Monday, July 13, 2015

Where Is Your Bookmark? (07/14/2015)

 I am currently reading The Gracekeepers by Kirsty Logan.

First Paragraph of The Gracekeepers by Kirsty Logan:

The first Callanish knew of the Circus Excalibur was the striped silk of their sails against the gray sky. They approached her tiny island in convoy: the main boat with its bobbing trail of canvas-covered coracles following like ducklings, chained in an obedient line. Ships arrived a dozen a day in the archipelagos, and Callanish knew that the circus folk would have to fight for their place on her island. Tomorrow the dock would be needed for a messenger boat, or a crime crew, or a medic. In a world that is almost entirely sea, placing your feet on land was a privilege that must be earned.


Teaser from 12% of The Gracekeepers: 

Hunched in the boat's prow, or speaking in a monotone while staring at the horizon, they'd confess to her. They'd lied or hurt or killed, and they wanted her to make it all better. She couldn't fix anything, but she could listen and stay quiet, and that had always been enough.

Here is the blurb about the book:

As a Gracekeeper, Callanish administers shoreside burials, sending the dead to their final resting place deep in the depths of the ocean. Alone on her island, she has exiled herself to a life of tending watery graves as penance for a long-ago mistake that still haunts her. Meanwhile, North works as a circus performer with the Excalibur, a floating troupe of acrobats, clowns, dancers, and trainers who sail from one archipelago to the next, entertaining in exchange for sustenance. 
In a world divided between those inhabiting the mainland ("landlockers") and those who float on the sea ("damplings"), loneliness has become a way of life for North and Callanish, until a sudden storm offshore brings change to both their lives--offering them a new understanding of the world they live in and the consequences of the past, while restoring hope in an unexpected future.  

What do you think? Would you keep reading?  

What are you reading at the moment?  Is it anything you would recommend?

Top Ten Tuesday is hosted by the lovely ladies at Broke and Bookish.

This week's  Top Ten Tuesday theme is Last Ten Books That Came Into My Possession (bought, borrowed, or received). Books do not flow into my home the way they once did. I used to visit every bookstore in town every other week, coming out of each store with multiple books. I also request fewer review copies, trying to limit them to only books I feel excited about reading (and not just want to read because it sounds good). Here are the latest ten  that found there way into my house. Most are e-copies.

1.

The Tide Watchers by Lisa Chaplin ~ I practically drooled when I read the description for The Tide Watchers. I love historical fiction full of intrigue. This one is about a young mother who goes undercover to try to help save Britain from Napoleon. (from the publisher via Edelweiss)

2.

The Book of Night Women by Marlon James ~ I had not even left Lisa's of Lit and Life blog after reading her review of the audio version of this book before I was purchasing my own copy. It sounds like a book I will need to be in the right mood to read--but a necessary and important book, nonetheless. (purchased on Audible.com)

3. 

Werewolves Be Damned by Stacey Kennedy ~ This is the first book in the series of which I have the second to review. Upon starting the second book first, I realized I might want to read the first book first. So, I ran off to Amazon to buy a copy. (purchased e-copy)

4. 

The Tail of Emily Windsnap by Liz Kessler ~ This sounded like a cute story I could share with Mouse in the not so distant future. (purchased e-copy)

5.

Sunbolt (The Sunbolt Chronicles 1) by Intisar Khanani ~ I read Athira's review of this one just last week over at Reading on a Rainy Day, and decided I just had to read it. It's short, more like a novella. (purchased e-copy)

6. 

The Sound of Language by Amulya Malladi ~ I love this author's books and am looking forward to reading this one. (purchased e-copy)

7. 

Name of the Devil by Andrew Mayne ~ I chose Name of the Devil because it appeals to my love of mysteries and the paranormal. It's the second in the series, but I'm told it can be read as a stand alone. I may end up buying the first book to read first anyway. (review copy from publisher)

8. 

Crooked Little Lies by Barbara Taylor Sissel ~ I am an Amazon Prime member, and I take full advantage of their Kindle First program (I'm not a Vine member). This one appealed to me for the mystery aspect. And I like an unreliable narrator now and then.

