Musings of a Bookish Kitty

Thursday, September 05, 2019

Bookish Mewsings: Death in Kew Gardens by Jennifer Ashley / Bookish Gift Ideas / August's Favorite/Least Favorite Read

Along with my mini reviews, I am linking to both Book Beginnings, a meme in which readers share the first sentence of a book they are reading, hosted by Gillion Dumas of Rose City Reader and Friday 56 hosted by Freda of Freda's Voice, in which readers share a random sentence or two from page 56 or 56% of the book they are reading.

Death in Kew Gardens (Kat Holloway, #3) by Jennifer Ashley
Berkley, 2019
Crime Fiction (Historical); 320 pgs

Book Beginnings:

The Chinese gentleman ran from between the carriages packed the length of Mount Street and straight into my path. I had no chance--he emerged so suddenly and without my seeing him that I barreled directly into the poor man.

Friday 56 (excerpt from 56%):

As I drew a breath to admonish her, Mr. Davis, in his shirtsleeves and waistcoat, strode in waving a newspaper.

He's been murdered!" he declared.

Tess jumped, potato slipping from her hands. My apron strings suddenly knotted and my fingers fumbled.

Settling in for a visit with Kat Holloway and and Daniel McAdam’s is always a pleasure, and this third installment in Jennifer Ashley’s series was another good one. Is it any wonder this series is among my favorites? For those new to the series, Kat is a cook in Victorian London. She is very good at her job—and has a nose for murder. When a Chinese scholar is suspected of murdering her next door neighbor, Kat has strong doubts. Her instincts about people are usually right, and she does not believe Li is guilty. With the help of her friends, Kat attempts to unravel the mystery, while at the same time dealing with a not so nice new housekeeper who seems out to get her.

Kat does not look for trouble, but it seems to find her as has been seen in previous novels. This worries her friend Daniel, who himself seems to always be in the middle of some sort of investigation. With each book we get to know a little more about him, but he still remains a bit of a mystery. I love the slow burn romance between the two characters. Trouser wearing Lady Cynthia is one of my favorite characters in the series, and it was good to see more of her and her friend Bobby in this book. Tess, Kat’s assistant, was her usual outspoken self, and we get to see a side to Mr. Davis, the butler, we haven’t seen before. I do love my time visiting Ashley’s characters! This is such a fun series, with historical and cultural tidbits woven into the mystery, this one involving merchants and China—and tea. I enjoy reading the interactions between the characters, and seeing how everything unfolds. The mystery in Death in Kew Gardens is well crafted and clever. I look forward to the next book in the series.

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 would you give as a birthday gift to a fellow book lover?

This seems a perfect question with my birthday coming up early next week. I know what this book lover would like! No two book lovers are the same, however, and so it can be a challenge to buy actual books for someone who loves reading. Unless you have access to their wish list or have a good idea of what books they already have read--or own. Bookstore gift cards are always a big winner with me, and one of my favorite gifts to give to a fellow book lover. Extras like a cute bookmark, especially if it matches the interests of the individual reader, also make a great gift. Items with a bookish-themes or quotes make fun gifts as well.

Do you have any go to gifts for the book lovers in your life? Or perhaps there is something you wish someone would give you?

Everyone has a favorite and then we also have something we dislike. Like a coin, there are two sides to every question. Each week, Carrie at The Butterfly Reads and Laura from Blue Eye Books ask participants to list what they like and don't like about that week's topic.

This week's topic is Favorite/ Least Favorite Read of August

My Favorite August Read:

Sweep of the Blade (Innkeeper Chronicles, #4) by Ilona Andrews

My Least Favorite Read (there were no bad books this month, and I actually enjoyed this one--just not as much as the others):

On His Watch (Search & Rescue, 0.5) by Katie Ruggle

What were your favorite and least favorite books read in August?

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend! Be sure and tell me what you are reading and are up to!

© 2019, 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.

Tuesday, September 03, 2019

Waiting to Read Wednesday: Holiday Edition

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!

