Saturday, February 03, 2018

Weekly Mews: Welcome February! (Vote in My February TBR List Poll)

I am linking up to the Sunday Post hosted by the wonderful Kim of Caffeinated Book Reviewer, where participants recap our week, talk about what we are reading, share any new books that have come our way, and whatever else we want to talk about. I am also linking to Stacking the Shelves hosted by the great Team Tynga's Reviews and Marlene of Reading Reality a meme in which participants share what new books came their way recently. 





Happy February! I hope your month has gotten off to a good start. 

New to My Shelves: 

My two latest purchases:

What the Dead leave Behind (A Guilded Age Mystery) by Rosemary Simpson



Dear Martin by Nic Stone


What I Am Reading: I am in the middle of Sweep in Peace by Ilona Andrews, the second in the Innkeeper Chronicles series. I am really enjoying this series. Mouse and I are also reading the Absent Author (A to Z Mysteries, #1) by Ron Roy, which we started last month.

What I Am Watching: My interest in Blacklist has waned, but I am still enjoying The Good Place quite a bit and The Brave. My daughter has us re-watching Just Add Magic about the teen girls who have been chosen to protect a magic cookbook. I am just sad we have to wait a while for the next season to come out!

What I Am Worried About: My mom. The surgeon was unable to remove all of the cancer during her most recent surgery. It's proving to be more evasive than the doctors expected. My mom said the doctor was crying right alongside her when the doctor gave her the news at her appointment this past week. The battle isn't over yet though. My Warrior Mom isn't about to give up. On the plus side, she will be able to go to Greece this month as planned.

What I Am Looking Forward To: Seeing what the month will hold for me reading wise. It is going to be a crazy month at work, and with cookie sales under way, my free time will be extra limited. I am still holding out hope I can fit in some great books and quality reading time.

What I Am Grateful For:  I saw the most beautiful sunrises on my drive to work this past week, and they reminded me of how beautiful life can be even when so much else seems to be going wrong.



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?

*

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 Saturday 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 (unfortunately, not likely in the same month, but eventually--that's all I can promise). 




It is that time again! Thank you to all who voted last month. I enjoyed Wicked Lovely quite a bit and even was able to read the runner up, Clean Sweep. Both reviews will be coming. I really struggled with which books to choose for this month's TBR List Poll. The next and final phase of the #COYER Winter Switch Challenge will be starting just as I close out the poll, and so guess I had better decide which direction I want to go phase The One With a Twist . . . E-books it is!

There are three books I am dying to get to and keep putting off for some unknown reason (because I'm crazy?). They are all part of my favorite series. But which one should I read first?! Could you please help me choose.


Marked in Flesh (The Others, #4) by Anne Bishop
For centuries, the Others and humans have lived side by side in uneasy peace. But when humankind oversteps its bounds, the Others will have to decide how much humanity they’re willing to tolerate—both within themselves and within their community...

Since the Others allied themselves with the cassandra sangue, the fragile yet powerful human blood prophets who were being exploited by their own kind, the delicate dynamic between humans and Others changed. Some, like Simon Wolfgard, wolf shifter and leader of the Lakeside Courtyard, and blood prophet Meg Corbyn, see the new, closer companionship as beneficial—both personally and practically.

But not everyone is convinced. A group of radical humans is seeking to usurp land through a series of violent attacks on the Others. What they don’t realize is that there are older and more dangerous forces than shifters and vampires protecting the land that belongs to the Others—and those forces are willing to do whatever is necessary to protect what is theirs…
[Goodreads Summary]

The Lost Plot (Invisible Library #4) by Genevieve Cogman
After being commissioned to find a rare book, Librarian Irene and her assistant, Kai, head to Prohibition-era New York and are thrust into the middle of a political fight with dragons, mobsters, and Fae.

In a 1920s-esque New York, Prohibition is in force; fedoras, flapper dresses, and tommy guns are in fashion: and intrigue is afoot. Intrepid Librarians Irene and Kai find themselves caught in the middle of a dragon political contest. It seems a young Librarian has become tangled in this conflict, and if they can't extricate him, there could be serious repercussions for the mysterious Library. And, as the balance of power across mighty factions hangs in the balance, this could even trigger war.

