Saturday, May 07, 2016

Sunday Post: New Books, Blogging & May TBR List Poll

The Sunday Post is hosted by the wonderful Kim, the Caffeinated Book Reviewer, and gives us all a chance to 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. 


Happy Mother's Day to all the mothers out there! I hope you are enjoying your special day. I am unable to spend the day with my own mom, but I am sure I will enjoy the day with my own daughter and husband.

My mom and I

I am a little late getting my May TBR List Poll up. You'll find it at the bottom of this overly long post. This is what happens when you are away from my blog for too long. I hope you will take the time to vote!

What are you up to today?
Book Blogger Hop


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.

Why did you start your blog? (submitted by Elizabeth
This will not be a new story to those of you who have been following my blog for awhile now. I started my blog at my husband's urging, nearly ten years ago. I had been keeping a reading journal for a number of years before that, jotting down my bookish thoughts, occasionally sharing bits and pieces on the online book groups I was in. It seemed a natural progression, really, to start a book blog, combining my passion for books with my love of writing. While my blogging habits have changed over the years, the spirit of my blog has remained the same: a casual and friendly place where I can talk about the books I read, their impact on me, and sometimes even about my life outside of books. The book blogging community has made my blogging experience all the richer. I no longer think of reading as just a solitary pursuit.

What about you? If you have a blog, what got you started?


New On My Shelves:



I do not often get print books in the mail anymore, and so was excited to find two in my mailbox recently. Both were sent by the publishers. Reader, I Married Him is a collection of short stories by various authors as a tribute to Charlotte Bronte's Jane Eyre.  The other book is a nonfiction book called Love Wins: The Lovers and Lawyers who fought the Landmark Case for Marriage Equality by Debbie Cenziper and Jim Obergefell.

I also got these titles recently from NetGalley:


Mercer Girls by Libbie Hawker 


Thief's Magic by Trudi Canavan  

The Rule of Luck by Catherine Cerveny

I have been wanting to try another book box subscription, one that might appeal to me more than the other one I tried a year or so ago. After researching a variety of them, I decided to try My Lit Box, a subscription book box that focuses on celebrating diversity and authors of color, which I found especially appealing. I was excited when my first book box arrived. Not only did I receive a book by an author I have been wanting to read, but it's set during World War II. You all know I can't resist a book set during that time period. The book is The Book of Harlan by Bernice L. McFadden. My daughter has already run off with the two buttons that came in the package, but she's letting me keep the rest: the bag and the bookmark, as well as the book. I can live with that.


What I Am Reading: I read my average amount of books in the month of April, a mixture of historical fiction, fantasy and general fiction. My favorite was Nadia Hashimi's When the Moon Is Low, which I will be reviewing this week on my blog. Seraphina by Rachel Hartman swept me off my feet just as many of you said it would. I dove wrote into the sequel Shadow Scale upon finishing it.

I am now reading The House for Happy Mothers by Amulya Malladi for an upcoming tour. I "met" the author briefly when she belonged to one of my online reading books many years ago. I have enjoyed her past books and was curious to read her latest. The House for Happy Mothers takes a look at two very different women: one from the Western world, steeped in privilege, but longing for a baby of her own, and the other a young mother trying to make ends meet in India who agrees to be a surrogate mother to the other woman.


What I Am Watching: I am finally caught up with Fear of the Walking Dead. At least I will be until tonight. I am not as enamoured by the show as I am with the original show, The Walking Dead. I just have not connected with any of the characters, although something keeps me watching. Strand is fascinating--good or bad? Both, maybe? Is anyone else watching it?

I had every intention of going to see the new Captain America movie this past Friday, but it did not happen. We watched Star Wars: The Force Awakens, which we had seen before, but all enjoy. Mouse and I are big fans of Rey, the female lead.