Nutcracker and Mouse King by E.T.A. Hoffman & The Tale of the Nutcracker by Alexandre Dumas, translated by Joachim Neugroschel (Translation)

It wasn't until the 1950s that seeing The Nutcracker at Christmastime became an American tradition. But the story itself is much older and its original intent more complex. This eye-opening new volume presents two of the tale's earliest versions, both in new translations: E.T.A. Hoffmann's Nutcracker and Mouse King (1816), in which a young girl is whisked away to the Land of Toys to help her animated nutcracker defeat the Mouse King, and Alexandre Dumas's 1845 adaptation, The Tale of the Nutcracker, based on Hoffmann's popular work. Irresistible tales of magic, mystery, and childhood adventure, these timeless delights and fresh interpretations about the importance of imagination will captivate readers of all ages. [Goodreads Summary]

Why I want to read this: This particular book has only been on my TBR shelf for a year now. I originally bought it to read with my daughter who performed in her dance studio's annual production of The Nutcracker. This will be her second year performing in the ballet, and so maybe this year we actually will read these two classic stories. That is the plan, anyway!

Have you read either of these versions of the story or perhaps both? Have you seen the ballet?

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.

Have Yourself a Beary Little Murder (Shamelessly Adorable Teddy Bear Mystery #3) by Meg Macy
Release Date: September 24, 2019 by Kensington

This holiday season, teddy bear shop manager Sasha Silverman must solve the slaying of Santa Bear . . .

Sasha and her sister Maddie are thrilled that the Silver Bear Shop and Factory has won the Teddy Bear Keepsake Contest, which means they get to produce a holiday specialty toy, a wizard bear named "Beary Potter." Promising to be just as magical is Silver Hollow's annual tree-lighting ceremony and village parade. Only one hitch: the parade's mascot, Santa Bear--played by Mayor Cal Bloom--is missing.

After a frantic search among the floats, Bloom is found dead. When the outfit is removed, it's clear the mayor's been electrocuted. Who zapped hizzoner and then stuffed him into his Santa Bear suit? While the police investigate the grisly crime, Sasha attempts to track down the murderer herself, with some help from the Guilty Pleasures Gossip Club. Can they wrap up this case in time for Christmas--or will Sasha meet her own shocking end? [Goodreads Summary]

Why I want to read this: Teddy bears! And a Guilty Pleasures Gossip Club? How intriguing! I do love a good cozy mystery and this holiday-themed one sounds like one I do not want to miss.

Coming Home for Christmas (Haven Point #10) by RaeAnne Thayne
Release Date: September 24, 2019 by HQN

Hearts are lighter and wishes burn a little brighter at Christmas…

Elizabeth Hamilton has been lost. Trapped in a tangle of postpartum depression and grief after the death of her beloved parents, she couldn’t quite see the way back to her husband and their two beautiful kids…until a car accident stole away her memories and changed her life. And when she finally remembered the sound of little Cassie’s laugh, the baby powder smell of Bridger and the feel of her husband’s hand in hers, Elizabeth worried that they’d moved on without her. That she’d missed too much. That perhaps she wasn’t the right mother for her kids or wife for Luke, no matter how much she loved them.

But now, seven years later, Luke finds her in a nearby town and brings Elizabeth back home to the family she loves, just in time for Christmas. And being reunited with Luke and her children is better than anything Elizabeth could have imagined. As they all trim the tree and bake cookies, making new holiday memories, Elizabeth and Luke are drawn ever closer. Can the hurt of the past seven years be healed over the course of one Christmas season and bring the Hamiltons the gift of a new beginning? [Goodreads Summary]

Why I want to read this: RaeAnne Thayne is one of my favorite romance authors, and I look forward to returning to Haven Point in her latest book in the series.

A Wedding in December by Sarah Morgan
Release Date: September 24, 2019 by HQN

In the snowy perfection of Aspen, the White family gathers for youngest daughter Rosie’s whirlwind Christmas wedding. First to arrive are the bride’s parents, Maggie and Nick. Their daughter’s marriage is a milestone they are determined to celebrate wholeheartedly, but they are hiding a huge secret of their own: they are on the brink of divorce. After living apart for the last six months, the last thing they need is to be trapped together in an irresistibly romantic winter wonderland.

Rosie’s older sister, Katie, is also dreading the wedding. Worried that impulsive, sweet-hearted Rosie is making a mistake, Katie is determined to save her sister from herself! If only the irritatingly good-looking best man, Jordan, would stop interfering with her plans…

Bride-to-be Rosie loves her fiancé but is having serious second thoughts. Except everyone has arrived—how can she tell them she’s not sure? As the big day gets closer, and emotions run even higher, this is one White family Christmas none of them will ever forget! [Goodreads Summary]

Why I want to read this: A Christmas wedding sounds so perfect, doesn't it? But will this wedding come off or called off? I am looking forward to this holiday-themed romance by Sarah Morgan.

