Waiting to Read Wednesday: Every Dead Thing/Can't Judge a Book by its Murder/Finding Home Again/Secrets of the Chocolate House

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!

Every Dead Thing (Charlie Parker #1) by John Connolly (1999)

Tortured and brilliant private detective Charlie Parker stars in this thriller by New York Times bestselling author John Connolly.

Former NYPD detective Charlie "Bird" Parker is on the verge of madness. Tortured by the unsolved slayings of his wife and young daughter, he is a man consumed by guilt, regret, and the desire for revenge. When his former partner asks him to track down a missing girl, Parker finds himself drawn into a world beyond his imagining: a world where thirty-year-old killings remain shrouded in fear and lies, a world where the ghosts of the dead torment the living, a world haunted by the murderer responsible for the deaths in his family—a serial killer who uses the human body to create works of art and takes faces as his prize. But the search awakens buried instincts in Parker: instincts for survival, for compassion, for love, and, ultimately, for killing.

Aided by a beautiful young psychologist and a pair of bickering career criminals, Parker becomes the bait in a trap set in the humid bayous of Louisiana, a trap that threatens the lives of everyone in its reach. Driven by visions of the dead and the voice of an old black psychic who met a terrible end, Parker must seek a final, brutal confrontation with a murderer who has moved beyond all notions of humanity, who has set out to create a hell on earth: the serial killer known only as the Traveling Man.

In the tradition of classic American detective fiction, Every Dead Thing is a tense, richly plotted thriller, filled with memorable characters and gripping action. It is also a profoundly moving novel, concerned with the nature of loyalty, love, and forgiveness. Lyrical and terrifying, it is an ambitious debut, triumphantly realized. [Goodreads Summary]

Why I want to read this: This has been sitting on my TBR shelf for years now. I read a novella by the author, which I really enjoyed and was determined to read his popular series, which had come highly recommended by so many. I still haven't managed to get to this one, but it is one I still hope to read. Someday.

Have you read Every Dead Thing? Does it 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.

Can't Judge a Book By Its Murder (Main Street Book Club Mysteries #1) by Amy Lillard

Release Date: October 29, 2019 by Poison Pen Press

Not every murder is by the book…

As Sugar Springs gears up for its all-class high school reunion, Mississippi bookstore owner Arlo Stanley prepares to launch her largest event: a book-signing with the town’s legendary alum and bestselling author, Wally Harrison. That’s when Wally is discovered dead outside of Arlo’s front door and her best friend is questioned for the crime.

When the elderly ladies of Arlo’s Friday Night Book Club start to investigate, Arlo has no choice but to follow behind to keep them out of trouble. Yet with Wally’s reputation, the suspect list only grows longer—his betrayed wife, his disgruntled assistant, even the local man who holds a grudge from a long-ago accident.

Between running interference with the book club and otherwise keeping it all together, Arlo anxiously works to get Chloe out of jail. And amidst it all, her one-time boyfriend-turned-private-eye returns to town, just another distraction while she digs to uncover the truth around Wally’s death and just what Sugar Springs secret could have led to his murder. [Goodreads Summary]

Why I want to read this: A bookstore cozy mystery! How can I resist?!

Finding Home Again (Catalina Cove #3) by Brenda Jackson
Release Date: October 29, 2019 by Harlequin Romance

First love. Second chances. In Catalina Cove, anything can happen…

Bryce Witherspoon’s heart races every time she sees Kaegan Chambray. Everyone in town knows they can’t stand each other, but the truth is, even though the man broke her heart ten years ago, she still feels that irresistible, oh-so-familiar jolt of desire.

When Kaegan returned to Catalina Cove to run the family business, he knew there’d be no avoiding Bryce. The woman he thought he’d one day marry was instead the biggest heartbreak of his life. But when Bryce lets slip a devastating secret, he discovers just how wrong he was to let her go all those years ago.

