On My Shelves this Week: Feb 27-March 3

Posted on March 8, 2023 by Jenn

 

Since most of my book reviews or comments are shared on Instagram, I was looking for a way to keep this blog going.  I do appreciate having an archive of what I’ve read!

So, each week I hope to do a feature called “On My Shelves This Week” in which I share books I’ve read recently and books I have coming up to read.  My comments on books read won’t be a long review, but a few sentences as to why I’d recommend a book (or not!).

I’m starting with the books from last week. On Friday, I’ll share the books I read this week!

BOOKS READ

All Hallows by Christopher Golden:  Read it now!!  I love everything Golden has written!  This one is set in 1980s Massachusetts leading up to, and on, Halloween.   It features a urban legend, the Cunning Man, with an uber-creepy backstory, and how even the best small town neighborhood can have its share of secrets.

Meredith, Alone by Claire Alexander:  Read it now!! The main character,  Meredith, hasn’t left her home in three years.  She didn’t have the most stable upbringing, so when a traumatic event transpires, she had to seek solace where she felt most safe. the world around her kept on going, so she’s finding it more difficult to find reasons to not feature out into the world again.  While reading, the meaning of the title kept changing for me, personally.  It was an honor to follow Meredith on her journey!

The Maid by Nita Prose: Read it! This was our book club pick this month.  What was meant to be a fun whodunnit turned into quite the book, so worthy of discussion!

The Spite House by Johnny Compton: READ IT NOW…with the lights on!  I’d heard nothing but praise leading up to the release of this book, so it was a real treat to have time to dig in!  Loved the premise, the back-story, and of course, I loved the chill-factor.

Next up:

Anatomy: A Love Story by Dana Schwartz

The Love Scribe by Amy Meyerson

Malice House by Megan Shepherd

 

Which books did you read last week? Would you recommend them?

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2023 Big Game’s On #Readathon: Post-Game Report

Posted on February 13, 2023 by Jenn

I sincerely hope everyone who participated (officially or unofficially) in the #biggamereadathon enjoyed themselves!  It’s time to report back on our success!  Use the linky below to share your results!. Don’t forget to mention if the predictions you made earlier in the game came true!  Discuss your favorite parts of the read-a-thon, was it the food, the books, or the commercials?

I didn’t read as much as I would have liked, but I did enjoy the books I read.

Did you have a favorite commercial?  Oh, and that half-time show? LOVED it!

 

Thanks to all who participated!  This just goes to show you can turn any event into a bookish event


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2023 Big Game’s On #Readathon: Halftime!

Posted on February 12, 2023 by Jenn

Half-time is here!

It’s is time to reminisce on what you’ve read so far today.  How has your reading gone so far?  What snacks have you partaken in?

I finished reading Cold People and started & finished How to Excavate a Heart.

As for food, our first round was chicken from Canes!  YUM!

May be an image of french fries

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2023 Big Game’s On #Readathon: Kick-Off!

Posted on February 12, 2023 by Jenn

It’s finally here, the kick-off for The Big Game’s On Read-a-thon! Although the official Superbowl kick-off isn’t for several hours yet, I wanted to give everyone the opportunity to start reading if they choose! There’s still time to sign-up if you haven’t already!

Please enter the link to your kick-off post below. Discuss the books you are planning to read, the food you are planning to snack on, etc. Since this is a completely laid back, relaxed read-a-thon, feel free to do it any way you chose! No blog, no worries! Just share your plans in the comments below, on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter. Just make sure you use the hashtag #biggamereadathon so we can keep track of your posts!

We have SO much food planned for today! We have an assortment of appetizers and snacks we’ll be munching on throughout the day.  I have a feeling we might be ordering some Canes as well!  Fortunately, both boys will be home to watch the game (and eat the food)!

What is your reading/food line-up!?

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2023 Big Game’s On Read-a-thon! #readathon

Posted on February 6, 2023 by Jenn

It’s that time again!! As many know, in the past it wasn’t rare for me to come up with excuses reasons to spend obscene  amounts of time reading.

The details:

  • No rules, no guidelines, just read
  • No start/end times, just read at your leisure.
  • Mini-challenges will be created to break up your reading time. Participating in these challenges is not mandatory, but you will be eligible for a number of great prizes!

