Tuesday, July 02, 2019

Waiting to Read Wednesday: The Camel Bookmobile, The Gossamer Mage, Never Have I Ever, & Well Met



The Old(er) 
I have an embarrassing number of unread books sitting on the shelves in my personal library. Carole of Carole's Random Life in Books has given me the perfect excuse to spotlight and discuss those neglected books in her Books from the Backlog feature. After all, even those older books need a bit of love! Not to mention it is reminding me what great books I have waiting for me under my own roof still to read!


The Camel Bookmobile by Masha Hamilton (Harper, 2007)
Fiona Sweeney wants to do something that matters, and she chooses to make her mark in the arid bush of northeastern Kenya. By helping to start a traveling library, she hopes to bring the words of Homer, Hemingway, and Dr. Seuss to far-flung tiny communities where people live daily with drought, hunger, and disease. Her intentions are honorable, and her rules are firm: due to the limited number of donated books, if any one of them is not returned, the bookmobile will not return.

But, encumbered by her Western values, Fi does not understand the people she seeks to help. And in the impoverished small community of Mididima, she finds herself caught in the middle of a volatile local struggle when the bookmobile's presence sparks a dangerous feud between the proponents of modernization and those who fear the loss of traditional ways.
[Goodreads Summary]
Why I want to read this: I think the reason this landed on my TBR pile is kind of obvious. It is clear Fiona loves books and wants to share them with others. I like that this book delves into culture clashes, as well as tradition versus modernization, and am curious to see what direction the author takes it. This still sounds like a book I really want to read. I just need to make time for it!


Have you read The Camel Bookmobile? Does this sound like something you would like to read?


The New
Can't-Wait Wednesday is a weekly feature hosted by the marvelous Tressa at Wishful Endings to spotlight and discuss upcoming release we are excited about that we have yet to read. And this week's selections definitely fit that bill!


The Gossamer Mage by Julia Czerneda
Release Date: August 6, 2019 by DAW
From an Aurora Award-winning author comes a new fantasy epic in which one mage must stand against a Deathless Goddess who controls all magic.

Only in Tananen do people worship a single deity: the Deathless Goddess. Only in this small, forbidden realm are there those haunted by words of no language known to woman or man. The words are Her Gift, and they summon magic.

Mage scribes learn to write Her words as intentions: spells to make beasts or plants, designed to any purpose. If an intention is flawed, what the mage creates is a gossamer: a magical creature as wild and free as it is costly for the mage.

For Her Gift comes at a steep price. Each successful intention ages a mage until they dare no more. But her magic demands to be used; the Deathless Goddess will take her fee, and mages will die.

To end this terrible toll, the greatest mage in Tananen vows to find and destroy Her. He has yet to learn She is all that protects Tananen from what waits outside. And all that keeps magic alive.
[Goodreads Summary]
Why I want to read this: I would be lying if I denied that the cover of The Gossamer Mage plays a part in my desire to read the fantasy novel. It also sounds really good, and a bit different than other fantasy novels I have come across.


Never Have I Ever by Joshilyn Jackson
Release Date: July 30, 2019 by William Morrow
New York Times bestselling author Joshilyn Jackson—”an admired writer who deserves to be a household name” (Kirkus Reviews)—displays her masterful talent in this dark and deliciously addictive tale of domestic suspense.

In this game, even winning can be deadly...

Amy Whey is proud of her ordinary life and the simple pleasures that come with it—teaching diving lessons, baking cookies for new neighbors, helping her best friend, Charlotte, run their local book club. Her greatest joy is her family: her devoted professor husband, her spirited fifteen-year-old stepdaughter, her adorable infant son. And, of course, the steadfast and supportive Charlotte. But Amy’s sweet, uncomplicated life begins to unravel when the mysterious and alluring Angelica Roux arrives on her doorstep one book club night.

Sultry and magnetic, Roux beguiles the group with her feral charm. She keeps the wine flowing and lures them into a game of spilling secrets. Everyone thinks it’s naughty, harmless fun. Only Amy knows better. Something wicked has come her way—a she-devil in a pricey red sports car who seems to know the terrible truth about who she is and what she once did.

When they’re alone, Roux tells her that if she doesn’t give her what she asks for, what she deserves, she’s going to make Amy pay for her sins. One way or another.

To protect herself and her family and save the life she’s built, Amy must beat the devil at her own clever game, matching wits with Roux in an escalating war of hidden pasts and unearthed secrets. Amy knows the consequences if she can’t beat Roux. What terrifies her is everything she could lose if she wins.

A diabolically entertaining tale of betrayal, deception, temptation, and love filled with dark twists leavened by Joshilyn Jackson’s trademark humor, Never Have I Ever explores what happens when the transgressions of our past come back with a vengeance. [Goodreads Summary]
Why I want to read this: I have enjoyed Jackson's writing in the past and I enjoy a good thriller, so this seems like it will be a winning combination.