Around the Blogosphere:
  • Author Michael Robotham talks about The First Book I Ever "Earned". Such a great article. I think many of us have memories like this in some form or another.
  • Andi makes a powerful statement with her post My Body is For Commentary But I Own It. I can relate and love her attitude.
  • Maureen gives us a glimpse into A Day in The Life of a Nurse. I have such love and admiration for nurses. I'm glad to know Maureen, even if only through her blog.
  • I am too embarrassed to share how many book are in my TBR collection, but Stacy isn't: Book problem, year 9. I love this annual feature of hers, and wish I was brave enough to do the same.

What's Going On Off the Blog: It has been a busy two weeks. I was emotionally exhausted and not feeling up to spending too much time on the computer, much less blogging. I at least was reading when I could. The week before last I attended a conference on sexual assault and rape culture which I enjoyed. They provided lunch, which was actually pretty decent. The venue was not too far from my home, which was an added advantage.

 Roses from one of my rose bushes

Mouse's dental visit went well. Her pediatric dentist and the other staff that work in the office are so good with the children. In addition, my husband and I attended Mouse's kindergarten orientation this past week. It was held fifteen minutes after school let out. Oh, my gosh, the traffic! I have heard about school drop off and pick up traffic, but had never really experienced it myself. How do you deal with it?! While the school traffic is something to fear, I left the orientation feeling optimistic about the coming school year.

My husband introduced Mouse to Pathfinder Adventure on his cell phone, and she insisted we play the actual card game this weekend. Soon she'll be wanting to play the role playing game, I have no doubt. The card game was actually lots of fun. We won, but not by much. Admittedly, my husband did most of the strategizing telling us what to do. I am sure we'll be old hands at the game in no time.

Swim Lesson

Friday Mouse started her new swim class,  this one being one-on-one. The cost of the classes put me off initially, but after last year's debacle with one of the city's swim teachers and Mouse's fear of swimming as a result of that, we felt this might be a good way to ease her back in. I wasn't sure she would have a lesson, given the rain and threat of thunderstorms. Evidently the downpour we got on our side of the city did not extend to the side with the pool. It was raining when we left the house and raining when we got back--but no rain at all at the pool. Last week's soccer class was cancelled because of the rain. Despite the dark clouds and threats of rain this Saturday, however, it was a dry morning at the park and class went on as usual.

Running the Obstacle Course

 Worn out after battling the tissue paper

I have been finding little odds and ends here and there each morning when I wake up. A Lego or a barrette, for instance. Never where they are supposed to be. While it would be easy to blame my five year old, I am pretty sure it is my three year old cat, Gracie, who is the culprit. Parker just takes it all in stride. He's moving slower these days, but seems to have more good days than not. This morning he was too lazy to burrow under the covers on his own and woke me up so I could hold them up for him. He settled in near my feet.

"Where are my treats?"

Help me decide what book from my TBR collection I should read next:


My TBR List is a meme hosted by the awesome Michelle at Because Reading. It’s a fun way to choose a book from your TBR pile to read. The 1st Sunday of every month, I will list 3 books I am considering reading and take a poll as to which you think I should read. I will read the winner that month, and my review will follow. While I will attempt to post my review that same month, I make no promises--it may go up the following month. 



I had hoped to post this poll the first Sunday of the month, but it did not happen. I did not want to skip it all together, however. I have already surpassed my goal to read one book for the Once Upon a Time Challenge (although not by much), and thought maybe I would continue along in the same vein. This month I have selected three urban fantasy novels that have been sitting on my shelf demanding my attention. All three sound good. It is just a coincidence the covers all have men on them. Which one do you think I should read?


The Shadow Revolution by Clay and Susan Griffith ~ Werewolves prowl the streets of Victorian London in this urban fantasy novel. Coming together, each with their own unique talents of magic, science and alchemy, our group of heroes is the best hope the city has.


Charming by Elliott James ~ Once a dragon slayer and witch-finder, John Charming now leads a peaceful life, tending bar. That is, until a vampire and blonde walk through the door. Compared the Jim Butcher's Dresden Files, this book has definitely piqued my interest.


Stone Guardian by Danielle Monsch  ~ This one has a little bit of everything from the sounds of it. Romance, gryphons, gargoyles, wizards, and that's just for starters. Necromancers seem to be targetting history teacher Larissa Miller, and Terak, the leader of the gargoyles, is determined to find out why.





