, Mouse, and I watch the recorded version frequently, it being one of our favorite musicals, so being able to see it in person was a special treat. My mom was able to join us, a late birthday present for the both of us. 

What have you been up to?

I am about half way through A Girl Called Samson by Amy Harmon. It got off to a slow start, but has since picked up. I thought it quite a coincidence that I am reading a book set around the American Revolution at the same time we went to see Hamilton. As it happens, Mouse is studying that time period on school right now too.

The Golden Enclaves (Scholomance #3) by Naomi Novik took up most of my reading time this past week--it was too good to put down. Novik has a gift for world building and I am such a fan of El (but don't tell her that because she would hate the idea of having fans). It was a good conclusion to a great trilogy. 

Thank you to everyone who voted in my September TBR List Poll! Although fall officially may not be here yet, it's close enough and I am craving something lighthearted and ghostly.

Darci Hannah's A Fatal Feast at Bramsford Manor (Food & Spirits Mysteries #1) and The Third Wife of Faraday House by B.R. Myers tied for second place with five (5) votes each. Haunted Ever After (Boneyard Key #1) by Jen DeLuca won with nine (9) votes. So, Haunted Ever After it is! I have enjoyed other books by Jen DeLuca I have read and am excited to give her latest book a try. 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).  

Bookish Birthday Loot: 

The Jane Austen Escape Room Book illustrated by Marjolein Bastin 

(doesn't this sound fun? and look at all the bookstore gift cards!)

Weyward by Emilia Hart

The Hacienda by Isabel Cañas

Amari and the Despicable Wonders (#3) by B.B. Alston

This Book Won't Burn by Samira  Ahmed

Birthday flowers (and chocolates)

Have you read any of these? If so, what did you think? 

think? 

I finally got around to watching the third season of Bridgerton recently, which I really liked. It's such a fun show with beautiful costumes and lovely sets. My husband and I watched the first episode of the new season of Murders in the Building and are looking forward to seeing how this season will unfold. 

What are you watching these days? 

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 A Girl Called Samson & Other Friday Fun!

Happy Friday! I am currently reading Amy Harmon's A Girl Called Samson for the upcoming historical book club meeting, and thought I would share a few excerpts with you today.

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.

January 3, 1827

Dear Elizabeth, 

You have not been far from my mind today. It is a new year, though I suspect it will be my last. I find myself lost in thought more than I am present, and though I've told parts of my story, I've never written it all down from beginning to end.  [opening of A Girl Called Samson]

and

March 15, 1770

Winter had begun her retreat, but summer was still a long way off, and the horse we rode picked his way over the thawing, gouged road with a bowed head and an uneven gait. The man in front of me shielded me from the bite of early morning, but I huddled in misery behind him, ignoring the crouching countryside and the bare branches prodding the sky for signs of spring. [opening of Chapter 1 of A Girl Called Samson]

There are letters throughout the novel, but the opening letter is like a call to the reader to get comfortable and settle in for the story we are about to read. And from the opening of the chapter, that feeling continues--the descriptive writing drawing me in. I feel like I am with her in that moment.

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! 

I imagined my company talking among themselves. Robbie looks a little feminine. Not his fault. None of us can do much about the way we look.

But then I kept up during the march, led them in drills, and handled my weapon with as much speed and accuracy as anyone else in my company, and they stopped seeing the parts of me that might have made them wonder before. 

I was accepted as a man because for me to be a woman was unfathomable. [page 120 of A Girl Called Samson] 

It sounds like Deborah is managing to fit in among her fellow soldiers. I imagine it would be hard to keep such a big secret like that though. She always has to be on her guard.

A Girl Called Samson by Amy Harmon

From New York Times bestselling author Amy Harmon comes the saga of a young woman who dares to chart her own destiny in life and love during the American Revolutionary War.

In 1760, Deborah Samson is born to Puritan parents in Plympton, Massachusetts. When her father abandons the family and her mother is unable to support them, Deborah is bound out as an indentured servant. From that moment on, she yearns for a life of liberation and adventure.

Twenty years later, as the American colonies begin to buckle in their battle for independence, Deborah, impassioned by the cause, disguises herself as a soldier and enlists in the Continental Army. Her impressive height and lanky build make her transformation a convincing one, and it isn’t long before she finds herself confronting the horrors of war head-on.