Well Met by Jen Deluca
Release Date: September 3, 2019 by Berkley
All's faire in love and war for two sworn enemies who indulge in a harmless flirtation in a laugh-out-loud rom-com from debut author Jen DeLuca.

Emily knew there would be strings attached when she relocated to the small town of Willow Creek, Maryland, for the summer to help her sister recover from an accident, but who could anticipate getting roped into volunteering for the local Renaissance Faire alongside her teenaged niece? Or that the irritating and inscrutable schoolteacher in charge of the volunteers would be so annoying that she finds it impossible to stop thinking about him?

The faire is Simon's family legacy and from the start he makes clear he doesn't have time for Emily's lighthearted approach to life, her oddball Shakespeare conspiracy theories, or her endless suggestions for new acts to shake things up. Yet on the faire grounds he becomes a different person, flirting freely with Emily when she's in her revealing wench's costume. But is this attraction real, or just part of the characters they're portraying?

This summer was only ever supposed to be a pit stop on the way to somewhere else for Emily, but soon she can't seem to shake the fantasy of establishing something more with Simon or a permanent home of her own in Willow Creek. [Goodreads Summary]
Why I want to read this:  I love the idea of a rom-com  set around a Renaissance Faire. And Shakespeare conspiracy theories?! Well Met sounds like it will be a lot of fun.


Do any of these upcoming releases appeal to you? What books can you hardly wait to read?


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61 comments:

  1. Wow! Lots of good books, and they are all so different! The Gossamer Mage sounds magical! I love reading about the gods/goddesses, and I agree it sounds unique from other fantasy stories that I've read! Well Met sounds like it will be a fun, light, and feel good rom-com! I've never been to the renaissance faire, but have always been curious about it and wanted to attend. Thanks for sharing!

    Lindy@ A Bookish Escape

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    1. Lindy - I wouldn't know where to start with these. I hope they all turn out to be winners. I've never been to a renaissance faire either, but I've always wanted to go. Thank you for stopping by!

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  2. I just read about the mule mobile library in the United States and the hardship that the librarians underwent to get books to far flung communities. I know that even today in Northern Finland a mobile library operates bringing books to tiny communities. What dedication and service.

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    1. Mystica - I imagine it was quite a hardship for the women who ran the mule mobile library. It's a great asset to smaller far away communities though, so I imagine it must be worth the effort for many. Thank you for visiting!

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  3. Well Met looks so cute. Completely agree with you the Renaissance Fair aspect is a great idea

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    1. Mir - I think so too! I am eager to read Well Met. :-) Thank you for stopping by!

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  4. All the books sound good, especially Never Have I Ever and The Camel Bookmobile (the latter especially so because of the culture clashes which would be interesting to read).

    I hope you get to read all of them!

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    1. Eustacia - I don't know what it is, but I really like the title Never Have I Ever. Thank you for visiting!

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  5. These are all new to me! I am especially intrigued by The Camel Bookmobile. It sounds like a perfect read for me. I love books that feature libraries. :)

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    1. Candid Cover - I can't believe I haven't read The Camel Bookmobile yet. It seems like one of those books I wouldn't have put off reading . . . Thank you for stopping by!

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  6. The Gossamer Mage looks like the perfect read for me, I hope you get to read it. Hope I do, too! :)

    Here's my WOW. Have a lovely rest of the week! x

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    1. Sassy Brit - I think it sounds really good too. I hope you are able to read it as well! Thank you for visiting and have a great week too!

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  7. love the cover of The Camel Bookmobile but reading the synopsis I'm not sure its for me. The Gossamer Mage however (another great cover) on the other hand sounds just like my cup of tea.

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    1. Tracy - The Camel Bookmobile does have an eye catching cover. I hope you get a chance to read Gossamer Mage. Hopefully we will both enjoy it. Thanks for stopping by!

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  8. I'm thinking about The Gossamer Magic--love that cover.

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    1. Jenclair - I really love that cover too! Thank you for visiting!

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  9. I haven't read The Camel Bookmobile but I'd like to. I read another of Hamilton's books and thought it was terrific. I also want to read Never Have I Ever.

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    1. Kathy - I've read one of Hamilton's other books--31 Hours, I think it was. Quite different from this one, but I really enjoyed it. I hope you get to read it and Never Have I Ever. Thank you for stopping by!

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  10. Well Met sounds like fun. I mean, it's set at a Renaissance Faire! :)

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    1. Lark - I think so too! I can't wait to read it. :-) Thank you for visiting!

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  11. Well Met sounds like such a fun read! I totally agree with you about the Renaissance Faire and Shakespeare conspiracy theories. I'm so intrigued! Thanks for sharing! :D

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    1. Ashley - It does, doesn't it? I am really looking forward to reading Well Met. Thank you for stopping by!