He knows they both still feel the spark between them, but it’ll take more than attraction to convince her. Kaegan will pull out all the stops to show Bryce he’s the man who can give her the future they once dreamed of—if only they give love a second chance. [NetGalley Summary]

Why I want to read this: I love a good second chance novel and this one sounds like it will be an emotional and heartwarming one.

Secrets of the Chocolate House (Found Things #2) by Paula Brackston
Release Date: October 22, 2019 by St. Martin's Press

New York Times bestselling author Paula Brackston’s The Little Shop of Found Things was called “a page-turner that will no doubt leave readers eager for future series installments” (Publishers Weekly). Now, Brackston returns to the Found Things series with its sequel, Secrets of the Chocolate House.

After her adventures in the seventeenth century, Xanthe does her best to settle back into the rhythm of life in Marlborough. She tells herself she must forget about Samuel and leave him in the past where he belongs. With the help of her new friends, she does her best to move on, focusing instead on the success of her and Flora’s antique shop.

But there are still things waiting to be found, still injustices needing to be put right, still voices whispering to Xanthe from long ago about secrets wanting to be shared.

While looking for new stock for the shop, Xanthe hears the song of a copper chocolate pot. Soon after, she has an upsetting vision of Samuel in great danger, compelling her to make another journey to the past.

This time she'll meet her most dangerous adversary. This time her ability to travel to the past will be tested. This time she will discover her true destiny. Will that destiny allow her to return home? And will she be able to save Samuel when his own fate seems to be sealed? [Goodreads Summary]

Why I want to read this: I have to confess: I haven't read the first book. Yet. I want to. And I want to read this one as well. Time  travel and chocolate . . . What better combination?


Do any of these novels sound good to you? What upcoming releases are you looking forward to? 

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© 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.

Bookish Mewsings: After the Flood by Kassandra Montag & I Could Use a Reading Day

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.

After the Flood by Kassandra Montag 
William Morrow, 2019
Fiction; 432 pgs

Book Beginnings:

Children think we make them, but we don't. They exist somewhere else, before us, before time. They come into the world and make us. They make us by breaking us first.

Friday 56 (excerpt from 56%):

A bullet splintered the trunk next to my head. I didn't turn to look; I broke into a run. 

My thoughts:
A century or so from now, floodwaters have overtaken much of the land. Coastal cities and even the much of the inlands are covered in water. People have been forced to take to the water, living on boats or in small mountain towns, the only landmasses left behind. Myra and her family had been living in Nebraska when the floodwaters came. When her husband takes off with their young daughter, Row, a pregnant Myra is heart-broken. Along with her grandfather, Myra and her youngest daughter Pearl go in search of Row—a mission that seems fruitless at the best of times. Seven years later, Mrya hears a rumor that her oldest daughter may still be alive, reigniting Myra’s determination to find and rescue her. Avoiding the raiders who steal, rape and murder is no easy task. Myra reluctantly joins forces with a group of other travelers who are seeking out a place to form a community when there seems no other choice. Life has taught her to trust no one, even the kindness of strangers.

Earlier this week news headlines read: "UN Report on Earth's Oceans Confirms The Catastrophe Is Already Unfolding Around Us":

Hundred-year floods will become an annual occurrence by 2050 in some cities and small island nations, according to the IPCC. Several of those cities are in the United States, including its second largest, Los Angeles.

It makes novels like After the Flood all the more frightening. Such a seemingly worst cast scenario and impossible idea does not seem all that far-fetched after all.