I hope you all have a great week! Happy Reading!


© 2016, 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.

83 comments:

  1. I'm seeing quite a few familiar books in this post- I've read Charming (which is brilliant), The Shadow Revolution (really excellent), and Thief's Magic (a bit disappointing sometimes due to the way the chapters end, but I loved the concept of Vella).

    I don't feel AS BAD for having so many books in my 'pile' now that I read Book Problem, year 9. I think I have under 300 physical books in my TBR, but I have been accumulating more thanks to all the cheap book sites I've found.

    I love your roses: I haven't seen ones like those except in flower shops. I hope Mouse feels more confident with her swimming- that's a physical activity that treats your body kindly.
    ~Litha Nelle

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    1. Litha Nelle - When I was linking the books to Goodreads, I noticed your reviews. :-) I like your taste in books, and so I'm hopeful I will like these too.

      You should see Stacy's stacks when she first began posting photos of her TBR collection. She's come a long way. :-) Mine is probably still bigger than hers, although maybe not since my last big purge. I'm too embarrassed to count.

      Aren't they pretty? My husband cut those from our bush. I wish I could remember what they are called. I want to say American Rose, but ours seem a little more pink than red.

      I think the private lessons will be more beneficial to her. I wish we had a pool of our own. It would make things easier. I often think that I could use one, especially when my aches and pains are at their worst.

      Thank you for visiting, Litha Nelle!

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  2. Ten years? That's a long time to be blogging. I started 7yrs ago and feel like an old timer (who still has a tiny audience and minimal following!).

    I hope you have a lovely Mother's Day!

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    1. Deborah - It will be ten years this July. I still feel like I don't know what I'm doing half the time, but I suppose I do fall in that veteran category. At seven years, you do too. :-)

      Thank you for the good wishes! And thank you for stopping by!

      Delete
  3. Glad to hear Seraphina was good, I heard positive things about it. I am watching Fear the Walking Dead and I agree- I'm not crazy about any of the characters, although I keep watching. I wonder about strand too (and we did learn more about him last time). I was really mad at Alicia for talking to that guy on the radio since they've shown up now to cause trouble. The characters aren't very smart sometimes... :)

    I voted for The Shadow Revolution, that one looks good. Oh and happy Mothers Day!

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    1. Greg - I had a couple minor issues with Seraphina, but overall, I really enjoyed it. I was upset with Alicia for talking to him too--giving him so much information. I'm curious to see how everything plays out in the final few episodes. And I totally agree-they really aren't very smart sometimes!

      Thank you for the good wishes! The Shadow Revolution does sound good, doesn't it?

      Thank you for stopping by!

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  4. Oh my... it sounds like you could hardly catch a breath last week!
    It looks like the one on one swimming lessons are going to work for Mouse - it's great if she can start enjoying swimming and the water.
    I voted for Shadow Revolution, it looks very tense, and that's what I wold read next ;)
    Have a wonderful week ahead and happy reading.
    Lexxie @ (un)Conventional Bookviews

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    1. Lexxie - It was a busy week. Hopefully this coming one will be quieter. Or at least less busy.

      Mouse has always loved playing in the water, but the teacher last summer really shook her confidence. She seems to be doing better with this new teacher and I'm sure the one on one will help.

      Thank you for voting! I am looking forward to finding out who the winner will be! Thanks too for visiting!

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  5. "I no longer think of reading as just a solitary pursuit." Oh I just love that line! At some point since I started blogging, I think I too have stopped thinking of reading as being a solitary thing, but I didn't even realize it until right now. Just another reason the book blogging community is so great :-)

    Yay about getting books in the mail! I've never gotten physical ARCs, so it just seems so exciting to me lol. And those are real roses in that picture?! They're so cool! They look like they came straight out of Alice in Wonderland. I've never seen any like that before.

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    1. Kristen - It was a couple or so years into blogging when I realized how social my reading has become. At least online. :-)

      I don't get physical ARC's often, so it is pretty exciting when I do get one or two in the mail. Heck, I'm excited when I receive books I paid for in the mail. Haha

      Those are one of my favorites of my four bushes. I just love the colors. I think they are called American roses.