Irene and Kai are locked in a race against time (and dragons) to procure a rare book. They'll face gangsters, blackmail, and the Library's own Internal Affairs department. And if it doesn't end well, it could have dire consequences on Irene's job. And, incidentally, on her life...  [Goodreads Summary]


Pressed to Dress (Perfectly Proper Paranormal Museum, #2) by Kirsten Weiss ~
Paranormal museum owner Maddie Kosloski has the perfect exhibit for the harvest festival—a haunted grape press. But when she’s accused of stealing the press, and her accuser is murdered, all eyes turn to Maddie. Knowing the perils of amateur sleuthing as she does, Maddie is reluctant to get involved . . . until her mother insists she investigate.

Does her mom have a secret agenda? Or is she somehow connected to the murder? Facing down danger and her own overactive imagination, Maddie must unearth the killer before she becomes the next ghost to haunt her museum. 
[Goodreads Summary]




Have you read any of these? Which one do you think I should lose myself in this month? 





Thank you for voting! I hope you all have a wonderful February and Happy Reading!


© 2018, 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.

74 comments:

  1. Pressed to Death! That name just made me smile for some reason! What the Dead Leave Behind looks soooo ominous! I'm sorry to hear about the news about your Mum -- but glad she's got a doctor that cares about her so at her side. Also Greece! I am envious!

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    1. Verushka - I love that title too. :-) Thank you for your kind thoughts about my mom. She leaves for Greece soon. She's so excited. I wish I could go!

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  2. My thoughts are with you and your mother, Wendy.

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  3. Oh, Wendy - your Mom is a warrior. For sure. Hugs to all of you! Glad she is getting to go on her trip. In my life, in the darkest times, there have always been spots of beauty and joy. Just remember to look for them. They will be there. Truly.

    I vote for the paranormal museum book because I have the first one and haven't read it yet. You go first with this one, let me know about it, and then maybe I'll begin the first. LOL

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    1. Kay - She truly is! Thank you for the well wishes and the hugs. She met with the radiologist yesterday and will meet with the oncologist again after her holiday in Greece before making a decision on her next course of treatment. I have a feeling she's already made up her mind though.

      Thank you for voting! I hope to read the paranormal museum soon even though it didn't win. I just love that series--well, the first book, anyway. Thank you for voting!

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  4. I'm sorry to hear about your mom but she sounds tough and strong! And nice that she gets to take her trip, I'm sure that will help her spirits. My prayers go out to her and your family.

    Sunrises are pretty awesome, I think sometimes the sky is meant to inspire us or make us think. Whenever I see an amazing morning sky it does get me a little more perspective.

    I voted for The Lost Plot since I kinda like that series. :)

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    1. Greg - Thank you. She's one tough cookie. I'm so glad she gets to go on her trip still. I know how much she was looking forward to it.

      I used to be more of a sunset person, but I've come to really appreciate the sunrises. Nature is so powerful in its strength and beauty.

      Thank you for voting! I am anxious to dive back into the Invisible Library series. :-)

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  5. Am keeping a prayer in my heart for your mom!!

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  6. Sorry to hear about your mom. Thoughts are with you guys. I went with Marked in Flesh. I really want to read that series

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    1. Grace - Thank you for your kind thoughts. And thank you for voting. I can't wait to read Marked in Flesh. I hope to start tonight. :-)

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  7. Wendy, I'm so sorry to hear about your Mom :( I hope she's looked into natural ways to help, too. There's so much said about medical marijuana, certainly concentrated phytonutrition and other things. Prayers for all of you, and glad to hear she'll get to enjoy a trip to Greece. What a gift...along with sunrises :D Hugs!

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    1. Donna Marie - Thank you. She's not really in any pain at this point, thankfully. They caught it early enough--it's just a matter of getting it all out right now. She's looking forward to her trip to Greece and putting this out of her mind for awhile.

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  8. I am so sorry about your mother. I hope she can find an alternative treatment. My hubby makes wine so I went with Pressed to Death. I am disappointed in Black List this year too.

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    1. Ellen - Thank you. The doctors have some ideas of where to go next. I think my mom is leaning toward radiation treatment, which was part of her original treatment plan anyway. They just will give her an extra boost to start. She's still thinking about it though. It's either that or more surgery. Thank you for voting!

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  9. I am so sorry about your mom. I am glad she is able to go Greece as planned. I've always wanted to go there. I hope she has safe travels. I went with Marked By Flesh. I hope you have a wonderful month.

