Saturday, February 11, 2017

Sunday Post: My Favorite Love Story, February TBR List Winner, & Keeping Busy

New to My Shelves: February's My Lit Box arrived in the mail Friday, and I was eager to open it as always. The theme of the February box is "Three's a Crowd." The book selection this month focuses on loss, friendship, healing, and forgiveness, and many of the items in the box reflect those things in one way or another. I am anxious to read Adam Silvera's book, History is All You Left Me.


Arriving the same day, was a copy of Shades of Milk and Honey (Glamourist Histories #1) by Mary Robinette Kowal (which was one of the winners in my end of the year survey of books recommended by you I will be reading in the next few months--sooner than later, I'm sure!).  The cover of my copy is the older version (I couldn't find the book in my local library system, but was able to purchase a used copy). I thought I would share both covers with you. Which do you prefer?

(the older version)

(the newer version)

What I Am Reading: I am still reading The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood and likely will be all month long as part of the read-along. I finished Tessa Arlen's A Death By Any Other Name and hope to be starting my February TBR List winner shortly.

What I Am Listening To: I am in between audio books at the moment. I need to decide on my next one soon. Do I want to jump back into the In Death series by J.D. Robb, maybe try another nonfiction memoir, or go with something else entirely? The jury is still out.

What I Am Watching: I admit to not feeling very invested in Blacklist this season, but Blacklist: Redemption, which starts in a couple weeks has caught my eye. I also am all caught up with Timeless, which I am still enjoying and trying to ignore the glaring historical discrepancies. I have been watching OA, which I'm still on the fence about. There's also been a lot of My Little Pony and Popples in our house of late. I plan to watch the mid-season premiere of The Walking Dead Monday (a day late, instead of my usual week late), which I am excited about seeing. Especially after the end of the last season. 

What's Going On Off the Blog: The Christmas tree and decorations are finally down. We decided against decorating it for Valentine's Day this year. My back is mostly back to normal. The cookie sales are coming along. I had a nice lunch with a friend the other day. Work has been busy. I attended a symposium about internet use and children and families, which highlighted the benefits as well as the risk. And I have been trying to decide (at the last minute no less) where to have my daughter's birthday. That's about it really.


Around the Blogosphere:

This Week In Reading Mews:

Tell me about what you have been up to! What are you reading, listening to and watching? How was your week? Do you have anything planned for this coming week?

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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.

What is your favorite Valentine's Day read?
I was not sure if I should answer this question in relation to an actual Valentine's Day read or perhaps mention my favorite love story. I cannot say I have a favorite Valentine's Day read per say. It's a holiday that usually passes with a small amount of fanfare in our house (exchanging of cards, maybe a stuffed animal or small inexpensive gift exchanged, if that). I don't generally read anything different than usual around this time of year. Except maybe in children's books. My daughter really likes the book Max's Valentine by Rosemary Wells, but, if I am honest, I'm not particularly smitten with it.

I imagine for Valentine's Day this year, I'll be reading The Handmaid's Tale or my cozy mystery winner.

If we are talking about a favorite love story (which I wouldn't mind reading anytime during the year), I am tempted to list a Jane Austen novel like Persuasion, Pride and Prejudice, or even Emma because I have such love for these books. Or what about The Sun Is Also a Star by Nicola Yoon, a young adult novel I read last year which I adored? I think though, I will have to go with The Day the Falls Stood Still by Cathy Marie Buchanan, a historical fiction novel set in the early 20th century, in and around Niagara Falls, Canada. Tom and Bess were made for each other and I love their story, not to mention the history surrounding the setting and time period. The love story is only a part of this novel, but it's a memorable one.


What about you? Do you have a favorite Valentine read or love story (It doesn't have to be a romance novel)?
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Thank you for helping 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. 



It was a close race this past week! One vote separated the winner from the second runner up. Coming in at third was Books of a Feather by Kate Carlisle with 6 votes (26.1%). Crime and Poetry by Amanda Flowers came in second with 8 votes (34.8%). And the winner,  receiving 9 votes (39.1%), is Terrie Farley Moran's Read to Death! I am eager to read this one. Thank you to all who voted.


On the other coast, in Fort Myers Beach, Florida, Terrie Farley Moran's Read to Death features Sassy Cabot and Bridgy Mayfield, owners of a bookshop cafe. Upon returning from a day outing, the women and their book club find their driver murdered. All suspicion falls on the book club members--could a killer really be among them? And if so, who?


