Monday, November 23, 2015

Where Is Your Bookmark? (11/24/2015)

My reading has turned to the upcoming Holidays as you saw from by last week's teasers.  This week is no different. I actually am sharing the opening of the first Christmas book I read this month, the review of which I will be posting in the next few days. I have since finished Jennifer Chiaverini's Christmas Bells, which mixes a present day story with a historical one, and a contemporary romance novella by Sara Richardson called One Christmas Wish.

Here are the first two paragraphs from A Cold Creek Christmas Story by RaeAnne Thayne, which is about a librarian turned children's author and her childhood crush who has temporarily returned to town with his young daughter, hoping the change will do her some good after all she's been through: 

If she didn't have thirty children showing up in the next half hour, Celeste Nichols would have been tempted to climb into her little SUV, pull out of the Pine Gulch library parking lot and just keep on driving. 

She shifted the blasted endlessly ringing cell phone to the crook of her shoulder while she sorted through the books scattered across her cubicle in the offices of the library to find what she would be reading for story hour.

Teasers from A Cold Creek Christmas Story at 39%

"I'm sorry," he said. "I just can't see how getting up in front of a bunch of strangers and singing about peace on earth will help a young girl suffering from PTSD."

and at 53%

"We don't get to choose the circumstances of our birth families, do we?" she said softly. "The only thing we have control of is the life we make for ourselves out of those circumstances."

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 Ten Bookish Things I am Thankful for. It seems fitting given the time of year. I am most thankful for my family, but since that doesn't fall under "bookish" they didn't make my list. My family really is what is most important though. We recently got some bad news; my husband lost his job. It has cast a shadow on the holiday season. It is not the end of the world, of course, And we will be all right. At least this is what I tell myself when I start feeling overwhelmed. Deep down I know it is true, but it has still been a blow to us. Anyhow, keeping it positive, here are some of the bookish things I am grateful for:

1. Books ~ This one really is self explanatory. Book have been my inspiration, my escape, kept me entertained, and have helped educate me all my life. They have been there for me through all the ups and downs.

2. My E-Reader ~ If you dig deep enough on my blog, you will find statements I have made about e-books, and how I could not imagine reading them, especially not preferring them to print books. Then I gave birth to my daughter, and e-books suddenly became my main way to read books. My e-reader goes with me everywhere, even when I have a paper book with me. The ease with which I can hold it, turn pages, prop it up, read in the dark, carry multiple books in its small form, highlight and bookmark favorite passages, and adjust the font and size of the words, well, it's proven to be quite convenient.  Not that I will ever give up reading paper books--because I still love those too.

3. Book Blogs ~ I discovered book blogs over nine years ago and they have been a source of not only great book recommendations and book discussions, but also provided the opportunity for me to meet people and make new friends. The book blogging community is a large part of why I continue to blog today.

4. Long Waits ~ At least when I am alone. If I have a long wait and I am alone, I do not mind at all really (unless I have some place to be). I can just pop open my book and settle in and read. If anything, I get a little annoyed when I have to close my book in a particularly tense spot because it's finally my turn.

5. Libraries ~ Libraries are the heart of a community. They provide a variety of services. For me, they are places of fond childhood memories and have the makings of many more with my own daughter.

6. Writers ~ Because they write the books I love so much, of course!

7. Books That Make Me Cry ~ I love books that draw out my emotions.  Not that it's hard to do. But still. A book that can make me cry is one that I am invested in. It means I care about the characters and what happens to them. It's a sign of a good book.

8. Herald Vanyel Ashkevron ~ My husband (then boyfriend) introduced met to Vanyel through author Mercedes Lackey's Valdemar fantasy novels over twenty years ago. While I had read fantasy novels here and there before then, it was really this series that sparked my love for the genre.

9. The Squeal Factor ~ There are, of course, books that just are not a good fit for me. And that is okay. Not every book will appeal to everyone, right? Even so, I tend to like what I read more often than not--whether it is because I am not as discerning a reader as I should be or simply because I know what I like and choose what I read accordingly. Yet not every book earns a squeal or exclamation of "Oh my gosh! I love this book!" as I am reading it--or even as I finish it. It is actually quite rare. I love that feeling.