To sign up, link up below. No blog? Feel free to sign up directly in the comments section. If you want to participate on Twitter or Instagram, I’ll be using #biggamereadathon!


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A Month in Review: January 2023

Posted on February 6, 2023 by Jenn

 

I’m making a conscious effort to better keep track of the books I read each month!  I’m a little belated this month as I’ve been traveling a lot for work (two trips down, one to go), but here we go!

My favorite book read this month was EPISODE THIRTEEN, without a doubt.  FAIRYTALE came in a close second.  I listened to that one on audio and it took me quite a while to get through it!

What was your favorite book read in January?

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Review: City Under One Roof by Iris Yamashita

Posted on January 10, 2023 by Jenn

I received this book for free from in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Review: City Under One Roof by Iris YamashitaCity Under One Roof by Iris Yamashita
Published by National Geographic Books on January 10, 2023
Genres: Fiction, Mystery & Detective, Police Procedural, Suspense, Thrillers, Women Sleuths
Pages: 304
Format: Hardcover
four-stars
After remains are found on the shore on the small village of Point Mettier, Alaska, law enforcement from Anchorage is brought into investigate. Point Mettier isn't exactly a destination location; all of the villagers live in one building, a true city under one roof.

Once the Anchorage Police leave, one detective remains. Cara's interest in the case is personal. She hopes to get all the information she needs before the weather changes and the tunnel, the only route out of Point Mettier, is impassable.

The odds aren't in her favor; an avalanche blocks her only exit. Now she's trapped in Point Mettier, potentially with the one responsible for the remains. She soon learns that she's not the one holding back on the truth. It seems like most of the residents of Point Mettier are running from something.

Interesting factoid: the setting of the city in one building is actually based on the city of Whittier, Alaska. I learned about this city one one of the weekend news programs.  When I learned about this title and the setting, I couldn’t resist.

Just the concept of the building-town is interesting! Everything contained within one building!  A grocery store, school, church, health clinic.  No need to ever leave, right?  More like no one would really want to stay, or even visit.  The perfect location for people to hide. Now, add a potential murder and you have 200 potential suspects!

Cara’s character is one you have a difficult time gauging at first.  She’s at a crime scene under false pretenses.  She’s an outsider, so the locals really don’t want to let in.  She has a devastating backstory.  Despite all of her faults, she’s the character  I connected with the most.

All in all, this was a truly intense read! The setting, the characters, the environment, all of these combined formed an incredibly engaging thriller!  I can’t wait to read more from this author!  Cara’s character is not one I’m ready to let go of yet!  I’m definitely going to need some more.  Highly recommended!

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Book Club Favorite Reads of 2022!

Posted on January 5, 2023 by Jenn

OMPBookClub

 

The fiction book club I lead at One More Page Books kicks off the new year by talking about our favorite reads of the previous year.  We call it a book club potluck: instead of food we bring book recommendations! This aren’t book club picks, but books we’ve read outside of book club that we’ve really enjoyed. Additionally, they don’t have to have been published recently, simply books we’ve read in the last year. This is my favorite meeting of the year; we always come up with quite the eclectic list of books!

Click on the title to learn more, and to order your own copy!

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2022: A Year in Review

Posted on December 31, 2022 by Jenn

To say that 2022 was a challenging year is an understatement. Most of the year was spent finding myself again and remembering to take part in the activities that bring me joy. While I’m not quite there yet, I’m getting close!

I’ve continued on my path to read only those books I actually want to read.  Zero pressure to read or review.  Most of my reviewing continues to take place on Instagram, in short-take reviews.  Writing full reviews used to zap the joy from me, so that’s one thing I took back in 2022!

More to come in 2023!

 

My 5 star reads for 2022! 

Runners up (4.75 rating)

 

 

What were some of your favorite reads of 2022?

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2022 Thankfully Reading Weekend Wrap-up! #thankfullyreading

Posted on November 27, 2022 by Jenn

ThankfullyReading

 

Another year of Thankfully Reading Weekend has come to an end! While I never get as much reading done as I’d like, I hope to catch up on our drive home today!

For those of you interested in doing a wrap-up post, I’ve included a link-up below.

Thank you again to all who participated. Get those last few hours of reading in!!


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