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




The Sunday Post is hosted by the wonderful Kimba, 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. 


 © 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.

58 comments:

  1. Yay for the Christmas tree and decorations going down...LOL. One year, I had mine up until March! I think I was depressed that year. (Artificial tree, of course).

    I like the look of Read to Death...Enjoy your week, and thanks for sharing.

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    1. Laurel-Rain - The last two years we've kept the tree up through March, decorating it for all the holidays. We normally haven't kept all the Christmas decorations up though. I'm so glad they're down now. LOL

      I hope you have a great week.

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  2. I'm looking forward to Walking Dead, need to finish OA, and I can't wait to see what you thought of the new Tessa Arlen. I need to get to those. Shades of Milk and Honey has a nice cover.

    Max! I used to love watching those- that little side eye he does always cracked me up.

    Read to Death looks good, maybe I just like the Ft. Myers setting lol but I enjoyed the first book in that series.

    Thanks for linking to my post too!!

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    1. Greg - I just watched the episode. It was good to see everyone together again. Well, most everyone. :-) The new Tessa Arlen book is worth reading--I'll tell you that much right now.

      I'm looking forward to reading Read to Death. It sounds like it will be good. :-)

      Have a great week!

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  3. I really need to take down our Christmas tree too! Great week you had!

    Here’s my Sunday Post!

    Ronyell @ Rabbit Ears Book Blog and join in this week’s Book Photo Sundays!

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    1. Ronyell - At least I'm not the only one who took awhile to take hers down. Haha! You can decorate it for Valentine's Day. :-) Have a good week!

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  4. My family never decorated for V Day. Christmas was pretty much it in my house. I don't do any different kind of reading around V day either. I definitely don't know of any Valentine's Day books. I do like love stories sometimes, but I'm not sure what my favorite would be... Glad to hear your back is almost back to normal, and good luck with the rest of the cookie sale!

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    1. Kristen - We don't decorate too much for Valentine's Day. I have a few decorations for the day, but not much--and none went up this year. My favorite though was the year my daughter and I made Valentine's Day ornaments for our Christmas tree. That was a lot of fun. I hope you have a great week!

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  5. I think I like the newer cover - but they seem to give off really different vibes. The old one was more historical fiction and the newer cover seems to have more... I'm not sure how to put it but "young girl who discovers she has magical powers" kind of vibe?

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    1. Eustacia - The two covers do seem to give off different vibes, don't they? From what I've heard, the newer cover fits the content better. It'll be interesting to see what I think after I read the book. I hope you have a great week!

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  6. What?? The Handmaid's Tale for Valentines Day??? Oh nooooo... SO not romantic! All my Christmas decorations are down, except for a set of lights festooned around the bookcase I face when working at the computer. They are my Winter lights that go on when the light levels are particularly low to cheer me up. Delighted to hear the back is recovering and have a great week. My Sunday Post -
    https://sjhigbee.wordpress.com/2017/02/12/sunday-post-12th-february-2017/

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    1. Sarah - Haha! Your winter lights sound very nice. I wouldn't mind having something like that set up in my house . . . I hope you have a great week too.

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  7. I bought several of the Max books for our Max, my grandson. Glad you and your back are in recovery, Wendy!

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    1. Jenclair - I bet Max enjoyed reading books with a character who shares his name. :-) Have a good week, Jenclair!

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  8. I love Rosemary Wells, not for the stories, but I love her pictures!

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    1. Jill - Her pictures are cute. :-) Enjoy your week! Thanks for stopping by.

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  9. I love the look of Shades of Milk and Honey. It's funny but it seems that each book cover would appeal to a different age audience. I have The Day the Falls Stood Still on my bookshelf but have yet to read it. Your recommendation makes me want to read it sooner rather than later.

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    1. Laura - I agree about the covers--very different from one another and I can see the younger set going for the more modern cover and the older one going for the other one. I hope you get a chance to read The Day the Falls Stood Still. Have a great week!

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  10. My kids loved My Little Pony and Popples when they were younger, now they're to old. I can't decided if I want to stay up and watch the Walking Dead or wait. It's a very tough decision, I guess I'll have to see how tired I am tonight. Have a great week!