But as Deborah fights for her country’s freedom, she must contend with the secret of who she is—and, ultimately, a surprising love she can’t deny. [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.

What day in your life would you like to relive? 

My first thought was my wedding day. It's such a blur, the day so busy and over in a flash, but wrapped up in so many happy memories that I would not mind revisiting that day, if only just to take it all in again but more slowly. Or maybe that day my husband, daughter and I visited a local train museum, seeing my daughter's excitement and joy as she rang the bell and got to ride on a train around the train park. The moments I find myself wanting to relive most are the ones I wish I could have captured in a bottle to pull out on the harder days. Like that afternoon Mouse and I lay in the grass, under the big blue sky, making up stories about the clouds as they went by, letting go, at least for that moment, all my worries and obligations; hiking in the mountains with my family, surrounded by trees and nature; cuddling on the couch with my husband or daughter while watching a favorite movie; or even just sitting on the couch, my cat stretched out across my chest, reading. 

What about you? Is there a time in your life you would like to relive--just to experience again? 

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.

It's back-to-school time. What book would you recommend to students, whether it's an educational read or an enjoyable diversion from textbooks? (submitted by Billy @ Coffee Addicted Writer)

One of the questions I asked my daughter when she came home on her first day of school last month was what she was going to have to read for her Language Arts class this school year. This semester, was a book of their choice, and Mouse chose Cornelia Funke's Inkheart. She's been keeping me updated on her progress every day--not because I ask, but because she is enjoying it so much. Next semester her class will be reading The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton (It's true, I squealed when she told me--S.E. Hinton was one of my favorite childhood authors). They are reading other familiar titles and authors as well. Last week she read a portion of The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie. And her teacher mentioned Edgar Allan Poe. Oh, I do hope it's "The Raven"! I've been torturing her with that poem since she was little. 

I was one of those odd students who enjoyed most of the required reading assigned in school, but my favorite reading assignments were always the ones in which I got to choose my own reading material. Whether from a pre-made list or something completely of my choice. Required reading can feel like an obligation, but having options offers a bit more freedom. I read a lot outside of school too, so I have never really seen reading as a hardship, but rather an enjoyable past-time. 

I could make an exhaustive list of books I think middle school/high school aged students (and non-students too!), would benefit from reading, whether it be a book to escape into, be entertained, learn from, be inspired by, see themselves in, step inside someone else's shoes, or try something new. As much as I love Jane Eyre and will begrudgingly admit there's value in reading Shakespeare's plays, I think there's something to be said for reading a variety of old and new books.  A handful of modern (and a couple not so modern) books that immediately come to mind that might appeal to today's generation include: 

Firekeeper's Daughter by Angeline Boulley ~ The gripping story of Daunis, a biracial Native American teenager, who becomes entangled in a dangerous investigation involving drug trafficking and murder. This novel delves into themes of identity, community, and the strength to stand up for what is right.

Frankenstein by Mary Shelley ~ The story of gifted scientist Victor Frankenstein who succeeds in giving life to a being of his own creation. However, this is not the perfect specimen he imagines that it will be, but rather a hideous creature who is rejected by Victor and mankind in general. The Monster seeks its revenge through murder and terror.

The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo ~ Set in contemporary Harlem, New York, and revolves around the life of Xiomara Batista, a teenage girl grappling with the expectations of her strict, religious mother and the discovery of her own creative voice. The novel is written in verse, providing a unique and intimate glimpse into Xiomara's inner thoughts and emotions.

Last Night at the Telegraph Club by Malinda Lo ~ A coming-of-age Young Adult novel centering on the experience of Lily Hu, a teenager in 1950s San Francisco, as she comes to terms with her sexuality while also dealing with the prevalent societal racism toward Chinese Americans.

The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank ~ Or commonly referred to as The Diary of Anne Frank, is a book of the writings from the Dutch-language diary kept by Anne Frank while she was in hiding for two years with her family during the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands.

Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson ~ Having called the police after having been raped at an end of the summer party, thirteen-year-old Melinda becomes a social outcast. The novel navigates the complexities of high school social dynamics as Melinda grapples with the aftermath of her trauma, leading to her selective mutism. As she battles with her inner turmoil, the story unfolds in the halls, classrooms, and social settings of the high school.