Murder in the First Edition (Beyond the Page Bookstore Mystery #3) by Lauren Elliott
Release Date: September 24, 2019 by Kensington

Addie Greyborne is preparing for the holidays at her bookstore in seaside New England--but a winter storm is coming, in more ways than one . . .

Addie's getting into the spirit for the upcoming Charity Auction—especially since she's got an 1843 copy of Charles Dickens's A Christmas Carol to donate. Her former colleagues at the Boston Public Library have confirmed that its worth runs toward the high five figures, which should help with the new pediatric wing. Her mood darkens, though, when a visitor from the past appears—Jonathan Hemingway, the father of her late fiancé. His presence stirs up sad memories for Addie, but also has her fuming when Jonathan, true to his womanizing ways, runs off for a lunchtime liaison with Teresa Lang, who's in charge of the auction.

Soon after, Addie heads to Teresa's office at the hospital—and finds the poor woman's dead body. What she doesn't find is her valuable first edition. What sort of Scrooge would steal from sick children and commit murder in the process? As a Nor'easter bears down and a mystery emerges about Jonathan's past, Addie must find out if she can appraise people's motives and characters as well as she can appraise rare books . . . [Goodreads Summary]

Why I want to read this: I have been wanting to try this series for some time and this sounds like the perfect cozy mystery for this upcoming holiday season.

Notice a theme with all these titles? Do any of them sound like something you would like to read?

Thursday, August 29, 2019

Bookish Mewsings: Rosemary & Rue by Seanan McGuire & Enjoying a Book in Multiple Formats & Favorite/Least Favorite Abstract Covers

Rosemary and Rue (October Daye #1) by Seanan McGuire
DAW Books, 2009
Fantasy; 346 pgs

Book Beginning:

The phone was ringing. Again.

Friday 56 (excerpt from 56%):

I sighed. "Lily, being hast doesn't usually get you shot."

"I see. So I suppose you paused to think through whatever actions did lead to your being shot before you took them?"

Thank you again to all who voted for my June TBR List book. As usual, I am late posting my thoughts. I love Seanan McGuire’s Ghost Roads series and was eager to try one of her other books. Rosemary and Rue is the first in her October “Toby” Daye series, featuring a changeling who is half fae and half human. Toby has been trying to stay under the radar, avoiding everyone she knew from her past, the fae in particular. She just wants to be left alone. The murder of Countess Evening Winterrose, however, forces Toby back into the life she had left behind. Evening’s dying words, left on Toby’s answering machine, weren’t simply a cry for help, but a binding curse that will either end with Toby’s death or her finding Evening’s killer.

This dark urban fantasy set in San Francisco had me from the first page. McGuire has a way of creating a world I can feel myself in as I read, no matter how fantastical. In this one, she weaves the intricate details of fae politics and the fae interactions in the human world seamlessly throughout the novel. There are so many interesting characters and little mentions here and there of past events that has me eager to read more in the series. Toby is awesome. She is a knight with a backstory I hope I can explore further as well. I want to know everything! It wasn’t so hard to figure out who did what early on, although Toby isn’t in the know until much later. Full of magic, action, and twists and turns, great characters, and just an overall entertaining read, Rosemary and Rue is a winner in more ways than one.

Have you read this one? What did you think? If not, is it something you might like?

Have you ever enjoyed the same book in two or more formats (print, ebook, or audiobook)?

It does not happen often, admittedly. I am not a big re-reader. However, when I first began listening to audiobooks, someone recommended I start by listening to books I had already read in print. Especially since one of my biggest issues is being easily distracted by my constantly wandering thoughts. Knowing the book ahead of time, supposedly would make those moments a little less frustrating in the beginning.

I test drove that theory with Storm Front by Jim Butcher, a book I had read years ago and loved. The audio version, narrated by James Marsters, was enjoyable too. My family and I listened to the first Harry Potter book narrated by Jim Dale while on vacation this past summer. It was another book I have read in print form before--and loved. In the case of both, the Dresden Files and Harry Potter, I hope to continue listening to both series in audio finding it a perfect way to revisit the two series. I can see myself listening to other favorite series or books that I have read in either print or e-book form. I think it is a great way to experience a book in a different way.