      Thank you for dropping by and commenting!

      Delete
  6. That book subscription box looks super interesting. I'm trying to read authors of color this month.

    We splurged for one-on-one swim lessons for our son last summer, and he improved a ton. Regular swim lessons are really 5 minutes of practice and 20 minutes of hanging out on the edge of the pool watching others practice. I think it saved money, really, because he doesn't need more lessons now! This summer it's our daughter's turn.

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    1. Wendy - I don't try hard enough to read authors of color, which I should make more of an effort to do. I'm excited to see what next month will bring with the subscription box.

      I'm glad I decided to make the jump into one-on-one lessons. Two summers of group lessons and she still can't swim on her own. I wish I had known about the Aquatic Association lessons before--they are expensive, but not nearly as much as the private lessons I had found last year while searching for swim lessons. It's a good compromise, I think--and worth it if she's actually swimming on her own by the end of the summer. Hopefully sooner. :-)

      Delete
  7. Happy Mother’s Day!! ;)

    It looks like you have some great new books. I love those covers. Ow.. and your cats. They look soooo cute!!

    I started my book blog because I just wanted to share my thoughts on the books I read. And in my own way, I like to make people aware of books and reading. Especially since I find that people read way to little these days.

    Thanks for the mention in your ‘Around the Blogosphere’ bit. I really appreciate it and I’m real glad to know you too! ;)

    Have a great week and Happy Reading!

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    1. Maureen - Thank you! :-) No new books this week, which is probably a good thing. My cats are both very affectionate. They are well loved.

      Yes, it does seem like people read less these days. Sometimes I feel like I read less too . . .

      I hope you are enjoying your week!

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  8. Happy Mother's Day :) I might have to look into one on one swim lessons for my kids. They didn't so well in group lessons when we tried. I voted for the last book because I love Gargoyles! Have a great week!!

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    1. Grace - Thank you! Same to you. :-) I liked the price tag for the group lessons so much better, but even in two individual lessons she is doing better than she did in two weeks worth of the group.

      Thank you for voting! I can't wait to see who wins.

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  9. It looks like you got a lot of great books and I love the covers! I want to read Not All Princes Are Charming, that looks like a good one! Have a great week:)

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    1. Cindy - They all sound so good, don't they? I can't wait to read them.

      Charming does sound good! I look forward to seeing which one wins. Thanks for voting!

      Delete
  10. I love the photo of you and your mom...I have a favorite that I occasionally post of me and mine...but for some reason, I didn't this time.

    My daughter posted a photo on FB of me when I was her age, with an I Love Mom caption.

    Hopefully the one-on-one swimming lessons will go well...I've never liked group lessons myself.

    Enjoy your week...and thanks for visiting my blog. Happy Mother's Day!

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    1. Laurel-Rain - I love that photo too. Thank you. That was really nice of your daughter to do that for you on Mother's Day. :-)

      I learned to swim through group lessons, but I was older. I imagine she'll do much better with the one-on-one setting at her age. She seems to really enjoy the class so far. I hope you had a great week too!

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  11. The Mercer Girls has such a pretty cover!
    I'm rather excited to see what you think of Thief's Magic. I read that when it first came out because I'm a crazy Trudi Canavan fan. My Lit Box looks like a really good one! I'm the same about books set during WWII... can't resist them!
    Look forward to seeing your review of When the Moon Is Low. I'm so glad you ended up enjoying Seraphina too, I think I'm going to have to read it soon!
    I hope Mouse enjoys the swim class. It's so important to have a nice teacher for something like that!
    Hope you have a lovely Mother's day, Wendy!

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    1. Annika - I think the cover of The Mercer Girls is pretty too. :-) I've enjoyed what I've read by Canavan before, and so am looking forward to reading Thief's Magic.

      I hope you do read Seraphina! I still need to polish my review, and then I hope to get it up.

      I am glad Mouse likes her swim teacher. Miss M is very nice and patient with her.