10. Reading to My Daughter ~ There are times when my daughter seems more interested in her tablet or toys than her books, but she does like to read--or rather to be read to. There are still books she loves to listen to over and over again. That hasn't changed as she's gotten older.  She's become quite the story teller too. I love listening to the stories she comes up with.

What bookish things are you grateful for this year?


© 2015, Wendy Runyon of 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.

64 comments:

  1. Wonderful list of things you're grateful for--definitely with you on the books but I agree re: book blogs, the book blogging community has definitely broadened my horizons on book titles and genres, not to mention such a supportive community and a great place to chat about books :) Great list!

    My TTT

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Lianne - Yes! the book blogging community has definitely broadened my reading horizons. I feel lucky to be a part of it. Thanks for visiting. :-)

      Delete
  2. I love the sound of your excerpts! I am now adding this book to my list, too. Hope you are enjoying it.

    I liked your Top Ten list this week....I especially enjoyed how you don't mind waiting if you have a good book along. I always have one, too, for that
    reason. You certainly can't count on the magazines in waiting rooms!

    Thanks for visiting my blog.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Laurel-Rain - It was the perfect start to the holiday season. :-) I hope to read more by Thayne in the near future.

      I rarely go anywhere without a book. :-) I've noticed that not as many places have magazines in waiting areas anymore. At least not the places I go. And there's only so many times a person can read all the medical brochures at the doctor's office. Thank you for visiting!

      Delete
  3. I loved reading to my girls, too. It was favorite part of parenting, actually.

    It is good to give thanks. Have a wonderful week. My Thankful TTT

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anne - It's just fun to do different voices. Haha! Seriously though, I enjoy reading to my daughter quite a bit--and seeing her enthusiastic about a book. I hope you have a great week too. Thanks for visiting!

      Delete
  4. Oh yes, I'm so thankful for books too! They really are wonderful things! <3

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Chrissi - Books are the best! They've opened so many windows into the world for me, and helped me be a better person.

      Thank you for visiting!

      Delete
  5. I love that you included "long waits" on a list of things you're thankful for! Only a bookworm would include that, haha. It's kind of like how I loved exam days in school because it meant I got to read as soon as I finished. But when you spend all your spare time reading, you enjoy every bit of spare time you get! Here's my TTT :-)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kristen - I like the way you think! Any chance to read. :-) I am one of those rare people who likes to be called in for jury duty because it often means a free day of reading while I wait to see if my name will be called.

      Thanks for visiting!

      Delete
  6. I like the sound of this one - I've just read Laurel's choice by the same author, different book though. I would like to know more, it sounds as though the author is touching on some tough issues too. I too am thankful for book blogs, great people and lots of books I'd never have found on my own.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Cleo - Book blogs have enriched our reading lives tenfold, haven't they? Or at least close to it. :-)

      This was my first book by RaeAnne Thayne, but I look forward to reading more by her. One of the things I really liked about this book was that it did tackle some rather tough issues. There are times when I want pure fluff and other times I like more depth. This had a nice balance of both. :-) Thank you for visiting!

      Delete
  7. I love your teasers. Now I want to read this book too. It sounds like a heartwarming story just right for this time of year.

    I like all your bookish items. Number 10 is the best.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Margot - I hope you do read it. It's quite good! I agree! Number 10 is my favorite too. :-) Thanks for visiting!

      Delete
  8. Aww, this is the most fabulous list!! Reading to people is amazing. I rea dto my niece and nephew and afjdksla they are adorable and it's nice to see small humans loving books. OH OH you've been reading book blogs for 9 years?! WOW That is epic and amazing!! :D
    I also love books that make me cry. xD Or laugh...or howl. ANYTHING. Books that give emotion are the best. Here's my TTT!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Cait - I love to see children loving books too. :-) It's been over nine years really, since around the time I started my own blog. The book blogging community has expanded quite a bit since I first began. It is wonderful to see so many people love on books.

      I almost included laughing, but decided not to because sometimes I laugh because I find something to be silly or ridiculous--and that isn't always a good reason for a book to make me laugh. But I agree, books that bring out my emotions really are the best. Thank you for visiting!

      Delete
  9. Great list of gratefulness! Loved your teasers too.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Is everyone featuring a Christmas book today? I'm so in the mood for Christmas stories that I"m afraid my list of reads to going to last me till July! Girl Who Reads

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Donna - It seems like it, doesn't it? We're all very festive today. :-) I have a feeling all my holiday reads will take me to at least then too! Thank you for visiting, Donna.