The last time I read Charlotte Bronte's Jane Eyre was via e-book, although the multiple times I had read it before then was my print copy. It remains one of my all-time favorite books and did not suffer with the change of format. Honestly, I am not sure I noticed much, if any difference.

I have not really read a book in different formats during the same reading. The closest I came was with War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy, I suppose. I started the print version and then broke down and got the e-book for convenience sake. I didn't finish either that time, but would later start again from the beginning with the e-book and read it to the end.

What about you? Have you enjoyed the same book in different formats?

This week's topic is Favorite/Least Favorite Abstract Cover

My favorite abstract cover of a book I have read belongs to The Story of a Brief Marriage by Aunk Arudpragasam. I love the simpleness of the design, the touch of colors, and the subtle way it connects to the book itself.

Then it may be no surprise that my least favorite abstract cover of a book I have read belongs to Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking by Susan Cain. The gray is so drab and even the red lettering of the title doesn't do enough to make up for it.

What are your favorite and least favorite abstract cover?

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend! Be sure and tell me what you are reading and are up to!

Tuesday, August 27, 2019

Waiting to Read Wednesday: Brother, I'm Dying/Summoned/A Golden Grave/Catching Her Heart

The Old(er)

Brother, I'm Dying by Edwidge Danticat (2007)

From the best-selling author of The Dew Breaker, a major work of nonfiction: a powerfully moving family story that centers around the men closest to Danticat's heart - her father, Mira, and his older brother, Joseph.

From the age of four, Edwidge Danticat came to think of her uncle Joseph, a charismatic pastor, as her “second father,” when she was placed in his care after her parents left Haiti for a better life in America. Listening to his sermons, sharing coconut-flavored ices on their walks through town, roaming through the house that held together many members of a colorful extended family, Edwidge grew profoundly attached to Joseph. He was the man who “knew all the verses for love.”

And so she experiences a jumble of emotions when, at twelve, she joins her parents in New York City. She is at last reunited with her two youngest brothers, and with her mother and father, whom she has struggled to remember. But she must also leave behind Joseph and the only home she’s ever known.

Edwidge tells of making a new life in a new country while fearing for the safety of those still in Haiti as the political situation deteriorates. But Brother, I’m Dying soon becomes a terrifying tale of good people caught up in events beyond their control. Late in 2004, his life threatened by an angry mob, forced to flee his church, the frail, eighty-one-year-old Joseph makes his way to Miami, where he thinks he will be safe. Instead, he is detained by U.S. Customs, held by the Department of Homeland Security, brutally imprisoned, and dead within days. It was a story that made headlines around the world. His brother, Mira, will soon join him in death, but not before he holds hope in his arms: Edwidge’s firstborn, who will bear his name—and the family’s stories, both joyous and tragic—into the next generation.

Told with tremendous feeling, this is a true-life epic on an intimate scale: a deeply affecting story of home and family—of two men’s lives and deaths, and of a daughter’s great love for them both. [Goodreads Summary]

Why I want to read this: I fell in love with Edwidge Danticat's novels years ago and bought this one around the time I had discovered her work. This heartbreaking memoir offers a glimpse into her life, and is one I am looking forward to reading.

Have you read this one? If so, what did you think?

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.

Summoned by M.A. Guglielmo

Release Date: 09/24/2019 by Tule Publishing

The wrong jinn at the right time, Zahara’s a force to be reckless with Zahara, party girl of the paranormal, floats up out of a lamp in Daniel Goldstein‘s apartment ready to trick a sorcerer into giving up his soul. But Daniel, whose Moroccan grandmother has reached out from beyond the grave to command him to raise a jinn, wants to do good—by stopping a vengeful fallen angel.

The nymphomaniacal, shopping-obsessed Zahara isn’t the otherworldly ally Daniel had in mind. A do-gooder with a dangerous quest isn’t what Zahara’s looking for, either.

Stuck in a magical contract with each other, the two travel to Morocco, where Zahara’s handsome friend Zaid, a jinn who’s converted to Islam, reluctantly joins their quest. As Daniel and Zaid struggle against jinn-hunting mercenaries and their attraction to one other, Zahara is forced to join forces with the fallen angel’s gorgeous but infuriating brother to stop a cataclysmic war between the human and jinn worlds. [Goodreads Summary]

Why I want to read this: So maybe I watched Aladdin too many times recently and suddenly want to read all the books about the jinn. This is nothing like Aladdin, however. This sounds much more dangerous and exciting.