Initially I found myself having to take the occasional break from this novel because of the apparent hopelessness of Myra’s and Pearl’s situation. Kassandra Montag’s world seems so real and vivid. I loved Pearl’s wild-ness, spirit, and her unique take on life. Myra is fierce and protective. She has had to numb herself to the anger, desperation, and pain of the past and the present in order to survive—and keep Pearl alive. She is tough and hard. She is teaching Pearl to be the same, including how to best survive in their current environment. It was impossible not to feel for both Myra and Pearl. I admired Myra for her strength and fortitude and could relate to her need and desire to protect her children. But at what cost? Was Myra’s obsession with finding her lost child causing her to overlook the child she had in her care? And what do we lose when we close ourselves off emotionally? I did not always agree with Myra’s choices, but I could understand why she made them. And as much as I wanted to reach through the pages and give Pearl a hug, I imagine she would not have found it comforting.

As the novel is written from the perspective of Myra, the reader has a limited view into most of the other characters lives, which is the cost of a first person narrative. I think this novel was best told in that perspective, however, I would not have minded more of a glimpse into their lives as well. Each of those characters has their own story and has found a way to survive, both emotionally and physically in this world they now live in.  But then, it was not really their story.

After the Flood was an interesting mix of literary fiction and suspense. While at moments in the beginning I thought of McCarty’s The Road, by the middle I was thinking of The Walking Dead (but this one without the zombies). Of course, After the Flood is its own book and completely different—don’t let my comparisons fool you. Overall, I enjoyed After the Flood quite a bit.


Does this sound like something you would enjoy reading? Have you read After the Flood? 

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.

Have you ever wished that there were official government bookish holidays, and that, by law, employers HAD to give their workers a paid day off? If so, what kind of bookish holiday would you like to have?

My employer would probably argue that I do receive paid vacation and can use those days however I want, including as reading days. I know not everyone is so lucky. Now, if we did have a mandated reading for leisure day, I wouldn't argue with that. It would give me an excuse to spend the day with my books without the guilt of all the usual work and life obligations hanging over my head. Maybe. Although, if it was a national holiday, it would mean school would be out and the chances of me being able to read all day (or even half a day) would be slim. Seriously though, I often wish there were more hours in a day for reading. And for blogging, for that matter.

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

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© 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.

Waiting to Read Wednesday: Followed by Frost/Salvaged/All Cats Are Introverts/The Library of Lost Things

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!

Followed by Frost by Charlie N. Holmberg (2015)

Seventeen-year-old Smitha has the wealth, status, and beauty that make her the envy of her town—until she rejects a strange man’s marriage proposal and disastrous consequences follow. Smitha becomes cursed, and frost begins to encompass everything she touches. Banished to the hills, hunted by villagers, and chilled to the very core of her soul, she finds companionship with Death, who longs to coax her into his isolated world. But Smitha’s desire for life proves stronger than despair, and a newfound purpose gives her renewed hope. Will regrets over the past and an unexpected desire for a man she cannot touch be enough to warm Smitha’s heart, or will Death forever still it? [Goodreads Summary]

Why I want to read this: This landed on my TBR pile about four years ago. I think it had a lot to do with who the author was, but it does sound interesting! A curse and Death and a woman who is on a mission. I'm in for that!

Have you read Followed by Frost? Is it something you might 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.

Salvaged by Madeleine Roux

Release Date: October 15, 2019 by Ace

A WOMAN ON THE RUN. A CAPTAIN ADRIFT IN SPACE. ONE OF THEM IS INFECTED WITH AN ALIEN PARASITE.

In this dark science fiction thriller, a young woman must confront her past so the human race will have a future.

Rosalyn Devar is on the run from her famous family, the bioengineering job she's come to hate, and her messed-up life. She's run all the way to outer space, where she's taken a position as a "space janitor," cleaning up ill-fated research expeditions. But no matter how far she goes, Rosalyn can't escape herself. After too many mistakes on the job, she's given one last chance: take care of salvaging the Brigantine, a research vessel that has gone dark, with all crew aboard thought dead.