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  12. I've read the Camel Bookmobile. It was pretty good- although the ending was not what I expected (surprise in a good way).

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    1. Jeane - I surprise-in-a-good-way ending is always a plus. I am glad you enjoyed it. I hope I will too! Thank you for visiting!

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  13. I think Camel Bookmobile looks quite different and worth a read. I already have Never Have I Ever on my wishlist-- hope we both get to read it soon!

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    1. Rita - I think so too! I read another of Hamilton's novels and liked it quite a bit. I hope we both enjoy Never Have I Ever. It sounds like it will be good. Thank you for stopping by!

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  14. I have Never Have I Ever on my TBR and now I need to add Camel Bookmobile! It sounds great. I can relate to the overwhelming number of books. One day we'll be caught up. Right?

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    1. Katherine - I hope you enjoy Never Have I Ever. I've noticed her books lately have been going more in the thriller direction. I am looking forward to this one. I do hope one day we'll be be caught up with our reading--or maybe we shouldn't want that because then we might run out of books! Nah, there will always be books. :-) Thank you for visiting!

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  15. I've never heard of The Camel Bookmobile but it sounds wonderful. I have also been tempted by The Gossamer Mage but am trying to resist...at least for now!

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    1. Carole - I need to work on my resistance skills. Haha. Thank you for stopping by!

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  16. Oooh! All of these books sound interesting, especially Well Met! Great picks!

    Here’s my WoW!

    Ronyell @ Rabbit Ears Book Blog

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    1. Ronyell - Thank you! I hope they will be as good as they sound. :-) Thank you for visiting!

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  17. These all sound good in different ways- great picks! I hope these all turn out well. :)

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    1. Greg - Thank you! I hope so too. :-) Thank you for stopping by!

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  18. These all look and sound good. I hope you get to them all if not at least one or two of them this year. Thanks for linking up!

    Tressa @ Wishful Endings

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    1. Tressa - I hope I can too. There are so many great sounding books out there, aren't there? And I can never seem to keep up. It's a pretty good problem to have. :-) Thank you for visiting!

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  19. Never Have I Ever abd Well Met sound like a good read to me! Will have to check them out.

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    1. Melody - I hope you like them if you do read them! I hope we both do. :-) Thank you for stopping by!

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  20. Oh my The Camel Bookmobile! I love the premise of that.

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  21. The "Never Have I Ever" by Joshilyn Jackson has catched my eye. That summary sounds forbidden good. Full of danger, passion and crime. Thanks for sharing it and thanks for the reminder that we all have a TBR with (hopefully) great books to read.

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    1. Vi - I agree! I am looking forward to reading Jackson's novel. It's easy to get distracted by all the newer books and forget about the older ones on our shelves, unfortunately. Thank you for stopping by!

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  22. The Camel Bookmobile sounds awesome! I definitely want to check that one out. I'm also really excited for The Gossamer Mage! Hope you enjoy these!

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    1. Jordan - Thank you; I hope I will too! If you read them, I hope you enjoy them. Thank you for visiting!

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  23. All of these are new to me and I love discovering new authors!

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    1. Laura - I enjoy discovering new authors as well! Thank you for stopping by.

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  24. with words like "bookmobile" and "gossamer"---of COURSE they're appealing :D :D :D

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    1. Donna Marie - It does add to my attraction to them. :-) Thank you for visiting!

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  25. The Camel Bookmobile and Never have I ever both appeal to me. Hope you enjoy them all!

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    1. Laura - Thank you, I hope I will too! Thank you for stopping by!

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  26. I am glad I am not the only one who has books languishing away on her physical bookshelves in addition to the collection amassing on Goodreads. I have a whole five-shelfer full, TWO-DEEP of unread books. There are some wonderful titles waiting ever so patiently, we will get to them. Good luck!

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    1. Sarah - I will not be running out of books to read anytime soon, that's for sure. You are definitely not alone! Thank you for visiting!

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  27. Wendy, a recent tweet reminded me of a blog post I wrote and wanted to share with the tweeter who'd also mentioned the same book. I reread it and when scrolling through the comments I saw you were one of them! That really made me smile :D It was this: https://writersideup.com/2017/06/15/up-when-a-book-moves-you/ and it made me wonder if you ever got to reading this book. It's a "young reader/MG" novel so it's not as lengthy as most of what you read. Not sure if Mouse would be too young for it, but it's a beautiful book. I didn't know where else to comment on this so just came back into this post :)

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    1. Donna Marie - Matylda, Bright & Tender is still on my wish list, and a book I do want to read at some point. One of the disadvantages to having a huge TBR and whish list . . .

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  28. All of these sound good! That last one especially! Great picks! Thanks for stopping by my Wednesday post earlier at Lisa Loves Literature!

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  29. All of these look really good! Hope you get to enjoy them!

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  30. Well Met sounds like such a cute read. I really love the Renaissance Faire setting!

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