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    1. Shandy-Jo - I never really got into My Little Pony but my daughter loves the show. Did you end up watching The Walking Dead? I watched it this morning. I hope you have a great week too! Thanks for visiting. :-)

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  11. My Christmas tree is still up. All the decorations are off, but the tree is still standing...sigh...Oh well! Hope you have a great week!

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    1. Samantha - I am glad I wasn't the only one who kept her tree up way after Christmas. I liked having the tree lights on in the evenings. It was kind of cozy. :-) I hope you have a great week too!

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  12. I think that a Jane Austen novel is a great reading pick for Valentine's Day.

    I am looking forward to reading your thoughts on The Handmaid's Tale. As I mentioned it is one of my favorite dystopian works and it has relevance to the current political situation.

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    1. Brian - I do too. I have enjoyed the books by Austen I have read so far. Eventually I would like to read all her books.

      I am liking The Handmaid's Tale so far, but it definitely is disturbing and I can see the relevance to today. Scary when you think about it.

      Thanks for visiting, Brian. Have a great week!

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  13. I'm glad your back is feeling better. Enjoy all the new goodies you got!

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    1. Kathy - Thank you! I hope you have a great week. Thanks for stopping by!

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  14. That lit box looks good! I think I prefer the newer cover of that book as it looks so pretty!

    I don't think that book was the one I voted for, but I am curious about this one so i am looking forward to your review!

    Have a great week!

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    1. Lola - I'm looking forward to reading Silvera's book. It sounds really good--and moving. I hope you have a great week!

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  15. Wow...what a terrific post. Love all the books and the news about your blog, reading, and life..

    Cute on your Valentine's Day read.

    Have a wonderful week.

    Happy Hopping!!

    Elizabeth
    Silver's Reviews
    My Blog Hop Answer

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    1. Elizabeth - Thank you! I hope you have a great week too.

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  16. Wow, lots going on in your world, Wendy! I bet you are so busy with the cookie sale. I remember those days. Not with particular fondness. LOL

    I like the look of the Niagara Falls book and sort of remember hearing about it a couple of years ago. Will have to look and see if my library has it. We're not big on Valentine's Day every year. Some years more so. We actually got engaged on Valentine's Day in 1980 and so not much could top that. Have a good week and give you sweet girl a hug for me!

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    1. Kay - I will be so glad when the cookie sale is over! And I'm glad I decided against taking a lead role in the cookie sales . . .

      How neat that you got engaged on Valentine's Day! That would be hard to top, I agree. I hope you have a great week. (Mouse sends a hug to you in return!)

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  17. Read to Death looks so cute! I hope you enjoy it :) And yay for the Christmas Tree coming down lol! We don't have a lot of space so ours always goes down New Year's Day. Have a great week!

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    1. Berls - I think Read to Death sounds good too. :-) I am looking forward to starting it. I was ready to take our tree down right after Christmas, but my husband and daughter had other plans. :-) I hope you have a great week too.

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  18. Fun books! I like the cover of the newer Glamourist book better, sorry if you don't have that one. I just think it pops out more. I heard some good buzz about the Silvera book you received, enjoy it. I read Read to Death, it was a cute, mild cozy.

    The Handmaid's Tale, oh boy, if I can remember so much of it and haven't read it since college, then you know it's a memorable, worthwhile title. Hope you like it, and have a good week.

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    1. Rita - I like the cover of the newer cover too. I could have gotten a new copy, but I didn't want to spend the money. I am glad you've heard good things about Silvera's book. I'm looking forward to reading i t.

      I hope you have a good week too!

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  19. The older cover version of the Shades book seems more appropriate. Glad to hear your back is better and that the cookie sales are coming along! Enjoy your lit box - looks so fun.

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    1. Iliana - Thanks, Iliana. From the book description, you would think the older cover would fit more, but from what I've heard of the book, the newer one is more appropriate. It'll be interesting to see what I think when I'm done. Have a great week!

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  20. I'm glad to hear your back is getting better, Wendy.

    Speaking of Valentine's read, I haven't been reading a romance book for a while. Lately the books I'm reading are more into thrillers or simply fiction. That said, I'm looking forward to Julie James' new romance book in April (I think); I love her books!

    Hope you've a great week ahead!

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    1. Melody - Thank you. I am glad too. :-) You went from reading romance more often to not reading it much at all and I went in the opposite direction. It's a nice change now and then. I hope you have a great week, Melody!

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  21. I had to laugh that you're only just taking your decorations down....