Dear Martin by Nic Stone ~ Dear Martin examines the complex issues of race and privilege in twenty-first century America. The perspective is through the eyes of Justyce McAllister, a black teen who re-examines his relationship to privilege and success when he is racially profiled by the police.

Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi, translated by Mattias Ripa ~ A graphic memoir about Satrapi’s experiences growing up in Tehran, Iran before and after the revolution in 1979.

What books would you recommend to students today? 

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 Serial Killer Guide to San Francisco / Mrs. Claus and the Nightmare Before New Year's / The Cold Light of Day / Hunger

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 Serial Killer Guide to San Francisco by Michelle Chouinard

Release Date: September 24, 2024 by Minotaur 

In Michelle Chouinard’s clever mystery The Serial Killer Guide to San Francisco, the granddaughter of a serial killer shows readers another side of the beloved city.

Welcome to San Francisco, a city with killer charm.

The chill of a San Francisco summer can be deadly. No one knows this better than Capri Sanzio, who makes her living giving serial killer tours of the city. Capri has been interested in the topic since she was a kid, when she discovered she’s the granddaughter of serial killer William ‘Overkill Bill’ Sanzio. She’s always believed in his innocence, though she's never taken the leap to fully dive into the case.

But now an Overkill Bill copycat has struck in San Francisco. And Capri’s former mother-in-law, Sylvia, just cut off Capri’s daughter’s tuition payments. Needing cash, Capri wonders if this is the time to exonerate her grandfather. The case is back in the news and the police will be looking to understand the past to catch a present-day killer. Capri could finally uncover the truth about Overkill Bill—documenting the process with a podcast and a book—and hopefully earn some money.

Before Capri can get very far, the cops discover the copycat’s latest Sylvia. Capri soon finds herself at the heart of the police’s investigation for an entirely different reason. She and her daughter are prime suspects. [Goodreads Summary]

Mrs. Claus and the Nightmare Before New Year's (Mrs. Claus #5) by Liz Ireland

Release Date: September 24, 2024 by Kensington Cozies

Santaland is scrambling to keep its secrets hidden from a trio of unexpected holiday guests, but before the New Year’s Eve ball drops, one of the strangers drops dead, and the countdown is on for April Claus to catch a killer . . .

April Claus is looking forward to relaxing with her hubby, Nick (aka THE Santa Claus), in the week between Christmas and New Year’s Eve. But just after Santa departs for his deliveries, an elf pulls into Santaland with three people he found lost in the frozen wilderness. The survivors of a scientific expedition are injured, but their presence endangers the future of Santaland. So, while the strangers recuperate at the infirmary, April convinces Christmastown to pull off its grandest, most impossible, most magical feat yet . . . pretend to be normal!

Posing as a touristy, albeit Christmas-centric, arctic town, the elves cover their ears, snowmen take a vow of silence, and the reindeer keep their hooves on the ground. But as New Year’s Eve draws closer, hiding their true selves becomes harder to do, especially when one of the uninvited guests dies under highly suspicious circumstances. With a murderer in their midst, April sets out to find the uncorked culprit before any auld acquaintances should be forgot . . . or worse. [Goodreads Summary]

The Cold Light of Day (Verity Kent Mysteries #7) by Anna Lee Huber

Release Date: September 24, 2024 by Kensington

The latest novel in the action-packed historical mystery series featuring Verity Kent, fashionable former Secret Service agent turned intrepid sleuth and high-society darling on her next clandestine mission—from the USA Today bestselling author of the Lady Darby Mysteries. A treat for fans of Jacqueline Winspear and Susan Ella MacNeal.

June 1920, Ireland: The streets of Dublin seethe with revolution as the Irish Republican Army clashes with British authorities. Roving assassination squads mean nowhere is truly safe, particularly for Verity Kent and her war hero husband, Sidney. Given their celebrity as society darlings and intrepid sleuths, they must tread carefully to go unnoticed—nearly impossible when they are called upon to search for Verity’s fellow spy and friend . . .