9. 

The Story of Land and Sea by Katy Simpson Smith ~ I read so little about the American Revolution, and, to be honest, it's not a time period I'm particularly drawn to. This book, however, caught my attention immediately and I'm looking forward to reading and reviewing it. (review copy from publisher)

10.

Poison Study by Maria V. Snyder ~ This is the first book in the Soulfinders series. I heard about the book earlier in the year, and it sat on my wish list until recently when I decided to take the plunge and buy it. (purchased e-copy)

Honorable Mention:


The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger ~ I received a copy in the mail via my Postal Book Club at the beginning of July. But I have owned my own copy for years. As a result, I didn't include this one on the official list.

Have you read any of these? Have you borrowed, purchased, or received any books lately?  What were they?  


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Pictures from the Disney Soundsational Parade, which is how my husband, daughter and I spent our 17th wedding anniversary this past weekend:











64 comments:

  1. Great collection of books that came your way recently! The Tide Watcher sounds really interesting, I added it to my want-to-read list and will keep a lookout for it :) Happy reading!

    My TTT

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    1. Lianne - I keep hearing great things about The Tide Watcher as people are having read and reviewed it. I'm avoiding the reviews, but it's hard not to avoid the buzz around it.

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  2. Ive been meaning to read the Tide Watcher! I'll really need to move that up. Enjoy your new books!

    Check out my TTT list!

    Leydy @ OUaT

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    1. Leydy - It sounds like it will be very good, doesn't it? I hope we both like it.

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  3. Thanks for the Disney parade pictures. They reminded me of a wonderful trip with our two granddaughters a few years ago. The first paragraph didn't grab me right off. I'd need a few more pages.

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    1. Margot - It's such a beautiful parade. But then, Disney knows how to make beautiful parades. :-) We went to the Paint the Night Parade too, which was lovely--but difficult to take photos of.

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  4. The Tide Watcher sounds good! I'm currently reading Name of the Devil and enjoying it; I loved the first installment and I was glad I've the chance to review the sequel. And yes, this sequel could be read as a standalone. :) I like the main character Jessica Blackwood; so brave and determined.

    I'm glad you'd a wonderful wedding anniversary at Disney, Wendy! Looks like a lot of fun!

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    1. Melody - I am glad to hear you are enjoying Name of the Devil (and that it can be read as a stand alone!) Jessica sounds like a great protagonist. :-)

      We had a very nice anniversary, thank you. I can't believe it's been 17 years!

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  5. A great post as always - The Time Traveller's Wife is one of those books that was loved by everyone but me :-( Here is my Tuesday post for this week https://cleopatralovesbooks.wordpress.com/2015/07/14/first-chapter-first-paragraph-july14/

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    1. Cleo - Thank you! I really did like The Time Traveler's Wife, but I know not everyone did.

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  6. You haven had a busy week with Disneyland AND so many new books.

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    1. Anne - It was an even busier week this past week with us on vacation! Whew. So glad to be home. :-)

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  7. I don't know about the first paragraph. It didn't flow easily for me, though I may keep reading to see if the story eventually clicks. That's a nice eclectic mix of books that have come into your possession lately. Enjoy them!

    P.S. Happy anniversary!

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    1. Diana - Thank you for the anniversary wishes. :-) Variety is the spice of reading life. ;-) I am looking forward to reading each of those books.

      I wasn't sure about the opening of The Gracekeeper's either, but I'm thoroughly caught up in the story now.

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  8. I'm not sure about the opening paragraph, but it certainly looks different from many of the books I've been reading recently, so I'd carry on reading to see how it develops.

    I also have a copy of Crooked Little Lies, which I'm eager to start. The Tide Watchers looks one I would enjoy

    Cleo is not alone in not loving The Time Traveller's Wife - I thought I would love it, but it just irritated me.

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    1. Margaret - It's been a nice change of pace for me. I'm quite enjoying it so far.