    Tina @ As Told By Tina

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    1. Tina - Thank you. I would love to go to Greece too. I'm a little envious of her being able to go. :-) Thank you too for voting! I'm really looking forward to reading Marked by Flesh.

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  10. Sending positive thoughts for your mom, and how great that she is still going on her trip.

    Enjoy those books...and the sunrises. Scenes like those help us all get through the ugly times.

    Have a great week!

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    1. Laurel-Rain - Thank you so much! I am glad she is able to go on her trip as well. I know she was worried she wouldn't be able to.

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  11. Good thoughts for your mum <3 I've watched up to the mid-season finale of the Blacklist and my feelings go back and forth. Some of it is great, and some of it is just frustrating. Have a great week.

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    1. Maree - Thank you! I have let me Blacklist watching slide in recent months because I just haven't been interested. :-(

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  12. My prayers and thoughts are with your Mum. Stay strong!

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  13. Oh no ): I'm sorry to hear that about your mom!

    Voted for The Lost Plot :D It sounds really good! (And I must start on the series soon!)

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    1. Eustacia - Thank you for your kind thoughts for my mom and for voting!

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  14. I'm sorry to hear that about your mom, but I'm happy to hear that she doesn't give up and is going to Greece! Maybe a break will do her some good! :)

    Have a wonderful week!

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    1. Nina - Thank you! She is definitely a fighter. I do think this break will do her some good. She deserves to have some fun.

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  15. So sorry about the news about your mother... still, we must hope for the best. Keep strong! And I hope those books are a good distraction, cause you hauled some really amazing ones.

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    1. Evelina - Thank you for your kind thoughts. I am excited about my new books. :-)

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  16. So sorry to hear about your mother! I hope she will enjoy her trip to Greece!

    I really love the Innkeeper Chronicles! Glad you are enjoying them too!

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    1. Lynn - Thank you! I hope she will too. She's so excited about going.

      I am definitely a fan of the Innkeeper Chronicles now. The books were so much fun.

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  17. Sorry to hear about your mom. I'm sending some virtual hugs and positive thoughts your way!!
    I voted for 'Marked In Flesh'. Just because I really want to read that series myself. :D
    Have a great week and happy reading!

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    1. Maureen - Thank you for the hugs and positive thoughts! Thank you too for voting. :-)

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  18. Sending strong, healing thoughts to your mom, and love and strength to you, Wendy!
    Your new books look really good, and I hope you'll enjoy them.
    Have a wonderful week ahead and happy reading.
    Lexxie @ (un)Conventional Bookviews

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    1. Lexxie - Thank you so much for your kind and healing thoughts.

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  19. So so sorry for your mom! Hang in there, nothing is ever written in stone so who knows what the future will bring. I'll send a prayer for her to bounce back from this and enjoy her trip to Greece this year.
    You have some diverse books this week, totally different from each other but all sound good. I'm scribbling the titles down now.

    Have a good week ahead!

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    1. Kari - Thank you so much. The doctors are still very hopeful, and so we are too. It's just been a frustrating road.

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  20. I'll be keeping your warrior mom in my prayers. I'm also glad to hear that she is still able to go to Greece as she had planned.

    I just voted in your poll. It was hard to choose because they all sound so good, but I went with the 4th book in the Invisible Library series. I still need to start that series but always hear such wonderful things about it.

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    1. Suzanne - Thank you for your prayers. She is very relieved she still gets to go to Greece. The trip has been long paid for and she's been looking forward to it for months now.

      Thank you for voting! While The Lost Plot didn't win, I am eager to read it.

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  21. Sending positive thoughts to your mom, she sounds like a tough cookie and good for her on going to Greece.

    I'd read Pressed to Death, it sounds good. You reminded me, I saw some pretty sunsets driving home last week, the kind where the sky gets pink and the clouds are so defined.

    Happy reading to you and the little one!

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    1. Naida - Thank you so much. I am sure she will have a great time in Greece. I have been catching the sunsets on my drive home too now that the days are stretching out. It's a nice balance--seeing the sunrise on my drive in and the sunset on my drive home. :-) At least I get to see a little daylight during the day. Haha

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  22. I'm sorry your moms cancer is more difficult than expected but its great she can still go to Greece. And it sounds like she has an awesome doc! Hope you have a good week!

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    1. Samantha - Thank you for your kind thoughts. She's excited about her trip to Greece. I can't wait to hear all about it.

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  23. I'm praying for your mom. I hope she enjoys Greece, and keeps fighting.