    As for the reading, I vote for JD Robb

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    1. Deborah - We're a little slow. LOL I probably will give another J.D. Robb novel a go. Sounds like a good choice! Have a great week!

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  22. I've got the first Glamourist book on the stack and need to get to it. Glad the back is better, nothing is as tough as dealing with a hurting back. I should dig out the Max books and see if my grandson is interested.

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    1. Nise' - Hopefully we will both enjoy the Glamourist book. :-) It does sound good! I hope you have a great week!

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  23. I loved The Day The Falls Stood Still - so much great history and that love story grabbed me up and broke my heart!

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    1. Lisa - Isn't it a wonderful book? I am glad you liked it too. I hope you have a great week.

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  24. Yeah to bringing down your Christmas decorations and your back feeling better. I hope you enjoy Read to Death!

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    1. Kathy - Thank you! It sounds like it will be a lot of fun to read. :-)

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  25. AWESOME Sunday Post as usual, Wendy!!

    I'm SO glad your back is nearly back to normal now! From my husband's experience, I know that back pain is no fun at all!

    Interesting cover comparison you have today! I much prefer the newer version of "Shades of Milk and Honey". Sometimes the revised version of a book cover is a definite improvement, but not always. In this particular case, it happily is! I'll be checking this book out further on Goodreads, as it looks good!!

    I really wish I had gotten in on the read-along for "The Handmair's Tale", as I've had this book on my TBR for a VERY long time! Oh, well..... I'll be checking your posts for this event.

    How funny that you STILL had your Christmas decorations up! But you know what? I'm the same way about this!! I feel SO depressed once the Christmas season is over....and it's VERY hard to take down all the decorations. I remember that, several years ago, I left the tree and Nativity set up (not the wreath on the door, though) until JUNE. Lol.

    As you know from visiting my Book Blogger Hop post, I ADORE "Jane Eyre"!! This was the very first book I thought of when I first read the question prompt for this week. As you know, I do have several other books I also love, whether for Valentine's Day, or anytime during the year.

    Of course, many people immediately think of Jane Austen when love stories are mentioned. I've only read "Pride and Prejudice", and really must read more of her books.

    I SO want to read "The Sun Is Also A Star"!!! Everywhere I go on the Internet -- Goodreads, Amazon, other blogs -- I see SO many reviews praising it!! I really MUST get to it sometime this year!

    I have never heard of "The Day The Falls Stood Still". The title is probably based on an old SF film, "The Day The Earth Stood Still", but, of course, I know it has nothing to do with it.

    The cozy mystery that was picked DOES look great! As you know from my comments on your previous "Sunday Post", I was undecided about which book to pick, as I did like all three.

    I hope you and your family have a very nice Valentine's Day!! Thanks for visiting my blog, and commenting on my BBH post!! <3 <3 :) :)

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    1. Maria - I prefer the newer cover of Shades of Milk and Honey too--I think in part because of what I've heard about the book. :-) It's not too late to join the read-along for The Handmaid's Tale. :-) I'm slightly behind, but hope to catch up soon. I really do better when I stick to one book at a time.

      You can't go wrong reading The Sun Is Also a Star. :-)

      Haha! I can see why you would think Buchanan got the title for her historical fiction novel from the science fiction novel, but I seriously doubt it. If you ever read the book--or if you know much about the history of Niagara Falls, you would understand.

      Have a nice Valentine's Day, Maria. Take care and enjoy your week!

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  26. We still have our Christmas wreath up but the tree came down a few weeks ago. The cat + the tree = disaster!

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    1. My younger cat loves to climb our Christmas tree. :-) I hope you have a great week!

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  27. I just wrote a post about favorite love stories and now I'm adding The Day the Falls Stood Still to my list!

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    1. Stacy - The Day the Falls Stood Still really is good. I hope you like it if you try it!

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  28. I also don't read books set on Valentines Day either I only read romance books. Thank you so much for stopping by my blog hop.

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    1. Katiria - I can't say I have seen many books set on Valentine's Day, now that I think about it. Other than children's books, that is. Romance is good any time of year. :-)

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  29. I've had The Day the Falls Stood Still probably since it came out, but still haven't picked it up! I had no idea that there is a love story intertwined in it.

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    1. Joy - I hope you like it when you read it. I personally thought the love story was a big part of the book, although not like you'd find in a romance novel. I don't want to confuse anyone by suggesting this is a romance.

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