But the Brigantine's crew are very much alive--if not entirely human. Now Rosalyn is trapped on board, alone with a crew infected by a mysterious parasitic alien. The captain, Edison Aries, seems to still maintain some control over himself and the crew, but he won't be able to keep fighting much longer. Rosalyn and Edison must find a way to stop the parasite's onslaught...or it may take over the entire human race.  [Goodreads Summary]

Why I want to read this: I imagine Rosalyn never thought leaving behind her old life would land her in such a dire and life-threatening situation. I am looking forward to reading this one.

All Cats Are Introverts by Francesco Marciuliano

Release Date: October 15, 2019 by Andrews McMeel Publishing

From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of I Could Pee on This, Francesco Marciuliano presents this humorous and all too relatable book written from the perspective of some pensive, sometimes intense, but nonetheless insightful pets.

Have you ever been labeled as "antisocial," "shy," or "lost in your own thoughts" because you don't realize someone's been calling your name 148 times? The cats understand. All Cats Are Introverts is a collection of self-reflective poetry from cats that clearly shows them to be the insightful, often alert, crowd-averse, personally engaging, probably napping-as-we-speak introverts of the animal kingdom. Enjoy this completely relatable and hilarious book, and perhaps you will soon see the cat—and even yourself—in a whole new light.  [Goodreads Summary]

Why I want to read this:  I enjoy poetry from time to time and this one being about cats, well, it caught my attention. The part about introversion also has me curious, given I fall solidly in that camp. Plus, cats!

The Library of Lost Things by Laura Taylor Namey

Release Date: October 8, 2019 by Inkyard Press

From the moment she first learned to read, literary genius Darcy Wells has spent most of her time living in the worlds of her books. There, she can avoid the crushing reality of her mother’s hoarding and pretend her life is simply ordinary. But when a new property manager becomes more active in the upkeep of their apartment complex, the only home Darcy has ever known outside of her books suddenly hangs in the balance.

While Darcy is struggling to survive beneath the weight of her mother’s compulsive shopping, Asher Fleet, a former teen pilot with an unexpectedly shattered future, walks into the bookstore where she works…and straight into her heart. For the first time in her life, Darcy can’t seem to find the right words. Fairy tales are one thing, but real love makes her want to hide inside her carefully constructed ink-and-paper bomb shelter.

Still, after spending her whole life keeping people out, something about Asher makes Darcy want to open up. But securing her own happily-ever-after will mean she’ll need to stop hiding and start living her own truth—even if it’s messy.  [Goodreads Summary]

Why I want to read this: It is hard to resist a book featuring a book lover. This novel appeals to me for other reasons too. Darcy's mother's mental illness, Asher's "shattered future," and Darcy finding her own path also have me wanting to pick this one up.  

Do any of these sound like books you might like to read? What upcoming releases are you looking forward to? 

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© 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.

Bookish Mewsings: The Bookish Life of Nina Hill by Abbi Waxman & How Long It Takes Me to Finish a Book

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.

The Bookish Life of Nina Hill by Abbi Waxman 
Berkley, 2019
Fiction; 352 pgs

Book Beginnings:

Imagine you’re a bird. You can be any kind of bird, but those of you who've chosen ostrich or chicken are going to struggle to keep up.

Friday 56 (excerpt from 56%):

They say you always remember your first time, and Nina definitely did. Walking into the Los Angeles Central Library to get her first library card, when she was eight or so, was still a memory she treasured. The entry hall of the library was as beautiful as any cathedral, and Nina had looked around and realized she would never run out things to read, and that certainty filled with peace and satisfaction. It didn’t matter what hit the fan; as long as there were unread books in the world, she would be fine.

My thoughts:
This turned out to be the perfect choice as my August TBR List winner (thanks to everyone who voted!). It was funny and touching without being overly sweet. I knew from the first paragraph I would enjoy The Bookish Life of Nina Hill, and I was right. Nina is pretty settled into her routine and life. She works in a bookstore, including leading a couple of book clubs, has a cat, loves to read, and is on a trivia team. She likes to keep as busy as possible, afraid of her own thoughts, and plans just about every second of the day. Her life is turned upside down when she discovers her father she never knew has died and included her in his will. Not only that, but she evidently has a rather big family that are just surprised to learn about her as she is about them. While some are happier to meet her than others, she isn’t sure how she feels. Add to that the cute guy from a rival trivia team who has taken an interest in her and who she reluctantly likes back. Nina’s orderly life is suddenly disrupted, and she isn’t sure if she can handle it.