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  12. Such a good post and much to comment on...
    Glad Mouse is doing well in all her endeavors.
    I'm interested in that book delivery club and never heard of your author for the Harlan book but hope it's excellent.
    I would love to pick up Seraphina! I love dragons. Now that I'll be 10 minutes from my beloved county library instead of 35, and it's open on Sundays, I'll be scooping up many more new to me books/authors from the library.
    Your roses, with their two-toned colors, are beautiful. Enjoy Mother's Day.

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    1. Rita - As long as Mouse is enjoying herself. :-) I enjoyed this first subscription box. I am not sure I can afford to do it every month, but we'll see.

      A library open on Sundays! That is wonderful. I am sure you will take full advantage of that. :-)

      I hope you had a nice Mother's Day too!

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  13. I voted for Charming, since I need to read that one as well.

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    1. Sarah - Thank you for voting! I am anxious to see who won!

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  14. Happy Mother's Day! It looks like you always have so much going on. It is fun to visit with you every Sunday. :)

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    1. Kelly - Thank you! It feels like we have a lot going on, but I know there are many who do more than I do. :-)

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  15. Happy Mother's Day! I have had a hard time keeping with up blogging and reading lately myself. I just had to remind myself that it is supposed to be fun and not to stress too much about it. Starting school is exciting but the school traffic drives me crazy! I think it gets worse as they get older. I voted for Charming because it sounds ....well charminng :) Have a great week!

    Carole @ Carole's Random Life

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    1. Carole - Thank you! Same to you. I thought for sure I would be able to get on the computer more this past week, but it hasn't happened. Oh well. Yes, I'm definitely not looking foward to the school traffic. At least I don't have to take her to school in the mornings. ;-) Thank you for voting!

      Delete
  16. Love the picture of you and your mom! Such a wonderful memory.
    I voted for Charming since I like Charming :)
    You had a busy week and those kittys are so cute. The roses are gorgeous.

    I hope you have a fantastic week! Happy Reading!

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    1. Michelle - Thank you! I hope you have a fantastic week as well.

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  17. HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY, WENDY!!!!! I will come back later and comment further, but now I'm in a big rush, as I'm heading out to Mom's house.(I got up at noon, lol.) But I wanted to stop by and wish the most WONDERFUL,HAPPY, BLESSED MOTHER'S DAY!! I hope you and your precious little girl enjoy all the beauty, love, and happiness of this beautiful day!! I also wish the very best to your hubby! Enjoy your Queenship Day!!!! HUGS!!! <3 :)

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    1. Maria - Thank you! I hope you had a nice visit with your mom. I'm wishing right now I could take a nap--but it's too late in the day.

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  18. Happy Mother's Day! I started a reading journal before I started blogging too, but I enjoy blogging much better! I'm glad you have Mouse in swimming lessons. My grandmother never learned to swim and, as a result, was always terrified of the water. I think everyone should know how to swim, not just for safety, but also for fun. Thanks for visiting my blog! I hope you have a great week! :)

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    1. Kim - Thank you! I enjoy blogging much better too. :-) Because of my profession, I feel very strongly about her learning to swim for safety reasons. But I would also like her to have fun in the water too, of course. :-)

      Delete
  19. Happy Mother's Day!!

    I have to check out My Lit Box - I have been hoping to try a subscription service too but not sure I will like it as much as I hope to. The surprise and the unboxing aspect of it will be fun.

    So funny about Gracie placing items in the wrong place!! Hope Mouse enjoys her current swim lessons better!

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    1. Athira - Same to you! Thank you. :-) With the subscription box, I worry about getting books I already own. I don't know that I'll be able to subscribe for a long period of time, but it's nice for the time being. And I do love getting books in the mail. I may downgrade to just the book. I don't really need the extras.