Captain Alec Xavier has seemingly vanished after traveling to Dublin to infiltrate the IRA at its highest levels. Doing her best to maintain a modicum of normalcy and stay under the radar of both the rebels and British Intelligence, Verity works undercover by day and waltzes through the city’s elite social scene by night. Still, she fears the worst for Alec—until shocking evidence mounts that not only is he alive, but that he has switched sides . . .

Already disillusioned with the British government, the news leaves Verity and Sidney reeling. Worse, they learn of a conspiracy within Dublin Castle, where personal vendettas are being carried out and sanctioned by British Intelligence under the cover of revolution. With the distinction between friend and foe never more blurred—or the margin for error narrower—Verity and Sidney cannot turn a blind eye. Especially when a familiar adversary appears, bringing a threat almost too terrifying to confront—even in the cold light of day . . . [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!

A few years ago I subscribed to a book box and received this gem in July of 2017, but I still haven't managed to read it--yet!

Hunger: A Memoir of (My) Body by Roxane Gay (2017)

From the New York Times bestselling author of Bad Feminist: a searingly honest memoir of food, weight, self-image, and learning how to feed your hunger while taking care of yourself.

“I ate and ate and ate in the hopes that if I made myself big, my body would be safe. I buried the girl I was because she ran into all kinds of trouble. I tried to erase every memory of her, but she is still there, somewhere. . . . I was trapped in my body, one that I barely recognized or understood, but at least I was safe.”

In her phenomenally popular essays and long-running Tumblr blog, Roxane Gay has written with intimacy and sensitivity about food and body, using her own emotional and psychological struggles as a means of exploring our shared anxieties over pleasure, consumption, appearance, and health. As a woman who describes her own body as “wildly undisciplined,” Roxane understands the tension between desire and denial, between self-comfort and self-care. In Hunger, she explores her past—including the devastating act of violence that acted as a turning point in her young life—and brings readers along on her journey to understand and ultimately save herself.

With the bracing candor, vulnerability, and power that have made her one of the most admired writers of her generation, Roxane explores what it means to learn to take care of yourself: how to feed your hungers for delicious and satisfying food, a smaller and safer body, and a body that can love and be loved—in a time when the bigger you are, the smaller your world becomes. [Goodreads Summary]

Have you read Hunger?  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: Too Hot Weather & My September TBR List Poll (Please Vote!)

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 has been one very hot week. When I picked up Mouse after her school dance yesterday afternoon, it was 109F. The day before had been even warmer. As I write this it is up to 107 and expected to get warmer. Our air conditioner has been running nonstop. The earth has been shaking a bit this morning. My phone chimed just as the shaking began with an earthquake warning. We've been following the news of fires in the county and the next county over. The big one right now is the Line Fire in San Bernardino County. I feel for those fire fighters facing not only the heat and danger of the fire, but the weather conditions too.

It was a rough week at work. Busy and emotionally draining. If you have children in your lives, especially tweens and teens, check in with them and make sure they are doing okay. My daughter has been getting all the extra hugs lately.

I have a quiet weekend planned. We will be going out tomorrow for an early birthday celebration. Otherwise, I hope to get some much overdue chores done around the house and squeeze in some reading time. 

How was your week? What have you been up to?

This week I read It's Elementary by Elise Bryant, a humorous mystery involving an elementary school PTA. I laughed out loud a few times and really took to Mavis and her family. I hope this will become a series. 

Last night I started reading A Girl Called Samson by Amy Harmon. I don't often read historical fiction set around the American Revolution, but this particular story, based on a real life woman who fought as a soldier during the war, interests me. It's been on my to read list for quite a while, but I was motivated to read it now because it's the September selection for the local indie's historical book club. I also recently started reading The Golden Enclaves by Noami Novik. It's the third book in the Scholomance young adult fantasy trilogy. I enjoyed the first two books quite a bit and am eager to see how the trilogy wraps up. 

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).  

Please help me select my next read! I am ready for fall and am in the mood for some ghostly reads. Which do you think I should read next? 

Haunted Ever After (Boneyard Key #1) by Jen DeLuca

It's love at first haunting in a seaside town that raises everyone’s spirits from USA Today bestselling author Jen DeLuca.