      I hope you like Crooked Little Lies!

      It wasn't a favorite by some of the people in my postal book club either, so you definitely are not alone.

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  9. You've collected some brilliant looking books recently! :-) I hope you enjoy them all. My TTT!

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  10. The Time Travellers Wife... I can't wait to read this. Enjoy!
    My TTT

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    1. Sue - I hope you get a chance to read it at some point!

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  11. Some great new books into your house. I featured the opening of Gracekeepers a few weeks ago -- I agree that it pulls you in.

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    1. Beth - Hopefully they will all be good. :-) I remember someone featured The Gracekeepers, but couldn't remember who. :-)

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  12. I had a tough time with that intro, it really did not make me want to read more, but hope u like it Wendy.

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    1. Diane - I'm really enjoying the book so far. It's different and on the sad side, but sometimes that's just what I'm looking for in a book.

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  13. First of all, love the Disney pics. Disneyland is such a fun place. And a belated Happy Anniversary to you guys! I'm not sold on The Gracekeepers. Sorry. But...sign me up for Name Of The Devil and Crooked Little Lies. And I'd like to read the book before Name Of The Devil. :-)

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    1. Kay - Thanks! We have such fun at Disney. My husband is drawing my daughter into his obsession for the history of the park. LOL Thank you too for the anniversary wishes. :-)

      The Name of the Devil and the book that comes before do sound good!

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  14. I wouldn't keep reading but only because my sister has read that book and told me that I wouldn't like it. The Sound of Language looks really good.

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    1. Kathy - Yes, I'm not sure I would recommend The Gracekeepers to you either, knowing your tastes in books. I do think you'd like Malladi's books though if you ever get a chance to read her work.

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  15. Both Gracekeepers and The Tide Watchers are on my to read list. I already have The Tide Watchers on my physical shelf. And I could add several more to my list after reading yours. You have some good ones here.
    Today I am featuring When the Moon Is Low by Nadia Hashimi.

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    1. Kim - I hope you enjoy all the books you do decide to read. Doesn't The Tide Watchers sound good? I can't wait to read it.

      The book you featured sounds like something I would reall like too! I've added it to my wish list.

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  16. Happy anniversary! I love the Disney pics. Sounds like a pretty fun way to spend the day. You've got some interesting looking books. How did I miss Crooked Little Lies? Poison Study and The Tide Watchers both look really good though it might be because their covers are gorgeous!

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    1. Katherine - Thank you! It made for a nice day. Mouse wanted to dress up for the occasion (I think she expected an actual wedding--but was very happy when she found out she didn't have to leave Disneyland for one after all)--it was really sweet.

      I like those two covers quite a bit too. :-)

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  17. Great photos! The Gracekeepers sounds sad....but captivating. Thanks for sharing.

    Your Top Ten are intriguing...and one of them, Crooked Little Lies, was a book I enjoyed.

    Here's mine: “THE MURDERER’S DAUGHTER”

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    1. Laurel- Rain - The Gracekeepers has been sad so far, but good just the same. I'm liking it so far.

      I am glad to hear you enjoyed Crooked Little Lies. :-)

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  18. Hmm...this one isn't really doing it for me. But, I really loved The Time Traveller's Wife!

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    1. Sarah - I liked The Time Traveler's Wife quite a bit too!

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  19. I like the intro and the sound of this book. I'd keep reading! Happy Anniversary!

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    1. Monica - I'm enjoying the book quite a bit right now. I hope to finish it soon. I didn't get to read at all during my vacation last week. :-S

      Thanks for the annivesary wishes!

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  20. I read the Tail of Emily Windsnapp many years ago - such a cute and enjoyable story. Read The Time Traveler's Wife in high school and loved it. Happy Reading!

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    1. Zed - I'm so glad to hear you liked The Tail of Emily Windsnap! It sounded cute and my daughter's really into mermaids. I thought it would be a good one for the two of us to share together. :-)

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  21. That intro doesn't do much for me, but I see some books I love in your new stash, especially The Time Traveler's Wife. The parade looks like a lot of fun... Happy Anniversary!