      So far there have been only smiles when it comes to swim lessons and no tears. Since I signed her up through the summer, she better enjoy it. Haha

      Delete
  20. We celebrated mother's day yesterday mostly, even though it officially is today. It was my grandmother's birthday so we went out toe at and after that we gave my mom her mother's day presents. I hope you'll have a great mother's day!
    I watched the force awakens for the first time tow weeks ago and we enjoyed the movie! Always good to rewatch a movie you know you like.
    I hope Mouse her swimming lessons will go well! And your cats are adorable.
    I voted for the Shadow revolution as it sounds good. I hope you'll have a great week!

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    1. Lola - What a nice way to celebrate Mother's Day! I am glad you were able to spend your grandmother's birthday with her as well.

      I am trying not to peek yet to see who won. ;-) Just a couple more hours before I close the poll and find out. Thank you for voting!

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  21. Happy Mother's Day! I hope you and your family have been enjoying the day. I had a hard time making my choice for which book you should choose but I had to go with a victorian setting :) Hope you have a great week ahead!

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    1. Iliana - Thank you! We had a very nice day. :-) The Victorian setting does sound inviting, doesn't it? :-) I hope you had a good week too!

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  22. Can't wait to see your review on "When The Moon is Low" :) Looks interesting and I love that beautiful photo of you and your mom. Such a special memory

    I haven't tried any book subscription boxes yet but have been seeing them everywhere so I know I definitely need to look into it!

    Enjoy your week :)
    PS: Your blog name is so cool! lol

    Quite a Novel Idea

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    1. Jenn - Thank you! I found the photo in an old album of mine. My mom won't give up most of the photos from my childhood, unfortunately, but I have a few. :-)

      I really enjoyed this first subscription box and look forward to seeing what comes next month.

      I hope you enjoy your week too! I like your blog name also!

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  23. How cool that your husband suggested it! My husband loves to here my page view counts and cheers me on.
    Sportochick’s Musings Blog Hop Answer

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    1. Teri - Keeping track of my stats was just too stressful for me. And makes my husband jealous. LOL He does read my blog though and proofreads all my reviews. And he puts up with my ramblings about the books I read as I work out my thoughts on them.

      Delete
  24. Happy Mother's Day:). Your striped rose reminds me all over again that I want one in my garden - what lovely blooms. I really like the look of Not All Princes Are Charming - the comparison to Harry Dresden caught my attention... Have a great week and best of luck with Mouse's swimming lesson - it's a good move. I didn't learn to swim until I was in my 30's.

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    1. Sarah - Thank you! I love roses. I want to get a few more bushes if I can. Along with some other plants . . . I'm a huge Dresden Files fan and so Charming appeals to me for that reason as well. :-) I really hope the swimming takes this time. Two summers of swimming lessons and she can't swim on her own yet . . . Hopefully these private lessons will do the trick. I hope you have a great week!

      Delete
  25. You have certainly been busy! I live across the street from two schools and have to make sure I get in and out of my driveway before school starts or ends. It is a nightmare for about 15 minutes twice a day. They are trying to come up with a different traffic pattern. Have a great week.

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    1. Nise' - I can only imagine how aggravating that can be! I wonder if you can charge people to wait for their kids in your driveway to make some extra money . . . Just kidding, of course. I hope they can find a different--and better--traffic pattern. One that doesn't disrupt you. I hope you have a good week too!

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  26. Happy Mother's Day! It sounds like you have been very busy lately! I have been watching Fear the Walking Dead as well and feel very similarly. I am a bit behind but will hopefully catch up soon. Just not quite feeling the characters. Have a great week!

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    1. Samantha - Thank you! Happy Mother's Day to you as well! I am behind with Fear of the Walking Dead right now. I didn't get a chance to watch this past week. Maybe I should wait and watch the final episodes all at once.

      Delete
  27. A love of reading definitely unites us bloggers! Thank you for stopping by Reading Lark After Dark this week! I have returned the follow here. :)

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    1. Tevya - It sure makes the world seem like a smaller place. :-)

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  28. I voted for the Shadow Revolution, since I have read that one, and their Vampire Empire series as well. :)

    Oh boy, book box subscriptions, I better not even START looking at that kind of thing! (we did loot crate, and now Marvel, and also Comicon for a bit)

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    1. Shaunesay - You must have liked it then. :-) I'm looking forward to reading that one quite a bit.