Nina is smart and sarcastic, and I just loved her character. As someone who suffers from anxiety, I could relate to Nina on many levels. She likes organization and having things planned out. She is not one for surprises or spontaneity. At least not the big kind. I enjoyed the pop culture and literary references that were woven into the novel. Waxman was able to make Larchmont in Los Angeles feel like a small town, and in many ways it is similar to one. I enjoyed getting to know all of Nina’s new relatives right alongside Nina, and I really liked Tom. I especially liked how he accepted Nina for who she is—quirks and all. The Bookish Life of Nina Hill may be a bit predictable at times, but it is a comforting sort of predictable. This was such an enjoyable and fun book to read.


Does this sound like something you would enjoy reading? Have you read The Bookish Life of Nina Hill? 

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.

How long does it usually take you to finish a book?

There is no short answer to this question other than it depends.

Many factors can come into play:

• The type of book (It takes me forever to get through an audiobook. And I tend to read nonfiction and literary fiction at a slower pace. Romance, young adult, and urban fantasy tend to be faster reads for me.)
• The writing style (there are those books that I just devour like a favorite snack, and others I like to savor, taking my time and enjoying the books more slowly)
• The size of the book (although isn't it funny that sometimes the shortest of books take forever to get through and the longest can go so quickly?) 
• How many books I have going at once (I tend to read one or two books at a time, which divides my reading time and attention)
• How engaged I am in the book (the more engaged I am, the quicker I am likely to finish it, whereas if I am not as engrossed in the story, I find myself easily distracted)
• What is going on in my life at any given moment (work, home and family, health, etc) 
• My mood (which often dictates which book I decide to read as well. But if I am reading a book I'm suddenly not in the mood for, it can impact my reading speed. Especially if it is a book I want to finish regardless.)

One or two or all of these factors can mean I read a book in a relatively short amount of time or it takes me a week or two—sometimes longer. Nowadays, it is rare I read a book in a day unless it is very short and engaging (and I have the time to actually sit and read at leisure with few interruptions--but when does that ever happen?!) or a children’s book. I am more likely to read a book over the course of a week or two. I try to get in at least a little reading every day, but sometimes I even fail at that.

On average, how long does it take you to read a book?

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

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© 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.

Waiting to Read Wednesday: The Death of Fidel Pérez/The Furies/How Rory Thorne Destroyed the Multiverse/Red Oblivion

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 Death of Fidel Pérez by Elizabeth Huergo (2013)

On July 26, 2003, the 50th anniversary of the Moncada Army Barracks raid in Santiago de Cuba, something unexpected happens. When Fidel Pérez and his brother accidentally tumble to their deaths from their Havana balcony, the neighbors’ outcry, "Fidel has fallen,” is misinterpreted by those who hear it. The misinformation quickly ripples outward, and it reawakens the city. Three Cubans in particular are affected by the news—an elderly vagrant Saturnina, Professor Pedro Valle, and his student Camilo—all haunted by the past and now forced to confront a new future, perhaps another revolution. Their stories are beautifully intertwined as they converge in the frantic crowd that gathers in La Plaza de la Revolución.

By turns humorous and deeply poignant, The Death of Fidel Pérez reflects on the broken promises of the Cuban Revolution and reveals the heart of a people with a long collective memory.

Why I want to read this: Such an interesting premise and what promises to be a touching story--or rather three stories--of these three characters. I imagine the reader will get a look into Cuban history and culture, something that definitely interests me. I am not sure why I haven't gotten to this one yet. It has been sitting on my shelf for years now.