A Golden Grave (Rose Gallagher #2) by Erin Lindsey

Release Date: September 17, 2019 by Minotaur Books

The follow-up to Murder on Millionaires' Row, Erin Lindsey's second historical mystery follows Rose Gallagher as she tracks a killer with shocking abilities through Gilded Age Manhattan.

Rose Gallagher always dreamed of finding adventure, so her new life as a freshly-minted Pinkerton agent ought to be everything she ever wanted. Only a few months ago, she was just another poor Irish housemaid from Five Points; now, she’s learning to shoot a gun and dance the waltz and throw a grown man over her shoulder. Better still, she’s been recruited to the special branch, an elite unit dedicated to cases of a paranormal nature, and that means spending her days alongside the dashing Thomas Wiltshire.

But being a Pinkerton isn’t quite what Rose imagined, and not everyone welcomes her into the fold. Meanwhile, her old friends aren’t sure what to make of the new Rose, and even Thomas seems to be having second thoughts about his junior partner. So when a chilling new case arrives on Rose’s doorstep, she jumps at the chance to prove herself – only to realize that the stakes are higher than she could have imagined. Six delegates have been murdered at a local political convention, and the police have no idea who–or what–is responsible. One thing seems clear: The killer’s next target is a candidate for New York City mayor, one Theodore Roosevelt.

Convinced that something supernatural is afoot, Rose and Thomas must track down the murderer before Roosevelt is taken out of the race–permanently. But this killer is unlike any they’ve faced before, and hunting him down will take them from brownstones to ballrooms to Bowery saloons. Not quite comfortable anywhere, Rose must come to terms with her own changed place in society–and the fact that some would do anything to see her gone from it entirely. [Goodreads Summary]

Why I want to read this: A female Pinkerton agent. Isn't that reason enough?

Catching Her Heart by Jody Holford

Release Date: September 9, 2019 by Entangled Publishing

When a beautiful brunette driver meets Nashville Slammers catcher, Sawyer McBain, at the airport, he figures it's his lucky day. Sure, he's usually pretty guarded around people, especially after what happened with his ex, but he can definitely enjoy the car ride. Until she passes his apartment...and keeps driving. All of a sudden the woman seems a lot less like romance material and a lot more like a kidnapper. What gives?

Slammers executive Addison Carlisle needs one little favor. Sure, she may have kinda maybe kidnapped one of her professional baseball players, but it’s for a really good cause. She desperately needs someone high-profile to auction off that night for the multiple sclerosis society she’s chairing, but he insists he wants a favor in return.

Soon Addie and Sawyer are trading completely ridiculous I.O.U.s, like being his plus-one to his grandmother's poker game or keeping each other company at the driving range. But when their agreement goes from flirty to fiery, neither is ready to let their guard down for a shot at love. [Goodreads Summary]

Why I want to read this: At first glance, I wasn't sure about the whole kidnapping aspect, but the playfulness of the couple swapping favors as they fall for each other was just too cute a premise to pass up. Besides, I might have a soft spot for catchers.

Do any of these appeal to you? What upcoming releases are you looking forward to?

Thursday, August 22, 2019

Bookish Mewsings (featuring Book Beginnings & The Friday 56): False Step & Smitten by the Brit/And How I Choose My Next Book to Read

False Step by Victoria Helen Stone

Lake Union Publishing, 2019

Crime Fiction/Thriller; 278 pgs

Book Beginning:

The man jogged through the parking area of the mountain trailhead, his blond hair wild and disheveled, a dead leaf caught in the golden waves. The small body in his arms bounced with each step. A young child, two or three ears old, limbs disturbingly limp. It was difficult to tell much more past the jittery movement of the camera and the shadows of pine trees cutting lines of darkness across the scene.

Friday 56 [excerpt from 56% of e-book]:

All right? No, it wasn't all right. Not even close. How could he just offer an apology like someone delivering a casserole because of an illness in the family? I hope everything is alright . . .

My bookish mewsings:

When Veronica’s husband Johnny finds a missing child while out on a hike, their lives are irrevocably changed. The media exposure attracts more business Johnny’s way, something the financially strapped couple needs. Although, Veronica wants nothing to do with the limelight, wishing to keep her secrets and marital unhappiness under the radar. She isn’t too keen on the continued police interest either, nor is Johnny. To say more . . . well, that might be too much of a spoiler.