      I can see how book box subscriptions could be addicting. The Marvel would be fun!

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  29. I'm hearing lots about these Subscription Boxes from various US blogger buddies - my favourite so far being a Harry Potter Box.

    Something I'm hoping will become popular here in the UK as I think they sound a terrific idea and given the right box I'm sure they'd make a great present.

    Great poll this month. My vote goes to The Shadow Revolution, not least because of that wonderful cover.

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    1. Tracy - I haven't heard of the Harry Potter box. I'll have to check it out. Subscription boxes do seem fun. Little surprises in the mail every month or however the subscription is set up to arrive. I think they would make an awesome gift.

      The cover for The Shadow Revolution is probably my favorite of the three too. :-) Thank you for voting, Tracy!

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  30. I'm curious about the book that has a little bit of everything. Those tend to be fun! Voted for Stone Guardian.

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    1. Ani - I think Stone Guardian would be a fun read too. :-)

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  31. That was quite the update! You certainly have a lot going on! I'm glad your daughter is doing better with one-on-one swimming lessons. Sometime you just have to swallow the price and do what's best.

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    1. The private lessons I had seen for toddlers were so cost prohibitive. I am so glad I came across the Aquatic Association. I don't think they would have taken her for private lessons any younger than she is now though--so maybe it was meant to be. Their prices are high, but not as high--much more doable. And it really is worth it. Learning how to swim is so important. In my line of work I hear about child drownings all too often.

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  32. I voted for Stone Guardian by Danielle Monsch because I have it and I really need to read it too! :)
    I hope this is week is a good one for you!
    BTW - love the roses from your garden!
    Happy Reading! <a href="http://paulettespapers.com/?p=10777”>Dani @ Paulette’s Papers</a>

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    1. Dani - Thank you for voting! Hopefully we will both enjoy Stone Guardian when we read it! It sounds like something I will enjoy. :-)

      I hope you have had a good week too!

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  33. Great answer on your Blog Hop and that is absolutely great and very supported that your husband urge you to make a book blog that is really awesome! Thank you for stopping by my Blog Hop.

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    1. Katiria - Thanks! My husband is my biggest fan. Haha!

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  34. As the child of a parent terrified of water (and all other things kids will do, like, oh, running), my mother went behind his back and ensured my three brothers and I were very well versed in swim lessons. I am so glad you took the opportunity to help Mouse get over her fear, put those bad memories behind her, and learn a skill that could be life-saving. Glad you are happy with the new school!

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    1. Charlie - Thank you for your kind words. Learning to swim is such an important skill, I think. This time of year I hear about child drownings every other day just about at work. I think my husband thinks I'm a bit crazy being so determined she learns.

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  35. AWESOME post, as usual, Wendy!!

    I LOVE your answer to the Book Blogger Hop question! How nice that it was your husband who actually started you off with blogging. KUDOS to him! We can all enjoy your fabulous posts, thanks to him!

    OMG, I had not heard of "Reader, I Married Him"!! I MUST get this book!! "Jane Eyre" is my favorite classic, so I'm very happy you've featured this!!

    I'm going to check out the other books you've posted here, too.

    I have not tried out any of these subscription boxes, but will look into the one you've mentioned. Having diversity in reading is important to me, as well. Glad you mentioned this!

    How nice that Mouse got her swimming lesson after all! And it's great her dental visit and your kindergarten orientation went well, in spite of the traffic. Lol. Hubby and I see similar traffic when he takes me to my part-time job in the afternoon.

    Let me tell you that I'm totally unable to select a book for you to read this time around. I think they ALL look TERRIFIC!! I LOVE to read urban fantasy, and each of these books has a fascinating plot and cast of characters. So maybe try flipping a coin? Well, other readers will help you decide, I'm sure!

    Thanks for all the sharing, and thanks as well for the WONDERFUL comment you left on my Book Blogger Hop post!! Hope you have a FAB weekend!! <3 :)

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    1. Maria - Thank you so much! That's very nice of you to say. My husband is very supportive of my blog, and he's helped me quite a bit over the years with the technical aspects. :-)

      I hope you are able to read "Reader, I Married Him". I am looking forward to reading that one quite a bit.