Small Florida coastal towns often find themselves scrambling for the tourism dollars that the Orlando theme parks leave behind. And within the town limits of Boneyard Key, the residents decided long ago to lean into its ghostliness. Nick Royer, owner of the Hallowed Grounds coffee shop, embraces the ghost tourism that keeps the local economy afloat, as well as his spectral roommate. At least he doesn’t have to run air-conditioning.

Cassie Rutherford possibly overreacted to all her friends getting married and having kids by leaving Orlando and buying a flipped historic cottage in Boneyard Key. Though there’s something unusual with her new home (her laptop won’t charge in any outlets, and the poetry magnets on her fridge definitely didn’t read “WRONG” and “MY HOUSE” when she put them up), she’s charmed by the colorful history surrounding her. And she's catching a certain vibe from the grumpy coffee shop owner whenever he slips her a free slice of banana bread along with her coffee order.

As Nick takes her on a ghost tour, sharing town gossip that tourists don't get to hear, and they spend nights side-by-side looking into the former owners of her haunted cottage, their connection solidifies into something very real and enticing. But Cassie's worried she’s in too deep with this whole (haunted) home ownership thing… and Nick's afraid to get too close in case Cassie gets scared away for good. [Goodreads Summary]

A Fatal Feast at Bramsford Manor (Food & Spirits Mysteries #1) by Darci Hannah

While filming at a haunted English manor, chef Bunny MacBride’s big break on her first reality TV show may be cut short by an unscripted murder in Darci Hannah’s new Food & Spirits cozy mystery series . . . It isn’t how chef Bridget “Bunny” MacBride imagined her own cooking show unfolding. But, if preparing historic meals with a modern flair is what it takes to get her cooking on the air, she can deliver, even if her dinner guest is a ghost. That’s the premise of the new reality TV show Food & Spirits, where Chef Bunny teams up with ghost hunter Brett Bloom and psychic medium Giff McGrady to visit haunted locales around the world and tempt lingering spirits back to the table with a beloved meal. For their first episode, the Food & Spirits team sets off to investigate Bramsford Manor, a historic house turned famously haunted hotel, in picturesque Hampshire, England. The sprawling estate is said to be home to the Mistletoe Bride, a young woman who died in the 18th century, the victim of a tragic accident on her Christmas wedding night. Disliking spooks but loving food, Bunny leaves the spectral search to the pros and focuses on the feast, creating a traditional English holiday wedding dinner, complete with a gorgeous prime rib, Yorkshire pudding, and rustic apple tarts. It’s a sumptuous meal she hopes will entice the ghostly Mistletoe Bride to take a seat and join them while the cameras roll. But Bunny’s task is made more difficult when someone steals a boning knife from her custom kit. Alas, when the blade finally turns up again—in the chest of an all-too-human dinner guest—Bunny’s woes only grow as she is named a lead suspect in the case! Now, with a haunted house full of living residents, staff, and crew, Bunny will need the help of Brett, Giff, and her clairvoyant Grandma Mac, to solve this murder before the manor gains another ghost! [Goodreads Summary]

The Third Wife of Faraday House by B.R. Myers

The Edgar Award–winning author of A Dreadful Splendor blends mystery and spooky thrills with friendship and romance in this delicious love letter to Gothic fiction, featuring two brides who must band together to unravel the ghostly secrets at the heart of a crumbling island manor.

'Til death do us part...

November 1816: Restless but naïve Emeline Fitzpatrick is desperate to escape her stifling life in foggy Halifax. Her guardian is lining up repugnant suitors, but Emeline has her eyes set on a handsome lieutenant in the British navy. She just needs to persuade him to propose, or her one chance at happiness will be gone forever.

But when Emeline’s hopes end in scandal, she finds herself with only one suitor left: the wealthy and enigmatic Captain Graves. Having already lost two wives to tragic circumstances, the unfortunate widower is seeking a new companion in his cloistered seaside manor, Faraday House. Or at least that is what Emeline had been told, because when she arrives, she is horrified to discover that the second Mrs. Graves, Georgina, has not yet died.

Emeline is only certain of two things: something ghastly is afoot at Faraday House, and no one is going to save her. She will have to rely on her own courage, her burgeoning bond with the ill but strong-willed Georgina, and the aid of a handsome reverend with a mysterious past to unravel the secrets at the heart of the manor and forge her own destiny. [Goodreads Summary]

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