      Delete
  11. I had quite a long wait in the doctor's office yesterday and it turned out to be the only reading I got in all day so I didn't complain (much).

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kathy - That's happened to me before too. :-S Thank you for stopping by!

      Delete
  12. I hope to read a few Christmas books in the next weeks. I would choose Cold Creek Christmas Story, and I want to read Jennifer Chiaverini's book too. Love your bookish top ten. I am not a good Wait-er, but a book makes it much better.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Judy - I do hope you read this one--and Chiavernini's book. Both make for good Christmas reads, I think. I would be miserable waiting if I didn't have book. What's hard is when I'm with my daughter. I can't read and I have to find ways to keep her entertained. Thanks for visiting!

      Delete
  13. She sounds very harried in that first chapter. and I like TT too- nice quote.

    Great Top Ten list- books of course, and e- readers- I'm the same way, didn't think I'd like them but am now a convert.

    I am sorry to hear about the job situation- that is stressful. But you guys will get through it.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Greg - She does sound harried, doesn't she? I really liked the second teaser especially.

      Who would have thought e-readers would grow on us? I take mine wherever I go. And sometimes a paper book too.

      Thank you, Greg, for your kind words. We're hoping he will find work again soon, but regardless, we have each other and we'll pull through somehow.

      And thank you for visiting. :-)

      Delete
  14. A Cold Creek Christmas Story certainly sounds like a very different festive read and just the sort of thing I'd read.

    About to start The Villa In Italy by Elizabeth Edmondson which may well be my last read before I start my Christmas reading.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Tracy - The Villa In Italy sounds like it would be good. I like the premise. I hope you are enjoying it!

      A Cold Creek Christmas Story was enjoyable. It's a romance, but a clean one (I know how you feel about sex in books). Thanks for visiting, Tracy. :-)

      Delete
  15. Books that make you cry, are the best!! Have a Happy Thanksgiving! Here's my Top Ten Tuesday

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Tori - I agree! I love books that bring out strong emotions in me. I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving too! Thank you for visiting.

      Delete
  16. A Cold Creek Christmas Story sounds like the kind of book I adore. I like the way the author introduces her character immediately -- we know her occupation and the book's setting. I'll start re-reading my collection of Christmas books soon and will add a few new ones, including the one you featured today.
    Thank you for introducing me to this author and for stopping by my blog.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sandra - I liked that about the opening too, Sandra. It's a good set up for the story to come. I hope you do like this one if you read it! Thanks for dropping in!

      Delete
  17. So much to be thankful for. Reading to my kids was a nightly treat and a way to revisit poems and books from my childhood. Since I have books on my iPhone, I no longer fret about long wait either!

    Happy Thanksgiving.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Jane - I am hoping my daughter will show interest in chapter books soon because there are so many stories I want to read her. Right now, she must have her picture books. :-)

      Thank goodness for our phones too, eh? I don't read on mine, but it's nice to know I can if I'm in a pinch.

      Delete
  18. I'm a bit behind on my book reading at the moment... I really should pick up some Christmas ones though and maybe get in the mood! :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Nikki-Ann - I seem to have been bitten by the holiday bug early this year because I can't get enough of Christmas stories and movies. Thank you for stopping by!

      Delete
  19. Ha, expecting thirty children would drive me TO the SUV. Glad to see Celeste is of a different mind set.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Dagny - Oh, me too! I think I would be in the SUV and on the road very quickly. Celeste enjoys working with the children though. She's a much better person than I am. :-)

      Delete
  20. I so agree with you about long waits. As long as I have a book, they're like a tiny, unexpected gift.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Suzie - Exactly! Any extra time I can spend reading is wonderful.

      Delete
  21. Sounds interesting. Here's my teaser: http://wp.me/p4DMf0-12n

    ReplyDelete
  22. What a lovely list of bookish things to be thankful for! I'm with you on most of those -- and happy to find another Vanyel/Valdemar fan! (Though I think my favorite character is probably Alberich. And maybe Karal.) Like you, I used to be a bit against ebooks. Then I got an ereader because we were going on a 3-week road trip and I couldn't afford the space to take, you know, 15 or 20 books with me. (I read a lot on vacation.) And I fell in love. I'm not giving up my print books (well, maybe the ones with teeny-tiny print), but I love the convenience of my ereader. As for long waits, between my Kindle, my knitting, and audiobooks, they bother me much less these days. :-)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Lark - Alberich is pretty awesome. I really like Elspeth too. I haven't read any of the recent books unfortunately, but I'd like to get back into them someday. I actually have a couple CD's of music Mercedes Lackey out out related to the books. Maybe I shouldn't admit that.