Does this sound like something you would enjoy reading? Have you read it? 

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.

The Furies by Katie Lowe
Release Date: October 8, 2019 by 

In 1998, a sixteen-year-old girl is found dead on school property, dressed in white and posed on a swing, with no known cause of death. The novel opens with this image, as related to us by the narrator, Violet, looking back on the night it happened from the present day, before returning to relate the series of events leading up to the girl’s murder.

After an accident involving her Dad and sister, Violet joins Elm Hollow Academy, a private girls school in a quiet coastal town, which has an unpleasant history as the site of famous 17th century witch trials. Violet quickly finds herself invited to become the fourth member of an advanced study group, alongside Robin, Grace, and Alex - led by their charismatic art teacher, Annabel.

While Annabel claims her classes aren’t related to ancient rites and rituals - warning the girls off the topic, describing it as little more than mythology - the girls start to believe that magic is real, and that they can harness it. But when the body of a former member of the society - Robin’s best friend, with whom Violet shares an uncanny resemblance - is found dead on campus nine months after she disappeared, Violet begins to wonder whether she can trust her friends, teachers, or even herself. [Goodreads Summary]

Why I want to read this: Something is going on at Elm Hollow Academy. It's tie to the 17th century witch trials are what first caught my attention, but I also very curious about what is happening and just what up the girls are up to.

How Rory Thorne Destroyed the Multiverse (The Thorne Chronicles #1) by K. Eason
Release Date: October 8, 2019 by DAW

First in a duology that reimagines fairy tale tropes within a space opera—The Princess Bride meets Princess Leia. Rory Thorne is a princess with thirteen fairy blessings, the most important of which is to see through flattery and platitudes. As the eldest daughter, she always imagined she’d inherit her father’s throne and govern the interplanetary Thorne Consortium. 

Then her father is assassinated, her mother gives birth to a son, and Rory is betrothed to the prince of a distant world.

When Rory arrives in her new home, she uncovers a treacherous plot to unseat her newly betrothed and usurp his throne. An unscrupulous minister has conspired to name himself Regent to the minor (and somewhat foolish) prince. With only her wits and a small team of allies, Rory must outmaneuver the Regent and rescue the prince. 

How Rory Thorne Destroyed the Multiverse is a feminist reimagining of familiar fairytale tropes and a story of resistance and self-determination—how small acts of rebellion can lead a princess to not just save herself, but change the course of history. [Goodreads Summary]

Why I want to read this: I think that last sentence of the summary says it all, don't you? Not to mention the comparison with The Princess Bride and Princess Leia (Yes, I know. Comparisions like that should always be taken with a grain of salt. But I have to see for myself!).

Red Oblivion by Leslie Shimotakahara
Release Date: September 21, 2019 by Dundrun

Family secrets surface when two sisters travel to Hong Kong to care for their ill father.

When Jill Lau receives an early morning phone call that her elderly father has fallen gravely ill, she and her sister, Celeste, catch the first flight from Toronto to Hong Kong. The man they find languishing in the hospital is a barely recognizable shadow of his old, indomitable self.

According to his housekeeper, a couple of mysterious photographs arrived anonymously in the mail in the days before his collapse. These pictures are only the first link in a chain of events that begin to reveal the truth about their father’s past and how he managed to escape from Guangzhou, China, during the Cultural Revolution to make a new life for himself in Hong Kong. Someone from the old days has returned to haunt him — exposing the terrible things he did to survive and flee one of the most violent periods of Chinese history, reinvent himself, and make the family fortune. Can Jill piece together the story of her family’s past without sacrificing her father's love and reputation? [Goodreads Summary]

Why I want to read this: A daughter learning about her father's past, one that he tried to hide. The Cultural Revolution. This sounds like it will be rich in history and quite an emotional read. 

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

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© 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.