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  24. Sending good thoughts to your mother. Sounds like she has lots of great support. I really liked Dear Martin and hope you do too. I love the Anne Bishop series so it gets my vote!

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    1. Barb - Thank you. I am looking forward to Dear Martin. I am glad to hear you really liked it! Thank you for voting!

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  25. Sorry to hear about your mom. I hope she is doing well.

    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 - Thank you. She's in good spirits and looking forward to her trip. :-)

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  26. I'm bummed to hear the bad news about your Mom but how exciting that she still gets to make that amazing trip. Hopefully the doctors will be able to figure out how to get it all soon! I picked the Cogman book for your TBR read just because I really want to read the 1st book in that series myself. LOL! I haven't tried any of those series as of yet. Have a great week Wendy!

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    1. Samantha - Thank you, Sam. She has some options, so hopefully whichever she chooses will do the trick. The doctors remain hopeful, at least. Thank you for voting! I'm anxious to read all three. I hope you will give The Invisible Library a try. It's so good!

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  27. I'm so sorry to hear about your mom. I was so hopeful for better news after the last surgery. I hope she enjoys Greece and keeps her fighting spirit up.

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    1. Charlie - Thank you. I was hoping for good news too. She will be off to Greece soon. I wish I could go with her!

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  28. Oh Wendy, I'm sorry about your mom but I feel like she's got a great doctor on her side fighting with her. Good for her for getting on with her trip to Greece I bet she's going to have an amazing time! Hope you have a nice and relaxing weekend and can catch up on your books. You've got lots of great reads to choose from!

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    1. Iliana - Thank you very much for your kind thoughts. She does seem to have a great doctor, one who is looking out for her. I am sure she will have a great time in Greece. I just wish I was going with her. What fun!

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  29. Sending good vibes to your mom and you Wendy.

    What the Dead Leave Behind sounds good.

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    1. Diane - Thank you so much! I'm really curious about What the Dead Leave Behind. I look forward to reading it.

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  30. Sorry to hear the news about your mom. So glad the sunrise lifted your spirits. I want to read the Innkeeper Chronicles! Hope this is a great week for you.

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    1. Nise' - Thank you! The Innkeeper Chronicles are really good! I hope there's a new book coming out soon.

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  31. I'm sorry to hear about your mom. She sounds like a fighter. Glad that you're taking the time to keep busy, and to share what you're grateful for. Enjoy your new books!

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    1. Laura - Thank you. She is a fighter and we are all still hopeful she'll come out of this on top. :-)

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  32. Oh Wendy, I'm sorry to hear about the news of your mother. Sending positive vibes and I'm glad she'll be able to visit Greece as planned.

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    1. Melody - Thank you so much. Hopefully she can forget about her health problems while she is away.

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  33. I am so sorry to hear about your mom's news and wish her nothing but the best. I went with Marked in Flesh because I keep meaning to read that series.

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    1. Laurie - Thank you for your kind thoughts. And thank you for voting! It's an awesome series. I definitely recommend it!

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  34. Oh I'm so sorry to hear about your mom. That has to be so frustrating for her but I'm so glad she'll be able to go on her trip to Greece! We need to get caught up on Black List. I haven't watched it in awhile because Liz started driving me crazy! Hopefully you'll get some reading it. I want to read the firsts two a lot and actually have The Invisible Library on my shelf waiting on me. I enjoyed Pressed to Death a lot and it's hard to top the haunted museum premise!

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    1. Katherine - Thank you. It is very frustrating. I hope we see a good end to this soon. My mom is very eager to go to Greece. :-)

      Thank you for voting! I am looking forward to reading all three of them and am going to try to fit them in regardless of which one won. :-)

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  35. I voted for Marked in Flesh because you have to catch up before Lake Silence comes out next month ;) Hope you enjoy whichever book wins!

    My TBR List

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    1. Lillian - Thank you for voting! I am really looking forward to reading Marked in Flesh! I am also very excited about Lake Silence. :-)

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  36. I am so sorry to hear the news about your mom. I know that is not what you wanted to hear but it is great that she isn't giving up. Never stop fighting.

    I have heard great things about Dear Martin and look forward to your thoughts on it.

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    1. Carole - Thank you. It was disappointing news. She has an appointment tomorrow with the oncologist and I'm sure I will be talking with her about how that went. Her appointment with the radiologist was promising.

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