Author Victoria Helen Stone’s domestic thriller is emotionally tense to say the least. Veronica and Johnny have a ten year old daughter who they love dearly, and would do anything for. I was not particularly fond of most of the characters in the novel, and that includes Veronica. It was through that link as a parent myself that I could better understand some of Veronica’s choices, even if I did not always agree with her. Veronica grew on me as a result. False Step was a compelling read which I found hard to put down. Veronica’s anxiety and fears play a big part in that. I wish I could say the ending came as a big surprise, but while it didn’t, I still really wanted to know how exactly everything would play out. False Step may not be the most memorable thriller I have read, but it was entertaining and makes for a fun quick read.

Smitten by the Brit (Sometimes in Love, #2) by Melonie Johnson

St. Martin's Press, 2019

Romance; 376 pgs

Book Beginning:

Bonnie Blythe hovered near the tall windows, nursing her cocktail and watching the lights from the Navy Pier Ferris wheel twinkle in the fading spring twilight. It was a romantic moment, one she should have been enjoying with Gabe, except her fiancé wasn't here. As was so often the case lately, her significant other was significantly absent.

Friday 56 [excerpt from 56% of e-book]:

Cassie's eyes widened, and Bonnie mumbled, "I may have done some research."

"Uh-huh." Cassie gave her some side-eye. "How long have you known?"

"About a month. How long have you known?" Bonnie countered, unable to keep the twinge of accusation from her voice.

My bookish mewsings:

Readers are first introduced to both Bonnie and Theo in the first book of the Sometimes in Love series, Getting Hot With the Scot, only this time it is their story. The initial attraction between the two protagonists in Smitten by the Brit is obvious, only Bonnie is engaged to her childhood sweetheart and Theo’s mother is bent on marrying her son to a wealthy heiress. When Bonnie discovers her fiancé in bed with another woman, she calls off her engagement, leaving the door wide open for Theo. A summer teaching position at Cambridge brings her even closer to Theo.

I really like how author Melonie Johnson delves into the hearts and minds of her characters, including as they tackle their inner demons, so to speak. Both characters have a lot of growing to do over the course of the novel. Bonnie is figuring out who she is and what she wants independent of anyone else; and Theo, who has long carried the weight of his family’s title and financial troubles on his shoulders, must choose between his own happiness or playing hero to his family. Like in real life, everything is not so cut and dry for either character, and I liked that the author incorporates this in her novels, finding a way to give her protagonists—and everyone else--their happy ending. I love Bonnie’s character—of course, any Jane Austen fan is sure to draw me to her. And Theo is quite the catch with his kind heart and always wanting to do the right thing. Plus, he really knows how to charm a woman! It was good to visit a little with Cassie and Logan again, characters from the first book. I thoroughly enjoyed Smitten by the Brit, and am eager to dive into the third book in the series.

Have you read one or both of these books? If you haven't, do either of them interest you?

How do you choose the next book to read?

I enjoy reading a wide variety of genres and cross-genres, being drawn to books based on their subject matter, the setting, the type of book it is, the author, or the recommendation of a trusted friend. I can be a finicky reader, which is often controlled by my mood. I gravitate towards certain types of books depending on my state of mind. Add to that my preference to mix things up genre-wise, a habit I picked up years ago to avoid burning out on any one type of book. Though I do occasionally go on an author or series binge. And sometimes review deadlines play a part too.

I would like to tell you I have choosing the next book to read down to a science. It should be as simple as randomly pulling a book of my shelf or being more methodical and picking the first book on the pile. Sometimes it is as easy as just knowing exactly what I want to read before I finish my current book(s), and other times it turns into quite the ordeal with me agonizing over which will be the perfect next book to read. The struggle is real (and probably the byproduct of having too many books to choose from). What is a reader with a TBR mountain in front of her to do when ALL the books sound good at the same time? Draw numbers or titles, do a blind grab, ask my spouse or daughter to choose, even have the cat help . . . I have done it all and then some.

The first Saturday of every month I take part in the My TBR List meme hosted by the wonderful Michelle (of Because Reading) in which I list three books I am considering reading that month and put it to my blog readers for a vote. It is fun getting other people's input--whether they have read the books or just like the sound of them (or the covers)--and it makes selecting the next book to read at the beginning of each month a bit easier.

My current read is a more serious and emotionally-charged novel, and so I am sure my next selection will be something lighter--probably along the lines of a romance or maybe a cozy mystery.

What about you? Do you have a process for choosing your next book to read?