      I don't see myself ever giving up my print books either, but I do like my e-reader.

      Sounds like you have a lot to keep you busy when you have to wait. It really does make the time go by faster.

      Delete
  23. Sounds like a good Christmas read. Your top ten sounds about like what mine would be if I had made one. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Stormi - I really enjoyed the novel. I just finished another Christmas novella and am debating now whether to dive into my nonfiction Christmas related book or stick to fiction. So many choices!

      Delete
  24. I enjoyed your teaser - a very seasonal offering:). Though I'll enjoy it once I've completed my Christmas shopping... I also loved your article, which echoes many of my own joys - particularly my love of books and the wonder of the blogging community where we readers and writers can share our passion. My own teaser is https://sjhigbee.wordpress.com/2015/11/24/teaser-tuesday-24th-november/

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sarah - Thank you! I don't normally get hit with the holiday bug quite so early, but it seems to be holding on and won't let go. :-)

      Yes--exactly. I love that we are able to share our passion for books here in the blogging community. I am glad to be a part of it. Thank you for visiting!

      Delete
  25. That's a great list of bookish things you mentioned, Wendy! I'm still trying to read more e-books; I only read them when I'm stuck without a physical book outside. They are convenient but I still miss holding a physical book. ;-)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Melody - I read more e-books than I do print books, sad to say. I've even been known to buy the e-copy even though I have the print copy just so I can read it on my e-reader. Crazy, I know.

      Delete
  26. I've been in the mood for some Christmas reads too Wendy; I'd keep reading. I love your grateful list this week. Happy Thanksgiving.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Diane - I've been craving everything Christmas lately. It's driving my husband a bit crazy, I think. Poor guy. I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving, Diane!

      Delete
  27. I am so sorry about the job thing. I know how stressful it is, plus this is holiday season. I will be keeping my fingers crossed for your husband that he gets a job soon.

    I love all those teasers. I will definitely read those books based just on the teasers.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Athira - Thank you. It is stressful, especially coming at this time of year. We're about due for some good news and hopefully we will get some before the year is out.

      Thanks again!

      Delete
  28. Sounds like a sweet holiday read.

    I love the blogging community. Made many friends and discovered so many new authors and books I might not have found otherwise. And the discussions and suggestions are fun too. Love being a part of it.

    Here's my TT - http://fuonlyknew.com/2015/11/24/teaser-tuesdays-137-a-piece-of-you/

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Laura - It was! It is a great community. I'm so glad to be a part of it. :-)

      Delete
  29. I've got this book coming so I will keep reading! A job loss is tough and more so around the holidays, sorry it has come to your family.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Nise' - I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!

      I wish the job loss hadn't come right now, but what can you do, right? Hopefully he will find something else soon. Thanks for visiting!

      Delete
  30. Sounds like a good book - the cynical protagonist being melted by the warmth of Christmas?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Eustacia - I enjoyed it quite a bit. That does seem to be a common theme among Christmas romance novels, doesn't it?

      Delete
  31. The holiday book sounds pretty cute, though the teaser suggests someone is a bit cynical, haha. Hope it was a good read!
    I'm definitely thankful for my books too and that I have the opportunity to read when I can!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Cyn - He's really more concerned about worsening her PTSD, but he still could use a good dose of the Christmas spirit. :-)

      Delete
  32. Sorry to read about your husband's job loss :( What an awful time (not that there's a good one). We've been there and he was the only one working!
    I like your list!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Stacy - Thanks, Stacy. It is bad timing. What matters most is that we are together. I'm sure we'll get through this regardless.

      Delete

Thank you for taking the time to visit Musings of a Bookish Kitty. Don't be shy! I would love to hear from you. Due to a recent increase in spam, I will be moderating all comments for the foreseeable future. Please be patient with me as it may take a few hours before I am able to approve your comment.