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    1. JoAnn - I love Disney's parades. The costumes and music are always so much fun.:-) They spoil me for other parades though.

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  22. Nice Disney photos. Some interesting books on your top ten list...and I haven't heard of your current read before now. Happy reading!

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    1. Catherine - Thanks! I am back in that panic phase where I want to read so much at once and yet I can only manage one or two books at a time. There's never enough time to read everything. :-(

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  23. I've heard great things about Poison Study too! It's on my shelf, but I haven't gotten to it yet.

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    1. Kaitlin - I hope I can get to it sooner than later. It sure sounds good.

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  24. The Tide Watcher seems unique and I like stories that pique my interest the way it does. Added to my want to read list. I'm just finished reading Alive by Scott Sigler. Here is my review: http://www.girl-who-reads.com/2015/07/review-alive-by-scott-sigler.html

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    1. Elisabeth - I agree! The Tide Watchers really caught my attention that way too. Hopefully we both like it!

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  25. I really want to check out Maria V. Snyder's series. Everyone seems to love it.
    Krystianna @ Downright Dystopian

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    1. Krystianna - I'm eager to give her series a try. Hopefully I will like it as much as everyone else who loves it does.

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  26. The Tide Watchers sounds really great! I have been in a huge historical fiction mood lately! I read the Time Traveler's Wife years ago, but I still think about it quite often!
    Thanks for stopping by the The Local Muse

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    1. Mallory - I don't read historical fiction as often as I would like. I so often love it when I do.

      I can see myself revisiting The Time Traveler's Wife again someday.

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  27. I would read on!

    mine: https://storytreasury.wordpress.com/2015/07/13/teaser-tuesday-diplomatic-immunity/

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    1. Sonia - It's such a good book. I'm really liking it so far.

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  28. The Soundsational parade looks like it was so much fun! I would have loved to check it out.

    Hope you enjoy Sunbolt, whenever you get to it. It IS a really quick read.

    The Gracekeepers sounds great. I have that book here and just need to pick it up and read it.

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    1. Athira - It was! I love Disney's parades. They are so well done. I hope you get to see one someday.

      I am sure I will like Sunbolt. It sounds right up my alley. Thank you for recommending it!

      I hope you enjoy The Gracekeepers when you read it!

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    1. Jenclair - I noticed a short story of hers is free on Amazon right now. Have you read her other two works? I wonder if they are good.

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  30. Ooh yes, The Gracekeepers sounds wonderful.

    Loving your Top Ten. Though I haven't read this book I have read one of the books in the Emily Windsnap series which I seem to remember enjoying.

    As for the Time Traveler's Wife .... My mam and I tend to enjoy the same books but were poles apart when it came down to our thoughts on this one as mam loved it whilst I didn't enjoy it at all.

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    1. Tracy - I'm enjoying it so far. :-) I am glad to hear you enjoyed a book in the Emily Windsnap series. I noticed that there were other books about her out there.

      The Time Traveler's Wife seems to be one of those books people either really liked or didn't like at all.

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  31. I've been reading The Gracekeepers too, how are you finding it? I like the Time Traveler's Wife. I'm a Prime member too and I think I chose that one it sounds good doesn't it. Thank you for sharing the lovely colourful pictures from your visit, it captures the fun of it all.

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    1. Lindsay - I'm enjoying it quite a bit. It's sad, isn't it? I wasn't able to read at all during this past week because we were on vacation, but I had no problem jumping right back into the book. Now I just want to read. What did you think of The Gracekeepers?

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  32. I liked the Time Traveler's Wife, read a few years ago. I hope you like it.
    Not sure about your current book but sometimes fantastic books don't have the best opening paragraph so don't let that stop you. I've hemmed & hawed about reading Snyder's series for so long now, not sure why.

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    1. Rita - I'm really enjoying The Gracekeepers so far. I love books like that. It wasn't until recently that I became aware of Snyder's series. I'm looking forward to giving it a try.

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