      I imagine my husband will run into more of the school traffic than I will when he drops her off to school in the mornings once the school year starts. I feel sorry for him, but not sorry enough to want to trade places.

      I'm about ready to see which book won. I hope to post the results tonight. I can't wait to see which book won!

      I hope you are enjoying your weekend, Maria!

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  36. So many great pics! I read Charming a couple of years ago and enjoyed it.

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    1. Jenclair - Thank you! I didn't take many photos this week, I'm afraid. None that I can post on my blog, anyway. I'm thinking of posting some of Mouse's photos at some point. She'd probably enjoy that. :-) Charming does sound good. I am looking forward to reading it.

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  37. I'm glad you'd a wonderful Mother's Day, Wendy! And thanks for the updates for I've been wondering about your blogging absence. It sounds like you'd a busy time and that it's all good. :-)

    My reading progress has been slow lately considering it's test week this week and that the book I'm currently reading is a bit thick in size. I'm hoping I'll race through it if I've some more reading time.

    Loved all the pics you shared! Those roses are so pretty!

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    1. Melody - Thank you, Melody! I am glad my reasons for being away weren't bad too. There are enough of those times as it is. I hope test week goes well and that you are able to make progress on your book!

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  38. I do love your posts! I voted for the first book, but Charming sounds good too--I love Harry Dresden and it was compared it him? Can't miss with that one. My cat has been waking up at 4:30 am and trying to get into our dresser drawers. She is annoying me! LOL I don't want to wake up that early. Loved your letter and I'm writing one back!

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    1. Debbie - Aw, thanks! A few book bloggers compared Charming to Harry Dresden--so we'll see if I agree. The Shadow Revolution sounds like it will be action packed too. I can't wait to see which book won!

      Ugh! Cats! They can be such pains, especially in the wee hours of the morning, but we love them. :-)

      I look forward to hearing from you again, Debbie! Have a great weekend!

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  39. I love that photo of you with your mom! Hope you had a good Mother's Day. :)

    Jarrod and I watched the first season of "Fear the Walking Dead" but since we're in different places right -- and now without DVRs -- we decided to wait and watch it all later. I was pretty intrigued by the first season; seeing the genesis of the disease and how people reacted to the disaster was interesting -- and scary!

    Hope you get to see the new Captain America. Jarrod and I are planning to go next week.

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    1. Lindsay - Thank you! Maybe the show will be better if you watch the episodes closer together. :-) I haven't yet gotten to see Captain America, but hopefully soon. Maybe next Friday. :-)

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  40. Thanks for the shout out :) Beautiful roses. Gage will be working on a card for Maggie since he loved her latest!

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    1. Stacy - You're so brave to post your TBR piles. :-) I'm glad Gage loved the card! I have to catch her in the right mood to interest her in writing cards, but when she's in it--she doesn't want to stop.

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  41. Happy Belated Mother's Day Wendy! Sweet photo of you and your mom. Great books, Reader, I Married Him sounds especially good. And oh my gosh, now I want to join My Lit Box. I bookmarked the site.
    I watched all of last seasons Fear of the Walking Dead, then started watching this season's, but I just can't get into it. I'm not sure if I'll continue.
    How cute is she with her swim lesson! And yes, the drop off and pick up traffic is forever....lol. My youngest is in high school, and we still have that traffic daily. Oh well.

    The covers on your TBR pile are not too shabby...lol. I'd read The Shadow Revolution because I like Victorian London.
    And lastly, cute pets!
    Enjoy your week :)


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    1. Naida - Thank you, Naida! Same to you. :-) I may have to switch to the book only option of My Lit Box, but even then I think I'd enjoy it.

      I'm curious enough in Fear of the Walking Dead to want to see how the season ends. We'll see if I continue after that.

      I need to finish up my Sunday post and get it up for tomorrow. Time to find out who won the poll! Thank you for voting!

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